Hi all,

Hubbie and I will be in Orlando for the weekend at the end of March. We will probably be staying at the Ritz or the Grand Bohemian. We wanted a beautiful hotel, and these seem to fit the bill (is it me, or do Disney hotels seem overpriced for luxury offered?). We're also hoping that these hotels will have less kids than a Disney property. We are leaving the baby with snowbird Grandma for two nights and going out alone ---yeah!!!!!!

We would like suggestions for romantic, upscale (I like to tease hubbie and call him fancy-pants) restaurants where we could dress up a little and enjoy a delicious and relaxing meal. We have heard the Contemporary is fantastic, but we are wary of Disney properties since we think there may be a lot of kids there. (The backstory on this is we went to a supposedly "nice" Disney restaurant one night a few years ago hoping for a romantic dinner. We were SO dissapointed! There were a ton of kids, the place was jammed with strollers and entire families bedecked in sweatpants and fanny-packs).

I know I sound like a snob, but we are getting away from our baby overnight for the FIRST time, so we're hoping for restaurants that will make us feel like we left the country for the night, and especially will not have a ton of kids!

You all are always the best for advice!
Thanks!!

This may be what you are looking for and it appears to meet all your criteria, including no kids under 10 and a dress code for all.

Victoria & Albert's: http://tinyurl.com/df28sx
Check out their TripAdvisor reviews: http://tinyurl.com/km9sj

If you are interested, call (407-WDW-DINE) for reservations NOW!

Thanks Orlando_Vic

That does meet all our criteria - and it looks very very nice.
We may try this one night.

I think I did come across as too snooty though.
We are a young couple looking for romance, but also fun.
Any recommendations for something spicier/contemporary/upbeat?
Still without a "family" crowd, but maybe a bit more lively?

Thanks again!

Why not try Seasons 52 <http://www.seasons52.com/>?

It's contemporary, upbeat and classy, but not snooty of stuffy. It's a great choice for a special occasion. They are located here:

Seasons 52
At the Plaza Venezia
7700 Sand Lake Road
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: (407) 354-5212

Click on this instead: http://www.seasons52.com/

If you are not wanting to "do" Disney then I would just stay away. If you are at the Ritz then check out Norman's which is located in the Ritz and is a Norman Van Aken restaurant.

http://www.normans.com/

Right next door at the JW Marriott (the two hotels are attached) is Primo.

The Grand Bohemian is in downtown Orlando and no where near disney. Upscale dining in downtown Orlando is slim now that Manuels on the 28th has closed.

The Ritz/JW Marriott complex would be an excellent place for a couples weekend right there at the resort is Restaurants/Golf/Spa/Pool for some serious pampering.

Thanks so much for the recommendations!
Seasons 52 looks right up our alley, and the dining room at the Norman looks fantastic!

As always Fodors Forums has come through with great advice!!

Any insight on which hotel is better to stay at?

steviegene, another thumbs up here for Seasons 52.

gmoney, let's shed a tear for Manuels. I'll miss it.

Any time I visit US I use http://www.bestmealdeals.com/ to look for new places. This alweys works. the restaurants ar closing and opening so fast i'd never go anywhere without research

Blue Zoo at the Swan is nice, great food. Check it out on the webiste.

I'm sorry, I believe the Blue Zoo is located inside of the Dolphin!!

I don't think you could go wrong w/ either the Bohemian or The Ritz. I personally prefer The Ritz. It just depends on where you want to be, location wise. Grand Bohemian is smack dab downtown so you can hit a few clubs if that is up your alley. Seasons 52 is good w/ great atmosphere but not quiet. Definitely make reservations as that place gets packed on the weekends! Victoria and Albert's is in a completely different league. It's a definite dining experience. One of the best meals I've ever had

Ok, a little update....and request for more information.

The Bohemian hotel is booked. But the Ritz is still available.
The seasons 52 only had reservations at 845. Which is ok, but not ideal.
Any other recommendations in downtown for a restaurant with romance and good food?
Also any ideas about nightlife in Downtown? Or a good place to go for a before/after-dinner drink?

Our other alternative is staying at the Dolphin (which would be fun, because we could go to the Disney Boardwalk after dinner). We can get a reservation at Narcoossee's at the Grand Floridian duing the fireworks. This sounds romantic, but Im a little worried that the food won't be great at a disney property. Any reviews of this restaurant?

We have dined at Narcoossee's two times and love it but both times we did bring my daughter (at age 1 and 2) so there will probably be kids there. It is loud b/c of the hardwood floors but the fod is great and the views of the fireworks from the outdoor deck are fantastic. It may not be what you are looking for, though, to get away from kids, etc.

Also, staying at the Dolphin and going over to the Boardwalk is great BUT, again, will have lots of kids. I would save this for another trip when you do bring your child and stick with you plan to stay off Disney property. We stayed at the Dolphin the end of 2007 and while it was nice I was not overly impressed and would never consider it for a "romantic" getaway.

travelingirl,

Thanks, thats exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for!
If anyone has any more ideas about what to do/see/go in downtown orlando that would be appreciated. Thanks!

If anyone has any more ideas about what to do/see/go in downtown orlando that would be appreciated.

Here are some ideas for the greater Orlando area, not just downtown:

Visit Lake Eola
http://www.cfhf.net/orlando/eola2.htm

Wekiwa Springs State park
http://www.floridastateparks.org/wek...gs/default.cfm
http://www.canoewekiva.com/

Blue Spring State Park
http://www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring/default.cfm

Winter park Scenic Boat Tour
http://www.scenicboattours.com/

THE CHARLES HOSMER MORSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
http://www.morsemuseum.org/home.htm

Leu Gardens in Orlando
www.leugardens.org

Boggy Creek Airboat Rides
www.bcairboats.com

Wow - Orlando Vic. very thorough!
Thanks again!

Any input on nightlife in downtown - maybe near the Seasons 52 to go afterwards for a drink?

I'm glad you are still considering Seasons 52. Their little tasting desserts are great!

Steviegene,

Just so you know Seasons 52 is no where near downtown. It is on Sand Lake Road close to I-drive. If you want a restaurant downtown check out a place called Hue.

http://www.huerestaurant.com/

What hotel have you decided on? I would assume you would want someplace convenient to your hotel.

gmoney
The Bohemian is full - which I thought looked great.
So I think we've pretty much settled on either the Ritz or JW Marriott in the same complex. (Or if my husband really throws me a curveball, maybe the Hyatt Regency).
Google maps clocks SEasons 52 at about 10min away.

Thanks for the recommendation for the alternate idea. Any recommendations about nightlife?
Where to go after dinner for drinks/music. Somewhere fun, but not too rowdy?
Thanks!