Help with dining please

[Speedway]

For the past, say seven years, apart from 2003, we (me and my family) have took an annual pilgramage to Walt Disney World Resort in October. But yet, we still haven't ate at the resort, if you don't count counter service and snacks.

So for this year, I have mentioned to my parents about eating at a proper posh resturaunt in one of the four parks, and making a real night out of it. We can have a brilliant day in the theme park, then finish off the day with a beautiful meal. Now. Where do we go?

I have found the AllEars website particuarly helpful, with all its menues. I have 'narrowed' it down to;
Magic Kingdom
Tony's Town Square and Plaza Restaurant
Epcot
We have left Epcot out, I know shock horror! Although we will be visiting, the dining seems slightly too upmarket for a family. I don't think my 9 year old brother would be too interested.
Disney-MGM Studios
Now I can see us eating at the Studios most out of all the parks. I think trying the Fantasmic Dining Package might be good. So, this is out of the Hollywood Brown Derby, Mama Melrose's and Hollywood and Vine. But I am also interested in the 50s Prime Time Cafe - their menu looks delicious, and we are not that interested in priority seats for Fantasmic - there isn't really a bad seat in the house.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Nothing too interesting here, plus the park closes early.
Downtown Disney
We have ate at Planet Hollywood before, and that was delicious. Anyone else got any good suggestions? Pleasure Island is off limits, I can't see my mum paying extra for PI admission.

So, comments, suggestions, reviews!?

[LSPoorEeyorick]

On the contrary, EPCOT has some very kid-appropriate dining establishments. If your family likes seafood (or even if only some of them do, as other stuff is available) the Coral Reef restaurant at the Living Seas has a huge wall view into the aquarium, and was great even for my 15-member extended family with kids spanning from 6mo to 12 yr.

The sci-fi drive-in restaurant (the name escapes me) at the Studios is a very fun family spot with oodles of atmosphere and a tasty menu. If you aren't inclined towards EPCOT, this will be an experience you won't forget.

Really, though, I'd suggest eating at one of the resorts instead/as well. Boma in the Animal Kingdom Lodge has exciting design and cuisine, as well as simple American food for kids and the less-adventurous. If you're looking for posh-family-appropriate, it hardly gets better than this.

[Speedway]

Boma, eh? Hmm. I will check that out. I will also look into the Sci-Fi. Sorry, thanks for your advice and help!

[Not Afraid]

My two favorite nice restaurants at WDW are Boma at AKL and California Grill at the Contemporary. Boma is much more kid friendly that CG, but CG gives you a great view of Wishes and the little lake light parade.

[Speedway]

Ok, so you recommend resort hotels. Now, for a family staying off-site, how would we proceed about getting to say, the Contemporary? My only idea would be to go to the Magic Kingdom for the day, get the monorail to Contemp, and then get the monorail again back to TTC. Any others? Like, how would we get to AKL, bearing in mind I cannot remember seeing directions to resort hotels before!

[BigDaddyKyle]

I would think about taking the young ones to Chef Mickey's at the Contemprorary. Its buffet style all u can eat, and it has character dining constantly going on!

[seenoevil]

At the studios, I like Hollywood & Dine and the 50's Prime Time.

Boma is excellent! To get there by car, just before you turn right to get to Animal Kingdom, you'll see the hotel straight ahead.

At MK, I loved eating in the castle! Cinderella's Table? You can try to make priority seating ahead of time, but we've always managed to make same day "reservations."

EPCOT we like the Italian restaurant. The food is good, but the waiters are bellisimo!

[WDW1974]

Anyone is welcome to dine at any WDW resort whether you are staying there or not. Driving is usually preferable to Disney transport. But resort restaurants are MUCH better than what you'll get in the theme parks, with the exception of Epcot.

When it comes to dining, everyone's tastes are different. I hate most of the quick serve places at WDW, but realize the average guest loves dem chicken fingers, burgers and mass-produced pizza.

My Top 10 restautants at WDW:
1.) California Grill;
2.) Jiko;
3.) Artist Point;
4.) Yachtsman Steakhouse
5.) Boma;
6.) Chefs de France;
7.) Le Cellier;
8.) Brown Derby;
9.) Narcoosee's;
10.) Kona Cafe;

and I could easily see putting places like Coral Reef, Palios, Shula's, Bluezoo, Spoodles, and any of the World Showcase places in my next 10 ... in other words, there are lots of great choices!

[ni_teach]

I would like to second the recommendation for Boma at AKL

It was the best meal we had at WDW.

[TDLFAN]

Citricos and Ohana are also wonderful eateries.

[karliebug]

O'hanas, Hollywood and Vine, Liberty tree tavern in MK

[yoyoflamingo]

Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club is my new favorite.

[sneakerspray]

O'hanas! I'm trying to talk my wife into returning this summer just to get back there

Also loved the 50's diner and the sci fi drive in. Mmmmmmm......

[Speedway]

Soooooooo...........any narrowing down?

[JiminyCricketFan]

Top Choices

I will order my responses:

1) Boma-- Top choice. It is a great adventure in food. I believe it is the favorite for CM's at Disney too.

2) 'Ohana-- It has a wonderful Hawaiian theme that both kids and adults love. Kids activities too.

3) Whispering Canyon -- This is at Wilderness Lodge and a great memory maker. Loved by one and all.

4) 1900 Park Fare or Chef Mickey -- Both are great for Characters. Food is OK.

If you have not done Hoop Dee Do, then I would spurge and put that on the schedule. It is a dinner show that kids and adults love.

[Speedway]

I'm sayin Boma is at AKL, Ohana is at Polynesian, 1900 is Floridian and Chef Mickeys is Contemp?

[yoyoflamingo]

If that is a question, all four are correct for their respecitve repsorts.

[Neon Cactus]

Going off of your original post, I would recommend going with 50s Prime Time or Mama Melrose's at the Studios. Brown Derby is good, but if EPCOT is too upmarket, I'd put it in that category.

For resort restaurants, I'd go with Boma, Ohana or Whispering Canyon Cafe.

[Speedway]

OK, I could access the Contemp and Floridian from the Magic Kingdom monorail, I have directions to AKL, how about the other resort resturaunts? Are there signs?

[Mouse princess]

The Brown Derby is really good, as is Chefs de France. I did not enjoy Coral Reef. although every where it received rave reviewds, I did not think the food or the experience was reflected in the cost.