My Truth About Columbia Harbour House - The DIS Discussion Forums

USAswimmer626 · 07-14-2009, 06:51 PM

Welcome to the third installment of "The Truth About" series. This review will help to support my argument that the Columbia Harbour House is one of the best choices for Counter Service dining in the Magic Kingdom.

Atmosphere - The restaurant is themed with nautical New England decor. The restaurant has two floors available for seating, which is a surprisingly relatively unknown fact. The wood paneling on the walls and neutral colors make for a warm, cozy feeling - one that reminds me of a colonial period tavern.

Menu - This is one of the only Counter Service restaurants in the Magic Kingdom that offers more than the standard pizza and burgers. Chicken, fish, sandwiches, and salads are all available, as well as a variety of sides.

Appetizers - Since Counter Service restaurants don't really offer starters, I'll devote this section to side dishes. Bowls of Vegetarian Chili and New England Clam Chowder are both available upon request. Extra French Fries, Cole Slaw, and Potato Chips are also available.

Entrees - I've had the Anchors Aweigh Sandwich, which is chunk white meat tuna with lettuce and tomato on a toasted multigrain bun. It is amazingly good, probably the best tuna I've ever had, and it is so cool and refreshing after walking around in the heat. Other choices include Chicken Breast Nuggets, a Fried Fish Basket, and two salads.

Desserts - Nothing really special here. They have the standard Disney Chocolate Cake. They also have an Apple Crisp, which I wasn't crazy about, and a Strawberry Yogurt, which I am yet to try.

Portions - The sandwiches are huge and come with a side of either French Fries or Potato Chips. The Chicken and Fish platters looked fairly large as well.

Service - The staff was friendly and very polite. Since there aren't formal wait staff, it's kind of hard to judge, but I didn't feel rushed or anything. I even believe a staff member came over to our table to make sure we were enjoying of sandwiches and to see if we needed any salt or pepper.

Cleanliness - It's no Table Service, but for a Counter Service restaurant, it's decent. Obviously some people just leave their trays on the table when they are done, but the staff seemed to do a good job of clearing anything away quickly. The floor was clean too.

Value - I don't know if I would pay $8.09 Out Of Pocket for my sandwich, but on the Dining Plan, there's no question.

Location - Located right in Liberty Square across from the entrance path to the Haunted Mansion, Columbia Harbour House is easily accessible from Fantasyland and Frontierland. Some of the tables on the second floor offer nice views from which to people watch.

So, with all it's different choices, I'd definitely say that Columbia Harbour House is one of the best, if not the best, Counter Service choice in the Magic Kingdom. It's not my favorite Counter Service restaurant of all time, but it is often more time-efficient to eat here rather than going to a monorail resort.

Hopefully everyone enjoyed this installment of my review series. The other two entries, on Le Cellier and Kona Cafe, are available by visiting the signature section of my profile. Feel free to comment, ask questions, and suggest ideas for upcoming reviews.

WDWtraveler27 · 07-14-2009, 09:21 PM

tht was great!! my dad and I have decided to give this place a try
keep up the good work!

MosMom · 07-14-2009, 09:27 PM

This is one of my favorites. My only beef is they took my favorite ham sandwich off the menu.

1disneynutt · 07-14-2009, 09:38 PM

Hooray another review, your awesome

. We are planning on eating here on our upcoming trip. So far you have reviewed 2 places we will be trying. Thanks for the great reviews, makes me want to be there now

Ohana1 · 07-14-2009, 10:18 PM

I absolutely agree with your review. Just happened upon the Columbia Harbour House with my son in search of a lunch. And after eating at a few other quick service spots, we were completely surprised and satisfied, just as youi described.

Pooh&OurHunny · 07-14-2009, 10:44 PM

I love this CS but my only problem is that they don't have a great selection for kids so we don't go here anymore. I love the fish and chips and the tuna sandwich...my husband loves the tuna sandwich.

USAswimmer626 · 07-15-2009, 09:42 AM

Thanks for your comments guys! I might try the Chicken Breast Nuggets and Fish Basket combination on our upcoming trip.

jade1 · 07-15-2009, 09:46 AM

One of our faves, like being able to get clam chowder, and this tuna is a nice change-the fish is good as well. Get sick of burgers.

penguinkimberly · 07-15-2009, 11:13 AM

We love Columbia Harbor Houses vegatarian chili!! I agree that i is on of the best counter service restaurants.

wilma-bride · 07-15-2009, 11:43 AM

CHH is one of our favourite Counter Service restaurants, coming a close second to WPE

grimley1968 · 07-15-2009, 11:48 AM

Thanks for the review! We enjoy CHH. Some counter service places in WDW seem to pretend they're table service while still serving counter service food. CHH is a pleasant surprise in its different menu choices than just burgers and fries. I also enjoy the atmosphere, as it always "seems" less crowded/claustrophobic than some other counter service places, at least to me. Thumbs up from me for CHH.

Sandy321 · 07-15-2009, 12:18 PM

DD loves this place - we get a table upstairs overlooking the Haunted Mansion!!

she took several pictures - thought I'd share!

DH and DD loved the apple dumpling for dessert - not a great pic of the food is it?!
you talk about the decor - here are some of her random picutures!

and DS' and DH are Scouts and tie lots of knots - one knot they tie for their tie (on a much much smaller scale) caught dd attention!

marcyinPA · 07-15-2009, 12:32 PM

We ate at CHH for the first time in June. Loved the Lighthouse Sandwich! Very light and enjoyable! We didn't want dessert (on the QSDP) so the CM suggested we get fries or chips or coleslaw instead.

USAswimmer626 · 07-16-2009, 01:27 PM

Those are really nice pictures. I forgot to snap some when I ate last year, but I'll be sure to remember this time.

I agree with wilma-bride, as I'm sure most others do, Wolfgang Puck Express is by far the greatest Counter Service restaurant ever!!!

Cazbucket · 07-16-2009, 04:30 PM

Another one that I have thought about trying (usually stick to Cosmic Rays), I think we will def give this a go!

Thank you for your reviews!!

Caz

07-14-2009, 06:51 PM	#1
USAswimmer626 I may love swimming, but I love Disney more!!! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Massachusetts - too far from the World Posts: 146	My Truth About Columbia Harbour House Welcome to the third installment of "The Truth About" series. This review will help to support my argument that the Columbia Harbour House is one of the best choices for Counter Service dining in the Magic Kingdom. Atmosphere - The restaurant is themed with nautical New England decor. The restaurant has two floors available for seating, which is a surprisingly relatively unknown fact. The wood paneling on the walls and neutral colors make for a warm, cozy feeling - one that reminds me of a colonial period tavern. Menu - This is one of the only Counter Service restaurants in the Magic Kingdom that offers more than the standard pizza and burgers. Chicken, fish, sandwiches, and salads are all available, as well as a variety of sides. Appetizers - Since Counter Service restaurants don't really offer starters, I'll devote this section to side dishes. Bowls of Vegetarian Chili and New England Clam Chowder are both available upon request. Extra French Fries, Cole Slaw, and Potato Chips are also available. Entrees - I've had the Anchors Aweigh Sandwich, which is chunk white meat tuna with lettuce and tomato on a toasted multigrain bun. It is amazingly good, probably the best tuna I've ever had, and it is so cool and refreshing after walking around in the heat. Other choices include Chicken Breast Nuggets, a Fried Fish Basket, and two salads. Desserts - Nothing really special here. They have the standard Disney Chocolate Cake. They also have an Apple Crisp, which I wasn't crazy about, and a Strawberry Yogurt, which I am yet to try. Portions - The sandwiches are huge and come with a side of either French Fries or Potato Chips. The Chicken and Fish platters looked fairly large as well. Service - The staff was friendly and very polite. Since there aren't formal wait staff, it's kind of hard to judge, but I didn't feel rushed or anything. I even believe a staff member came over to our table to make sure we were enjoying of sandwiches and to see if we needed any salt or pepper. Cleanliness - It's no Table Service, but for a Counter Service restaurant, it's decent. Obviously some people just leave their trays on the table when they are done, but the staff seemed to do a good job of clearing anything away quickly. The floor was clean too. Value - I don't know if I would pay $8.09 Out Of Pocket for my sandwich, but on the Dining Plan, there's no question. Location - Located right in Liberty Square across from the entrance path to the Haunted Mansion, Columbia Harbour House is easily accessible from Fantasyland and Frontierland. Some of the tables on the second floor offer nice views from which to people watch. So, with all it's different choices, I'd definitely say that Columbia Harbour House is one of the best, if not the best, Counter Service choice in the Magic Kingdom. It's not my favorite Counter Service restaurant of all time, but it is often more time-efficient to eat here rather than going to a monorail resort. Hopefully everyone enjoyed this installment of my review series. The other two entries, on Le Cellier and Kona Cafe, are available by visiting the signature section of my profile. Feel free to comment, ask questions, and suggest ideas for upcoming reviews. __________________ UPCOMING TRIP Summer 2010 The Truth About A Review Series Exposing Restaurants For What They Really Are I. Le Cellier II. Kona Cafe III. Columbia Harbour House IV. Tutto Italia Previous Trips 2002 Wilderness Lodge 2006 Port Orleans French Quarter 2007 Pop Century 2008 Pop Century 2009 Pop Century Last edited by USAswimmer626; 07-15-2009 at 07:43 AM.

07-14-2009, 09:21 PM	#2
WDWtraveler27 Sees a star on a mountainBe Prepared!Must embrace the pink errr magenta Part of the WDI Cult No touchy my jar of dirt Join Date: May 2009 Location: DIS (my happy place) Posts: 6,689	tht was great!! my dad and I have decided to give this place a try keep up the good work! __________________ Spent NYE 09 partying in the CB on the best thread ever. Yep, I've got a jar of dirt.

07-14-2009, 09:27 PM	#3
MosMom Damn you, you wretched clown! McDonald's gives me the poots Saved Jack Bauer from a tornado! Dreads the "Theater Fart" Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: San Pomme De Terre Posts: 10,754	This is one of my favorites. My only beef is they took my favorite ham sandwich off the menu. __________________

07-14-2009, 09:38 PM	#4
1disneynutt Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 290	Hooray another review, your awesome . We are planning on eating here on our upcoming trip. So far you have reviewed 2 places we will be trying. Thanks for the great reviews, makes me want to be there now __________________

07-14-2009, 10:44 PM	#6
Pooh&OurHunny DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,700	I love this CS but my only problem is that they don't have a great selection for kids so we don't go here anymore. I love the fish and chips and the tuna sandwich...my husband loves the tuna sandwich. __________________ Me DH DS (4) Grand Floridian May & October 2007 Swan Feb 2008 AKL May 2008 Swan May 2010

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07-14-2009, 10:18 PM	#5
Ohana1 Earning My Ears Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 5	I absolutely agree with your review. Just happened upon the Columbia Harbour House with my son in search of a lunch. And after eating at a few other quick service spots, we were completely surprised and satisfied, just as youi described.

07-15-2009, 09:42 AM	#7
USAswimmer626 I may love swimming, but I love Disney more!!! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Massachusetts - too far from the World Posts: 146	Thanks for your comments guys! I might try the Chicken Breast Nuggets and Fish Basket combination on our upcoming trip. __________________ UPCOMING TRIP Summer 2010 The Truth About A Review Series Exposing Restaurants For What They Really Are I. Le Cellier II. Kona Cafe III. Columbia Harbour House IV. Tutto Italia Previous Trips 2002 Wilderness Lodge 2006 Port Orleans French Quarter 2007 Pop Century 2008 Pop Century 2009 Pop Century

07-15-2009, 09:46 AM	#8
jade1 DIS Veteran Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Eden Prairie, MN Posts: 3,353	One of our faves, like being able to get clam chowder, and this tuna is a nice change-the fish is good as well. Get sick of burgers. __________________

07-15-2009, 11:13 AM	#9
penguinkimberly Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: michigan Posts: 93	We love Columbia Harbor Houses vegatarian chili!! I agree that i is on of the best counter service restaurants. __________________

07-15-2009, 11:43 AM	#10
wilma-bride Would love a diet on Cadbury Flakes Admits she's strange when it comes to eggs Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Calne, Wiltshire Posts: 12,175	CHH is one of our favourite Counter Service restaurants, coming a close second to WPE __________________ Joh Fred and Wilma Go On Honeymoon Fred and Wilma Second Time Around Fred and Wilma and the Girls Came Too Fred, Wilma and Friends February Fun & Frolics Fred and Wilma do DVC, DCL & DDP - The Food Fred, Wilma and Family do Disney Bad Mothers Handbook - a work in progress Nat and Joh make a (food) Porno

07-15-2009, 11:48 AM	#11
grimley1968 DIS Veteran Obedient Man Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,281	Thanks for the review! We enjoy CHH. Some counter service places in WDW seem to pretend they're table service while still serving counter service food. CHH is a pleasant surprise in its different menu choices than just burgers and fries. I also enjoy the atmosphere, as it always "seems" less crowded/claustrophobic than some other counter service places, at least to me. Thumbs up from me for CHH. __________________ John 10/2008 - Polynesian and Coronado Springs Resorts 10/2007 - Wilderness Lodge 04/2007 - 7-Day Disney Cruise (Western Caribbean) 06/2006 - Grand Californian Resort - Disneyland CA 10/2005 - Polynesian Resort 08/2004 - Beach Club 01/2004 - Wilderness Lodge 10/2002 - Wilderness Lodge 09/2001 - Polynesian Resort 1974-75? - Polynesian Resort Countless other times staying off-site and day trips. Last edited by grimley1968; 07-15-2009 at 01:20 PM.

07-15-2009, 12:18 PM	#12
Sandy321 Crazy enough to want to do another Half Marathon! If it were all about me? - I'd go with the Princesses!! Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: East of Utahmama and SW of MinnieMoo, Posts: 5,318	DD loves this place - we get a table upstairs overlooking the Haunted Mansion!! she took several pictures - thought I'd share! DH and DD loved the apple dumpling for dessert - not a great pic of the food is it?! you talk about the decor - here are some of her random picutures! and DS' and DH are Scouts and tie lots of knots - one knot they tie for their tie (on a much much smaller scale) caught dd attention! __________________ Another Miracle Trip Report Jan '10 in progress Link ? ? ? God and Miracles '08 Half Marathon Trip Report w/ pics complete! Link New Pre trip report Jan '11 Half Training Link

07-15-2009, 12:32 PM	#13
marcyinPA I'll never forget the strong, pungent smell of Noxema! I was such a fashion disaster!! Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania Posts: 3,494	We ate at CHH for the first time in June. Loved the Lighthouse Sandwich! Very light and enjoyable! We didn't want dessert (on the QSDP) so the CM suggested we get fries or chips or coleslaw instead. __________________ 10/93- off site(Holiday Inn Maingate East), 10/94- OKW, 10/97- off site (Doubletree Suites DD), 6/02- FW cabins, 5/04- POR (AB), 9/05-ASMo (Dh's 40th birthday trip!)- Free DDP, 5/07- POP!- DDP, 6/08- We're Cruisin' (NCL Spirit) for my BIG 4-0!,6/09- WL (celebrating my birthday with Mickey!)

07-16-2009, 01:27 PM	#14
USAswimmer626 I may love swimming, but I love Disney more!!! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Massachusetts - too far from the World Posts: 146	Those are really nice pictures. I forgot to snap some when I ate last year, but I'll be sure to remember this time. I agree with wilma-bride, as I'm sure most others do, Wolfgang Puck Express is by far the greatest Counter Service restaurant ever!!! __________________ UPCOMING TRIP Summer 2010 The Truth About A Review Series Exposing Restaurants For What They Really Are I. Le Cellier II. Kona Cafe III. Columbia Harbour House IV. Tutto Italia Previous Trips 2002 Wilderness Lodge 2006 Port Orleans French Quarter 2007 Pop Century 2008 Pop Century 2009 Pop Century

07-16-2009, 04:30 PM	#15
Cazbucket Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Leicester UK Posts: 76	Another one that I have thought about trying (usually stick to Cosmic Rays), I think we will def give this a go! Thank you for your reviews!! Caz

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