Where Take Grandparents For Fun Dinner?

[schweig]

My parents are meeting us at the airport (they are snowbirds) in Orlando on December 18 and taking us to the Grand Floridian. It is an early flight and we should be to GF by noon. We are planning on going to Downtown Disney and then taking them somewhere for dinner on property, but not in the parks. My parents go to Disney often, but NEVER eat anywhere special. Last time we were there we took them to 1900 Park Fare. Looking for something fun for them and our 8 year old daugher. Any suggestions??

 

[mjmcca]

Hmmm since you already took them to 1900 park fair what about chef Mickeys? or Ohana? or Rainforest cafe? Those are fun places that popped into my head.

 

[jann1033]

if your parents like rowdiness, go to whispering canyon( but don't get the skillet) we are grandparents and really liked it plus you can either join in or sit back and enjoy others being humiliated ! love the pork chops!

 

[Kae]

Ohanas. Great food & games for the DD

Kae

 

[MissionMouse]

Not in the parks

Well...I'm skipping the character meal stuff since you have done this at 1900 Park Fare and it sounds like you want something more. Since we are not going into a park I will suggest some places with excellent food while providing chances to see fireworks or parade if you schedule it at the right time, some just have great views and most have great selection in desserts and wines.

WHISPERING CANYON CAFE
(Wilderness Lodge)
All you care to eat barbecue favorites on a lazy susan in the center of your table within a rustic western setting.

CALIFORNIA GRILL
(Contemporary Resort- 15th Floor with Observation Deck)
Seasonal ingredients in inventive combinations with an emphasis on presentation within a modern/contemporary setting. Great place to watch MK Fireworks and also provides great views of the Magic Kingdom. There is also an observation deck on this floor that you enter from through the California Grill on the side closest to the castle.

OHANAS
(Polynesian Resort)
Polynesian dinner served family style with lazy susan with South Sea ambience. Everyone is called "cousin." Everyone loves the experience but be prepared to eat.

NARCOOSSEE's
(Grand Floridian)
Surf, turf, lam chops, and risotto. Great place to eat while watching MK Fireworks or the Electric Water Pageant, but your have to plan appropriately to see either of these events while you eat. No need to worry about traveling anywhere too, located down by the resort boat dock (not marina).

CITRICOS
(Grand Floridian)
Mediterranean cusine with a great dessert selection. View of the GF pool area and Seven Seas Lagoon. Right inside the main building of the Grand Floridian.

Hope this helps.

 

[CamColt]

I would recommend Ohana...great food and great atmosphere and lots of fun. However remember,not every seat has a view of the fireworks, so I wouldnt go specifically for that. We have eaten there twice and been nowhere near a window either time.

 

[sleepydog25]

Will echo suggestion for Whispering Canyon if they would be up for a rowdy time. Frankly, we thought the food was only average fare, but the boisterous antics of the servers made up for it. I'm sure your 8-yr old would love it. If you're looking for something a bit nicer, yet still enjoyable, you might try Artist Point at the same resort--WL. Adult-oriented menu (buffalo, venison spring rolls, Alaskan salmon & halibut to name a few) with a solid wine list makes it a delightful dining experience. Further, they do have a kid's menu. Our DD loved the Mickey mac-n-cheese and especially enjoyed the children's dessert: a candy puzzle that she put together then painted with edible gels. It's a treat designed to help the adults eat their own desserts in a more relaxing atmosphere. Oh, and try the berry cobbler yourself. It's scrumptious.

 

[jennymouse]

Why don't you all do The Hoop Dee Doo Review with them?

 

[barbeml]

You really can't go wrong with 'Ohana. That's where we have our arrival day dinner every trip. Very relaxing atmosphere that gets you into the WDW frame of mind instantly (the rum drinks don't hurt, either!)