Where to eat first night outside parks with a group

[danicaw]

Is that enough questions for one thread?

We will be a group of 7 adults and an infant (hubby, I and our soon to be new baby boy, and all our parents). I was thinking it would be fun to dine somewhere the first night to get us in the disney spirit, but I am also wanting something casual and outside the parks. Maybe something at Downtown Disney? or at a resort? the boardwalk?

Thanks guys. I would love your imput.

 

[sunking]

we have done chef mickeys at the contemporary on our arrival night the last three trips down and are looking forward to eating there again in june...it is a nice buffet with characters and puts us in the disney mood...if you plan it right, you can go up to the observation deck after dinner and watch the fireworks at the the magic kingdom...very nice......
have a great time....
sunking

 

[jx3smom]

Ohana at the Poly would be a fun place to start your vacation. We also like Cape May at the Beach Club. Boma is also a very cool buffet. For a casual meal Downtown there is Planet Hollywood or Rainforest Cafe.

 

[BCV23]

If you want to order from a menu as opposed to a buffet, Kona might be a nice choice. Great food. You could make a loop on the monorail, too to get in the spirit. Or take the ferry and try to time it with the fireworks.

 

[AspiringCindy]

House of Blues and Wolfgang Pucks are both very good at Downtown Disney.

 

[CarolMN]

Another vote for Boma's. The AKL is such a beautiful hotel - after (or before) dinner you can walk around the lodge or go outside to view some of the animals. The buffet offerslots of choices, so everyone is sure to find something to love.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[CarrieAP]

O'hanas is our favorite dinner together with the family resaurant. The atmosphere is perfect: relaxed, not stuffy, and fun for the kids with the activities that allow them to get up and burn off some steam. Price is reasonable and as served family style better than a buffet as you can remain seated and chat with one another. Some in our party were hesitant about eating there last year, but we had such a great experience that it is on our must do list now for every trip. Plus, it's enjoyable to stroll the grounds of the Poly and even get a nice tropical drink before dinner.

 

[*Flower*]

The only guests that are allowed on the observation deck now are those who are dining at the California Grill.

It used to be that you could go to the bar at CG and thus were able to go out onto the observation deck, but not anymore. Hotel guests and others are now routed to a viewing area on the 4th floor (I hear) for FITS viewing.

Have a great trip!!

 

[kestral]

Hi Danica!

I ate at both Ohana's and the Boma buffet a month ago. Here's my thoughts:

Ohana's is relaxing in that you do get to sit around the table together - but it is definitely children oriented entertainment (don't think your wee boy will be up to that yet!) When the entertainment starts, conversation stops a bit. But it was cute (coconut races on the hardwood floor. hula lessons) We were there with a group of fun loving adults and we enjoyed it. the view of the MK castle is nice (although it looked farther away than i expected) Unfortunately the night we were there, no MK fireworks. But we did see the electric water parade as we strolled after dinner. And the Ohana's food - it was good, it was fun, it wasn't spectacular. But it was satisfying.

Boma dinner buffet was - well, it was out of this world. The Animal Kingdom lodge itself was spectacular. An incredible sight, and great to look at the animals out back. The buffet food was really remarkable. I wish I was a cow - so I could have had 4 stomachs and more room for all of the delightful, different and expertly prepared dishes!!

And of course families are welcome there also.

So - are the 7 adults in your group interested in an interesting food experience, or just sitting down and relaxing?

No matter which you choose you'll get that great Disney service.

Hey - maybe you should just go to both during your trip

Kes

 

[Tiiiigergirl]

I wish I was a cow - so I could have had 4 stomachs and more room for all of the delightful, different and expertly prepared dishes!!

LOL! I thought I was the only one who felt that way!

 

[Ncrnation]

That's what we're doing March 31st! Last time I was there I ate so much I thought i was going to be sick. Such a great selection and that hotel is a must see.

Jenn

 

[danicaw]

Thank you all for your suggestions.
Oh, I am getting hungry already.

I agree with all you Boma lovers, its wonderful. We stayed at AKL last sept and enjoyed a breakfast and dinner before we left. Yummmm!

I think I will review some of the menus, which will make me more hungry. Ugh!
We are a group with diverse food preferences. So, a buffet with lots of options would work out well.

Thanks again guys.