Reasonable out-of-pocket dinner spot?

[janiebegood]

Hello! We're taking advantage of a pin code and making a quick trip to the Polynesian the last weekend of January.

Friends who live in Orlando want to come out and join us for dinner (on the one night that we don't have a character dinner already planned!).

I'm looking for suggestions of nice, reasonable (for Disney; I'm not expecting Golden Corral prices) spots where we could go for dinner -- places outside the parks but on the property because our friends won't have tickets to get into the parks.

Kona Cafe is the first thing that pops to mind, but I'd love to hear other ideas!

 

[Sweet Melissa]

Kona Café was the first thing that came to mind for me too. They do a good and reasonably priced dinner. I also like the Grand Floridian Café and Kouzzina for an inexpensive and more casual meal.

 

[janiebegood]

I'll check out the GF Cafe and Kouzzina, Melissa. Thanks for the ideas!

Hard to top the Poly view of the fireworks, so Kona may end up being the way we go.

 

[AirGoofy]

Kona was the 1st that came to my mind since you said you were at the Poly. If you all are really hungry, the buffet at Trail's End over at Fort Wilderness is really good and the cheapest buffet at WDW. Plus, you can monorail or boat to MK and boat over to FW, which makes for a fun evening.

 

[Minnie Lor]

My thought was Kona as well. It's always our first night choice where ever we are staying. Love the electric water pageant at 9 followed by Wishes on the beach. Other ideas would be any of the restaurants that you can get to via monorail or boat. If driving isn't an issue than I would also suggest Turf Club at Saratoga Springs or Raglan Road at DTD.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

House of Blues

 

[lvdis]

Wolfgang Puck Express at DTD Marketplace. I also love Kona Cafe.

 

[janiebegood]

I appreciate all the suggestions!

It looks like Kona comes out as the front-runner all around -- I don't think we'll be up to tackling Downtown Disney after starting our day at the Princess Breakfast in Epcot at 8:15 am!

I made an ADR online for the first time -- does that work just like calling in? Like, it's a good solid ADR? I've got a confirmation number and everything, and it's in the same sequence as the ones I did over the phone yesterday.

I tried to get a spot at the Neverland Club for DD that night, but was told that all of the Child Activity Centers are already booked for that night. That seems really strange, since I had NO trouble getting ADRs at the times and places I wanted, which tells me it's not crazy busy, so...

 

[Deb & Bill]

How about the Coronado Springs Pepper Market? Lots to choose from.

 

[Luv2Roam]

We have had really good luck at Olivia's, OKW too.
I was thinking of the Boardwalk -- ESPN Club, BRG, Captain's Grill.
And either the Swan or Dolphin has that Fountain place that serves food, along with desserts/beverages.

 

[Pakey]

If you want something rather quiet, I suggest Turf Club at SSR. It's one of my hidden gems at WDW.

 

[janiebegood]

Wow, lots of great ideas for next time! Thanks for the tips!

Update: I called the reservations line and was able to snag a space at the Neverland Club for DD that night. I think there must have been a glitch in the system or something, yesterday, when it showed no availability.

So we're dropping her there and then meeting our friends for a nice grown-up dinner at Kona Cafe, followed by watching the fireworks from the beach! I can't wait! Can it be January 29th already???

 

[leebee]

I make all my ADRs online. I love being able to look at the availability rather than have to ask, reask, etc to get what I want.

Kona was my first suggestion. Kouzzina and Sanaa also come to mind, but Kona will be the most affordable. I think your plan sounds great... and I am jealous!

 

[janiebegood]

I make all my ADRs online. I love being able to look at the availability rather than have to ask, reask, etc to get what I want.

Kona was my first suggestion. Kouzzina and Sanaa also come to mind, but Kona will be the most affordable. I think your plan sounds great... and I am jealous!

leebee, it's good to know that the online system works so well. I swear, I learn something new every day!

 

[waynesgirl]

Yes, it is a bit more expensive, but they have amazing appetizers and a fabulous wine list.

You can make a great dinner out of 2 apps apiece and still come out cheaper than some of the entrees.

But hey, I am a little biased as that is my favorite place!

 

[janiebegood]

I'll add that to my next-time list too! Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[DisneyRookie2007]

We enjoyed our lunch @ Planet Hollywood tat DTD he last time we visited - it was out 1st ever visit and were not disappointed. We would certainly go back again.

 

[janiebegood]

We enjoyed our lunch @ Planet Hollywood tat DTD he last time we visited - it was out 1st ever visit and were not disappointed. We would certainly go back again.

We went to PH several times when we lived in Orlando back in the late 90s. It always felt like a happenin' place!