Suggestions For 1st Time Visitors

[viluvsdisney]

Hi! We have a group of 4 first time visitors (and 1 return visitor) headed to WDW the week of July 5th. They're all 18 years old and celebrating their high school graduation together. The return visitor to WDW is our son and he's hoping to "wow" his friends at a meal out in the parks one night. I think by "wow" he means the theming inside the restaurant. Probably nothing too fancy since it's a group of 18 year olds - lol. Price isn't too much of an issue - this will be a "gift" meal that parents are buying as their celebration meal. They'll be in the parks July 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th. They have reservations for each park (MK, AK, DS and Epcot) so we're open to any suggestions. Which restaurant would you suggest that really makes an impact for first time guests? Thanks!

 

[JessicaW1234]

Be our guest in Magic Kingdom.

 

[Heather07438]

Some ideas-

California Grill for the views. Feels very celebratory (Contemporary)

Coral Reef, cool with the aquarium (Epcot)

I really like Tiffins too in AK. It fits perfectly as adventure/journey themed. Inspirational at their stage in life. Fantastic restaurant.

hmmm... Some of the World Showcase restaurants may work too. Chefs du France is fun at a window seat feels in the middle of all the action. Orif you can stand the heat a place outside?

 

[wdwrule]

There’s quite a few but I think San Angel Inn in Epcot has a great, unique atmosphere. It’s not over the top pricey compared to some.

 

[Wayland10]

I agree with San Angel Inn or Biergarten for atmosphere. I doubt teenage boys would like the polka band as much, though I could be wrong! Maybe Teppan Edo if you don’t have a lot of hibachi near you?

 

[MMR76]

I think Teppan Edo would be fun for them!

 

[Kerr84]

Sci-Fi

 

[CynBeth]

MK - BOG
Epcot - Coral Reef, Chefs de France, or Tutto Italia
DHS - 50’s PTC
AK - Rainforest Cafe

 

[ENJDisneyFan]

These are what I consider the most uniquely Disney in each park. They happen to have good food as well

MK - BOG
Epcot - San Angel Inn
DHS - Sci Fi
AK - Yak and Yeti

 

[viluvsdisney]

Sci-Fi

I forgot about Sci-Fi - that's a fun one

 

[viluvsdisney]

I'm thinking BOG and Sci-Fi?? Any thoughts on CRT?

 

[Marthasor]

I'm thinking BOG and Sci-Fi?? Any thoughts on CRT?

Definitely Sci-Fi!!! Based themed restaurant in WDW, IMHO. I think the interior of BOG is more impressive than CRT, but CRT has the "dining in THE castle" element. Based on personal experience, I would probably lean toward BOG.

 

[need2travel]

Epcot-Via Napoli (It's pizza, 'nuff said) or San Angel Inn (cool theme)
HS-Sci Fi (great theme)
MK-Skipper Canteen (Major Jungle Cruise vibe)
AK-Yak & Yeti (great food)

Hope they have a great trip!

 

[viluvsdisney]

Epcot-Via Napoli (It's pizza, 'nuff said) or San Angel Inn (cool theme)
HS-Sci Fi (great theme)
MK-Skipper Canteen (Major Jungle Cruise vibe)
AK-Yak & Yeti (great food)

Hope they have a great trip!

These are great suggestions. I've seen Skipper Canteen come up a few times on other threads as a favorite - I've not been yet - food is good?

 

[leannak]

I bet they'd like Sci-Fi but from what I remember if they're seated in a "car" which is the most fun, the group wouldn't be facing each other and able to talk as well. So I would vote it as a fun restaurant for them to go to, but not for their big celebratory dinner.

 

[need2travel]

These are great suggestions. I've seen Skipper Canteen come up a few times on other threads as a favorite - I've not been yet - food is good?

We've been twice & the food is really good. DH & I both loved the chicken & he also enjoyed the steak & I really like the pork as well. He ate there another time as part of a school trip-he's a HS band director. All the chaperones had dinner together & all 8 of them really enjoyed everything they had.

 

[loves to dive]

I agree with most of the above.

MK-Skippers Canteen but that might depend on how adventurous eaters they are. I'm not sure BOG would appear to teenagers, might if they are girls but boys might not be too impressed. It always reminds me of a cafeteria if you are in the ballroom because it's so big and can get noisy.
AK - We are huge fans of Tiffins.
HS - Here is a problem for us. Sci-Fi is o.k. as far a cool factor with sitting in the cars and watching the old movies but the food isn't all that great. 50s Prime Time is fun if you like the interaction with the wait staff but the food is way too heavy for us, might be good for a group of teenagers though since it's just good old fashioned home cooking type food. My son always enjoyed Hollywood Brown Derby even as a teenager but he has always been a bit of an old soul.
Epcot - I agree San Angel is fun as far as atmosphere but if they aren't used to more real Mexican instead of Tex Mex they might not like it. It is a small restaurant so can get crowded and noisy and we have found the service to be hit and miss. I was at WDW last week and peeked in the restaurant while in line for the ride and noticed they were seating every table instead of leaving space so if that bothers them in Covid times it might not be a good choice. Just about all the TS restaurants in Epcot have something going for them, they might enjoy the pub atmosphere at Rose and Crown even if they can't order alcohol but you really can't go wrong with any of them.