Celebrating milestone adult birthday at WDW

[dancingirl21]

Hi, all. Last night we booked WDW for the week after Thanksgiving 2022. We are going over DH's 40th birthday. He was totally fine with this and is very excited. (Don't worry - my 40th is 3 months later and he and I are planning an adults-only Caribbean vacation). 

We have been to WDW twice before but always stay off-property as my FIL has a timeshare that works well for us. We decided we want to go all out for this one and booked Poly. Our boys will be 9 and 6. 

We also booked our park reservations and it looks like we will be at Hollywood Studios on DH's birthday. We could also do Epcot that day instead. Does anyone have recommendations of a great restaurant where we could go for dinner that night? It could be at the park we are at, or Disney Springs. I was looking at Homecomin' since DH would like that, but if there are other suggestions, I will take them. 

Also, regarding dining. Do you find the dining plan worth it? Or better to pay out of pocket? Lastly, looks like dining reservations are still at 60 days (plus adding on the day you arrive?). Has anyone heard if this is expected to change in the future and go back to the longer reservation time? Thanks!

[krystee]

We did H’s 40th at Disney World too! Our special birthday event was the fireworks dessert party at MK. I don’t know if they’re doing those again yet.

We always eat at Sci FI Dine In at HS, so I am no help on good 40th bday meal options there.

I have been intrigued by the Boathouse restaurant at DS but have not been there yet. I have also wanted to try California Grill at fireworks for a special occasion meal.

[chocolatepie]

Poly is my favorite!

So much can change in restaurants by Nov 2022 but right now, I'd take a look at Yachtsman (a Skyliner ride away from Hollywood Studios and a short walk from Epcot) if your DH would enjoy a steakhouse environment. Pre-Covid it was solid; it's reopening soon. Topolinos would also be a great option since you can take the Skyliner to it from either park. It's very, very good.

I've celebrated lots of birthdays at Disney and typically choose a signature restaurant because we don't usually splurge on them (this year doing Citricos).

Homecoming is very good, and we eat there a lot, but it's at Disney Springs and you'd have to commit to travel time. Boathouse is another favorite at Disney Springs. Last year, I had my birthday meal at Jaleo and it was fantastic!

If your family thinks they'll hit HS early and be done by afternoon, you could consider something near your hotel like CA Grill, whatever The Wave is becoming (it's under construction right now), Citricos, Narcoooses, etc. Those would be walking/monorail/boat from your hotel. And hopefully more restaurants open soon, too.

No word yet on if dining plan is returning and what it'll look like but typically, people with older children or those that want to do lots of character meals find it worth it (or at least the previous version). We can never make the math work for our style but as my toddler gets older, that may change!

[lolanjoe]

We also did DH's birthday at WDW, and his special dinner was an omakase at Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience and felt very special. We have also had an anniversary dinner at Narcoosees which was delicious also, and it was nice because the fireworks were during dinner and we were encouraged to step onto their covered outdoor area to watch them with the music piped in.