Recommendations for 1st night dining?

[OneThree]

We won't be going into the park our first day on arrival given we won't arrive until late afternoon (plus the kids will probably be tired after a full day of travel). Any good recommendations for dinner in downtown DL? DW and I have been to DL before but never eaten in downtown DL.

We are staying at the DLH and traveling with another family so 8 of us in total.

Thanks!

 

[tlovesdis]

In DTD we like...

Jazz Kitchen (cajun/new orleans style)
Rainforest Cafe (burgers, ribs, chicken, etc)
Tortilla Joe's (mexican)

 

[CherylGonz]

We did Goofy's Kitchen the first night as we didn't go into the parks either. It was nice to start the Disney experience early for the girls 17, 15, & 9. On the Disney app you can check out all the menus. Our problem was finding a place everyone could agree on! We ended up at ESPN Zone. Food was pretty good.

 

[Angrose]

If everyone in your group is interested, then I agree with the PP and do Goofy's Kitchen, especially since you are at the DLH. Have a swim after dinner in their totally awesome pool and then hit the hay early so you can start your first day in the parks bright and early!
If Goofy's isn't your thing, then the restaurants mentioned above sound good or there's the Beachside Bonfire Dinner Buffet at the Paradise Pier Hotel, just a short walk from DLH. I've heard it's yummy!

 

[MrJT]

We're going to be there in 9 days! Our first meal will be in DTD, most likely at Earl Of Sandwich. The price seems low, something that won't happen a lot, once we get into the parks.

 

[Bud Ice]

Party Time in the poolside Cabana!! woot woot!

 

[JKalai]

We love to eat and drink in the outside patio (since you can't bring little ones inside iirc) at Trader Sams!

 

[gottalovepluto]

I think Rainforest Cafe is the coolest of the downtown Disney restaurants IF you're after something that appeals to kids. While the atmosphere is A+ the food was a B- just mediocre, so if the adults are looking for really good food go elsewhere in DtD. That's the only one I'm really familiar with. (Also we love Earl of Sandwich if you're ever looking for something fast and cheaper than in the parks.)

 

[Nevada Jen]

What price range are you looking for? THat probably makes a big difference in my reccomendations. But I generally agree with the others, Goofy's Kitchen will be a good choice.

 

[OneThree]

Thanks for the input all. I had been leaning towards Rainforest for the kids but hadn't thought about Goofy's

 

[gottalovepluto]

Thanks for the input all. I had been leaning towards Rainforest for the kids but hadn't thought about Goofy's

As far as the kids are concerned I don't think you can go wrong with either of those choices!

 

[Astylla]

I feel the food at Rainforest is seriously lacking but that's a personal preference. Ice heard the food at Goofys is great plus it's a great way to "start" the experience.

I'm a huge fan of Storyteller's at GCH , both the buffet and regular menu is delicious.

Naples was really great for us and they gave delicious pizzas you can share.

Earl of sandwich is a short walk from DLH and has really great sandwiches.

 

[rentayenta]

I like the idea of a character meal too. That or Rainforest Cafe. We also enjoy Naples.

 

[GatorChris]

One thing we liked to do (before wife got Celiac Disease) was head to Earl of Sandwich for the yummy sandwiches at a good price, and then head to Jazz Kitchen Express and finish ourselves off with a bag full of beignets. Now THAT's eating.

 

[offwithyourhead]

If you're looking for something to *do* that will keep the kids entertained until dinner is served, I agree with Rainforest Cafe. Lots to look at in there to keep them occupied and not concentrating on being tired or hungry.

If the kids are totally zonked out and exhausted and just want to lay around for a bit once you get checked in, you could send an adult over to Pizza Press which is directly across the street from the entrance on Harbor. It would only cost a few bucks for an Uber there and back if you wanted to do that.

 

[mmmears]

Rainforest Cafe and Naples are great if you are dining with kids. The character buffets are too, if that's something you are interested in. Also, it's fun to just walk around DTD.

 

[farmfresh]

Didn't enjoy Rainforest cafe, but here's vote for Goofy's.