Restaurant Suggestions

[DuckMom]

I am getting close to our ADR time and need to firm up the rest of our plans. Right now, I am planning on making reservations at:

1900 Park Fare (dinner)
O'Hana (dinner)
Hollywood & Vine (bkfast or lunch)
Crystal Palace (early bkfast before park opens)
Tusker House (bkfast)

We went last year and did Tusker House, Crystal Palace, Tony's, 50s Primetime, CRT, Liberty Tree Tavern and Garden Grill. Obviously the ones I've rebooked are ones we enjoyed a lot, but I'm looking to try some other things too. We are a party of 7, three grandparents, my DH, myself, and two sons (6 & 2). 1900 Park Fare is mostly for me because I am a Cinderella junkie and this will be my castle substitute. Any other recommendations? I am getting ready to pull out may hair trying to figure this all out. We are staying at Port Orleans and won't have a car.

 

[mickeynut1]

One of our favorites that we do at least once every trip is Cape May at the BC . We do both breakfast and dinner and have not been disappointed yet . However, if you're looking for characters, you will find them at breakfast only, which we always love because the characters are dressed in beach clothes and it's always a fun time . The dinner is a clam bake, but has plenty of variety of other items for non seafood eaters .

 

[OhThePain]

One of our favorites that we do at least once every trip is Cape May at the BC . We do both breakfast and dinner and have not been disappointed yet . However, if you're looking for characters, you will find them at breakfast only, which we always love because the characters are dressed in beach clothes and it's always a fun time . The dinner is a clam bake, but has plenty of variety of other items for non seafood eaters .

The only problem with Cape May breakfast is that it is a real pain to get to unless you are staying in the EPCOT resort area.

If you are looking for a night at the resort, you can always book an ADR for Boatwright's. The food is alright, not great but not awful. It's nice because it is right there. It's nice to be able to go back to the room, rest, then not have to travel far for dinner. Then after dinner take the nice boat ride over to DTD and walk around a bit or hang out at the resort, maybe book a carriage ride or watch Piano Bob. This works great for the first night after a day of travel.

Another option might be Boma at AKL. The food is pretty good (some love it, some hate it, much like most restaurants). It gives you a reason to head over to AKL and relax and view the savanahs they have. There are also some other activites that go on. The little ones might get a kick out of it.

 

[Quin]

1900 Park Fare (dinner)
O'Hana (dinner)
Hollywood & Vine (bkfast or lunch)
Crystal Palace (early bkfast before park opens)
Tusker House (bkfast)

1900 PF dinner definitely gives you your princess experience, plus the Wicked Steps are hilarious.

Love Ohana; just note that seating tends to run slow. Allow lots of time if you're wanting to do something afterwards, like make it back to the park for a parade.

H&V - no love here; food is just meh. Assume you are looking for a TS for a DHS day. I'd recomend a CS lunch in the park (maybe a sandwich and goodie from Starring Rolls?) and then dinner at either Cape May or Boma. Transport is not a huge problem. You can take the AKL bus from DHS to Boma. For Cape May you can take the boat from DHS to the Epcot-area resorts. From either you can return to DHS or do a bus transfer back to your resort. Both have a good array of food choices. Boma is a *little* more exotic but has average American fare too. Cape May at dinner is like 2 buffets: a seafood buffet and a basic American one. The ribs are well spoken of, and a certain Oreo bon-bon dessert. Of course, Boma has those Zebra Dome desserts. Decisions, decisions.....

CP early morning breakfast - very popular option and with good reason; beautiful to have the early entry to the MK.

Tusker breakfast - as you indicated, this is a favorite that you are repeating on purpose.

Enjoy!

 

[laurainsem]

I didn't check to see if you were on the DDP or not, but a great place for your sons would be T-Rex at DTD. The great thing is the food is yummy so should be a good experience for all.

Also, what about Whispering Canyon? The antics at dinner can be a blast, plus you get unlimited milkshakes which is always a good thing! Totally kid friendly!!!

I also know it isn't completely geared towards kids, but Teppan Edo is a great experience and I know many kiddos who were there LOVED watching the chef and she interacted with them the whole time, making them laugh.

50's Prime Time is also a fun place with good food! This could be a substitute for H&V if you are looking for higher quality food and a place that isn't so loud. I've heard some pretty poor reviews for H&V so thought I would drop a suggestion.

 

[Winue]

50's Prime Time is also a fun place with good food! This could be a substitute for H&V if you are looking for higher quality food and a place that isn't so loud. I've heard some pretty poor reviews for H&V so thought I would drop a suggestion.

I haven't been to H&V ... but do not in the least feel that 50PT is a "higher quality of food". we went there on our last trip, and thought this was the worst meal we had during the week. just gross.

Personally, we don't get excited for the food, because if I wanted a high quality food, I would go to the restaurants in town. We do lots of the character meals for the fun, and experience.

 

[DuckMom]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I have never even thought of Cape May ... or Boma ... I'll have to look into those and all the others too. We are doing H&V for the characters. My younger son is obsessed with Oso and he will be so excited to meet him. I realize the food might not be great, but this one is all about the experience. We are on DDP (basic one), but maybe an out of pocket meal at T-Rex would be fun. You have given me so much to think about!

 

[dina7]

I have two sons also & one of our favorites in Epcot is Tutto Italia. Delicious food & great value on the DP...entrees are very expensive imo.

 

[MickeyMark9]

For a big group, what about DD. I love Raglan Road's food and atmosphere. Mexican Pavilion is awesome too!

 

[madczar]

Since you are at Port Orleans, I definitely recommend Boatwright's. I know it gets lots of mixed reviews, and some bashing, but I guess I just see it in a different light. It seems to me to have a different flavor than the same-old Disney menu everywhere else. Or it could be that we were starving when we ate their last (late arrival at POFQ, needed to eat)!

I also must give mad props to Mamma Melrose, which surpassed our expectations. The vodka penne is great, and there are several larger round-top tables for a larger party. My wife had the goat cheese ravioli, which was superb. And most kids like noodles!