Ideas for MK dinner

[happymom25]

We need some help coming up with a place to eat dinner for DD’s 15th birthday. We’ll be in MK for the day but she doesn’t want CRT or BOG. We want to do brunch/lunch at CP with characters…still holding on to hope that they’ll return in time.
We thought about grand Floridian cafe? But if there’s no CP meal, and we end up with quick service for brunch/ lunch, it feels like we need something more special. Maybe Narcoossee’s? but I don’t think I want to go in wearing our casual T-shirts/ park clothes (we’re not going back to the room to change for dinner). Would we feel uncomfortably underdressed?

 

[Chi84]

We need some help coming up with a place to eat dinner for DD’s 15th birthday. We’ll be in MK for the day but she doesn’t want CRT or BOG. We want to do brunch/lunch at CP with characters…still holding on to hope that they’ll return in time.
We thought about grand Floridian cafe? But if there’s no CP meal, and we end up with quick service for brunch/ lunch, it feels like we need something more special. Maybe Narcoossee’s? but I don’t think I want to go in wearing our casual T-shirts/ park clothes (we’re not going back to the room to change for dinner). Would we feel uncomfortably underdressed?

We’ve gone to both Narcoossee’s and Cali Grill en route to or from the parks. We just wear something slightly better those days - regular shorts and a collared shirt for DH and I wore a nicer shirt. We both wore sneakers. Didn’t look or feel out of place at all. I think it depends on your own comfort level.

 

[We love Edna Mode]

I may be in the minority here but we love Liberty Tree. How about a boat ride to Wilderness Lodge and going to Geyser Point. We ate there several times on our last trip and if it’s a late dinner you can see the water pageant right from your table!

 

[DisneyDreamer08]

You could take the boat to Wilderness Lodge and eat dinner at Artist Point. Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy and the Queen. The food is amazing!

 

[happymom25]

Great ideas…Thank you! One thing about our attire…most of us will be in denim shorts/ themed T-shirts because I already got a special shirt and ears for her bday, with some coordinating things for the rest of us. Otherwise I would just wear nicer clothes to the park that day and feel fine eating at a nicer restaurant!

 

[LittleMerman]

You don't have to worry about a dress code at most WDW restaurants. The exception would be the signature fine dining restaurants at the deluxe resorts and Swan & Dolphin + Takumi-Tei and Monsieur Paul in Epcot, neither of which are currently open. Narcoossee’s is included in that list though.

The restaurants in Disney are ultimately located in a theme park and mostly draw vacationers in leisure wear. I've never felt uncomfortable going to places like Tiffin's, Le Cellier, or Brown Derby in athleisure because I had been in the parks all day. I stay so busy on my Orlando trips that I rarely have time to go back to the resort and change for dinner.

As far as my recommendation for dinner, I would suggest one of the following:
- Skipper Canteen in Adventureland has really good food and is a fun dining experience, especially if you're a fan of the Jungle Cruise schtick!
- Take Disney transportation or an Uber to Wilderness Lodge (Artist Point, Geyser Grill), Poly (Ohana, Kona), or Grand Floridian (GF Cafe) and eat at at restaurant that doesn't require a dress code. There are some great options that are really good and it's relatively easy to get there from MK and then back. If you're looking for something a little more "special" without a dress code, the bday girl might enjoy Enchanted Rose lounge at GF. There aren't a ton of food options but you could easily make a meal of their apps or go before or after your meal as part of the celebration. It's a beautiful setting and has mocktail options for the bday girl!

 

[aw14]

I may be in the minority here but we love Liberty Tree. How about a boat ride to Wilderness Lodge and going to Geyser Point. We ate there several times on our last trip and if it’s a late dinner you can see the water pageant right from your table!

Also loved Liberty Tree and we weee pleasantly surprised by the plaza last time we were there.

 

[UofMGuy423]

We ate at Tony's Town Square during Christmas for the first time and really enjoyed it. The food was good!

But the Wilderness Lodge ideas above are a great idea!

 

[Hcalvert]

There is Steakhouse 71 at Contemporary. I don't know how the dinner is, but I ate there for lunch and it was good. I plan to go back.

 

[Smiley/OCD]

There is Steakhouse 71 at Contemporary. I don't know how the dinner is, but I ate there for lunch and it was good. I plan to go back.

We were there for the first time in November…DW & I were happy with the options and the quality

 

[happymom25]

Thanks for the feedback…I would have chosen steakhouse 71 but it’s not what she wanted. We ended up with GF cafe for lunch (breakfast food for those who want it) and Crystal palace for dinner. My kids love buffets. She’s happy!

 

[Smiley/OCD]

Good choices too…I know it’s not serving BF yet, but CP was always our first day meal at MK…I hope they bring it back for our trip in December…I’m miss the Pooh’s puffed French toast!

 

[erstwo]

I’ve never had dinner there - only brunch - but what about The Plaza? Maybe it won’t feel fancy enough, but on the right day with the right weather and table placement, the views can not be beat! (My photo from my table from Sunday brunch at the Plaza February 2020)

 

[Sbk1234]

I may be in the minority here but we love Liberty Tree. How about a boat ride to Wilderness Lodge and going to Geyser Point. We ate there several times on our last trip and if it’s a late dinner you can see the water pageant right from your table!

I would say that this is my favorite Magic Kingdom restaurant, and quite appropriate for a special celebration like a birthday. I would choose it over Cinderella's Royal Table and Be Our Guest, both of which I've eaten at and liked.