Which signature?

[ChrisMouse]

Hey everyone,

Ok, I know it's going to sound crazy, but we have NEVER, in all of our trips, eaten at a signature restaurant. My kids are 8 and 10 and I now think they will be well behaved enough to enjoy it, plus I'd like to do something a little special for my daughter's birthday (have a special cake, etc.)

Here's the problem--which do we choose and why?

Three of us are adventurous eaters but my DS 10 is very picky.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Chris

 

[Jestocost]

Our absolute favorite is Jiko. Hands down. We have eaten at Citricos, Narcoossees, Cali Grill, Artist's Point, Le Cellier, Brown Derby, Coral Reef and Flying Fish, FWIW.

 

[Pakey]

You will get any number of different answers.

If you are not on dining plan, the Swan/Dolphin restaurants are better than Disney's.

On dining plan I rank the signatures: Flying Fish, Citricos, Jiko, Ca Grill, Brown Derby, Yachtsman, Artist Point, Narciosees.

 

[ChrisMouse]

She loves steak, so I'm considering Yachtsman...but I will look at all the suggested menus, thanks!!

 

[goofyintoronto]

Dont forget that at Cali Grill you get a nice view of MK and Wishes (if you time your ressie correctly). I know you can see the fireworks from other signature restaurants too, but I dont remember which one.

 

[vllygrrl]

California Grill would be my hands down choice with your children. There is steak available, and the view of the Magic Kingdom is spectacular. We have eaten at all of the signatures but Citricos and Le Cellier (we have ADR's in August), and Cali Grill consistently ranks near the top of our list. Yachtsman is one restaurant we will not return to. Our service was poor, and the food was similar to that we can get at our local steakhouse. It just wasn't interesting enough to return to.

 

[JimmyV]

From the perspective of an 8 or 10 year old, many Signatures are "just restaurants". I would certainly put Yachtsman in that category. That is not a comment one way or the other about the food or service. I'm just opining that an 8 or 10 year old will not necessarily take away life-long memories from their first visit to a "grown-up" restaurant. To do that, you have to go to California Grill. From the special elevator ride, to the view, to the fireworks, it will be a magical and memorable evening.

 

[MickeyNicki]

I would do an early dinner at Cali Grill...if you go right when they open you will get a window seat and the view is just gorgeous..the kids will love looking out the windows at the parks, the lagoon, the resorts ect

 

[one2admire]

We really liked Cali Grill. Flying Fish was good too but it was a hassle getting there using Disney's Transportation. The wait catching a bus to Downtown Disney then to our resort ruined the meal for us. I would only recommend going there if you have your own transportation.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I rank the signatures Artist Point, California Grill, Jiko, Narcoossee's, Flying Fish, Yachtsman, Le Cellier, Brown Derby, Citricos. So while Artist Point is my favorite in terms of food and atmosphere, I think I'd recommend California Grill for being more kid friendly.

 

[ciera321]

California Grill is our favorite signature, and with kids, the view and the fireworks would be a hit. They have a great filet for your daughter, also one on the kids menu. If your son is picky, I'm sure he could find something on the kids menu. We have a very picky son and he loves California Grill! Have a great time...

 

[aripantaloon]

I would suggest Cali Grill, too.

 

[hannahryan]

My kids love the Brown Derby. My son is picky, but loves their rolls and french fries and most recently their steak.

 

[Sue M]

I wasn't impressed with Cali Grille. I wanted to like it, esp after hearing all the hype, but thought it was meh. I got just as good a steak at GF Cafe.

Our fav sig, was Narccoossee's. We had a great view of the Castle, you can watch Wishes here too, and they pipe in the music. I loved the steak & lob tail My older daughter just had the steak, and she enjoyed that too.

 

[danceintherain]

From the perspective of an 8 or 10 year old, many Signatures are "just restaurants". I would certainly put Yachtsman in that category. That is not a comment one way or the other about the food or service. I'm just opining that an 8 or 10 year old will not necessarily take away life-long memories from their first visit to a "grown-up" restaurant. To do that, you have to go to California Grill. From the special elevator ride, to the view, to the fireworks, it will be a magical and memorable evening.

This is a good point. We like to try at least 1 signature restaurant per trip, and honestly, even as an adult, I can't see much of a difference, except for strange expensive food (I'm a picky eater).

Of the ones we've tried, I think Brown Derby was my favorite. The paparazzi come and take your picture and the food isn't quite as strange.

 

[ilovegrumpy]

Narcoossee's hands down. My DS (8) is very pickey and loved the meal and ate everything on his plate.....you can get reservations right around wishes time and see that. They dim the restaurant and pipe in the music. Only problem was that we had a window seat and everyone ran outside and blocked some of our view..

 

[jamie@dvcstore]

Hi ChrisMouse,
My vote would be for California Grill. The expierence for your childrens ages I feel would be the most memorable. It is one of my favorite restaurants/experiences at Disney. Whatever you choose have a wonderful trip.

 

[stcav2000]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the signatures. They have all been great. That being said my kids favorite one is Citricos. They like the varied menu, the open kitchen and our service was excellent. On the other hand, if your kids like more traditional food and you are looking to add something extra to the experience book the Brown Derby Fantasmic Package. The food is more traditional but still excellent, it is easy to get to since it is inside the park, and the package relieves a lot of the stress from trying to get a good seat at Fantasmic. We have done this every year and it has never disappointed.

 

[Ramsfan28]

Here are my top 3:

1. California Grill
2. Citricos
3. BlueZoo

If you really want steak I would suggest Shula's then the Yachstman.

California Grill to me has incredible food and views and is always my #1 choice when making ADR's. I usually plan my dinner to arrive about 60-90 minutes before Wishes so that we can enjoy fireworks.