Where to go for a Birthday Dinner?

[SorcererDonald16]

I'm in need of some advice. I will be in the World in May, staying at Wilderness Lodge. My second full day there is my 25th birthday. I'm trying to figure out where to go for dinner as ADR time is approaching and really need some help! I'm still completely at a loss for what to do.

I've eaten at California Grill at fireworks time before, but sadly the WDW calendar says no MK fireworks on my birthday. Already planning on eating at Chefs de France, Kona, Chef Mickey's, and Brown Derby this trip, so it would need to be somewhere else.

I don't want Victoria & Albert's fancy as I am a bit of a picky eater (hate seafood and beef that is not well-done, among other things) and that setting is just too formal for my taste. Atmosphere is really important to me for this, but having some food I would like is important too. Ex. Loved Sci-Fi's atmosphere, hated their food. Price is also a concern to an extent.

Tell me where you would have your birthday dinner in WDW or where you've had it (and in that case, how much you enjoyed it).

Thanks all!

 

[Pakey]

First of all, Coral Reef does have non-seafood dishes there. We eat there every trip and DS31 and DS28 both hate fish/seafood but enjoy a well done steak there. The atmosphere is very unique and the "kids" have both said that their steaks were very good.

Both of these DS's sound like you regarding seafood, well done meat. Their favorite places to eat are different. One of them loves JIKO and one loves Le Cellier. Although for DS31's last birthday, we went to Whispering Canyon Cafe and he loved that.

For me, I would pick V&A and then Ca Grill but since you have crossed that off your list, I would then pick JIKO.

 

[lilgurl25]

we just got back on sunday and had ds 6th b-day at hoop dee dee dinner review at pioneer hall on wilderness lodge. what a great time he had. it was a great, fun atmosphere with unlimited ribs and fried chicken with all the fixins'. i highly recommend it.

 

[SorcererDonald16]

Thanks to you both for your suggestions. I thought about Hoop-de-Doo, but that is a lot of money for even the cheapest of seating areas, and I don't know if we will have that much to spend on one meal. Beyond that, the trip is a family trip with my parents, and my mom especially cannot stand a ton of noise while she eats. Which makes me think things like Hoop-de-Doo and WCC are out (although I may sneak in a lunch at WCC one day anyway ).

I do like a good steak if cooked properly. Also love chicken. My problem is I'm just a picky eater, I guess. Coral Reef does intrigue me. My dad always wanted to eat there since he, incidently, loves seafood (that gene clearly skipped me ). Although, Le Cellier has always intrigued me also... hmm.

If I could do anything, I'd eat dinner in the castle, but the prices make me cringe and I don't like most of the stuff currently shown on the menu. Wish I had eaten there back in the days where there was more flexibility in the menus. *sigh*

More suggestions/ideas from anyone who has a moment would be lovely. Thanks again!

 

[SorcererDonald16]

Bump. Still need some advice/ideas/suggestions.

 

[tink70]

My vote is for the coral reef, I do not eat seafood either, I had the ceasar salad, and enjoyed it. The atmosphere is worth it.
Also, if you plan ahead you can have personalized menus, and a diver will go up to the glass with a personalized sign.
I tried it with my family and was probably the only person that it did not work out for.
We were there for almost 2 hours and they did not get our sign out, and they forgot our menus.
So I was just a tad disapointed as I never keep a secret and I did this time. Plus how often are you at wdw for a birthday?
Anyway, I still think it is a pretty special place and would do it again.

 

[KarlaG4Kids]

Look at the menu for Narcoossees. It is primarily seafood but they do have great steaks too. The atmosphere is wonderful, the food is great, service exceptional. I went for my birthday dinner in August and it was the highlight of my trip. They personalized my menu for me with Happy Birthday. I ordered a special cake (castle) ahead of time. It has a beautiful view and I loved every minute of it. I would definately return to Narcoossee's. It was pretty expensive, but you could choose less expensive items and skip the appitzier and drinks if you are saving money. Worth every penny though!

 

[Deb loves Disney]

For my 31st B-Day my family took me to Teppanyaki in Japan (it has a new name now) and they treated me so wonderfully plus the food was good.
We've also been to Crystal Palace, WCC, Cali Grill, an Chef Mickeys for B-Days. This year we have already booked Artist Point, which coincidentally is at Wilderness Lodge. I've heard really good things about this restaurant and it is quieter than WCC for sure. They have a great bakery at the hotel and if you call two weeks before your reservation they will bake you a cake to your specifications. We did this for WCC and it was fabulous. Just call the resort (Wilderness Lodge) and ask for the bakery.
Have a wonderful B-Day It will be great anywhere you pick!!!

 

[SorcererDonald16]

Thank you all for your suggestions. It means so much to me that people are willing to take some time out of their busy lives to help me have a great birthday. I'm going to further look at all the menus for the places suggested so far later tonight.

If anyone else has suggestions/ideas/experiences to share, I'd love to hear them!

 

[princessesrule4]

I had my birthday at Narcoosees 2 years ago and loved it. They had personalized menus for us that said Happy 40th birthday on them! The food and CM's were great! Plus, if you time it right you can watch WISHES from there - we had a table with a water view which I requested.
Le Cellier is a favorite and must do for every trip. Its more casual and the food is awesome!
Hope you have a great birthday dinner, whatever you decide!

 

[SorcererDonald16]

Narcoosees sounds wonderful. Unfortunately I looked at the menu a few minutes ago, and sadly there's nothing I would want to eat there other than the cheese plate and the desserts. Well, the steak looks good, but we really don't have the money for almost $40 pre-tax and pre-tip for one person's entree.

I wish I wasn't such a picky eater, and I do try to be adventurous sometime on vacation, but my birthday dinner isn't when I want to try something totally out of my comfort zone.

Sadly, I think I'm realizing while I'm looking at these menus that I'm about as picky of an eater as the average very young child...

 

[MrsJ Henry]

What about :
Bongos Cuban cafeprices seem more in the range you are talking about and there are chicken and beef dinners
Grand Floridian CafeOnce again prices are not bad and they have chicken and beef dinners. Also it may not be the castle but... it is the Grand Floridian.
Jiko May be on the higher end of how much you want to pay but it is one of our favorites.

Well those are three that I came up with.
Have you thought about a character buffet? You may find more things that you want to eat and if you go to the right one for you it may be a lot of fun for you.

Also going with the fun part... I think I would consider a place near the Boardwalk or in Downtown Disney. Both have a lot to offer.
If all else fails.... Just go with your favorite from past trips!!!!!!!!!
And have a Happy Birthday!!!!!

 

[tink70]

I wish I wasn't such a picky eater, and I do try to be adventurous sometime on vacation, but my birthday dinner isn't when I want to try something totally out of my comfort zone.

Sadly, I think I'm realizing while I'm looking at these menus that I'm about as picky of an eater as the average very young child...

Don't feel bad, I am also a picky eater, I don't think it is our fault.
My mom is the same way and so is my daughter. In fact when we go to wdw I have to make sure there is mac and cheese everywhere.

You should also check out the california grill at the contemporary, I have heard great things about it and if you time it rIght you may get to see the fire works at MK.

 

[Mish19]

How about Raglan Road? I loved my meal when I went there. They have a pretty big variety.

 

[SorcererDonald16]

tink70, I am considering going back to California Grill around fireworks time. I wanted to do something totally new, but at least I know I like some of the food there. I'm just one of those people who doesn't like "stuff" in my food, nor do I like stuff I have no familiarity with. Sad, but true. I have a little appetite also, so I can't eat a ton of food at one time; have to eat several smaller meals and snacks throughout the day. Been that way since I can remember. A flatbread and dessert fills me up alone.

At the same time, a buffet might be best because I could probably definitely find something to enjoy, and I could eat small portions of whatever I liked. What can I say, I am still very confused about what to do.

Main thing for me is finding a balance between a great atmosphere and having food there I would truly enjoy eating.

Anyone else who has suggestions or past experiences to share, I'd love to hear from you! Thanks again to everyone who already posted.

 

[SorcererDonald16]

Bump again.

 

[SorcererDonald16]

Bumping! Time is ticking down and I still am no closer to deciding anything.

And in rotten luck news, just saw last night on the WDW website neither Spectromagic nor Wishes is held on the night of my birthday. I was leaning towards Crystal Palace for that reason (see fireworks afterwards), but now I'm back to square one again.

 

[snowman]

Since you are staying at Wilderness Lodge have you considered Artist Point (a little pricey) or Whispering Canyon Cafe? We did both on my 40th bday trip and had a lovely time at each. Actually, both are now on our "must do" list for our 2008 trip.

Enjoy your birthday dinner wherever you have it.

 

[SorcererDonald16]

Since you are staying at Wilderness Lodge have you considered Artist Point (a little pricey) or Whispering Canyon Cafe? We did both on my 40th bday trip and had a lovely time at each. Actually, both are now on our "must do" list for our 2008 trip.

Enjoy your birthday dinner wherever you have it.

Thanks for the suggestions! Sadly, WCC is probably too noisy for my mom (she gets headaches easily), and I'm not a fan of AP's menu. If I wasn't such a picky eater I wouldn't have such a rough time, but so it goes. *sigh*

 

[dizcrazed]

I went to Ohana for my birthday this past may. It was really good and they get the birthday people up and people sing to them. Ohana is a nice place with a nice view and everyone is so friendly!! Go there!! Good luck deciding.