WDW newbie - have 3 PSs for "date night", need advice!

[jenjersnap]

My DH and I have been one exactly one date since our 16-month-old was born and 3 times since our 4-year-old was born. We are salivating at the thought of some time alone (Grandma is swooping in from northern FL to babysit, yahooooooo!). I have gone a little nuts and made 3 separate PSs but we're not sure which one would be best for us, both in terms of the food itself but acitivities before and after on our date.

Here are 3 options:

7pm at Fultons. Neither DH or I eat red meat and we had an interest in seeing PI so this was my first inclination and my first PS. Now I am hearing horrifying things about Fultons so I went through the menus at allearsnet and chose ...

6:30 pm at Narcoosees. Wishes is happening at 7 pm that night so timing is great. I thought GF might be a good date spot, we can see the decorations, maybe zip over to the Poly too and explore. Maybe hang around and see the water parade ... however, I have heard that Narcoosees isn't the most romantic spot in the world since it's loud ... so I also made ...

9 pm at California Grill. Very late for us, esp. cos we'll be doing EE at MK the next morning. Missing Wishes completely. Since the menu changes, we are less certain we'll find things that we like to eat. Still, sounds like CG is worth trying once. Probably the most romantic of the three places (?)

Which would you do? We are staying at FW cabins that night and wanted to stay somewhat close in case we need to run back. Any other ideas for *giggle* a fourth PS (yes, I am going to cancel the others once I decide!) that would be good for seafood-eating, nervous-to-leave-their-kids parents who want to stroll around looking at things on a date!? There are so many Epcot restaurants we're not trying this trip so far that I would be interested in, so I guess that's an option. Bistro de Paris looks most interesting to us. Oh, and Akershus. I lived in Norway for a year and love Norwegian food though I am quite sure DSs will NOT like it. It's probably noisy though, right? We are exploring the Epcot resorts on another day with the kids - we are going to Spoodles and Beaches and Cream (hopefully) so want to hold off going there.

Oh heck, someone just tell me my first three are good choices and specify which one is best in your opinion, please! Thank you so much!

 

[boucheresq]

Well, I love Fulton's and have never had a bad meal there. California Grill food is good but it can be a noisy place and I only like to go for the Wishes aspect. My dh and I are trying Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada) for a meal. AKL has Jiko's which I have heard is good and you could do a savannah romantic stroll afterwards.

 

[Forever42]

Out of your three, we've only been to CG, and had a terrific meal there, one of our favorites. The sushi was ENTIRELY overrated and overpriced, though, I'd stay away from that.

To both of you, Le Cellier is our favorite restaurant, and I'm not a red meat eater either (say that threet times fast). They have a lot of seafood options, and the pork chop they have currently is great. We consider it romantic, but that may just be because we love the food so much!

 

[tarheelmjfan]

My vote for a close restaurant with a romantic atmosphere would be Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge. I know it's not on your list, but you said it was okay to add a 4th. Salmon is their signature dish, and it's wonderful. Also, share the berry cobbler. WL is a quick boat ride from FW. There's even a walking path, but I wouldn't want to walk it at night. AP is quieter than alot of WDW restaurants. There are some children, but I've never seen one misbehave in there. You could not only see the WL decorations, but you could also spend some time rocking by the fire. Stroll the grounds & watch the geyser go off. Catch Wishes & EWP from the beach, although you can see them from FW beach too. Have you considered a carriage ride at FW, after dinner? I booked one as a surprise for DH & called ahead, and was told I was welcome to bring champagne & chocolates. I ordered the Mickey ice bucket from Disney direct, as one of his gifts, to chill the champagne in. Just a thought. Have a great date!

 

[lillygator]

My vote is for California Grill...you'll be past the firework crowd so it will more than likely be quiet...but also an excellent meal!

 

[BCV23]

We've dined at all three and I think I would pick Narcoossee's. Now I love CG...it is on my must do list every trip. And the view is beautiful. The food is great and service usually is too.

But as you said at Narcoossee's you could also stroll the beautiful grounds and see the GF's decorations. You could take the boat to the MK and then the small launch to the GF. After dinner you could perhaps walk over to the Polynesian...a very pretty stroll. From there you can walk to the TTC and catch the bus back to FW. We have found if we dine on the earlier side at Narcoossee's it is not loud and it enjoys a beautiful view of Seven Seas Lagoon. For Wishes you will probably have to go out on the porch.

Fulton's is on our do not return list but has been getting some good reports of late so maybe it has changed. But regardless, it is much further away and not as romantic.

 

[jenjersnap]

Thanks so much for all the great opinions, though it hasn't narrowed the field at all! LOL

I think we're leaning toward Narcoosee's right now. (That would be at 12:15 pm MST on Friday, however, might change by 12:20 ...) The time, the location just seem to be right for us. Now let's hope the food is up to standards.

Thanks again!

 

[elastigirl]

But as you said at Narcoossee's you could also stroll the beautiful grounds and see the GF's decorations. You could take the boat to the MK and then the small launch to the GF. After dinner you could perhaps walk over to the Polynesian...a very pretty stroll. From there you can walk to the TTC and catch the bus back to FW. We have found if we dine on the earlier side at Narcoossee's it is not loud and it enjoys a beautiful view of Seven Seas Lagoon. For Wishes you will probably have to go out on the porch.

ITA with this. I would choose Narcoossee's for those reasons.

How fun! I hope, no matter what you choose, you have a great romantic date!

 

[webray]

Never been to Fultons' but would love to try it. Narcoosees and CA Grill are definately not our adult only..out for a great meal favorites.

If you want atmosphere you can get a mediocre meal at CA Grill and see the fireworks..however the fireworks are much better viewed right from main street.

If you want a great meal and some time for good adult conversation..try Flying Fish over at the Boardwalk, you can walk the boardwalk afterwards, catch part of the fireworks from illuminations and stop by jelly rolls to enjoy the dueling pianos.

Another great meal..Jiko at AKL...you can then enjoy the lodge and the savannah..a romantic walk in the moonlight to observe the animals.

Artist Point..over at WL..also delicious...you just can't beat it..one of our all time favorites.

If you want to have a romantic dinner inside the parks..try Le Bistro over in EPCOT...WOW!!!

 

[tar heel]

FYI, you could take your kids to Akershus. They have an incredibly child-friendly kids' menu. Two of my kids think Akershus is great and the other thinks it's awful. He is a teen and had not planned to go with us last trip, but it was pouring rain and we talked him into staying. He got a grilled cheese sandwich that was served with grapes and goldfish crackers.

 

[jwfla422]

I also agree with AP, although it isn't on your list I think they atmosphere is very low key, cozy and romantic. Food is excellent and a slightly better value than Narcoossee's.

But if I were to choose those you listed then I guess I'd go for Narcoosee's. You can take a nice stroll around the GF grounds afterwards. And, just to throw my other choice, JIKO, although it is a bit of a ways away if you're wanting to be nearby. I'd pass on CG and Fulton's, just my opinion.

 

[okapi]

My picks IMHO:

A 5th choice: Citricos at GF - food there is excellent, it just doesn't have a view of MK or the Lake.

For view CG or Narcoose's - time it with fireworks and the pageant.
Narcoose's might be even better view for watching the water pageant.
And strolling sounds delightful!

Since you're not meat eaters - FF is another great option along the boardwalk.
I'd probably not do Fulton's and PI only because I think the two of you having a nice relaxing evening to yourselves without sharing it with dancin' partying people, sounds more romatic, but hey maybe having other adults around feels saner.

 

[randyl]

One restaurant that we have found to great for date night is Citrico's at the GF. We love the atmosphere, the menu and cuisine, and the service. I think it is one of the most overlooked restaurants in WDW but we love it and HIGHLY recommend it.

 

[Harambe]

Out of your three PS's, I'd do Narcoossee's. The food is excellent.

But if you still want to go to DTD, you could do the upscale restaurant at Wolfgang Puck's. It is upstairs from the cafe, I think they call it the Dining Room (?).