Another dreaded DHS "where to eat"? thread

[WeLoveLilo05]

I try and try but have yet to find anything we enjoy there lol.
We have done 50s PT and Mama Melrose.
We have done Rosie's and one of those stands over by ToT (cant remember which).
I really don't care for DHS, if it wasn't for the abundance of Pixar I would probably pass it, but my youngest wants to meet Edna and we do enjoy TSL.
I couldn't get a FP for SDD until later in our vacation BUT if I could avoid going there twice I would be so happy. So I was thinking...
Maybe get there around 1 and do Lightning McQueen racing academy and Muppets (older group star tours) Our FPs start at 2 for TSM, older group is going to do their other 2 FPs for ToT and RnR and I will stay behind and meet Edna and maybe get on Alien Swirling Saucer.
We would probably like to eat around 6ish. Anything we could eat there or maybe get on the boat for boardwalk area and then TRY to be back to get on SDD before park closes? Was hoping maybe lines wouldnt be as bad at like 8:55 lol. Is this doable? ANyone have any luck with shorter wait times before park closing?
I know this post is a mix of food and strategy, not really sure where to post lol.

 

[mkla2015]

We have had luck riding SDD right before closing- posted wait time was 90 minutes when we got in line around 750pm on an 8pm closing and got on the ride in about an hour- this was back in October when we could not get a FP at all for it during our 8 day trip.

I wouldn't try to eat somewhere outside of the park around 6pm and plan to make it back before closing- you could probably do it but it would be rushed and the QS options at Beach Club and Boardwalk aren't all that great.

We've tried most of the HS restaurants and haven't enjoyed any of them... for QS our go to at HS is usually ABC Commissary because its big and has A/C. We usually just snack while there and eat a meal before or after the park.

 

[Scubadaddy32]

Brown Derby Lounge is always an option, you can't get reservations, It's outdoors, but it has good food including that famous Cobb Salad.
I'm a Brown Derby fan as well.
Depending on when your vacation is and if the Skyliner is running, I've heard good things about Sebastian's at Caribbean Beach.
There is also Cape May if you want a good Seafood buffet and it's a boat ride away at Beach Club. The buffet will be faster than a sit down of course, so more park time!

 

[gharter]

We have enjoyed HBD inside and the lounge outside.
SciFi is also fun.
Mama Melrose is good for average Italian food, Olive Garden or slightly better.
I would not go out of the park to eat at 6 and try to get back in before it closes.
We have had lots of success with SDD getting in line 5-15 minutes before closing. Usually under 15 minute wait.

 

[VicarJT]

Another vote for the Brown Derby Lounge. I’m not a HS fan at all, but like you, will head over for TS stuff and that’s where we plan to eat. Good luck with your choice!

 

[Dean Marino]

Deleted

 

[preemiemama]

We were just there a couple weeks ago. We had a SDD FP at 7:45 pm. After that, we were able to do AS2 and TSMM before heading back to SDD about 5-10 minutes before the 9 pm close to get in line. We waited about 25 minutes with a posted wait time of 60.

As for food, I agree with the other posters who have said not to leave if your plan is to get on SDD at closing. Either walking or on the boat it will eat up time traveling to the Boardwalk area as well as eating there. If you are looking for QS, we really enjoyed our lunches in Toy Story Land at Andy's Lunchbox. The BBQ brisket sandwich was pretty good, as was the turkey. Our favorite thing was the lunchbox tarts, though. The blueberry lemon ones were really, really good. The seating there is limited, so have someone looking for seats while someone else gets the food. They also do mobile ordering, which was very helpful! We also have had some success with ABC Commissary, but they can be hit-or-miss.