You have a ton of options for fabulous dining outside of the theme parks, Leanna. Here are my suggestions:
For a fun and festive meal that is sure to kick-start your vacation, you might consider visiting
Raglan Road. The live music and Irish dancers will have you stomping your feet to the beat while the food will leave your taste buds happy and your appetite satisfied. It's a great place to start your trip!
If you're looking for something a bit more refined, you can't go wrong with a meal at
Jiko. The restaurant itself is gorgeous, but the food is sublime. Should you dine there, you'll also be treated to top-notch service. Not to mention that you'll have the opportunity to visit the savanna before or after your meal. Jiko is one of my personal favorites.
Along the same lines, a meal at
California Grill offers diners a sophisticated experience with signature cuisine. The twist here is that if you time your reservation right you can enjoy a viewing of the Magic Kingdom's fireworks show. It's a quintessential Disney dining experience.
Lastly, the
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is one dinner show that will definitely convey a fun and fancy-free vacation feeling. It's a must-do for my family every trip, and would certainly be an ideal spot to start your trip. Good luck with your decision!