Top Ten Places to Dine Without Kids at Walt Disney World
When I first met my husband in 2000, we were both working in a restaurant. He asked me out to dinner and told me it would be my mission to pick a nice restaurant where we could get to know each other a little better. At the time, I was 19 and I had not been on too many first dates and I really only knew of loud sports bars near UCF and the restaurants at Disney. Being that I wanted to impress him with my extremely nerdy passion for Disney , I picked a restaurant I had never been to, but I knew that the Wilderness Loge was beautiful and assumed he would find it rustic and cozy. So, instead of picking the signature Artist Point, I called and made a reservation at the extremely romantic sounding Whispering Canyon Café. Are you laughing yet? NOT ROMANTIC…actually, it was quite terrifying and embarrassing!!! When we were walked to our table, children were asked to ride their stick ponies around the place while screaming and blowing on train whistles. Then, our server threw our straws at us and everyone started screaming about ketchup. Thinking that this was the last date we’d ever go on and mourning the loss of this wonderful man, I started apologizing profusely. When did I know that he was a keeper? When he looked at me and said, “I don’t hear any noise or see children anywhere. All I hear is you and all I see is you.” Yep, I got that guy.
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Boy, wouldn’t it have been great if I had a list of the top 10 restaurants to go on a date? I call this the top 10 restaurants to go to without kids! *
#10 Fulton’s Crab House-Downtown Disney
Haven’t you always wanted to eat in the giant riverboat? Dining Plan lovers rejoiced when Fulton’s was added to the list of dining plan accepted restaurants. You can dine on one of the decks or in one of the many rooms inside the boat allowing for some noise control. You can always ask for a table that is tucked away from the crowd, a clear way of telling your host or hostess that you are on a date. With over 50 fresh seafood items on the menu and choices like filet, baby back ribs, chicken and pork, you will find something even for a picky eater. Fulton’s also boasts over 2,000 bottles of wine in their cellar for your perfect pairing.
#9 Flying Fish Café-Boardwalk Resort
Not only is this a great location because you can take a really nice walk after dinner, the interior of the Flying Fish is beautiful. The fare is American Seafood, but other choices are available like a New York Strip and Pork grace the menu. But, the super romantic feature of this restaurant is the Open Kitchen where you and your sweetie can request a view of the super talented Chef’s create their masterpieces. They also offer a 5 course prix fixe menu where you will enjoy interacting with the talented staff.
#8 Shula’s Steak House-The Swan Resort
Selections like lamb chops, lobster, filet, and more are offered at this Miami Dolphin’s decorated restaurant. Being a fan, I find this extremely romantic! Shula’s has been the recipient of many awards, including the Critic’s Choice for Orlando’s Best high end Steak House. And, really, what can be more romantic than watching your sweetie try to tackle the 48 oz Porter House?
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#7 The Turf Club-Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
Many Disney World visitors do not know about this hidden gem because there is not a lot of traffic going to Saratoga Springs except for the people staying. But, this might be the perfect location for you and your sweetie to enjoy a romantic dinner. Why? Low Traffic! Ask for a table in the back or on the porch and the staff is happy to accommodate. This restaurant is not a signature restaurant, so the prices are lower , but I am here to tell you that some of the menu selections are just as good as items found at the higher end places! (I have a dining review coming soon on the Turf Club) With their prices, dark, romantic atmosphere and lower crowds, the Turf Club is a great choice!
#6 Cirico’s-Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
With a focus on Mediterranean delights, Citrico’s is a delicious delight. The extensive fresh ingredients used to prepare dinner and exquisite wine list will keep your palate very happy. The restaurant itself can get crowded and the tables are very close together. Asking for a table along the wall might alleviate some of the tightness, but the true gem of this restaurant is the option to dine in the Chef’s Domain. A private room for seating only up to 12. This comes with a hefty tab of a minimum of $650 for the room. A more economical choice is the Chef’s Wine Tasting Dinner pairs a 6 course meal with it’s perfect wine compliment. Dinner begins at 6 Tuesdays-Thursday and this is $155 per person.
#5 Artist Point-Wilderness Lodge
An interesting twist on dinner can be found at Artist Point where you can order items not found frequently at your local favorite spot. The focus of this restaurant is seafood, sirloin and GAME. My husband has made it his mission to eat something that freaks me out whenever we visit this rustic, cozy spot. The low lighting, windows that look out to Bay Lake and spaced tables allow for a very romantic dinner. In my experience, the wait staff at Artist Point is among the finest on property and add to the wonderful experience Artist Point offers.
#4 Jiko-Animal Kingdom Lodge, Jambo House
A breath taking restaurant that offers fun, eclectic food is my next pick. With African, Indian and Mediterranean influences, Jiko offers food for the extremely picky to the daring in a setting that offers romance. Ask if the Chef has created something special tonight! We have had selections sent out to us just for asking (and for free!) It might be a spoonful of Cauliflower smoked soup or a little bite of an appetizer, not much, but it doesn’t hurt to ask!  The open show kitchen offers a nice place to sit and talk and the Animal Kingdom Lodge is the perfect romantic setting to take an after dinner walk you won’t soon forget!
#3 Narcoosee’s-Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
For our 5 year anniversary, my Husband made reservations here. We had a window seat (ask for it) overlooking Bay Lake. Incredibly romantic and front row seats for the Electric Water Pageant (you have to time this right!). I ordered the filet paired with a lobster tail. When I took a bite of the lobster, it tasted really soft and buttery. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong with it, even though it was delicious. The reply from my hubby? “I guess you just haven’t ever eaten lobster when it is prepared perfectly!” And, that is the general feeling about all menu items at Narcoossee’s. The focus is on superb steak and seafood and it is among the finest Disney has to offer. Do you know that beautiful, white round building that you see from the monorail that sits over the Lake? Ever wondered what it is? Wonder no more, go eat there!
#2 California Grill- The Contemporary Resort
From the private elevator ride to the 15th floor to the view of Magic Kingdome from your table, California Grill offers a unique and delicious experience. With a focus on gourmet Pacific inspired food, you can order items like sushi, roasted chicken and braised pork. The bar is also a romantic spot to hit where you can sometimes get a nice view of the Chef’s preparing the sushi. The real gem of this restaurant is that when Magic Kingdom has it’s nightly fireworks spectacular, the lights are turned way down low and the music is pumped in from the park to the restaurant. How romantic? How delicious? Both are off the charts!
#1 Victoria and Albert’s-Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
Ok, ok…you knew it. Let’s face it, when AAA gives you the five diamond award every year for 13 years running, you have found the best restaurant on Disney property and quite possibly in Orlando. With impeccable service, a strict dress code and a truly avant-garde menu, you will not be disappointed for one second while you dine. The dinners are quite pricy; so many people reserve this for a very special occasion. One bite from Victoria and Albert’s will certainly make you understand why it will always place #1 among fine dining!
*It is important to know that Disney World is after all, a dream place for children. Families often do eat at every restaurant on this list, so if you are looking for a quiet location where you won’t hear laughing, whining and the occasional tantrum, Disney might not be the place to dine. But, then again, I have met adults that behave poorly, so just remember where you are, smile and enjoy the laughter and enjoyment of the children around you!