Frommer's Walt Disney World and Orlando by Laura Lea Miller

Author:Laura Lea Miller
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Published: 2012-10-04T04:00:00+00:00

In Lake Buena Vista

Many eateries included below can be found on the “Walt Disney World & Lake Buena Vista Restaurants” map. Downtown Disney is located 2 1/2 miles from Epcot off Buena Vista Drive. It encompasses the Downtown Disney Marketplace, a complex chock-full of cedar-shingled shops and themed restaurants overlooking a scenic lagoon; the adjoining Pleasure Island (soon to be Hyperion Wharf), a lively entertainment venue full of shops and restaurants of its own; and Downtown Disney West Side, a slightly more upscale collection of shops, restaurants, the Cirque du Soleil, and a multiplex. The restaurants below have kids’ menus, usually in the $5-to-$10 range, though sometimes higher.

Pleasure Island (Hyperion Wharf)

Expensive

Portobello ★★ SOUTHERN ITALIAN/MEDITERRANEAN Along with the name change (once the Portobello Yacht Club) comes an updated menu of truly authentic, regional Italian fare and a reinvigorated wine list. The pizzas here go beyond the routine to quattro formaggi (mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Fontina, and Parmesan, with sun-dried tomatoes) and margherita (Italian sausage, plum tomatoes, and mozzarella). But it’s the less casual entrees that pack people into this place. The menu changes from time to time. Start off with the mozzarella-stuffed rice balls (perfection in a tasty little package); the portobello mushrooms stuffed with Gorgonzola, polenta, and drizzled with a rosemary sauce; or the Sambuca shrimp—or choose a few and share, as each offers a unique explosion of tastes and textures not to be missed. Pastas might include bucatini, with tomato, guanciale, garlic, chili pepper, and olive oil; or black linguine, with Florida rock shrimp, garlic, tomatoes, and asparagus. You’ll also find offerings such as mahimahi, osso buco, and grilled chicken as well as a small selection of steaks (the filet simply melts in your mouth). The Mediterranean-inspired decor, now more inviting, is accented by terra-cotta tiles and rustic iron set against warm earth tones and amber lighting. The Portobello’s awning-covered patio overlooks Lake Buena Vista. Its cellar is small, but there’s a nice selection of wine to match the meals.

1650 Buena Vista Dr., at Pleasure Island. www.levyrestaurants.com. 407/934-8888. Advance Reservations recommended. Lunch $10–$24; dinner $18–$40; pizzas $10–$13. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 11:30am–3pm and 5–11pm. Free self-parking.

Moderate

Planet Hollywood AMERICAN Those who flock to this restaurant come for the unique surroundings, movie memorabilia, and scenery from some of Hollywood’s hottest hits, much like those who head to the Hard Rock (a far better choice) at CityWalk to check out its musical montage. Diners, however, are doomed to be disappointed. Though the atmosphere is fairly neat (including a planetarium-like ceiling), the Planet’s servers can cop an attitude, and the food is at best blasé. If you must, you’ll find the usual suspects: wings, salads, sandwiches, big burgers, ribs, pasta, steaks, and seafood. Even with a less-than-stellar lineup on the menu, the lines to get in can at times be excruciatingly long.

1506 Buena Vista Dr., at Pleasure Island (look for the big globe). www.planethollywood.com. 407/827-7827. Limited Advance Reservations accepted. Main courses $12–$27 (most less than $19). AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 11am–midnight. Free self-parking.

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