Where to eat for Bday dinner after day at Animal Kingdom Park party of 9?

[sleepingbean]

I will have 9 people, 4 young kids, 5 adults, and I want to have a fun birthday dinner! We'll be at Animal Kingdom Lodge that day, and we'll be staying at Coronado springs most likely (maybe Wilderness Lodge).

So, where should we go to eat for my bday dinner?!
I am stumped on this one!
Edited to add: I tried Rainforest Cafe, but they said they can't seat a party of nine. I really don't want to be split up for my bday dinner!

 

[nannerbadnanner]

We have a party for 9 for our next trip, and it has been hard getting one table for that size group. Restaurants where we were given one table was Primetime, Concourse Steakhouse, Biergarten, and Akershus, and Chef Mickeys. I also called at 180 days out so that wasn't the reason we couldn't get one table at most places.

We didn't try for reservations at the AKL so I don't know what party sizes they can accomodate.

Good luck and Happy Birthday.

 

[familyS]

I would try for Boma at AKL.

I checked out some dining room photos and it looked like they had tables that could be moved to handle large parties. Try for an early (5pm) adr.

 

[ugadog99]

I was thinking Boma, too. However, if you want a loud and silly birthday celebration, then maybe Whispering Canyon?

 

[Bichon Barb]

I would take a bus over to AKL and eat at Boma. We had a party 18 in October, and doing a "buffet" was definitely the least confusing way to go. It's a fun place to eat.

 

[wendypooh]

Well, it really depends on your budget, food preference, atmosphere you desire. What are you wanting?

If you are looking for something Fun - Hoop de doo, Whispering Canyon Cafe, The Spirit of Aloha Luau.

You could also eat at Cinderella's Royal Table, which is where I ate my b-day dinner!!! It was wonderful!!!!!
If your party doesn't mind eating later in the evening you could possibly arrange your ADR to be able to see the fireworks.

Or you could book the Fantasmic dinner package at MGM.

We also enjoy Coral Reef, my DS loved the tank - though I doubt a party of that size would all be at the same table - you'd be close though maybe.

There are some good steak places, again this will depend on budget - We like the Yachtsman, the Concourse is also good.

You could also do a Character dinner.

You can look on Allears at menu's and that may help you to decide. I'd say go look at the menu's, decide on a couple that look good, then ask for reviews on those.

I'd be a little wary of Boma though, while it is very good, my DS (who is an adventurous eater) did NOT like it. The foods and flavors are different, they are African and may not be the best choice for the entire party.

Also, as a side note, you can call dining at your resort or central dining and order a b-day cake, cinderella slipper dessert, choc. cov. strawberries....... etc. I had the slipper for my b-day and it was fantastic ~~ Keep in mind though that it must be ordered in advance and pre-paid, you CANNOT get it off the menu.

Good Luck!!

 

[SnwflkCts]

Although transportation may be some sort of issue ... I think 'Ohana at the Polynesian would be fun for a party of 9. The food is plentiful and served family style and depending on timing, you can go watch Wishes on the beach! (or if late enough from within the restaurant).

 

[sleepingbean]

I love these ideas! And thank you for the reminder to order a dessert in advance! We have food allergies, so I know some places are more appealing for our group then others (for example, we can't eat dairy or gluten, and one other member is allergic to all shellfish/seafood).

We have one 6 year old in the group who is the pickiest eater in the WORLD!

It will be an adventure just dining out! We do have two ADR at Whispering Canyon for our trip, but not on that night. I have not heard of several of the pre mentioned places so I'll have to go look them up!

We did eat at Boma last time. It is a good option. I wasn't impressed with the noise level at Boma, but the selection of food was good overall (It was actually quite limited for us Gluten Free Dairy Free folks and the dessert selection was kind of sad for the two of us! LOL but everyone else loved it!!!)
But hey, it is MY birthday...

Somehow, I will be turning 30 . I guess that explains why I don't look like a teenager anymore!

 

[SnwflkCts]

I also forgot to say that 'Ohana has coconut races and the limbo for the kiddos to do ... some sing-along but it is not intrusive. Just in general a FUN ATMOSPHERE.

now ... the no dairy, gluten, shellfish thing ... I am not sure about that!!!!!!!!!!!! Arg ... you are on a true adventure!

... I am WAY WAY WAY over 30 and sad to say looking LESS like a teenager and everyone calls me "ma'am" now!

 

[sleepingbean]

I am getting the Ma'am comment lately too! LOL
I am still undecided as to where to have this big bday dinner!

 

[minnieluvzmickey]

We went to Disney once with a friend of mine who has to have a gluten free diet. When we made our ADR's we made sure to have it noted that a gluten free diet was needed for someone in our party.

At every restaurant the chef would come out and talk to her and at most places prepared a special meal just for her. They were really great at Whispering Canyon!

At the buffets they would take her through the whole buffet line and help her make choices that were gluten free. I thought it was really nice!