V-Flyer

Next week I'm taking a group of 10 people to Orlando and need suggestions for a good restaurant.

We're staying in Kissimee.

The group are all going to be mid 20s, and I have to host a dinner... but have never been to Florida so have no idea what might be a good place.

Any suggestions?

I thought of Planet Hollywood in Down Town Disney, but would prefer somewhere a little more 'original'

Any ideas?

Well I quite liked the Outback steakhouse just north of the shopping mall by I4 opposite (sort of) typhoon lagoon. Quality was good but its a big chain. I suspect theres something better but they could do 20 as a walk up and not panic at least

What is your budget?
Outback(4/5), Longhorn (11) and Roadhouse Grill (14) are all along 192 at the mile markers in the brackets. These are all pretty good steakhouses and will all be cheaper than PH.

If you want something more original try KOBE around MM7 on 192. Book the hibatchi meal and watch the skilled chef's cook in front of you. Don't let the fact that it's japanese style food worry you as it is essentially beef, chicken or shrimp. Very tasty!

If you want to go a little more expensive the steakhouses of the Yachtsclub (Disney), Gaylord Palms or Ruth's Chris are excellent - My fav being Ruth's Chris at SandLake road (nr Universal).

Or you could just try the Golden Arches dinner club

Have fun anyway, I will probably try most of these next week myself.

Paul

Salt Island on I-drive is superb....fantastic fish and steaks...gotta be the mahi mahi or the crabcakes

A double thumbs-up for Cheesecake Factory (managed it twice in a week on my recent trip). Mall at Milennia on Conroy Rd has one.

Emeril's Tchoup Tchoup also a good one though not cheap.

Longhorns for a reasonable steak and the caramel apple goldrush super-stodge dessert.

Ming Court - Florida orange beef yum yum.

Shall I continue...? Oink oink oink....

As has been said - budget plays a part - the places I have listed are not cheap and prob run to $50 a head. Let us know what your budget is and we can all give you some good ideas.

If you are going to host a group in Orlando then why not give them a wonderful meal and a great view.

I would recommend the Californian Grill which sits on the 14th and top floor of the Contemporary Hotel in WDW and overlooks the Magic Kingdom and the lake area. There are wonderful views and you can book a private room if you wish.

On nights when they are running the "Wishes" firework display they dim the lights and pipe the music from the park into the room - it is truly amazing watching it from up there.

You do not need park admission but you will need to book - which you can do from the UK.

My alternative for this would be Flying Fish on the Boardwalk again in WDW - excellent restaurant and a great Vibe.

Finally - Wolfgang Pucks "upstairs" in Downtown Disney has got some great reviews

[i]Another interesting location is the Animal Kingdom Lodge in WDW - the theming is excellent - they have two very good restauarants - Boma - which is an African style Buffet and is around £25 a head for al you can eat - might be good for a group of 10 with varying tastes - and also Jiko which is a full service restaurant - and great food again. The good thing here is that you can go out onto the outcrop beofore or after dinner and see all the animals roaming in the savannah - its great with a drink to sit out and chat and watch them. They even have a ranger to point stuff out[y]

Jacq has some great suggests too with Emirils( had some good reviews lately) and Salt Island - great places.[y]

Got to agree with California Grill if you can coincide with the Wishes fireworks. Usually pretty booked up a week in advance though and can get a little pricey, although not too bad.

Ooh, just remembered another, you can hire a yacht that sails on the lake in front of Magic Kingdom and they can cook your dinner on-board. I think it holds 13 people. That starts to get pricey though.

Paul

Definately agree with the recommendations for Cheesecake Factory and Wolfgang Pucks both nice restaurants with good atmosphere

Regards
Nevil

The cheesecake factory is a nice mix with a great menu and good value.

The reconmendations for steak are great, also give Shulu's a go at the Swan and Dolphin.

We've been to the California Grill a number of times and it's always worth popping in to check the menu as it changes week to week and sometimes isn't as good as it could be.

There's also some nice restaurants within Celebration, again off 192 East from the I4 exit.

Most of the them overlook the lake and the Celebration Hotel.

If budget is an issue try the Marketplace Cafe/Restaurant in Celebration which has outside seating again overlooking the lake.

It's a very deli sort of place but a has a very wide choice of food which might be ideal for a group.

There's usually some sort of entertainment going on across the road on the front, and if you're there on a Sunday, there's a very nice street market from 7 till 12.

Hope this helps.

Cheers for the help... I'll look into each of these tomorrow.
The Budgets $50 a head.

Haven't been down to Orlando for a while so can't comment specifically on the area but why the fascination with Cheesecake Factory? It is just an average chain place.

If you are entertaining a mixed group - Bahama Breeze has great food and a nice atmosphere.
If it's all men then you can't beat a Hooters!!![:w][:w]

I 2nd Bahamma Breeze, but can get busy, so it might mean a wait for a larger group.

I like Bennigans, straight forward menu, but hits the right spots.

Last time I went to the one opposite Old Town, the server took our order by memory. I was in a party of 12 too.