Suggestions Please! Where should I have my Birthday dinner???

[WannabeAriel]

OK... so I would LOVE suggestions of where to have my Birthday dinner!!! If I were going to WDW I would do something like California Grill at Fireworks time!!! Are their any fireworks viewing dinner places in DL?

My one and only other trip to DL we ate at Ariel's Grotto... but isn't it a princess themed thing... now? I don't think I want to do it with just DH and I!!!

Also... are the restaurants as hard to get into as WDW restaurants? Like should I be concerned with making reservations as soon as possible?

 

[nunzia]

If you like food go to Napa Rose. If you like nice atmosphere and very good steaks go to Steakhouse 55. If you want pure Disneyland atmosphere go to Blue Bayou.

 

[Misskitty3]

We loved the food at Blue Bayou!

 

[fairycat]

See I love Napa Rose!!! It's like Victoria and Albert's in that they offer coursed menu's (though unlike V&A you can also get ala carte as well), but it was a lot less stuffy, as lot less "old" and the food was WAY better!!!!

Sadly there are no fireworks restaurants in DL, but part of that is because with the amazing castle details that have been added to the RDCT fireworks show if you can only see the sky you are missing half the show!

You can have a leisurely dinner depending one when you are going to see the Electrical Parade from the Wine Country Patio. They have simple italian food that is quite yummy!

If you like Japanese there is Yamabuki at PP hotel, that is very nice, I actually went for my birthday last year and had a blast!

As mentioned there is Steakhouse 55, which is exactly what you would think it's a steak place in the DL hotel.

And then inside the park is Blue Bayou, personally I wouldn't suggest it for dinner (since the prices jump and I dont think you get enough for it personally), but for a nice lunch I would say it is a must do! We don't all agree on the food (I like what I get and Sister likes what she gets, but I agree its not the best food I have ever eaten), but the atmosphere is amazing! It's actually inside the beginning of the POTC. If you go arrive early and request a waterside table it makes a HUGE difference!!

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

I just had dinner at Steakhouse 55 on Sunday night and it was very nice. My steak was phenomenal - you have to try their special rub - that steak is huge! Also, everyone at our table raved about their special mac and cheese - made with gouda, blue, and other. I loved the chef's stack of potatoes au gratin. (Leftovers were as good as the first day!)

That being said - we were Napa regulars - before our kids made that temporarily impossible (they are in that "no patience" for this grown-up crap stage ) We found the counter seating to be our favorite for a dinner for 2. If you let them know it's a special occasion, they will fuss over you - especially for dessert!

 

[WannabeAriel]

Just wanted to BUMP in case there were any other suggestions! I think Blue Bayou is a MUST since POTC is DH's absolute favorite ride of all time!!!

Also... (remember - I'm a DL newb) can anyone tell me about making reservations? I know places in WDW fill up fast. Is that the case at DL too? Do I need to count back the days and be prepared to call at the 180/60/30 day mark or anything???

How far in advance can you even schedule restaurants at DL???

 

[fairycat]

I believe that it is 60 days out for PS's at DL. And let me tell you unless you want to do the counter at Napa Rose (and even that might be easier) PS's are not nearly the fight to the death to get they are at WDW. In fact often times we have done walk ups, or even during the busy season called from the parks earlier in the day and got reservations for the same day. A nice feature is all the phones in the parks have free access to the dining line so if you want to add a meal while there you can.

 

[prncssmel]

I agree on Blue Bayou. We love it, and the atmosphere can't be beat. For another nice dinner, we really like Hook's Pointe. Good seafood and fantastic service.

 

[pixiewings71]

It's 60 days out at DL and how soon you need to call really depends on when you're going. I would do BB myself, but probably for lunch or if we went (or go as this is what I want to do for my bday dinner) for dinner we would share. There is a split plate fee of $5 for sharing.