ReganlovesWDW
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2009
I have been visiting Disney since 1979 and each time time we have enjoyed dining at Disney restaurants whether they be at resorts or in the parks. Over the last 4 years we have exclusively enjoyed signature dining. This most recent stay, last week, we dined at Narccoose's and California Grill and the remainder of our meals were between the Swan and Dolphin restaurants.
Sadly, we found that Narccoose's was a glorified quick service restaurant. We were sat at 8:00pm and received our check at 9:00. It was extremely loud in the restaurant and it seemed as though more tables had been inserted than previously. The food was subpar for the cost. The topper was while waiting for our check to be processed, Wishes began and there was a rush of people to the surrounding deck. Not people from the restaurant but people coming in who were not dining at the restaurant. For $200+ dollars, I would prefer that the restaurant would limit the deck viewing to those dining there rather than diners such as I enjoying the view losing it entirely.
The next evening we had a fabulous view of Cinderella's castle from California Grill. While the remodel decor was amazing, the food was a disappointment. I had the filet which was tough (medium rare) and gristly while my husband had the braised short ribs that were entirely to tough. The wine list while large is much higher in cost than other property restaurants. We were hard pressed to find a selection under $100 for a bottle if wine. Walter, our server, was engaging but actually sat down at our table for a period of time to talk about his stressors with his family. It was a little surprising.
We enjoyed Bluezoo which we found to be sophisticated and offered fabulous food and service for a cost that was significantly less ($75) for two people. Their wine list was great and reasonable while the atmosphere was romantic and welcoming.
By far, our best meals were at Shulua's at the Dolphin. Our first night, our server, Joe was outstanding! Engaging yet gave us space to enjoy our celebration. The food was amazing! The cost was $50 less than Narccoosse and by far the best restaurant on property. Additionally, if you join the Diner Loyalty program and enjoy the restaurants on Swan and Dolphin property, you earn points for every dollar spent. Thus, we dined at Shula's again with a $100 gift certificate that was redeemed readily by the manager, Ariel, in a most gracious manner.
From here on out, we will no longer partake of Disney dining because it is not the experience it once was. Gone are the days of Empress Lily fine dining or Top of the World. While I enjoy all the other aspects of Disney, I choose to spend my dining dollars elsewhere where I am served well rather than pushed through the restaurant.
Sadly, we found that Narccoose's was a glorified quick service restaurant. We were sat at 8:00pm and received our check at 9:00. It was extremely loud in the restaurant and it seemed as though more tables had been inserted than previously. The food was subpar for the cost. The topper was while waiting for our check to be processed, Wishes began and there was a rush of people to the surrounding deck. Not people from the restaurant but people coming in who were not dining at the restaurant. For $200+ dollars, I would prefer that the restaurant would limit the deck viewing to those dining there rather than diners such as I enjoying the view losing it entirely.
The next evening we had a fabulous view of Cinderella's castle from California Grill. While the remodel decor was amazing, the food was a disappointment. I had the filet which was tough (medium rare) and gristly while my husband had the braised short ribs that were entirely to tough. The wine list while large is much higher in cost than other property restaurants. We were hard pressed to find a selection under $100 for a bottle if wine. Walter, our server, was engaging but actually sat down at our table for a period of time to talk about his stressors with his family. It was a little surprising.
We enjoyed Bluezoo which we found to be sophisticated and offered fabulous food and service for a cost that was significantly less ($75) for two people. Their wine list was great and reasonable while the atmosphere was romantic and welcoming.
By far, our best meals were at Shulua's at the Dolphin. Our first night, our server, Joe was outstanding! Engaging yet gave us space to enjoy our celebration. The food was amazing! The cost was $50 less than Narccoosse and by far the best restaurant on property. Additionally, if you join the Diner Loyalty program and enjoy the restaurants on Swan and Dolphin property, you earn points for every dollar spent. Thus, we dined at Shula's again with a $100 gift certificate that was redeemed readily by the manager, Ariel, in a most gracious manner.
From here on out, we will no longer partake of Disney dining because it is not the experience it once was. Gone are the days of Empress Lily fine dining or Top of the World. While I enjoy all the other aspects of Disney, I choose to spend my dining dollars elsewhere where I am served well rather than pushed through the restaurant.