What is the best WDW restaurant, based on theming?

**mickey** · 01-07-2002

So, out of all of the choices at WDW, what would be your favorite restaurant based on theming rather than based on the total experience?

Personally, I love Spoodles, Flying Fish, Jiko and Kona Cafe. They all have wonderful food, and good theming, but I think they pale when compared to the best themed restaurants. My overall choices for best theming are 50's Prime Time Cafe (Great food and great overall experience) and Restaurant Marrakesh (Wonderful food, and can't complain about the belly dancers. :devil ) Rainforest Cafe is another good choice (Ok food, great atmosphere).

I think I tend to discount the atmosphere in the restaurants. As long as it is acceptable, and the food is great, I will eat there. Just about every restaurant in WDW falls into that category. That is why I don't like San Angel Inn, great atmosphere, but the food is horrible. I will take good food over good atmosphere any time.

goofy · 01-07-2002

Rainforest Cafe! I love the atmosphere and it's just really cool(It just takes a while to seat you):devil !

Well that is it!:dazed

trilliumB · 01-07-2002

I love the Coral Reef for its atmosphere (see my review). I love the feeling of submersion!

Personally, I'm quite the opposite -- The food can be wonderful, but if it's lit by fluorescents, I'm outta there. A good example of this is a terrific old-style Italian joint here in Providence, which many people just love, but I can't stand the lighting and color palette; it totally ruins my eating experience.

Anyone else out there like that? Luckily my hubby has the same ambience priority, although we're both big gourmets/gourmands! When we find a combination of both wonderful ambience and fantastic food, we're devoted patrons for life.

Maybe it's because I'm an artist? I'm very visually-oriented. (Home Depot drove me nuts at first; the harsh orange everywhere used to make me nauseous, if you can believe that! I still can't stand orange if I'm feeling woozy!)

We also LOVED the restaurant in the giant stump at Islands of Adventure, as well as Mythos, their fancy restaurant, which is just SO beautiful; it's like eating inside a wonderful cavern that's been hollowed out by the sea.

--CAT :p

trilliumB · 01-07-2002

By the way, thanks so much for making this thread, Mickey! I can't wait to see what people say.

--CAT :p

minnie · 01-08-2002

I have a couple of favorite restaraunts at WDW. When it comes to pure ambience and fabulous food I would place Jiko (Animal Kingdom Lodge) at the very top!! I also love Artist Point (Fort Wilderness) and Marrakesh (Morrocco). When it comes to cute themes rather than serious dining I vote for 50's prime time cafe. I also enjoy eating at Aunt Polly's fast food place on Tom Sawyer's island (I haven't been here for a few years, is it still there?). If you are planning on splurging a little for a meal Jiko is the place to go. It is absolutely beautiful!!!! and the service is spectacular.:p

trilliumB · 01-08-2002

Thanks for the input, Minnie!

Jiko does sound fantastic (I've seen rave reviews elsewhere as well on the food alone) -- and what a great excuse to check out the Animal Kingdom Lodge while we're there. BTW, is it true that unless you're eating at one of the restaurants, you're not allowed into the Animal Kingdom Lodge (unless you're staying there, of course)? I've read things to that effect, but I sure hope that's not true -- my husband and I were planning to get up early one morning and head over with our binoculars to check out the birds & critters from their viewing area. Would we be turned away?

I'm also looking forward to checking out Tom Sawyer's Island all over again, including Aunt Polly's eats. I finally returned to the Magic Kingdom for the first time in over 10 years about a year back, and unfortunately, the whole island was closed. And I don't remember there being any restaurant on the Island 10+ years ago. I heard they got rid of the air rifles on top of Fort Sam Clemens, though. What a drag. I made many a leaf flutter with those things when I was just a wee lass. ;)

--CAT :p

minnie · 01-08-2002

TrilliumB I am not sure what the current situation is for going into the AKL if you are not staying there. When I was last there security was extremely tight. It was only a couple of weeks after 9/11 and all the resorts had really stepped up security. I am not sure if the AKL is planning on keeping that rule about no lookie loos if you are not staying. One sure way to get in is to make a breakfast reservation at Boma. They are open for breakfast and then you could be there to see the animals too. The resort is amazing and worth a little hassle to see it. We went to dinner at Jiko and were amazed by how many animals we could see even at night. Good luck

**mickey** · 01-08-2002

Once you get into the resort, there is no stopping you where you can go. (well, the fences might stop you, and you will be glad that they do! ) After our dinner at Jiko, we spent nearly two hours wandering around the resort, and were able to see all of the animal savannahs, the pool, shops and nearly everything else.

Boma is a buffet style restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner. It seems to be pretty popular, and I have heard that the food is great. I walked through one night, and it would have been fun to eat there. They take priority seating for breakfast and dinner, so that is a great way to get into the resort.

I read before the opening of AKL that they intended to keep the resort private, and to not let anyone in but guests and people with priority seating at the restaurants. It is definitely worth the time and money to go see the resort. The only thing is that you will be upset that you are not staying there.

To see a map, click here:
http://www.disneycentral.com/images/maps/aklmap.jpg

trilliumB · 01-08-2002

Minnie --

Thanks for the info & the idea on booking breakfast at Boma to cover our tookusses (or however you spell that, my Yiddish is thoroughly rusted through). How cool that you could see the animals at night, as well! Sounds fabulous. I can't wait!!

Hey Mickey <<resisting urge to quote awful 80's song>>
Hey Mickey!

It looks like your last post got cut off. Would you mind re-posting that last?

Thanks a hunkerzillion!

trilliumB · 01-08-2002

Ooops, never mind! There it is.

booie · 01-12-2002

Hi,I'm new to this board and I want to cast my vote for chef mickeys,breakfast and dinner,it's such a happy place.pooh2u

shrpgrl · 01-22-2002

Marakesh is indeed an experience. We went last Dec. and I was surprised at how good the food was. The place was almost empty and we sat right in the center of where the belly dancer was. Lots of fun.

tnkrbell · 02-19-2002

For Atmosphere We love Rainforest and Prime time!!

Disney4648 · 03-01-2002

The best restaurant is Rainforest Cafe.....of course

dixie · 06-12-2002

our favourite just has to be the sci fi diner at MGM studio's, the atmosphere is just wonderfully nostalgic 1950's, maybe thats our age!!!!, the food is very good too, and the service is excellent, although one rollerblading server does need a few extra lessons, I recommend the super thick milk shakes which zapped me right back to being a kid even making awful noise as I sucked up the very last drop through my straw, we miss dreadfully Goofys grill at the Marketplace and Minnie Mia's pizzaria again at the market place and Donalds Dairy dip I know they have all been replaced with wonderful alternatives but those were our first Disney vacations and I guess they just held special memories for us:)

01-07-2002	#1 (permalink)
mickey Administrator Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 6,229	What is the best WDW restaurant, based on theming? So, out of all of the choices at WDW, what would be your favorite restaurant based on theming rather than based on the total experience? Personally, I love Spoodles, Flying Fish, Jiko and Kona Cafe. They all have wonderful food, and good theming, but I think they pale when compared to the best themed restaurants. My overall choices for best theming are 50's Prime Time Cafe (Great food and great overall experience) and Restaurant Marrakesh (Wonderful food, and can't complain about the belly dancers. :devil ) Rainforest Cafe is another good choice (Ok food, great atmosphere). I think I tend to discount the atmosphere in the restaurants. As long as it is acceptable, and the food is great, I will eat there. Just about every restaurant in WDW falls into that category. That is why I don't like San Angel Inn, great atmosphere, but the food is horrible. I will take good food over good atmosphere any time.

01-07-2002	#2 (permalink)
goofy Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 192	My favorite is......... Rainforest Cafe! I love the atmosphere and it's just really cool(It just takes a while to seat you):devil ! Well that is it!:dazed

01-07-2002	#3 (permalink)
trilliumB Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Rhode Island, USA Posts: 326	I love the Coral Reef for its atmosphere (see my review). I love the feeling of submersion! Personally, I'm quite the opposite -- The food can be wonderful, but if it's lit by fluorescents, I'm outta there. A good example of this is a terrific old-style Italian joint here in Providence, which many people just love, but I can't stand the lighting and color palette; it totally ruins my eating experience. Anyone else out there like that? Luckily my hubby has the same ambience priority, although we're both big gourmets/gourmands! When we find a combination of both wonderful ambience and fantastic food, we're devoted patrons for life. Maybe it's because I'm an artist? I'm very visually-oriented. (Home Depot drove me nuts at first; the harsh orange everywhere used to make me nauseous, if you can believe that! I still can't stand orange if I'm feeling woozy!) We also LOVED the restaurant in the giant stump at Islands of Adventure, as well as Mythos, their fancy restaurant, which is just SO beautiful; it's like eating inside a wonderful cavern that's been hollowed out by the sea. --CAT :p __________________ --CAT ...the Wild Sculptress...

01-07-2002	#4 (permalink)
trilliumB Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Rhode Island, USA Posts: 326	By the way, thanks so much for making this thread, Mickey! I can't wait to see what people say. --CAT :p __________________ --CAT ...the Wild Sculptress...

01-08-2002	#5 (permalink)
minnie Mouseketeer Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 54	restaraunt theming I have a couple of favorite restaraunts at WDW. When it comes to pure ambience and fabulous food I would place Jiko (Animal Kingdom Lodge) at the very top!! I also love Artist Point (Fort Wilderness) and Marrakesh (Morrocco). When it comes to cute themes rather than serious dining I vote for 50's prime time cafe. I also enjoy eating at Aunt Polly's fast food place on Tom Sawyer's island (I haven't been here for a few years, is it still there?). If you are planning on splurging a little for a meal Jiko is the place to go. It is absolutely beautiful!!!! and the service is spectacular.:p

		MouseBuzz.com > Walt Disney World > WDW Restaurants
What is the best WDW restaurant, based on theming?

01-08-2002	#6 (permalink)
trilliumB Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Rhode Island, USA Posts: 326	Thanks for the input, Minnie! Jiko does sound fantastic (I've seen rave reviews elsewhere as well on the food alone) -- and what a great excuse to check out the Animal Kingdom Lodge while we're there. BTW, is it true that unless you're eating at one of the restaurants, you're not allowed into the Animal Kingdom Lodge (unless you're staying there, of course)? I've read things to that effect, but I sure hope that's not true -- my husband and I were planning to get up early one morning and head over with our binoculars to check out the birds & critters from their viewing area. Would we be turned away? I'm also looking forward to checking out Tom Sawyer's Island all over again, including Aunt Polly's eats. I finally returned to the Magic Kingdom for the first time in over 10 years about a year back, and unfortunately, the whole island was closed. And I don't remember there being any restaurant on the Island 10+ years ago. I heard they got rid of the air rifles on top of Fort Sam Clemens, though. What a drag. I made many a leaf flutter with those things when I was just a wee lass. ;) --CAT :p __________________ --CAT ...the Wild Sculptress...

01-08-2002	#7 (permalink)
minnie Mouseketeer Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 54	Animal Kingdom Lodge TrilliumB I am not sure what the current situation is for going into the AKL if you are not staying there. When I was last there security was extremely tight. It was only a couple of weeks after 9/11 and all the resorts had really stepped up security. I am not sure if the AKL is planning on keeping that rule about no lookie loos if you are not staying. One sure way to get in is to make a breakfast reservation at Boma. They are open for breakfast and then you could be there to see the animals too. The resort is amazing and worth a little hassle to see it. We went to dinner at Jiko and were amazed by how many animals we could see even at night. Good luck

01-08-2002	#8 (permalink)
mickey Administrator Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 6,229	To follow up on Minnie... Once you get into the resort, there is no stopping you where you can go. (well, the fences might stop you, and you will be glad that they do! ) After our dinner at Jiko, we spent nearly two hours wandering around the resort, and were able to see all of the animal savannahs, the pool, shops and nearly everything else. Boma is a buffet style restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner. It seems to be pretty popular, and I have heard that the food is great. I walked through one night, and it would have been fun to eat there. They take priority seating for breakfast and dinner, so that is a great way to get into the resort. I read before the opening of AKL that they intended to keep the resort private, and to not let anyone in but guests and people with priority seating at the restaurants. It is definitely worth the time and money to go see the resort. The only thing is that you will be upset that you are not staying there. To see a map, click here: http://www.disneycentral.com/images/maps/aklmap.jpg

01-08-2002	#9 (permalink)
trilliumB Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Rhode Island, USA Posts: 326	Minnie -- Thanks for the info & the idea on booking breakfast at Boma to cover our tookusses (or however you spell that, my Yiddish is thoroughly rusted through). How cool that you could see the animals at night, as well! Sounds fabulous. I can't wait!! Hey Mickey <<resisting urge to quote awful 80's song>> Hey Mickey! It looks like your last post got cut off. Would you mind re-posting that last? Thanks a hunkerzillion! __________________ --CAT ...the Wild Sculptress...

01-08-2002	#10 (permalink)
trilliumB Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Rhode Island, USA Posts: 326	Ooops, never mind! There it is. __________________ --CAT ...the Wild Sculptress...

01-12-2002	#11 (permalink)
booie Baby MouseBuzzer Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: south carolina Posts: 1	favorite restaurant Hi,I'm new to this board and I want to cast my vote for chef mickeys,breakfast and dinner,it's such a happy place.pooh2u __________________ pooh

01-22-2002	#12 (permalink)
shrpgrl Mouseketeer Intern Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: mishawaka, indiana Posts: 5	Marakesh is indeed an experience. We went last Dec. and I was surprised at how good the food was. The place was almost empty and we sat right in the center of where the belly dancer was. Lots of fun.

02-19-2002	#13 (permalink)
tnkrbell Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: FL Posts: 73	For Atmosphere We love Rainforest and Prime time!!

03-01-2002	#14 (permalink)
Disney4648 Currently in Timeout! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 125	The best restaurant is Rainforest Cafe.....of course

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06-12-2002	#15 (permalink)
dixie MB'S BRITISH AMBASSADOR Join Date: May 2002 Location: England Posts: 1,821	our favourite just has to be the sci fi diner at MGM studio's, the atmosphere is just wonderfully nostalgic 1950's, maybe thats our age!!!!, the food is very good too, and the service is excellent, although one rollerblading server does need a few extra lessons, I recommend the super thick milk shakes which zapped me right back to being a kid even making awful noise as I sucked up the very last drop through my straw, we miss dreadfully Goofys grill at the Marketplace and Minnie Mia's pizzaria again at the market place and Donalds Dairy dip I know they have all been replaced with wonderful alternatives but those were our first Disney vacations and I guess they just held special memories for us:)