Walt Disney World dining offers a number of Signature Dining experiences for couples who want to enjoy a romantic atmosphere. Guests will find a number of Disney Signature Dining restaurants suitable for celebrating an engagement, wedding, honeymoon, anniversary – or simply enjoying a romantic evening during a family vacation. Several restaurants in Disney’s Deluxe Resorts, in particular, offer the combination of fine dining, attentive service and an upscale atmosphere to help create a romantic meal.
Korri McFann Spolar, Worldwide Marketing & Business Development Director of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons, offers the upscale Victoria & Albert’s as the number one Walt Disney World romantic restaurant; the following Signature Restaurants all make Disney’s “top ten” list.
Victoria & Albert’s – Stellar Service and Romantic Atmosphere
Located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Victoria & Albert’s offers contemporary American cuisine, and has been awarded the AAA Five Diamond Award for ten years running. Selections for its 6-course prix-fixe menu change frequently and are accompanied by wine pairings from the restaurant’s award-winning cellar.
Yet it is the atmosphere of Victoria & Albert’s that sets this Signature Dining experience apart. From the complimentary valet parking and personalized menus to the background harp music to the Riedel crystal and Cristofle silver that complements the Victorian dining room, guests can enjoy an adult-oriented evening. Indeed, children under the age of 10 may not dine at Victoria & Albert’s, a dress code is in effect, and the meal lasts 2 to 2 ½ hours.
In a mood to splurge? Indulge in the Chef’s Table at Victoria & Albert’s, where one party per night of between 2 and 10 guests may enjoy a behind-the-scenes meal. Chef's Tables features interaction with the Head Chef and cooking team. Or try Queen Victoria’s Room that is set off from the main dining room for an even more private dining experience.
Artist Point – Casual Elegance in Walt Disney World Dining
Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offers guests a more casual dining experience, where guests enjoy Pacific Northwest cuisine. Entrees include seafood and sirloins, with Artist Point's signature dishes being the cedar plank-roasted salmon and, for dessert, a berry cobble with raspberry ice cream.
Artist Point’s rustic elegance lets its scenic backdrops provide an air of romance with a natural environment, featuring the restaurant’s landscape murals and windows which showcase views of Bay Lake and Silver Lake Falls. Like Jiko, discussed below, Artist Point tends to be a little out of the way for Disney guests without cars and thus offers quieter Signature Dining.
California Grill – Romantic Views of Magic Kingdom
On the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort is the California Grill, a Signature Dining Restaurant with a décor as sleek as its California Fusion cooking. Its tall windows and combination of aluminum, marble and wood, California Grill complement the view of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom Park.
Many guests request seating near the windows and either time their reservations to enjoy the Magic Kingdom fireworks during dinner or linger with an after-dinner cocktail. Evening meals in the main dining area, then, can have a lively atmosphere. For a quieter experience, guests might request the smaller dining area and then walk to to the observation deck to enjoy the fireworks.
As spectacular as is the view, the California Grill also offers fine dining, an extensive wine list and knowledgeable servers who can help guests with pairings for every course. Its menu features such popular items as grilled pork tenderloin and goat-cheese ravioli, and an increasing focus on local and sustainable food. Its sushi bar and cocktails have also proven quite popular with locals and frequent Disney guests.
Jiko – South African Cuisine and Intimate Walt Disney World Dining
For guests who like ethnic food, South African wine and a comfortably intimate atmosphere might enjoy Jiko, The Cooking Place located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Jiko features two wood-burning ovens and “celebrates the flavors of Africa” in its cuisine and food.
Jike features spices and dishes associated with African, Mediterranean and Indian food, Jiko serves dishes such as curry shrimp, roasted lamb loin, and pan-seared scallops. There are also menus for vegans and vegetarians, guests who are lactose or gluten intolerant, and those on a PKU diet. Such variety makes Jiko is a top choice for couples who seek both more adventurous fare and those who with dietary restrictions. A dessert menu, South African wine list and specialty teas round out the extensive offerings.
Jiko’s dining is enhanced its setting, with colors evoking an African sunset. Because of its cuisine and the distance the theme parks – with the exception of Disney’s Animal Kingdom which closes relatively early – Jiko tends to be quieter and to attract fewer families with children than many other Disney Signature Dining restaurants.
Sweetheart Dinner for Two at Disney Signature Restaurants
For couples looking to truly share a romantic meal, Walt Disney World also offers a Signature Dinner for Two, a 3-course, prix-fixe menu that includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert, plus a beverage for toasts served in two commemorative champagne flutes. The above Signature Restaurants at Walt Disney World hotels offer a Sweetheart Dinner for Two option: Artist, California Grill and Jiko.
Couples interested in romantic Signature Dining experience should visit Walt Disney World Dining or call 407-WDW-DINE (939-3463) for more information or to make Advance Dining Reservations.
Related articles for a romantic Walt Disney World Resort vacation:
- Walt Disney World Dining: Romantic Restaurants at Epcot
- Romantic Activities at Walt Disney World
- Romantic Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World
- Romantic Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World
Debra Peterson - A freelance writer and scholar, Debra Peterson specializes in Disney Studies, with particular interests in Walt Disney World and ...
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