[myvacation]

We are looking for a plave kind of like the olive garden. Do you have any suggestions. Just so you know we love Italian food, but we will have two kids with us. 11, and 10 so they still have to have "normal" Italian food.

[catfish1999]

You could try Tony's at MK (it's on Main Street, first building on the right as you come in).
It has a very nice atmosphere (Lady and the Tramp theme) and the food is pretty good.
I've only been for lunch tho.
Our favorite Italian place is Portobello Yacht Club at Downtown Disney.

Check out the menus on All Ears. That may help you make your choices.

Dining at Walt Disney World

[gatour]

Looking at the menu's, I think Spoodles is kind of close to Olive Garden in what is is offered. I haven't eaten at it recently, but usually gets decent reviews.

I personally like Portobello Yacht Club and there are some items that could be considered "normal" italian food.

[Soundgod]

If you want an Olive Garden, there is one just outside WDW. That is, if you have a car. You drive east on Buena Vista East, passing Down Town Disney. Follow the road around and you will come to Hotel Plaza Bl on the right. Turn right and drive out of the World. At the light, turn left onto Apopka-Vineland Rd. Olive Garden will be on your right, no more than a half mile north at the corner of Apopka-Vineland and Winter Garden-Vineland/Palm Parkway.
I'm not sure I would compare Tony's as their menu is limited compared to OG. Portobello and Alfredo's (in Epcot) are much more expensive.

[snow'sfriend]

I'd suggest Alfredo's in the Italy pavilion in Epcot. As Soundgod said, it is a little pricey, but if you go for lunch it's a little cheaper. They have "normal" italian food and also have a kids menu so I don't think the kids in your party will have any problems finding something that they like.

[MerlinMatt]

Honestly, if you're looking for Olive Garden in WDW, I think the closest thing is Mama Melrose at MGM. It's a great atmosphere and the food is pretty good.

We LOVE Portobello and it's our favorite restaurant in all of Disney. However, it's a bit pricey. I think Mama Melrose might be just what you seek.

[M*I*C*K*E*Y*Mom]

Originally Posted by Soundgod

If you want an Olive Garden, there is one just outside WDW. That is, if you have a car. You drive east on Buena Vista East, passing Down Town Disney. Follow the road around and you will come to Hotel Plaza Bl on the right. Turn right and drive out of the World. At the light, turn left onto Apopka-Vineland Rd. Olive Garden will be on your right, no more than a half mile north at the corner of Apopka-Vineland and Winter Garden-Vineland/Palm Parkway.
I'm not sure I would compare Tony's as their menu is limited compared to OG. Portobello and Alfredo's (in Epcot) are much more expensive.

We ate at this Olive Garden in November and it was very easy to find from the Carribean Beach Resort. It was good too!

[GrumpyDad]

We are big Spoodles fans as well, we have never tried Tony's. That might be a choice for our big dinner out.

[cinderbella]

I would not try Tony's..it cannot even compare to the Olive Garden type places..
I would try either Momma Melroses or Spoodles..they are both Olive Garden/Carrabbas-esque.

[Soundgod]

We've eaten at Tony's, Portobello, and Alfredo di Roma. Tony's, unless you have a need to eat Italian in the MK, I'd consider skipping, it's nothing special. I enjoyed Alfredo's, however, I found the menu limited in so far as my favorites. Portobello was also good, however, we ate there after a long day and probably didn't appreciate it fully. My wife doesn't really care for Italian food and we've never really timed our visits in MGM to meal times, so Mama Melrose is low on my priority list, meaning, I have no knowledge. Somehow, from your description, I think you'd be better with the real Olive Garden if you have a car. If not, If Merlin Matt says Mama Melrose is enjoyable, I'd listen

[iluvwdw]

I'd TOTALLY skip Tony's. While the food wasn't awful, it just wasn't that good. I was disappointed. (oh, and they charged us an EXTRA TS on the Dining Plan! )

[snow'sfriend]

I got to disagree with some of you. I personally would suggest Tony's over Mama Melrose. In my opinion, Tony's has a great atmosphere and their pizza can't be beat! On the other hand, when I ate at Mama Melrose the service wasn't up to Disney standards and neither was the food. I wouldn't say to not do Mama Melrose as many have had wonderul experiences, but I also would suggest that you look into Tony's Menu.

[myvacation]

We won't have a car. And we really want to stay at Disney to eat.

[MerlinMatt]

Originally Posted by myvacation

We won't have a car. And we really want to stay at Disney to eat.

Another thing to consider is that MK is dry, so if you enjoy a glass of wine or beer with dinner, Tony's won't be able to oblige.

As with any restaurant, luck will be a factor. There are some that have had nice experiences at Tony's (not me) and there are others that have had poor experiences at Mama Melrose's. With that, look in the reviews section of MouseBuzz and compare the reports of the two. You'll see that there are many more complaints about Tony's as compared to Mama Melrose.

Another possibility will depend on timing. Il Mulino at the Swan/Dolphin is supposed to be opening soon, so clearly there aren't any reviews yet. However, it's been highly trumpeted and something worth considering.

In any case, you can't go wrong with any choice... because you'll be in Disney.

[dznygrl]

Mama Melrose is probably going to be closest to Olive Garden, as far as menu choices go.