OHANA at the Polynesian Resort
When: Sunday, April 15th, 9:25PM
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A large open pit is the centerpiece of the room. Here the grilled foods are prepared with flair, as well as a flare: from time to time the chef will pour some liquid on the fire, causing huge flames to shoot up. This is usually in response to something one of the strolling entertainers has said, evoking a sign from the fire gods. At any given moment, there may be a hula-hoop contest or a coconut race, where kids are invited to push coconuts around the dining room with broomsticks.
Skewer service is the specialty - there's no menu. As soon as you're seated, your server will begin to deliver food. First comes bread and a green salad, followed by honey-glazed chicken wings, pork fried dumplings, pineapple-coconut bread, and fresh pineapple. The main course is steak, pork loin, chicken, and grilled shrimp, accompanied by stir-fried vegetables and lo mein noodles placed on a lazy Susan in the center of the table.
Unofficial Disney Guide Tip - Insist on being seated in the main dining room where the fire pit is. However, found out on the Disney Food Blog that 'Ohana has the best viewing of the Wishes nightly fireworks show (10pm) and our dinner reservation is perfect timing. Ask for a "fireworks view" table.
TEPPAN EDO at Epcot, World Showcase, Japan
When: Monday, April 16th, 4:50PM
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Six upsale japanese dining rooms with grills on tables and entertaining teppan chefs chopping, slicing and dicing. House specialties include chicken, shrimp, beef, scallops, swordfish, pork loin, and Asian vegetables stir-fried on a teppan grill by a knife-juggling chef.
Unofficial Disney Guide Tip - Diners at teppan tables are seated with other parties.
WHISPERING CANYON CAFE at Wilderness Lodge
When: Tuesday, April 17th, 6:30PM
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Just off the hotel's atrium lobby, the restaurant looks out on the lobby on one side and a mountain prairie, created by Disney landscapers, on the other. Tables have a barrel-top lazy Susan where food is placed. House specialities include all-you-can-eat skillets with cornbread, pulled pork, smoked pork ribs, brisket, roast chicken, mashed potatoes, baked beans, coleslaw, salad and corn on the cob. A la carte items include New York strip steak and whiskey-maple-glazed trout.
Unofficial Disney Guide Tip - The real value is in the family-style service with all-you-can-eat servings brought on platters and crocks to pass around.
BOMA - FLAVORS OF AFRICA at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, first floor of Jambo House
When: Wednesday, April 18th, 6:10PM
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Big dining room with side-by-side food stations that encourage diners to roam about and graze. House specialties include watermelon-rind salad, Moroccan seafood salad, roasted meats, Durban spiced roasted chicken, and vegetable skewers. Other recommendations include sweet-potato pancakes, Zebra Dome dessert, soups and stews. The menu rarely changes but is a favorite of locals and visitors who return time and again for the salads, roasted meats and interesting sauces.
Unofficial Disney Guide Tip - While Disney calls this a buffet, it's very different from what you'd typically expect (e.g., no steam tables).
NARCOOSEE'S at Grand Floridan Resort
When: Thursday, April 19th, 7:35PM
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Stroll through the grounds of the Grand Floridian and toward the waterfront to this freestanding octagonal buliding at the edge of Seven Seas Lagoon. The atmosphere is upscale casual. Diners have great views of the Magic Kingdom and the boats that dock nearby to pick up and drop off guests after a day at the park. House specialities include Maine lobster, crispy whole snapper with basmati rice, and grilled filet mignon with bearnaise sauce (and FYI for Christopher, they also have crab cakes).
Unofficial Disney Guide Tip - Great place to view the late night fireworks (Wishes, 10pm) over Magic Kingdom.
THE CRYSTAL PALACE at Magic Kingdom
When: Friday, April 20th, 7:30PM
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A turn-of-the-century glass pavilion awash with sunlight and decorated with plenty of summer greenery. Seating is comfortable, and buffet lines are open and accessible. A low buffet area lets kids help themselves. Menu items change often but include prime rib, slow-roated pork, boiled shrimp, Thai curry chicken, grilled vegetables with balsamic glaze, pasta with wild mushrooms and chicken, more than a dozen fresh salds and a sundae bar!
Unofficial Disney Guide Tip - Big attraction is Winnie the Pooh and friends who dance about and pose with the kids.
