Must do dining? [Archive] - Disney Secrets Forums

Keith

01-03-2009, 09:37 PM

I guess I have to apologise for this one because I know it's been asked a lot :lol:

We're going in June and I'm trying to come up with a list of absolutely must do dining. It seems more and more that the ADRs dictates where we go on what days (fantasmic only on certain days, EMH nights, etc.)

So, if you were planning for your next Disney holiday, what restaurants, dinner shows, on or off Disney, would you just HAVE to do?

Johnie

01-03-2009, 09:45 PM

hmmmm

Some of our must do's for onsite are:

'Ohana for dinner

Whispering Canyon Cafe for any meal really. We do like the skillet. Go for the earliest lunch ADR you can get if you don't want any action.

Boma for dinner. LOVE the bobotie

Le Cellier is a must if we have the dining plan. I love the cheese soup.

We really enjoyed T-Rex. The food was much better than RFC. At least what we ordered.

Beaches and Cream if we want a good burger

1900 Park Fare soley for the character interaction at dinner. It is the best!!

Off site

We love Bahama Breeze. I always get the wood grilled chicken breast. It is soooo yummy. The closest BB is in MD.

Sweet Tomatoes- really need veggies after all the other dining

Margarittaville at City Walk- food is good and the atmosphere is fun

We really have all the other chains so no other must do's.

THOUGH I do advocate going to The Melting Pot and Cheescake Factory. MP is our favorite restaurant bar none.

Britchick

01-03-2009, 09:48 PM

boma
ohana
whispering canyon
crystal palace
le cellier
teppanyaki or whatever it's called now
i'll think about some more

lisaw

01-03-2009, 09:49 PM

Ok this year hopefully we are doing:

CP breakfast (1st morning tradition)
Kona Cafe Dinner and breakfast (not done dinner before)
Tusker House breakfast (new - not done before)
Boma breakfast and dinner (a favourite must do)
1900 Park Fair Dinner (not done dinner before)
T Rex (new not done before)
Raglan Road (not done before)
Biergarten (not done before)
Cape May breakfast (done dinner before but not breakfast)
California Grill (not done before)
50's Prime Time (must do favourite!)
Mama melrose (for Fantasmic package)
Liberty Tree tavern dinner (favourite - just a shame no characters)
Whispering canyon breakfast (done dinner but want to try breakfast)
Hoop De Doo (our new must do)
Mickeys Backyard Barbeque (love it :D)

Sure there is more - our kids still enjoy character meals and a lot of those restaurants we haven't eaten before. After this trip we will have nearly eaten at all onsite restaurants :lol:

Off site we will be going to Sweet tomatoes, bahama Breeze, and Cheesecake factory.

Tink

01-03-2009, 09:55 PM

Must do? For a bona fide holiday?

Bistro de Paris. :yes:

Melting Pot (Dr. Phillips).

Beaches and Cream

Cape May Dinner Buffet

YSH

Those are the ones that first come to mind. :yes:

PsychoAlice

01-03-2009, 10:23 PM

Always Ohana for a late dinner

Keith

01-03-2009, 10:48 PM

This is brilliant! Thanks all.. anyone else got any? :D

There are quite a few on your lists which haven't entered into my thoughts previously so I'm going to try and get to some of them

I may even share an itinerary (shock) :lol:

What's the melting pot?

Johnie

01-03-2009, 10:54 PM

Keith, where have you been when we've all gone on and on about the Melting Pot????

http://www.meltingpot.com/locations.aspx?z=&n=775066

This is the location in Orlando. You can view the menu and make reservations as well.

Keith

01-03-2009, 10:56 PM

You know, I have never in my life tried fondue :lol: I've tried lots of things but never ever ever come even close to fondue.

No idea at all what to expect, zero, nada

Johnie

01-03-2009, 10:57 PM

It's a long experience but oh so much fun.

We bought a fondue pot for home so we can do it here too.

Keith

01-03-2009, 11:02 PM

So remembering that I'm a total newbie, what types of things are there to dip?

Skywatcher

01-03-2009, 11:02 PM

A Mickey bar and a pink lemonade :thumbsup:

Johnie

01-03-2009, 11:13 PM

So remembering that I'm a total newbie, what types of things are there to dip?

ok.....there are several choices. You can go all out and get The Big Night Out. This includes everything.

You start off with a cheese fondue. There are several choices. You then dip granny smith apples, cauliflower, carrots and lots of different types of bread. They will bring as much of the dippers as you need.

There is a salad offering next. There are usually four or so choices.

Next comes the meat. The meat is raw and you dip into the broth that you choose. It also comes with potatoes, broccoli, squash and mushrooms. They will refill the veggies.

Lastly is the best part of all! The chocolate fondue. There are lots of choices for the type of chocolate. You then get brownies, cheesecake, marshmallows, strawberries, bananas, rice kripsie bites, and I am forgetting something to dip. I tell you I don't much care for chocolate but I could lick the pot clean!!!

You can also go for just cheese, chocolate or cheese and chocolate. They also have a HUGE wine list.

The Big Night Out is roughly $100 per couple without tip or alcohol. Well worth every penny imo.

Tink

01-03-2009, 11:19 PM

Be sure to make a reservation for the Melting Pot. The one here at Dr. Phillips is wicked popular and I've never seen them be able to accommodate walk ins.

We always get the court bouillion to cook the vegetables and meat. You can get hot oil. The meat selections are up to you for the most part. We like the choice that features quite a bit of seafood, but there is poultry (chicken and duck) and red meat.

The potatoes are a bit of a pain, other than that we like everything.

It takes time, clearly so plan on a leisurely (romantic!) dinner. The cheese fondue that comes before the main fondue will keep you from starving to death as you cook your main course. :D

It's great fun. :yes:

Johnie

01-03-2009, 11:19 PM

oh! There is also Texas de Brazil. We have one here and goodness knows I am cheap but it is FABULOUS!! It's about $40 a person but wow is it ever good. You can sign up for their email club thingie and get discounts.

Johnie

01-03-2009, 11:20 PM

Tink

01-03-2009, 11:21 PM

Texas de Brazil has just come out with a new card that you purchase ($50 or so, closer to $60) that will provide you with 12 dinners at half price. Might be worth looking into if you want to go more than once. :D

Sometimes you can find really decent coupons too. It's a meat lover's paradise so the undiscounted cost doesn't seem exhorbitant given all the meat.

Keith

01-03-2009, 11:23 PM

It's a meat lover's paradise so the undiscounted cost doesn't seem exhorbitant given all the meat.

oooo now THAT sounds perfect for me :yes:

Johnie

01-03-2009, 11:25 PM

Thanks for the info about the card! Do you know if it has a time limit? Like it has to be used in a year or something?

Johnie

01-03-2009, 11:26 PM

oooo now THAT sounds perfect for me :yes:

http://www.texasdebrazil.com/

Tink

01-03-2009, 11:29 PM

No Johnie, I don't. We got the email today, but I've deleted it. We didn't want the card as we'd not use it right now.

Beccaberry

01-03-2009, 11:54 PM

I love The Melting Pot, but will admit to only ever doing the cheese and chocolate (we skip the meat...something about cooking raw meat that sucks the romance right out of the whole event for me...). If you do the cheese and chocolate and a nice bottle of wine, we find it lovely and romantic...and I've NEVER left there hungry.

On site:

Le Cellier
Ohana
Teppanyaki (which is now what? Yes, Johnie, I know you just told me last night...but I've already forgotten) - I will say...the sushi is not cutting edge or even the best I've ever had....but there is just something about eating your favorite food in your favorite place and simply being happy that overrides the fact that it's just average sushi.

Johnie

01-03-2009, 11:56 PM

Tokyo Dining is where we went Rebecca.

Tepan Edo is what used to be Teppanyaki.

Beccaberry

02-03-2009, 12:03 AM

Those two aren't the same place? REALLY?!!?

WOW. I think I live under a rock sometimes.

Johnie

02-03-2009, 12:06 AM

Nope, 2 separate restaurants. Tokyo Dining is the one facing the WS lagoon.

Teppan Edo is the one we went to years ago that is the traditional japanese steakhouse format where the chef cooks in front of you. I haven't seen it since they redid and renamed it.

Beccaberry

02-03-2009, 12:08 AM

I am truly clueless sometimes. :rolleyes:

Thank goodness we go together...otherwise I'd likely get lost and up IN the WS Lagoon.

Johnie

02-03-2009, 12:08 AM

:tongue: I am a human GPS

Tinker

02-03-2009, 12:23 AM

1900 Park Fare for dinner is a must . Gorgeous restaurant, good food with character interaction .
Spoodles on The Boardwalk .
We enjoy The Biergarten, if you like German food .
what are your dates, Keith ?

PsychoAlice

02-03-2009, 12:41 AM

When you walk in Teppan Edo is on your left and Tokoyo Dining is on your right...When you walk in it seems as if it is the same restaurant...Amy and I did Teppan Edo and it was great! We had a couple from Japan at our table and were very impressed with my correct pronouciation of their words...course I got the same thing said to me in France...Guess I should have gotten into linguistics...

Johnie

02-03-2009, 12:42 AM

Or if you are like me and ride up on the elevator, Tokyo Dining is first and Teppan Edo is down the hall.

Beccaberry

02-03-2009, 12:44 AM

Like I said...Lagoon.

Johnie

02-03-2009, 12:47 AM

oh honey, you wouldn't end up in the lagoon!

Of course that reminds me of the first time my sister was in the WS. She saw the barges coming out and wanted to know what battleships were doing there? :tongue: we went on and on about how Disney puts on a mock battle every evening ala the ancient Romans.

uscwest

02-03-2009, 01:10 AM

Keith you don't say for how long you are going. And our must dos normally depend on our length of stay. However, here are some of them.

JIKO
Citrico's
50's Prime Time (I know you don't want to be picked on but the food is good)
Yachtsman Steakhouse
Flying Fish
Artist's Point
California Grill

Keith

02-03-2009, 01:14 AM

Keith you don't say for how long you are going. And our must dos normally depend on our length of stay. However, here are some of them.

14nights John! so we'll get to try a fair few places I hope

Tinker: dates are very end of May->mid June

Is 1900 park fare really worth a try? that's another one I haven't tried.

Johnie

02-03-2009, 01:16 AM

1900 Park Fare. They redid the buffet for dinner. I don't think it's nearly as good as it used to be but lots of people like it. Lady Tremaine and the step sisters from Cinderella are there and they are SO MUCH FUN! Truly a hoot.

Really makes me wish for an all villains character meal :yes:

Beccaberry

02-03-2009, 01:17 AM

I may even share an itinerary (shock) :lol:

Yeah, yeah, yeah...that's just because Johnie and I won't be there to stalk you :taunt:

Johnie

02-03-2009, 01:18 AM

We can always change that :yes: It IS Memorial Day weekend........

Keith

02-03-2009, 01:18 AM

Yeah, yeah, yeah...that's just because Johnie and I won't be there to stalk you :taunt:

:taunt:

Keith

02-03-2009, 01:19 AM

We can always change that :yes: It IS Memorial Day weekend........

:sully:

Beccaberry

02-03-2009, 01:19 AM

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH

Da Dum...Da Dum...DadumDadumDadumDadum....

Tinker

02-03-2009, 01:22 AM

I haven't been there since the redo, so I'm hoping its still as good .
I'll just miss you in June , wait mid May ? I'm there till the 15th .

Keith

02-03-2009, 01:23 AM

I haven't been there since the redo, so I'm hoping its still as good .
I'll just miss you in June , wait mid May ? I'm there till the 15th .

nah very end of May I'm afraid

Tinker

02-03-2009, 01:26 AM

Arghhhhhhhhhh !

PsychoAlice

02-03-2009, 04:12 AM

Actually he will be there the weekend AFTER Memorial...Ill be there Memorial weekend...very very sneaky keith...very sneaky...

lisaw

02-03-2009, 09:36 AM

We loved Citricos as well although we are trying California Grill instead this time.

I am thinking you have some 'issues' with Citricos though don't you Keith? :unsure:

Keith

02-03-2009, 09:44 AM

We loved Citricos as well although we are trying California Grill instead this time.

I am thinking you have some 'issues' with Citricos though don't you Keith? :unsure:

you have a really good memory! I had to rack my brain to think what issues I had but yep you're right!

In all fairness we were given a great table etc. but the food left a lot to be desired. The white salmon was bland and tasteless and my steak was certainly nothing special at all. Server wasn't really interested in resolving. Im not sure we'd want to give it another try

lisaw

02-03-2009, 09:53 AM

I thought so. We had a lovely experience in there but I wouldn't have been happy with bad food and service, especially in a restaurant of that level.

The only truly bad dining experience we have had was Rose and Crown (a completely disinterested English girl :rolleyes: who only became friendly at the time of giving us the bill) and that was back in 1996 - we have enever eaten there again although it was the server who spoilt it not the food.

Keith

02-03-2009, 11:52 AM

The only truly bad dining experience we have had was Rose and Crown (a completely disinterested English girl :rolleyes: who only became friendly at the time of giving us the bill) and that was back in 1996 - we have enever eaten there again although it was the server who spoilt it not the food.

yep we had that too :yes:

We also had @ the rose and crown a server who came back with tons of stuff on the bill which we hadn't had! I queried it and she said "youre on the dining plan what do you care?" obviously padding the bill so they got better gratuities in the days they were included

To be honest, I don't like the food much there either

Tink

02-03-2009, 12:48 PM

Wow! :eek:

We quite like the Rose and Crown. :D Better than the main dining at Raglan Road in fact. :D I love their bangers and mash! :9: Herself gets the pies. She's a shepard's pie, cottage pie sort of woman. We've always had very good food and quite nice service. (Although, I will say the one time the server commented on my empty plate with, "would you like to lick the bowl, Mum?" I was pretty embarrassed). :(

Didn't you have a terrible time just getting into Citrico's Keith? I think I remember your having booked the place for specific dates and when you arrived, found the place closed? I think I remember that happening more than once? Am I confusing two separate stories? :unsure:

Narcoosee's is the place we had terrible service and poor food. It was one of my birthday dinners (a few years ago now) so that made it a little more "sad." :shrug:

We've not been back, and haven't really read any reviews that have wanted to prompt us to return.

We have come to the conclusion though that we need to take Slowhand and Mrs. Slowhand with us, for any on site meal as they ALWAYS have excellent service and food. :yes: :D :D

Keith

02-03-2009, 01:00 PM

I love their bangers and mash! :9: Herself gets the pies. She's a shepard's pie, cottage pie sort of woman.

One day, you both MUST come over to the UK and we'll go to some proper English pubs

Didn't you have a terrible time just getting into Citrico's Keith? I think I remember your having booked the place for specific dates and when you arrived, found the place closed? I think I remember that happening more than once? Am I confusing two separate stories? :unsure:

Yes indeed more than once! The time before we actually finally got in was the worst. We booked it, checked the booking etc. turned up and it was closed with the gates across the entrance. The ladies at the podium where there for V&A and were extremely off hand when we mentioned citricos. "cant have booked its ALWAYS closed on these days" etc etc. Wouldnt look at the booking code, didnt suggest anything.

Finally a rather nicer lady came out of V&A and took over. She typed in our ADR and up it came. She agreed it was Disney's fault and arranged a late booking for us at Narcoosees (which was awful but not her fault) and arranged a paid for taxi to take us back to our resort afterwards.

Narcoosee's is the place we had terrible service and poor food. It was one of my birthday dinners (a few years ago now) so that made it a little more "sad." :shrug:

We've not been back, and haven't really read any reviews that have wanted to prompt us to return.

Yes indeed :( the problem for us is that we've had lovely meals at Narcoosees too. Sitting by the window looking out onto the lake. I'm TEMPTED to give it another go but Im sure it'll be a mistake

We have come to the conclusion though that we need to take Slowhand and Mrs. Slowhand with us, for any on site meal as they ALWAYS have excellent service and food. :yes: :D :D

That's SO SO true :yes:

Tink

02-03-2009, 01:09 PM

Keith

02-03-2009, 01:10 PM

Well, we truly are planning on a visit to Ireland (again) and the UK. Not sure when, it really all does come down to money, eh?

There is so much to see and do in Ireland, and then Scotland, England, Wales... we could spend our lifetime (or what is left to us! :lol: ) visiting and never see it all.

Well I suspect there will be considerable demands on your time from those of us in the UK, so better plan on a month or so :yes:

Tink

02-03-2009, 01:13 PM

Aw, wouldn't that be grand!? A month in each country! :D :D

Better tell Herself to up the lottery purchases. :D :D

Wendy

02-03-2009, 01:16 PM

Oh if only :hug2: Chris will take the time off :D he can be your personal driver, I can be your personal cook, oh we'd have a grand time :yes:

Tink

02-03-2009, 01:17 PM

Do NOT tempt me thus, Miss! :eek: You know I'd weigh a ton with your incredible cooking! :D :D :lol: Chris as our driver? Oh my gosh, we'd see the world!!! (Chris? Take that turn there? How about this one here? LOL)! Fun to dream, innit? :sigh:

Wendy

02-03-2009, 01:21 PM

Tink

02-03-2009, 01:23 PM

:yes: So very true. :yes:

:oops: Guess we'd better try to put this back on it's original track! :oops:

Ummmm...so Keith? Have you ever tried Cape May for dinner? :D :D

Wendy

02-03-2009, 01:38 PM

We had a really nice steak at a Longhorn Steakhouse restaurant last year Keith.

We were very impressed with the food and the service. We both had Flo's Filet and I think Chris had his with fries :lol: and the dessert was absolutely delicious, I was just sad that I couldn't eat it all.

The dessert was a Caramel Apple Goldrush I think :unsure:

2395

Keith

02-03-2009, 01:40 PM

ooo havent been to cape may at all? whats it like?

Tink

02-03-2009, 01:42 PM

:D :D

That is a decent place to have a meal, isn't it Wendy. :yes: I will add this caution though. Not all Longhorn's are equal! :eek:

There is one on 192 and it's not nearly as nice, nor is it the same prices! :nono:

There is a new one going up right now on 192 west. It's quite near Herself's Mother's home so we'll check it out, I'm sure.

They have consistently decent steak, and are willing to correct it immediately if it's not right (only happened once to us).

The desserts are quite amazing, too! :yes:

It's one of our local favorites as we can have a dinner that allows us to stay on our diet plan. :yes:

It is now part of the Darden chain, so Darden restaurant gift cards work there. :yes:

Tink

02-03-2009, 01:45 PM

Well, Cape May is a buffet for openers. :D

It has four sides (and a separate dessert section). Side one is the shellfish/fish side. Steamed clams, mussels, shrimp and a fish of the day. There will be new potatoes and corn there too. New England clam chowder is there, plus another soup (sometimes Walt's favorite chili). Side two has carved roast beef, breads, butters, and sometimes other hot carved meat. The corner is for children but do check it out! :D It often has the nicest fried shrimp or chicken tenders. :yes:

Side three is a selection of many things: delicious roasted chicken, excellent ribs (not too sweet, so I'll eat them) sausages and peppers, a pasta dish, a couple of veggie dishes, and mash (and some other choices here and there). Side four is the cold section, salad makings and the like. :yes:

You know I love it for the clams and mussels, but it's a great place to take a group of folks who have a wide variety of preferences as it has something for everyone. :yes:

It's truly one of our basic Disney must do at least once places. :D

Keith

02-03-2009, 01:50 PM

ooooo ok... well I dont really like many fish dishes but sounds like there are other opportunities there as well

well so far we have:
LTT for dinner in extra magic hours
hoop-dee-doo
Bistro de paris EMH night
Fantasmic H&V (not keen on h&v but still)
Le cellier
sci-fi diner for lunch - Charleys steakhouse for dinner
california grill
ohanas
artist point
v&a
Narcoosees

With ponderings over 1900 park fare, shulas, mortons and some others :lol:

Tink

02-03-2009, 01:53 PM

Sounds good, sounds good. :yes: We aren't much on 'Ohana :sorry: but it's a great popular place!

Cape May definitely appeals to those who love shellfish, but if you aren't one of them, there truly is much more from which to choose. :yes: On the other hand, if you don't want any shellfish at all, there are other buffets and places to dine, eh? :yes: :D

Have you thought about Tusker house for lunch? Or Yak and Yeti? Presuming you are going to the AK, of course. :yes:

You ARE going to visit AK, riiiiiiiiight? :unsure: :eek:

Keith

02-03-2009, 01:54 PM

Have you thought about Tusker house for lunch? Or Yak and Yeti? Presuming you are going to the AK, of course. :yes:

You ARE going to visit AK, riiiiiiiiight? :unsure: :eek:

Im not sure I Want to admit now that we havent been to AK in ANY of our recent visits :-O It's been years

Tink

02-03-2009, 01:57 PM

:mental:

:lalala:

Johnie

02-03-2009, 06:07 PM

Oh goodness, we LOVE 'Ohana! It is one of our favorite places.

We went to the Cape May dinner buffet with Tinker and her family a few years ago. It was quite good :yes: We've been to the breakfast as well. It is a hidden gem.

Dawn

02-03-2009, 06:21 PM

MUST do places?

Hmmmm, probably only Beaches and Cream is a "seriously can't be a holiday without visiting this place" dining option.
1900 Park Fare for dinner would run a close second. Then Prime Time.

On the list of must try places next year are that Japanese place in Epcot and....that's it. :lol:

I'd love to try some of the finer dining places but Adrian is a fussy eater who won't ask for anything that isn't on the menu. Still can't believe I got him into the Brown Derby.

Claire

02-03-2009, 06:51 PM

Totally misread the title of this thread. I read it and thought of course you must Keith, otherwise you'll get very very hungry.

lisaw

02-03-2009, 07:01 PM

Totally misread the title of this thread. I read it and thought of course you must Keith, otherwise you'll get very very hungry.

:laugh:

Beccaberry

02-03-2009, 07:43 PM

Totally misread the title of this thread. I read it and thought of course you must Keith, otherwise you'll get very very hungry.

:laugh: :laugh: :lolchair:

Keith

02-03-2009, 07:45 PM

Totally misread the title of this thread. I read it and thought of course you must Keith, otherwise you'll get very very hungry.

:laugh: very fair point :yes:

Slowhand

02-03-2009, 10:25 PM

Keith

02-03-2009, 10:27 PM

What, no YSH? :nono:

ooo not yet actually good point :yes: does our favourite guy work there on certain nights or?

Slowhand

02-03-2009, 10:42 PM

ooo not yet actually good point :yes: does our favourite guy work there on certain nights or?
He has 2 nights off each week Keith. Normally it is Wed/Thurs although this does vary.
You could always make an ADR through the "back door" though. :wink:

Keith

02-03-2009, 10:45 PM

He has 2 nights off each week Keith. Normally it is Wed/Thurs although this does vary.
You could always make an ADR through the "back door" though. :wink:

Thanks Terry :) PMs will be sent accordingly :yes:

We keep missing him so it would be good to try and catch him this time around

inspireru

04-03-2009, 03:40 PM

Okay new to all of this so if I am re-asking please forgive. Are any of these restaurants Italian? Do you know of any in any area that are good? Where are the Ohana, Bomo, LeCellier located? I am going for my 50th in June and I want it to be extra special! Thanks for your help!

Beccaberry

04-03-2009, 03:50 PM

Mama Melrose's is Italian.

Ohana is located at the Polynesian Resort onsite, Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and Le Cellier is located in Canada in the EPCOT World Showcase :D

In my opinion, you can't go wrong with any of them!

Beccaberry

04-03-2009, 03:53 PM

If you'd like to read up on the menus, you can check them out here. (http://wdisneysecrets.com/index.php/disney-dining/36-disney-menus/50-disney-menus.html)

disnut

13-03-2009, 01:08 PM

do you need to make reservations for the places mentioned or can we just do it from our room phone?

Tink

13-03-2009, 01:24 PM

Reservations at WDW go by the "name" of ADRs. You should try to make them in advance (90 days) as much as possible, unless you don't have a specific desire to dine at a given place. Disney tends to be difficult to get an ADR with as so many folks are trying to do the same thing.

Off site restaurants such as Charleys, Morton's Ruth's Chris, The Melting Pot, all are highly recommended to have a reservation. Don't call from your room phone though, as I believe they charge you by the body part.

I know Morton's has an online reservation system, but I don't know about the others.

There are pay phones at DTD that would probably work better for you (cost wise). :yes:

Or, you could ask your Hotel Concierge for their assistance. :yes: