Alfredo's closing permanently?

[Aimeedyan]

I steered clear of Alfredo's for years due to the mixed reviews until I learned more about their signature dish and how it doesn't include cream (something my DH can't tolerate). So, we made a reservation.

The alfredo was completely worth the trip - it was amazing. I never want to eat alfredo out again because it's just the cheap Americanized version and not the real deal. I've yet to find another restaurant that does it the right way. If you know of any, let me know!

All their other dishes were fine, nothing to write home about, and the service was great. So great that we stopped the manager on the way out to compliment him on his well run restaurant.

I will be back at WDW the end of August and am wondering if I should stop in for a bowl of that fettuchini alfredo one last time...

 

[kelleigh1]

I steered clear of Alfredo's for years due to the mixed reviews until I learned more about their signature dish and how it doesn't include cream (something my DH can't tolerate). So, we made a reservation.

The alfredo was completely worth the trip - it was amazing. I never want to eat alfredo out again because it's just the cheap Americanized version and not the real deal. I've yet to find another restaurant that does it the right way. If you know of any, let me know!

All their other dishes were fine, nothing to write home about, and the service was great. So great that we stopped the manager on the way out to compliment him on his well run restaurant.

I will be back at WDW the end of August and am wondering if I should stop in for a bowl of that fettuchini alfredo one last time...

It's funny that you say that about the lack of cream because I was reading another message board where people were complaining that Alfredo's isn't authentic because they don't use cream. I love how it can't be "real" when it's the place where it was invented.

 

[cheerbop]

It's funny that you say that about the lack of cream because I was reading another message board where people were complaining that Alfredo's isn't authentic because they don't use cream. I love how it can't be "real" when it's the place where it was invented.

That is how we feel!!!

We will not be at WDW until Sept 3....
I was SO looking forward to the alfredo and bragging about it to my parents who are going with us for their first time to WDW in over 30 years!!!
I am SOOO bummed...............

I would LOVE to know where in Vegas because we frequent there.

 

[Chuck S]

I sure hope Alfredo's isn't replaced with another Landry's incarnation. They have Rainforest, T-Rex and the new Yak & Yeti at AK, the food at the chains where I've eaten has been just so-so, nothing outstanding. They do have an Italian restaurat chain.

 

[Sammie]

I have not heard anything about the replacement for Alfredo's but if I do and it is something I can share, I certainly will.

Many times, my friends ask that I don't share, until a certain time. Also sometimes they give me a little info. Like "Yes it is closing, No we can't say what will go there."

I just know that Brad Rex the VP over Epcot has ambitious plans for Epcot and the new GM for Epcot is a Harvard Business school grad and he is also top notch.

While I really enjoyed Alfredo's, service was hit or miss and I will look forward to something new.

 

[Soccer Princess]

Awww... we ate at Alfredo's last year on our honeymoon and were hoping to go back this year as well. We really liked the food, but it's also a memory thing for us

 

[Chuck S]

While I really enjoyed Alfredo's, service was hit or miss and I will look forward to something new.

That has been my experience also, both food quality and service were hit and miss. When they were having a good day, they were the best meal of our trip. When they were having a bad day, it was really bad. I just hope that whatever replaces them is better quality than most of the Landry's chains or Olive Garden, which again has "consistency" problems.

 

[La2kw]

I steered clear of Alfredo's for years due to the mixed reviews until I learned more about their signature dish and how it doesn't include cream (something my DH can't tolerate). So, we made a reservation.

The alfredo was completely worth the trip - it was amazing. I never want to eat alfredo out again because it's just the cheap Americanized version and not the real deal. I've yet to find another restaurant that does it the right way. If you know of any, let me know!

All their other dishes were fine, nothing to write home about, and the service was great. So great that we stopped the manager on the way out to compliment him on his well run restaurant.

I will be back at WDW the end of August and am wondering if I should stop in for a bowl of that fettuchini alfredo one last time...

I agree 100%. We stayed away for years until we finally tried it a few years ago since we wanted to try something different - been every where else multiple times. The alfredo was the best I have ever had. I am sad to hear of the restaurant closing. It better not be another princess meal, or any other character meal. Adding rubber heads does not make it more cultural, that's for sure. I have ressies for one meal there this summer, but I guess I'll add another one since it will be our last time to eat there.

 

[Hedy]

Noo! Guess I'll have to hit it up in NYC.

 

[Bonnie40]

Haven't gone through this entire thread, not sure whether this has been posted, but found a notice that was sent out to the CM's at the Italian Pavilion at Epcot. Thought it was interesting, especially the part where they say no ADR's have been made...?


Exciting new changes are coming to the Italy Pavilion at Epcot that will further enhance the Guest experience.

Our contract with L’Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante will reach its conclusion on August 31, 2007. While we have enjoyed working with the Alfredo’s Group since Epcot opened, we are finalizing plans to develop a new Italian restaurant concept.

This builds upon the original vision for World Showcase, which was designed to continually evolve and offer new Guest experiences that showcase cultures, traditions and immersive entertainment from around the world.

We look forward to announcing more details in true Disney fashion once all the particulars are finalized.

FAQ's
Q1.Why are you making this change?

We have an opportunity to further enhance the Guest experience and build upon the original vision for World Showcase, which was designed to continually evolve and showcase cultures, traditions and immersive entertainment from around the world.

Q2.Why after so many years?

Although it has been a privilege to be the home to Alfredo’s Restaurant for more than 20 years, Epcot is transitioning to a new Italian dining experience where Italy’s rich history and vibrant culture will continue to enrich the Guest experience.

Q3.When will Alfredo’s close?

Alfredo’s is currently scheduled to close at the end of August 2007.

Q4.When will the new restaurant open?

Although details are still coming together, we expect the restaurant to close temporarily during the transition process.

Q5.What is coming in its place?

While we are not ready to announce this new restaurant, we are currently finalizing negotiations with a strategic partner. We look forward to sharing more details once they are finalized.

Q6.Will this change impact the Food & Wine Festival?

No. Everything will operate as normal for this year’s International Food & Wine Festival.

Q7.What will happen to the existing employees?

All affected employees will be presented with options, which will vary based on their current job function and individual set of circumstances.

Q8.What if a Guest already has a reservation booked for the restaurant (that occurs after its last day of operations); what should they do?

As of this time, there are no dining reservations booked that will be impacted by this change.

Q9.Has Alfredo’s Restaurant relocated in the local area?

While Alfredo’s has an established restaurant in New York City, we have not received any information about a venue in the Central Florida area.

Q10.Will the new Italian dining experience be a part of the Magic Your Way dining plan?

Yes, we expect the new Italian dining experience will participate in the Magic Your Way dining plan.

Q11.Will the new Italian dining experience continue to have Cultural Representatives from Italy to lend to a truly genuine Italian experience?

Yes.

Q12.Will this change impact any other venues within the Italy Pavilion or World Showcase?

No.

 

[Twingle]

This makes me so sad. We always had wonderful service and the food was AMAZING, my DH and I always had their signature dish - the Alfredo.

We made a ton of memories there too - I'm glad we're going in June, and will be able to go one last time.

As far as a character meal, I don't think they'll put it in Italy, since the Princess storybook breakfast in Norway is a stretch, and I don't think there are any Disney movies relating to Italy? Don't remember right off the top of my head.

Maybe they'll have something "local", like the umpah band (don't know what it's really called, sorry!) in Germany or the belly dancer in Morocco?

 

[minijeanie]

I for one am not sorry to see it go!!! Food was horrible and service was worse.
Olive garden would be better than the food I had there. Glad to hear it is being replaced

Now...when will Germany and Norway follow suit!!!!!!

If any restaurant had to go, it should of been Germany and Norway first.

they are by far the worst in Epcot

 

[OKW Lover]

Well, I'm not shedding any tears. We've never found the dining experience there to be memorable. It was OK, just nothing special. And I can easily get better Italian food right here in my home town.

So, I'm actually looking forward to this change. It will be a new experience for us to try.

 

[ms.ojo]

Hope I didn't butcher the spelling of this fine restaurant. The waiters were rude...the seating cramped (but then isn't it everywhere in World showcase?) but the alfredo was to die for!!!! I am so disappointed it won't be there when we return in October this year!

Obviously it should be replaced w/ another fine italian eatery...and maybe one w/ even nice waiters! But alas...will the alfredo and home made pasta be part of their offerings and as good? I sure hope so!

 

[OKW Lover]

I'm looking forward to being able to experience a good dining experience in this pavilon.

 

[alldiz]

Just read that alfredo's is closing 8-31..
Anyone know why....
OR....what will be going there?

I actually liked the place.....great for CP..
Kerri

 

[bicker]

Alfredo's contract with Disney expires, and the two parties could not come to a mutually-acceptable arrangement to renew the contract. A new restaurant will open in that space soon after.

 

[alldiz]

Alfredo's contract with Disney expires, and the two parties could not come to a mutually-acceptable arrangement to renew the contract. A new restaurant will open in that space soon after.

Thanks...I figured it was something like that...
Let's hope it is yummy
Kerri

 

[SamIAm21]

I would be really happy if they put a Maggiano's in there. That would soothe the pain of losing Alfredo's. Maggiano's -- that's some really good food!!

http://www.maggianos.com/

Excellent!!

 

[figmentvi]

I'm another poster that is not overly upset that Alfredo's is closing. I've eaten there many times over the years and was never thrilled with it. I guess my biggest complaint with Alfredo's is that the food was very indigenous to Rome. Italian cooking is as varied by region as is the cooking in various regions of the U.S.

I'm hoping that whatever replaces Alfredo's has a nice representation of various regions of Italy. Northern Italy in particular.

Please dear Lord, don't let it be an Olive Garden type restaurant. That would be sacreligious.