Which restaurants have the best experience/theming?

[itsallaboutme]

We want to go to restaurants that have really good theming or experience restaurants. We like good food but it's more about the ambience, etc. for us. I have read about coral reef - we can't get that kind of experience at home! What else? 50's PTC? Would love to hear what you consider a fun/different "experience" restaurant! This will be our 1st trip! Thanks!

 

[tluvstink]

There are a lot of options but the first one that popped in my head is Sci-Fi Dine In. The burgers and onion rings are great but the atmosphere is what makes it.

Terri

 

[El Nebuloso]

If unique theming is important, then just about anything in World Showcase should work

 

[kahluacream]

Whispering Canyon Cafe and 'Ohanas came to mind when I read your post. These are really fun family experiences as well as a meal!

 

[WDWCPAlumni]

I agree whispering canyon!!! Must DO!!!

 

[Tink888]

Studios
Sci-Fi - okay food - GREAT theming
50's Prime Time - good theming; fun, good food

Epcot
Biergarten - great food, great theming; entertainment
San Angel - mixed reviews on food, great theming
Garden Grill - good food, characters, restaurant rotates
Coral Reef - great food, neat aquarium
Marakesh - good food, entertainment

Just Plain Fun at the resorts - Whispering Canyon at WL & Ohana at Poly

 

[Neesy228]

I will second the Sci-Fi at Hollywood Studios...San Angel Inn in Mexico is a great atmosphere too....It also kind of depends on what kind of "experience" you're looking for - romance, fun, disney-like etc. Romantic, would be anywhere you could watch Wishes from - California Grill at the Contemporary provides an amazing view (day or night) and elegant atmosphere, with a touch of Disney thrown in. Fun, could be any kind of character meal - ride the monorail to Chef Mickeys or eat with Pooh and Friends at the Crystal Palace (beautiful building). There's also Rainforest Cafe which definitely gives you atmosphere! And T-rex will be opening in the Fall of this year if your into dinosaurs.

 

[mommycrawford]

" O'hana means family..." and you are not going to be left behind or forgotten there!

Boma at AKL: often drumming and dancing as you wait for your table...there is storytellying at night out back, and the savannahs!

I have booked Tokyo Dining because it is supposed to be very like a traditional Japanese experience. Conversely Teppan Edo has habachi cooking on your table and is theatrical.(I have not been to these restaurants)

Chef Mickey's is a definate experience! Very boisterous...if you like that.

I hear that Akerhose in Norway: the princess meals are quite the experience, and even young boys are mezmerised...(but the menus are not to my liking, so I don't know personally.)

O'hana and Boma are really great IMHO! I am looking forward to Tokyo Dining as well!

 

[Bama_C]

Definitely agree that O'Hana is a great place for theming. It has all the flavor you would expect from a Polynesian resort, plus great food!

One of our favorite themed restaurants is San Angel Inn at EPCOT. You can dine at night by the light of a volcano and beside the "river" even in the middle of the day. Not to be missed, IMO you must do this at least once.

Coral Reef has a spectacular ambiance as you have a wonderful view of the fish tank from anywhere in the restaurant. It's as if you are dining under the water with the fish. The food is to die for!

50's Prime Time is another one you must do at least once. The theming is terrific, however it really helps if you get a waiter who is totally into it. Otherwise it can be a letdown, but the food is still great.

 

[Jubilee]

We had fun at Ohana even though it wasn't our favorite restaurant in terms of food.

We also had a diver and personalized menu (which was a surprise for my fam) as well as a large booth front and center at Coral Reef and that was awesome, but the service was lacking and the food was OK, with a few cooked wrong.

Our overall favorite experience last trip was definitely 50's PT cafe, ESPECIALLY if you have a big party and let them know via teasing and silliness that you want to play. It was LOADS of fun and our Brit relatives loved it too.

As far as ambiance, Le Cellier is in a cellar and it has a cozy romantic feel.... San Angel Inn really has a cool feel to it too with the volcano and the darkness and the music...

I didn't mention character meals but we loved those too...it's a different kind of thing though

 

[darkroom]

Experience tends to vary depending on who you ask, but for theming, sci-fi and san angel are best.

 

[bicker]

Prime Time Cafe is the most Disney experience available IOHO, with Whispering Canyon (specifically for dinner) a close second. Everything else pales by comparison, since you're not really part of the experience, but just seeing the experience.

'Ohana is in that second tier, as is Rose and Crown if you're lucky enough to get a terrace table during Illuminations. Chef Mickey's puts you into the action, but the action isn't anywhere near as good as for Whispering Canyon and Prime Time Cafe. Marrakesh also falls into place here.

On a third tier, there's Sci Fi Dine In, Coral Reef, and Biergarten.

 

[TSWJan78]

I agree witht he Prime time... it has been hit or miss for us at WCC in terms of "experience" but there is always something going around you if not to you at the prime time

 

[FloraFauna]

Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom. I like when you walk in, and the host or hostess is dressed in colonial clothes and you go and sit by the hearth with the big wooden benches and wait for you table.

 

[Frothy]

If you really want something unique try Manuel's on the 28th which is in the Bank of America building in Orlando. We did this on our last trip and you get a fantastic view of Orlando as you sit at your table 28 floors up. It is fine dining and somewhat pricey.

 

[jiminy1]

I, too, vote for San Angel Inn. The theming is fantastic. I also was pleased with how willing the chefs were to accommodate my onion allergy. I told them exactly what I wanted, and they cooked it for me--even though the dish wasn't even on the menu! (Not that I'd expect anything less from Disney...)

Too bad Magic Kingdom doesn't have a Blue Bayou like Disneyland does. (In case you've never been there, you actually dine inside the Pirates of the Caribbean Ride. The theming and the food are great.

 

[Harambe]

I DO NOT like restaurants that have waiters interacting with me, and neither does my family, so 50s PrimeTime and WCC type places are out for us. Themeing for us is something that we don't get to experience back at home.

Our favorites:

Coral Reef - lovely to watch the fish
Garden Grill - rotating scenery, characters, and great food
Jiko - beautiful place and great food
Sci Fi - tons of fun and good sandwiches/onion rings
ESPN - fun to see all the sports stuff, and great Dingers
Morocco - belly dancers, music, and tasty food (on the adventurous side)
San Angel - gorgeous setting, and tasty food

 

[nettii]

We also LOVE to have a fun interactive meal at Disney, it is the icing on the cake!
Our all time favorite is Whispering Canyon-With all the shenanigans and big pops and tiny milk shakes it makes for tons of fun!

My kids LOVED Chief Mickey-but I have been having a hard time getting in. So reserve early!

Crystal Palace is wonderful character interaction.

Sci fi is fun-We are a family of 4 so it gave me and DH a chance to sit and talk while the boys sat in the drivers seat up front-Price less when you've been in the parks for a few days! Food was yummy too.
those are just a few that stick out-we have had good experiences everywhere Hope you have a magical trip!

 

[PrincessDisney96]

If you reaally want something different from home then I say head to Sci-Fi in the Disney Studio's! This is a great place for what you are looking for.
1. Most of the time, you sit in an old fashioned car
2. While you are eating you get to watch old t.v. shows on a huge t.v.
3. I don't know if they do this now but they did it 2 years ago, the kids drinks come with colored iced cubes that light up!!!


Another place that comes to mind in 50 Prime Time Cafe, also in the Disney Studio's
We eat here every trip it is a tradition for our family. . .
If you would like to experience something different from home this is a good place!!!!
1. You have your "aunt", or "uncle" serving you making jokes, and making sure you are on your best behavior and eat all your food. THAT IS INCLUDING ADULTS TOO!
2. The theme is like a 50s house which is very cool
3. The food is great
4. There are mini t.v.s with old 50's shows

IN MY OPINION.... 50s beats Sci-Fi!!!!

 

[jedi jen]

I think there are lots of interesting theming/atmosphere restaurants in Disney. If you have kids, then my kids love Chef Mickey's, Garden Grill, and the princesses at CRT, 1900 Park Faire, and Akershus.

I like eating at one of the countries at Epcot. I have been to Japan, Morroco, England, Mexico, and France. All had nice theming.

Coral Reef is good atmosphere. Had one great meal there, and one not soo good.

My favorite place is Cali Grill for wonderful food, a great view, and Wishes on the observation deck. Ahhhhh . . . heaven to me.