[Disneypro]

Posted on Tue, May. 27, 2003

The wonderful world of Disney dining
By June Naylor
Special to the Star-Telegram

Just because you're headed for a Disney amusement park, don't resign yourself to the idea of eating fast, dull and overpriced food. Sitting down to an elegant dinner was the last thing I dreamed of doing while taking my two little nieces to Walt Disney World. But at Jiko, the beautiful evenings-only restaurant at Animal Kingdom Lodge, we supped in the glow of candlelight, the girls enthralled with their appetizer of sliced apples and celery with a creamy peanut butter dip and I nearly dizzy with delight over my flatbread decorated with artichoke hearts, spinach, sagh dhal (cheese) and shaved, aged goat cheese.

From the first sip of a low-sugar fruit smoothie to the last bite of a pan-roasted monkfish over portobello stew and polenta, we found WDW bites as memorable as the roller coasters and exotic critters.

Here's our quick guide to five places where picky palates -- both budding and mature -- can reach a happy, healthful compromise.

Jiko -- The Cooking Place, Animal Kingdom Lodge

The kids gobbled up every fabulous bite of their peanut butter dip with fruits and vegetables ($1.75), then ate most of their grilled-cheese sandwiches and Goldfish crackers ($5.50). Adult-palate thrills included halibut roasted inside banana leaves ($24) and smooth, spicy sauces made from lentils and chick peas.

Pecos Bill Cafe, Magic Kingdom

A dining counter means quick service, and this is one of the places where we opted for carrot sticks instead of fries. The kids liked the hot dogs with character cookies ($3.50), and my chicken flatbread wrap ($7.50) was good. Having a really late lunch meant we could sit on the patio to watch the 3 p.m. parade, too.

Tusker House, Animal Kingdom

Another counter-service eatery, this one serves a good marinated-veggie sandwich on focaccia ($7.50). The girls were persuaded to eat some rotisserie chicken and green beans.

Sci-Fi Drive-In Theater, Disney-MGM Studios

Sitting in a car, watching crazy sci-fi movies is a scream, and the kiddos dig the burgers and fabulous cold shakes. Meanwhile, adults in the party feel a little more civilized with penne pasta tossed with baby shrimp, fresh spinach leaves, freshly grated asiago cheese and olive oil ($16.50).

Teppanyaki, Epcot

Enjoy the show put on by the joke-ready chefs at the cooking tables in the World Showcase Japanese edition, where families can choose chicken, beef or shrimp stir-fry dinners. There's sushi, too, for grown-ups and for kids who have learned to like the simple rolls with shrimp, crab, avocado and cucumber ($9 for kids, up to $30 for adults).

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