Special Occasion Epcot Meal

[o2bnoz]

Hi,
I am planning a special surprise 50th birthday trip for my husband. We have a son and he will be 6 at the time of the trip. My son's favorite park (and mine as well!) is Epcot. My plan is that we will be at Epcot on my husband's birthday and have a meal there and then see Illuminations. I'm thinking of doing the cruise for the Illuminations show for something really special.

I am trying to decide which restaurant for the meal. My husband is of German descent, but he loves everything about France. I haven't heard any positive reviews on the Germany restaurant. I have heard some good reviews of Chefs De France. I always hear great things about Le Cellier, but not sure that it would be the best choice for a themed experience with my son. What about Askershus for dinner?

I'm very confused. Any ideas? The only restaurants I've been to at Epcot are The Moroccan restaurant and Coral Reef a couple of times.

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!

Thank you! Dee

 

[TDC Nala]

The cruise does not leave from Epcot, it leaves from the Yacht Club, so make sure you have enough time for the dinner (if you want it to be inside Epcot) and to make it back to the Yacht Club for boarding. Akershus - are your husband and son into princesses?

 

[o2bnoz]

Thank you! Exactly the kind of stuff I need to know! I have only heard of the cruise, so didn't know where it departed. I will leave enough time... I have some time before I can book the dinner reservations, so early planning is on my side, here!

Have you been on the cruise? Is it worth it?

My son is into anything Disney! He probably is not into princesses as much as some of the other characters, but he would be excited by any part of it, I think. My husband will be happy to look at princesses He doesn't know how much he loves Disney yet But he will find out!

I am a fan of the whole experience... so very easy to please

Thanks!
Dee

 

[RMulieri]

We loved both Biergarten and Les Chefs de France. But for a birthday meal i would go with Les Chefs.

 

[TDC Nala]

I've been on the cruise. They leave from the Yacht Club, cruise up the river to Studios, cruise back, park the boat under the bridge between England and France and you watch the show from there. I've only been with a bunch of friends, not as a family outing. You may want to check and see if the cruise is shared with other parties or if it will be a private one with just your family and what the costs are accordingly.

 

[LeeLee'sMom]

Auskerhaus is great for character interaction. The princesses were fabulous and spent quality time at our table. However the food was okay. I would probably go with Chef de France. I believe Remy from Ratatouille does make an appearance or two..most definitely at lunch but I believe he does pop out for dinner..

 

[ReggieB]

The price for a cruise is a flat rate, and you don't share the boat with another family. However people on the DIS, to help save the pennies, will offer other parties the chance to "share" their boat. So you can split the cost. This is something that is worked out privately not through Disney. The pontoon boats fit up to 10 people.

We did this last year, just the 3 of us. It was a bit on the pricey side, around $300 but we really enjoyed it. We had Cap't Michael Scibetta, he was fab!

Les Chefs would be a good choice, as you are not too far from the International gateway, so you can saunter across to the Yacht Club dock easily. I went there a few years back, and enjoyed it. We had a good meal at Akershus last year too. Though if you want to meet all the Princesses, that might slow you down if you have to then get across to the Yacht Club, plus it's more of a walk.

 

[TDC Nala]

I believe Remy from Ratatouille does make an appearance or two..most definitely at lunch but I believe he does pop out for dinner..

His last appearance is scheduled at 5:20 and guests are unlikely to see him after 6 PM. He does not appear at all on Sundays.

 

[Golf4food]

Does it have to be a 1 TS credit restaurant inside Epcot? If not, I'd suggest the Yachtsman Steakhouse - you'll be right by the dock for the cruise already and the food will be better.

(Btw, the Biergarten in Germany is great, especially if you can be there during one of the band's shows. Not the greatest German food, but good - if slightly Americanized, of course - and filling with tons of options. Not really a "special occasion" place, though.)

 

[o2bnoz]

Thank you everyone! This is all really helpful.

I think that I'm going to plan for a dinner at Chefs De France and then walk over to get the boat for the Illuminations cruise. I think that will be a lovely evening. I really want to eat in the park that evening since it will be our first day there, and I want to get as much of the Disney experience as I can.

I knew that the Illuminations Cruise would be pricey. I remember the posts on the boards, last year, of people who were hoping to share part of the cruise. I think I will do that as it gets closer. I don't really mind sharing the boat with others, as long as they're fun!

We will have another day at Epcot later in the week and I'm thinking that we will try one of the other Countries for lunch. Maybe Germany at that time.

Is it still 90 days out before you can make a reservation?

And what time do you think I should make the ADR at Chefs in order to have time to get to the boat?

Also.... was it a really great experience seeing illuminations from the water?

Thank you again!

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Bistro (upstairs) is a wonderful experience, and a very special place. You can have a cake (special order) delivered to your table for his birthday.

If he loves French food, then upstairs is more authentic than downstairs. (Although downstairs, Chefs, is quite nice. Just be sure to know what to order...).

Have you thought about Marrakesh? It can be wicked fun there! The food is usually quite nice, although they have changed the menu to reflect a less authentic experience.

You could also leave the park and have dinner at Yachtsman's Steak House. That is a lovely place for a good meal, and if you are really lucky you will have Ricardo for your server.

 

[o2bnoz]

I've never even heard of Bistro!?! Wow... a whole new idea! Tell me more about that. It's another restaurant above the Chefs De Paris?

And I've been to Marrakesh and had a great time, years ago, but I'm not sure my husband would appreciate it as much.

Tell me more.. ;o)

 

[Pumbaa_]

for a wonderful meal i would wander over to either yachtsman or flying fish. easy to get to then wander over to the boat

have a great time!

 

[Robert P]

Inside Epcot, I'd say Bistro de Paris.

Outside in the BW area, Flying Fish. But don't forget about the restaurants at the Swan/Dolphin. They are pretty close by to the cruise marina as well.

 

[TDC Nala]

Is it still 90 days out before you can make a reservation?

180 days.

I have seen Illuminations so many times I can't say whether it was a great experience watching it from the water or not. It looks the same. The only difference is you're sitting in a boat and there's nobody standing in front of you.

I don't recommend Bistro de Paris for young children, although you can bring them there.

 

[ROEDISNEY]

I like LC but my meal at France was one of the best meals I have had in Disney and I been to most of the resturants. I definately say go there.
Have a Magical Trip.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

I've never even heard of Bistro!?! Wow... a whole new idea! Tell me more about that. It's another restaurant above the Chefs De Paris?

And I've been to Marrakesh and had a great time, years ago, but I'm not sure my husband would appreciate it as much.

Tell me more.. ;o)

Well, it's upstairs over Chefs du France, and has a more elaborate menu. There is a degustation menu, and because it is so involved they will let you share. There are multiple courses so you won't be hungry! It's a leisurely pace (the degustation menu) so be prepared for at least a two hour meal if you choose that.

There are tables along the windows, so you could request to be seated at one of those. Then there would be a view of illuminations if you were there during that time.

You don't have to "dress" but they will give you those little frowning faces if you show up in sweaty park touring clothes.