Review of the Artist Point Restaurant – Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
On the last night of our most recent stay at the Wilderness Lodge in Walt Disney World, July 18, 2008, we had reservations to dine at another one of our all-time favorite restaurants, the Artist Point.
We had reservations at 7:30. Earlier in the day, we had stopped by the Artist Point to take pictures before they opened and while talking to the host, I mentioned that we would like to have a table in the back of the restaurants by the windows overlooking the courtyard. He said no problem and noted it in our reservation.
We checked our daughter in at the Wilderness Lodge’s children’s program, the Cub’s Den, and headed to dinner. Our daughter, who is now 10, actually prefers going to the children’s program for dinner and having fun with other kids rather than coming to “long, boring dinners” with mom and dad. She often does the same thing on the Disney Cruise as well. It actually works out well for all of us. She has a great time and my husband and I get to enjoy a leisurely dinner.
When we arrived at the restaurant a few minutes early, the host I had spoken to earlier in the day had two tables waiting for us to choose from! I picked one and we were promptly seated. For whatever reason, the restaurant was not terribly busy that night. The Artist Point is designated as a Signature Dining location requiring two dining plan table service meals, so that coupled with it being at a resort that’s not within walking distance to a park may be part of the reason.
Our server appeared immediately for our drink orders. Martinis please! My husband ordered his usually dry, pour the vermouth out, gin with two olives martini, and I ordered the Artist Point’s North Flight Martini which was garnished with blue cheese stuffed olives. Those olives added a world of flavor to my martini and were wonderful little treats! I know, it may sound a little bizarre but my martini was very tasty.
Our server was excellent and sensed that we were in no rush so he took his time and gave us our space. Tonight, we decided to each have our own appetizer and entrée which is the first time on our trip that we had done so. Every other meal, we shared at least one course. We had heard from several people, including the hotel staff, that we had to try the Venison Spring Rolls so my husband ordered those while I ordered the cheese plate. The spring rolls certainly lived up to the recommendations! I would definitely order them again. The cheese plate was good as well but if I had to choose one over the other, it would be the spring rolls.
For entrees, we decided on our all time favorite dish at the Artist Point Signature Plate, Cedar Plank Pacific Wild King Salmon. We have been ordering this dish, or its predecessor, for about 15 years now. But feeling adventurous tonight, I ordered the Grilled Buffalo Sirloin Steak medium rare. I have to admit that I now have a new all time favorite at the Artist Point…the buffalo! It was tender and delicious. To accompany our entrees we ordered a half bottle of King Estate Pinot Noir. Having the option of a half bottle of an excellent wine was an unexpected surprise!
We passed on desert partly because we were quite full and partly because on this trip we were staying on the Concierge level, which would have little yummy deserts and after dinner cordials waiting for us, plus we had a killer view of the Magic Kingdom and Wishes from our own balcony. So, around 9:30pm we picked up our daughter and headed upstairs for a great show.
I would be remiss if I did not tell you a little more about the restaurant itself. The Artist Point is located off of the back lobby of the Wilderness Lodge and overlooks the beautiful courtyard. The restaurant is themed for the Pacific Northwest and has two stunning and very large replicas of portraits painted by Thomas Moran after his expedition to Yellowstone in the late 1800’s. The beauty of the restaurant coupled with the great food and wonderful service keeps us coming back. Even though we had not dined at the Artist Point in several years, the restaurant did not disappoint. If you are fond of the Pacific Northwest, fond of fresh salmon, are more adventurous in your choices, or want to completely escape from the crowds and the energy of the parks and enjoy a fabulous meal in a reserved and beautiful setting, seek out a reservation at the Artist Point. You won’t be sorry!
Cuisine: Pacific Northwest
Hours: 5:30pm to 10:00pm
Location: Wilderness Lodge
Food ordered:
Crispy Venison Spring Rolls with hot sweet and sour sauce $8
A Selection of Artisan Cheeses with Riesling-poached raisins, dried cranberries and walnut toast $13
Our Signature Plate – Cedar Plank Roasted King Salmon with pear and smoked pork belly hash and pear ginger glaze $43.00
Grilled Buffalo Sirloin Steak – with sweet potato-hazelnut gratin and sweet onion jam $42
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May 19th, 2010 at 6:40 am
Nice article. Your all information are good for Disney world visitor. I love Disney world.