Restaurant Review: The Wave at the Contemporary Resort

POSTED: Mon, 07/11/2011 - 11:00 | POSTED BY: Kasey O'Connor

One of the advantages of living an hour from Disney is that you can hop in the car and head over for dinner on a whim. So this year for July 4th we decided that enjoying dinner at Disney World and seeing their fireworks show would make for a much better evening than a night in our home town. Our first thought for dinner was the Kona Cafe but there were no reservations so we decided to take a chance and try out The Wave at the Contemporary Resort.

To be honest I had not heard anything about The Wave so I had no idea what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised! In fact I think I may have found one of my new favorite Disney restaurants!

The menu at The Wave features market-inspired, sustainable dishes and definitely did not disappoint! Unfortunately I didn't get pictures of everything that our table ordered but I do have some of my dinner and some comments from my fellow diners.

First up was the bread and butter. I am dead serious when I say it was some of the best bread I have had at Disney. You could taste the freshness and it was so good we asked for seconds and devoured it all! Did I mention that the butter was salted? They obviously know the way to my heart, salt and butter it just doesn't get better!

Bread and Butter

One of my good friends ordered the Wave House Salad as an appetizer and proceeded to enjoy it while the rest of us looked on in envy! I don't remember all of the details of the salad but I do know it featured an avocado ranch dressing and some delicious bibb lettuce. Unfortunately I don't have a picture but I would definitely recommend it!

Now onto the main event! I ordered the Oven Roasted Chicken which is "airplane" chicken rolled in panko breadcrumbs served with a potato waffle and green beans (I ordered the green beans instead of the black peas and rice). I was doubtful about the waffle but I decided to go for it and it was amazing! They even give you a syrup to dip it in which seemed weird but it was delicious! My green beans were just so-so but after the chicken and waffle I could have cared less.

Oven Roasted Chicken

In order to get a good spot to see the fireworks we skipped dessert so I unfortunately have no review of their dessert options. My only complaint about The Wave is that they use paper straws. I get the whole sustainability thing but paper straws just do not work that well and they are quite annoying!

We headed up to the 4th floor after dinner to grab a spot for the fireworks and were then treated Disney style to some fabulous 4th of July fireworks!
Magic Kingdom from the Contemporary Resort

Fourth of July Fireworks from the Contemporary Resort

After the fireworks we grabbed some rice krispie treats for dessert (sadly no pictures because we devoured them pretty quickly) and got in the car to head home.

Have you tried The Wave?

In:

Mase wrote on Mon, 07/11/2011 - 12:34:

I loved The Wave when we went there last year. It was probably my favorite place we ate at. But a couple people in my family didnt like it... so I dont think ill be able to go back again... lol

JeffC wrote on Mon, 07/11/2011 - 16:39:

The Wave is on my list for our next trip in April. I'm excited t try it and appreciate the review. Thanks Kasey!

worldfanatic wrote on Mon, 07/11/2011 - 18:18:

In addition, the bar is so cool.
With a simulated night sky above the bartenders, and the 2 side rooms with very cool lighting effects, this is an awesome place for cocktails.

DisneyLvr wrote on Mon, 07/11/2011 - 18:22:

I ate at the Wave a few summers ago and I couldn't agree more ~ SO GOOD! I had the pork chops and they were so moist and full of flavor. The Wave offers a great atmosphere and great food.

Angie wrote on Mon, 07/11/2011 - 21:00:

We at the Wave in May for the first time - I wrote up a review over at my blog. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with the food and atmosphere - though it was very noisy when we were there. The seafood was great - especially the duo appetizer!

JoAnn C wrote on Mon, 07/11/2011 - 22:01:

I haven't eaten there but I would like to try it someday.

Kasey O'Connor wrote on Tue, 07/12/2011 - 02:05:

I'm loving all of this enthusiasm about The Wave!!!!!!!!

Gaylin wrote on Tue, 07/12/2011 - 06:28:

I have eaten at The Wave 3 times and have had a great meal every time. The only problem I have had was the last time there, the restaurant was very quiet and they sat me and my companion between 2 tables with toddlers. I love kids but it had been a long day and a quieter table would have been lovely.

Too bad you didn't have dessert, they are small but really, really good!

jeanne wrote on Tue, 07/12/2011 - 13:06:

We have been there twice, first time was unbelievable, it was that good. Second time it was just okay, I would not go back again.

The second time was just such a disappointment after our first experience with the food.

William wrote on Tue, 07/12/2011 - 13:43:

My wife and I stayed at the Contemporary Resort 3 weeks ago for our honeymoon, and had breakfast at The Wave 3 times! We think is the best guarded secret in WDW. Food is great and service is excellent, as was provided by Alexandra Domitrescu. Our kudos and thanks to her for making us feel at home! Already recommended to my parents and friends headed for WDW later this year! Looking forward to return! Thanks again...

Lizzy_B wrote on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 05:37:

Um yeah...call me next time ;-)

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