Need help with b'day dinner at MK please!

[SolitaryPhoenix]

I'm planning my '50 Is The New 40' birthday party at WDW for next year (I know, I know, it's my own birthday, but no one else in the family 'plans' anything!), and I'd like to be at MK on my birthday for dinner. There will be about 8 (maybe 10 depending on relationships!) of us, ranging in age from 14 to 77. I'd prefer table service, and would like something middle of the road in terms of atmosphere - not too 'fancy' but not too casual! I also don't want my family (or me!) to wind up with a $400 or $500 bill for one meal! I have a pretty good idea of what restaurants are out there, but I've been to mostly Epcot and AK for table service; the only table service restaurants I've been to in MK are CRT (which is not happening this time!) and Crystal Palace (which isn't out of the picture, but I'd like to check out other options). Any thoughts?

 

[goofyintoronto]

I'm planning my '50 Is The New 40' birthday party at WDW for next year (I know, I know, it's my own birthday, but no one else in the family 'plans' anything!), and I'd like to be at MK on my birthday for dinner. There will be about 8 (maybe 10 depending on relationships!) of us, ranging in age from 14 to 77. I'd prefer table service, and would like something middle of the road in terms of atmosphere - not too 'fancy' but not too casual! I also don't want my family (or me!) to wind up with a $400 or $500 bill for one meal! I have a pretty good idea of what restaurants are out there, but I've been to mostly Epcot and AK for table service; the only table service restaurants I've been to in MK are CRT (which is not happening this time!) and Crystal Palace (which isn't out of the picture, but I'd like to check out other options). Any thoughts?

In MK, besids Crystal Place & CRT, the options you have are: Tony's (awful) and Plaza (too casual for your occasion...they serve burgers/sandwiches). Therefore, I would recommend you hop next door and eat at Ohana or Kona for your bday dinner. At Ohana its 'all you can eat' family style service. Plus they have a hawaiin singer!....I personally think Ohana is better than the dinner menu at Kona, but you should judge for yourself. There are menu's on this site.

OHANA MENU: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=25

KONA MENU:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?Restaurant.ID=188

 

[OhThePain]

I don't know if your really going to find anything in MK that isn't too fancy but isn't too casual either. Quite honestly for the little bit extra you would pay over, say, CP, I would consider biting the bullet a little and going with a dinner at CG. Much higher quality of food, much nicer atmosphere, can have a glass of wine or 2. It is not as fancy as most other signatures but is nicer than the restaurants in MK, it has a very nice view of MK (and Wishes if you plan it that way), when sharing appitizers and such it helps with costs and you can order a cake for yourself to save on the dessert costs, so for just a few extra dollars per person it's a pretty huge upgrade. You only get one "50 is the the new 40" birthday dinner and I think CG will be a big hit with everyone.

 

[Irish_Mike]

Ohana's, right across the lake is delicious. It's brought out family style, as much as you can eat to your table. If you wanted to, you could eat a little later and request a table by the window to see Wishes.

If not, Crystal Palace is lovely as well.

 

[SolitaryPhoenix]

Wow that was fast! Thanks for the suggestions, they're really appreciated.

 

[CajunMomof3]

I am going to jump on the Ohana bandwagon...
It is not too fancy but not too casual either. And, you can see the fireworks if you ask to be seated at a window table. And the boat ride from MK would just be more of the fun.
BTW Happy 50th a little early!

 

[OhThePain]

You have already and will probably continue to get people recommending 'Ohana. However, I don't think it is the right restaurant for what you are looking for for a few reasons:

1- The emcee is very loud and obnoxious and and really make it difficult to hear anyone talking at the table.

2- A table of 8 or 10 is not going to get a table by the window for Wishes. The larger tables tend to be in the middle of the room from what I have seen.

3- You could wait and wait and wait for your table, which may be tougher for the older party members.

 

[goofyintoronto]

If your looking for an "in between" restaurant (not too casual, not too fancy), I dont think you can be very picky about the noise level. To be honest, your at disney. A lot of restaurants are noisy. I even found Kona to be noisy. And as far as waiting goes....I think you will get that anywhere as well. But while your waiting for your table at ohana, you can check out the poly. Its quite nice.

Although I do agree about Cali Grill...its quite nice for a bday celebration. Also, if there are ppl who want to order app's instead of an entree, thats totally doable. You should check out the menu/prices on this website. Good luck!