restaurant musings

[tg2346]

Just returned from a week at OKW, our first use of DVC points at WDW [last fall went to Hilton Head Resort for first use ever of DVC points], had good meals at Boma, Cape May Cafe, and Chefs de France. Superb dining experience at California Grill where we requested and got counter seats where we watched and talked with the chefs as they cooked and made sushi. The waitstaff and chefs were all friendly and we had a few free samples as the meal progressed. Our food was spectacular and the experience of gabbing with the chefs was most enjoyable. Just after dessert we went out on the observation deck and watched the MK fireworks. We would highly recommend going there for a serious meal for adults.

Unfortunately we can't say the same for Citrico's at the Grand Floridian, which we found very overpriced for the quality and variety, uninspired service, and parking is a country mile from your table unless you valet for $7.00. They aspire to top notch reputation but we had only an average at best meal for top price. We won't return there.

Since we were at OKW we had one dinner at Olivia's which was a good quality meal for a reasonable price. The dining room is a little noisy but bright and fresh and the staff very friendly and helpful.

We would like to hear from other DVC members for recommendations for good places to eat at WDW when we return in July with a 25 yo daughter.

 

[Laurajean1014]

Have you tried Olivia's, Jiko, Flying Fish, Spoodles, Wolfgang Puck, Earl of Sandwich, Mexico, Japan and Chef DeFrance?

 

[isyt]

You gotta try LeCellier in Canada. Great food and service!!!

 

[LisaS]

Do you or anyone else in your party have an Annual Pass? If so, I would recommend that you get the DDE (Disney Dining Experience) card. It is available for purchase to AP holders and Florida residents. For AP holders, it costs $60 for one year. You get 20% off food and beverages (including alcohol) at most of WDW's table service restaurants, for the card holder and up to 9 guests. You also get free valet parking when you dine at any Disney hotel (I believe they charge you for valet parking, then credit it back when you show them your dining receipt when picking up your car).

For more info: http://www.allearsnet.com/din/dde.htm

Sounds like you had a great time!

 

[ddave]

We would like to hear from other DVC members for recommendations for good places to eat at WDW when we return in July with a 25 yo daughter.

We enjoy California Grill (Contemporary), Concourse Steakhouse (Contemporary), Olivia's (OKW), the the Grand Floridian Cafe (Excellent meal for a respectable price), Boma (AKL) is pretty good (buffet), Le Cellier (Epcot/Canada), Columbia Harbour House (MK, great sandwiches).

We also went with the DDE card this trip. It worked out really well and paid for itself within the first couple of days. The dining plan wasn't available in March when we went. We were also planning on at least one sit down dinner outside of WDW so we wouldn't have felt locked into Disney only dining.

soooo.....

I won't say this too loud , but if you want to try an excellent meal for an outrageous price , try Emerils over at City Walk. It is only about a 10 minute drive and worth the experience.

 

[rocketriter]

On every DVC trip, my wife and I have a "date" at the Brown Derby. We love the old Hollywood atmosphere and the caricatures on the walls. We always order the original Cobb Salad (which is surprisingly different from what that salad has morphed to over the years) and end with grapefruit cake -- both of which are part of Hollywood history. The meal is expensive but the quality is excellent.

 

[DVCDawn]

My family and I are fans of Artist Point. The food is always excellent and service great. Also, and I don't mean this in a negative way, it isn't very Disney character-driven. You can kind of take a break from Mickey and still experience great Disney service and food. We also like to eat at Narcoosees. We make an ADR for about 8:00 PM and catch the MK fireworks and the electrical water pageant while eating dinner. Finally, we usually make at least one trip to the Biergarten in Epcot (Germany). The kids love to watch the band and who doesn't like bratwurst?!

DVCDawn

 

[Uncleromulus]

Some of my favorites:
Jiko, Blue Zoo, Flying Fish, Brown Derby, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Narcoossee's. Also Portobello Yacht Club.