recomendations for a romantic eatery

[MattyFresh]

I am taking my then to be fiance to disney, and would like to be able to do something special for her. I know what with my reservations at ASM we will get so much off dinner at Planet Hollywood. But I would like to really do something nice for her, but something afforable for a college grad. Does anyone have any suggestions, and do you guys know if you eat at a place in Epcot do you have to spend a ticket to get in the park??? Any help would be great. Thanks

 

[tigsmom]

I am taking my then to be fiance to disney, and would like to be able to do something special for her. I know what with my reservations at ASM we will get so much off dinner at Planet Hollywood. But I would like to really do something nice for her, but something afforable for a college grad. Does anyone have any suggestions, and do you guys know if you eat at a place in Epcot do you have to spend a ticket to get in the park??? Any help would be great. Thanks

Any restaurant inside a park requires a valid park admission, so yes, you would use up a day in the park if you are not already there .

There are so many nice places to eat and most of what people think of as "romantic" are on the pricey side. Romance is where you make it and just about any sit down place can be special. Does she have a favorite character buffet? ADRs there would be great, even ADRs at her favorite restaurant would be nice. I'm sure if you mention to the CMs that you "just got engaged" they would do a little something extra for you (much like birthday celebrations).

In Epcot we love Marrakesh and Le Cellier has become a new favorite. Artist Point in the WL is very nice, but as a signature restaurant its expensive (and on the dining plan its 2 credits).

How much you spend isn't as important as the fact that you spend the time together.

Congratulations and may you have many happy years together. :wave:

 

[slappy magoo]

My first suggestion would be to check out the menus (including prices) at www.allearsnet.com This way, if anyone makes a suggestion, you can check out the menu to see if it can fit within your budget.

If you can swing it, I'd suggest Rose and Crown in Epcot. It's where I popped the question to my wife. With a little bit of secret begging, they gave us a table on their patio, so we could watch the fireworks while seated (plan ADRs accordingly, around 8 if possible). I had flowers delivered a few mins before Illuminations, and actually proposed just before the show began. Great night. (Usually) a fairly romantic setting.

Something else that has its charms and isn't as expensive is just grabbing a bite along the Boardwalk while people-watching, or getting some to-go at Beaches & Cream at the Beach Club and THEN walk down the Boardwalk. Olivia's in OKW has some tasty food, and usually isn't too busy, because it's so out of the way, only people staying at OKW usually go there. And while not as fancy as the Cali Grill (and there will assuredly be more kids around), you may want to consider OHana's in the Polynesian. Time your dinner to hopefully coincide with fireworks, and see if you can't swing a table by a window overlooking the Castle.

Finally, again, not the most romantic setting, but consider the Trail's End Buffet at Fort Wilderness. Not for the setting of the meal itself, but afterwards, ou can walk along the lake, maybe see the Electrical Water Pageant, OR enjoy the campfire singalongs and free movies ('smores optional). It can be pretty cozy, especially if it's not too hot. AND, unless you don't want to be "too tired" at the end of the night when you get back to your room, try to arrange to go to Trails' End during a night when they have late EMH at the Magic Kingdom. You can spend some time in the MK, ferry over to Fort Wilderness, eat, catch the Pageant or a movie, then ferry back just before closing, get a wristband, and start running like little maniacs throughout the MK.

I don't want to suggest any more, because I have zero idea what your budget is like, and I don't want to recommend places that make me look like a jerk for suggesting them. Again, check out the menus as other people leave their opinions, and then you'll get a better idea of what's right for you.

 

[erasure fan1]

I would recomend Mama Melrose at MGM, the food was good and so was the atmosphere. Or if you like seafood, The Coral reaf in epcot, it is a bit $$$ but eating next to the tank is awesome.

 

[MattyFresh]

My first suggestion would be to check out the menus (including prices) at www.allearsnet.com This way, if anyone makes a suggestion, you can check out the menu to see if it can fit within your budget.

If you can swing it, I'd suggest Rose and Crown in Epcot. It's where I popped the question to my wife. With a little bit of secret begging, they gave us a table on their patio, so we could watch the fireworks while seated (plan ADRs accordingly, around 8 if possible). I had flowers delivered a few mins before Illuminations, and actually proposed just before the show began. Great night. (Usually) a fairly romantic setting.

Something else that has its charms and isn't as expensive is just grabbing a bite along the Boardwalk while people-watching, or getting some to-go at Beaches & Cream at the Beach Club and THEN walk down the Boardwalk. Olivia's in OKW has some tasty food, and usually isn't too busy, because it's so out of the way, only people staying at OKW usually go there. And while not as fancy as the Cali Grill (and there will assuredly be more kids around), you may want to consider OHana's in the Polynesian. Time your dinner to hopefully coincide with fireworks, and see if you can't swing a table by a window overlooking the Castle.

Finally, again, not the most romantic setting, but consider the Trail's End Buffet at Fort Wilderness. Not for the setting of the meal itself, but afterwards, ou can walk along the lake, maybe see the Electrical Water Pageant, OR enjoy the campfire singalongs and free movies ('smores optional). It can be pretty cozy, especially if it's not too hot. AND, unless you don't want to be "too tired" at the end of the night when you get back to your room, try to arrange to go to Trails' End during a night when they have late EMH at the Magic Kingdom. You can spend some time in the MK, ferry over to Fort Wilderness, eat, catch the Pageant or a movie, then ferry back just before closing, get a wristband, and start running like little maniacs throughout the MK.

I don't want to suggest any more, because I have zero idea what your budget is like, and I don't want to recommend places that make me look like a jerk for suggesting them. Again, check out the menus as other people leave their opinions, and then you'll get a better idea of what's right for you.

I appreciate all the time and thought you put into your ideas. They are all great, and I don't think you have to worry about sounding like a jerk or anything like that. I don't think I am going to propose to her there, it was my original idea, but she kind of shot it down. (saying it was to predictable) anyway, I will keep your suggestions in mind and can maybe work something out. Thanks again to everyone for their ideas

 

[3IAlienKid]

If you can make priority seating for around 1 hour before the Magic Kingdom fireworks, go to California Grill on the 15th floor of the Contemporary Hotel, and you'll be able to view the fireworks from the restaurant while you eat. I believe you can also see the fireworks from Ohana's.

My wife really enjoyed Cinderella's Castle for dinner. I wouldn't necessarily call it a romantic setting myself, but I suppose it's the idea of being like a princess eating inside your castle.

The restaurant inside the Mexico Pavilion is very romantic, a lot like the Blue Bayou at Disneyland, though I often hear it's a bit overpriced for the food you get.

We've not been here yet, but Jiko's receives consistently positive reviews, and the ambience from what I've seen on those WDW Travel Channel specials make it seem very romantic.

 

[wdwmagic]

California Grill would get my vote.

The inpark restaurants tend to be a bit rushed to be classed as romantic venues, and the dress code doesnt really fit the bill either.

 

[figment1985]

Artist Point would get mine... it's a the Wilderness Lodge. It's sooo good.

 

[LeeSeeBabe]

I myself have never eaten at California Grill, but my parents eat there when they go to Disney on their Anniversaries. It recieves great reviews on here, as well as from my parents.

If my boyfriend surprised me with a California Grill dinner at firework time, I would be in absolute awe.

 

[ImaYoyo]

My top 10 romance spots in order

1.) Jiko
2.) Narcoosee
3.) V&A
4.) Cali Grill
5.) Citricos
6.) San Angel
7.) Bistro di Paris
8.) The Coral Reef
9.) Flying Fish
10.) Bluezoo

My top 5 in orlando outside of Disney

1.) Seasons 52 (Dr. Phillips location)
2.) The Melting Pot
3.) Shari Sushi Lounge
4.) The Venetian Room
5.) Latin Quarter

 

[hcswingfield]

If you don't want to pay a park admission, try Fulton's Crab House in the Downtown Disney marketplace, and request a table with a water view. Can't get much more romantic than that! The food is really good, too. Also try Spoodles, Flying Fish, or Big River Grille at the Boardwalk. Don't need park admission there, either.

Several of the resorts have great restaurants that would lend themselves to romance. Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge would be my first choice, with Jiko at the Animal Kingdom Lodge a close second. No park admission needed here, either, and you can park free if you have a dinner reservation.

 

[Sailor Mouse]

I'm not sure what my picks for the most romantic eateries would be. I'm a fan of the sushi place in the Japan pavilion, it's usually nice and quiet there. But if sushi isn't your thing, then that's not the best choice.

I think the recommendations already made here are really great, just remember to take into account what kinds of food you and your fiance will eat.

For a non-restaurant eatery, try getting ice cream from one of the shops in DTD (Ghiradheli) or on the Boardwalk, and find a nice place to just sit and enjoy the atmosphere. I know it's not a place to get food, but even though you're at ASM, you can head over to POR, and get a carriage ride through the two PO resorts - it always looks so romantic in the evenings.

Have fun - it's Disney! :wave: