Need ideas for in-laws anniversary dinner

[ndmommy]

I am in charge of planning a Grand Gathering trip for my in-laws 40th wedding anniversary. They are paying for the trip and we would like to take them out for a special place to thank them. There are 10 of us, 6 adults and 4 children ranging in age from 12-7. Here are the ones I am interested in, but I am definately open to any suggestions.

Coral Reef - for the diver and personalized menu - but have read some bad reviews lately

Yachtsman - my fil is a meat and potatoes man

Narcoossee's - for the view and I know I could get a very nice cake here - also I have read many good reviews

California Grill - for the view and atmosphere, but I am not sure if the menu will be too adventurous for them

DH wants to take them to the Spirit of Aloha Dinner, but I just don't know if it would be nice enough for an anniversary dinner.

Thank you for your help. I really want this to be a special night for them.

 

[Mickey & Minnie Mom]

If it were me (but it's not, it's you!)...

I would choose Coral Reef.
I think the diver/sign is a some great added magic for their celebration..something they can tell all their friends about (and make them jealous, of course). The atmosphere is unique and should be entertaining for the kids.

And the food has been very good each time we've been at least once a year the last 3 or 4 years. I recall the first time we went there were a string of bad reviews so I was nervous. But our meal was very good and we've returned several times since and will be back during our 10th anniversary trip this summer.

The steak is also very good here so I think your FIL would be happy with that.

Good luck in your planning.

 

[Goofy4]

I believe you can also get a personalized menu at Narcoossee's.

 

[Pumbaa_]

If FIL is a meat and potatoes guy, Yachtsman sounds like it would foot the bill perfectly!

We did 9 at Coral Reef last year and while the meal was good, I would not quantify it as 'special'. We were set up in 2 booths that shared a space facing the tank. We could not talk to the people on the other side, they were just too far away. And while I enjoyed my meal, the portions on some meals left people a tad hungry. (This was last Sept. for my parent's 40th anniversary)

I would also choose HDDR over the Luau. Lots more fun, IMHO

It is very nice of you to do this for the family. I think the highlight for us was the Illuminations Cruise. It was a special night after dinner at Cape May.

Have fun planning and wishing your parents a very Happy Anniversary!

 

[texasbloke]

I would go to Coral Reef just for the atmosphere, and how many people can say a diver wished them Happy Anniversary. That would really be a speical treat!!!! Coral Reef is really nice to work with too.

 

[Pakey]

Since it's for your inlaws anniversary which means it's all about them, I would pick the place that you think they would like best. If FIL is a steak guy, then that would be either the Yachtsman Steakhouse or Shula's Steakhouse (not on the dining plan).

Another place that might work for a steak but variety for others in your group would be Ca Grill. I've heard the steak there is pretty good (can't tell you from personal experience as I always get sushi here). The views are great and would give the younger ones in your group something to look at (MK is beautiful from up there). It's upscale but has an open kitchen, hustle-bustle feel so it's not as stuffy feeling as the the two steakhouses.

I think it's wonderful that you are doing this. DH and I take our grown kids/spouses every other year and they have yet to offer to buy us a dinner there. I guess there's hope so I'll keep waiting.

 

[msmayor]

I'm doing something similar...the planning for my family's trip down to celebrate the parents' 50th.

We're doing their big dinner at the Portobello Yacht Club. My mom wanted a menu with a nice variety, and it fit the bill.

One thing to consider (which I learned when speaking to the folks at Disney Dining) is to remember that not all restaurants can seat large parties together, at the same table. In addition, some restaurants require such a large party to reserve only very early or late, not during prime dinner hours. This could affect your touring plans for the day, or make you reconsider the time of the meal if there are little ones in the group (who might not be able to wait until 8pm or so to sit down and eat).

Good luck with your planning!

 

[ndmommy]

Great ideas! It gives me a lot of food for thought. Pardon the pun. Anyone else?

 

[YCFAN]

They'll personalize the menus at YSH too. They did it for my birthday.