The Big Fish at Disney's Narcoossee's

Crispy Whole Snapper, Disney's Narcoossee's restaurant

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It’s easy to get caught up in Walt Disney World’s rides and attractions and not even realize that the resort is home to some of Florida’s best chefs with a talent for turning out amazing dishes.

Once you step outside the theme parks, there’s a whole world of fine dining to explore. Case in point: Narcoossee’s in the Grand Floridian Resort, where chef Joe Wilson spotlights seafood. His crispy whole snapper (see photo) is indeed the whole snapper, and its curved tail makes a plating presentation that easily earns a “wow” from diners. Then there’s his two-inch-high crab cake served with the sweetest local Zellwood corn. Deviating from seafood, Wilson brings out a roasted beet salad that’s colored with yellow-and-orange ringed Chioggia beets, sprinkled with crumbled goat cheese and sweetened with candied pecans.

Set on the Seven Seas Lagoon near the Magic Kingdom, the restaurant is prime seating for viewing sea serpents and dolphins light up the waterfront when they appear in the nightly Electrical Water Pageant. The not-at-all-high-tech show debuted in 1971 and may just be the longest running attraction in the resort. Expect dinner + entertainment, hey, that’s the Disney way.

Tags: Disney | Electrical Water Pageant | Grand Floridian Resort | Narcoossee's | orlando | red snapper | Walt Disney World Resort