Random Questions

[disney junky]

DW and I are heading to BW Sept 24-29. We are fairly seasoned as far as navigation is concerned, but there are some things about which I would love some advice. We have never been there at this time of year.
1. Food and Wine. What is the best way to get the most out of this event? It's one of the reasons we are going this time of year.
2. The new areas. We haven't been to WDW since Avatar Land opened. How can we best experience these new attractions while still getting to do our AK favorites.
3. The new lands. I'm assuming Toy Story Land will be open. When can we expect a FP window to open for these new rides?
4. Usually we are there with the whole gang, kids and grandkids. We are hoping to do a very nice sit down meal or two. V and A wouldn't really be our taste. But California Grill is definitely on the radar. What are some others that we might find enjoyable.

Thanks for any and all suggestions.

 

[Barbydoll8]

1. Research. Josh at https://www.easywdw.com/easy/ does a fantastic review every year as does http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/. Prereview the menus and make a game plan on where you want to go in advance. Have alternatives incase lines are too long. Avoid weekends. Drink LOTS of water. It's still warm this time of year here and drinking alcohol w/o water can really sneak up on you.
2. Fast pass. That's all I'm going to say.
3. Don't expect it to be. lol It should be but usually FP isn't available until at min 60 days prior if you are staying on property.
4. This is subjective but I've heard Flying Fish since the remodel is excellent. Also in the Swan/Dolphin area Il Mulino is always rated very nice and excellent food. If you are willing to go to AKL - Saana. My personal favorite on property and if you are there during the daylight, you can watch the animals while you dine.

 

[zavandor]

Last two years, September has been "Restaurant month" or something like that, with 30% discounts at many nice restaurants in Orlando, if eating early or after 8pm.
Many signature restaurants in resorts participated and I'm really hoping they'll do it again this year (I'll be at WDW the week before you). Out of that list Flying fish and Jiko are on my radar.

 

[mama03]

Your going to love it at Disney that time of year pending weather! My advice is to arrive opening on at least one of your days, it will most likely be quieter and no long lines for food booths. Have fun!

 

[com_op_2000]

...
1. Food and Wine. What is the best way to get the most out of this event? It's one of the reasons we are going this time of year.
...
Thanks for any and all suggestions.

Do not go to F&W on the weekend, that is when most of the locals come out.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Usually in late July they come out with all the scheduled events for F&W. We love to do the signature dinners there, can be pricy, but you get wine (or maybe beer) pairing with the meals. You may be served family style at your table or you may be provided plates with each course on them. We've done a beer pairing at Le Cellier, wine pairing at Tutto Gusto, beer and wine pairing at Via Napoli, wine pairing at Chef Pauls. These usually tend to be more adult because most families won't pay the price for their kids since the kids don't get the adult beverage. You'll want to reserve them as soon as they come out because they usually fill up quickly.

 

[sleepydog25]

DW and I are heading to BW Sept 24-29. We are fairly seasoned as far as navigation is concerned, but there are some things about which I would love some advice. We have never been there at this time of year.
1. Food and Wine. What is the best way to get the most out of this event? It's one of the reasons we are going this time of year.
2. The new areas. We haven't been to WDW since Avatar Land opened. How can we best experience these new attractions while still getting to do our AK favorites.
3. The new lands. I'm assuming Toy Story Land will be open. When can we expect a FP window to open for these new rides?
4. Usually we are there with the whole gang, kids and grandkids. We are hoping to do a very nice sit down meal or two. V and A wouldn't really be our taste. But California Grill is definitely on the radar. What are some others that we might find enjoyable.

Thanks for any and all suggestions.

1. Look at the menus ahead of time to pick out what looks good to you; that way you have a plan going in. Also, share. Finally, as another posted, avoid on weekends if possible. If not, go early.
2. FPs. FPs. FPs.
3. Only speculation at this time.
4. CG: Nice, expensive, iconic, and a bit noisy. AP: Romantic, tucked away, easy to get ADR. Il Mulino: Good food with small plates available, good service, nice ambiance (a better place is BiCE over at Portofino Hotel). Sanaa: Not a Signature but has very good food, service, and if you go during the day, you can see animals on the savannah. Bread service is worth going for alone. Jiko: Excellent all around, very nice for date night. Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar: Doesn't take ADRs, but if you arrive early for lunch or dinner, it's generally not too hard (or long of a wait) to get into--small plates, antipasto, cheeses, and Italian wines.

 

[jillt2ph]

Last two years, September has been "Restaurant month" or something like that, with 30% discounts at many nice restaurants in Orlando, if eating early or after 8pm.
Many signature restaurants in resorts participated and I'm really hoping they'll do it again this year (I'll be at WDW the week before you). Out of that list Flying fish and Jiko are on my radar.

I made it to 2 of the magical dining restaurants this past September - Turf Club at SSR and STK at Disney Springs. Definitely look at the menus on visitorlando to see if any of the participating restaurants appeal to you. (They will be posted closer to September.) The norm is no substitutions if you opt for the Magical Dining menu. Another plus is each person can order from whichever menu they want - the everyday menu or the MD menu.

I will be down the week of Labor Day and hope to try a few more this year