Disney
is certainly getting a gold star in my book for it’s efforts
to add whole grains and healthy choices to dining menus, and
in particular, the elimination of trans fats from children’s
and eventually adult food (also implemented at both SeaWorld
and Universal Orlando). Those in need of vegetarian meals
will find something for them in both full-service
restaurants and many counter-service spots where at least
one vegetarian option is usually available; vegetarian
choices are included in the sample entrees in this chapter.
Those with special needs-such as low-fat, no sugar added,
low-carb, and kosher, as well as special dietary requests
regarding allergies to gluten or wheat, shellfish, soy,
lactose, peanuts or other substances will be accommodated at
all full-service restaurants. Disney prefers a twenty-four
hour notification by calling 407-WDW-DINE or (407) 939-3463.
Perhaps it would be best to do this when making your Advance
Dining Reservations. Address any questions to the Allergy
Hotline at (407) 824-2634.
Those
who plan on eating all their meals exclusively on Disney
property should consider the Magic Your Way Dining Plan at a
cost of $39 per adult per day and $11 per child per day for
ages three through nine. Included is: one table service meal
of an appetizer, entrée, non-alcoholic beverage, and
dessert; one counter-service meal including entrée, dessert,
and non-alcoholic beverage; and one snack per person per day
such as popcorn, sodas, or ice cream. Character meals count
as one full-service meal. Those who plan on dining much of
the time at Disney’s signature restaurants such as
California Grill, Flying Fish, Jiko etc., or using in-room
dining should probably opt out since it is necessary to
exchange two table service meals to dine once at this type
of luxury restaurant. Also consider that it really is a lot
of food and if your family likes to share entrees, then you
would be better off just purchasing your food as you go.
As for
dress code, casual is the word. Theme park restaurants are
extremely informal; however, you’ll find that in many resort
restaurants, dress is a bit more sophisticated. Smart casual
clothing is usually fine, but I have noted the usual dress
at each restaurant outside the theme parks.
Reservations, particularly in busy season, are very
important. Advance Dining Reservations are available at
Disney’s theme parks, resorts, and most Downtown Disney
full-service restaurants by calling (407) WDW–DINE, or (407)
939–3463. Same-day reservations may be made at each park, at
the restaurant itself, through Guest Relations, or by
picking up any public phone in Disney and dialing *88. Those
staying in a Disney concierge room or suite may make
reservations through the concierge staff. Those not on a
concierge floor can utilize the Lobby Concierge at each
Disney resort. Non-Disney restaurants’ reservation phone
numbers are listed with their full descriptions.
Although there are many
excellent restaurants in the city center of Orlando, I have
not reviewed them. Most visitors to Walt Disney World or
even Universal will probably not want to drive the 30
minutes or so it would take to reach these commendable
dining spots. Instead, I’ve concentrated on the many
excellent choices closer to the parks.
A wealth of admirable
restaurants have sprung up near Universal Studios,
particularly in the area of Sand Lake Road and Dr.
Phillips Boulevard. Here you’ll find
Timpanos,
Roy’s,
Seasons 52,
MoonFish,
and
Christini’s with
Vito’s Chop
House
and
The Capital Grille are
just around the corner
on International Drive. All are worth the short drive from
Disney and are only a hop away from the hotels near
Universal. And you mustn’t forget
Emeril’s
at CityWalk,
Tchoup
Chop at Universal’s Royal Pacific Resort,
and Bice
at Universal’s Portofino Bay Hotel, all three wonderful
restaurants.
