'Outside the Parks' Dining

[BobC]

I'm meeting a guest in Disney World in 9 days (YAY!) and am taking her on our first date. She wants to avoid the hustle and bustle of Disney restaurants and dine somewhere quiet outside the parks for the first time.

I'm trying to talk her into DTD (Disney Springs) and maybe some place out there, but I know there are less expensive options since obviously this will be an OOP expense and no dining plan.

Being an Indiana Dude, I'm not that familiar with what is out there in Orlando a close proximity to Disney. I know there is International Drive that has some things out there I'm sure.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[brinkley07]

I'm not sure what your price range is for dinner, but there are some really great places outside the park. If you like seafood Roy's is awesome, or if you like great food which is a little health conscious go to Seasons 52. Both would be nice for a first date, and definitely more quiet. I would make a reservation for either one.

 

[BobC]

I'm not sure what your price range is for dinner, but there are some really great places outside the park. If you like seafood Roy's is awesome, or if you like great food which is a little health conscious go to Seasons 52. Both would be nice for a first date, and definitely more quiet. I would make a reservation for either one.

Thank you for that info. I was planning on McDs....just kidding

 

[GreatLakes]

I'd suggest avoiding Disney all together for a date. If you want to be close but still outside of the bubble I'd head to Celebration and go for Celebration Town Tavern, Columbia, or Cafe D'antonio. All three are good for what they are so decided based on the vibe you'd like.

I would also consider Seasons 52 over in Dr. Philis a good first date spot if you want a little more upscale.

 

[wdwjeffc37]

If you are meeting a WDW there are numerous places to dine that are not "in the parks." All of the deluxe resorts have nice dining options. They are Disney restaurants but some of them don't have the theme park vibe. Artist Point (WL), Narcoossees (GF), Citricos (GF), and the California Grill (CR) are nice. There are some nice places in the BW and BC/YC area too. Don't forget the Swan and Dolphin hotels. Whatever you decide, good luck and have fun. Cheers!!!!

 

[Jennasis]

Giordano's!

 

[DISNEY1975]

Disney is the perfect first date So many distractions that is takes over some of the awkward moments. Not sure what your price range is, but the Spirit of Aloha dinner show is really nice for a first date. You watch a show..eat..beautiful tropical atmosphere. Its about $60pp, but includes beer/wine/sangria and gratuities. I think Sea World also has a Luau. I-Drive has a million restaurants, but Im not sure they would be less crowded than on Disney property. Plenty of tourists to Disney and Universal stay in that area. DTD is a good option too, but they are undergoing major construction now and I heard you should plan to get there an hour before a dinner ressie to find parking and get to your destination. I havent experienced it myself yet, so .

OK..now the questions for you (feel free to not answer) Have you meet this person in person yet? Are you both from FL? Tell all!!!

 

[CraigInPA]

Unlike Disney1975, I would NOT recommend Spirit of Aloha as a first date. Seating is family style. With a party of 2, you can be sure you'll be seated with another family, which adds significantly to the distraction. Plus, the show is kind of loud. It's the antithesis of a "quiet" atmosphere.

If you're looking for quiet, I'd suggest Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge. But, not knowing your budget, it might exceed what you'd be comfortable spending on a first date.

At DTD, I'd suggest Bongo's. Ask to be seated on the patio outside. Even when there is a band outside, it's not too loud. The food, while Cuban, is "familiar enough" that anyone can find something they'd like to try.

 

[supersnoop]

I'm also going to recommend Artist Point for a quiet, nice restaurant. I'd also consider something at the Contemporary, Polynesian, or Grand Floridian. That way you could eat and then watch fireworks outside the park.

 

[GreatLakes]

Disney is the perfect first date So many distractions that is takes over some of the awkward moments.

See, I think distractions are the last thing you want on a first date. You don't have to be the only people in a quiet restaurant but you are there to actually speak with the other person and get to know them enough to determine if you want a second date.

 

[DISNEY1975]

IMO, I wouldnt want a first date to be too personal. If it worked out and conversation flowed, and I liked the guy, then the second date we could do something more quiet. Beach/fireworks are way too romantic for a first date. Awkward. But, then again, what do I know? I havent had a first date in 27 years Im sure times are different. Maybe they should just get a room

 

[FofMM]

A few suggestions, Boathouse Restaurant at Disney Springs. Nice open spaces, indoor seating offers nicely spaced tables or choose the outdoor bar/tables. Artist Point at WL is beautiful. Sanaa at AKL/Kidani offers a fun menu of different than traditional offerings. Ask for a window seat to overlook savanna if near sunset. Have fun!

 

[Disnsyncey]

maybe a MK area restaurant and then a visit to Trader Sam's or the patio outside at the Poly? I mean, if you needed to prolong the date.....

 

[disnut8]

Captain's Grill at the Yacht Club. Reasons - it shouldn't be too difficult to get a reservation; if you hit it off at dinner, you can take a nice walk all around Crescent Lake; if she seems like a lot of fun, you can go to Fantasia Miniature Golf and have fun there; you can go to the ESPN Club if she's a sports fan; Jellyrolls is there if the date is going very well. You have a lot of possibilities if it goes well and if it doesn't, you say goodnight at the entrance to the Yacht Club and then YOU can go have fun

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Do a DTD restaurant then if the date goes no Bueno you can bolt quickly to the car.