Resort Dining...Where would you eat?

[cmusschoot]

We will be at Disney in 10 days!!! We will only be visiting the MK on a Monday, but have a Sunday night free for dining...

Where would you eat? Resort or Downtown Disney area? And why? Would prefer TS, not a buffet....

We are staying at Saratoga Springs, and will have a car. 2 adults 2 kids ages 3 and 5.

Have eaten at Boma...so we want to try something new...
Thanks!

 

[catne]

dining plan or cash? Steaks or seafood? Ethnic cuisine likes/dislikes? What else are you doing that night?

 

[thetacoman]

For us, O'hana at the Polynesian is always a must on every trip (next to Boma!). That would be my vote!

Have fun!

 

[cmusschoot]

Paying cash...we like all types of food (kids are not picky)...have reservation at Fultons the night before.

Have no plans that day, Chef Mickey for breakfast...pool/boats...maybe mini golf...

Not too concerned about cost...just want good food...
Thanks!!

 

[ciera321]

We love California Grill, though I don't know if you could get reservations at this point, but it's worth a try. Narcosee's has wonderful food and a great view. Also, Kona Cafe at Poly has really good food. We'll be there at the same time - Have a great trip!!!

 

[Amy&Dan]

We love Ohana and they have some fun games for kids like coconut races. The Poly is a beautiful place to visit and dine at.

I'll also say that Turf Club at SSR is one of our most favorite places to eat in all of WDW. Its a well kept secret that is starting to get out as more people find out about it. Its a nice place for a more quiet, relaxed meal and the food is amazing.

But for a Disney themed meal, Ohana is great.

If you like steaks, the Yachtsmen Steakhoue at the Yacht Club is amazing. We love that place and we love Thomas to be our server, he's been there for years. They have some nice kids selections including this dessert that is a very clever little dessert puzzle. My dd still loves that at almost 14!

Whispering Canyon Cafe at the Wildnerness Lodge is another idea, they do some fun antics there and its very family friendly. I'll also put out there the Hoop Dee Doo Review. This is a dinner show that is very fun for families. The food is comfort food (fried chicken, ribs, strawberrry shortcake) and its pricey (free sangria and beer for the adults) but kids the age of yours love that place. Its a fun night but pricey.

If you do the DTD route, T Rex and Rainforest are fun for kids and Wolfgang Puck Cafe (not express but rather the cafe) is very good. We enjoy that and if you like Sushi its great. Very large menu to choose from there.

 

[tigger30066]

T Rex is my vote. The food is really good and the atmosphere is really cool. Plus any excuse to go the World of Disney store works for me.

Becky

 

[FireDancer]

Well, my 3 favorite WDW restaurants are all in resorts. #1 by far is Boma (dinner) but that is a buffet so for you I would go with my #2, The Wave in the Contemporary. #3 is Kona but I prefer the lunch to dinner for the better prices and the Asian Noodle Bowl.

 

[wdw&sonny]

I second the recommendation for Wispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge.
Here's why:

Very fun, entertaining meal appropriate for 3 and 5 yo.

The WL is beautiful and you can wander the resort prior to or after dinner (as with any resort) without spending money.

10 days is short notice for ADRs (for Disney). You might still be able to find something available at WCC but not at many other restaurants...so be prepared to wait a while w/ your 3 and 5 yo.

 

[honeydiane1953]

Wl is sooo beautiful and Artist Point would be heaven.

 

[Missytara]

The Turf Club at SSR is one of my latest finds that I think is a hidden little gem.

Love, love, love it. I stayed there for the first time last year and ate there like four times!

 

[BEASLYBOO]

The Turf Club at SSR is one of my latest finds that I think is a hidden little gem. Love, love, love it.

SSR's best kept secret!

 

[guitarob]

We love California Grill, though I don't know if you could get reservations at this point, but it's worth a try. Narcosee's has wonderful food and a great view. Also, Kona Cafe at Poly has really good food. We'll be there at the same time - Have a great trip!!!

This is exactly what I would have said, had I gotten here first. I would've also suggested the Yachtsman Steakhouse at the Yacht Club.

Have a wonderful vacation!

 

[catne]

Turf Club at SSR was very good...but if you're wanting to get away

Loved the Maya Grill at Coronado Springs --awesome decor, and interesting food with a Mexican flair (not tacos, lol.)

Really enjoyed Wolfgang Puck Cafe, though the decor is industrial-loud. If you go at an off-time it's not noisy & you can get a window table overlooking the water.

Like Kona Cafe at the Poly, too...as well as the Grand Floridian Cafe.

 

[jlm]

Don't know if you have girls/boys or one of each??
For a character meal-1900 Park Fare, Crystal Palace or Chef Mickey's
Ohana's or Whispering Canyon Cafe have fun stuff for the kids
Kona Cafe or The Wave are pretty laid back and casual~
Personally-my kids would not go for Cali Grill...
Check out some menus and see what would interest your family

Jen

 

[CathieArms]

I did a quick search to see what was open. Currently, these would be my first choices (in order) and they all have openings right now at reasonable times:

Raglan Road
Whispering Canyon
The Wave
Kona

 

[Amy&Dan]

Wow, totally missed the leaving in 10 days part! Ohana or any character meal will be tough to get into. If you get Ohana, it will be because you lucked out and got one just as somebody else cancelled it!

For sure you can get into Turf Club, not because its not wonderful but because its off the beaten path.

I'll also give a plug for Olivia's at Old Key West. Near your hotel, but a totally different theme. We have always enjoyed our meals there very much.

At Rainforest Cafe, if you sign up for their Safari Card (costs $15 and its good forever) you will get seated earlier and save 10%. That place gets mobbed and I can't remember if they even take ADR's or not (we have the card so it doesn't matter).

I also second Maya Grill, we enjoy that restaurant very much and CSR is a lovely resort at night in particular. That one will also be easy enough to get into.

 

[Praying Colonel]

Paying cash...we like all types of food (kids are not picky)...have reservation at Fultons the night before.

Have no plans that day, Chef Mickey for breakfast...pool/boats...maybe mini golf...

Not too concerned about cost...just want good food...
Thanks!!

I would eat at Kona Cafe, then putter around the Poly and maybe watch Wishes from the beach.

Honorable mentions: Raglan Road with a walk around DTD thereafter, or Kouzzina, with a walk around the Boardwalk.

 

[cmusschoot]

Checked Narcoossee's, Turf Club, and Cali Grill...ALL had reservations at my requested time! What are the chances!! Love it!!

Now I have to really decide

 

[wendydarling826]

The DTD restaurants are pretty much all chains, and we haven't found them to be anything special. We find the resort restaurants much more interesting, and there are so many to choose from. We're going to California Grille and Narcoosees for the first time on our upcoming trip. Some of our resort favorites are:
Yachtsman Steakhouse
Citricos
Artist Point
Turf Club ( a little out of the way, but easy to get to from DTD)
Flying Fish