Birthday Dining - Suggestions?

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Birthday Dining - Suggestions?

When we go to WDW in September, we'll be there for my birthday again! We have the DDP, and I am trying to decide where to book the birthday meal.

Last time (2009), we ate at CA Grille, then watched the MK fireworks from the observation deck, which was a GREAT new experience.

We can make ADRs starting March 20, and I am trying to decide where to book the celebration meal. Suggestions? What would you do that would be special? Here are some general guidelines:

1. I don't eat meat much, but when I do, I love a great steak
2. Joe likes more healthful options
3. Neither of us care much for seafood, except I love shrimp, and I love fish & chips, but don't think I want those for my BD
4. I won't dress up. The most I would do is wear jeans and a polo shirt.

We've done the Yachtsman Steakhouse years ago, and it was great. I've always wondered about Artist Point. We've done Boma, but not Jiko.

I don't think I want to use 2 dining credit for Le Cellier. But I would use 2 credits for something else if I thought it was worth it.

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My first trip to Artist Point was unimpressive. We went back recently and it was WONDERFUL. So I'd definitely give that some thought.

Jiko is a personal favorite for a nice romantic meal, although the menu's been in flux recently, so I'd be a little apprehensive.

Citricos is always good as well. It has a nicer feel than CA grill, but you can still get by with your polo shirt and jeans (at least I hope you can since I do that).

Would you consider something at the Waldorf or Hilton? We absolutely LOVE the restaurants over there. Bull & Bear Steakhouse and La Luce would be great options, but I you have to get over there.

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Artist Point has gotten much better! I agree with Brad. And Citricos is also a great choice. Have you considered Bistro de Paris? You could get a great Illuminations view from there... Hollywood Brown Derby can be impressive, too.

Also, some 1-credit spots that I really like: Rose & Crown, Via Napoli, 'Ohana.

I can't wait to see your full list of restaurants for ADRs!

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I don't know a blessed thing about Dining points. But I would say hands down, California Grill, just for view, ambience, history, fireworks potential and menu options. True, they have sushi, but you can totally skip it. Are you wine drinkers? Excellent wine list, too.

HAHA!! I just typed the whole thing, then re-read your comments, only to see that you'd been there! That would explain why no one else had suggested it Laughing out loud. Well, I'm not changing it. I've celebrated one bday there (29, I think) and I'd like to do another one. So I think you should, too.

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Bistro de Paris is a good suggestion! The ambiance in there is VERY nice. As far as dress code, when we were there there were backpackers in shorts and t-shirts so I think jeans & polo should be fine.

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Artist Point is awesome and I second Brown Derby, you can do an Fantasmic package that gets you reserved seating and a 3 course meal on the dp, or at least you could a few years ago. They gave appy and dessert rather than 1 or the other since it was the package. It was 2 points, but worth them both.
For a 1 point option, I'd go Boma for sure.

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I'm trying to remember who gives you the best free birthday desserts... laugh

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I love Boma but buffet just doesn't say "party" to me! laugh Great option for meat alternatives though. Have you considered Sanaa?

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Thanks for all the great suggestions! I've been researching them all. Brad, I think I am with you that I just don't think I want to do a buffet - I want to be served! laugh

A friend of mine is going to Saana next week and I am most anxious to hear his review.

For now, I am leaning towards CA Grille - we really enjoyed that and so far, in my mind, it screams the loudest "special celebration!" atmosphere and meal. (Lizzy, you crack me up silly )

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You can't go wrong with California Grill. I tend to like the food a tiny bit better at Citricos, but you give up the wonderful view.

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I know...I'm so silly.

It really is hard, isn't it? You'd like to try something new, but the great ones are just...so...great.

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I agree..Sanaa...yum that place just makes me drool!

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Have you considered Tutto Italia? Not as impressive as CG, but if you're looking for a change I hear its very nice.

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We went to Teppan Edo for my son's birthday the last time we were there. It's in the Japansese pavillion at Epcot. It is a Japanese Steakhouse type feel and the chef cooks everything and preforms right at your table. My son also got a special chefs hat and they wrote Happy Birthday on it in Japanese. And the food was absolutely amazing.

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Jess wrote:
We went to Teppan Edo for my son's birthday the last time we were there. It's in the Japansese pavillion at Epcot. It is a Japanese Steakhouse type feel and the chef cooks everything and preforms right at your table. My son also got a special chefs hat and they wrote Happy Birthday on it in Japanese. And the food was absolutely amazing.

Were making plans to go there again... by far an amazing place to eat

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How expensive is Teppan Edo? Is it one credit on DDP?

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dsoup wrote:
How expensive is Teppan Edo? Is it one credit on DDP?


It is only one credit I believe

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Jess wrote:
dsoup wrote:
How expensive is Teppan Edo? Is it one credit on DDP?


It is only one credit I believe

dsoup wrote:
How expensive is Teppan Edo? Is it one credit on DDP?

Yup! Only one

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Pretty good deal for one credit. The steak is really good.

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I've never done Teppan Edo and I think it's because we always brush it off because "we can eat at a place like that at home" but we keep forgetting we LOVE places like that at home..so wouldn't it be even awesomer in Disney? Yes. I think so.

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Bella wrote:
I've never done Teppan Edo and I think it's because we always brush it off because "we can eat at a place like that at home" but we keep forgetting we LOVE places like that at home..so wouldn't it be even awesomer in Disney? Yes. I think so.

Yes it is much more awesome at Disney....I don't want to give away any suprises but lets just say alot of Disney Magic happens there

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Jess wrote:
Bella wrote:
I've never done Teppan Edo and I think it's because we always brush it off because "we can eat at a place like that at home" but we keep forgetting we LOVE places like that at home..so wouldn't it be even awesomer in Disney? Yes. I think so.

Yes it is much more awesome at Disney....I don't want to give away any suprises but lets just say alot of Disney Magic happens there

ohh intrigue!

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Jess wrote:
Bella wrote:
I've never done Teppan Edo and I think it's because we always brush it off because "we can eat at a place like that at home" but we keep forgetting we LOVE places like that at home..so wouldn't it be even awesomer in Disney? Yes. I think so.

Yes it is much more awesome at Disney....I don't want to give away any suprises but lets just say alot of Disney Magic happens there

ohh intrigue!

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I would suggest Citricos(short ribs) or Flying Fish........I have read many great reviews about the FF steak, and plan to order it myself in May(had scallops the last time).........whatever you decide, have a great birthday!!

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Skunk - I don't remember welcoming you...so...Welcome!

Bella wrote:
Jess wrote:
Bella wrote:
I've never done Teppan Edo and I think it's because we always brush it off because "we can eat at a place like that at home" but we keep forgetting we LOVE places like that at home..so wouldn't it be even awesomer in Disney? Yes. I think so.

Yes it is much more awesome at Disney....I don't want to give away any suprises but lets just say alot of Disney Magic happens there

ohh intrigue!

I do have pleasant memories of it, although I haven't been in years. We went there during our high school senior trip, which was a very fun trip Smile

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