When you visit WDW, what restaurant do you consider mandatory and why?
Also, off the subject, I'm visiting WDW March 28 - April 2. I'm bringing capri pants, tshirts/golf shirts, a light wind and rain jacket with hood, and a few sweatshirts. Do you think this is sufficient for the Orlando weather?
THANKS!!!!
~Beth
Not sure about early Spring weather in Orlando. Went in May once and it was blazing hot.
I consider Artist Point a must do for myself, as is California Grill. Next trip I'm going to try and branch out to more signature restaurants, but I don't know if I can give up AP and CG.
I now consider Crystal Palace for breakfast a must do. Usually I hate character meals since the food is mediocre and overpriced, but this was a great experience.
Next trip to WDW December 10-17 Wilderness Lodge for the merriest trip ever!
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Personally, I'd add an umbrella.
As to restaurants, I've always tried to get dinner at Cinderella's and the Liberty Tree, since the food and service are so good (the latter is just about the only character dining experience I ever bother with). And I also usually have one light dinner at Cosmic Ray's, just because of the animatronic extraterrestrial lounge singer. (Wait for it.) And I also generally try and have lunch at Alfredo's, for the fettuccini Alfredo, of course, and at the Plaza Restaurant (they do a pretty decent approximation of a Philadelphia steak sandwich) (It's coming.) And since I always take the Backstage Magic tour, I GET lunch at Mama Melrose's. (Not yet.) And I also really like the atmosphere at the Sci-Fi Dine-In. (Get ready.) For breakfast, I generally just stick to the food court at my hotel.
All right, all together now,
THEY DO NOT SERVE LUNCH AT 1900 PARK FARE!
James H. H. Lampert
Professional Dilettante
The average temperatures in late march/early April is a high of 83 and a low of 59. Average rainfall in April is 2.4 inches (low). My dad on Merritt Island says they have had a really nice warm start of spring so I'll bet you'll be fine.Originally Posted by Disneynerd
My must experience restaurants are:
Crystal Palace breakfast buffet. There is something about the atmosphere in the morning there. The way the sun shines through the windows and the way it hits the Castle at that time in the morning... it's hard to describe but it makes me really happy. Plus the food is wonderful... one of the best breakfast buffets by far imo.
Liberty for lunch. No character meal reduces crowd level but the food is unique and tasty. I wrote a review on it with lots of details.
Norway bakery. Holy smokes. A trip without these would not be a trip for us. Ring cakes... yum. Sweet pretzels (kind of like a cake with almond slices on top), ricecream and Skoolbread. Too much.
Teppanyaki. Not much else to say about it besides we love the food.
I'm sure many might disagree (you love it or hate it) but the 50's primetime we love too. Mostly because the kids love it but I really like the meatloaf and the onion "straws" (they aren't rings) are a big hit with the kids and my dad.
But not to neglect counter service:
The Pecos Bill Cafe with the burger bar is great. It's another one of those atmosphere things but we like to sit in the section right across from the entrance to PiratesotC where there are less people but the barred windows and the grouped seating... it's one of those classic Disney experiences for us.
We also like the little window booth at the Pinocchio's Village Haus. Looks out at Ariel's meet and greet and the seats in the bay window are fun and atmospheric.
The food court at Land is another different counter service experience for us.
The must-dos depend, of course, on whether the main consideration is the food tastes of the adults, or the desire of the children to attend character meals. My two princesses adore Cinderella Castle, and we have managed two princess breakfasts and one lunch there. We really enjoy LeCellier (the Canada pavillion at Epcot), which is a steakhouse. A good deal on the dining plan, at only one credit, the food is really good, and the atmosphere is that of a fairly upscale restaurant, but still comfortable with kids. My kids both got steaks for their kids' meals there. For a grown-up meal, I would second the vote for Artists Point at the Wilderness Lodge. At the Animal Kingdom, we enjoy lunch at Tusker House, which offers healthier options for a counter-service place. We enjoyed dinner at Boma, at the Animal Kingdom Lodge (if you are depending on Disney transportation, consider taking a cab back to your hotel). Crystal Palace at the MK is also fun, for any meal (Winnie-the-Pooh characters and a buffet meal). I suggest that you plan a breakfast at the MK on a non-Extra Magic Hours day, so you can get into the park early. If you are done with breakfast around rope-drop time (when they open the park), you will be able to get a few rides in before the crowds hit. An especially good idea if you have an afternoon flight to go home, and you may be able to get a good partial-park day in before you leave.
I always try new resterants. I guess once I try them all, then I'll make up my must see list. CRT, Ohana's, Yacht Club Steakhouse, and Coral Reef are my top picks right now.
~Anne~
I love the Crystal Palace but I'm a little confused about planning breakfast at the MK on a NON-extra magic hours day? How can you get in early to have breakfast if the park isn't open? Maybe it's a stupid question and I'm missing something?
Pecos Bill for lunch the first day we are there...been a thing since the first visit. It was the first place I ever ate WDW.
Yeah I'm 53 and I still go to Disney World!
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Spoodles (BoardWalk). Also, we tried lunch at the Liberty Tree last time and enjoyed it.
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I'm wondering that too. I always do breakfast room service as not to miss any park time. But, if the Crystal Palace opens before rope drop, then I'm SO there!
~Beth
They will let you in early, and you can get through security and rent your stroller quickly. They have all the pre-park opening AR's on a list at the front gate. It's a great head-start. If you book the Princess Breakfast at Epcot, you can also get in early. It was so strange walking through an almost empty park to get to breakfast.
Not a stupid question at all...
They have your name on a list at the gates and let you in accordingly. Just have your park tickets ready. Also, you still have to check in at the restaraunt when you get to it, so there may be a short wait there as well.
Usually while I wait, I grab a few quick shots of the castle and the like. It is awesome being able to get a quick picture of the castle in the AM without a lot of people around.
The search function is like the Force. It may take practice, but the more you use it, the more control you will have over it!
Not a stupid question at all. There will be 1 turnstile open and the CM will have a list of those w/early reservations.
Just be sure to factor in travel time from your hotel to the MK, we usually will spring for a taxi on those mornings.
Jenn
Who moved to SoFl to be closer to WDW
This makes me VERY happy!
~Beth
I've found myself eating at least once in the Commissary in The Studios just about every trip. Could it be the proximity to Millionaire, or the black bean salad side they offer? - hmmmm - Both are pretty valid reasons for me
James, You made me laugh!
Boma is mandatory. The food is fantastic and not your typical buffet fare. I love being able to try new foods. Plus the banana bread pudding with vanilla sauce is to die for.
We love Alfredo's in Italy. You can't go wrong with Italian food.
50's Prime Time Cafe at the Studios. Great meatloaf and good comfort food ask for dessert menu. The menu is on a view master.
Chefs De France-great food and lovely view of the fountains or people watching.
Flame Tree Bar-be-que at AK has great food and if you go down the steps you can find tables by the water with a lovely view of Everest.
Harbor House at Mk is a good counter service place to eat. You can go upstairs if its open and have a quiet meal.
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My first night is always at 'Ohana.
Burnt Toast
The Magic Begins with Me...! 8:P
Boma! Boma, Boma, Boma, Boma.
I do not have a very sophisticated palate & usually prefer to eat where I know there will be something I will enjoy. A MUST do, for me, is the Garden Grill, at The Land, in Epcot. It is a character meal, with Mickey, Minnie, Chip & Dale. The food is served family style, & they will continue to refill empty bowls/platters. I love their fried catfish. I also like the Crystal Palace & Liberty Tree at MK. At the Disney Studios, I enjoy Mama Melrose & 50's Prime Time. Flame Tree Bar-B-Q is where I eat at AK. Their ribs are terrific. Chef Mickey's, at the Contempary is a fun place to eat, that is an all-you-care-to-eat buffet. This is also a character meal. I think I would also pack a pair or two of long pants. It can become quite cool after the sun goes down. You may want to check the weather channel, on your computer, before you pack. They will give you, up to a 10 days forcast, for any zip code. Hope you have an absolute fantastic time!!!!!
Sheesh...I see all these's boma's, and ohana's....and here I was going to say the turkey leg cart in frontierland.
...well that, and the Boulangerie Patisserie. But that one pretty much goes without saying.
If you end up considering any character breakfasts at any of the parks, try to get as early a PS as possible. When the parks open at 9am, you will be able to get PS for as early as 8am. We did this for Crystal Palace in MK and Donald's Breakfastosaurus located at the Restaurantosaurus at AK. We had 8 and 8:15 PS for each respectively on non-extra magic (morning) hours and were able to eat, fully enjoy all the characters and be out walking around the park prior to 9am the official opening. It was a great head start those days for each park.
Where do you start with a question like this? There are just so many great places to eat at WDW and everybody will have their favourite.
Mine would be Morroco at EPCOT.(And yet there's been a thread dis -ing the place.) The one I found most disappointing at EPCOT was the restaurant at China. However, one must do for me snack-wise is a Beaver Tail at Canada.
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Did they get them back? I thought I read a while back they were closing the stand. I DID look for them in late November and didn't see them.However, one must do for me snack-wise is a Beaver Tail at Canada.
I'm not sure if it was seasonal or not (pretty sure it was) but if you're going around Christmas time, the gingerbread cookies (chocolate 'coated' on one side) go surprisingly well with the Oktoberfest beer (both purchased in Germany).
And having experienced the ssschocolate mousse from the bakery in France, I will agree it's pretty dang good!
Oh, and HOW could I forget - an apple turnover from Starring Rolls in the Studios!
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