Originally Posted By danyoung >You people *need* to get off WDW's property and try some of Orlando's truely great places to eat...< I could not possibly care less about Orlando area eateries. I live in Dallas, which has some pretty terrific restaurants that I never go to. While on a Disney vacation, eating in the Disney restaurants is an important part of the visit. It's not about finding the best restaurant in the area - it's about eating in a great restaurant on Disney property! It's all part of the total immersion thing that's so important to my vacation.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip << It's not about finding the best restaurant in the area - it's about eating in a great restaurant on Disney property! It's all part of the total immersion thing that's so important to my vacation.>> Yes!! Plus, we generally do not have a rental car so eating off property would pose a transportation challenge.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 I second DY, I live in Chicago which has more fine eateries than most cities in the world. We run the gamut from extremely high end to Mom and Pop restaurants for any nationality or culture you want. With a Chicagoland population of almost 10,000,000 one would and should expect that -- When I visit WDW, I visit for WDW, not for Orlando. If I want to visit another city, no offense meant, but Orlando doesn't make the list. I am sure it is a fine city, and has many fine restaurants for a city it's size....but it is not the reason people go to WDW. Many people may go to DL because they are visiting Southern California - but I don't truly believe it works that way for Orlando. If I want to go to a city I would rank: Vienna London Munich as my toop 3 large cities in the world Rome, Dublin and Prague next in line -- I visit those cities to see the cities -and if any happened to have a Disney park, a bonus ( but alas they don't) If I was from central nowhere, I am sure I would view it differently, but am willing to bet many many visitors from New York , Dallas , Houston, Philly , Boston , Chicago etc....
Originally Posted By trailsend I'm the same about if I'm having a WDW vacation, I'm staying with WDW for everything. However, in the last 7 months, I've had the opportunity to be in Orlando much more frequently. For what it's worth, a few suggestions. Now remember, this is from a person who has been going to WDW since 1981 and loves the magic and has well over 50 trips logged in from Georgia so I bleed WDW, so to speak. The Celebration Hotel is gorgeous with amazing atmosphere. The Plantation Room would be an excellent choice. Down the street from the hotel is the Columbia restaurant. The food is delicious. Downtown Celebration is delightful. Another place not to miss would be Gaylord Palms. The atmosphere here is truly enjoyable with several restaurants. The indoor theme is a replica of different areas of Florida. One area is Key West, with a full scale sail boat floating in water. This place was spectacular at Christmas. And this is where to see "Ice". <a href="http://www.wdwinfo.com/Photos/ICE-gaylord/" target="_blank">http://www.wdwinfo.com/Photos/ ICE-gaylord/</a> Just FYI.
Originally Posted By basas Any reviews on Italy? Surprisingly, never eaten at this restaurant before, but thinking about trying it out for the first time on our next trip…should we?
Originally Posted By LuvDatDisney "I could not possibly care less about Orlando area eateries. I live in Dallas, which has some pretty terrific restaurants that I never go to. While on a Disney vacation, eating in the Disney restaurants is an important part of the visit. It's not about finding the best restaurant in the area - it's about eating in a great restaurant on Disney property! It's all part of the total immersion thing that's so important to my vacation." That doesn't surprise me, Dan. I would bet many people feel the same way. As a local, I try not to take that personal. But there's a hell of a lot more to see in Central Florida than just WDW. I've had arguments with people I know about this. Some people just get so high on pixie dust I guess. But while WDW has some world-class dining locations like California Grill, V&A's, BlueZoo, Flying Fish and Jiko to name a few. It also has a lot of lousy, overpriced character buffets and way overpriced fast food. At the same time, Orlando has some amazing culinary options -- many just minutes from 'Da World.' I understand wanting to be immersed in Disney 24/7 to some extent -- and if this had been 10-15 years ago when much of Central Florida was a fast food wasteland that would be another story. But you really miss out on so much when you just can't stand to spend one hour away from Disney.
Originally Posted By LuvDatDisney "Any reviews on Italy? Surprisingly, never eaten at this restaurant before, but thinking about trying it out for the first time on our next trip…should we?" I assume you are referring to Alfredo's, Basas? If so, I find it inconsistent. Some times very, very good. Other times, lousy. For my money, the best Italian cuisine on Disney property can be had at Palio at the Swan. Great food. You don't hear much about this dining gem because it isn't owned or operated by Disney (although that never stops the crazy Rainforest Cafe luvers) and some people actually won't step foot inside that hotel because it isn't a ''Disney'' hotel. I'd advise you to try it. Incredible desserts too!
Originally Posted By danyoung >Any reviews on Italy?< I just ate at Alfredo's in December for the 2nd time (first time was several years ago), and had an excellent meal. Good food, great service, in a beautiful room. My only complaint is that they have maybe 30% too many tables crammed in there. No matter where you sit, you're just about sitting with everyone around you, much more so than at most restaurants. This makes for a crowded, loud, kinda hectic atmosphere. For the quality of the food and the richness of the decor, the atmosphere isn't nearly as relaxing as it could be. If that kinda thing doesn't bother you, then go for it!
Originally Posted By danyoung >As a local, I try not to take that personal. But there's a hell of a lot more to see in Central Florida than just WDW.< Just to be clear, I am in no way dissing Orlando or any of your fine restaurants. It's just that I pay a bucket of money to go on vacation, and for me the vacation is all about WDW. I never go to Universal, and as much of a spacehound as I am I only rarely go to the Cape. There is more than enough to do on Disney property, and so many fine restaurants that I don't have to go to the cheap character buffets. Orlando may be a nice city, but other than WDW Orlando has no more appeal for me than maybe Oklahoma City or Indianapolis. And I'm not dissing them, either - they just don't have anything that would bring me to town on a well earned vacation.
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom My party ate at Alfredo's last week. I had the Alfredo which I thought was ok. Nothing to write home about. Those in my party who got the chicken parmesan thought it was incredible. Those that got the sampler plater thought it was very good, but said I can make better lasgana. I found the atmosphere to be nice and "Old World". Oh course one of my ongoing complaints now is the lack of "child free zones" at on property Disney restaurants. After being at Disney for five days. I was definately over shelling out $30 to $40 per meal only to be hearing screaming children while I ate. I love children. I understand they get fussy. But can we please have a relaxing, special meal while vacationing with friends.
Originally Posted By cape cod joe TDL----You are absolutely right as since we have bought property we have discovered that much hidden fact. Just a basic Orlando restaurant like Sam Snead's is outstanding as well as meny restaurants paricularly downtown or better yet Metrowest. Alas the mouse has me captivated also and I am always looking for a meal at WDW. I recommend Boma or Jiko at AKL or RFC at DTD or the AK or any of the restaurants at Epcot as you have the illuminations ambience. Man-------I've been gone for 2 weeks or so and it seems like 2 years.
Originally Posted By LuvDatDisney "Just to be clear, I am in no way dissing Orlando or any of your fine restaurants. It's just that I pay a bucket of money to go on vacation, and for me the vacation is all about WDW. I never go to Universal, and as much of a spacehound as I am I only rarely go to the Cape. There is more than enough to do on Disney property, and so many fine restaurants that I don't have to go to the cheap character buffets. " I understand, believe me. I have friends and family who come to see me -- that's code for we really want to spend all our time at WDW and since you know all the secrets we want you to be our guide, concierge, transportation coordinator etc ... But you really should venture off Disney property. Heck, even to see Universal, which is worthy of a day or two of your time. Cape Canaveral is an experience like nonother and food ... we've talked a lot about that. But there are so many options, so close to Disney too. "Orlando may be a nice city, but other than WDW Orlando has no more appeal for me than maybe Oklahoma City or Indianapolis. And I'm not dissing them, either - they just don't have anything that would bring me to town on a well earned vacation." Now, I'm starting to feel insulted. Maybe Orlando has no appeal to you because you're only interested in Disney? That's fine. But there are plenty of wonderful reasons to visit Orlando without even setting foot at WDW. Oh, and I loved my only visit to Oklahoma City ... and great food there. And some of the friendliest folks in the USA!
Originally Posted By LuvDatDisney "Oh course one of my ongoing complaints now is the lack of "child free zones" at on property Disney restaurants. After being at Disney for five days. I was definately over shelling out $30 to $40 per meal only to be hearing screaming children while I ate. I love children. I understand they get fussy. But can we please have a relaxing, special meal while vacationing with friends." Oh Tom, do I sympathize. It's why I don't dine at WDW as much as I once did, and I love some places like California Grill, Jiko and Artist Point. I don't think I should shell out $200 for dinner, while someone's brats run around, color on the table, throw food on the floor, screetch etc ... all the while the parents are oblivious like they are in their kitchens. And you know the CMs won't dare say anything. Now you do see plenty of well-mannered kids too. My most recent visit to the Cal Grill, all the kids I saw were well-behaved. But I wish parents would just stop and think of people other than themselves. Ultimately, they know whether their kids can behave at a certain kind of establishment or not. If they can, find bring them along. If not, that's what Chef Mickey's is for. FWIW, also note the restaurants at the Swan, Dolphin and DD (except for RC) tend to attract a more adult clientele. Shula's for example doesn't offer a children's menu. I can't recall whether BlueZoo does.
Originally Posted By Mr X I really can't comprehend this obsession with staying in Disney, ESPECIALLY for those folks who have been so many times. I agree with TDLFAN.
Originally Posted By cape cod joe X----------obsession because we're disney freaks! Pretty simple, hence we're on this web site. Also Orlando is MY favorite city in the world, now surpassing San Fran as my former favorite--------hint hint they both have Guiardelli! And I've put my money where my mouth is by buying a couple million dollars worth of property there. My one friend of 30 years HATES Disney and Orlando and can't understand the obsession either but he does like their golf courses. He just played at Eagle Pines last Thurs. which proves my point that there is something for everyone in Orlando.
Originally Posted By Mr X Yeah, I understand Joe. But, even so, WDW gets BORING after a while and especially spending ALL your time there when there is so much to see and do in central Florida (there are several other world class theme parks for starters)...or heck even a trip to the ocean or something. I took an awsome day trip to Tampa/Clearwater one day, rode coasters at Bush Gardens and rode a catamaran through the awsome green waters of Clearwater beach. Sipped Margheritas by the pier. Enjoyed the Florida sun. Oh, SO much more than just Disney, and in many ways there are much better restaurants and hotels just minutes away. Let's put it this way, the locals do NOT bother to go to Disney for dining for the most part. What does that tell you? *sigh* oh well. I won't convince anyone here anyway so why bother.
Originally Posted By Mr X As for Orlando being your favorite city, well to each his own. Personally, I've been in five cities this year alone that I think are much more interesting than Orlando (Tokyo, Boston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong), but if you like it you like it. Personally, I like Orlando fine but it wouldn't make my short list of great cities by any stretch (my personal fave is New York). Wow, a couple of mil huh? You must be loaded. Wanna be friends?
Originally Posted By cape cod joe S----------I'm heavily mortgaged! hehe You sound exactly like my friend whose favorite bustin my chops statement is "There's a great big world out there!" He really hates disney except the golf and ESPN at the Boardwalk. We spent a day last Jan In Epcot and he will never forgive me. I'm from the Boston area but you picked one of my other favs Hong Kong (never been there but I would love to). My friend's fav is Lost Wages as he is the GM of a gambling type thing in Phoenix. What do you do for a living? Sell something or businessman?
Originally Posted By cape cod joe Man I can't see without reading glasses Should be XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX not S
