From Port Orleans to Another Place for Dinner

[jkl2000]

We're going to be staying at Port Orleans Riverside on my birthday, so I wanted to pick somewhere nice to eat that evening. We'll be at the MK during the day (it closes at 7pm), so we'll probably head back to POR for a few hours in the afternoon. Then we'll go out to eat. Most reservations are gone already, but there are still some places. I'm trying to think of a nice place to go that won't take too long to get to from POR (by bus or maybe a taxi). Coral Reef has space and my kid would love to watch the fish, but Epcot seems like a long haul just for dinner, even if it's my birthday. We COULD spend some time doing other stuff in Epcot, but it's a crowded day for Epcot according to the crowd calendar. Maybe one of the other resorts? Downtown Disney is also a possibility though we were planning on avoiding DTD because we're not really interested in shopping, and we have all those chain restaurants here.

It might be a good evening to see one of the other resorts, like Wilderness Lodge which has space at Artist Point and Whispering Canyon Cafe (both sound good to me). Can you get to WL from POR by boat? I don't know where the Sassagoula River goes!

Help! Also, if you're staying at one Disney resort can you park for free at another resort if you have a dinner reservation there?

Finally, is there usually any reason to tell the waiter it's an adult's birthday? Dumb, sort of self-serving question since it's my own birthday. I wouldn't ask about it anywhere but WDW, honest!

 

[real mad hatter]

Hi there..The Sassagoula river runs down to downtown Disney..And there's plenty of good choices to eat down there..

 

[Disnee4Me]

The Sassagoula River goes to DTD, from there you can catch a bus to another resort. We tried driving over to the GF when we were staying at POR to see the Christmas decorations, and security would NOT let us in. However, I suppose if you have reservations that would have to let you in.

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

Perhaps, this will help a bit....
http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/aspx/twiz.aspx

 

[jkl2000]

Thanks, I guess DTD makes the most sense because it's so easy, and the boat ride will be fun for the kids. Also, we might as well see DTD at least once. Anyone have good recommendations for places to eat? I prefer the places that aren't chains we have in NYC too. I guess reservations at DTD are recommended? This will be a Sunday night.

 

[yoyoflamingo]

You could also go to the Wilderness Lodge in the afternoon for lunch after you're done to the Magic Kingdom, eat at Whispering Canyon instead of going back to the hotel, then head back to the MK if it's still open to take the bus home or if it's too late, take a bus to another park then the bus to PO. Just another thought.

 

[jkl2000]

Not only is it my birthday, I just remembered - it's the big 5-0!

 

[jkl2000]

California Grill is a good idea - it sounds great and I want my older son to see the Contemporary.

 

[jkl2000]

For DTD I was thinking of Wolfgang Puck's Dining Room.

 

[luv]

I like Hoop Dee Doo for birthdays!! But it's your bday and you should go wherever you want to go!

If you want them to make a fuss over you, have it noted on your reservation that it's your bday and wear the "It's my birthday!" pin. You might not get a free cupcake, but you might! And they will almost certainly say, "Happy Birthday!"

And Happy Early 50th Birthday!!

 

[RonAnnArbor]

Raglan Road down at DTD -- the food is superb, the drinks are excellent (try one of the Irish samplers) and there is usually live music entertainment as well as dancers -- kids love them, and they incorporate the kids as well to try some "clogging" on stage...But overall, its my favorite restaurant at DTD and the ONLY one that is consistently rated in the top ten Disney restaurant lists....its always my first stop when I arrive at WDW and my last stop on the last evening before leaving. If I lived in Orlando, this is where I would take everyone for dinner.

 

[jkl2000]

Was thinking of Raglan Road too - glad to know the food is good! I'd actually rather do something more fun than Puck's or California Grill - I can get great food back home, but a fun place like Raglan Road would be different.

BTW, LUV, just so you know, it isn't really that I want a fuss made over me for my birthday, I just thought it would be fun for my kids. When I was a kid we went to a Japanese restaurant and they sang Happy Birthday to my mother, and we always remembered it.

 

[mateomouse]

My personal favorite at DTD is Portobello. The food is really good, and they have the best garlic butter you will ever taste.

 

[jkl2000]

My personal favorite at DTD is Portobello. The food is really good, and they have the best garlic butter you will ever taste.

How are the pasta dishes? That actually looks like a good place to have a meal that's not too expensive.

Trotsky, thanks for your suggestions too. A lot to consider!

 

[Weather_Lady]

Take the Sassagoula River ferry to Downtown Disney, where I recommend Raglan Road for dinner! (Serious Steak, with Bread 'n Butter Pudding for dessert, perhaps...) Time your reservation to catch the live Irish step-dancing that takes place periodically in the restaurant, and ask to be seated where you can see it.

(This is what we did on our last trip, when we stayed at PORS. It made for a lovely evening.)

 

[mateomouse]

How are the pasta dishes? That actually looks like a good place to have a meal that's not too expensive.

Their Gnocchi is one of the best I have ever had, and the Linguini with Clams is awesome as well.

 

[mateomouse]

Also, if you want to go to Fulton's, go for lunch, not dinner, the menus are very similar except it is cheeper at lunch time.