Hi Chris!
Thank you for visiting the Moms Panel!
My top favourite signature dining restaurants are:
1)
Yachtsman Steakhouse, at Disney's Yacht Club Resort
2)
Hollywood Brown Derby, at Disney's Hollywood Studios
3)
Artist Point, at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
4)
Shula's Steakhouse, at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort (we have visited here many times for the best steaks I have ever experienced, but please note that Shula's is not featured on any Disney Dining Plans).
and a special mention of the
California Grill, at Disney's Contemporary Resort - the location of this is such that if you time it correctly you can watch the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom park, from the restaurant - they will dim the lights and pipe the music into the restaurant!
A website that I recommend for a good listing of most Walt Disney World Resort restaurant menus is www.allears.net. The menus might help you when making your decisions on where to dine.
If you need to enter one of the four theme parks, for whatever reason, including dining, you will need a park ticket for that day.
If you have any other questions, please come back and ask me - I would be happy to help you plan your magical vacation!