Picking a special mom and dad only dining site

[CyndiLooWho]

My dh hates Orlando, and avoids it like the plague as much as possible. We're coming to WDW in June 2018; our last WDW trip was 2009, when our kids were far too young to leave on their own. Dh went 6 yrs between Orlando trips after that, and I'm astonished he suggested coming this year.

I would like to have one really special dinner while we're there; the boys (young men now) can either stay at the condo or roam the park while we enjoy ourselves. DH and I like leisurely, European style dining, with an eclectic twist. Our last Orlando trip (USO, 2015), we ate our parent time meal at Cuba Libre and really enjoyed it. I don't want to spend $500 for the two of us, but we're fine with spending in the $200-250 range for something really special.

I'm going to try to do ADRs this trip; where do you recommend for a quiet, couples only dinner and what makes that place special? Are there any tips as to what times are better?

 

[DisneyWishes14]

If you want something quiet and special, I would, personally, pick Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge. The food and service are spectacular, but it's not European. The food is inspired by the Pacific Northwest. For something more eclectic, I would probably pick Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

 

[JZCubed]

My dh hates Orlando, and avoids it like the plague as much as possible. We're coming to WDW in June 2018; our last WDW trip was 2009, when our kids were far too young to leave on their own. Dh went 6 yrs between Orlando trips after that, and I'm astonished he suggested coming this year.

I would like to have one really special dinner while we're there; the boys (young men now) can either stay at the condo or roam the park while we enjoy ourselves. DH and I like leisurely, European style dining, with an eclectic twist. Our last Orlando trip (USO, 2015), we ate our parent time meal at Cuba Libre and really enjoyed it. I don't want to spend $500 for the two of us, but we're fine with spending in the $200-250 range for something really special.

I'm going to try to do ADRs this trip; where do you recommend for a quiet, couples only dinner and what makes that place special? Are there any tips as to what times are better?

Reflexively, (beside the $$ meal at Victoria & Albert) I typically suggest Swan & Dolphin restaurants. But given you're husbands tastes, I'm not sure BlueZoo would be his cup-of-tea (so to speak).

Capa, inside Four Seasons, serves excellent tapas (and steaks) that would appeal to European-tastes you've mentioned your husband would like.

Capa.

 

[OhhBother]

My husband and I tried Monsieur Paul for the first time this trip, and we absolutely loved it. Incredible food and lovely ambiance. We had a window table and so enjoyed looking out over Epcot. Plus, the French martinis and the bread service are divine.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

where do you recommend for a quiet, couples only dinner and what makes that place special?

1) At Disney?
2) NO WAY.
3) Go off-site.
4) For a more "adult" atmosphere, try
. . . "Bull and Bear" at Waldorf (they are within the Disney property, although they own their own land)
. . . "Shula's Steak House" at Swan/Dolphin

 

[OKW Lover]

For a more "adult" atmosphere, try
. . . "Bull and Bear" at Waldorf

I'll second this recommendation. Its become our go-to restaurant for that special night out. Very easy to get to from anywhere on property via taxi/uber/lyft. Or drive if you have your own car, B&B will validate your valet parking at the Waldorf. Mrs & I often order the Chateaubriand for two and go home with some left over. Corn soup is great. For a change of pace, try their "fried chicken" who's description doesn't do it justice. Be prepared though that this place is $$$$.

 

[Disnsyncey]

Reflexively, (beside the $$ meal at Victoria & Albert) I typically suggest Swan & Dolphin restaurants. But given you're husbands tastes, I'm not sure BlueZoo would be his cup-of-tea (so to speak).

Capa, inside Four Seasons, serves excellent tapas (and steaks) that would appeal to European-tastes you've mentioned your husband would like.

Capa.

Capa would be WONDERFUL.....and time it with the fireworks!

 

[CyndiLooWho]

Thank you all for giving me some great food for thought (pun intended). I will look into all of those. And the Mr has pretty eclectic tastes, it's just a bit hard for us to find European dining in KY, and he misses it. Our go-to places for anniversary / birthdays are more high end American gourmet. It would be nice to try something a little different Since we are staying offsite and driving to the World, we can go anywhere, which is great. I'd just like to stay close. The boys won't have a car available to them, but they can chill at WBC for the night.

 

[Disnsyncey]

Thank you all for giving me some great food for thought (pun intended). I will look into all of those. And the Mr has pretty eclectic tastes, it's just a bit hard for us to find European dining in KY, and he misses it. Our go-to places for anniversary / birthdays are more high end American gourmet. It would be nice to try something a little different Since we are staying offsite and driving to the World, we can go anywhere, which is great. I'd just like to stay close. The boys won't have a car available to them, but they can chill at WBC for the night.

Capa/Four Seasons is actually on property, so that's definitely close!

 

[gwynne]

We love Jiko for a special night out. Great food, service and atmosphere. It's a must do for us every trip.
We usually take a taxi to the Animal Lodge from our resort, but recently we tried the Minnie Van service. Easy and very handy.

 

[NYCgrrl]

We love Jiko for a special night out. Great food, service and atmosphere. It's a must do for us every trip.
We usually take a taxi to the Animal Lodge from our resort, but recently we tried the Minnie Van service. Easy and very handy.

Jiko's gets another vote for me in a non steak (but you still can get one!) centric , eclectic but white table cloth service.

Which doesn't dilute my like for M. Paul's. Haven't eaten there yet but the setting, level of service and food described and noted by various vloggers, bloggers and admired by me reviewers has my senses piqued.

Oh and I have eaten at Jiko's. It was all that and a bag of chips, LOL.

Depending on the resort you are staying at...a Minnie Van or Uber/Lyft cab is an excellent way to get there in a relaxed manner.

 

[loves to dive]

If you are staying off site, the sky is the limit for you. Uber is your friend. I would suggest doing a little research on line,Orlando is a big city and I'm sure has plenty to offer. As far as on Disney property proper, the only quiet place you are going to find is V&As, which is a great experience but not cheap (my son and I spent $750 for the two of us but we both got wine flights with our meal and that includes tip). We haven't tried Chef Paul's yet but most other places on property do allow kids, and while I don't have anything against kids since I do have one, they don't always make for a quiet meal. The food at Tiffins is good and food at Flying Fish is good but there will be kids there so it might not be real quiet. We weren't as impressed with Jiko's as the rest of the board is, the food and service were o.k. but not worth what we paid and we don't mind paying for a good meal (see V&As above).

 

[kastoney]

Another vote for Jiko. While definitely not European, the food and flavors are certainly not something you're libel to find at home. While there are families there, it is generally a very quite restaurant so you can have a special night. They also have seating that overlooks the kitchen which can be fun.