A casual place to dine w/o kids

[Wiggler]

My husband and I will have a night out durring our trip, and are looking for a relaxing, casual dinner. We don't want anything too fancy- like Victoria and Alberts'. We liked LeCellier in Canada. How about the Coral Reef? Anything interesting- not too much$$$, but a place you would go to get away from your kids?!?!?

[tjrj]

Getting away from kids at WDW is going to be an issue. Because they are everywhere-this is WDW after all. And I don't say that with sarcasm-I love kids; have 2; long-time teacher etc-simply stated-they are there; and some are more well-behaved than others. And some are a joy. 3 year old twins had their birthday dinner at Le Cellier at the table next to ours. Very close quarters there-we felt like we were part of the party-which was terrific-they were so sweet-we even took pix.

My experience with Coral Reef was less than stellar. Lots of people love it. It's a kiddo friendly place because of the tank and they give you a card to identify the fish; lots of kiddos-again, some more up to sitting thru a ts meal than others.

You might try a signature place-but again, that's not saying that you wouldn't be seated right next to the family who's littlest one is having a melt down. And they are pricey.

Couple of thoughts-what about a night out somewhere you couldn't take the kids? Pleasure Island, one of the clubs there? Jellyrolls on the boardwalk? Maybe drinks and dessert at a signature like Jiko's or Artist Point? A carriage ride around the Port Orleans resort? Or strolling around World Showcase, soaking up the atmosphere; beverage of choice in hand-rather than hurrying to the next "thing" 'cause the kiddos are impatient? Hmmm-in that vein, you might try for the last ADR of the day at a World Showcase place-wandering out to dark and quiet Epcot, after your meal sounds nice. When you check in, at the podium, tell the CM that it's just the two of you and you'd like to be seated away from famlies. Maybe you'll have some pixie dust....

Wait! I forgot one. Not quiet but fun and something that you might not do with the kiddos(although some love it)-Raglan Road in DTD. Didn't feel it was any pricey than any other non-signature place. Irish music with some step dancing thrown in. Every night of the week starting at 9pm I think-except Sunday's when there's a harpist.

[mom22gls]

I would recommend avoiding the parks, altogether, for a date night. There are some very nice places in the hotels, with the bonus that, you can make a reservation at one of the Kids' Clubs to watch the kids, and then dine or have drinks nearby. You could put them at the Kids' Club at the Beach Club (even if you are not staying there), and hang out on the Boardwalk, where there are some nice bars. Some of the signature places, like Artist's Point at the Wilderness Lodge, or Jiko at the Animal Kingdom Lodge are not that fancy, but have great food, a quieter, more romantic atmosphere, and both hotels have Kids' Clubs right there.

[danyoung]

Note that the OP didn't say they wanted to get away from ALL kids, just "your kids" (meaning their own kids, I'm assuming). There are plenty of very nice restaurants in the parks and hotels, but like anywhere else the nicer the pricier. I think you'd enjoy the Coral Reef, although it's declined somewhat in the past couple of years. My favorite restaurant on the planet by far is the California Grill, up on top of the Contemporary Resort. Spectacular food (including world class sushi if you're into that), stellar service, a wonderful wine selection, and one of the most incredible views anywhere. It's a bit pricy, but for me worth every penny.

[anniedg]

If I'm ever eating at WDW without my underage kids I want to try Jellyrolls, it sounds like a lot of fun. Of the places we have been, we love Chefs de France.