Which signature dining experience?

[Huglife]

I know that using two credits for signature dining isn't the most logical financially but we're spending a day at universal so we'll have an extra credit. I think I've narrowed it down to Le Cellier, The Yachtsman, The Boathouse, or California Grill. I've been to Le Cellier before and loved it- none of the others. Any opinions? Is there another awesome signature dining place that I'm missing? We're two adults in our 30's who enjoy adult beverages as well. Thanks!

 

[DisneyWall-E]

California Grill during Wishes. They pipe the music in and turn down the lights. Or so I'm told.

 

[sxeensweet]

We love Le Cellier, Cali Grill, Jiko @ AKL, Artist Point @ Wildremess Lodge, Hollywood Brown Derby, etc. we always always eat at Le Cellier and Cali Grill every single trip! We rotate other signature faves. And try new ones as well every trip. We did not care for Narcoosees at all. Boathouse we want to try and Morimoto, and also STK and Tiffins once open.

 

[lemon meringue]

Le Cellier- we've eaten there many times and it's hit or miss for us. One good thing is that if you're in Epcot for the day it's okay to eat at Le Cellier without getting dressed up. We have had excellent food and attentive service at times but there were also visits where the food was just meh and the service was lacking...as in the server went missing for extremely long periods of time. The bad meals were during periods when the free dining promo was offered. We don't participate in that so we've vowed to stay away from Le Cellier during those periods in the future. I think that Le Cellier has a hard time keeping up standards and service during free dining because of the huge increase in people wanting to eat there. These are also the times when we've had to wait for our reserved table for a prolonged period of time.

The Boathouse- we've been there once when it was pretty new. Loved the food. The seafood was perfectly cooked and very flavorful. The service was not very good though (slow drink orders, lack of condiments and utensils, missing waiter when it was time to cash out, etc) but it's possible that this was because the place was so new. We will definitely give it another chance at some point simply because of the food quality.

California Grill- Fabulous food every single time. Great service. Great views. The only time that I don't enjoy California Grill is during or near Magic Kingdom firework time. Some families allow their children to get up from their seats and it can really make for a chaotic meal. This sort of thing isn't such a big deal at a buffet or a character meal or at a restaurant inside a park but when we've gotten dressed up for a special dinner and I'm in the process of teaching my own children proper manners, I don't appreciate it.

The Yachtsman- We really like the Yachtsman and have always had perfect entrees cooked perfectly to order, as well as excellent attentive service. Their menu is very meat-centric though, so make sure that everyone in your party is up for that. It's not the best place for vegetarians or those in the mood for lighter seafood dishes.

EDIT: rereading this and I realize that I sound super snobby with my comments about kids at California Grill. I apologize for that. We had a really bad experience there on one visit last year. It was upsetting because the restaurant was in no way at fault but our meal was negatively impacted by other diners who were, simply put, rude. They were more concerned with their many cocktails than with paying attention to their children. I don't begrudge people having cocktails, don't begrudge kids at Disney, but on that particular evening I would have appreciated not having random children holding a burping contest and using the underside of my table as part of a tunnel. The firework time period in general seems to make people less aware that they are in fact in a nice restaurant.

 

[Sans Souci]

I love California Grill. I would go there, Wishes or not. It's a great experience.

 

[sxeensweet]

And you don't have to "dress up" at the signatures not in a park either if that's a concern to you. We eat at many signatures outside the parks often and we see people in shorts to dresses/slacks. Now you can't be in cut offs or skimpy tank tops, bathing suits etc. lol But you can easily wear what you are comfortable in whether nice shorts, capris, jeans, etc. I usually wear jeans and a nicer top and the hubby will wear jeans with a polo or nice dressier tshirt. You certainly can dress up more if you like as some do but don't feel bad if you prefer to stay more casual and comfortable. The only place on property you must dress up and they strictly enforce it is at Victoria's and Albert's. Other than that casual to dressy is perfectly fine.

 

[lemon meringue]

@sxeensweet - what was it that you didn't like about Narcoossee's? Was it something in particular? I've never been there but have an ADR next trip. We're doing the Sunday Brunch but have not heard much about it.
Thanks

 

[sxeensweet]

@sxeensweet - what was it that you didn't like about Narcoossee's? Was it something in particular? I've never been there but have an ADR next trip. We're doing the Sunday Brunch but have not heard much about it.
Thanks

The brunch I'm sure would be fine. We did not have the best service and they couldn't cook our steaks right with the surf and turf. I wanted an easy medium and got rare! Not even medium rare it was still oozing blood and had the rare texture. So we had to send mine especially back etc. Only restaurant on property out of many signature and non signatures we dine at we ever had to complain (besides Tony's but that's a whole long story lol). Food and service just was not up to par compared to all the other signatures on property. Maybe it was an off night but we just didn't enjoy it at all.
I would like to try brunch there though eventually.

 

[lemon meringue]

The brunch I'm sure would be fine. We did not have the best service and they couldn't cook our steaks right with the surf and turf. I wanted an easy medium and got rare! Not even medium rare it was still oozing blood and had the rare texture. So we had to send mine especially back etc. Only restaurant on property out of many signature and non signatures we dine at we ever had to complain (besides Tony's but that's a whole long story lol). Food and service just was not up to par compared to all the other signatures on property. Maybe it was an off night but we just didn't enjoy it at all.
I would like to try brunch there though eventually.

I can certainly understand why you didn't enjoy yourself. Once something has to be sent back, even if it's an easy fix, the whole vibe and flow of the meal is pretty much upset. Thanks for replying.

 

[sxeensweet]

I can certainly understand why you didn't enjoy yourself. Once something has to be sent back, even if it's an easy fix, the whole vibe and flow of the meal is pretty much upset. Thanks for replying.

You're very welcome! Yes before that happened the service was not the best either, then I ordered my usual medium that most never have a problem with being its such a common request lol and it came out way off etc, but we will one day go back but there are so many other great signatures and non signatures that have never disappointed across property so it's been hard to be like let's give it another shot. Haha! Some love it there and we wanted to too but maybe when we go back it will be better.

 

[zurgandfriend]

I would agree with California grill for the entire experience and the Yachtsman for the food.

 

[Huglife]

I think I'm leaning toward California Grill. Hopefully I can get a good time slot! Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[bethymouse]

Flying Fish Cafe at the Boardwalk was very good, but I believe it's being refurbished.

 

[lemon meringue]

Flying Fish Cafe at the Boardwalk was very good, but I believe it's being refurbished.

I can't wait until it reopens!! Definitely a favorite

 

[71dsp]

California Grill (with Wishes) and Yachtsman are our favorites. We love Narcoossee's too. All three are must do dining for each trip.

 

[jpittore1]

California Grill make your reservation for 8 pm and you be able to watch Wishes (you'll need to make your ADR 180 days out)

Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge is fantastic. Get an early reservation so you can take a walk around the Savannah. Their short ribs are so good I'm hungry now.

 

[harryk]

Jiko's at AK is spectacular and the wine list is exceptional. They provide a wonderful dining experience.

 

[Huglife]

California Grill make your reservation for 8 pm and you be able to watch Wishes (you'll need to make your ADR 180 days out)

I plan on waking up at 5am (my time) 180 days out to make reservations, but I have friends who still aren't able to get reservations doing this! I'm hoping to get Be Our Guest as well.

 

[71dsp]

I plan on waking up at 5am (my time) 180 days out to make reservations, but I have friends who still aren't able to get reservations doing this! I'm hoping to get Be Our Guest as well.

We've run into problems getting the times we want even when doing ADRs as early as possible on the 180-day mark. I assume it has to do with people booking during the 10 days after their 180-day Mark.

 

[sxeensweet]

I plan on waking up at 5am (my time) 180 days out to make reservations, but I have friends who still aren't able to get reservations doing this! I'm hoping to get Be Our Guest as well.

I usually get everything we want including Cali Grill and BOG being I do them right at my 180+10 at 6am eastern online and 7am eastern for the phone. You should be fine but if you don't get everything keep trying up until even the day prior to your desired day and you should be able to snag it.