Special Occasion Dinner

[khurley23]

The 180 day point is fast approaching for my ADR's and sadly, I haven't even BEGUN looking at where to book. My 40th birthday will occur during my trip so I'm wanting to be sure to secure a reservation somewhere fantastic. It's been 7 years or so since my last trip to the World and at that time I think Le Cellier was our favorite meal. I'm hoping my trip will include free dining so I'd love some recommendations for an amazing meal that typically is involved in the dining plan.

 

[teacher31]

Can you give some more information? How big is your group and any children? Would you prefer in park or are you open to a resort?

 

[nanhol]

Hi khurley23!

I'm also celebrating my 40th bday at Disney this year! I'm planning two separate meals to celebrate my birthday (though of course the whole trip celebrates it!) I'm planning a date night with my husband at California Grill, I've (hopefully) timed it so we can watch the Wishes fireworks show right at the end of our meal. I'm also planning to celebrate with my husband & kids at Be Our Guest for dinner one night. I'm thinking of having a cake delivered to our room one day, rather than having it a dinner, as I don't want to deal with carrying the cake leftovers around the parks with us, as I'm sure my family will want the leftovers!

There are so many great options for a treat. La Cellier is a good option, but I think you should also consider one of the signature restaurants outside the parks. The signatures restaurants cost you 2 meals per person on the dining plan, but they are excellent meals. We have enjoyed Narcoossee's at the Grand Floridian in the past, as well as Yachtsman's Steakhouse at the Beach Club--of the 2, I preferred Narcoossee's.

Still on my list to try is Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge--I've heard wonderful things about it.

 

[khurley23]

Can you give some more information? How big is your group and any children? Would you prefer in park or are you open to a resort?

teacher31, It won't be a huge group but the numbers are to be determined. It could be as small as 2 but could be as large as 7. The only child who might be in the mix is 12. We are certainly open to being at a resort for the meal if that's our best option.

 

[khurley23]

nanhol, I also tried CA Grill at my last visit and it was delicious! I will have to check out the other 2 you mentioned, thank you for the ideas!

 

[khurley23]

So my plan for the day is AK, dinner at a signature restaurant, and then to MK for MNSSHP. I haven't booked my resort yet but am hoping for BC. With these locations and time crunch in mind, what do you suggest? I've looked at Yachtsman and Flying Fish with the thought that we could go to the room and change into costumes for MNSSHP but maybe I'd be smarter to just take the bus to somewhere with monorail access such as CA Grill or Narcoosee's?

 

[minnie mum]

I would suggest that you do your signature dinner on another night. Signature restaurants outside the parks don't even open until 5. You are permitted into MK on the party ticket at 4. So you would be blowing a minimum of 3 hours of party time. Probably more. It would make more sense to have a TS lunch either in AK or at Sanaa at AKL if you want something nicer. Then grab some CS in MK for a quick dinner.

 

[darkwing818]

OP if it's just dinner for 2, try dining at Victoria & Albert's (in the Grand Floridian) you will get you your "amazing meal" & a truly wonderful dining experience. It will be expensive; but worth it, IMO. We dined in the Queen Victoria Room for our 20th Anniversary & still talk about what a wonderful dinner we had.

 

[runmickeyrun]

Just celebrated my 50th while at the PHM. We ate at Narcoosees. It was wonderful.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Hi khurley23!



Still on my list to try is Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge--I've heard wonderful things about it.

OMG, do Artist Point if you can! We celebrated our 30th anniversary at AP, and from the time we checked in and the manager greeted us and escorted us to our lovely table where our complimentary champagne toast awaited, the whole experience was perfect. Ideal service, food, ambience-I can't say enough good about it.

 

[khurley23]

I would suggest that you do your signature dinner on another night. Signature restaurants outside the parks don't even open until 5. You are permitted into MK on the party ticket at 4. So you would be blowing a minimum of 3 hours of party time. Probably more. It would make more sense to have a TS lunch either in AK or at Sanaa at AKL if you want something nicer. Then grab some CS in MK for a quick dinner.

Thank you, I've actually decided it is way too much for one day and would probably stress me out. We've decided to do the MNSSHP a different night. For my bday, we will spend the day at AK and then have a nice leisurely dinner. This opens my dining choices wide open as well. Most of my party are red meat eaters (steak or a delicious lamb) but one person is after seafood.

 

[kastoney]

Since you will already at AK I would suggest Jiko. Their food is absolutely amazing. If you are looking for something 1 credit on the dining plan, then Sanaa is a good choice. As others have suggested California grill is also a great option.

 

[ibela]

Since you've already been to California Grill, I'd suggest Narcoossee's for dinner, then you can have a great view of the fireworks and they pipe in the music too. Or Citrico's. You really can't go wrong with any signature. For a 1-credit, probably Sanaa. For my birthday, I endeded up selecting Narcoosee's.