Disney Must haves?

[Mnash5]

The wife and I are staying in Disney for a few days before Christmas. We go there almost every year around this time and have some of our favorites but are looking to change it up this year and make it more of a food tour than anything else. Do you have a must have/favorite dish there? I know mine is the Portobello Mushroom cap with the Rosemary reduction at Portobello's downtown area. Or is there a gem close by thats worth taking a ride over for?

-----
Portobello
, Orlando, FL 32830

[Edward Tyson]

My last two visits to Bluezoo were very disappointing. The last visit was so bad we left before appetizers and went upstairs to Don Shula's steakhouse. I like the Italian restaurant in Epcot for lunch. The Flying Fish is always good. Bluezoo was very good when it first opened but on our last visit the service was horrible. The attitude of the management was as bad as the server.
Il Mulino New York has opened a location at the Dolphin. They are a high end Italian restaurant.
Victoria and Alberts would be a great choice if they were available.

-----
Flying Fish
Disneys Boardwalk Resort, Orlando, FL 32830

[Mnash5]

This is disappointing news but I went with Bluezoo because Victoria and Albert's were booked up. I think i'm going to give it a shot. If it comes off as bad as you say then I will for sure let everyone know.

-----
Victoria and Albert's
, Orlando, FL 32830

[bpjacks]

Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge or Citricos at Grand Floridian for Disney-upscale. We've really enjoyed our meals there each time we've gone. I've also had great meals at California Grill, but sometimes they can be a little "off" -- but that said, them being a bit off is better than your best day at a mediocre restaurant. Last night we ate at Sanaa, the new(er) African/Indian restaurant at AKL villas -- it was quite good, especially for the price. Among 4 of us we share a trio of breads and accompaniments and the trio of salad (the beet salad and the watermelon salad were particularly good). Two of us had lamb tandoori, one had lamb coconut curry, and my SIL had the steak (she's not a fan of Indian food but she humors the rest of us...) For dessert, the orange-sesame cake was the winner.

-----
California Grill
Disneys Contemporary Resort, Orlando, FL 32830

[askdrtodd]

I ate at BlueZoo on Tuesday night, and it was excellent, although overpriced. The service was notably good, and the food was both presented and prepared beautifully. If cost isn't a concern this a good pick (fortunately I got to take a client there so it wasn't) :)

[mountdorahound]

Most of the places mentioned above are good but very pricey,,especially victoria and alberts although if you want an unforgetable experience I would recommend the chef's table there. I have dined at several disney spots over the years and found epcot to be very foodie freindly. I would second the morrocan if you have never had that type of food. I also like the german pavilion and the Le celiar steak house at canada. My favorite has to be at the norway pavilion. Its a buffet with smoked fish and scandinavian fare.
Outside of epcot there is downtown disney. If youre on a budget wolfgang puck has a walkup cafe next to his place and they have excellent roast chicken. I would also recommend ranglin road and planet hollywood. Planet hollywood not so much for the food but definitley for the scenery.
I still have yet to try the brown derby at disney/mgm studios. I have heard it is a pleasurable dining experience. Please share your experiences there.

[Mnash5]

The Brown Derby at Hollywood studios is great. If you've experienced the ones in LA I would say this is close but not quite there. You do still get the feeling you're in a theme park and not on a street in LA. That being said the service has been exceptional both times I've been there and anything beats the typical burgers and fry combo. Also, in years past securing a reservation there got you priority seating at Fantastic which is I think the best thing at that park.

[mdepsmom]

You have to specifically book the "fantasmic dinner package" (or whatever it's called) in order to get priority seating for the show. Just a reservation at the restaurant won't do it.

[Granite Guy]

We've been to all the restaurants listed. The Flying Fish at Disneys Boardwalk Hotel our favorite. It's right next to Cat Cora's Kouzina.
It's, by far, one of the best restaurants in Disney.
Ask for Bob to be your server. It'll be worth every penny I assure you.

-----
Flying Fish
Disneys Boardwalk Resort, Orlando, FL 32830

[Mnash5]

I appreciate it. We were hoping for good seafood. Any particular item you would recommend?

[Granite Guy]

Call ahead and ask Chef Tim to prepare you the Hong Kong Fish. It's a whole wok fried snapper topped with an asian/soy sauce that is out of this world. The presentation alone worth it. I request this almost everytime we go. It's not on the menu and when people see it brought to the table they all want it. Ask for Keith when you call. He's the restaurant manager and he'll take care for you. Just make sure you call at least 3-4 days ahead sso they can order the fish in for you.
You will not be disappointed.

Enjoy
Rob

[Sandwich_Sister]

I'm a fan of epcot and you can have a fun food walking tour there, plenty of places to get snacks, pastries, and drinks.

Also they have some great restaurants in the world showcase for sit down service.

You mentioned Portobello they just opened up their Meatball bar and that maybe worth giving a try.

-----
Portobello
, Orlando, FL 32830

[Mnash5]

I haven't really ventured to much into the sit-down service places at Epcot yet. I did have Chef's De France last year and thought it was fairly solid. Wasn't exactly like what I remember from Paris but not bad for Disney version. Is there one sit-down at Epcot that you would recommended? We have a day planed there and would be nice to be able to take a break and eat somewhere without ordering from a counter. Also, thanks for everyone's help here. I really appreciate it.

[tzurriz]

I always really enjoyed the restaurant in "Morocco" I can't remember the name of it, but the food and service have always been excellent. I haven't been in about 3 years though.

[max5d]

I enjoy meals there also. Ambience is great!

[sunshine842]

we tried to eat and drink our way around Epcot one year. We got as far as Germany before we gave up.

[MandalayVA]

AMATEURS! :D

The trick to Around World Showcase is one light snack, one drink. It can be done. I know because I have. Note--you will have to take a pee break in either Italy or the American Adventure; those with smaller bladders might have to stop off in Germany or Japan depending on the direction you take. It's often been argued whether one should start in Mexico (which is at one end of WS) or Canada. I've done it both ways and think the Canadian approach is best because the snack foods are a bit lighter along the way. Or you can just say to hell with the food and just drink. Drinking Around The World is a time-honored tradition at Epcot.

For the OP, you totally cannot go wrong with Boma--had both breakfast and dinner there, great meals--or Artist Point, site of one of the most delicious ribeyes I've ever had. And oh, yeah--it was buffalo.

-----
Artist Point
901 Timberline Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

[sunshine842]

Ah, we thought of that, too...but we had all the kids with us. Sigh. In our younger years....

(The downfall was somebody wanting to hit the Smorgasbord in Norway....oof)

[starbucksbrew]

Have you been to Jiko or Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge? They are both fantastic.

[Mnash5]

I haven't had them yet but plan on Boma this time. We are staying there so we might have a chance to sneak into both. We aren't really tied into the parks as we've seen them both a ton of times, so leaving for a great meal and coming back later is I think what we're planning on. I tried to get into Victoria and Albert's but they were booked so I opted for Bluezoo.
High Lights so far:
Boma
Bluezoo
Ohana- Breakfast
Artist Point

P.S - When I get back i'll be sure to give some good details on everywhere we stop.

[starbucksbrew]

Bluezoo is great. I haven't been to Artist Point, so I'll be thrilled to hear how it is.

-----
Artist Point
901 Timberline Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

[Mnash5]

I'll be sure to keep good notes.

[hamilogue]

We loved Artist Point. Smokey portobello soup and venison pot stickers for apps, salmon entree were all excellent.

Ate at both Boma and Jiko and liked Jiko much better. But that may be a preference for service meals over buffet.

-----
Artist Point
901 Timberline Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

[Mnash5]

I'm excited about Artist Point. I've heard that might be the best place on property from a few others. We're staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge so I would think there will be a good chance of trying Jiko as well.

-----
Artist Point
901 Timberline Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

[Raybern34]

OHANA for breakfast... NO DOUBT. Avoid the Chef Mickey Breakfast at the contemporary

[Mnash5]

Unfortunately i think I got suckered into the Chef Mickey's breakfast on one morning. Is there something in particular that makes it a problem or is it just way to generic for the price?

I for sure want to try the Ohana breakfast after reading some more about it.

-----
Ohana
1600 Seven Seas Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

[mdepsmom]

Really? Are we talking about the same Ohana at the Polynesian, where they do the Lilo and Stitch character breakfast? I wasn't aware they did a particularly good breakfast other than the one w/ the characters.

-----
Ohana
1600 Seven Seas Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830