Where to Dine without kids

[Debrn]

We are planning a trip without kids and would like suggestions on top picks. We've done most of Epcot restaurants and character dining with kids. Also would we make out better using our TIW card or doing the DDP and TIW for drinks and appetizers?

 

[2Tiggies]

Have you done Le Cellier and the Cali Grill? You say without kids - are you wanting to "avoid" the rowdiness of family dining, or just looking for any nice suggestions? (I am not suggesting anything by that question, just to be clear- just wondering specifically what you would like in terms of suggestions)

If you do want a "quieter" meal, late dinner ressies are usually a better bet.

If you want totally adult atmosphere, there is always the V&A, but no DDP so you would have to pay OOP for that one and it is quite pricey, although apparently worth every penny.

Also, some of the deluxe resorts have good dining options. Epcot is probably the better of the theme parks when it comes to nicer restaurants, especially if you don't have kids with you and you say you have done most of those, so I am guessing you want to try something new. The other parks tend to go more the character/themed route.

 

[Debrn]

Sorry I meant dining without our kids. Anyone elses is fine. just looking for nice meals to enjoy on our own.

Have you done Le Cellier and the Cali Grill? You say without kids - are you wanting to "avoid" the rowdiness of family dining, or just looking for any nice suggestions? (I am not suggesting anything by that question, just to be clear- just wondering specifically what you would like in terms of suggestions)

If you do want a "quieter" meal, late dinner ressies are usually a better bet.

If you want totally adult atmosphere, there is always the V&A, but no DDP so you would have to pay OOP for that one and it is quite pricey, although apparently worth every penny.

Also, some of the deluxe resorts have good dining options. Epcot is probably the better of the theme parks when it comes to nicer restaurants, especially if you don't have kids with you and you say you have done most of those, so I am guessing you want to try something new. The other parks tend to go more the character/themed route.

 

[TDC Nala]

Victoria & Alberts does accept TIW if you eat in the main dining room. So if you want to go there, you'd be best off without DDP. If you might also be interested in trying Bistro de Paris, same thing - they take TIW, but not DDP.

I also would throw in a plug for the Swan/Dolphin restaurants, specifically Il Mulino and Bluezoo. again, not on DDP.

 

[Pakey]

Victoria & Alberts does accept TIW if you eat in the main dining room. So if you want to go there, you'd be best off without DDP. If you might also be interested in trying Bistro de Paris, same thing - they take TIW, but not DDP.

I also would throw in a plug for the Swan/Dolphin restaurants, specifically Il Mulino and Bluezoo. again, not on DDP.

I second these 4 choices.

 

[toy]

We actually enjoyed the Turf Bar and Grill at Saratoga Springs Resort. It was nice and quiet. The food was really good.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Unfortunately, I don't believe the fine restaurants at the Swan/Dolphin take either TIW or the DDP.
Citricos and the Flying Fish are two nice spots.
Can't help with the DDP/TIW question tho--too much math involved!!!

 

[Kathy Z]

Artist Point at the WL and Yachtsman Steakhouse were two favorite dinners on our December trip. The Smoky Portobello Soup at AP was the tastiest soup I've ever eaten.

 

[mef78]

Our favorites are Jiko, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Citricos, California Grill, and Le Cellier. Oddly, Shula's at the Dolphin is a good choice, too. Occasionally Narcoossee's is good. We tend to stick with our TIW card instead of getting the DDP -- we combine an AP discount on the room with the TIW card discounts and come out fine financially.

If you're looking for less expensive options, we like Boma, 'Ohana (mostly for the dessert), Kona Cafe, Liberty Tree Tavern for lunch, and Yak and Yeti. Chefs de France is great, but it's best to make an ADR for right when they open and request a window table.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

California Grill & Jiko.

 

[Silver Queen]

We have tried both the DDP and TiW and love TiW for the value and the ability to use it at most signature restaurants. Our plan is to always have one (which means someone has to get an AP) in the future. For a more adult meal we love Flying Fish, Citrico's, Jiko, Bistro de Paris, Narcoosees, Artist's Point, Cali Grill and Yatchmans, basically all of the signatures. If you decide to go with the DDP the non-signatures that we enjoy are Turf Club, Chefs de France, Grand Floridian Cafe, and Kona (for the food, atmosphere is not exceptional). we would also go back to Le Cellier and Mama Melrose. Tutto was just okay. Someday we'll try it again. Have fun planning your trip!

 

[ronnancyskinner]

There are a number of great places to eat around Disney not just in the park itself. My wife and I love Shullas for that once a month or so red meat experience. It is at the Dolphin Hotel. Further off the park is DelFriscos on Lee Rd ( I've seen Larry Bird there! ) in Winter Park just off I 4. Also Seasons 52 or Timpano's on Sand Lake Rd. There is also a Roy's on Sand Lake, another very good choice

Sand Lake Rd is only one or two exits east on I 4 from the downtown Disney exit. Very easy to get to. Lee rd is a little longer drive.

We went to Ohana's last Saturday as my sons birthday request. He left his children home so it was just us. The meal was okay, the service good and we waited until almost 10:30 for a 9:45 ressie. There were still LOTS of kids, mostly hungry, mostly tired, mostly noisy.

 

[kmk1180]

If your looking for a couples meal without kids...Jiko is the top pick
Hands down.

Others have said Cal Gril....only if you go AFTER fireworks. Well after.
Till then it's rampit with kids running around.

Like others have said...Artist Point, Narcossee's are also good choices.

 

[Grumpy92]

Definitely Citricos.
Other options: Yachtsmans St., Flying Fish, Cal Grill, Artist Pt.

 

[tmk0730]

Narcossee's is a top pick of DH's and mine for an adults only meal. We especially like watching the fireworks on the balcony outside.

 

[Pygoplites]

I agree with the previous posts regarding the signature restaurants. I've tried them all (most multiple times) and had mostly good to very good meals (and a number of memorable, truly exceptional meals).

If you have a car and are willing to dine off-property, I think Roy's is a great choice. I've dined at many different Roy's on the mainland (including Orlando) and in Hawaii and have always enjoyed my meals there. And even though I'm not a big fan of Emeril personally, I do have to admit that my dinner at Emeril's at Universal was really top-notch. Both of these places are as good as or better than most of the WDW Signature restaurants (and similarly priced).

Have a great trip!!!!