s Rain Forest Cafe too expensive?

[Vickie46]

the rainforest at Oprymills has free kids meals on Wed nights.. you might check and see if they offer that.. I know the Disney locations does not offer this..

 

[minniebeth]

If you want to stay in Washington, Hard Rock is fun for kids, but many will say it is overrated as well. My kids like it nonetheless.
CapCity Brewery is good too as a pp said and we stumbled across Gordon Biersch, which is a brewery and was VERY nice! It wasn't themed-like for kids, but the food and service were fantastic! My kids really liked it and it was nice cool place to sit and enjoy our meal and a few light summer beers for the adults!
As another pp mentioned, Tyson's Corner Rainforest IS closed and I don't know how far the one in Maryland is. If you do end up going, my suggestion would be to share meals, even kids' meals, as the portions are very large.
Our favorite to share are the pita quesadillas. They are consistently good.

 

[Stellaluna512]

We've only been to Downtown Disney's Rainforest Cafe (3 times) and our experience was great. In my opinion the steak/lobster entree was better than the food at Narcoosee's and Le Cellier. My kids (DD7 and DS4) love the jungle atmosphere, and the food too. Also the Safari Club Card will get you a table with no wait at all, but you have to get it 3-4 weeks in advance to be able to use the $10 certificate. During our last visit we used our $10 Safari Club gift certificate, got 10% discount, used a $25 gift card from MyPoints and 2 free kids meal coupons ($2 on eBay) and paid $55 OOP. That said, it is EXPENSIVE but wouldn't say overrated. The food was very good. We want to try the one at Animal Kingdom next time we go to Disney.

 

[cndij]

We were in DC in April, and our neices really liked both the big sit down restaurants that were located in Union Station. One was named America and the other one was some kind of Australian sounding name. I think for 7 people and my husband and FIL both had beers, it was around $80.

 

[pipervali]

Keep in mind that even though Rainforest is a chain, they're all independently owned and operated. So the food quality and prices can vary greatly.

We love the one in Downtown Disney. Because of that we sought out the one in Niagara Falls when we were there last summer. Entirely disappointed. The menu was not nearly as extensive and the prices were ridiculous for what you got. So I think it all depends on location and management.

 

[mom2twinz3]

There most certainly *is* water in D.C. The Potomac River!!! Georgetown Harbor Waterfront has a few places along the water. It's a neat area. I hope you find something here that suits your needs.

http://dc.about.com/od/restaurants/a/WaterfrontRest.htm

Mary

 

[christa112]

When are you going to DC? Because at RFC that is near me on Wednesday night after 5 p.m. kids eat for $1.99 at RFC. That would be a way for you to save some money and still go to the RFC. I would call and double check to see if that restaurant offers the kids dining price on Weds.

 

[sarahlovesmickey]

we enjoy going to the RFC. We go to the one outside of Animal Kingdom just about every time we go down there. We love the atmosphere and so do the kids. We get RFC giftcards because I do MyPoints and earn them from there. The food is not the best of the best, but it has always tasted good to us.

 

[DisGal520]

Does anyone have any suggestions on where we could eat that would be kid friendly, nice and close to dc with maybe a little atmosphere. What I would love would be able to eat outside with water but I know that is asking alot since there really isn't "water" in DC. We will be walking around all day and just weren't sure where to go for dinner or lunch then.
Michele

Closer to DC is Columbia, MD. The Mall in Columbia has a Disney Store for after lunch shopping. Quite a large food court. Also these restaurants: P.F. Chang's Bistro Restaurant, or The Cheesecake Factory are rated quite good.

If you want to eat overlooking the lake (quite close to the mall) - Clyde's of Columbia - 10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD 21044, 410-730-2829, Casual and friendly restaurant situated on a quiet lake with great views afforded to patrons. An American cuisine is served including burgers, ribs, seafood, chili, and homemade desserts. Google it for its menu.

Way closer than going to Towsontown Mall. But that may depend on where you are going after you leave DC. The Dis'ers are here to help.



DisGal

 

[bettyann29]

We have a RFC closeby us and I like to go there for special dinners such as birthday, etc.. we dont go very often because they are somewhat pricey..

I usually save up thru Mypoints and cash out for a giftcard right before we go so that takes some of the blow.. I also joined the club for $10 I think it was and got a $10 coupon immediately to use and I normally get $5-$10 coupons for my birthday and anniversary each year.. also with the club I get either a free appetizer or 10% off dinners excl alcohol..

 

[pixidust princess]

I was thinking of going to the one in Chicago during our vacation coming up. I am kinda unsure now. I am going to look on ebay for the kids meal coupons though. That could help me decide. Thanks for the info everyone!

 

[maggiew]

We go to the Rainforest Cafes in Chicago and Gurnee, IL all the time. We like the food. Although, I think the meals are large enough to share. My mom and I either share the potroast meal or the steak & shrimp meal. My one DD will eat the free appetizer. The other will usually get a kids meal. Most of the times the girls will swap a little too. I don't think its too expensive doing it this way. We try to save room for the Volcano, but are usually too full to get it. Unless its a special occasion like a birthday or something.

Maggie

 

[mkycrzy1971]

For those of you who have eaten at the RFC in AK...what do they allow for the free appetizer on the Safari Club?? I noticed it said "appetizer of the day"...is it ever-changing or do they normally just allow you choose an appetizer off the menu? I just joined in July...I have my $10 certificate and my card (they were
mailed)...my anniversary (8th) and birthday (21st) are both in Sept...I am leaving for WDW Sept 1st, do you normally get your birthday/anniversary discounts in the mail or email? Will they allow me to use both my $10 certificate and my anniversary or birthday discount at the same time if they do happen to arrive?

 

[UCFALUM]

We've been to the Towson location and ds, then 2, was terrified of the place! He spent the whole meal in visiting Grandma's lap. Good friend's daughter, now 2, is also scared to death and will not eat there. I remember it was very expensive and they gave me a hard time on not ordering an entree until I came up with "diet issues". This was a few years ago so it may have changed.
We love Bahama Breeze there at Towson Town Center. Kids meals always come out first, healthier and fun Carribbean atmosphere!