Shannon,
Thanks for asking your question to planDisney!
The great thing about Walt Disney World is that there are so many dining choices, from elegant to entertaining, each with a unique character and cuisine. Options abound!
Let me give you two sets of recommendations. Review these and write me with details of your preferences so we can narrow down your choices. By the way, I opt not to share any character meal options, though we could consider those in a follow-up question.
Adult DinnerMy wife and I have curated a list of favorite destinations, as we make a date night a required part of every trip to Walt Disney World. Here are the ones that top our list, and why.
California Grill – Dining at the top of Disney's Contemporary Resort is not just a scenic experience. The food is always phenomenal, and the setting is relaxingly elegant. This is unquestionably our longtime favorite.
Jiko – The food is Indian- and African-inspired, in a secluded dining space at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. They have a massive South African wine list, all available by the glass.
Citricos – This recently renovated space is elegant and relaxed.
Victoria & Albert's Chef's Table – This is an over-the-top experience, and the cost affirms that. But while it is expensive, the 10-course meal served adjacent to the kitchen might have been the finest meal we have ever eaten. While the main dining rooms are formal to the point of being a bit stuffy, this is a wonderful place to both elevate and relax.
Family DinnerNot surprisingly, Disney has many great family dining options. But our family likes a little entertainment with our meal. So many of our favorites come with some table-side hijinks.
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue – The granddaddy of them all, the on-stage entertainment is family-friendly and energetic.
Whispering Canyon Café – The servers are part of the fun, and the skillets will fill anyone’s appetite.
'Ohana - The entertainment is more sedate, but the views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom off in the distance are breathtaking. If you can schedule a time when you either get to watch the sunset or the Magic Kingdom fireworks, consider yourself fortunate.
50’s Prime Time Café – This Hollywood Studios restaurant elevates the humor and the American classics to a level that should be visited by every Walt Disney World guest at least once.
Via Napoli – Pizza is a safe bet for almost any kid, but the pizza in this EPCOT venue is more than just a slice. It is elevated Neapolitan-style pizza and is one of the few
Must Do! selections that my family insists on every visit.
Biergarten Restaurant – You are seated in a Bavarian courtyard at night, with an oom-pah-pah band playing as you select from German and American buffet options. This is also inside EPCOT.
Those are a LOT of options. Please
write me back directly and we can either narrow this list down or add other equally delicious options!
Have a Magical Vacation!
Doug