Disney World Dining: Artist Point at Disney's WIlderness Lodge

There are a seeminlgly endless amount of dining choices at Walt Disney World, ranging from character meals and quick counter service restaurants to the more upscale Disney World Signature Restaurants. Artist Point at Disney's Wilderness Lodge is one of Disney World's Signature Restaurants, ideally suited for adults looking for a fine dining experience with plenty of ambiance. The Pacific Northwest decor and entree selections provide the background for an enjoyable dinner.

The Atmosphere and Ambiance
The grandeur of Disney's Wilderness Lodge sets the tone for the setting of Artist Point. It feels like you are dining at a grand Pacific Northwest Lodge. There is a rustic elegance apparent in the main dining room at Artist Point, ideal for a couple's night out or an adult dinner. The tables are far enough apart to make your dining experience feel private. Large windows provide a view outside of the Wilderness Lodge resort area, Bay Lake, and towering pine trees.

The Menu
The menu at Artist Point is distinctly Pacific Northwest. The selections provide a wide range of dining options, from the deliciously complex Smokey Portobello Soup ($9) to the Artisanal Cheese selection ($14). A nice selection of wines are offered to compliment the meal, as well as full bar service. One of the best specialty dishes at Artist Point is the Cedar Plank-roasted King Salmon ($37). The King Salmon is flown in and served fresh on a cedar plank, delivered to your table direct from the kitchen. Other unique entree selections at Artist Point include Roasted Venison Loin ($39), Char-grilled Buffalo Striploin Steak ($43), and House-made Sweet Potato Gnocchi ($28). The dessert menu is worth saving room for.

The Dining Experience
The dining experience at Disney's Artist Point restaurant was more than I expected. The server was friendly and inviting from the moment we sat down, offering assistance with choosing a wine and providing menu suggestions which turned out to be excellent choices. The suggested wine, Evolution 9, was a welcome surprise, and one of the many Pacific Northwest wine choices highlighted on the wine list.

The appetizers, Smokey Portobello Soup and Artisanal Cheese platter, set the standard for the rest of the meal. The soup was rich and layered with flavor. The Artisanal cheeses paired perfectly with the Evolution 9 wine. The server allowed us to share the soup, serving it in two seperate bowls, which made the portion just right.

The Cedar Plank Salmon was the freshest salmon I have ever tasted, and the generous portion was appreciated. It was served on the cedar plank tableside and placed on a plate of roasted baby fennel, marble potatoes, Pinor Noir Rouge, and crispy truffle chips. The flavor combination went well with the salmon. The highlight of the House-made Sweet Potato Gnocchi dish was the flavors of the caper brown butter and wild mushrooms, which accented the sweetness of the sweet potato gnocchi.

At the end of the meal, dessert did not seem possible so we declined. Our server, however, was gracious enough to believe that we needed to at least a sample of one of Artist Point's desserts. She brought over a fresh berry dessert that added the final touch to our Pacific Northwest themed dinner. The service and quality of the dining experience at Artist Point makes this Disney restaurant one of my top dining experiences at Disney World.

Location and Reservations
Artist Point is located at Disney World's Wilderness Lodge Resort, just off the main lobby. Guests may utilize free parking at Disney's WIlderness Lodge while dining at Artist Point. Artist Point can also be reached by boat from either Magic Kingdom or Disney's Contemporary Resort.

Reservations are strongly recommended and can be booked online at www.disney.com/dining or by phone at (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463). If there are no reservations available, double check directly with the resort, as our server reported that many people are told no availability when they have open tables.