Special Dinner Suggestions - Boys 13, 11, 9

[wildboyzmommy]

Hey there, anyone have suggestions for a special/fun dinner/lunch for boys ages 13, 11 and 9? They are really not interested in the character meals but I would like to do something special for them.

Thanks-
Lisa

 

[sonnyjane]

Maybe ESPN Zone in Downtown Disney?

 

[HydroGuy]

Big Thunder Ranch BBQ for dinner. All you can eat.

 

[skiingfast]

Big Thunder Ranch BBQ for dinner. All you can eat.

I would second this.

 

[jacs1234]

Don't you hate that they get too old for character meals. My boys are 11, 9 and nearly 7 so I can still squeeze in some character meals though they act all embarrassed. How about the Blue Bayou, it's fun to sit inside a ride. Mine are incredibly fussy eaters, we are going to try the bbq but I don't know how much they'll eat.

 

[jdb in AZ]

I would suggest Blue Bayou as well, depending on how soon you're going. It's closed for refurb til Thanksgiving.

 

[bleeps]

Wow -- in my own planning (trip w/ our 13 y-o DS) I hadn't seen that Blue Bayou is inside a ride; can someone give me the details on that?

 

[ConnieB]

Wow -- in my own planning (trip w/ our 13 y-o DS) I hadn't seen that Blue Bayou is inside a ride; can someone give me the details on that?

As a previous poster said, Blue Bayou (and Pirates) is closed until November 23.

But...the restaurant is literally inside the ride. Guests sit at tables that overlook the water (ask for a rail table to be closest to the action) and can literally see the boats as they launch. My girls love to wave at the diners and are thrilled when someone waves back. It's a very dark atmosphere with small lights on your table, so many consider it quite romantic. For kids I'd use the word "adventureous" instead, lol. The menus are widely available online so you can see what they serve and decide if your guys would enjoy the choices. It's not cheap, because of the great view/atmosphere, but it is definitely something that everyone should experience at least once. We've eaten there quite a few times and now to save money we go to Cafe Orleans across the street most every trip and BB once or twice a year. Our favorites are the Monte Cristo sandwich, which is identical at both restaurants, but several dollars cheaper at Cafe Orleans. CO is fun because most of the seats are outside, so while you eat you can literally watch the crowds go by....and watch the Mark Twain Riverboat mosey up the lake. Beautiful views there, but a little less special atmosphere, lol.

I agree with others that suggested Big Thunder Ranch....the food is delicious and there is plenty of it...something usually appreciated by parents of bottomless pits, lol. (Ok, maybe your boys aren't.....but my teenage girls sure are!).

 

[HydroGuy]

Wow -- in my own planning (trip w/ our 13 y-o DS) I hadn't seen that Blue Bayou is inside a ride; can someone give me the details on that?

BB is a bit like the San Angel restaurant at Epcot and the Mexico ride there - but even more cool than that.

 

[sojocomo]

I booked a character lunch at Ariel's Grotto for myself and my daughter (5). DH and DS have no interest in that, so while we dine with the princesses, they are going to head to ESPN Zone. There are video arcade games there and it is definitely "cool" with the sports atmosphere. Also, most ESPN Zones have closed, so the one in Disneyland is one of the few still opened. That makes it special too.

 

[wildboyzmommy]

Thanks for the suggestions. We will be there when BB is closed. My kids are bottomless pits and the they are not picky at all. I think we will give the bbq a try. BUT if they hear ESPN Zone has video games I'm sure they will drag me there.

lisa

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

Thanks for the suggestions. We will be there when BB is closed. My kids are bottomless pits and the they are not picky at all. I think we will give the bbq a try. BUT if they hear ESPN Zone has video games I'm sure they will drag me there.

lisa

Well, you'll need to eat more than once, won't you?

 

[Alex2kMommy]

I'm going with my two boys, who are 11 and 7yo. They really like Rainforest Cafe in DTD - I have so far avoided ESPN Zone, because I'm afraid I won't ever get them out!

I also suggested doing a character meal. DS11 balked at first, but then chose breakfast at the PPH Grill! (I was kind of shocked, because he really loved Goofy's Kitchen!) They're excited!



PS. We are also going to give the Ranch BBQ a try; DS11 is in the massive feeding phase, so All You Can Eat sounds like a steal!

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

ESPN Zone, Rainforest Cafe, Cafe Orleans, Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante, Big Thunder Ranch BBQ, Redd Rocket's Pizza Port, Taste Pilot's Grill, Wine County Trattoria, Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria, PCH Grill,

 

[jimreuter]

Thanks for the suggestions. We will be there when BB is closed. My kids are bottomless pits and the they are not picky at all. I think we will give the bbq a try. BUT if they hear ESPN Zone has video games I'm sure they will drag me there.

lisa

Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue also has live entertainment all day, starting at 11:30 on days when the park closes at 8:00, 12:30 on days when the park is open later.

 

[Mama Who]

My son has always been a fan of the buffet at Storytellers.