Originally Posted By Chelledun It's my first trip, after thirteen at WDW. Which restaurants are must-dos? We will probably be doing about two nice sit-down meals on property. Also, is it accurate that you can't book any restaurant reservations until 90 days before your visit? Is that 90 days to the date of the meal or to the first day of your stay?
Originally Posted By DouglasDubh I recommend Blue Bayou and Storyteller's Cafe. Lunch at the first, breakfast or early dinner at the latter. Unless you're without kids, have a significant other, and money to spend. Then I'd recommend the Napa Rose instead of Storyteller's. Ask for the first seating at lunch for the Blue Bayou, and then show up early and ask for a table on the water. I thought it was 60 days before your visit, but it might have changed.
Originally Posted By Indigo Who is in your party? Are they picky eaters? or do you mostly want atmosphere? Wine lovers? Foodies? What's your budget?
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Indigo's questions are very relevant. I would totally say Blue Bayou is a must. Also Napa Rose for romantic dinner, or if with kids, Goofy's Kitchen.
Originally Posted By Chelledun Its me (24) and mom (29). We love good food and usually do the dining plan at WDW so we can have four or five sit-down meals. Atmosphere, though, is our biggest thing. We will have a glass of wine frequently at home, but tend not to drink that much on vacation. I wouldn't call myself a picky eater, but I can't do any type of sea food. Mom will eat pretty much anything. In general, we are trying to save some money on this trip but would be willing to splurge on two sit-down meals. Blue Bayou sounds great! We aren't looking for romance, though, clearly.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Well Napa Rose is probably like a cross between Victoria and Albert's and the California Grill IMHO. Storytellers are like a number of the nicer WDW restaurants, but not as posh. Goofy's is like Chef Mickey's
Originally Posted By thmar A few of my favorites are Blue Bayou; Granville Steakhouse(think it's renamed now, though)and Hook's Point at DLH; Goofy's Kitchen and Plaza Inn for Character Breakfast; Mexican Restaurant in Frontierland (the name escapes me); White Water Snacks; and Bengal BBQ...
Originally Posted By junglejoy I'll go with Goofy's Kitchen and Blue Bayou. We never miss these. But we have three kids. I'm sure Napa Rose is great, but we have never been there...
Originally Posted By Doobie Since you mention doing 4 or 5 at WDW, I'll recommend 5 (in descending order) 1) Napa Rose. A must! 2) Blue Bayou. Kind of similar to San Angel but more special, IMHO 3) Storyteller's Cafe. Was my favorite place to eat the DLR when I lived there. Very comfortable atmosphere and good food. 4) Catal at Downtown Disney. Very, very good food and the upstairs dining can give a nice view as well (if memory serves). 5) Ariel's Grotto at DCA. I haven't eaten there in a long time so it may have changed. The food's not very special, but the location is - especially if you sit outside. Also has character dining (at least it used to) Doobie.
Originally Posted By Labuda I'd say Napa Rose for sure. For the other, I'd go with either Blue Bayou (great great GREAT atmosphere), or Storyteller's Café (lovely atmosphere and good food).
Originally Posted By jdub The only must-eat, FOOD-WISE, in my opinion, is Yamabuki over at the Hotel Formerly Known as the Disny Pacific. At the Disneyland Hotel, Goofy's Kitchen is a good place for photo ops, if not food--but the food HAS improved somewhat over the years--it's just a breakfast buffet kinda thing, is all. In Disneyland itself, for atmospheric reasons only, I say don't miss the Blue Bayou. This is my ONLY don't-miss of the three, due to how cool >I< think it is to be eating there inside The Pirates of the Caribbean! As soon as checking in for your reservation, I'd let them know you're willing to hang in for a good, waterside seat. I've too often ended up with a lackluster restroomside seat where the view was very poor indeed.
Originally Posted By Chelledun Wow, thanks guys! These comparisons are very helpful. We love the atmosphere at San Angel, and of course we loved Cali Grill and V & A, so I think our best picks would be Blue Bayou and Napa Rose. The menu at Catal looks fabulous too! I'll let you know what we ultimately decide - I guess it is 60 days ahead to book.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Oh Dave - but you are right - it is a hidden gem of the counter service world.
Originally Posted By tapdancemom I definately would choose Napa Rose and Blue Bayou as the others have said. I also like Carnation Cafe on Main Street for a quick but relaxed breakfast or lunch, you might even catch a glimpse of the parade if you time it just right. Another of our family favorites is Plaza Inn for dinner. We love the fried chicken dinner, it's enough to share.
Originally Posted By Labuda "Oh Dave - but you are right - it is a hidden gem of the counter service world." Especially if your name is 2oony.
Originally Posted By Indigo Brennan's Jazz Kitchen and Catal in Downtown Disney would be my two choices for you. Just kidding.... Blue Bayou is a must if you've never eating there before. Then Napa Rose at GCH. If you can't get ressies at either of those, then Catal or Brennan's is a great second. Eat upstairs at Brennan's for the best atmosphere.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Agreed those are two good choices. Also the Trattoria in DCA and HOB Gospell Brunch are pretty awesome too.
Originally Posted By alexbook I feel like I should put in a good word for Compass, but I'm not sure I can do it with a straight face. ;-)
