Romantic Dinner at WDW

[MarcV]

I am planning a trip down to WDW in August with my mom, sister and girlfriend. It will be my girlfriends first trip to WDW and I wanted to plan a nice romantic dinner for just the two of us to have some alone time at the resorts. I am planning to stay at the Boardwalk. My first thought was Victoria and Albert's but then realized that my girlfriend might not be comfortable with the formality of the place. So I was thinking either Artist's Point(to which I have never been) or California Grill (to which I have been). Any other suggestions? I would also love to hear what anyone else has planned or has done for a romantic dinner at WDW.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

Both of those sound like great ideas. I also think that Jiko might be a good place to try. You will get the same high level of cuisine in a more exotic setting. Then after dinner, you can walk around the resort and look around the savannahs.

 

[Sloan]

several great options

The California Grill has great food and a spectacular view, but it's often so busy/noisy that some of the 'romance' is lost. My wife has voted Jiko @ Animal Kingdom Lodge to be the most romantic of all of our special meals - the AKL is beautiful to start with, the grounds are perfect for a romantic walk before and/or after dinner, and Jiko itself is a fantastic experience. Since she's never been to WDW at all, the whole Animal Kingdom Lodge experience might be just the thing to make a really lasting impression ....

Wait for some other feedback too, as I've never been to Artist's Point either - I'm sure you'll hear from people who have been, though. Le Cellier is a special place for us too, as we ate there the night of our engagement, but it's not on quite the same level as CG or Jiko. Still, we find it to be romantic, as we order a bottle of wine, step outside to watch Illuminations, then eat at our own pace while the place clears out. You'd also have the chance for a romantic stroll back to Boardwalk with the park almost all to yourselves. We've had several 'romantic' nights that way - music and lighs stay on, and everyone else has cleared out - a very special time. Whatever you choose I'm sure she'll love it - enjoy!

P.S. I agree that Victoria and Albert's might be 'too much' - some might consider it more 'stuffy' than romantic

 

[dizknee]

I have found that the San Angel Inn (Mexican Pavillion at Epcot) is one of the most romantic restaurants at WDW. The food and service were great and the atmosphere is very very nice. I make it a point to eat there every year.

Have Fun

 

[Sloan]

San Angel suggestion by dizknee

dizknee's suggestion regarding the San Angel Inn is a good one - it's very pretty setting, we've also had great service, and I enjoy it - however, the proximity of the tables (rubbing elbows with neighbors) and the din (lots of tile) take a little something away from the 'romance'. It's also more likely to have lots of kids around - quite natural for Disney, of course, but perhaps not as 'romantic'. (and while I'm not really blaming San Angel, my wife was sick all night after the last time we ate there, and no, she did not have ANY margaritas).

 

[Buckeye]

My wife and I love Shula's Steakhouse in the Dolphin (of course!) hotel. It is a very relaxed atmosphere that is far removed from the hustle and bustle of the parks. Plus, the food is top notch. It is a little pricey, but not near as much as V & A's.

 

[Highland_Holly]

We try to have one "adults only" dinner when we go... we LOVE the Yachtsman Steakhouse at the Yacht & Beach Club.


Holly:kiss:

 

[LpMcQuack]

I second that motion made by Highland_Holly.... I believe the Yahctman's to be the best kept secret on Dinsey property. Excellent food, excellent service and very intimate without being too obvious.

 

[Nat]

Jiko

If you're looking for a Romantic and unique experience, JIKO is definitely your best bet. Far from the ordinary, you're going to feel transported (magically, what else is new at WDW!) to the other side of the world. From the moment you get to the hotel, going thru the "spectacular" lobby of the Animal Kingdom Lodge, you will forget that you're in South Florida. The music, the textures, the colors, the people, the smells, the fires! will make you feel in Africa. I suggest a walk around the savanah before or after dinner, to make it more romantic. With the biggest selection of South African wines, two chefs that are on the top of the list, a more than friendly staff and a magnificent ambience and an unique decoration, this place is definitely in my top five in the United States. Try it, you cannot go wrong.

 

[crazycalf]

I have not eaten at Artist's point before but I am in the minority that does not like CA Grill. It is not the romantic place it is made out to be and the food is just ok. The best thing about the place is the fireworks, but we were not even able to hear the music being piped because we sat next to the bar and it was so loud.

To watch the fireworks while you eat, and in the price range you are talking about, I would recomened Narcoose's in the GF. It is much more romantic than CA Grill

 

[DisneyHoneymoon]

an overlooked restaurant....

For romantic dining, my husband and I book a table at Downtown Disney's "Bongo's" restaurant every trip (1-2x a year). We request an upstairs (open air seating) table overlooking the water. With the latin decor, and luscious food -- well, we are definately pleased And yes, it is the restaurant owned by Gloria Estefan. Very romantic!

 

[ssidiouss@mac.c]

My most romantic dinner at DisneyWorld is the blue room upstairs in Fultons Crab House (Downtown Disney)

I also liked La Cellar. Umm.. Libery Tree Inn is also fun to me.. but not romantic.. but its so comfy in there.

 

[dox]

I've been to both and I love both places. The food and service is excellent in both. Although it is true that the California Grill can get quite noisy, if you make your reservations to coincide with the fireworks it makes for a special evening. Even if you don't get window seats, you can take your drink out and watch the fireworks from the terrace. As for Artist Point, I made my reservations there to coincide with the Electrical Water Pageant, which was kind of late, so the restaurant was very empty and quiet. Personally, I prefer a little bit more people and hate silence while eating (only 4 other tables were occupied). But when the Water Pageant began, we went out onto a balcony to watch, and our waiter brought out our drinks to us. That was a really nice touch. And throughout the service was really outstanding.

There is one more choice no one has mentioned - Narcosees. Depending on your seats you'll have a great view of MK and the fireworks. The restaurant is very dark and has a great ambience. Only problem is that I found it a bit pricier than either of the two above.

My first choice would be CG, followed by Narcosees and then Artist Point. But whichever you choose you'll have a great night.

 

[CAPTAINJACK]

I have also been to both CG and AP (multiple times each), and I find both of them to be excellent choices. If you have not been to AP, it has terrific atmosphere and it should be quieter than CG (keep in mind that all of the restaurants down there will have kids and noise unless you go late). The other one that is extremely nice is Yachtsman - white jacketed servers; clean, steakhouse style decor, a picture of a cow with a HM on her - what more could you want. It is pricey, though, and it would be a good thing if you like steak. :slurp:

 

[MarcV]

thanks for all the suggestions so far!

 

[shoppingnut]

I've been to both the Cali Grill and Narcoose's and while the food is good in both places, both are very, very noisy and I don't find them that romantic. Yachtman Steak House is excellent, not noisy, very few children there. Le Cellier in Canada, Chef de France in France are both very good too. I have not been to Bistro restaurant in France or AP, but I understand they are excellent. On my next trip we are going to try AP. Cinderalla's Royal Table in the castle at MK is romantic and very good for dinner (no characters at dinner). I absolutely hate noisy restaurants and tend to avoid them.

If you want to check out the menu's for the restaurants, go to the www.allearsnet.com website under dining.

 

[WigglyWiggins]

Ultimatley, pretty much everywhere at wdw can be romantic!!! I would also vote for Jiko. Equally try to snatch some moments on the beach at the poly, grab a hammock and watch the fireworks....i want to be there now!

 

[Ringo8n24]

I have found that the San Angel Inn (Mexican Pavillion at Epcot) is one of the most romantic restaurants at WDW. The food and service were great and the atmosphere is very very nice. I make it a point to eat there every year.

Have Fun

I agree with this. If you ask to be seated by the river, you get more of the effects of the place. It also gets you away from the people more and it is more quiet in the back. Believe it or not, San Angel has the best steaks I have ever had. I was very surprised. As for the romance, my husband and I always make a point to eat there at least once while we are at WDW.

 

[UKMickeyFan]

I have eaten in a lot of the restaurant around the resorts and parks and I think that Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the nicest. The resort is really nice to wander around and out on to the Savannah area and also they have story telling around the camp fire and cool things like that to do also, its really romantic.
I did not think that Artist Point was very nice, the restaurant was very large and open, if you go at a time when it is not busy you feel very small and watched, I would not recomend that.
Narcoossee's is great and has a lovely view, that could be really romantic as you can have a walk around the Grand Floridian afterwards and down to the beach near the Wedding Pavillion.
Don'y rule Victoria and Alberts out because it is wonderful, when I went, we went as a group of friends, about 6 of us and it was great.

 

[MarcV]

I would like to thank everyone again for their suggestions. Right now I am leaning towards Jiko as it would be a first time for me and that is something that we can experience together.