Anyone else disappointed in Chef Mickeys?

[julia & nicks mom]

Ok my DH didnt like it either! I was planning to go anyways just to see Mickey. I dont want to have to wait in line to see him. So where can we go to see Mickey? Garden Grill? Would that be a good place? TIA

We really love Garden Grill - I like that it is served Family Style - I think it is the best any of us at all week!! The food was fabulous and hot! They have a great bread!! The characters are Chip, Dale, Pluto & mickey - I think sometimes it could be Minnie too - we had the characters come to our table 3 times - we did the reservations last minute but are SOO glad we did!!

Here are some of our pics:
<img width=300 src=http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dc03b3127cce9032a3060a6c00000016108AaM3DJq2aNv> <img width=300 src=http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dc32b3127cce906d30dd2a2400000036108AaM3DJq2aNv>

<img width=200 src=http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dc03b3127cce9032a31d8b4700000016108AaM3DJq2aNv> <img width=200 src=http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5dc03b3127cce9032a31c0a7600000016108AaM3DJq2aNv>

 

[Ms. Belle]

You didn't say when you were going, but I think Garden Grill is closed until May. Double check.

 

[jmsvss]

Whoa! Now I'm scared. We are arriving on Mar 28th and were not planning on going to the parks that day. I thought i would take my daughter to Chef Mickey's for dinner and then catch the fireworks from the resort to help us get primed for the next day. We have PS for 8 pm.

I'm not expecting a gourmet meal, just a little magic to get us in the mood. But if it going to be a horrible experience - as most have indicated so far - I'm afraid the mood may be "bad" instead of "magical."

Any good Chef Micket dinner experience out there? I'm prepared for the outrageous price and buffet food but right now the picture in my head is that of a pig sty!!

 

[experiment626mom]

I am so glad to see this thread. I was at Chef Mickey's about this time last year and was not real impressed. It was dirty, the food was bad (and we had an early ps) The service was horrible. The characters were wonderful. Now I know that we all have our off days, and one of these lifetimes I might give Chef Mickey's another try.

 

[murcor]

We did Chef Mickey's breakfast last month, 3 adults and 2 children 5 & 4. Well, some things are true...its not fine dining (but we all left full)....AND it was the highlight of our trip!

The kids loved every minute, making us the three adults rav about it every chance we get. Heck, I would recommend it and we are already making our plans for it next year!

Enjoy

Angela

 

[Peace Mickey Lovers]

We went in September to Chef Mickey's, we had PS for 5:30. We were seated very quickly, not rushed and the kids had a ball. The food was ok. but the character interaction made it all worth it. My DD wanted to see Minnie and we missed her so before we left our server made arrangements for us to see her privately!
Definately one of the highlights of the trip! Going back in December!

 

[Drizzo67]

I'm so glad some many people responded to my post. I seem to get the general idea that the breakfast is better. I was not looking for a gourmet meal, just some hot food and good character interaction (for the price you pay). I know I will try the breakfast next year so I am not closing the door on Chef Mickey for good. I originally posted just to make sure I wasn't just me (maybe being a little disappointed - no romantic Valentine dinner, LOL).

 

[mkymouse4ever]

BUT..... Setting July 2004: At least 200 people waiting to get in. We were in the podium line for 40 minutes, CM tells me I'm 10 minutes late, said I've been in line for 40 minutes (just sis and myself grand gathering of 2) Here is your buzzer seat and wait. etc.... We do, and do. . . . . Time passes still waiting... . . . . Start noticing the food and poor attention to it, not refilled, not very neat, clean etc.. . . . . Start noticing character interaction seems hurried at best its a mob scene in there. Start to feel anxious. Now we have been to Chef mickeys before 5 times. 2 times excellent food, servers, and characters. and then 3 times mediocore. I was pretty sure we where gonna be lucky for medicore. So I stood up and scoped out the place, told my sister to get up we where leaving, and follow me. turned in our beeper, told them no thanks. Found the jewel in the nile: (next door) CONCOURSE STEAKHOUSE (we were starving) Nice and peaceful meal, large booth, quiet music, great food. And excellent waitstaff. Turned out to be a great decision! Keep in mind, Mickey is at the parks in many places and gives autographs! Yes Chef Mickeys can be great! I love Mickey mouse BUT if you know ahead of time this is NOT gonna be pleasant, you will not have a good time, your child will not have the time with mickey he wants / needs. Or you paid for, You can change you mind. however; maybe March is not summer and should be better! So hopefully it will not be as bad, but chef mickeys is very popular.

Good luck, Mky

 

[brando5111]

We thought it was the worst meal of our trip last year! This is on our do not repeat list!

 

[amcooper]

We Love It. It's an annual traditiion with my family (13 times and counting..) It's the first place we visit on our arrival. The food is not gourmet but that's not why we go. IMHO the food is as good as any other buffet style restaurant I've ever been and the best restaurant if you are looking to get into the 'Disney Spirit".

 

[richard_andmel]

We went Sept 2003. It was the only place in our 16 day trip that we said we would never return to. We had a 40 minute wait for a 10AM breakfast PS. Food was so-so. And only one character came to our table the whole time.

Mel

 

[murcor]

Only the one character would have made me not want to return too.
Luckily, when we went we had many visit our table and take time for pictures.....Chip, Dale, Minnie, Mickey, Pluto...and they alll came back a second time.

Angela

 

[Buzz2001]

We go each trip and never had a bad time. It is a must for us.

 

[madalex]

Tried this in Feb 2002 and ww were disappointed. The food was fine, especially as I never expect much from a character breakfast to begin with. However, the restaurant was a zoo. It was so crowded and hectic, I just did not enjoy it. We have no intention of revisiting.

 

[makaira]

We went for dinner on our arrival day with a party of 11(6 kids). We waited in the PS line maybe 10 minutes at 7PM got our beeper and were seated in 10 minutes at one large table. The character interaction was fantastic. They spent a lot of time with the kids and posed for lots of pics. We found the buffet to be clean and well-maintained and everyone enjoyed their meal (no, it wasn't Jiko, but it was fine). We will definitely go again the first night on our next trip.

 

[mommystieg]

We have eaten at CM's twice for dinner and have had positive experiences both times. The food has been good and the character interaction is great. It can get a little crazy since some people don't understand the whole "the characters will come to your table" spiel We had the early seating both times and I think that helps. Go, expect buffet food and a little chaos and you won't be disappointed Besides, watching the monorail overhead is too cool