Recommendation for Lunch outside of Parks

Looking for a Table Service lunch recommendation on property that will not require park entry. We are spending a lazy day before we go to MNSSHP, so we are open to checking out other resorts or really anything you guys think would be fun. It will just be me, my son (13) and daughter (10). They are not super adventurous eaters, but it seems like most Disney restaurants try to have something for everybody. We would like to try something new, so I have included places we have been: O'hana, Kona, Whispering Canyon, 1900 Park Faire, and Chef Mickey's. Thanks! :eat:

I was really impressed with Boatwright's at POR. The food was very good and all of us enjoyed it. It's on our list to go back to on our next trip.

Something that is easy access to MK would be great. I'd say the a Contemporary restaurant. Even just burgers by the pool. Or The Wave table service. If you have extra time to kill you can take the boat to WL and walk the nature trail by the lake before MNSSHP. I always like walking over to MK from the Contemporary. Then the Monorail back if you park there for lunch.

One of our favorites is the GFV cafe. Food for everyone. We did not care for our lunch at the Wave.

Several at DTD : RF, T-rex, WGP, Raglan road, Fultons, house of blues, planet hollywood.

AKL : Boma, Jiko and Sanaa.

Trails end and Hoop dee doo at Ft. Wilderness

If you're going to MNSSHP later, I recommend eating at a monorail resort. I, personally, love Kona at the Poly, though the GF has some nice places too, like the GF Cafe.

Grand Floridian Cafe is our new favorite "out-of-park" TS. Last year we ate dinner there on Mother's Day, and enjoyed it so much, we've decided to include it in all future trips. Everything, from our table location, to our amazing server, to the delicious food, was perfect. Only regret - waiting for so many years to finally eat here.

We already have one lunch ADR for this year's trip, and will probably add a second one.:cloud9:

I would head over to Animal Kingdom Lodge, dine at Sanaa, and take some time relaxing in the animal viewing areas and lobby. It's a great resort to explore, lots of great things to see, and it's remote enough to feel like a day out of the vacation hustle. There's a shuttle between Kidani and Jambo House, so you can actually check out both sides of the resort fairly easily. If the Sanaa menu looks a little daunting for less adventurous eaters, you could always do quick service in the Mara instead, lots of choices there. And you can bus to MK for the party from AKL.

Boatwright's only does dinner.
You might want to boat down to DTD for lunch. We have had good food at Paradiso 37, the menu has a huge selection and the crazy corn (corn on the cob with cheese grilled on top) is a must for us. A number of their things are quite shareable.

Thanks for all of the great suggestions. I really like the idea of checking out Animal Kingdom Lodge. We have never been there and I know the kids would love to see some of the animals! Also, thanks for the suggestion of The Mara, I think the kids will like that menu better than the sit down options offered at this resort. We will use our table service credit another time.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Wall-e

Thanks for all of the great suggestions. I really like the idea of checking out Animal Kingdom Lodge. We have never been there and I know the kids would love to see some of the animals! Also, thanks for the suggestion of The Mara, I think the kids will like that menu better than the sit down options offered at this resort. We will use our table service credit another time.

---

The Mara is in Jambo House, if you end up only having time to explore one half of the AKL. I do like the Sunset Savanna viewing area best (giraffes, zebras, and more). For viewing, I slightly prefer the Kidani side but there's much to see and great viewing at both. Jambo House has a more impressive lobby and much more extensive gift shop area. I'm glad you like the idea, and I hope your family has a wonderful time!

DH and I usually go to DTD on a MNSSHP/MVMCP night. Many times we've done lunch at Fulton's. They have an excellent lunch menu, and it's never really busy at lunch.

This year we are planning to do lunch at our resort. We are going to try the Captain's Grille at the Yacht Club. Breakfast is amazing there, so we checked out the lunch menu... equally as amazing!!

We have been trying to schedule places on our trips lately that we have not tried, to enhance and expand our experience. Good for you for looking for something new.

For outside a park, How about Cape May Cafe (we are eating there in Oct), Las Ventanas (also trying in Oct) or Bongos Cuban Cafe? The menus at all sounded wonderful.

Our DD who's 10 really liked Boma and being a buffet style I'm sure both of your kids will find items that please their pallets, but if you want QS then Mara would be a good choice.

Once finished eating and going on safari catch a bus to either the Poly or the WL, take the opportunity to walk either of the resorts check out the sights and sounds then go down toward the beach area and catch a water taxi over to the MK for your MNSSHP.