Which restaurant on the Boardwalk?

[ahill004]

My family (husband, parents and two children 2 and 4) will be traveling to Disney end of Nov/beg. of Dec. 2008. We planned on spending our first night walking around the Boardwalk and eating dinner somewhere. Which restaurant is the best? We've been to Disney before but never to the Boardwalk so we don't know anything about the restaurants down there. I was initially thinking Spoodles but the menu at Big River Grill sounds good and the reviews on Flying Fish are excellent. Thoughts?

 

[trex220]

I've been to Spoodles several times and Flying Fish once. Both are excellent but very different. Flying Fish has a more limited menu (I think there were only 8 or 10 entrees on the menu the night we were there) than Spoodles. Spoodles has a varied menu and even has pizza if you have any picky eaters with you (child or adult). If I remember correctly, Spoodles is also a bit less expensive than Flying Fish.

 

[tmws66]

Flying Fish is excellent. I would highly recommend it!

 

[Saratoga Souris]

I would say Spoodles with your party but ESPN would be good too!

 

[Dizneydaz]

And don't forgot the restaurants located just a short boat ride (or slightly longer walk) over at Yacht and Beach Club. There's Beaches and Cream, Cape May Cafe (character buffet) ,and Captains Grille. Even if you don't eat there, you can still take a ride on one of the Friendships which will give you, and the little ones, the feeling that you are in WDW. The kids will love the boat ride.

With the two little ones I would probably skip the Flying Fish, but we liked Spoodles.

If haven't already checked the menus, check out allearsnet.com or the link on these boards.

HTH, have fun!

 

[mommylibrarian]

I'd recommend Big River Grille or Spoodles. Big River was VERY kid friendly for the wee tots, and it's very casual too. No ADRs, just walk right up. That can take the pressure off of when you arrive, in case there are delays.

 

[PrincessAtta]

We've done Flying Fish with the kids; I think they had Mickey Pasta and they were very accommodating. The service was beyond excellent and the food was great too. The menu is definately heavy on the fish, but delicious dessert, and I think I had a wonderful soup that may have been on a special.

This may be weird but I think your children may be too little for ESPN...unless your 4yo is a sports fanatic...it's a bar atmosphere, and I feel like the seats are oversized and low and the tables are oversized and high? I'm short so it may just be my take, but I think we were there with the kiddos and it wasn't that comfortable for them and they kept dropping stuff and sliding under the table. And I think, someone correct me if I'm wrong, that you can't get an ADR so you have to put your name in and the wait can be very long.

But the Boardwalk is a great idea for the first night! The kids will love it, you can get a drink while you walk around and watch the performers or play the games, or you can rent a surrey for a pretty physical ride around the Boardwalk with your kids in a basket in front. Very fun. You can skip dessert at the table if they're itchy and stop in the Boardwalk Bakery for something to go. It's a GREAT take, very entertaining for everyone.

Have fun!

 

[tejasranger]

My family (husband, parents and two children 2 and 4) will be traveling to Disney end of Nov/beg. of Dec. 2008. We planned on spending our first night walking around the Boardwalk and eating dinner somewhere. Which restaurant is the best? We've been to Disney before but never to the Boardwalk so we don't know anything about the restaurants down there. I was initially thinking Spoodles but the menu at Big River Grill sounds good and the reviews on Flying Fish are excellent. Thoughts?

We just got back from the disney Febv 2nd. We ate at the flying fish. The service was superior and the food very good. We are on the dining plan. The flying fish requires 2 tickets but is was worth it one morning we just did a snack to make up for the 2 tickets. We had an italian waiter one of the best services . He was friendly and very funnny.

 

[Dana49]

I would definitely have dinner at the Flying Fish. Try the potato-encrusted red snapper. It's excellent.

 

[LMO429]

For us Spoodles is a MUST every trip! We just love it there!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Mmmmm...Spoodles is amazing for dinner!

 

[laughinplace199]

We go to Spoodles at least once every trip, so I would recommend Spoodles!

 

[ahill004]

Looks like I need to make time for both restaurants!! I think we will do Spoodles the first night and then hit Big River later in trip! Thanks for all the great advice everyone!!!!

 

[cdtommie]

Food wise Flying Fish is by far the best choice on the Boardwalk (or take a short walk over to the Blue Zoo at the Dolphin hotel).

 

[byoung]

BRG is out in our opion.

 

[ssjerauld]

Another vote for Spoodles! We love it! A must do for every trip!

 

[ifky12]

I'd recommend Big River Grille or Spoodles. Big River was VERY kid friendly for the wee tots, and it's very casual too. No ADRs, just walk right up. That can take the pressure off of when you arrive, in case there are delays.

Just to let you know, I have been to Big river several times . The portions are large and spltiable. Good and fast service. Great meatloaf.