Ideas for a not-too-noisy dinner for two and a birthday dinner

[wakim]

Hey Everyone:

I am looking for restaurants for my DH and I (I mean I love my kids but we're going to need a couple breaks from the madness!).

I have surfed the boards a fair amount (books too) and am trying to choose two or three options between: Shula's, Le Cellier, Palio's, Spoodles - we love mediterranean food. We want a place that isn't too crazy although it doesn't have to be really quiet or romantic. Any other ideas - any experience with the above. We have singled out a couple of Dolphin restaurants because, given that we are Dolphin guests, we are given up to 2 hours free babysitting at Camp Dolphin (must dine in either Shula's or Blue Zoo).

I am also trying to decide on a dinner option for our last night and the night of my DD's 5th birthday. She wants it to be fun, a place where she ( and my other DD - 8 and DS-7) can have fun. Its our last day there so I would like it to be memorable. FYI - we have booked Hoop Dee Doo for our first night, as well as an Illuminations Cruise and Fantasmic while we are there!

Any help would be much appreciated!

[Keith]

You've got some nice choices there... I really like Shulas so that is a great choice but I actually enjoy yachtsmans steakhouse more

[jetboy]

I think Whispering Canyon at Disney's Wilderness Lodge would be a wonderful place to have a Birthday Party for a 5 year old girl.

[OKWTink]

Palio has an extensive menu. I would try there before Spoodle's. Spoodle's was once upon a time, a wonderful place to dine. Unfortunately, it's pretty mediocre right now.

I'm with Keith. I prefer Yachtsmans Steakhouse, but that isn't Mediterranean.

'Ohana, Chef Mickey, and 1900 Park Fare are character dinners (among others) that your daughter may like. 'Ohana will have the children up and participating in little events like hula hoops, etc. Each has it's own unique theme!

What is her favorite food, character, etc.? That could help guide you?

[AlecK]

I'm with Keith. I prefer Yachtsmans Steakhouse, but that isn't Mediterranean.



:iagree: Of all the restaurants we have sampled in the past couple of years at WDW the Yachtsman stands out as the best by a mile. I really enjoyed it. :thumbs:




'Ohana, Chef Mickey, and 1900 Park Fare are character dinners (among others) that your daughter may like. 'Ohana will have the children up and participating in little events like hula hoops, etc. Each has it's own unique theme!



'Ohana is no longer a character dinner but they still play a few games with the kids and the food was excellent when we when in Dec. We did Chef Mickey's then also and found good food and good character interaction and the napkin waving etc. was fun. Haven't been to 1900PF since Oct '03 but again food and characters were good but there was no singing or games etc.

[Bambi]

Since you have only the two hours definately you need to look into something at the dolphin/swan. As keith mentioned yachtsman- its close by and you should have time for that also.

I did eat at Shula's it was really good but very pricy. Everything is ordered and priced individually. If you do eat at shula's its best to go w/out the kids. My kids refuse to allow us to let them stay at the camp so dinner alone with dh is out.
We are thinking of going back to Shula's but I am looking into yachtsman.

[Keith]

Shulas is very expensive I agree... to be fair, they're very attentive without being overbearing etc. which I always think is the mark of a good restaurant and the food is excellent.

BUT I do think the yachtsman's is even better food wise. In December I had the Bourbon steak and my mouth is still watering thinking about it <G>

[OKWTink]

Thanks Alec! I did mislead with the character dinner description for 'Ohana! I meant to describe it as a fun place for children with some activities, not including characters. Good that you clarified the actual reality! :hug:

[wakim]

Palio has an extensive menu. I would try there before Spoodle's. Spoodle's was once upon a time, a wonderful place to dine. Unfortunately, it's pretty mediocre right now.

I'm with Keith. I prefer Yachtsmans Steakhouse, but that isn't Mediterranean.

'Ohana, Chef Mickey, and 1900 Park Fare are character dinners (among others) that your daughter may like. 'Ohana will have the children up and participating in little events like hula hoops, etc. Each has it's own unique theme!

What is her favorite food, character, etc.? That could help guide you?
She really likes everything - I'm concerned about Chef Mickey's. I read a review that noted that birthdays are celebrated together. They identify all the birthday kids and sing a Happy Birthday to all at the same time. I'd like my daughter's birthday to be a bit more individual than this - does anyone have any experience with Chef Mickey's or any other Character Dinner for a child's birthday celebration?:sigh:

[OKWTink]

Yes, they do it that way at Chef Mickey's as I recall. Everyone joins in though, swirling napkins overhead and singing with great energy! It's quite fun!

I don't know about the character dinners, but I know the full service restaurants will do an individual acknowledgement. I'm not sure about singing though. Some places do and some don't.

[Keith]

She really likes everything - I'm concerned about Chef Mickey's. I read a review that noted that birthdays are celebrated together. They identify all the birthday kids and sing a Happy Birthday to all at the same time. I'd like my daughter's birthday to be a bit more individual than this - does anyone have any experience with Chef Mickey's or any other Character Dinner for a child's birthday celebration?:sigh:

I didn't like Chef Mickey's. I'm in the minority (again ;-) but I think crystal palace is a much nicer place.

[OKWTink]

Chef Mickey's is lively and fun, but I didn't think the food was too terrific.

I liked 1900 Park Fare ok though. Not ever eaten in Crystal Palace. Will have to try that some day! :ears:

[Bambi]

I didn't like Chef Mickey's. I'm in the minority (again ;-) but I think crystal palace is a much nicer place.I agree with Keith on this - We ate at Chef Mickey's for the first time when our 3 yr old was a baby. Too noisy and not a pleasant experience. HOwever, characters were lots of fun.
Second time we tried CM didn't enjoy the food and it was the same food. I do like the parmesan mashed potato's though. A minus for overall food but a plus again for the characters.
DH and I would never have tried CM a third time but of course the girls begged us because they wanted a character meal with Minnie mouse. So we figured lets make this a final try. DH and I ate next to nothing. HOwever, again with great delight the characters were loads of fun.
Over all the characters and dessert bar are the highlights of the meal.

Crystal Palace a wonderful place for Breakfast, LUnch or dinner. We have never had a negative experience at this place. I believe the birthday celebration is for all the kids together -a parade for the birthday kids. The waiter brings out a cupcake and gives a card signed by all the characters.

However, my first choice for a girls character meal is Cinderella's Gala at the grand floridian (1900 park fare)
The restaraunt asked us at check in time if we wanted a cupcake for our dd's birthday (complimentary) or to order a cake for 10.00(i believe that was the price)
We ordered the cake and perla or suzy came to our table and the waiter and the rest of our party group sang happy birthday to our daughter. If you do this ask the waiter if one of the characters can come to the table for singing the birthday song. There was no signed birthday card but you can bring your own card and when they come around for autographs they can all sign it. ( something for your daughter to keep)
Overall, lots of fun for a little princess's birthday celebration.

[OKWTink]

Wow Bambi! That's quite a birthday experience! Thanks for the info. :hug:

[Bambi]

Wow Bambi! That's quite a birthday experience! Thanks for the info. :hug:Tink, Yes it was - I tried posting a picture of the cake and Perla at our table but it didn't work. Oh and hugs back at ya Tink :hug:

[dizzyknee]

Wakim I don't know where you are from but there aren't many places, outside of big cities like NY and San Francisco, that can offer food and an experience, that is as perfect as Victoria and Albert's.

You put your kids into the Neverland Club at the Poly, hop on the monorail, and go the GF. You will have the most elegant, peaceful, romantic, and refreshing evening possible. The food is impeccable. It will be one of the best meals you will ever eat. For a bit more than you might spend at Shula's it is really worth it.



And I agree with Bambi (and Keith) about CM. Crystal Palace always is a winner and it is right in the park!