Best Resort Table Service?

[CaptainAmerica]

This is what has kept us from eating at Monsieur Paul. I don't think it would be right to take a two year old into that kind of environment; it was difficult enough at California Grill. I'd much rather have dinner with my daughter present over eating at some fancy place.

We had our daughter at Boma when she was six months old. The second we sat down, she pooped all up her back. Biggest diaper blowout we've ever had. In the ruckus of Boma, it was completely unnoticed. Thank God we happened to be staying at DAKL on that trip and I was able to give her a quick dunk in the bathtub then zip back down to the meal.

 

[tlev]

Ohana is my favorite.

 

[danyoung56]

I haven't eaten at every WDW restaurant, but the only one I've been to that required us to share a table was Biergarten.

I've only eaten at Biergarten once, and that shared table thing is the main reason why. I'm sure most people are friendly, but on my visit I was seated at one end of a table with a family of 4 at the other end. I smiled and nodded, but the whole meal they kept looking at me as if I was a child molester just waiting for my opportunity. It was incredibly uncomfortable - never again!

And to the OP, even though you specified non-signature I need to put in another vote for the California Grill, up on top of the Contemporary Resort. Incredible food and great, friendly (non-stuffy) service, with a view over the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon that's totally amazing. Time things right and you can go outside on the 15th floor balcony and watch the MK fireworks show - totally cool!

 

[DisneyFans4Life]

We had our daughter at Boma when she was six months old. The second we sat down, she pooped all up her back. Biggest diaper blowout we've ever had. In the ruckus of Boma, it was completely unnoticed. Thank God we happened to be staying at DAKL on that trip and I was able to give her a quick dunk in the bathtub then zip back down to the meal.

Oh man...that must have been brutal. Luckily you were close do your room!

 

[WishIwasatEPCOT]

Some our favorites:
Sanaa (AKL)
JIko (AKL)
Trattoria al Forno (BW)
Il Mulino (Swan)
Yachtsman (YC)

Il Mulino is my newest favorite on property. Great meal and a turn around the lake to walk it off.

 

[blackfootedcat]

Unless there are enough of you in your party you have to share a table at Teppan Edo (sp) as well.

Yes, I believe Teppan Edo's tables seat 6 (or possibly 8). I'm not sure why everyone is insisting Biergarten is the only one.

I'm glad to hear 'Ohana isn't like that, though. We are eating there for the first time in December and I was under the impression they did Biergarten-style seating.

 

[Tuvalu]

Yes, I believe Teppan Edo's tables seat 6 (or possibly 8).

When we ate at Teppan Edo in August there were 9 at our table (2 on each end and 5 in the middle.)

 

[blackfootedcat]

When we ate at Teppan Edo in August there were 9 at our table (2 on each end and 5 in the middle.)

Thanks for the clarification! I haven't eaten there in a few years so I couldn't remember.

 

[Sabrina D]

OP- I can't find anywhere in this thread where you say whether or not you are traveling with children. Since you ask specifically about arrival day my answer is for that day specifically. On our arrival days, which involve air travel from a very congested airport where the process of getting through security often takes as long as the flight itself, we like to do a table service meal, once we're checked in and unpacked, in a place that we find relaxing. If it's an adult only trip, that means Blue Zoo- amazing food, amazing specialty cocktails. It's too quiet and refined for my girls though on an arrival day. They know how to behave in a nice restaurant but on a day where they're a combination of excited and spent it's not easy to get them to sit still and mind there manners for a long dinner. When we're traveling with the children, I like Coral Reef for the first evening. They zone out while watching the fish tanks. It's relaxing for everyone. Sometimes we have to wait a little longer to get a table with a great view but there's lots of space for the girls to run around outside while we wait.

 

[Bparso87]

Ah OK, I was assuming, based on the pics on the WDW site, that it might happen with all of the tables seating up to 8 people.

Only place i know that does that is teppan edo

 

[Bparso87]

I think mine is Cali grill wagyu beef is so good and really good sushi. And a better beer selection then most.

 

[MalMeansBad]

Boma (AKL) is a restaurant that has almost become a must do when my family visits. We love the wide variety of food choices and the buffet style. Always a good meal. I am personally a fan of The Wave (Contemporary). I have never had a bad meal at The Wave and depending on when you visit, the restaurant usually is less crowded and mellow. I would not recommend breakfast at the Wave, simply because why eat at the Wave when Chef Mickey's is right there?? But I ABSOLUTELY recommend it for dinner.

 

[TomHendricks]

My TOP 10 Resort dinning locations.

10. The Wave
9. Artist Point
8. Bluezoo
7. Flying Fish Cafe
6. Narcoossee's
5. Yachtsman Steakhouse
4. Jiko
3. Citricos
2. California Grill
1. Victoria & Alberts

 

[piglet1]

Okay, so I have plebian tastes in food (simple, well cooked steak, pork tenderloin, and chicken) but my favorite resort restaurant is The Turf Club at SS. Excellent service, relaxing, and the mushroom risotto that came with the pork tenderloin puts Le Cellier to shame.

 

[acishere]

My favorite TS for dinner are both at the Contemporary. Cali Grill is great for a night you want to splurge. The Wave is another slightly less costly option.

Breakfast you can't go wrong with Kona Cafe.

For buffets you will find lots of great options at Boma. Amazing soups and of course grab a few zebra domes for dessert.

 

[alissafalco]

Jiko
California grill
Ohana

 

[Raineman]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I guess I should have mentioned that the restaurant we choose has to fit into the DDP We were thinking Fulton's at Disney Springs, but that takes 2 TS credits, so....no.

 

[aw14]

Some our favorites:
Sanaa (AKL)
JIko (AKL)
Trattoria al Forno (BW)
Il Mulino (Swan)
Yachtsman (YC)

Excellent list

We are trying Yachtsman for my 40th in March, hear so many good things.

Love Boma, 'Ohana and Sanaa

 

[GoochDSA]

...We will not be arriving at WDW until mid-late afternoon our first day next spring, so we would like to book an ADR at one of the resort TS restaurants. Any suggestions?

How are you arriving? Plane or car? ME or rental? Just about all restaurants at WDW now require a credit card hold. You planning on coming in mid-late afternoon doesn't seem like it gives you a whole lot of cushion for any kind of delay (flight, traffic, etc.). If I were to come in mid-late afternoon, I would leave it open until I was either getting on the ME bus from MCO and would book something through the app or I would ask the concierge at the resort what restaurants have an opening once I got checked in. This would eliminate the risk of not making it to the restaurant in time and having to take the no show fee, plus I am the type that likes to add in a little mystery when I can. Plus I know I have stumbled upon some good meals at WDW by waiting for the last moment.

With that being said, if you wanted to go to DS I would suggest Raglan Road and would pick Sanaa or Boma for a resort TS.

 

[Sweet Melissa]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I guess I should have mentioned that the restaurant we choose has to fit into the DDP We were thinking Fulton's at Disney Springs, but that takes 2 TS credits, so....no.

That's a shame. Many of my favorites either require two credits or do not accept the dining plan at all. But within your parameters, I would list Sanaa, Olivia's Café, Boatwright's Dining Hall, and the Grand Floridian Café (particularly for breakfast).