I need a dinner opinion - Now with a poll - see Disneydad's message for poll!!! (10 posts down) About This Page:

[WEDway Guy]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if I could get your opinion on a dinner choice. We are doing a Wishes Fireworks cruise on Seven Seas/Bay Lake out of the WL marina. My DW and I are looking to have a really nice dinner afterwards. I have it narrowed down to Artist Point, California Grill or Jiko. We are staying at AKL so Jiko is an easy walk home. However, Artist Point is right off the dock as soon as the fireworks are complete. As for CG, it's just a short boat ride from WL right??



I'm just looking for your opinion as to which restaurant you like best. Sure wish I could use a poll here. Please let me know how if it doesn't take too long.



Happy Posting!

[GATechGal]

We just LOVED it!! The food is great. We got the chef's selection and it was fantastic. Eat well, tour around and then you can catch the bus back.

[AKLRULZ]

While I've only eaten at CG and AP, I would say that Artist Point is the best dining establishment onsite. I have heard great things about Jiko and look forward to dining there on our next visit, but the setting, ambiance, service, food of Artist Point is just incredible. Oh yeah - save room for the World's best dessert - The Berry Cobbler!

[CRCrazy]

I would go with either Artist's Point (never tried it - but am dying to!) or Jiko - which we just tried last week. Jiko was awesome - incredible food, incredible service - really nice evening in an unbelievable environment.

I've also heard great things about Artist Point. Since you are doing the Wishes Fireworks Cruise, you won't be able to see the fireworks from the observation deck, and the California Grill can be pretty noisy and crowded on a fireworks night. I would save this one for another time!

[Bert & Sully]

California Grill or Jiko hands DOWN. Since you are staying at AKL you should do Jiko as if you opt for another time and you are not staying at AKL transportation can get tricky &/or difficult. We always do Cali Grill and Jiko. This trip we are having Thanksgiving dinner there.

[mattjs]

I'd go with AP or Jiko. Both are phenomenal. Given the cruise and all, I'd probly eat at AP. At Artist Point, the Cedar Plank Salmon's great. If you like wine, opt for the "wine flight", and DON'T leave without splitting a Berry Cobbler.



If you're tired after dinner, consider taking a cab back to AKL ($10-$12). They'll call you one out front. It'll take you a couple of busses to go from WL to AKL and it might be $10 very well spent.

[TiggerAlli]

I would go with CG first, Jiko second & then AP. Our experiences (we've been there at least 4 times) at AP have varied widely based on how busy they are so it's hard for me to recommend them. They do have good food & if you catch them on a good night you'll have a good time, if not you may not be too happy .

We have always had an amazing time at CG (been here 4 or so times) & Jiko (twice so far--going for 3 this T-Day) however. The food is amazing & Jiko has some of the best most adult ambience on property in my experience!

Enjoy your fireworks cruise--that is definitely on the 'to do' list someday!

[Joy J]

We ate at all three of these restaurants on our trip last August and I would rate them in this order:

1. California Grill - fabulous food, amazing service and, even without the fireworks viewing, the views are nothing short of incredible. And depending on the timing, you can watch the Electrical Water Pageant from up there.

2. Artist Point - Great food and terrific service. If you do decide to eat here, make sure that you order the Berry Cobbler for dessert.

3. Jiko - Although our meal here was okay, I did not find it to be outstanding nor even in the same league as the two other places above. Plus, since you're already staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, it would be nice for you to get a chance to experience the ambience at one of the other two resorts.

Joy

[HiddenMickey]

Just a thought to throw out there.....if you decide to do the California Grill, your boat captain may just drop you off at that marina if you ask him/her to do so. That would save you another boat trip from WL-CR.

I've eaten at both Jiko and Artist Point and had delicious, to be remembered meals at both establishments. I don't think you can go wrong with any of your choices. Jiko and Artist Point will be less noisy/busy feeling than California Grill if that makes any difference to you (I've peeked in CG during dinner and it's rather loud in there.)

-HiddenMickey

[Bert & Sully]

Actually it's not that noisey. I don't know the last time you were there Suzie but when we were there in September they changed the floorplan around and took several tables out so it isn't so loud OR tight.

[DVC_Don]

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Dinner poll
<input type="radio" name="option" value="1" />Artist Point-WL
<input type="radio" name="option" value="2" />California Grill-CR
<input type="radio" name="option" value="3" />Jiko-AKL
<INPUT TYPE=Submit NAME=Submit VALUE="Submit vote" class="buttons"></form>

[WildForWD]

Don...good job on the Poll!

Jeff...to do your own poll it's pretty easy.
When you click to "create a post" look under the "Instant UBB Code"
Click on Poll Start - this will let you Name your poll.
Then click Poll Option - then write in your 1st option. Click Poll Option for each item.
Then click Poll Stop at the end.

Hope it helps!
Tim

[HiddenMickey]

Elaine---

Good to hear that they've changed the arrangement a bit. The last time I was there around dinner was in 2000 and I thought it was a bit loud.....and have subsequently read reports stating the same feeling about the atmosphere.

Wouldn't keep me from eating there in any case.

-HiddenMickey

[Joy J]

I just wanted to comment that I agree with Elaine's observations about California Grill. We ate there last August during the fireworks and did not find it to be the least bit noisy. I hadn't realized that they'd changed the seating pattern but perhaps that explains the difference. Whatever they did, it certainly worked. We ate at a lot of wonderful restaurants at WDW but California Grill was my fave. In fact, I would have to say that it's the best overall restaurant I've ever dined in when it comes to food quality, excellence of service and enchanting ambience.

Joy

[WEDway Guy]

Thanks Don for setting up this poll for me!!! Mucho appreciated!!

Thanks Tim for showing me how do set up my own so Don doesn't have to bail me out!

I'm gonna wait on results until this weekend and make a decision at that point. Keep the opinions coming.



btw, is it the CG that has the great wine-by-the-glass selection?? Wine good...good wine great!