Suggestions for Foodie Who Hates Disney?

[ksoehrlein]

A travel agent and I will be accompanying a school group to All Star Music for 4 nights in November. She literally hates Disney, so I've been helping her out with the group's WDW planning. She's originally from NYC, is well-travelled (natch), and is what I would consider a foodie. Any suggestions for dining that would impress her?

She's not sure she'll go into any of the parks ("Only if I absolutely have to," were her exact words), but if she does, I'm thinking the Brown Derby because of a funny Cobb salad story she told me recently. I love Boma and plan to drag her there if we rent a car. Any other suggestions? I really want her to see the non-school-tour-group side of Disney so she can see what's in it for grown-ups. I'm also looking forward to not paying the slightest bit of attention to what's on the kids' menus!

 

[__disneygirl]

Definitely go to California Grill!!

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

bluezoo at the Swan/Dolphin

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Pick where you'd like so when you hear the complaints that I think will be forthcoming no matter where you take her, you won't care.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If it affordable go to Victoria and Albert's. It will blow her away; even if she is used to high-end NYC restaurants.

I would also suggest getting her into Epcot and go to Bistro. When she sees what is available in a Park she will be surprised. Also this will get her into Woeld Showcase.

BTW, if she is a good travel agent she should be willing to go into all the parks so she can advise clients in the future.

 

[snowbunny]

In addition to those already mentioned:

Flying Fish on the boardwalk
Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge
Citricos in the Grand Floridian

 

[pammypooh]

I would go where I wanted to go and leave her out of it. It sounds like she is a downer on Dis and I would not want her pouting when I was there to have a nice time. Is this a friend? Anyway, Jiko has always been one of my favorites, as well as Artist Point. Hope you can still have a magical time in spite of her attitude.

Pam

 

[k5thbeatle]

"Suggestions for Foodie Who Hates Disney?"

How about she stays home and is replaced by someone who doesn't hate Disney? Is that an option?

 

[jarrdisney]

Foodie here, but I love Disney! That being said, aside from V&A's, Jiko, Artist Point, or Blue Zoo, I would not recommend many WDW restaurants. V&A's obviously being the top choice. I think the others I listed could be hit or miss. If you want a great meal I would travel off property to Emeril's restaurants. They have always been spot on.

 

[ksoehrlein]

BTW, if she is a good travel agent she should be willing to go into all the parks so she can advise clients in the future.

Hee hee, but then I'd be out of a job! She simply hands over her Disney clients to me and everyone's happy.

You know, k5thbeatle, you may be on to something. Maybe I can convince her to stay home and babysit while DH and I go to make sure the trip goes smoothly!

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'm a little leary of the prices, but hey, that's what my DDE card is for, right? How about some lunch-type places? Bistro and Brown Derby if we go into the parks. It's a 4-day trip, so I need 2 more lunches. Thanks for your help!

 

[WeluvDisney2]

Will the Epcot Food & Wine Festival still be going on while you are there? Assuming you are not chaperoning kids at the time, you could take her to Epcot to eat and drink around the world. Hey, even if she does not enjoy it, maybe she will seem not so annoying if you have all that wonderful wine under your belt.

 

[7onbuzz]

My suggestions would be: Citricos, Jiko, California Grill, and Artist Pointe. The DW and I have also had good luck with lunch at the Sushi bar in the Japanese area of Epcot. The food & wine festival is always enjoyable also.

I mostly agree with k5thbeatle, however. Leave her at home and enjoy yourself.

 

[haydenct]

...to make the case for Jiko. The food there is fantastic and the service there is impeccable. If you decide to go there, you MUST ask for Shellie L. to be your server. She is a certified sommelier, a terrific lady, and FUN!!!

 

[goodeats]

If you go to California Grill, avoid going near the fireworks time. It's much more pleasant imo around sunset.

 

[Joe&Peg]

I love Blue Zoo and V&A's near the parks, but the best Foodie experience in the Orlando area is Norman's (Norman Van Aiken) at the Ritz Carlton at Grand Lakes. The food is incredible and he has a signature dish tasting menu with wine parings that is definately cutting edge.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If you are looking for lunches, Brown Derby is quite good. Unfortunately Bistro is dinner only. A good lunch she might enjoy in Epcot would be at the Marrakesh in Morocco, I think that it is better than Chefs.

 

[DIS4MYGIRLS]

Blue Zoo ... for the person who really likes great dining. I do think it would be better for all to go with someone who wants to be there. Maybe she will realize it is a great place to be ...well in her case a not so bad place.

 

[LuvTony0508]

How could anyone hate Disney. Even if you're not a Disney fan, how could hate be an option??? I don't get it.