ADR opinions please

[Rohais]

I was just wondering if I could get some feedback/opinions on the restaurants I've chosen (just about) for our next trip pleaaase. DF is 'ADR'd out' apparantly!

1) Raglan Road
2) Whispering Canyon
3) Whispering Canyon breakfast
4) Teppan Edo
5) Olivia's Cafe
6) Tusker House
7) 50s Prime Time
8) Boma
9) Boma breakfast
10) Rose and Crown
11) O'hana
12) Liberty Tree Tavern
13) Cape May Cafe
14) Sanaa
15) Nine Dragons
16) Sci Fi Dine In Theatre
17) Yak and Yeti
18) Raglan Road

I'm open to criticisms and suggestions - they'd be greatly appreciated!

TIA

 

[2Tiggies]

It looks like a nice line-up to me.

I tend not to criticise people's actual choices of restaurants except in a few extreme cases because as the saying goes, one man's meat ..... We all have different tastes.

Most of your selection happens to appeal to me so I can't fault it and there are a bunch I haven't eaten at. If you have had a glance at the menus and are happy with the fare at each one you are likely to enjoy it. You can't predict things like late seating issues, good/bad service etc.

With WCC and Boma are you doing a breakfast and a dinner at each one?

 

[wayneg]

Like Lee don't like to knock peoples choices as we all like different things.
Boma I liked 1st time, not so much 2nd time, doubt we will go back but not much at all for DW & DS they just ate Meatballs & pasta then desserts. Other people love it.
I have had Raglan rd down for past 2 years and again this year but removed everytime after people putting me off, maybe next year.

Only thing I would say is same place twice? Raglan, WCC & Boma. With so many places to eat at I would not duplicate, even this year when we had 21 days DDP we didn't duplicate. When we ate at Teppan Edo we enjoyed it so much we then changed a reservation to eat there a 2nd time but I wouldn't plan in advance to duplicate. Saying that 2 are breakfasts which we probably won't do again, can't eat on a morning to get any kind of value from it, breakfasts we have done have been a bit of a waste.

 

[Rohais]

It looks like a nice line-up to me.

I tend not to criticise people's actual choices of restaurants except in a few extreme cases because as the saying goes, one man's meat ..... We all have different tastes.

Most of your selection happens to appeal to me so I can't fault it and there are a bunch I haven't eaten at. If you have had a glance at the menus and are happy with the fare at each one you are likely to enjoy it. You can't predict things like late seating issues, good/bad service etc.

With WCC and Boma are you doing a breakfast and a dinner at each one?

Like Lee don't like to knock peoples choices as we all like different things.
Boma I liked 1st time, not so much 2nd time, doubt we will go back but not much at all for DW & DS they just ate Meatballs & pasta then desserts. Other people love it.
I have had Raglan rd down for past 2 years and again this year but removed everytime after people putting me off, maybe next year.

Only thing I would say is same place twice? Raglan, WCC & Boma. With so many places to eat at I would not duplicate, even this year when we had 21 days DDP we didn't duplicate. When we ate at Teppan Edo we enjoyed it so much we then changed a reservation to eat there a 2nd time but I wouldn't plan in advance to duplicate. Saying that 2 are breakfasts which we probably won't do again, can't eat on a morning to get any kind of value from it, breakfasts we have done have been a bit of a waste.

The breakfasts and the second Raglan Road are the ones that I've been indecisive about

I don't enjoy breakfast, but DF really likes it. I can't see the value in using a DDP TS credit for a breakfast personally, as I don't like cereal/pastries etc and would end up sticking to the sausage/bacon/fruit. But, there are lots of meals in there for me so...

With Raglan Road, there are several dishes that we both really enjoy and we spend a lot of time at Downtown Disney, especially with staying at POFQ. The trips to Raglan Road would be at opposite ends of the holiday too.

The other problem is our itinerary - I've reworked it time and time again (I think I'm on rework #27) and it just won't fit in.

Other options I've been thinking of include:

Captain's Grille
Via Napoli
La Hacienda
Chefs de France

or Hoop dee doo revue for 2 credits

Thanks for your help again

 

[wayneg]

Captain's Grille
Via Napoli
La Hacienda
Chefs de France

or Hoop dee doo revue for 2 credits

Captains Grille and Hoop (along with Yachtsman Steakhouse) were our fave meals last August.
This year DW's Cousin & Husband are going with us, we are sending them to Captains Grill for a meal on their own for their Anniversary, hopefully they will enjoy as much as we did.
Hoop doing for 4th time in August, there will be 14 of us this time, I am feeling sorry for the server already some don't like it we think its great.

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Just my personal views for what they're worth . . .

1) Raglan Road - love it. Been here about 8 times and never had a bad meal.
2) Whispering Canyon - wouldn't go again - we were a bit uncomfortable with the atmosphere and expected our server to get us unwillingly involved at any time! Was just too stressful!!! Food just OK.
3) Whispering Canyon breakfast -haven't done
4) Teppan Edo - haven't done, and wouldn't because I believe you have to sit at communal tables - thats also what puts me off going back to Biergarten.
5) Olivia's Cafe - haven't been
6) Tusker House - haven't been for many years - was fine when we went
7) 50s Prime Time - love it. Had two good meals here and love the atmosphere - its a bit less intense that WCC
8) Boma - my favourite buffet, always return here.
9) Boma breakfast - did it once. Was fine, but wouldn't do it again. Just your standard breakfast fare, unlike dinner where you get all the different foods.
10) Rose and Crown - walked out after waiting 2 hours for our ADR so have never actually eaten here!
11) O'hana - love it. Been the last 2 trips. Food great, singing ukalale (spelling!) woman - dire!!!!!
12) Liberty Tree Tavern - haven't been since 2006, but the food was good.
13) Cape May Cafe - haven't been
14) Sanaa - haven't been
15) Nine Dragons - really like it. Had the best meal of our trip here in 2009, and a pretty good meal here last week. Service is always excellent
16) Sci Fi Dine In Theatre - had a reservation here last year, but cancelled it after seeing loads of bad reviews
17) Yak and Yeti - counter service is great. Haven't tried it for dinner as its not open late enough for us.
18) Raglan Road - Love it - haven't changed since no. 1!!!

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Captain's Grille - haven't been
Via Napoli - we really enjoyed the pizza, but the desserts and service weren't much cop
La Hacienda - haven't been
Chefs de France - had two really good lunches here Excellent food and service. Haven't been for dinner

This is making me hungry! Luckily I'm not starting my post-xmas diet until Sunday!!! I'm off to the Thorntons stash!

 

[Sapper383]

Like the others have said, resturants are such a personal choice....some people love somewhere and other hate it.

From your list:

We love Raglan road and 50's prime time....both are a MUST for us

Si Fi was a disapointment to us...food and service not the best

We are going to Boma, Whispering Canyon, Ohana's, Hoop de do review and Chef de France on our next trip

Others we like and are a MUST for us are Crystal Palace for breakfast....love getting into the park early and having a photo with nobody in front of the castle and the breakfast is lovely.

We also like 1900 Park Fare.....my daughters favourite for character interaction.

Wherever you choose, you'll end up with your favourites

Enjoy the fun of choosing

sam

 

[wickesy]

I think Sci-Fi is one of those restaurants that you go to for the surroundings rather than the food/service, but having said that we went in 2009 and had no problems at all.

WCC and 50's Prime Time seem to be the type of restaurants where you have to be willing to 'play along', or enjoy watching the reactions of people who don't know what they are about to get the best of them.

Teppan Edo I don't think I have seen a bad review for although as Pooh's Honey Pot has said you have to be willing to sit with others. That has put me off in the past but I'm going to give it a go this year.

 

[2Tiggies]

What are your itinerary problems?

 

[Rohais]

Captains Grille and Hoop (along with Yachtsman Steakhouse) were our fave meals last August.
This year DW's Cousin & Husband are going with us, we are sending them to Captains Grill for a meal on their own for their Anniversary, hopefully they will enjoy as much as we did.
Hoop doing for 4th time in August, there will be 14 of us this time, I am feeling sorry for the server already some don't like it we think its great.

From what I've heard and the videos I've seen, Hoop Dee Doo looks great and would probably solve a few issues. Is it worth 2 TS credits, or is it better OOP? When using the DDP, do you have to call to book it instead of doing it online?

Captain's Grille sounds like it could also be a possibility, as DF loves steak. Me, not so much but there looks to be a good variety on the menu. Do you think they would mind my asking for substitutions - eg no cheese etc?

Just my personal views for what they're worth . . .

1) Raglan Road - love it. Been here about 8 times and never had a bad meal.
2) Whispering Canyon - wouldn't go again - we were a bit uncomfortable with the atmosphere and expected our server to get us unwillingly involved at any time! Was just too stressful!!! Food just OK.
3) Whispering Canyon breakfast -haven't done
4) Teppan Edo - haven't done, and wouldn't because I believe you have to sit at communal tables - thats also what puts me off going back to Biergarten.
5) Olivia's Cafe - haven't been
6) Tusker House - haven't been for many years - was fine when we went
7) 50s Prime Time - love it. Had two good meals here and love the atmosphere - its a bit less intense that WCC
8) Boma - my favourite buffet, always return here.
9) Boma breakfast - did it once. Was fine, but wouldn't do it again. Just your standard breakfast fare, unlike dinner where you get all the different foods.
10) Rose and Crown - walked out after waiting 2 hours for our ADR so have never actually eaten here!
11) O'hana - love it. Been the last 2 trips. Food great, singing ukalale (spelling!) woman - dire!!!!!
12) Liberty Tree Tavern - haven't been since 2006, but the food was good.
13) Cape May Cafe - haven't been
14) Sanaa - haven't been
15) Nine Dragons - really like it. Had the best meal of our trip here in 2009, and a pretty good meal here last week. Service is always excellent
16) Sci Fi Dine In Theatre - had a reservation here last year, but cancelled it after seeing loads of bad reviews
17) Yak and Yeti - counter service is great. Haven't tried it for dinner as its not open late enough for us.
18) Raglan Road - Love it - haven't changed since no. 1!!!

Captain's Grille - haven't been
Via Napoli - we really enjoyed the pizza, but the desserts and service weren't much cop
La Hacienda - haven't been
Chefs de France - had two really good lunches here Excellent food and service. Haven't been for dinner

This is making me hungry! Luckily I'm not starting my post-xmas diet until Sunday!!! I'm off to the Thorntons stash!

Thanks for your opinions. We, too, love Raglan Road. Never had a bad experience yet...apart from the pavlova I had for dessert last time. I didn't enjoy that one bit unfortunately Agree about Nine Dragons too. It appears to be an undervalued restaurant in the World, but we love it.

I was meant to have re-started my diet back up yesterday...the less said on that, the better!

Like the others have said, resturants are such a personal choice....some people love somewhere and other hate it.

From your list:

We love Raglan road and 50's prime time....both are a MUST for us

Si Fi was a disapointment to us...food and service not the best

We are going to Boma, Whispering Canyon, Ohana's, Hoop de do review and Chef de France on our next trip

Others we like and are a MUST for us are Crystal Palace for breakfast....love getting into the park early and having a photo with nobody in front of the castle and the breakfast is lovely.

We also like 1900 Park Fare.....my daughters favourite for character interaction.

Wherever you choose, you'll end up with your favourites

Enjoy the fun of choosing

sam

Thanks I think we're going to stay away from character meals this trip because (as sad as this sounds) they scare me somewhat! We'll probably leave that experience until I can hide behind any children we have in the future!

I think Sci-Fi is one of those restaurants that you go to for the surroundings rather than the food/service, but having said that we went in 2009 and had no problems at all.

WCC and 50's Prime Time seem to be the type of restaurants where you have to be willing to 'play along', or enjoy watching the reactions of people who don't know what they are about to get the best of them.

Teppan Edo I don't think I have seen a bad review for although as Pooh's Honey Pot has said you have to be willing to sit with others. That has put me off in the past but I'm going to give it a go this year.

Same for us, re Sci Fi. Not had a bad experience yet but other people have different opinions. Then again, its the same for all restaurants I think..

What are your itinerary problems?

Honestly...me. I have OCD so add that ontop of Disney planning obsession = problems. Things have to feel 'right' and so far...they're not. Part of it is that its involving a lot of trapesing about or switching from place to place, or not having enough time to fit in everything we want to do because of all the meals. Problem is, we love having all the reservations to go to...so its trying to get the best of both worlds really.

Thanks again for all your opinions everyone!

 

[wayneg]

From what I've heard and the videos I've seen, Hoop Dee Doo looks great and would probably solve a few issues. Is it worth 2 TS credits, or is it better OOP? When using the DDP, do you have to call to book it instead of doing it online?

Captain's Grille sounds like it could also be a possibility, as DF loves steak. Me, not so much but there looks to be a good variety on the menu. Do you think they would mind my asking for substitutions - eg no cheese etc?

For 2 people I just got a quote (you book online)
Ages 10 and Up x 2 = $102.20
Tax: $6.72
Gratuity: $17.06
Total Cost: $125.98

Works out at $63pp incl gratuity & all you can drink for about 90 mins.
I think its well worth 2 credits, certainly better than 2 breakfasts worth about $20 each + grat OOP.
Link to book.
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hoop-de-doo-musical-revue/

If you look at Matt's You Tube channel he has uploaded a bit of Hoop from our trip last August, also Teppan Edo clips he did.
http://www.youtube.com/user/stitchmatt#p/u

You should not have problems anywhere asking for substitutions.

 

[eeyorefanuk]

I was just wondering if I could get some feedback/opinions on the restaurants I've chosen (just about) for our next trip pleaaase. DF is 'ADR'd out' apparantly!

1) Raglan Road - went there and enjoyed it, though can be noisy
2) Whispering Canyon did not go
3) Whispering Canyon breakfast did not go
4) Teppan Edo did not go
5) Olivia's Cafe went twice, first time very nice, second time same holiday not very good
6) Tusker House went for breakfast and lunch (to get nemo package) enjoyed both
7) 50s Prime Time did not go
8) Boma did not go
9) Boma breakfast did not go
10) Rose and Crown did not go
11) O'hana went for breakfast enjoyed it
12) Liberty Tree Tavern did not go
13) Cape May Cafe went for breakfast enjoyed
14) Sanaa did not go
15) Nine Dragons did not go
16) Sci Fi Dine In Theatre did not go
17) Yak and Yeti - family liked main meals here
18) Raglan Road

I'm open to criticisms and suggestions - they'd be greatly appreciated!

TIA

Hi,

It is really all down to personal taste, most people rave about Le Cellier, we enjoyed it but TBH nothing special in our eyes.

It is a nightmare sorting out the ADR's isn't it, but fun - you will love it whatever you decide.

We liked Kona Cafe for a dinner, and the Grand Floridian Cafe.

 

[gemmybear83]

I think you have some great choices! We really loved Sanaa and Yak and Yeti in particular!

I'm not a breakfast person either but much prefer sit down breakfasts than buffets - and it allows you to have something a little different to sausages bacon etc at many restaurants.

What about using a couple of credits for a signerture? We have found the food and atmosphere to be much nicer especially for couples.

A couple more suggestions - Grand Floridian Cafe (lovely, pretty and the food is great), Captain's Grille (quite similar to the Grand Floridian Cafe) and the Plaza. We went to the Plaza last month and it was brill, probably not much value for ddp buy if you want a relaxed lunch with burgers and sundaes we thought this place was great and we had really good service, and unlike beaches and cream they take adrs

 

[wayneg]

Hi,

It is really all down to personal taste, most people rave about Le Cellier, we enjoyed it but TBH nothing special in our eyes.

It is personal taste and also can be down to the server you get on the night.
For Le Cellier we had our best meal there in August 2009 but went back August 2010 and couldn't believe the change, too salty, not nice butterbeans with the chicken. All they need to do is change the menu slightly or get a poor server and you can chage from one of best meals to one of worst. No way will we return to Le Cellier now 2 credits.
Signature restaurants are not a good way to use credits value wise but we would never pay OOP for them either so its only way we will eat in them.

 

[2Tiggies]

Honestly...me. I have OCD so add that ontop of Disney planning obsession = problems. Things have to feel 'right' and so far...they're not. Part of it is that its involving a lot of trapesing about or switching from place to place, or not having enough time to fit in everything we want to do because of all the meals. Problem is, we love having all the reservations to go to...so its trying to get the best of both worlds really.

You're going in September. So park hours aren't out for your trip yet. Do you us park hours to work out what day you want to eat where? If so, that is part of your problem - you can't really do that until you know what park is open when.

You have done as I would to have your line up of potential restaurants now, but I am assumning you have not allocated them to specific days yet if you are waiting for park hours to be released. (?)

Highlight the must-do's on your list. Perhpaps add one or two back ups as maybe's and accept that you can only do xx number with the credits you have (or pay up for the others).

I am a planner, but not compulsively to the extreme. I do plan where I am going on what day as I like to have framework to work in. I feel, for me, it makes me more productive with my use of time. However, very importantly, I always build in 'free' time in between park hopping and a couple of 'free' mornings or evenings. This is my catch-net so to speak so that if things don't run to schedule, which inevitably they won't every single day, there is space worked in to absorb any re-do's or things we suddenly decide we wanted to do after all

What I can guarantee, and you know this as it isn't your first trip, is that there WILL be delays (a late bus, waiting ridiculously long to be seated for an ADR, stuck in a queue for a ride ....) or someone just doesn't feel like doing something that was planned. Unless this is the last time you will ever go back and you know it for a fact, you have to try and let it go.

Now have some fun planning. Nothing wrong with planning on the extreme side. Just build in a bit of room for flexibility so that when things deviate from your itinerary, you have already allowed for it, i.e. you are still in control.

 

[Rohais]

Sorry, I've been bogged down with work for uni

I think you have some great choices! We really loved Sanaa and Yak and Yeti in particular!

I'm not a breakfast person either but much prefer sit down breakfasts than buffets - and it allows you to have something a little different to sausages bacon etc at many restaurants.

What about using a couple of credits for a signerture? We have found the food and atmosphere to be much nicer especially for couples.

A couple more suggestions - Grand Floridian Cafe (lovely, pretty and the food is great), Captain's Grille (quite similar to the Grand Floridian Cafe) and the Plaza. We went to the Plaza last month and it was brill, probably not much value for ddp buy if you want a relaxed lunch with burgers and sundaes we thought this place was great and we had really good service, and unlike beaches and cream they take adrs

Thanks for you input. I looked at the different places for breakfast and a buffet seems to be the best place for both of us. DF loves EVERYTHING to do with breakfast, whereas I will be sticking to bacon, sausage etc and fruit. We thought about doing a signature, but it doesn't really appeal to us at the moment...and we couldn't agree on a restaurant!

I think we're going to add Captain's Grille into the mix, and leave the Plaza as a possible stop-in if we're short for something to eat at MK one day

It is personal taste and also can be down to the server you get on the night.
For Le Cellier we had our best meal there in August 2009 but went back August 2010 and couldn't believe the change, too salty, not nice butterbeans with the chicken. All they need to do is change the menu slightly or get a poor server and you can chage from one of best meals to one of worst. No way will we return to Le Cellier now 2 credits.
Signature restaurants are not a good way to use credits value wise but we would never pay OOP for them either so its only way we will eat in them.

I've not really seen the interest in Le Cellier, personally, and have read reports lately of the seemingly downward turn its taken. But, I guess it depends on your server etc etc. Like you say, it can be the best or the worst. Some of the restaurants we've chosen have bad reviews - like any does - but we've had good experiences so *fingers crossed* that it doesn't change.

You're going in September. So park hours aren't out for your trip yet. Do you us park hours to work out what day you want to eat where? If so, that is part of your problem - you can't really do that until you know what park is open when.

You have done as I would to have your line up of potential restaurants now, but I am assumning you have not allocated them to specific days yet if you are waiting for park hours to be released. (?)

Highlight the must-do's on your list. Perhpaps add one or two back ups as maybe's and accept that you can only do xx number with the credits you have (or pay up for the others).

I am a planner, but not compulsively to the extreme. I do plan where I am going on what day as I like to have framework to work in. I feel, for me, it makes me more productive with my use of time. However, very importantly, I always build in 'free' time in between park hopping and a couple of 'free' mornings or evenings. This is my catch-net so to speak so that if things don't run to schedule, which inevitably they won't every single day, there is space worked in to absorb any re-do's or things we suddenly decide we wanted to do after all

What I can guarantee, and you know this as it isn't your first trip, is that there WILL be delays (a late bus, waiting ridiculously long to be seated for an ADR, stuck in a queue for a ride ....) or someone just doesn't feel like doing something that was planned. Unless this is the last time you will ever go back and you know it for a fact, you have to try and let it go.

Now have some fun planning. Nothing wrong with planning on the extreme side. Just build in a bit of room for flexibility so that when things deviate from your itinerary, you have already allowed for it, i.e. you are still in control.

I - sort of - use park hours to decide where we're going. At the moment, I'm looking at September park hours for 2009/2010 to give me an indication of what they might be like for 2011. So, yes, I've got a provisional allocation of restaurants to certain days. I have several itineraries to be honest - many 'just in case' ones. Because of my OCD, I physically cannot leave it until hours have been released...so have been working on an itinerary since before we booked in June 2010

Thanks for your kind words. I try leaving it but, unfortunately, planning also happens to be the one thing that helps calm other areas of my OCD so hmm. In my provisional itinerary, I do have 'free time'..sort of. Its 'planned free time'

______________________________________________

I think I've decided - finally - on our ADR's, thanks to you all

1) Raglan Road
2) Whispering Canyon
3) O'hana
4) Tusker House
5) Yak and Yeti
6) Sci Fi Dine In
7) 50s Prime Time
8) Teppan Edo
9) Nine Dragons
10) Rose and Crown
11) Boma
12) Boma breakfast
13) Sanaa
14) Liberty Tree Tavern
15) Captain's Grille
16) Olivia's Cafe
17 & 18) Hoop Dee Doo Revue