The Wave or Narcoosees?

[leebee]

We currently have an ADR for Narcoosees at 8:30pm on 12/23. The plan was to have dinner here and watch the fireworks. Unfortunately a medical bill is helping me re-think the budget for this trip, so I'm looking at our dining plans to help with that. I've been hearing good things about The Wave lately, and I know that one can see the fireworks from the deck of the Contemporary (or the deck at California Grill, but will we be allowed to go up to the bar at 9:30pm or will they be packed?). I am strongly considering changing our plans and going with The Wave instead of Narcoosee's, but I know that if I let that ADR go, I'll never get it back. I guess I am looking for opinions/input. Is The Wave as good as I've been hearing? I know it's not a signature so can't do a direct comparison, but... will I be disappointed, do you think? Also, what time would you pick for an ADR with fireworks at 10pm?

 

[Pumbaa_]

For a signature I would do 8 or 8:30, depending on planned cocktail imbibing

I doubt very very highly you will be allowed up to CG bar. It’s just too busy during Christmas

However, the viewing platform floor 7 I think? Should be an option. But I would get there an hour early. Since it is the season.

Have you considered any other options? Like Trails End? A completely different direction, great view of water parade, good comfort food, not good view of fireworks

Different time of the year could have different options. But Christmas has unprecedented crowds.

 

[Christine]

Well, I like The Wave. I am glad that you are going into it, though, with not even expecting it will be at the same level of food or experience or ambiance.

I've had dinner at The Wave twice (2018 and 2019) and breakfast once (2018). It's always been a decent meal.

This last trip, we all really enjoyed dinner there. Part of that had to with the fact that I was traveling in a large party and, for the night we went to The Wave, we broke off into a smaller group of 5. We were seated in one of the curved booths (rather than a table which I think makes a difference), my waiter was perfect, service was perfect, and all our dishes were enjoyable. As far as entrees go, there's isn't some huge selection, which is nice. They have some interesting appetizers. Food was solid for what it was, and actually we had our favorite desserts there of the trip. I had a seasonal dessert flight and my DD had the chocolate dessert flight and they both just hit the spot.

I can't say if it was just our frame of mind or what, but it was one of our favorite experiences this last trip if not for the simplicity and quiet. It seemed every other place we ate (Citricos, Homecomin') were EXTREMELY loud (but good).

Honestly, I do hate recommending places because it can be so hit or miss with people's tastes but we find The Wave to be enjoyable for us.

Among us we had the Tenderloin, Short Ribs, Noodle Bowl, Cauliflower Taco, Crab Cakes (didn't care for these) and seared gnocci.

 

[Welsh_Dragon]

We currently have an ADR for Narcoosees at 8:30pm on 12/23. The plan was to have dinner here and watch the fireworks. Unfortunately a medical bill is helping me re-think the budget for this trip, so I'm looking at our dining plans to help with that. I've been hearing good things about The Wave lately, and I know that one can see the fireworks from the deck of the Contemporary (or the deck at California Grill, but will we be allowed to go up to the bar at 9:30pm or will they be packed?). I am strongly considering changing our plans and going with The Wave instead of Narcoosee's, but I know that if I let that ADR go, I'll never get it back. I guess I am looking for opinions/input. Is The Wave as good as I've been hearing? I know it's not a signature so can't do a direct comparison, but... will I be disappointed, do you think? Also, what time would you pick for an ADR with fireworks at 10pm?

Could you just have appetisers and pudding at Narcoosee?

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I actually don't like Narcoosee's. I find the menu to be quite limited and the service to be very hit or miss. The Wave is good, but I don't know if I would want to rely on the 4th floor observation deck for viewing fireworks that night as it may be packed. Does GF Cafe have availability? It's lovely, has very good food and you can then simply walk to the marina or the boat dock (that is right next to Narcoosee's!) to view the fireworks. 8:30 pm would be a good time for any of these restaurants.

 

[rosiebean]

I actually don't like Narcoosee's. I find the menu to be quite limited and the service to be very hit or miss. The Wave is good, but I don't know if I would want to rely on the 4th floor observation deck for viewing fireworks that night as it may be packed. Does GF Cafe have availability? It's lovely, has very good food and you can then simply walk to the marina or the boat dock (that is right next to Narcoosee's!) to view the fireworks. 8:30 pm would be a good time for any of these restaurants.

I can second the recommendation for GF Cafe. Our dinner and lunch there was really wonderful, and viewing the fireworks from the grounds at GF I think will be much less crowded than it would be on the observation deck at the Contemporary. But if your ADR options are either Narcoosee’s or the Wave, our meals at the Wave have been really good, so it’s a nice option.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

I'm sorry to hear about the medical bill and hope, most of all, that you and your family are well.

We've done Narcoossee's almost every year for Christmas and based on experience, I think CG and Narcoossee's are the two best spots for dinner if you time it correctly. Taste is subjective, though. We LOVED Narcoossee's from a service and food perspective and personally we'd find a way to make it work... but everyone is different.

Someone else mentioned GF Cafe and I'd agree. Anyone can really watch the fireworks from Narcoossee's.... I think they restrict access to part of the restaurant, but you can watch from the pier (I THINK).

Another option could be eating elsewhere, then going to GF and watching the fireworks, then going to check out the gingerbread display, etc.

Maybe to save costs you could eat at Contempo Cafe or if it's nice outside, go to Trader Sam's or Capt. Cook's and eat outside, then hop on the monorail to GF.

Don't restrict yourself to GF or Contemporary just because that's where you'll be watching the fireworks from.

Oh yeah... we enjoyed The Wave. Unfortunately we dined there the year we all got sick. My mom and sister were recovering (NOT SICK FROM THE WAVE OR DISNEY FOOD)... and then I caught the virus, so we were all pretty wonky. Plus, the food there is a bit more rustic New American than we're accustomed to... but had we dined there a year or two ago, we would have enjoyed it much more.

 

[leebee]

I'm sorry to hear about the medical bill and hope, most of all, that you and your family are well.

Thanks. I somehow ended up with orbital cellulitis. Played around with some daily outpatient IV and oral antibiotics, then ended up hospitalized, tethered to an antibiotic IV round the clock for 5 days. I have pretty good insurance but there are still deductibles, co-pays, etc., and the car needs snow tires and we have other holiday plans to consider (family reunion seriously, look forward to this each year) AND it's the holidays, so... Trying to stay budget-friendly for the trip to Florida. (Haha, my post about "Flying Fish or Bluezoo" isn't gonna cut it, is it?) The best news is that my eye itself was barely involved and has healed nicely; no worries about losing my sight, and that's the best Christmas gift I could have!