Special first night dinner... where??

[SecondStarTilMorning]

If you could have a special first night dinner with your spouse anywhere on property- where would you choose? I'll exclude Victoria and Albert's because we are looking for a meal that will cost less than $150.

 

[zurgandfriend]

California Grill with the view from the Contemporary would be my first choice. Others would be Citrico’s, Jiko or the Hollywood Brown Derby. Now for the first night sometimes total immersion into “Disney” might be called for and a Character buffet, Chef Mickey’s, Crystal Palace or 1900 Park Fare might be in order.

 

[GoochDSA]

For us, it depends on where we are staying at what we plan to do on our first night. For example, when we have stayed at POR, on our first night we had dinner at Boatwright's and I booked a horse drawn carriage ride for us as a surprise. When we stayed at AKL, we had booked the Wanyama Safari for our first night (yes it was expensive, but it was also our all around favorite Disney experience thus far). For our trip in October we are thinking about having dinner at bluezoo before heading to DTD on our first night. Like I said, I think it really all depends on where you are staying and what you plan on doing after dinner.

 

[SecondStarTilMorning]

California Grill with the view from the Contemporary would be my first choice. Others would be Citrico’s, Jiko or the Hollywood Brown Derby. Now for the first night sometimes total immersion into “Disney” might be called for and a Character buffet, Chef Mickey’s, Crystal Palace or 1900 Park Fare might be in order.

Went to Cali Grill three years ago on our honeymoon and loved it. It's closed for refurbishment until the end of the summer though!! I've thought about Narcoossee's, but it gets pretty mixed reviews. Currently have an ADR for Chef Mickey's and I love the idea, my only fear is the food will be atrocious.

 

[SecondStarTilMorning]

For us, it depends on where we are staying at what we plan to do on our first night. For example, when we have stayed at POR, on our first night we had dinner at Boatwright's and I booked a horse drawn carriage ride for us as a surprise. When we stayed at AKL, we had booked the Wanyama Safari for our first night (yes it was expensive, but it was also our all around favorite Disney experience thus far). For our trip in October we are thinking about having dinner at bluezoo before heading to DTD on our first night. Like I said, I think it really all depends on where you are staying and what you plan on doing after dinner.

We will be checking into the Swan at around 5 pm on our arrival day. I like the idea of going somewhere extra magical our first night, last year we went to 'Ohana and watched wishes from the beach after and it was PERFECT. Sadly, 'Ohana has no availability our first night.

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

See, for us, history repeats itself. Every trip, first night is, and will always be, Ohana. (Not a romantic dinner, but its the start of an always great vacation) However, SECOND night for a romantic dinner, I would say either Cali Grill or Narcoossee's. Victoria and Alberts is exceptional, but first night, I wouldnt want to have to get dressed to the 9s.

 

[SecondStarTilMorning]

See, for us, history repeats itself. Every trip, first night is, and will always be, Ohana. (Not a romantic dinner, but its the start of an always great vacation) However, SECOND night for a romantic dinner, I would say either Cali Grill or Narcoossee's. Victoria and Alberts is exceptional, but first night, I wouldnt want to have to get dressed to the 9s.

Good to see a vote for Narcoossee's as I am leaning toward it, especially since we have already experienced the excellent Citrico's

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

Good to see a vote for Narcoossee's as I am leaning toward it, especially since we have already experienced the excellent Citrico's

Its such a romantic restaurant, and portions may seem a bit small for some, but you can't beat the food, ambience and overall *date night* feel to it in my very honest opinion

 

[SecondStarTilMorning]

Its such a romantic restaurant, and portions may seem a bit small for some, but you can't beat the food, ambience and overall *date night* feel to it in my very honest opinion

Awesome. It's sounds silly but I am torn between that and chef mickey's!! Totally opposite experiences yet both would be special.

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

Awesome. It's sounds silly but I am torn between that and chef mickey's!! Totally opposite experiences yet both would be special.

Oh you cant beat Chef Mickey's!!! The fab five?!?!?!!? NICE!!!!!! Doesn't sound silly at all, talk about a terrific way to start your vacation!!!!!

 

[GoochDSA]

Since you will be staying at the Swan, you could opt for one of the restaurants at the Swan or Dolphin (particularly Shula's and bluezoo). They are above and beyond any restaurant that takes the DDP. Better food, better atmosphere. After your meal you can relax and walk on the Boardwalk, taking in the sights, sounds, smells and shows and/or head over to Fantasia Gardens for a nice and romantic late night round of mini-golf.

 

[Zman-ks]

Oh you cant beat Chef Mickey's!!! The fab five?!?!?!!? NICE!!!!!! Doesn't sound silly at all, talk about a terrific way to start your vacation!!!!!

Agreed...Chef Mickeys...

 

[real mad hatter]

Your not going to believe me here but in our five trips,usually arriving at Sanford around 5.00pm and our resort around 7.00pm.Our favourite memory of our first night meal at WDW was in 2010. We were staying at PORS on our second stay there so we knew our way about.We unpacked at 100mph and jumped on that magic bus to the kingdom and were sitting down at Casey's eating dogs & fries & coke watching " Wishes ".. In one magical moment,we all turned and looked at each other,trying to take it all in that around 15 hours ago we were sitting at Glasgow airport in Scotland,and now here we were..It was the first time we had a Disney family huddle,holding back our tears and scoffing down the most magical hot dog in the world.

 

[taz0162]

For us we hit Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge. Great food (Skillet) Great Desert (If you have room Caramel Apple Pie which uses a surar cookie crust) horse races for the kids, servers who get into character. And it's great tricking someone at your table to ask for ketchup and watching the festivities that ensue). It really feels like a Disney experience without using a park ticket on your checkin day.

 

[Tinkerbell 8]

Artist point is where we usually go for our first dinner, its quiet and the views are pretty great. We also love California grill and I always time it so we can watch Wishes, nothing is more magical than that. Narcossees is also really nice and you can watch the electrical water pagent. Like others have said, since you are staying at the Swan eating at there or the Dolphin or Boardwalk area would probably be more relaxing on your first day. Kouzzina was great at the boardwalk, and Yachtsman is great.

 

[mrdisman]

I always liked having my very first full day in the Magic Kingdom, so I'd want to go to Crystal Palace. But if it was like a romantic evening or special occassion...I might choose California Grill.