Adult Dining at Disney World

Congratulations on your upcoming anniversary--and thanks for giving me the chance to talk about one of my favorite topics.

Walt Disney World is a great place for a parents' night out. In the past seven years Disney has made a quantum leap in the quality of its fine dining, so your only real problem is choosing which of its excellent restaurants to visit.

But before I list some of my favorites, let me urge you to arrange babysitting before you leave home. There are several options for childcare on Disney property, but the keys are to ask Guest Services in your hotel for their recommendations and, especially if you're visiting during a busy travel season, make sure you've made reservations in advance.

Once you've got the kids taken care of, here are some of my favorite places to eat:

• Victoria and Albert's: This is the ultimate "special occasion" destination on Disney property. Located in the Grand Floridian, this elegant 50-seat restaurant has harp music, flickering candles, and personalized menus. At the end of the six course meal--the menu changes daily--women are presented with long-stemmed roses. V&A's is the most expensive restaurant at Disney World, hands down--the prix fixe dinner is currently over $76 a person, $116 person with wine--but the presentation and service are so special that you'll be talking about if for years afterward.

• Bistro de Paris: Located in the French Pavilion of Epcot's World Showcase, the Bistro is a lovely, secluded spot with excellent French fare. The wine list is one of the best in Epcot, there is plenty of tableside presentation, and, despite the fact that the restaurant is located in a theme park, few kids dine there. If you get a table by a window around 9 P.M. you can view the fireworks of IllumiNations.

• The California Grill: Not only does the California Grill offer what many critics say is the best food in all of Walt Disney World, but the view from on top of the Contemporary Resort is unparalleled, especially during the Magic Kingdom fireworks. The menu changes on a regular basis to take advantage of fresh seasonal ingredients.

• Citricos: Located in the Grand Floridian, Citricos is one of the rising stars of Disney dining. The food is southern French cuisine, which means the sauces are lighter and the preparation simpler than one might expect from French food. (One standout is the slow roasted veal shank.) But the real star of the show is the wine list. As many as 20 wines at a time are available by the glass, and most of the servers are certified sommeliers.

• Flying Fish Cafe: Located on the BoardWalk, the Flying Fish Cafe offers such signature dishes as snapper wrapped in a potato crust, and steaks with a cabernet reduction sauce. Decorated in the same style as its sister restaurant, the California Grill, the Flying Fish is bustling and crowded, like all of the BoardWalk complex. After you eat, you could visit the nearby Atlantic Dance Hall.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses and prices are subject to change. Originally published in April 2001.Updated January 2006.