Night before cruise..downtown disney area restaurants??

[njmomboys2]

Hi there....looking for some suggestions. We will be coming into Orlando the Thurs. before our July 29th 7 day Western cruise. We are staying over at Universal for the 3 days and will be meeting up with the rest of my extended family Friday night.

We are thinking of going over to Downtown Disney for shopping and possibly Disney Quest.

Can anyone suggest either some restaurants either located at Downtown Disney or in close proximity. We are not big Rainforest Cafe fans....our group will be 11 people (6 adults, 5 children, ages 11-6). Nothing too expensive....any thoughts?

We are staying at Hard Rock and will be driving over to Downtown Disney area...my parents/sisters family will be in Kissiimee at a time share.

 

[WDWLVR]

Welcome to the DIS!

I'm going to move this over to the restaurant board where I know you will get lots of responses!

 

[njmomboys2]

Thanks for moving it..hopefully this will help with responses. Just wanted to clarify that would like recommendations for either:

Restaurants at Downtown Disney OR

In the surrounding area..........doesn't need to be at Downtown Disney..thanks

 

[Corryn]

It's not Downtown Disney but.....
There is always something you just did not know about Disney. One of my best A-ha! was while reading the Disney Magazine a year and a half ago - an article about Disney's best restaurants, from the ships to shore to shore. One that was listed that I had not heard of was the Cape May Cafe. It's in the Disney Beach Club Resort.
Anyway, what drew me and my friends in: All You Can Eat Seafood Buffet!!!!!!!!!!!
Peel and Eat Shrimp is my favorite! And then they have their famous ice cream shoppe: (this is what is listed on the Disney site)

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
Rock 'n' roll into this grill and soda shop with its signature jukebox. This is the home of the famous "Kitchen Sink Sundae" that includes every flavor of ice cream in the place AND a kitchen sink".

"Coast" on down to the shore for a nostalgic New England-style clambake celebration. This seafood-and-more buffet offers a mouth-watering assortment of all-you-care-to-eat clams, mussels, shrimp, barbeque ribs, chicken and prime rib. But don't stop there. Savor a delicious assortment of seaside sweets, including the heavenly Oreo Bon Bon."

 

[disneyforme33]

We love Fultons Crabhouse in DTD. It is expensive but usually a must do on all our trips.

 

[JMD]

I love House Of Blues. The food and the service has been very good every time we have gone, and I love the atmosphere. I try to avoid it when they have a live band though, it gets very loud, and its impossible to carry on a conversion while you are eating. Plus its relatively inexpensive and located right across from Disney Quest.

Fultons Crab House is excellent as well, but a bit more pricey...

 

[JandJ]

Have to second House of Blues, I've never had a bad meal there, and we go several times a year. The food is excellent, you really can't go wrong there. And it's right across from DisneyQuest so it would be convenient for you.

I would not recommend Planet Hollywood, but others seem to love it. I just think it's overpriced for what you get and the atmosphere and decor are so dated.

 

[KTSMOM]

I'm not sure how inexpensive and laid back you are looking for, but there's always Earl of Sandwich and Wolfgang Puck's Express. They both have good food and are not expensive. A step up is Wolfgang Puck's Cafe. It's moderate in expense and has great food.

 

[webray]

For you, as long as you are already staying at Hard Rock, I would recommend eating at NBA city. The food is fantastic, the kids can play games if they want. I wouldn't drive in the Friday night traffic just for a downtown disney restaurant. (Unless you really want to..then I would suggest Raglan Road).

 

[100AcreWood]

It's not Downtown Disney but.....
There is always something you just did not know about Disney. One of my best A-ha! was while reading the Disney Magazine a year and a half ago - an article about Disney's best restaurants, from the ships to shore to shore. One that was listed that I had not heard of was the Cape May Cafe. It's in the Disney Beach Club Resort.
Anyway, what drew me and my friends in: All You Can Eat Seafood Buffet!!!!!!!!!!!
."

You had me at all you can eat seafood buffet. But what else is on the buffet other than peel and eat shrimp (not my favorite, but I do love seafood!).

 

[scrapbookingpro]

I know it's not nearly as exciting, but there are lots of "regular" restaurants right near downtown Disney on SR535. They have an area called Crossroads- it has a TGI Fridays, Chevys, Bahama Breeze, Perkins, Jungle Jims and several other restaurants.

 

[tinkerella]

Bongo's was really good! If you like Cuban food, this is the place to go - good service - Conga line - AAA discount too.

 

[princess22]

Everyone has great ideas! If you are looking for something less expensive and fast and easy, Earl of Sandwhich is awesome! They are delicious!