1900 Park Fare major dinner buffet changes

[ktlm]

Just an FYI, we ate at 1900 Park Fare last week and when we sat down were advised that there was a new chef and significant changes had been made to the buffet in the last few days. Before anyone panics, yes the Strawberry Soup is still there (moved to a different place and in a "drink" container with a spout). Pretty much everything else that I usually ate there is gone though. They no longer have bratwurst, pot stickers, chicken marsala, durban chicken, chicken noodle soup, or pasta alfredo. They are heavier on the sea food now and have lots of shellfish items (so be aware if you have a shellfish allergy). They still have the jerk turkey breast (but at least the piece I had was barely spiced and very dry) and the beef loin. DH was happy because he likes seafood. He was fine with the new version of the buffet. They still have the salmon which is DD's favorite, so she was also happy. I hate seafood. I have always liked 1900 Park Fare's food in the past, but this time was I think the first time in my life I have ever left a buffet still hungry.

 

[mlunsford]

Oh goodness! Can I ask you if the taco bar is still available for the kiddos? My family is not big seafood fans and I worked hard to score our reservation. I am not sure what to do now. Thanks In Advance!

 

[NYCANC]

Oh goodness! Can I ask you if the taco bar is still available for the kiddos? My family is not big seafood fans and I worked hard to score our reservation. I am not sure what to do now. Thanks In Advance!

Yes, the taco bar is still there.

 

[Southernswthrt]

We ate there for Labor Day this year and noticed the change last month. I loved the chicken marsala, so I was disappointed. All in all, I am not a fan of the new menu; however, there was enough to "fill me up" and we enjoy the characters so we'll be back. Being from Louisiana, the seafood on the buffet didn't appeal to me...honestly I don't even remember what I ate that night!

 

[NYCANC]

We ate there last Tuesday for dinner - I was not a fan. The food was not very good. And the room smelled. Maybe because it is closed off to the rest of the restaurant. The service we had was not very good either. Our waitress forgot about us- had dishes piling up and forgot our coffee, etc. This was the only meal all week that we would not go back to. Character interaction was good though.

 

[pmaurer74]

This is bad news for us. 1900 PF is always a favorite and we hate sea food! We will be there on Halloween night for dinner.

 

[AllyinWonderland]

Thanks for sharing. We have enjoyed 1900 PF in the past so it is always on our possibility list. I have a seafood allergy and also find the smell of seafood to be disgusting, so we may not go back any time soon.

 

[doccoc2002]

This is a favorite for us, but with only 2/7 are big seafood eaters....not sure if I will book this. So disappointed, my princesses are not going to be happy.

 

[ChasingLeslie]

Yuck! Not happy to hear about these changes.

 

[wdw4rfam]

Good to know. I hate seafood, and this is the first time in 10 years we didn't book 1900 because we booked CRT. Good move I guess

 

[Disneytwinsmom]

Oh no! I have a seafood allergy and even checked the menu before I booked this reservation....yuck!

 

[PirateD]

Have they changed the breakfast buffet as well or just dinner?

 

[davper]

Can someone explain Strawberry Soup to me? Is this a desert or an actual soup?

 

[calleger]

Can someone explain Strawberry Soup to me? Is this a desert or an actual soup?

Both, more desert than soup. Its basically cream and reduced strawberries.

 

[constantstar]

Aw man, that's a bummer! I was really looking forward to some of the menu options during our first visit there in February! I've also heard that the step-family isn't always there. I'm beginning to second guess my ADR. I suppose it's something we'll try but it could be a one and done. DH does love seafood but we're from a seafood city so he can be picky about his choices.

Is this the menu you experienced? Looks like I'll be eating off the kid's buffet...
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/grand-floridian-resort-and-spa/1900-park-fare/menus/dinner/

 

[Saphire5742]

Thanks for the update. I was planning on making a dinner reservation there as I had read so many positive reviews of the food and character interaction. I don't eat seafood though so I'm going to have to rethink that.

 

[ktlm]

Aw man, that's a bummer! I was really looking forward to some of the menu options during our first visit there in February! I've also heard that the step-family isn't always there. I'm beginning to second guess my ADR. I suppose it's something we'll try but it could be a one and done. DH does love seafood but we're from a seafood city so he can be picky about his choices.

Is this the menu you experienced? Looks like I'll be eating off the kid's buffet...
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/grand-floridian-resort-and-spa/1900-park-fare/menus/dinner/

When we were there last week, the stepsisters were there, but the Fairy Godmother was there in place of the Stepmother. The characters were wonderful and I would return for them as Cinderella has always been DD's favorite and she adores all those characters.

That looks close to the menu we experienced last week. I don't think the Key Lime Ginger grilled chicken was there because I definitely would have tried that. Also, there was definitely more than one tray of seafood items in shells, and other than maybe the paella, I don't see that on the menu. DH loves seafood and he liked it--- he is picky BUT we are landlocked and not from a seafood city, so your DH may be pickier.

The restaurant did not smell fishy to me, and I am pretty sensitive to that kind of smell. We were not seated near the buffet, so that may make the difference. I don't recall any unpleasant smell when I was at the buffet though.

I get the feeling the new buffet is not being very well received since they clearly felt the need to warn us when we sat down (after asking us if we had eaten there before), that it had changed in the last few days and was significantly different. I remember the server said several times "But it still has 40 items to choose from so there is something for everyone". He also went out of his way to explain that they take menu changes seriously and don't do it unless they are certain it really is an improvement, and felt that this new menu was a step up from the old offerings and how great the new chef was. This was all before we had even been to the buffet or seen the changes, or had a clue that anything was different. It was odd, but after eating there, I clearly think they are intentionally trying to sell their return customers on the buffet before they see all the poor changes, and I kind of get the feeling the wait staff did not believe what they were selling either.

 

[constantstar]

I get the feeling the new buffet is not being very well received since they clearly felt the need to warn us when we sat down (after asking us if we had eaten there before), that it had changed in the last few days and was significantly different. I remember the server said several times "But it still has 40 items to choose from so there is something for everyone". He also went out of his way to explain that they take menu changes seriously and don't do it unless they are certain it really is an improvement, and felt that this new menu was a step up from the old offerings and how great the new chef was. This was all before we had even been to the buffet or seen the changes, or had a clue that anything was different. It was odd, but after eating there, I clearly think they are intentionally trying to sell their return customers on the buffet before they see all the poor changes, and I kind of get the feeling the wait staff did not believe what they were selling either.

Wow, that the wait staff felt the need to "warn" you of the changes so clearly does make it sound that not everyone loves the direction. I'll be curious to see what happens between now and when we go in February. I saw catfish on the menu and going with that theme seems fun - catfish, grits, hush puppies, collard greens, etc. I like a buffet with cohesiveness. The current menu seems all over the place. But, I'm not in charge and maybe that's their plan - the "something for everyone" idea.

 

[mrsjoannh13]

This is the dinner menu I see online. Is this not accurate? I don't see very much seafood on there so wondering if this is not updated. There is just salmon, catfish , peel & eat shrimp and sushi.

Fresh Salads

Heirloom Tomato Salad
Seasonal Fruit Salad
Tarpon Springs Salad
Spinach and Strawberry Salad
Cornbread Salad
Mixed Greens
Kale, Spinach, Arugla
Assorted Toppings
Tossed Caesar with Shaved Parmesan Salad
Garlicky Foccaccia Croutons

Carving Station
Herb-crusted Striploin
with Chimichurri
Jerked Turkey Breast
with Mango Mostrada

Chef's Favorites
Floridian Strawberry Soup
with fresh Strawberries
Key Lime-Ginger Grilled Chicken
Grilled Verlaso Salmon
with Avocado Salsa
Fried Sustainable Mississippi Catfish
with Remoulade
Mongolian Beef Stir Fry

Savory Dishes
Jasmine Rice
Peel-n-Eat Shrimp
Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Mojo Roast Pork Loin
Maki Sushi Rolls
Mongolian Beef
Butternut Squash Ravioli
Creamy Corn and Conch Chowder
Tomato Bisque
Vegetable Medley
Chef's Paella
Japanese-style Green Beans with Edamame

Kid's Station
Macaroni & Cheese
Cheese Ravioli
Hot Dog
Pizza
Chicken Tenders
Corn
Broccoli
Taco Bar and Toppings

 

[prudence64]

Is the butternut squash ravioli still on the menu? Anything else good for vegetarians?