Recommendations for anniversary meal...

[scottishgirl87]

We'll be celebrating our 10th anniversary while at the World next May and so I'm hoping to make an ADR for somewhere "special". We have the QSDP, but we're planning on using the $200 gift card to pay for our anniversary meal.

A bit about us...we're 2 adults in our late twenties. Character dining is really not our kind of thing (well I would, boyfriend hates it!) so anything with characters is out and we don't want to go super fancy, either in cuisine or dress code (I'll probably wear a nice dress, boyfriend shirt and trousers). Boyfriend will eat absolutely anything, I'm a bit more picky but open to suggestions.

At the moment, we're thinking of Le Cellier as we managed to miss our ADR for here last time by accident (and boyfriend hasn't let me forget it since!), but I can't help feel that I should look into other options that may be more suited to a special occasion.

Not sure where to start so if you were going to spend the $200 gift card on a special occasion meal where would you go?

Should probably also point out that we probably don't want to spend too much more on top of gift card, if anything at all. Also doesn't have to include a full 3 courses as we always find the portions too much anyway so would be happy with 2 or even 1 course for the right restaurant.

 

[Elise79]

Any one of the signature restaurants would fit the bill - look at the menus to give you an idea but be aware they do change seasonally unlike most Disney restaurants!

Personally, we like Yachtsman, Artist Point & Flying Fish. Trying Narrcoosses again this summer after 6 year break.

CA Grill whilst a stunning setting we found has left us feeling disappointed the last twice we have been so not ready to risk it again!

 

[MattJ-UK]

Yachtsman Steakhouse at Yacht Club Resort. Best steak on property - even better than Le Cellier. Went for our 20th wed anniv last year. Very very good.

 

[wayneg]

Le Cellier doesn't do it for me. We had a great Anniversary (21st) meal at Yachtsman Steakhouse a few years ago. See post #332 in this link for pics. http://www.disboards.com/threads/he...photopass-pics-added-post-735.2524489/page-17
We didn't like Cali Grill at all, one of our worst meals onsite but others love it and its had a refurb since we went.

 

[scottishgirl87]

Well the boyfriend loves steaks so I'm off to look at Yachtsman's menus and Wayne's post. I did think of Cali Grill but the menu doesn't really suit us so probably be a waste all for the view.

Thanks all!

 

[RDP]

Very subjective topic. I love Jiko, California Grill and Flying Fish. Yachtsman is great. Also love Narcoossee at the GF resort. Citrico at the GF is also worth a look. Also look at the Swan and the Dolphin, they have some very good restaurants.

 

[Tony Toon]

We love Cali Grill (ate there last Thursday evening - excellent) and have eaten there several times but I know it's not to everyone's taste. Have also enjoyed Yachtsman's, Artists' Point and while we haven't eaten there I know that DD and her DBF have had great meals in Narcossee's as well. The one I wouldn't go back to is Le Cellier: an average meal that was very rushed in our opinion. They really only seemed interested in getting us fed and back out the door asap so that our table could be given to the next family. We really felt they were doing their best to maximise turn over (and tips) at the expense of a pleasant dining experience. Our entrees were delivered before we'd finished appetisers and left on the side of the table and plates were taken away after mains were barely finished to allow desserts to be brought out in record time too. The food was OK but not worth the prices charged.

Mrs TT

 

[wayneg]

They really only seemed interested in getting us fed and back out the door asap so that our table could be given to the next family. We really felt they were doing their best to maximise turn over (and tips) at the expense of a pleasant dining experience. Our entrees were delivered before we'd finished appetisers and left on the side of the table and plates were taken away after mains were barely finished to allow desserts to be brought out in record time too. The food was OK but not worth the prices charged.

Mrs TT

We had a similar experience in Kona Café but we were first diners so half the tables were empty, no reason to be so rushed. Only explanation was she was so quiet and nothing else to do only serve 1 table. I had to slow her down, tell her to come back. IIRC I left $5 instead of the recommended $15 so doesn't work to turn over tables fast.

 

[RDP]

Agree with comment on Le Celier , not a good experience , undercooked chicken, high table turnover. No desire to return unless it gets an overhaul .

 

[tinkerbell 766]

I recommend Citrico's - love that place xxx

 

[scottishgirl87]

Thanks again, all. Definitely looking more seriously at Yachtsman now as it looks right up my other half's street. Will also take a look at Citrico's

 

[zippy99]

Always a big fan of Cali Grill (eaten there 3 times) - we had a meal there after the refurb for our 17th Wedding Anniversary last year.

Amazing - we had complimentary Champagne and for a special occasion, being able to watch the fireworks from the viewing balcony with a glass in hand makes it all the better.

 

[ABZDisneyFan]

The Yachtsman is fantastic for steak & one of our favorites, Flying Fish is where to go if sea food is your thing, but the one place that we really love is Narcoosees, the food & service has always been spot on, the menu offers a good mix, the dress code is relaxed & the bar is a great place for pre dinner drinks.
It's worth asking for & then waiting for a table by the windows, there is something magical about looking out over the lagoon to the castle while you eat & then watching Wishes from your table or from out on the terrace.
It's our must do restaurant every time we go, we've never had a bad meal & are planning on eating there twice on our next trip.

 

[scottishgirl87]

Always a big fan of Cali Grill (eaten there 3 times) - we had a meal there after the refurb for our 17th Wedding Anniversary last year.

Amazing - we had complimentary Champagne and for a special occasion, being able to watch the fireworks from the viewing balcony with a glass in hand makes it all the better.

I really fancy Cali Grill for the view and fireworks but the menu not so much

The Yachtsman is fantastic for steak & one of our favorites, Flying Fish is where to go if sea food is your thing, but the one place that we really love is Narcoosees, the food & service has always been spot on, the menu offers a good mix, the dress code is relaxed & the bar is a great place for pre dinner drinks.
It's worth asking for & then waiting for a table by the windows, there is something magical about looking out over the lagoon to the castle while you eat & then watching Wishes from your table or from out on the terrace.
It's our must do restaurant every time we go, we've never had a bad meal & are planning on eating there twice on our next trip.

Going to have a look at Narcoosees as well now, seeing as it's been mentioned a few times as well!

 

[ABZDisneyFan]

We've eaten in the Cali Grill a couple of times, the most recent being last November.
The decor is stunning & the view is fantastic if your sitting on the MK side of the building.
We always enjoy it there, although we were disappointed with our main courses last year but if I'm being honest it was more to do with how the dish was served as opposed to the quality of the food, tuna should not be served in a large bowl swimming in a sauce, the rest of the meal was excellent & the wine list is first class.
The view for Wishes is something else & it's great to stand out there with a glass of wine & watch the show.
Out of the two restaurants (Narcoosees & Cali Grill), I'd have to go for Narcoosees if you want a quiet romantic meal, the Cali Grill is big & can be very noisy.
If you have any specific questions, please feel free to PM me, although we live in Ascot were from Scotland originally (Aberdeen for me & Glasgow for my DW).

 

[scottishgirl87]

As an update, last night I finally managed to pin the other half down to look at menus (he's not a planner) and we've decided on Cali Grill after all!

Obviously park hours aren't released yet but in comparison to Wishes what time should I be looking at booking an ADR for? Will an hour beforehand be about right?

 

[Tony Toon]

As an update, last night I finally managed to pin the other half down to look at menus (he's not a planner) and we've decided on Cali Grill after all!

Obviously park hours aren't released yet but in comparison to Wishes what time should I be looking at booking an ADR for? Will an hour beforehand be about right?

Congratulations! I hope you love it as much as we do. It doesn't really matter when you book as guests who have eaten there that evening at any point are allowed back up to the restaurant to view Wishes - just show your receipt to the staff at the lift. An hour beforehand would be fine. Our ADR this year was for 7.40pm and we were finished our meal about 15 minutes before Wishes. They don't rush you up there. Enjoy!

Mrs TT

 

[scottishgirl87]

Congratulations! I hope you love it as much as we do. It doesn't really matter when you book as guests who have eaten there that evening at any point are allowed back up to the restaurant to view Wishes - just show your receipt to the staff at the lift. An hour beforehand would be fine. Our ADR this year was for 7.40pm and we were finished our meal about 15 minutes before Wishes. They don't rush you up there. Enjoy!

Mrs TT

Great, thanks! I'll aim for an ADR about an hour beforehand then...fingers crossed I can get one

 

[wayneg]

Glad you decided.
Everything was wrong with the meal we had there, over 2 hours to serve 2 courses didn't go down well when we were so hungry(seated at 9pm, usually eat around 7pm) then the tiniest steak I have ever seen. It was built up to be the best place in Disney so we were so disappointed, not a patch on the Yachtsman steak but others think its amazing.

 

[dashofsunshine]

We just had our one year wedding anniversary at Jiko in May, and it was amazing. Really gorgeous restaurant (look up a photo of the dining room, it's beautiful!) and the food was delicious my husband had the short ribs and I had the filet, we also had some duck bobotie rolls as an app (so good!) and they brought us a complimentary dessert (coffee & chocolate pot de creme) - the dessert was one of the best things I have ever put in my mouth, haha. Good luck and congrats!!