Ditch the Kids and Dine! IF YOU’VE VISITED ORLANDO’S THEME PARKS WITH KIDS, you’re well-acquainted with its family fare: hot dogs, turkey legs — and thanks to Harry Potter, mugs of Butterbeer. SUMMER/FALL 2016 INFLUENCE | 35 But there’s another world of dining at these mega-attractions. Say goodbye to Mickey and hello to Morimoto’s at Disney Springs. Leave behind the Minions and head to Mythos at Universal. The restaurant scene at the theme parks and its environs has grown up. It’s like magic. Beyond the kiddie rides and character meet-and-greets, there’s an adult side to Orlando’s theme parks that appeals to honeymooners, professionals, conventioneers, tourists and parents who want a dining experience without kids in tow. While Universal and Disney admission is required to have a meal at restaurants inside those attractions, you’ll find even more adult dining options at theme park resorts plus entertainment destinations, Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) and Universal CityWalk. “The theme parks are appealing to grown-ups,” said AJ Wolfe, who writes for the blogs, Walt Disney World for Grownups and Disneyfoodblog.com. “Disney World has four theme parks and over 20 resort hotels. And Disney Springs is reawakening with high-end restaurants and shops in a revamped space. The place is massive and has something to offer for every potential visitor.” And that includes movers and shakers. “Disney Springs has brought worldclass dining back to the theme parks,” said Orlando lawyer John Yapo, of the firm Foley & Lardner. “They’ve recently added Morimoto’s and STK, and those places are stellar.” Universal’s CityWalk has added eight dining options in recent years, including the new Cowfish, a “sushi burger bar,” Vivo’s Italian Kitchen and Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food. Adults with a sweet tooth are likely to join the kiddos at the new Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen coming to CityWalk later this year. Emeril’s Restaurant Orlando remains a fine dining staple at the entertainment and dining complex. Along with Emeril Lagasse and “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto, count Todd English at bluezoo at Disney’s Dolphin Hotel among the celebrity chefs at the theme parks. Chef Art Smith is bringing Homecoming: Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine to Disney Springs this summer. Farther afield, renowned chef Norman van Aiken launched Norman’s at the Ritz-Carlton at Grande Lakes. A lot of adult choices are bound to be high-end. While it’s not a hard-andfast rule, the pricier the restaurant, the more likely it is that you’ll have an adult experience. Stately Victoria & Albert’s in the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the only Disney spot where you’re guaranteed to dine without any little ones around — customers have to be 10 and up to dine there. Consider that timing can make a difference when it comes to a grown-up outing. It’s likely that parents of small children will either be putting kids to bed or getting a babysitter once the fireworks are over rather than dragging them out to an expensive meal at 9 or 10 p.m. It’s easy to find extravagant experiences with options like VIP tours, private dining rooms, dinner cruises or private dining aboard Disney’s Grand 1 Yacht (include a butler for an extra cost). But if you want to keep your visit within a budget, check out theme park dining plans to see if they’re more economical. For a more casual outing, there’s no shortage of lounges and bars in the resorts and entertainment complexes. For starters, consider the Irish pub, Raglan Road and Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar in Disney Springs; the new Nomad Lounge at Animal Kingdom Theme Park (admission required); Margaritaville at Universal CityWalk; or Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar on Disney’s BoardWalk. Rix Lounge at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is a hot spot for thirtysomething partiers. Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion, conduct a business meeting or just enjoy a night out, rest assured. Dining at the theme parks is not just kids’ stuff anymore. Here’s a sampling of some grown-up dining destinations. >> Disney and Universal theme parks and resorts offer sophisticated options for ‘adults only’ meals BY ROCHELLE KOFF PHOTO: Courtesy Walt Disney World ORLANDO EATS
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