restaurants close but not WDW?

[suevee]

For the first time in 15 trips I am considering going outside of WDW for my meals. It will be hard as I hate to leave WDW and I am not fond of driving in unfamiliar areas looking for things. It will definately be outside my comfort zone. However with the changes in the prices, food quality, DDE card, and the DDP, I think that I will have to eat else where for nice meals.

So does anyone know of a thread that gives reviews and directions to the restaurants closest to WDW? I know there are a lot up 192, but I don't know the particulars. Also I remember a reference to someplace close by with the word "Crossing"? in it???? Can anyone please help me? Would the moniters consider putting up a restaurant thread for dining outside of WDW sort of like the Orlando Attractions thread?? What do you think????

 

[gismo1554]

OK the place is Crossroads and if you head past Pleasure Island then on past the Marketplace and through the lane of non-disney hotels on disney property it is directly infront of you. Here you'll find TGI Fridays, Pizza Uno, KFC (I think) Jungle Jims (Burger place) Buffallo Wild Wings, an Indian resturant and I think a Perkins. Just down a bit to the left (as you come out of disney) you will find a pizza hut, dennys, a steakhouse I can't remember the name of, IHOP(will be left hand side of road though) olive garden and a few others like a Chinese buffet (left hand side), Chillis (left hand side) etc.
If however you turn right and go under the highway bridge you will find a Bahama Breeze (left hand side), Longhorn steakhouse (I think - left hand side), Wendys, Bennigans and a couple of other small places.

There are also a few resturants at the Premium outlet malls. To get to these you follow the same route as to go to Logans but just after Bahama Breeze you take a left hand turn at the lights and head down past some hotels and some apartment blocks. You will then pass a church and see Dolly Partons Dixie Stampede infront of you. The shopping mall is on your right. If you carry on though you will find a few resturants on your left such as Outback Steakhouse and MacDonalds

 

[LilGMom]

If you like wings Buffalo Wild Wings is a must & Uno is great for big thick yummy pizza.

Both right outside of DTD.

 

[cherylp3]

There are also a lot of restaurants (Seasons 52) up on Sand Lake road heading west from I4 also there is a new mall on 535 west - take the 429 (note it is a toll road)

 

[katiesmom2]

We love Carrabba's and Bahama Breeze. I think there is also a Macaroni Grill nearby.

You could check their websites for a location near WDW.

I know there is a Bahama Breeze in Lake Bryan and a Carrabba's on 192/Irlo Bronson.

Giordano's on 192 is also great for pizza.

 

[Uncleromulus]

There are couple of nice spots in Celebration, which isn't too far away. Cafe D'Antonio and Celebration Town Tavern. Both have their own websites as I recall----

 

[jx3smom]

Bahama Breeze is our all time favorite offsite restaurant. There are two in the area.

 

[PlutoLuvr]

We head to Citywalk at Universal. Just follow the signs to I-4 East and take the Universal exit. Easy.

There's no parking fee after six p.m. Lots of choices to pick from, good food, good discounts if you're an AP holder or AAA member, and except for Emeril's, we've never had much trouble getting in anywhere without much of a wait. If you're going at a busy time, most restaurants do accept ressies within 30 days of when you want to eat there.

We had a great meal at Bubba Gumps restaurant last time we were there. And our dinner at Gumps cost as much as our lunch at '50s PTC.

Good luck!

 

[suevee]

Anybody use restaurant.com coupons at any off site restaurants?

 

[jdvm]

suevee, I think you're doing the right thing. We're long time Disney fans who used to travel to WDW several times per year and now live in Celebration. We always made a point of eating off site for at least one dinner each trip. I personally think the dining plan has put a serious dent in Disney restaurant quality and there are some really nice places off property that are better.

Sand Lake Road is called restaurant row by locals and has tons of great restaurants. And, as Uncleromulus points out there are some very pleasant places to eat in Celebration.

John

 

[RockinDisney]

I like Perkins at the end of a Disney day, there is one at the Crossings. It is similar to an Ihop or Denny’s but a little more upscale, using that term loosely.

If you have an Entertainment Club card you can go on line and print coupons for Orlando Restaurants and it might give you some ideas of places you want to eat

If you want to go really upscale a great place to eat is Fishbones but it is on the high end. IT IS TOTALLY WORTH IT though.

 

[LSchrow]

.......Just down a bit to the left (as you come out of disney) you will find a pizza hut, dennys, a steakhouse I can't remember the name of, IHOP Steakhouse and MacDonalds

just a word of warning: avoid that denny's it has the be one of the filthiest restaurants i've ever seen, including, but not limited to: mounds of dead bugs, along with some live ones walking/flying, on the window sills (next to the booths), ceiling tiles with thick black mold, hardened crud on the tables, chairs, etc........can't tell you how the food was b/c we left.
hopefully, it has been closed by the health dept, but if not: avoid it!

on the other hand, golden corral is clean, relatively inexpensive, & has an excellent variety of food
(btw, most restaurants have loads of coupon books available at their exits, with discounts at many of the eateries in the area)

 

[debbiepump]

There is a Carrabas on the way to the outlet malls. We don't have them out here in on the West Coast and love 'em! You can kill 2 birds with one stone, go to Carrabas and do some shopping!

 

[Cee]

There is a DoubleTree hotel just down the street from Crossroads that's very
brightly decorated with pineapples and the like. Directly across the street from
there is a VERY GOOD steakhouse. I don't remember the name of it, but the
food was very good.

 

[airhead]

I have been looking for restaurants off WDW that are good. We(8)
will be there for 10 days so this will be great!

 

[Simbee3]

Joe's Crab Shack was pretty good. And if you have AAA you can get a 10% off discount. Our favorite off property restaurant is Texas de Brazil. Though it's a little pricey, the food there is great. you can join their email club and recieve discounts for birthdays and anniversaries as well.
As a PP said Citywalk is also a great choice. There are many places to choose from.

Good luck hope you enjoy yourself.