Highly themed resort restaurants?

[𝓜𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓜𝓸𝓾𝓼𝓮]

Hi everyone!

Seeking recommendations for highly themed restaurants. I'm a local without an AP so I'm figuring my best option is table service, but I'm open to other suggestions if the resort isn't strict about parking. I've been to Trattoria al Forno, Sanaa, and Trader Sam's, and the attention to detail at all of these places reminds me of happier times.

Also, I've heard Abracadabar doesn't really do magic anymore. Is that accurate?

Thanks!

 

[christine7257]

I wouldn't call them "highly" themed, per se, but Citricos has many subtle Mary Poppins references - including her umbrella and bag - and the Enchanted Rose lounge has a few Beauty and the Beast references. No real Disney theme but if you time with fireworks, dinner at Narcoossee's (Grand Floridian), California Grill (Contemporary), or Topolino's (Riveria) all offer fireworks views. I think Dahlia Lounge and Toledo at Coronado may also have fireworks views? And if you want a splurge, so does Capa at Four Seasons (they have a rooftop lounge too). Similarly, Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge is fun, particularly when the water pageant is coming by. You said you've tried Sanaa but Jiko is also worth a try. Disney Springs has a lot of great restaurants (Boathouse, Wine Bar George, Homecomin', Jaleo) and then can get your Disney fix in the stores. Again, not super "themed", but for some fun and a bit of a taste of Disney, maybe consider the Sangria University experience at Coronado Springs? Realize that parking is a challenge for lounges at some resorts. And caution that Grand Floridian lobby is under construction right now and their parking, even for confirmed dining reservations, is apparently across the street (unless willing to valet). Hope you find some ways to satisfy your Disney cravings!

 

[Prince-1]

Unfortunately Abracadabar does not do magic anymore. And as for your original question, you have your Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex Cafe which are definitely themed but the food is just meh. Depending on how themed you are looking for there is The Boathouse, at Disney Springs, which has good food and has that nautical theme going for it, Raglan Road, also at DS, is also themed and the food is good, and perhaps Ohana, at the Poly, which is always good.

 

[dreday3]

Hi everyone!

Seeking recommendations for highly themed restaurants. I'm a local without an AP so I'm figuring my best option is table service, but I'm open to other suggestions if the resort isn't strict about parking. I've been to Trattoria al Forno, Sanaa, and Trader Sam's, and the attention to detail at all of these places reminds me of happier times.

Also, I've heard Abracadabar doesn't really do magic anymore. Is that accurate?

Thanks!

Boma - do you like buffets? It's in AKL - which is highly themed- the restaurant itself is well themed and the food is great.

 

[𝓜𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓜𝓸𝓾𝓼𝓮]

Thank you all for the suggestions!

 

[MickeyLuv'r]

Hi everyone!

Seeking recommendations for highly themed restaurants. I'm a local without an AP so I'm figuring my best option is table service, but I'm open to other suggestions if the resort isn't strict about parking. I've been to Trattoria al Forno, Sanaa, and Trader Sam's, and the attention to detail at all of these places reminds me of happier times.

Also, I've heard Abracadabar doesn't really do magic anymore. Is that accurate?

Thanks!

Sounds like you've already hit some of the better ones at WDW resorts.

As another poster pointed out though, it depends a bit what you mean by highly themed, and why/how those places remind you of happier times.

I find the AoA food court to be highly themed, and a fun to visit, but the menu is much like every other WDW food court. The hotel grounds are also fun to explore. If you want a more adult vibe, consider Gran Destino.

My general advice would be to explore each hotel one-by-one, because they all have theming and varied dining options. After eating, take some time to simply walk around the hotel. Sit down meals are one option, but it can also be fun just to take a look at the creative dessert offerings in the quick serve places. They often have some fun surprises.

Another fun place to explore is Citywalk and the Universal hotels. You might have to pay to park, but Universal has a wide variety of themed dining options.

 

[GSP Guy]

I wouldn't call them "highly" themed, per se, but Citricos has many subtle Mary Poppins references - including her umbrella and bag - and the Enchanted Rose lounge has a few Beauty and the Beast references. No real Disney theme but if you time with fireworks, dinner at Narcoossee's (Grand Floridian), California Grill (Contemporary), or Topolino's (Riveria) all offer fireworks views. I think Dahlia Lounge and Toledo at Coronado may also have fireworks views? And if you want a splurge, so does Capa at Four Seasons (they have a rooftop lounge too). Similarly, Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge is fun, particularly when the water pageant is coming by. You said you've tried Sanaa but Jiko is also worth a try. Disney Springs has a lot of great restaurants (Boathouse, Wine Bar George, Homecomin', Jaleo) and then can get your Disney fix in the stores. Again, not super "themed", but for some fun and a bit of a taste of Disney, maybe consider the Sangria University experience at Coronado Springs? Realize that parking is a challenge for lounges at some resorts. And caution that Grand Floridian lobby is under construction right now and their parking, even for confirmed dining reservations, is apparently across the street (unless willing to valet). Hope you find some ways to satisfy your Disney cravings!

Holy Moly this is incredibly informative and well written! You should do this for a living!