Alternatives to Morimoto?

[AZMama2016]

We love Asian food and were really excited to try this place out, as it wasn't there the last time we were at WDW. We have friends coming from Jacksonville to meet us there for dinner. But now I'm getting scared off with the recent bad reviews that have been posted here.

What alternatives would you recommend? We are not going to the parks that day and want to hang around the new DS for the late afternoon and evening, possibly even going to Splitsville to bowl. There are four adults and one three year old. We will be staying at the GF.

I'm also a bit worried about what reservations I can get at this late stage (about three weeks to the ADR). Anyway, looking for ideas or even reassurance to stick with Morimoto and try it for ourselves. Thanks for any help!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

You can get Morimoto three weeks out via OpenTable.

 

[AZMama2016]

We already have the ADR for Morimoto, which I booked 60 days out. I'm trying to decide if I should cancel and book something else due to bad reviews.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I'm trying to decide if I should cancel and book something else due to bad reviews.

Book elsewhere.

********************************************************************

Our Ratings of Morimoto Asia: (*rev 3/25/2016*)
. . . food price value: D
. . . food quality: C
. . . food quantity per serving: A
. . . food prep speed: B
. . . food selection: C
. . . seating quantity: C
. . . seating comfort: B
. . . eatery atmosphere: C
. . . eatery convenience: B
. . . staff friendliness: B
. . . staff attentiveness: D
. . . character interaction: n/a

Our Recommendations:
. . . appys:... Rock Shrimp Tempura
. . . entrée:.. Orange Chicken
. . . dessert:. Chef's Gelato Trio

NOTE: This eatery SHOULD have great food and service, due to Morimoto's reputation,
but falls woefully short in both areas. In our opinion, the chef built the eatery
with the thought that at Disney, people will come regardless of quality in food or
service. What a pity. Yes, there are a few menu items worth ordering, but based upon
price-quality-service, very few. There are other excellent Asian eateries in the area
to enjoy. This is a good place to avoid. As an example, it is a shame to recommend
an ice cream or gelato as a dessert preference.

 

[brertoad]

Sadly, we weren't too impressed with Morimoto's. The sushi was good. But, prices were on the high side, especially for sake! Didn't really enjoy the industrial look of the place.

I was very disappointed with the steamed dumplings, they are exactly like the ones we get from the Asian grocery store in the freezer section, so paying $10 for 4 pieces was ridiculous, you can buy a giant bag of them for about $4-5.

The late night dining area was just the tiny space by the bar with very uncomfortable seating. If I were to go back, I would definitely go during dinner hours, not late night hours.

There are a handful of places where you can order sushi, Splitsville has sushi, Wolfgang Puck's Cafe, which are in Disney Springs; other places are Kona Cafe, Tokyo Dining, Kimono's, California Grill. I'd recommend Raglan Road for good food in Disney Springs.

 

[toystory1130]

Well we were nervous as well but the bad reviews were unfounded- at least for us. I can recommend the Orange Chicken, LA BBQ Kalbi and the Shrimp Fried Rice, we shared these among the table. Skip the MM Parfait though as it was just kinda weird and mostly cream fluff. Our waitress was excellent! We also reserved with open table as Disney reservations always seemed booked but not so on open table. Give it a try!

 

[AZMama2016]

I checked to see what else was available that evening at DS. Raglan Road, Portobello, The Boathouse, Wolfgang Puck and Paradiso 37 all have spots but after 8 pm, which is later than we want. There is a spot at Bongos at 6:45 and Splitsville at 7:15 (MDR). Given we were thinking of bowling anyway, it may be best to cancel Morimoto and book Splitsville instead. I'll need to see if we can get a lane reserved - I did send in a request but for 5 pm, as our Morimoto res is for 6:45. I'm just really bummed about Morimoto getting such bad reviews as the menu looks great.

 

[mkla2015]

We had an excellent meal there last month. The atmosphere was great, food was delicious, and service was excellent. No complaints at all!

The rock shrimp app was great! I had orange chicken and fried rice and thought it was awesome. DH had something recommended by the waitress- I forget the name but they cook it table side and he loved it. I didn't find the prices to be bad at all. We'll definitely go back.

 

[Stefecatzz]

Raglan Road is my tried & true choice. Haven't had anything I didn't like a lot yet.

 

[kiapepito]

How does Morimoto's work if you are on the dining plan as I noticed it is 2 table service. Is there a specific menu we order from then?

 

[Meriweather]

We liked Morimotos....at least what we had.
Had to give it a try. It is a beautiful restaurant!

 

[JaimeK]

We went for lunch, just ordered two appetizers plus a sushi roll and everything was good. They did have some really good drinks!

 

[AZMama2016]

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm still torn, especially with some of the positive input and since I can't get a hold of anyone at Splitsville to ask about timing of lane and dinner ressies. I might just stick with the plan and report back on Morimoto ourselves. First world problems! Thanks again.

 

[wilkeliza]

Eh just go to Morimoto. Some people like what he has to offer and some hate it. I know someone local who eats there 2-3 times a month. I haven't been but if it anything like his NY restaurant it will be great. The biggest issue will be what type of Asian food you are use to. If you are getting mass produced Panda Express of course this isn't going to be the same thing.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

if it anything like his NY restaurant it will be great

1) It is SIMILAR to the New York eatery.
2) But, significantly different.
3) Doing DDP has really crippled the creativity of his signature Big Apple clone at DS.
4) The creative dishes can't be prepared and served for the reimbursement allowance od DDP.