Dining for Special Occasions at Disney World

By:  Stefanie Brackin, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent

Do you have a special occasion coming up such as a birthday or anniversary? If so, there are so many fantastic options at Walt Disney World for dining for special occasions! We recently celebrated our wedding anniversary at Disney World and on another trip celebrated my husband’s birthday. For our anniversary we celebrated at The Contemporary Resort at California Grill. It was incredible! For my husband’s birthday we ventured over to The Riviera and enjoyed a delicious dinner at Topolino’s Terrace. Both dining experiences are signature dining and a fantastic choice for more upscale dining while on a Disney World vacation. 

California Grill

California Grill is located on the 15th floor of The Contemporary Resort. They offer Pacific Coast flavors with an amazing view of the Magic Kingdom. They are currently presenting a special dining experience for a limited time in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort. This is a 3-course prix fixe menu that costs $89 per adult and $39 per child, plus tax and gratuity. 

We started with the delicious bread service, which included their Focaccia Bread with their Signature Olive Oil and Sun-dried Tomatoes Dipping Oil. Then we had the California Grill Sushi Classics Trio and Lobster and Parsnip Bisque. Both were incredible! The bisque was creamy and delicious, and the sushi was perfect! Then we both had the Oak-Fired Filet of Beef with black truffle brown butter, chateau potatoes, golden raisins vinaigrette, cauliflower, with roasted tomato butter. It was so tender you could cut it with your fork. The sides were also so delicious. We finished off the meal with the White Chocolate Crème Brulée.  It was the best crème brulée we had ever tasted! 

On top of the incredible food, we had the most magical view of the nighttime fireworks from Magic Kingdom. They played the music from the Enchantment fireworks show right in the restaurant. It was the perfect way to round out our night. 

Topolino's Terrace

Earlier this month we visited Topolino’s Terrace for my husband’s birthday dinner. While Topolino’s is a lively character meal for breakfast, for dinner it boasts a quiet, beautiful environment with an incredible view to enjoy a special meal. Located on the 10th floor of The Riviera Resort, they offer fresh and delicious food as well as an impressive wine collection with French and Italian influences. The view of Epcot fireworks from their terrace makes for a romantic and peaceful viewing.  

While we were there, we experienced some incredible signature cocktails. I enjoyed the Pomegranate Paradiso, which featured Figenza Vodka, Pomegranate, Lemon, and Pineapple. My husband opted for the Modern Fashioned with Knob Creek Rye Whiskey, Appleton Estate Reserve Blend Rum, Vanilla Bean, and Bitters. Notice the Rivera Resort stamped ice cubes that brought an upper-level touch to this tasty drink!

We then enjoyed their delicious bread service with their house made French Bread and Cold Press Olive Oil. For our entree we opted for the Filet Mignon with Potato Puree Soubise, Asparagus, Onion Jus, and Guanciale Shallot Jam. The filet was so tender you didn’t even need a knife. The potatoes had a crispy outside coating with soft butter potatoes on the inside. The asparagus was delicious as well! We also enjoyed the Sautéed Shrimp enhancement, and they were incredible! For dessert we enjoyed the Vanilla and Citrus Crème Brulée with Morello Cherry Compote, Strawberry Foam, Sugared Beignets, Chocolate Meringues, and a 50th Anniversary Chocolate Stamp. It was to die for! They also surprised my husband with a sweet little treat for celebrating his birthday there. 

While often we think of Walt Disney World as a place full of characters and meals to share with our children, there are some amazing choices for dining for special occasions. The signature dining experiences at Disney are next level and truly an atmosphere full of special moments and upscale provisions.