Below is a break down of where we ate and brief thoughts on each.
Beaches n’ Cream: Delicious. Fun. Cheap (paid OOP here) No Kitchen Sink for us, way too big.
Cape May Dinner buffet: We ate here because I was looking for something fun but easy for first night. Found service and food to be extremely mediocre and would not go again. In retrospect would have gone to Flying Fish across the way at Boardwalk.
Tony’s Town Square (parade package): Very pleasantly surprised. Food straight forward and delicious (especially the apps, eggplant involtini and veggie fritta misto). Great service. Waited a few minutes longer for table on porch which was well worth it. Would return regardless of whether we needed parade package but seating/standing area was conveniently located directly across the street.
Yachtsmen Steakhouse: DH and I have eaten at some tremendous steakhouses and I would not put this on top tier. That said it was solid. Cheese plate was one of the best I have ever had. Was only place the waitress acted as if she was doing us a favor by putting the two more expensive glasses of wine on the dining plan – this was automatic everywhere else.
Akerhus: Well worth an 8 am reservation if you have a little princess in your group. Food was a nice combination of cold buffet and hot family style table service. Great character interaction and we were within the first 20 people in line for Frozen at 8:50.
Coral Reef: Another very pleasant surprise. I had low expectations and it was some of the best food we ate during the entire trip (one of the best salmon dishes I have ever had and DH said it was some of best shrimp and grits he has ever had). DD loved dining in the company of ocean friends.
Hacienda de san Angel: Great service. Food was solid but did not blow us away. Margaritas were excellent.
Cape May Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast: Very glad DD and I did this because it turned out it was the only time she met Minnie. Worth it for that alone. Food was fine – standard breakfast buffet fare.
Boathouse: Lunch after DD’s make-over at Bippity Boppity Boutique in Disney Springs (one of a very few things that I think might actually be solid value for your money in Disney if traveling with a princess-lover, and Memory Maker is worth it for this alone). We loved the atmosphere, service and the food.
Hoop Dee Doo Review: Was not going to book this because I couldn’t imagine it was not super corny and hokey after being around so long (I saw it 30 years ago) but a friend told me it is a Disney must-do so I booked it early and got great seats. It IS corny and hokey - and Fabulous! I completely agree that it is a Disney must and food goes right along with the experience – family style, solid comfort food.
Tusker House Breakfast: Another 8 am reservation that is well worth it. A big step up from typical breakfast buffet fare and a little more exotic, but plenty for the less adventurous eater. Good character interactions and we were out the door and in line for Kilimanjaro Safaris by 8:45.
Chef’s de France: Fun, tFrench bistro style food. I had delicious beef Bourguignon but over mashed potatoes, not linguine as on menu. DH had the duck, which was superb. One of my favorite waiters of the whole trip.
Prime Time Café: It fell sorely short of my memories when it came to the experience – waiter played the part of “trouble-maker brother” a bit, but did not seem into it. I have memories of the whole restaurant truly becoming a crazy family and it was nothing like that. Very crowded and felt very rushed. Food was fine for what it is. I would do Brown Derby if I had to do it over.
Teppan Edo: Hibachis were fun and food was solid. I switched to this mid-stay from a reservation at Raglan Road. One regret I do have is not doing Raglan Road, either this night or our last night instead of Via Napoli.
Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno: This was another must do for us because DD’s favorite princess is Rapunzel and this is the only place to guarantee a meeting with her. Was also a bonus to meet Prince Eric and Ryder, as there are not a lot of guy characters at the other “royal” meals. Food is a mix of family style and an a la carte entrée. We found that the food sounded a lot better on the menu (some creative, unique breakfast ideas) than it was actually executed. Still worth it if you have a Rapunzel fan in your group (the CM was also one of the most engaging and interactive characters we encountered, amidst many great encounters).
The Wave: We did not have lunch plans on our transition day from YC to GF so went here on recommendation of friends we had bumped into that raved about the food. The food raves were warranted, everything was excellent, unfortunately there’s no way around the feeling that you are in the basement of the Contemporary from an atmosphere point of view. I did have opportunity to have a drink at the lounge later in the trip and that had a fun night time feel.
O’Hana: Probably our biggest dining disappointment, partially due to our very high expectations based on reviews. Food was just ok and we did not think the atmosphere was all that amazing. With that said, our table was in the back near the kitchen so that could have definitely taken away from the experience, but I took a quick walk through the whole dining area and did not feel it made that much of a difference. If you go, ask for a table near the windows. If I had to do it again I would do the Luau.
1900 Park Fare Breakfast: Fun, reasonably quick buffet character breakfast with better than standard food. Chance to meet a different group of characters and great photo op with Tigger on the way out.
Cinderella’s Table: The 10 year-old inside of me that never got to go inside the castle walked on air from the moment we walked through the doors. Both DH and I chose the filet and we both agreed it was one of the best pieces of meat we had during the entire trip. DD was in heaven the entire time.
California Grill: Dinner was superb. We actually went here 3 times; dinner, brunch and drinks in the lounge with friends while DD was at the Pixar Experience a few floors down (another option that is actually a good value for the price). We were too full for dessert but the waiter had overheard that our friend was coming in late that night so he suggested he pack up two cheese plates to take back to the hotel as our included desserts. I would not have thought of it and we, as well as our friend, were very appreciative come midnight!
Garden Grill: Probably could have skipped this one considering how many characters we had met by this point, but we wanted to do Soarin’ again and an 8 am res here gets you on it first thing (plus, there is something major to be said for getting into the parks in the morning before everyone else, it is really magical). Food is family style and tasty. Character interactions are plentiful – was fun to meet Chip and Dale. This was the first meal with our adult guest - we paid OOP for DD (which we had been doing at most signature restaurants also) and she used our pooled credits. No problem here or anywhere else.
Biergarten: Crowded. Show was ok. Food is ok. It was a chance for shade, sustenance, and a cold beer on a hot day in Epcot but probably would opt for something else next time (maybe Via Napoli?).
Narcoossee’s: 3 adults ate here while DD was at Pixar Experience. Atmosphere is lovely (not quite as dramatic as CG but up there). This is where my DH and I, who have both lived the majority of our lives on Cape Cod, decided to go for the butter poached lobster on a whim. Our hopes were not high, expecting Caribbean or pourly hidden previously frozen Atlantic lobster. We were quickly taught a lesson in humility. It was amazing. From here on out any chance DH had to have butter poached lobster tail added to his meal he did it (benedict at CG brunch, filet at Tiffins, all included with DxDD). Waiter allowed us to order espresso martinis as our desserts so that was a bonus – we tried to do the same the next night at Jiko and that was a no go. Catching the fireworks is a little tricky. You could see them from our table but could not really hear the music well. Waiter did his best to time our entrees to come after but it did not really work out and by the time we tried to head to the porch it was filled to capacity and we would have had to go over to the dock. If seeing fireworks from the deck here is a main reason why you you made the res, then definitely try to get a 7:30-7:45 res for a 9 pm fireworks show and either head for deck for 8:45, after dessert or ask CM to hold your dessert. **We were there on a Saturday so perhaps more crowded than other days.
California Grill Brunch: I did not initially make a brunch res here since we had a dinner one, but the same friend who said HDDR was a must said brunch and dinner are completely different experiences and both are worth it. She was absolutely correct. My only regret was not doing it earlier in the trip when we were not so overloaded with gluttony. We were told we could enjoy the unlimited mimosas and have an additional alcoholic beverage included with our meal, including the Bloody Mary bar which is what DH chose (others have said they were given the choice of unlimited mimosas OR the included beverage). If you go to brunch go HUNGRY. Tremendous buffet offerings – spread out in stations so you do not feel like you are going down a conveyer line – and an a la carte entrée. You could spend 3 hours here if you have the time.
Jiko: Up there with the best meals we had, but probably not for the less adventurous. Still dreaming of the flavors in the bread and dip appetizer. Lamb tagine, elk loin and Koki Corn dish were all big hits. This is one of the places that DD had a “signature” dessert where she got to paint her food before eating it – super fun.
Tiffins: If we didn’t have as many credits left at this point (looking back probably could have paid less OOP for DD) I could have skipped this one. We had been eating a lot and it was a lunch reservation after a long hot morning in AK. That being said, food was excellently executed. Service was a little over the top to the point of uncomfortable though. The Nomad lounge looked really cool. I would probably do an OOP meal there next time since I do not believe they are on the dining plan.
Be Our Guest: Atmosphere outside and inside the castle is really cool. They just turned into a signature restaurant a few months ago and I think they are still working out some tweaks that would make the food truly deserving. Meal at Cinderella’s table was hands down better – both food and character wise. But photo op with the Beast after dinner was a good one. Regardless of where you sit (I recommend the West Wing as Rose Gallery is dark and ballroom is large and crowded) definitely walk around all three rooms as each are exquisite.
Grand Floridian Café: Had an early breakfast here before heading to Typhoon Lagoon. Even if you decide to go last minute, do make a reservation, as they get surprisingly crowded for breakfast and lunch and a reservation will help you move up the list. We had breakfast here twice. Very good a la carte options. First time was excruciatingly slow but second time was a normal pace.
Beaches Poolside: Easy poolside lunch to allow for plenty of last day swimming. Lobster sliders and crab cake sandwich were surprisingly good. DD had lots of fun side options to go along with her chicken nuggets.
Via Napoli: As stated above, I sort of wish we had done Raglan Road instead, but it was fun to be in Epcot for our last night. Atmosphere was fun and lively, service attentive and they do make a darn good pizza. Waiter had no problem with myself and DH each ordering an app and individual pizzas and just using credits for our meals while DD shared our pizza.
Beaches n’ Cream: Delicious. Fun. Cheap (paid OOP here) No Kitchen Sink for us, way too big.
Cape May Dinner buffet: We ate here because I was looking for something fun but easy for first night. Found service and food to be extremely mediocre and would not go again. In retrospect would have gone to Flying Fish across the way at Boardwalk.
Tony’s Town Square (parade package): Very pleasantly surprised. Food straight forward and delicious (especially the apps, eggplant involtini and veggie fritta misto). Great service. Waited a few minutes longer for table on porch which was well worth it. Would return regardless of whether we needed parade package but seating/standing area was conveniently located directly across the street.
Yachtsmen Steakhouse: DH and I have eaten at some tremendous steakhouses and I would not put this on top tier. That said it was solid. Cheese plate was one of the best I have ever had. Was only place the waitress acted as if she was doing us a favor by putting the two more expensive glasses of wine on the dining plan – this was automatic everywhere else.
Akerhus: Well worth an 8 am reservation if you have a little princess in your group. Food was a nice combination of cold buffet and hot family style table service. Great character interaction and we were within the first 20 people in line for Frozen at 8:50.
Coral Reef: Another very pleasant surprise. I had low expectations and it was some of the best food we ate during the entire trip (one of the best salmon dishes I have ever had and DH said it was some of best shrimp and grits he has ever had). DD loved dining in the company of ocean friends.
Hacienda de san Angel: Great service. Food was solid but did not blow us away. Margaritas were excellent.
Cape May Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast: Very glad DD and I did this because it turned out it was the only time she met Minnie. Worth it for that alone. Food was fine – standard breakfast buffet fare.
Boathouse: Lunch after DD’s make-over at Bippity Boppity Boutique in Disney Springs (one of a very few things that I think might actually be solid value for your money in Disney if traveling with a princess-lover, and Memory Maker is worth it for this alone). We loved the atmosphere, service and the food.
Hoop Dee Doo Review: Was not going to book this because I couldn’t imagine it was not super corny and hokey after being around so long (I saw it 30 years ago) but a friend told me it is a Disney must-do so I booked it early and got great seats. It IS corny and hokey - and Fabulous! I completely agree that it is a Disney must and food goes right along with the experience – family style, solid comfort food.
Tusker House Breakfast: Another 8 am reservation that is well worth it. A big step up from typical breakfast buffet fare and a little more exotic, but plenty for the less adventurous eater. Good character interactions and we were out the door and in line for Kilimanjaro Safaris by 8:45.
Chef’s de France: Fun, tFrench bistro style food. I had delicious beef Bourguignon but over mashed potatoes, not linguine as on menu. DH had the duck, which was superb. One of my favorite waiters of the whole trip.
Prime Time Café: It fell sorely short of my memories when it came to the experience – waiter played the part of “trouble-maker brother” a bit, but did not seem into it. I have memories of the whole restaurant truly becoming a crazy family and it was nothing like that. Very crowded and felt very rushed. Food was fine for what it is. I would do Brown Derby if I had to do it over.
Teppan Edo: Hibachis were fun and food was solid. I switched to this mid-stay from a reservation at Raglan Road. One regret I do have is not doing Raglan Road, either this night or our last night instead of Via Napoli.
Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno: This was another must do for us because DD’s favorite princess is Rapunzel and this is the only place to guarantee a meeting with her. Was also a bonus to meet Prince Eric and Ryder, as there are not a lot of guy characters at the other “royal” meals. Food is a mix of family style and an a la carte entrée. We found that the food sounded a lot better on the menu (some creative, unique breakfast ideas) than it was actually executed. Still worth it if you have a Rapunzel fan in your group (the CM was also one of the most engaging and interactive characters we encountered, amidst many great encounters).
The Wave: We did not have lunch plans on our transition day from YC to GF so went here on recommendation of friends we had bumped into that raved about the food. The food raves were warranted, everything was excellent, unfortunately there’s no way around the feeling that you are in the basement of the Contemporary from an atmosphere point of view. I did have opportunity to have a drink at the lounge later in the trip and that had a fun night time feel.
O’Hana: Probably our biggest dining disappointment, partially due to our very high expectations based on reviews. Food was just ok and we did not think the atmosphere was all that amazing. With that said, our table was in the back near the kitchen so that could have definitely taken away from the experience, but I took a quick walk through the whole dining area and did not feel it made that much of a difference. If you go, ask for a table near the windows. If I had to do it again I would do the Luau.
1900 Park Fare Breakfast: Fun, reasonably quick buffet character breakfast with better than standard food. Chance to meet a different group of characters and great photo op with Tigger on the way out.
Cinderella’s Table: The 10 year-old inside of me that never got to go inside the castle walked on air from the moment we walked through the doors. Both DH and I chose the filet and we both agreed it was one of the best pieces of meat we had during the entire trip. DD was in heaven the entire time.
California Grill: Dinner was superb. We actually went here 3 times; dinner, brunch and drinks in the lounge with friends while DD was at the Pixar Experience a few floors down (another option that is actually a good value for the price). We were too full for dessert but the waiter had overheard that our friend was coming in late that night so he suggested he pack up two cheese plates to take back to the hotel as our included desserts. I would not have thought of it and we, as well as our friend, were very appreciative come midnight!
Garden Grill: Probably could have skipped this one considering how many characters we had met by this point, but we wanted to do Soarin’ again and an 8 am res here gets you on it first thing (plus, there is something major to be said for getting into the parks in the morning before everyone else, it is really magical). Food is family style and tasty. Character interactions are plentiful – was fun to meet Chip and Dale. This was the first meal with our adult guest - we paid OOP for DD (which we had been doing at most signature restaurants also) and she used our pooled credits. No problem here or anywhere else.
Biergarten: Crowded. Show was ok. Food is ok. It was a chance for shade, sustenance, and a cold beer on a hot day in Epcot but probably would opt for something else next time (maybe Via Napoli?).
Narcoossee’s: 3 adults ate here while DD was at Pixar Experience. Atmosphere is lovely (not quite as dramatic as CG but up there). This is where my DH and I, who have both lived the majority of our lives on Cape Cod, decided to go for the butter poached lobster on a whim. Our hopes were not high, expecting Caribbean or pourly hidden previously frozen Atlantic lobster. We were quickly taught a lesson in humility. It was amazing. From here on out any chance DH had to have butter poached lobster tail added to his meal he did it (benedict at CG brunch, filet at Tiffins, all included with DxDD). Waiter allowed us to order espresso martinis as our desserts so that was a bonus – we tried to do the same the next night at Jiko and that was a no go. Catching the fireworks is a little tricky. You could see them from our table but could not really hear the music well. Waiter did his best to time our entrees to come after but it did not really work out and by the time we tried to head to the porch it was filled to capacity and we would have had to go over to the dock. If seeing fireworks from the deck here is a main reason why you you made the res, then definitely try to get a 7:30-7:45 res for a 9 pm fireworks show and either head for deck for 8:45, after dessert or ask CM to hold your dessert. **We were there on a Saturday so perhaps more crowded than other days.
California Grill Brunch: I did not initially make a brunch res here since we had a dinner one, but the same friend who said HDDR was a must said brunch and dinner are completely different experiences and both are worth it. She was absolutely correct. My only regret was not doing it earlier in the trip when we were not so overloaded with gluttony. We were told we could enjoy the unlimited mimosas and have an additional alcoholic beverage included with our meal, including the Bloody Mary bar which is what DH chose (others have said they were given the choice of unlimited mimosas OR the included beverage). If you go to brunch go HUNGRY. Tremendous buffet offerings – spread out in stations so you do not feel like you are going down a conveyer line – and an a la carte entrée. You could spend 3 hours here if you have the time.
Jiko: Up there with the best meals we had, but probably not for the less adventurous. Still dreaming of the flavors in the bread and dip appetizer. Lamb tagine, elk loin and Koki Corn dish were all big hits. This is one of the places that DD had a “signature” dessert where she got to paint her food before eating it – super fun.
Tiffins: If we didn’t have as many credits left at this point (looking back probably could have paid less OOP for DD) I could have skipped this one. We had been eating a lot and it was a lunch reservation after a long hot morning in AK. That being said, food was excellently executed. Service was a little over the top to the point of uncomfortable though. The Nomad lounge looked really cool. I would probably do an OOP meal there next time since I do not believe they are on the dining plan.
Be Our Guest: Atmosphere outside and inside the castle is really cool. They just turned into a signature restaurant a few months ago and I think they are still working out some tweaks that would make the food truly deserving. Meal at Cinderella’s table was hands down better – both food and character wise. But photo op with the Beast after dinner was a good one. Regardless of where you sit (I recommend the West Wing as Rose Gallery is dark and ballroom is large and crowded) definitely walk around all three rooms as each are exquisite.
Grand Floridian Café: Had an early breakfast here before heading to Typhoon Lagoon. Even if you decide to go last minute, do make a reservation, as they get surprisingly crowded for breakfast and lunch and a reservation will help you move up the list. We had breakfast here twice. Very good a la carte options. First time was excruciatingly slow but second time was a normal pace.
Beaches Poolside: Easy poolside lunch to allow for plenty of last day swimming. Lobster sliders and crab cake sandwich were surprisingly good. DD had lots of fun side options to go along with her chicken nuggets.
Via Napoli: As stated above, I sort of wish we had done Raglan Road instead, but it was fun to be in Epcot for our last night. Atmosphere was fun and lively, service attentive and they do make a darn good pizza. Waiter had no problem with myself and DH each ordering an app and individual pizzas and just using credits for our meals while DD shared our pizza.
