Swan/Dolphin restaurant reviews, please!

[elaine and the boys]

Staying at the Dolphin in February. I would welcome restaurant/dining reviews for any and all Swan/Dolphin eateries. Thanks so much!!

 

[Connears]

We have stayed at both Swan and Dolphin. Dolphin Fountain serves great burgers and casual fare in a nostalgic ice cream parlor atmosphere(similar to Beaches and Cream, which have also been to at Beach Club). Great ice cream and you can take it to go. Palio is wonderful italian restaurant, but I have heard it is going to change, but I don't know when, just that by xmas it will be under construction. I have not eaten at Shula's or Blue Zoo yet and have been to the new 24hr place that replaced Tubbi's. We absolutely love Fresh. We have eaten there twice and they had great brunch foods of all kinds and very good.
Connears

 

[elaine and the boys]

Thanks for your input! I've heard a lot of good reviews for Fresh. We'll have to try it out. Was wondering about the atmosphere in Bluezoo. My DH and DSs (17 & 14) and I thought we could try it out, but I don't want to if it is a formal affair. We want great food, but dressing up on vacation is not our scene!

 

[Connears]

Blue zoo is beautiful..we looked into the bar area last christmas. It is Todd English's restaurant..kind of upscale and Very expensive, but fantastic seafood menu. You can see it at swandolphin.com with menu. I think teenagers would be fine there.

Connears

 

[jwfla422]

Palio is one of our favs, very sad about the change but hopefully it'll be just as good when it's complete.

We had the pleasure of finally trying out BLUE ZOO a few months ago. It was very good. Top notch service and excellent food. I had the snapper which was superb and the presentation was quite impressive. I'd like to go back again next trip.

We eat at FRESH everytime we stay at the S/D (either). We enjoy their made to order buffet items. The service is always good as well. I also like the Sunday brunch where you have the option to have eggs after 11:30, not an easy thing to find at the WDW resorts after that time.

We eat at Garden Grove on the days we don't go to FRESH or don't want a big breakfast although they do have a buffet. I usually just grab a bagel and some coffee. Gulliver's has a relaxing dinner with characters. Much more relaxing atmosphere that at the other character dinners. The buffets are usually good but I think they can use a menu "revamp" as the items on their menu are getting a bit "tired". I have a feeling this may be the next change after Palio is complete?

WE also like both Splash Grille and the Cabana Cafe which are located at the pool areas of the S/D. Very convenient.

Keep in mind you are also within walking distance of the many restaurants located at the YC, BC & BW resorts. Lots to choose from.

 

[elaine and the boys]

JWFLA422,

Thanks for the suggestions. Our plan is to eat at our resort on the evening we arrive. We're driving, so if all goes as usual, we should be arriving at the Dolphin around 4:30-5:00pm. After two days of driving, unpacking and having dinner is more than enough activity. Perhaps a restaurant that's a bit more casual (than bluezoo) would be better for our first night. Your other suggestions are very helpful. Thanks!

 

[jwfla422]

If this is for your Feb trip maybe Palio will have re-opened as the "new" restaurant. Gulliver's is always a relaxing, but "get you in the mood for WDW" first night's dinner. It's nice to see some characters the first night. But, it is a low-key, laid back dinner with lots of "eating" choices.

 

[elaine and the boys]

We've never done a character meal before....in fact, with teenage sons, my husbamd and I never really considered it as an option. What do you think? Do the older kids...boys, especially...enjoy the experience with the characters?