Help me narrow down my TS list

[celina14]

Hi! I'm currently planning our November/December trip and am trying to finalize dining reservations. I have too many TS places that I want to try and not enough dining credits so I need some help with narrowing it down a bit. I'd love to hear people's thoughts on the restaurants I have listed. Also opinions on which ones to ditch! It will be myself, DH, DD5 and DS2 and we have free dining. Thanks!!

Liberty Tree Tavern (lunch only)- Would probably pay OOP for this if we do it.
Ohana Dinner- This is one we probably won't ditch.
Ohana Bfast- Probably will keep this too because of Stitch but would love to hear thoughts.
Akershus Bfast- Was only planning on this to get a FEA benefit but most likely will drop if I get a FP since we will be doing CRT already.
Via Napoli- Loved it last time but thinking maybe we should try something new instead.
Tepan Edo- I'm thinking we'll prefer Tokyo Dining to this but would love to hear thoughts.
Tokyo Dining- Would only do this OR Tepan Edo so would love to hear comparisons or thoughts on one or the other.
Chef Mickey's- We've done this one before so thinking we should try something new instead.
H&V Minnie's Holiday Dinner- I think my daughter will love this so would probably lean towards this over Chef Mickey's.
CRT- Not dropping this, it's for my daughter's 5th bday dinner. Any suggestions on if lunch or dinner is better?
Coral Reef- Is this really as bad as people say it is?
Y&Y- One of our favorite meals from our last trip and pretty set on doing this again but will probably pay OOP since I could sign up for the Landry's card.
BOG Dinner- We did lunch our last trip and it wasn't my favorite but is dinner better?
Raglan Road- Not sure if we will have time to do a dinner at DS but is this worth it to try and fit it in?

So, I have 9 TS credits per person and I'm open to doing a couple of the cheaper options OOP. What would you keep and what would you ditch? Also, should I add different ones in instead? Are there any really great options I'm missing. Keep in mind, I'm not really interested in any other signatures with my kids being so little and I'm not really too interested in any other sit down breakfasts than the ones I have listed (Ohana and Akershus). Thanks!

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

Liberty Tree Tavern (lunch only)- Would probably pay OOP for this if we do it.

Can't speak for this as I haven't eaten there since it was a Character meal. I remember it being very good but then dropping in quality. That's a subjective opinion, though.

Ohana Dinner- This is one we probably won't ditch.

I agree. Don't ditch it. One of our favorite meals at Disney.

Ohana Bfast- Probably will keep this too because of Stitch but would love to hear thoughts.

We were on the fence about this. I were originally gonna do Ohana bfast but scrapped it for Crystal Palace only because we'd already be at MK and didn't feel like leaving. Up to you, but I'd probably skip and pay OOP for Kona. You lose out on the character experience if you do that, though.

Akershus Bfast- Was only planning on this to get a FEA benefit but most likely will drop if I get a FP since we will be doing CRT already.

I think you'll have to choose between Akershus and Ohana. If you're doing it just for the FEA benefit, I'd skip it and really try for FP+. Maybe book it and cancel it if you're able to secure FEA FP+.

Via Napoli- Loved it last time but thinking maybe we should try something new instead.

We're trying this for the first time. We've worked it into our "Eat Around the World" Day. We'll probably order one of the large pizzas and pay OOP. A $40 or $50 pizza split 4 ways is a fantastic value.

Tepan Edo- I'm thinking we'll prefer Tokyo Dining to this but would love to hear thoughts.

One of our favorite meals. Look, you can get Hibachi anywhere, but it's a wonderful value on the DDP and they cook the food really well here. Plus, the chefs are very entertaining. If you have a Benihana or Hibachi place near your home, I'd say skip it.

Tokyo Dining- Would only do this OR Tepan Edo so would love to hear comparisons or thoughts on one or the other.

Tokyo dining is Teppan Edo without the Hibachi. Same food, same building, different experience. I'd recommend Teppan Edo over this.

Chef Mickey's- We've done this one before so thinking we should try something new instead.
H&V Minnie's Holiday Dinner- I think my daughter will love this so would probably lean towards this over Chef Mickey's.

Not a fan of either. The food is bleh, but youthe character interaction is probably the best at Chef Mickey's. I've heard terrible reviews of Minnie's Holiday Dinner, but the characters dressed up in holiday clothes is pretty unique to the time you're traveling. Flip a coin.

Coral Reef- Is this really as bad as people say it is?

It's not that it's bad it's that the appeal has diminished and the food is inconsistent. Most of the restaurant is away from the aquarium. If you're seated by the aquarium, you'll have little kids running by your chairs and tapping on the glass. The food is okay but nothing special. We all ordered the chocolate lava cake once. Only one person had it perfect - my sister cut into it and out came the chocolate sauce. My dad and I had a firm sponge cake. My mom had some chocolate sauce, but not much. It's easy to mess up the cake but you'd think chefs at Disney would show more consistency. I'd say skip it.

Y&Y- One of our favorite meals from our last trip and pretty set on doing this again but will probably pay OOP since I could sign up for the Landry's card.

Can't speak from experience. All I'll say is that we're trying it for the first time this Christmas and I'm extremely excited. Can't wait for the streak and shrimp and those wontons!

BOG Dinner- We did lunch our last trip and it wasn't my favorite but is dinner better?

Our first trip at BOG was fantastic. The entrees were huge and flavorful. There was a ton of salt, even for Disney. This past year was bleh. Not only was the experience underwhelming but we have an agreement not to do the same restaurant more than two consecutive times, so we're skipping. But, the theming and decor is among the best. Skip dinner and get lunch if you really wanna see the inside. Or do breakfast on the meal plan.

Raglan Road- Not sure if we will have time to do a dinner at DS but is this worth it to try and fit it in?

It's very good. You can get similar, if not the same food at Rose & Crown. It's worth it for the dessert alone but I wouldn't go out of my way to eat there. If you can't get to DS, then skip it.

Here's what I'd go with:
- LTT Lunch OOP
- Ohana Dinner (1)
- Ohana Bfast (1)
- Via Napoli OOP
- Teppan Edo (1)
- Chef Mickey's/Holiday Vine (1)
- CRT (2)
- Yak & Yeti (1)
- Via Napoli/Akerhus Bfast—do Via Napoli if you can get a Frozen FP+ (1)
- Rose & Crown—instead of RR (1)

 

[celina14]

Here's what I'd go with:
- LTT Lunch OOP
- Ohana Dinner (1)
- Ohana Bfast (1)
- Via Napoli OOP
- Teppan Edo (1)
- Chef Mickey's/Holiday Vine (1)
- CRT (2)
- Yak & Yeti (1)
- Via Napoli/Akerhus Bfast—do Via Napoli if you can get a Frozen FP+ (1)
- Rose & Crown—instead of RR (1)

Thank you so much for all the tips and suggestions, this was very helpful!

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

Liberty Tree Tavern (lunch only)- Would probably pay OOP for this if we do it. We enjoy LTT for lunch.
Ohana Dinner- This is one we probably won't ditch. I agree - I wouldn't ditch it - we eat there every time.
Ohana Bfast- Probably will keep this too because of Stitch but would love to hear thoughts.
Akershus Bfast- Was only planning on this to get a FEA benefit but most likely will drop if I get a FP since we will be doing CRT already. We like this better than CRT but I wouldn't do this and CRT. We go here also about every other trip. We get more time with the princesses here.
Via Napoli- Loved it last time but thinking maybe we should try something new instead. We love the pizza but understand about wanting to try something new. We go here every other trip.
Tepan Edo- I'm thinking we'll prefer Tokyo Dining to this but would love to hear thoughts.
Tokyo Dining- Would only do this OR Tepan Edo so would love to hear comparisons or thoughts on one or the other. Sorry haven't done either.
Chef Mickey's- We've done this one before so thinking we should try something new instead. I would give this one up. Good but not great.
H&V Minnie's Holiday Dinner- I think my daughter will love this so would probably lean towards this over Chef Mickey's. We are doing this for the first time this summer.
CRT- Not dropping this, it's for my daughter's 5th bday dinner. Any suggestions on if lunch or dinner is better? We ate there once and will not go anytime soon. The lunch was horrible - truly horrible. But I understand that it is your daughters birthday.
Coral Reef- Is this really as bad as people say it is? Nice atmosphere but didn't think the food was great - we went awhile ago.
Y&Y- One of our favorite meals from our last trip and pretty set on doing this again but will probably pay OOP since I could sign up for the Landry's card.
BOG Dinner- We did lunch our last trip and it wasn't my favorite but is dinner better? The food is good but not plentiful. Our DD loves it so we go often.
Raglan Road- Not sure if we will have time to do a dinner at DS but is this worth it to try and fit it in? It was good and our kids enjoyed the dancing - we did it once because there are so many other restaurant to try.


I would cancel either Teppan Edo or Tokyo Dining.
Also Coral Reef - I would go to Garden Grill - we love the food there and love the characters.
Also I would cancel either Chef Mickeys or H&V - not do both.
I also would cancel CRT or Akershus - I would cancel CRT but I know you want that so I would cancel Akershus.
Also I would cancel Raglan Road since you have too many restaurants.

I hope that helps.
Enjoy your trip.

 

[celina14]

I would cancel either Teppan Edo or Tokyo Dining.
Also Coral Reef - I would go to Garden Grill - we love the food there and love the characters.
Also I would cancel either Chef Mickeys or H&V - not do both.
I also would cancel CRT or Akershus - I would cancel CRT but I know you want that so I would cancel Akershus.
Also I would cancel Raglan Road since you have too many restaurants.

I hope that helps.
Enjoy your trip.

This was very helpful. Thank you very much for the suggestions!

 

[ELSA711]

I would choose either Chef Mickeys or H&V, and as for CRT, I would personally do breakfast. I loved it there for breakfast.
I would also only do O'hana once, same with Japan - pick one.
Via Napoli would definitely be an OOP one just from all the reviews I read about value on DDP

 

[celina14]

I would choose either Chef Mickeys or H&V, and as for CRT, I would personally do breakfast. I loved it there for breakfast.
I would also only do O'hana once, same with Japan - pick one.
Via Napoli would definitely be an OOP one just from all the reviews I read about value on DDP

Thanks for the suggestions! I definitely think we will get rid of either Chef Mickey's or H&V, most likely Chef Mickey's since we've done it before and I think seeing the Christmas outfits at H&V will be cute. Actually our original plan was to do bfast at CRT but unfortunately I could not arrange a CRT bfast time that works with our BBB reservation for that day so it will have to be either lunch or dinner. I won't do both Japan restaurants and maybe won't do either, just trying to figure out which we'd like better. And as for Ohana, we've never been so dinner is a must try for me and my kids will really enjoy the character bfast I think although it's still a possibility that we would cancel the bfast. And I'm fine going OOP on a couple and Via Napoli definitely may be one we decide to do OOP if we do it. There's just so many restaurants to choose from!!

 

[ELSA711]

Thanks for the suggestions! I definitely think we will get rid of either Chef Mickey's or H&V, most likely Chef Mickey's since we've done it before and I think seeing the Christmas outfits at H&V will be cute. Actually our original plan was to do bfast at CRT but unfortunately I could not arrange a CRT bfast time that works with our BBB reservation for that day so it will have to be either lunch or dinner. I won't do both Japan restaurants and maybe won't do either, just trying to figure out which we'd like better. And as for Ohana, we've never been so dinner is a must try for me and my kids will really enjoy the character bfast I think although it's still a possibility that we would cancel the bfast. And I'm fine going OOP on a couple and Via Napoli definitely may be one we decide to do OOP if we do it. There's just so many restaurants to choose from!!

I hear you! If you are staying at the Poly I would definitely do both meals at Ohana, or if you had a car. Relying on bus transportation for other resort meals is a one a done per trip for me. We drove last time so utilized that a lot to explore resorts having our own car.

We chose H&V as well to hopefully see Santa Goofy, my kids are crushed I may give up their Chef Mickey's meal but I want to try something new.

We also have 4 new meals to try at Epcot, so squeezing it all into 8 meals is not easy. I always tell myself, there will be a 'next time'

 

[CynBeth]

Hi! I'm currently planning our November/December trip and am trying to finalize dining reservations. I have too many TS places that I want to try and not enough dining credits so I need some help with narrowing it down a bit. I'd love to hear people's thoughts on the restaurants I have listed. Also opinions on which ones to ditch! It will be myself, DH, DD5 and DS2 and we have free dining. Thanks!!

Liberty Tree Tavern (lunch only)- Would probably pay OOP for this if we do it.
Ohana Dinner- This is one we probably won't ditch.
Ohana Bfast- Probably will keep this too because of Stitch but would love to hear thoughts.
Akershus Bfast- Was only planning on this to get a FEA benefit but most likely will drop if I get a FP since we will be doing CRT already.
Via Napoli- Loved it last time but thinking maybe we should try something new instead.
Tepan Edo- I'm thinking we'll prefer Tokyo Dining to this but would love to hear thoughts.
Tokyo Dining- Would only do this OR Tepan Edo so would love to hear comparisons or thoughts on one or the other.
Chef Mickey's- We've done this one before so thinking we should try something new instead.
H&V Minnie's Holiday Dinner- I think my daughter will love this so would probably lean towards this over Chef Mickey's.
CRT- Not dropping this, it's for my daughter's 5th bday dinner. Any suggestions on if lunch or dinner is better?
Coral Reef- Is this really as bad as people say it is?
Y&Y- One of our favorite meals from our last trip and pretty set on doing this again but will probably pay OOP since I could sign up for the Landry's card.
BOG Dinner- We did lunch our last trip and it wasn't my favorite but is dinner better?
Raglan Road- Not sure if we will have time to do a dinner at DS but is this worth it to try and fit it in?

So, I have 9 TS credits per person and I'm open to doing a couple of the cheaper options OOP. What would you keep and what would you ditch? Also, should I add different ones in instead? Are there any really great options I'm missing. Keep in mind, I'm not really interested in any other signatures with my kids being so little and I'm not really too interested in any other sit down breakfasts than the ones I have listed (Ohana and Akershus). Thanks!

We love lunch at LTT. We also enjoy CR for either lunch or dinner. I would do BOG dinner as it is an entirely different experience and we find the food to be pretty good. We have not eaten at any of the others except for CM for breakfast and it was fine.

 

[Aeweddle]

H&V Minnie's Holiday Dinner- I think my daughter will love this so would probably lean towards this over Chef Mickey's.

We did not do the dinner, but did lunch with the Disney Jr. characters. It was strictly for my kids (almost 5 and almost 2) who are BIG, BIG Disney Jr. fans. Reading recent reviews of Hollywood and Vine had me pretty nervous about eating there. I was convinced it was going to be filthy and the food inedible based on what others were saying.

I will say that the service was a little lacking and the desserts selections were a bit meh, but the food itself was good! A great selection, plenty of options for kids, and tasty! The line was kept clean and as a matter of fact my husband dropped a few noodles when getting my son some mac and cheese and was practically knocked over by a CM trying to clean the mess, lol. Several healthy options were available as well. I've never done Chef Mickey's, but would definitely recommend H&V.

 

[Aeweddle]

Oh, and don't hesitate to do both Akershus and CRT. We did, and enjoyed both experiences. My DD is a princess fanatic!

 

[Mazz519]

We have had great meals at Coral Reef and terrible meals there all over the past 5 years at least 3 times... we said last time we were there that we would take some time off from this place for a while

 

[shortnsassy730]

Coral Reef's food is just such a let down. It's on par with your standard Red Lobster. If Red Lobster seafood is a good thing in your opinion then go for it. If you're used to fresh seafood then don't.

 

[celina14]

Thanks so much for the input everyone! I didn't really think about the transportation aspect to get to the Poly, we are staying at CBR. I may have to put some more thought into that. I'm thinking we may nix Coral Reef now. Sounds like it's not worth it just to eat surrounded by the aquariums and there's so many other options in Epcot. Red Lobster is definitely not a favorite of mine so maybe we should rethink that one.

 

[Linleedo]

Hi! I'm currently planning our November/December trip and am trying to finalize dining reservations. I have too many TS places that I want to try and not enough dining credits so I need some help with narrowing it down a bit. I'd love to hear people's thoughts on the restaurants I have listed. Also opinions on which ones to ditch! It will be myself, DH, DD5 and DS2 and we have free dining. Thanks!!

Liberty Tree Tavern (lunch only)- Would probably pay OOP for this if we do it.
Ohana Dinner- This is one we probably won't ditch.
Ohana Bfast- Probably will keep this too because of Stitch but would love to hear thoughts.
Akershus Bfast- Was only planning on this to get a FEA benefit but most likely will drop if I get a FP since we will be doing CRT already.
Via Napoli- Loved it last time but thinking maybe we should try something new instead.
Tepan Edo- I'm thinking we'll prefer Tokyo Dining to this but would love to hear thoughts.
Tokyo Dining- Would only do this OR Tepan Edo so would love to hear comparisons or thoughts on one or the other.
Chef Mickey's- We've done this one before so thinking we should try something new instead.
H&V Minnie's Holiday Dinner- I think my daughter will love this so would probably lean towards this over Chef Mickey's.
CRT- Not dropping this, it's for my daughter's 5th bday dinner. Any suggestions on if lunch or dinner is better?
Coral Reef- Is this really as bad as people say it is?
Y&Y- One of our favorite meals from our last trip and pretty set on doing this again but will probably pay OOP since I could sign up for the Landry's card.
BOG Dinner- We did lunch our last trip and it wasn't my favorite but is dinner better?
Raglan Road- Not sure if we will have time to do a dinner at DS but is this worth it to try and fit it in?

So, I have 9 TS credits per person and I'm open to doing a couple of the cheaper options OOP. What would you keep and what would you ditch? Also, should I add different ones in instead? Are there any really great options I'm missing. Keep in mind, I'm not really interested in any other signatures with my kids being so little and I'm not really too interested in any other sit down breakfasts than the ones I have listed (Ohana and Akershus). Thanks!

If you've had Via Napoli,you know it's good , but sooooo loud in there. The pizza is really pricey. I feel that it takes away from the dining experience when you can't even converse at the same table. I would remove Coral Reef, only because the food isn't so good(lately). Its an experience. It's best to admire the aquarium from a different location. Raglan Road is ok. Nothing spectacular.At Disney Springs, we really liked Wolfgang Puck's Express. It's great pizza and hearty portions for salads and sandwiches. If you do Ohana, get a ressie that is early. Our late ressie was a disappointment. Out of food, lack of attention from the staff . Our earlier ressie was a delight! I don't know if you like crab legs and seafood. The Cape May Buffet is a good value and it has lots of food for the kids too. Enjoy and have a great trip.

 

[kidsfirsttrip]

Thanks for the suggestions! I definitely think we will get rid of either Chef Mickey's or H&V, most likely Chef Mickey's since we've done it before and I think seeing the Christmas outfits at H&V will be cute. Actually our original plan was to do bfast at CRT but unfortunately I could not arrange a CRT bfast time that works with our BBB reservation for that day so it will have to be either lunch or dinner. I won't do both Japan restaurants and maybe won't do either, just trying to figure out which we'd like better. And as for Ohana, we've never been so dinner is a must try for me and my kids will really enjoy the character bfast I think although it's still a possibility that we would cancel the bfast. And I'm fine going OOP on a couple and Via Napoli definitely may be one we decide to do OOP if we do it. There's just so many restaurants to choose from!!

Having done both h&v holiday and chef mickeys dinner I would pick h&v hands down. I hated the food at cm for dinner and was pleasantly surprised by h&v. Characters are adorable but when we went they don't autograph just give you a card with signatures, not sure if that's changed or matters to you! We went november last year so it was the holiday dine. We are going March -and will make adrs soon, batting around many of your options it's so tough! I hate that dang CRT is 2 credits and that Ohana is not really convenient to park days!

 

[JerseyJanice]

We totally hated the food at Ohana's breakfast. Mass produced scrambled eggs and nasty tasting sausage with cold undercooked potatoes. Blech!

If you go to Via Napoli, definitely pay OOP for it.

For many years, I had rarely seen a good thing said about H&V, but lately I've been seeing a lot of love for the Minnie's Seasonal Dine. I want to try it when we go.

 

[maryj11]

Ditch Coral Reef,Chef Mickey and maybe Via Napoli.
Definitely keep Ohana dinner and breakfast, the breakfast was one of our favorites.
Keep Yak & Yeti this is one of our favorites.
Keep Teppan Edo another one of our favorites.
Keep BOG dinner, I have not had dinner here yet but have read so many good reviews.
Via Napoli we ate there the past two years, the first time was good the 2nd time our crust was not cooked long enough.

 

[Mr & Mrs DD]

Between Teppan Edo & Tokyo dining - We had a better meal at Teppan Edo
Coral Reef - The first time we ate there, it was not good at all. HOWEVER, we have eaten there 2 more times since then and it was very good both times. The steak was very good and they have a Bailey's & Jack Daniels Chocolate Mousse that is wonderful. I would eat there again based on my last two meals there.

 

[alex9179]

Hi! I'm currently planning our November/December trip and am trying to finalize dining reservations. I have too many TS places that I want to try and not enough dining credits so I need some help with narrowing it down a bit. I'd love to hear people's thoughts on the restaurants I have listed. Also opinions on which ones to ditch! It will be myself, DH, DD5 and DS2 and we have free dining. Thanks!!

Liberty Tree Tavern (lunch only)- Would probably pay OOP for this if we do it. Haven't been but it's on our list to try because so many people love the lunch and toffee cake dessert.
Ohana Dinner- This is one we probably won't ditch. Not our favorite and wouldn't do it again. Food was fine but it was crazy in there and a very rushed dinner. Your kids won't get any value out of it, but with free dining it's worth trying once!
Ohana Bfast- Probably will keep this too because of Stitch but would love to hear thoughts. Never been. Breakfast is pretty light for us (I don't eat it, at all) and two of my kids don't eat much with the activity of WDW. Takes up prime touring time in the AM.
Akershus Bfast- Was only planning on this to get a FEA benefit but most likely will drop if I get a FP since we will be doing CRT already. We did this for early entry on our first trip. Good food. I wouldn't include it with CRT in the mix.
Via Napoli- Loved it last time but thinking maybe we should try something new instead. My only must do. My whole family loves the pizza and I can't get prosciutto and melon on my pizza where I live. I'm addicted! OOP is a good idea for sharing a big pizza, if it fits into your schedule.
Tepan Edo- I'm thinking we'll prefer Tokyo Dining to this but would love to hear thoughts.
Tokyo Dining- Would only do this OR Tepan Edo so would love to hear comparisons or thoughts on one or the other.
Chef Mickey's- We've done this one before so thinking we should try something new instead. I would.
H&V Minnie's Holiday Dinner- I think my daughter will love this so would probably lean towards this over Chef Mickey's. Sounds very sensible.
CRT- Not dropping this, it's for my daughter's 5th bday dinner. Any suggestions on if lunch or dinner is better?
Coral Reef- Is this really as bad as people say it is? Plenty of people like it. We have a similar concept in our area and access to fresh seafood, so not on our list. You might enjoy it, but you're lukewarm already so I say ditch it.
Y&Y- One of our favorite meals from our last trip and pretty set on doing this again but will probably pay OOP since I could sign up for the Landry's card. I live in the land of Landry's but my kids were over the moon with the lo mein and fried green beans! DH and I shared the curry and dim sum. It was a hit all around. They make a great Bloody Mary, too!
BOG Dinner- We did lunch our last trip and it wasn't my favorite but is dinner better? Aw, we loved lunch and may do it again next year. Dinner does get more positive reviews. I think the sandwiches NEED the condiments and, if those aren't your thing, will be blah without. Croque Monsieur and slow-cooked pork were favorites with my kids. DH and I also liked the roast beef sandwich a lot, but we love horseradish. If you're iffy, pick dinner. My kids want to go back.
Raglan Road- Not sure if we will have time to do a dinner at DS but is this worth it to try and fit it in? We've had two very good meals here and it's DH's favorite. We're branching out next trip, because of all the new places opening, but he keeps talking about it! I think you'll find the food a higher caliber at DS or the resorts and, with a character meal centric vacation, I recommend a scheduling something for yourselves. If LTT, 'Ohana, Y&Y meet your needs then don't sweat getting to DS since transportation can be a giant pain-in-the-neck.

So, I have 9 TS credits per person and I'm open to doing a couple of the cheaper options OOP. What would you keep and what would you ditch? Also, should I add different ones in instead? Are there any really great options I'm missing. Keep in mind, I'm not really interested in any other signatures with my kids being so little and I'm not really too interested in any other sit down breakfasts than the ones I have listed (Ohana and Akershus). Thanks!

What fun! It sounds like you have a handle on the must-dos, so don't sweat the others. Just pick food/locations that work for you. I agonized over dining my first two trips. I've since realized that how I feel AT THE TIME contributes more to an enjoyable time than how excellent (or not) the food is. Stressing out over schedules/likes/expectations, even if the food is OK, makes for an unpleasant meal. A few bad experiences don't break the vacation and are the funny stories for later.