Maybe a moronic question...

[Cyndiu]

We have been to WDW 5 times and always stayed offsite. The only Disney restaurants we've ever eaten in have been inside the parks.

Here comes the dumb question. Do you have to be staying on-sight to go to the restaurants inside the various resorts?

If not, which one should we absolutely not miss when we go in July '04?

Thanks for all your help!!

 

[charlottebetty]

yes you can go to the resort restaurants even if you are not staying onsite. we stayed at the all star music last time and went for breakfast at bomas in the animal kingdom lodge.

i would definetly recommend this. we loved the hotel soo much that we are staying there for our next holiday.

bomas is a really nice restaurant, my favourite of all the restaurants in the disney resorts.

 

[danny1649]

You don't have to be a on site resort guest to dine in resort restaurants.Plus your question is not dumb. I've heard the resturants at AK Lodge and WL are very good and have a great themeing.I have'nt dined at many other than O'Livia's at my homre resort Old Key West which we enjoy.I'm sure others with more dining experience at other resorts will give you some great tips.

 

[jdads2]

We've had our best meals at the resorts! Boma's is outstanding And we love the Kona Cafe.

 

[disney queen]

we really enjoy jiko at AKL and artist point at WL. boatwright's for breakfast at POR is very good.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Boma at AKL is great for dinner! Chef Mickey's at CR for breakfast is another that you shouldn't miss

 

[timC]

Absolutely not a dumb question. There are so many things to know/learn about Disney. That's what makes it fun, even for the veterans.

OK. Now that you've discovered resort dining... Here are are a few that I would say are classics.

Bomas @ ALK - Lunch or dinner, the food is great, and you'll have a blast exploring the resort

Whispering Canyon @ WL - Good country viddles, and a magnificent resort. Artist point for fine dining is also excellent.

'Ohanas @ Polynesian - Exotic atmosphere, good food, another classic Disney resort to visit. Kona Cafe is also really good.

Chef Mickey's @ Contemporary - Large buffet, lots of character action.

ESPN Zone @ Boardwalk - Lot's of action at the zone. Get event ressies, and enjoy the events on the Boardwalk. Also there's Flying Fish. Pricey, by goooood.

 

[jann1033]

I have heard (if it's wrong someone can say so) you can only "tour" the AKL if you have a PS for either Boma or Jiko ( or are staying there nat.)so if you want to ,make one! the first time we went we stayed off site and ate at a bunch on resorts and always eat our way around the resorts no matter where we are staying. I'm not sure about the time frame though if you are staying off site for PS, it used to be different but I don't know if that still applies.

 

[webray]

Boma at AKL for breakfast or dinner.
Jiko at AKLfor dinner
Chef Mickey's at Contemp for breakfast
Whispering Canyon Cafe at WL for breakfast
Artist Point at WL for dinner
Flying Fish at Boardwalk for dinner

 

[kayeandjim00]

Another vote for Chef Mickey's! Very fun atmosphere and good food! I don't believe you have to have PS's to tour AKL anymore. I think that was true when they first opened but they have since changed that. Maybe someone else will know for sure! 'Ohana at Polynesian is on our list for the next trip as we have heard lots of good things about it. Hope you have a great trip!

 

[Cyndiu]

Thanks everybody! I'm so glad that we can try some of these restaurants. Since I've been visiting these boards I've wondered if we could go while staying offsite and was embarassed to ask the question. Silly me...

I think next year we will have to try Boma for dinner. That seems to be on everyone's list. Once we get a little closer to the date and I've planned our days a little more, maybe we'll try Chef Mickey's for breakfast on a different day if we have time.

 

[Pig Pen]

Once you see these resorts, you will wish you were staying there!

 

[cd&kids]

Chef Mickey's for breakfast at the Contemporary is an absolute must for our family.
And another vote for Boma...it is great.
As for your original question....the resorts have a gate out front...and when we're coming in for dinner or breakfast, they simply ask why you're coming. Some times, they ask for your name and they check it against the "PS" or reservation list.
This past week when we went, though, it seemed like all we had to say at the gate was that we were going in to look around! (I'm sure you can always say you want to get lunch, or whatever.)
With that in mind, I recommend spending a half hour or so at Wilderness Lodge. It is absolutely breath-taking. The restaurant Artist Point is also very good!
Have fun!