Are Dahlia Lounge and Three Bridges or Toledo worth a special trip?

[Wings3496]

Thanks, all. Looks like CSR is not a great idea/worth it. I'll check out some more USF options, though I really am hoping to be out of there by late afternoon. We are mostly going to check out the new HP stuff. So we'll rope drop USF, and we'll have an EP for IOA so hoping it goes relatively quickly. It's a low crowd day too.

I'm now considering Disney Springs? We didn't plan on going there, but it might work well that night. Boathouse, Wine Bar George, and Jaleo have openings, and it's easier to get to. Crescent Lake area is also an option, but we wanted to try all new this trip, and we've eaten at most of the restaurants in that area. ETA: we haven't tried all the Swalphin options, so I will look at those! I forget about them, lol.

I’m really not sure why people are downplaying Toledo so much. It’s a very solid restaurant and great spot for a special occasion. A that’s not just my opinion, for 2-3 years it has been recommended by the Michelin guide as well. And from universal it’s a 20 minute Uber ride, not some huge undertaking.

 

[Sweettears]

I’m really not sure why people are downplaying Toledo so much. It’s a very solid restaurant and great spot for a special occasion. A that’s not just my opinion, for 2-3 years it has been recommended by the Michelin guide as well. And from universal it’s a 20 minute Uber ride, not some huge undertaking.

Not to mention a 10 minute or less Uber ride to almost everywhere on property. Especially close to the boardwalk and Epcot area.

 

[RedHead0186]

Toledo is great! We stayed at CSR, did drinks at Dahlia Lounge before dinner and then had a delicious meal at Toledo. Went back to Dahlia for a drink after dinner and sat on the outdoor terrace-nice views!

 

[whitestavern]

I spent waaaay too much time thinking about this today, researching menus, looking at reviews, etc. I still can't decide where to go, but I've got a final list. I'm going to let my dd weigh in, and it will also depend on how the day plays out, but here are the final options:

Mythos
Bice
bluezoo
Toledo
Three Bridges
(will hit Dahlia first if we go to one of the CSR options)

They all have menus that are appealing to me, nice/interesting atmosphere, and pretty good reviews. Any additional input on these is welcome.

 

[Tess]

I spent waaaay too much time thinking about this today, researching menus, looking at reviews, etc. I still can't decide where to go, but I've got a final list. I'm going to let my dd weigh in, and it will also depend on how the day plays out, but here are the final options:

Mythos
Bice
bluezoo
Toledo
Three Bridges
(will hit Dahlia first if we go to one of the CSR options)

They all have menus that are appealing to me, nice/interesting atmosphere, and pretty good reviews. Any additional input on these is welcome.

Bice is so good with a lovely atmosphere and wonderful service! Love it! Also really like Bluezoo! Can't speak to the other three since I've not had the pleasure yet.

 

[Wings3496]

Of that list, Toledo is the best, followed by Bice. Then bluezoo and three bridges, with mythos last (the mythos of today is not the mythos quality of the past).

 

[JMommyof3]

FYI there is a cheer competition at WWOS May 2-4 and 9-11. Coronado is a major hotel for both weekends and was sold out for competition goers. Mothers Day at CSR will likely be very busy especially since it's the final day and most people will be done with competition by the evening.

 

[jimmymc]

Toledo and specifically the Sangria University at Three Bridges are both worth making a special trip.

 

[WinterSolider]

The Three Bridges Signature Burger is a top 5 burger on property but no I don't think it's worth a special trip, especially if you don't have a car of your own.

It's also open-air so it can get really sticky if it's warm outside.

 

[minniebeth]

We ate at Toledo for the first time a few weeks ago~ we thought it was great! We love tapas, so our dinner consisted of several tapas style dishes. Everything was fresh, light, bright and delicious! It was different and I didn't feel like I was eating in a Disney restaurant. It was a refreshing change. I would definitely make a trip for it (honestly, no different that taking a trip to DS or another resort~)
This time we were staying on property at CSR.
The Dahlia Bar was not exactly the vibe I imagined it to be. I'm sure outside seating in the evening/at night is nice, but inside it was bright and there was a convention, so loud and crowded. The decor was pretty and the menu looks good but it wasn't the low light, low key environment I pictured it to be from pictures I've seen.
Three Bridges is good, but not worth a separate trip for imo.
Of course, every Disney restaurant is only as good a it's team that night, lol. I feel like in the past year or two there is so much inconsistency!
But I would go back to Toledo for sure, whether we are staying at CSR or not!

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

I hear all these great things about Toledo on the boards, yet the google reviews and yelp reviews aren't really that good. Service being a big issue and then some of the food just being bad.

I think I will give it a try but I am slightly concerned lol

 

[Lewisc]

"Reviewers" on Yelp and Google will down rate a restaurant if portion size is small relative to the price. They equate leisurely service with bad service.

 

[whitestavern]

FYI there is a cheer competition at WWOS May 2-4 and 9-11. Coronado is a major hotel for both weekends and was sold out for competition goers. Mothers Day at CSR will likely be very busy especially since it's the final day and most people will be done with competition by the evening.

Thanks. That's interesting because there are a ton of reservations available for Toledo (Three Bridges doesn't accept I don't believe). I'm glad we are not staying there, lol. I think we're going to end up winging it and going wherever makes most sense based on how the day flows. Worst case scenario we head to AbracadaBar for some snacks.

 

[whitestavern]

Welp, as it turns out, I won't going to Dahlia, Toledo, or Three Bridges. I ended up purchasing Epic Preview tix today. The day we were supposed to go to Universal (Mother's Day) was already sold out, so I bought tix for the 13th and will switch it with our AK day. Which actually works out well because AK is open until 8 on Mother's Day (vs 6). Looks like Mother's Day dinner will be at Nomad's.

 

[Sweettears]

Thanks. That's interesting because there are a ton of reservations available for Toledo (Three Bridges doesn't accept I don't believe). I'm glad we are not staying there, lol. I think we're going to end up winging it and going wherever makes most sense based on how the day flows. Worst case scenario we head to AbracadaBar for some snacks.

I’ve stayed at Coronado during a cheer competition weekend and barely saw any signs of participants at the resorts. Given the price point versus other options I would be surprised if it’s their first choice.

 

[kylenne]

I’m really not sure why people are downplaying Toledo so much. It’s a very solid restaurant and great spot for a special occasion. A that’s not just my opinion, for 2-3 years it has been recommended by the Michelin guide as well. And from universal it’s a 20 minute Uber ride, not some huge undertaking.

20 minutes across property vs 20 minutes down I-4 are two very different propositions. An uber ride through the worst traffic corridor in the area could be a lot longer than that if you hit it at the wrong time. (Ask me how I know.)

I’ve been there and it’s fine! But I personally don’t think it’s any better than spots at similar price points and not worth going out of your way for if you’re not a CSR guest. Jaleo does that type of cuisine better tbqh. The Michelin guide isn’t the end all be all of dining recommendations despite its prestige and I’ve never understood people outside the industry treating it like the Bible given the sheer amount of controversy and questionable choices it’s had over the years.

 

[Wings3496]

I’ve been there and it’s fine! But I personally don’t think it’s any better than spots at similar price points and not worth going out of your way for if you’re not a CSR guest. Jaleo does that type of cuisine better tbqh. The Michelin guide isn’t the end all be all of dining recommendations despite its prestige and I’ve never understood people outside the industry treating it like the Bible given the sheer amount of controversy and questionable choices it’s had over the years.

Obviously, food is very subjective, but I disagree with this. “Fine” is a counter service sandwich at Colombia harbor house. Toledo is markedly better than fine. And while the Michelin guide is not the ultimate/only food guide, it is quite good, and they are not the only ones which have listed Toledo as a high quality spot. I think it is absolutely worth a short drive from other places on property to try it out.

I do agree that Jaleo is both excellent and better than Toledo - but to do Jaleo the “best” way (their tasting menu) it is quite pricey.

 

[gharter]

We have dined at Toledo's twice and both were outstanding. We did the Chef Special with their wine pairing. Beautiful location, great food and service. Has become one of our go to's. We've tried to get to Dahlias several times, but it's always been packed with special events.

 

[gharter]

I do agree that Jaleo is both excellent and better than Toledo - but to do Jaleo the “best” way (their tasting menu) it is quite pricey.

There are few restaurants that do that style of food better than Jaleo. Yes, the tasting menu is not cheap, but it is an incredible experience. However, Jaleo can be very loud depending on where you are seated.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I hear all these great things about Toledo on the boards, yet the google reviews and yelp reviews aren't really that good. Service being a big issue and then some of the food just being bad.

I think I will give it a try but I am slightly concerned lol

I heard all the hype here. When my crew went service was mediocre and the food was ok. I expected more at that price point and from all the love it gets here. But, I am a try anything once yourself sort of person so I still encourage you to keep it!

If I was gonna be at CSR during the 40% AP discount days I’d certainly go again and give it a second shot.