WWYD? Date night at Disney

[buckeyeguy1]

A. 8:30pm show of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

B. Paddlefish, walk around Disney Springs and possibly a game of bowling at Splitsville or a Movie.

C. Yachtman's Steakhouse/Flying Fish. Walk around the Boardwalk or Epcot.

D. Walk up to a random stranger in a park, ask them if they are staying on property and ask what resort. Go to that resort and do dinner and drinks. If they are staying at a value resort, ask the next stranger as choices are very limited.

 

[drwadadli]

YMMV, but I have done California Grill several times and haven't found it to be particularly loud, and there weren't any children (besides one well behaved young teenager) the times I was there. Granted, I make later dinner reservations to see the fireworks, once was at 9 pm. So I wouldn't avoid the Cali Grill on the basis that it would be loud and overrun with children... But children are allowed in the restaurant of course so that would be a possibility at any Disney restaurant, in theory. California Grill is one I would consider to have a considerably more adult vibe, especially later into the evening. Many couples and many dressed nicer than typical park clothing.

We were there in 2015 so it has been awhile. We typically, like you, eat at a later time but on this trip we were there with other family members and ate around 5:30 p.m. At that time, it was very noisy with a lot of uncontrolled children. Of course children are allowed in restaurant but like you, we typically eat later so either "later" children are more behaved or too tired from all day in the parks to carry on. Maybe we should give California Grill another chance but at a later time.

By the way, I may not be current on a lot of abbreviations but what does YMMV mean?

 

[Emtgirljen]

By the way, I may not be current on a lot of abbreviations but what does YMMV mean?

YMMV = your mileage may vary

 

[Rach3975]

If DH and I had one night to ourselves at Disney, we'd think beyond just a restaurant. We'd pick a park that was open late, go to whatever nighttime show they offered, maybe fit in some rides or WS pavilions, and also do a sit down dinner at a restaurant that had good food but wouldn't take too long.

 

[jolynne28]

So many great responses, thanks all! I have a reservation at Calif. Grill, but I may change it. Narcoosee's is back on my radar after reading so many people love it, not just on this thread but others. I also noticed that there are EMH two nights in a row while we're there, one at EPCOT and the other at MK, both until 11 pm. So I like the idea of wandering around the food booths at EPCOT, but I also like the idea of doing our own Highway in the Sky then hitting up MK after to do some rides/shows just the two of us. I'm pretty certain Disney Springs is out, even though it's been over a decade since I went there, I remember it being very loud and not that enjoyable for my personally.

 

[JustinS30]

My parents are going to Disney with us in November, the last week of the Food and Wine Fest. We are all staying at the Fort, we have a travel trailer, and they have a motorhome. Today, while discussing dining options, my dad offered to keep the kids one night on our trip so that we can have a dinner date. We haven't had a date night in a very long time, since before our 7 mo old was born.

I debated on dining somewhere, and of course the first thing that came to mind was Victoria & Albert's, mainly b/c we had to forfeit my 40th birthday and our anniversary b/c of the baby this year. But honestly, no matter how amazing the experience and food is, DH isn't going to enjoy dropping $500 on a dinner for the two of us. So then I thought, why don't we just drink and eat our way around the festival? We will do that with the entire family anyway, but just the two of us would be more relaxed and easy.

And now I'm thinking, there's probably a ton of possibilities that I'm not even aware of. So what should we do?? What's your ultimate Disney Date Night??

Well I can simply offer an opinion without knowing your personalities or food tastes. Currently planning a honeymoon trip for my soon-to-be DW and myself and we’re looking into date nights at The Yachtsman Steakhouse and California Grill (during fireworks). The California Grill would offer convenience, staying at Fort.

Chiming off of other suggestions I’m seeing. Shula’s I’ve heard great things, never done, and would expect to spend at least a couple hundred for a meal (definitely less expensive than V&A though). Flying Fish is a very popular option.

I also like the idea of doing something at Disney Springs, and stringing a few places together. Keep researching and find the menu and theming that fits you. Enjoy yourself and welcome to WDW!

 

[JustinS30]

So many great responses, thanks all! I have a reservation at Calif. Grill, but I may change it. Narcoosee's is back on my radar after reading so many people love it, not just on this thread but others. I also noticed that there are EMH two nights in a row while we're there, one at EPCOT and the other at MK, both until 11 pm. So I like the idea of wandering around the food booths at EPCOT, but I also like the idea of doing our own Highway in the Sky then hitting up MK after to do some rides/shows just the two of us. I'm pretty certain Disney Springs is out, even though it's been over a decade since I went there, I remember it being very loud and not that enjoyable for my personally.

Just saw your comment about DS being too noisy. I will say, it has come a long way with a lot of the updates they have made. But that opinion is also considerable.

 

[ImSoSarah]

I’m considering it. But we are staying at the fort so it would be easy to catch the boat to the contemporary and monorail around to the others.
I haven’t done DS in over 10 years, and I can’t say it was memorable in any way. What am I missing?

To be fair (not that I would equate DS and romance) but it is totally different than it was 5 years ago, let alone 10.

Date night short list for us: BlueZoo, California Grill, Ohana (reminds me of a trip to hawaii we took) . - no changing venues, no kids, just a lonnnnggggg leisurely dinner with a great drink and great food.

 

[MushuHill]

Another vote for Hoop dee doo Review. It’s not romantic, but you will have a fun time. Not to mention all you can drink beer, wine, and sangria is included in price as well as the tip.

 

[Ksquared]

I’m considering it. But we are staying at the fort so it would be easy to catch the boat to the contemporary and monorail around to the others.
I haven’t done DS in over 10 years, and I can’t say it was memorable in any way. What am I missing?

I suggested DS not for the romance, but because it can be a fun date night. My husband and I were at the world for our anniversary a few years ago and family members took the kids one night and we went to DS, had dinner at Morimoto's (because we really wanted to try it) and then walked around (watched street performers) then had drinks along the water at Boathouse and one other place. Just relaxing walking around, checking out some shops together, having a few drinks and a great dinner. It definitely has changed in the last few years for sure.

But I get what you are saying about transportation and where you are staying. In that case, maybe California Grill would be a better choice.

 

[jolynne28]

OK I will do some more research on DS and see if seems like a good fit. I had dinner and saw Cirque there 11 years ago, and I just remember walking around and hearing nothing but the booming bass from all the bars.
We've done Hoop dee doo before, so we'll skip that for our date night.
And now I'll sound crazy, but I'm revisiting the idea of Victoria & Albert's. I've been on a very restricted diet while nursing my now 8 month old due to his food sensitivities, which basically caused me to forfeit any type of special meal for my 40th or our anniversary this year. By the time we go to Disney I will be able to eat any and everything. I'm feeling like this could be a nice do-over for all the food I've been denied this year, plus I doubt we will ever have free childcare while at disney again.
So I wouldn't categorize us as legit foodies. Don't get me wrong, we love good food, and living in south La means we have eaten some really delicious stuff regularly. I'd say the most expensive meal we ever had was at Cut in Las Vegas. So maybe Victoria & Albert's isn't something we would quite know how to appreciate? Not sure.

 

[gzmtlock]

DH and I did V&A once, about 10 years ago. That was enough. Food was delicious, it just wasn't our vibe. Too formal. No one was snobby or anything. We just prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. And DH has gotten to the stage where he wears jackets to funerals, weddings and job interviews, but not much of anywhere else. . .especially when he wants to have fun!

If you have not done AK-Jambo before, I would recommend a visit there. Take an uber or taxi, not a large expense. Drinks at Victoria Lounge, wander the resort (it is truly amazing), then dinner at Jiko. We still do this for a date night, and we're empty nesters!

If we wanted ease of travel from the Fort, we would have drinks at Mizner's Lounge (GF) while the jazz band is playing. Then head to Cali Grill for dinner and fireworks. Narcoossee's would be a close 2nd choice. If it's an EMH evening at MK, we'd then head into the park to wander and do whatever we felt like. If we still had the energy!

Whatever you choose, I hope you and your DH have a fantastic evening! Date nights at your stage of life are to be cherished!

 

[mdelano4]

Dinner at Yachtsman and an after dark walk around World Showcase with a stop at France for dessert. It's a pleasant walk to just unwind.

 

[jolynne28]

DH and I did V&A once, about 10 years ago. That was enough. Food was delicious, it just wasn't our vibe. Too formal. No one was snobby or anything. We just prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. And DH has gotten to the stage where he wears jackets to funerals, weddings and job interviews, but not much of anywhere else. . .especially when he wants to have fun!

If you have not done AK-Jambo before, I would recommend a visit there. Take an uber or taxi, not a large expense. Drinks at Victoria Lounge, wander the resort (it is truly amazing), then dinner at Jiko. We still do this for a date night, and we're empty nesters!

If we wanted ease of travel from the Fort, we would have drinks at Mizner's Lounge (GF) while the jazz band is playing. Then head to Cali Grill for dinner and fireworks. Narcoossee's would be a close 2nd choice. If it's an EMH evening at MK, we'd then head into the park to wander and do whatever we felt like. If we still had the energy!

Whatever you choose, I hope you and your DH have a fantastic evening! Date nights at your stage of life are to be cherished!

Thanks for this, I've realized that one meal at V&A will cost a little less than what we will spend for the entire trip on food, so I have nixed it...for the last time ; )

We did Jiko for our 1 yr anniversary trip...DH got sick that night. No idea if it was the food or a virus, but he ended up in urgent care so he'll never go back there.

I'm debating between CG, Narcoossee's & Citricos right now. Our other option is to just wander around the Food & Wine fest during EMH.

 

[gzmtlock]

I'm debating between CG, Narcoossee's & Citricos right now.

Not a bad choice in the group - I would love a date night at any of these! Have fun making your decision!

 

[jventur3]

There are so many great suggestions already. I would throw Jaleo into the ring grab a 630 pm reservation and take your time with the menu. Next, grab an 845 or 9 pm reservation at the Edison for after dinner drinks and show which will begin around 930. Fantastic way to end the night.

 

[Jennasis]

Every dinner DH and I have at Disney is "date night". One of the best meals we had was Homecomin'...we were seated at the bar for our meal and it was really cool. It actually felt like we were on a date! Maybe try eating at the lounge/bar?

 

[goofyintoronto]

So many great responses, thanks all! I have a reservation at Calif. Grill, but I may change it. Narcoosee's is back on my radar after reading so many people love it, not just on this thread but others. I also noticed that there are EMH two nights in a row while we're there, one at EPCOT and the other at MK, both until 11 pm. So I like the idea of wandering around the food booths at EPCOT, but I also like the idea of doing our own Highway in the Sky then hitting up MK after to do some rides/shows just the two of us. I'm pretty certain Disney Springs is out, even though it's been over a decade since I went there, I remember it being very loud and not that enjoyable for my personally.

Keep in mind that the food booths are not open during EMH. I made the mistake of thinking it would be...boy was I disappointed.

Anyway, what are you looking for during your "date night"?? Are you looking for romance? or are you looking to spend time together and have fun? Here's my take on it. You can have a romantic dinner together in your home town. Youre in disney. Why not take advantage of stuff you wouldnt normally get to see or do? Yes i know disney has unique dining...but it still is "eating". Anyway if it were me, i'd go around the WS and try out a ton of different food booths. Explore the world showcase...because its pretty amazing. There's so much to see and do. Food & Wine festival is a blast. You not only have a wide range of different types of food to choose from, but also alcohol too. If you want rides, you have TT, Soarin, Frozen, etc.

Thats what i would do on a date night. I'd want to spend the 2-3 hours (whatever it is) having fun with my mate, not at a dinner table. But everyone is different.

 

[BDL]

Our date night, wasn't especially romantic, but it was fun. Seeing Yee Haw Bob at the River Roost bar at Port Orleans - Riverside.

 

[Minnesota!]

We have done many date nights over the years!

Our best ones have been lounge-hopping at resorts (Love, in particular, Victoria Falls at AKL and Territory Lounge at WL).

Dinner at Epcot and then Illuminations from a secluded bench

Sanaa at dusk

At DS - I would do Splitsville - some bowling, big mugs of beer, and some fantastic sushi!