Are We Right?

[k8Davies]

So yesterday I got an email for Disney which had the top 5 Disney Restaurants as voted for by UK Facebookers:

5. Chef Mickey
4. The Crystal Palace
3. 'Ohana
2. Rain Forest Cafe (AK)

and at number one was:

Be Our Guest

Considering I have these all as ADRs for my November trip can't really complain too much, although I am shocked the Cali Grill isn't on there as that's my favorite.

So what do you guys think of the UK choices?

 

[Jonas_Swe]

Interesting list indeed.

I agree with 5, and 3 to be on the list. But not in the given order.

My list would be:

1. Yachtsman Steakhouse
   
2. Marrakesh
3. Chef Mickey's
4. Liberty Tree Tavern
5. 'Ohana

But I'd absolutely go for getting ADR's for all of them if you want, and then perhaps cancel when you get closer to the trip or when you're there, depending on changed plans or new input on site.

That's for example how I found Artist Point at The Wilderness Lodge. Well, since I had booked a stay at the resort I knew that the restaurant existed of course, but I had never looked into what they offered and honestly thought it would be too upscale for me.

I had an ADR for another venue that evening, don't remember exactly where right now, but anyway... after relaxing for a day at the resort I just had to peek in to AP and I also met a CM that told me more about it, and managed to sell the experience to me. So I walked over to the concierge desk and asked if there were any room left for two adults, and yest it was. That evening I had a truly amazing dinner experience!

 

[Sargeant Tibbs]

I love that you already booked every single one on the list, op. Barring Rainforest, these are all quintessential wdw restaurants, so this list makes sense. I'm guessing the Rainforest Cafe franchise has not made it over to the UK? Otherwise, I don't think it would have made the list. Maybe I'm underestimating people's love for the place. Maybe the U.S. would also place it in the top five.

I'm interested in seeing top fives from other countries as well. I'd wager BOG makes the list every time.

 

[DrunkJam]

I had such a horrific experience at the Rainforest Cafe in London (which is the same chain) that I will NEVER ever book and spend money with them EVER again.

I have tried MOST of the rest (hoping to try BOG dinner when we are there) and not sure I would order them that way, although, they are all very Disney Experiences, which is a win for getting the most out of your stay I guess...

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

You know there's a travel myth that the UK does not have the best food options. This list might serve to confirm that. At least a few of those are on my "never again" list.

 

[DrunkJam]

You know there's a travel myth that the UK does not have the best food options. This list might serve to confirm that. At least a few of those are on my "never again" list.

There are others on the list I would not do twice for the food, but twice for the experience ( especially having taken my 9yr old when he was 4 and seen his face at some of the experiences I would do those again now we are taking a will be 4 yr old daughter too this time)

 

[Nancyg56]

So yesterday I got an email for Disney which had the top 5 Disney Restaurants as voted for by UK Facebookers:

5. Chef Mickey
4. The Crystal Palace
3. 'Ohana
2. Rain Forest Cafe (AK)

and at number one was:

Be Our Guest

Considering I have these all as ADRs for my November trip can't really complain too much, although I am shocked the Cali Grill isn't on there as that's my favorite.

So what do you guys think of the UK choices?

I think that there is a different standard for "top Disney" restaurants , and "Best Disney" restaurants. Witht eh exception of RFC, I send people to all those restaurants on your list, starting with CM. To me, CM screams Disney, as does CP. BOG is like an attraction all by itself, between the theme and the details, it is worth visiting when inside the MK. 'Ohana is fun, and despite it's hit or miss quality of late, it is still Classic Disney.

So yes, I agree!

 

[lovin'fl]

No...wrong!
My list...and not in order:
Sanaa, Cali Grill, Jiko, 50s Prime Time, Le Cellier
Ohana used to be but they have waned over the years.

 

[k8Davies]

I have tried MOST of the rest (hoping to try BOG dinner when we are there) and not sure I would order them that way, although, they are all very Disney Experiences, which is a win for getting the most out of your stay I guess...

I think you're right about the experience as for most UK visitors, due to cost we might have to wait a bit longer between trips. As with me I normally have to wait at least two years between my visits so I can save up.

So this might reflect people's favorite experience while dinning rather than their favorite food experiences.

 

[Sargeant Tibbs]

You know there's a travel myth that the UK does not have the best food options. This list might serve to confirm that. At least a few of those are on my "never again" list.

Remember, these are people who are mostly travelling with children, as well some are grown up children seeking to recapture childhood memories at some of these restaurants. I don't think the list would alter much if Americans or Canadians were polled.

 

[mystery222184]

Maybe "most popular" would be a better title for this list. Ohana is one of my favorites, but the rest wouldn't make any list of "Best".

For me - Cali Grill, Artist Point, Narcosees (despite drowning my tuna in too much sauce), Ohana, and Jiko would be added to the list. Hoping the new Flying Fish will be added after our December stay

 

[rwdavis2]

You know there's a travel myth that the UK does not have the best food options. This list might serve to confirm that. At least a few of those are on my "never again" list.

Agreed. We're doing BoG in November and I would eat at Crystal Palace again. But never the other 3.

 

[DisBuckMan]

5. Chef Mickey.....overrated
4. The Crystal Palace...good breakfast, otherwise meh
3. 'Ohana...not quite what it used to be
2. Rain Forest Cafe (AK)...typical chain food.

and at number one was:

Be Our Guest...the most overrated restaurant on property.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

5. Chef Mickey.....overrated
4. The Crystal Palace...good breakfast, otherwise meh
3. 'Ohana...not quite what it used to be
2. Rain Forest Cafe (AK)...typical chain food.

and at number one was:

Be Our Guest...the most overrated restaurant on property.

But but but the precisely frozen pastries and the cool whip with Oreos in it!!!

 

[L&Lfan]

I've tried them all except Chef Mickey's and none of them would ever have me desire to return there anytime soon.

My list (in no particular order)
1. Shula's
2. bluezoo
3. Yachtsman Steakhouse
4. Boma
5. Il Mulino

 

[goofyintoronto]

So yesterday I got an email for Disney which had the top 5 Disney Restaurants as voted for by UK Facebookers:

5. Chef Mickey
4. The Crystal Palace
3. 'Ohana
2. Rain Forest Cafe (AK)

and at number one was:

Be Our Guest

Considering I have these all as ADRs for my November trip can't really complain too much, although I am shocked the Cali Grill isn't on there as that's my favorite.

So what do you guys think of the UK choices?

Top 5 based on what???? Food? or atmosphere? I'll assume its based on atmosphere and NOT food because no way in heck do any of those places have the best food.

5. Chef Mickey - this is a joke right? theme and characters, yes, awesome. But the food sucks.
4. The Crystal Palace - great breakfast theme and characters, but certainly not the best in disney
3. 'Ohana - awful food at dinner. nice atmosphere though.
2. Rain Forest Cafe (AK) - really???? rainforest???? no comment!
1. BOG - Decent food, but the best? Really???

Everyone has their own idea as to what "the best" should be....so I wont list what mine are. But im highly offended by this list!

 

[Pixie Dust ✨]

I doubt any of these made the list due to spectacular food but rather "where vacationers from the UK had the most fun with their families." Nothing wrong with that.

Now, if someone really thinks they had their best Disney meal at Chef Mickey's based on food alone, well, then we need to talk.

 

[LilyWDW]

Yea, thinking that's more about "most popular" then anything about the actual food. "Best" is also very subjective. So here is more of my "must do" locations for myself personally and what I would suggest to others who have never been.

1. Raglan Road
2. Flying Fish
3. Jiko
4. Grand Floridian Cafe (what can I say, I love the burger)
5. Crystal Palace (breakfast)

Now, I do really like BOG but I only go for lunch so I didn't add it as that QS and the rest are TS.

 

[DrunkJam]

I doubt any of these made the list due to spectacular food but rather "where vacationers from the UK had the most fun with their families." Nothing wrong with that.

Now, if someone really thinks they had their best Disney meal at Chef Mickey's based on food alone, well, then we need to talk.

I think so.

We would rate Ohana really highly. Is the food we had the best we ever tasted? Of course not. But, we sat down, with my autistic son, and everything was something he would eat, and no one had to get up and supervise and calm buffet ness, or head off meltdowns about food on his plate touching other food he can't deal with. So, it was a good meal experience for us.
Chef Mickey's we cannot do again. The food was perfectly edible, but the chaos, and the stress of meeting characters and getting the right food and the crazy noise level made it not enjoyable.
Tusker House Breakfast on the other hand was the right mix of breakfast food choices we enjoy (Not best EVER, but we liked them) and magic of meeting the characters without scary queues, or too much noise. That was our Disney Magic meal.

We don't go to Disney for the best ever food, but for the overall experience.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

Food reviews are subjective. If you like a place, really like a place, does it matter what Yelp or other people say?

I find it interesting that Raglan and Rose & Crown aren't on here. Feeds into my theory of subjectivity (that sounds far too scientific..)

I'm from NY and haven't had good Italian food in Disney—outside Il Mulino. We're trying Via Napoli for the first time this year and I'm lowering my expectations, although our family friends rave about it and they're from NY. I don't like the pizza, but love the lobster rolls. Now, someone from New England (where lobster rolls are popular here in the states) may scoff at the lobster rolls.

Just like at Rose & Crown where I raved about the scotch eggs. I have family in England and when I posted a picture of the scotch eggs, my cousin wrote me and said "you're having scotch eggs as an appetizer?!"

You chose some great restaurants. We love 'Ohana. Be Our Guest is good, but not great. I certainly wouldn't say it's the #1 restaurant at Disney. BUT - the food is decent and it's a must-do for Disney fans. The decor and theming is bar-none. Chef Mickey's is OKAY. The food isn't great but families love the place. It's the one spot to meet all the main characters. I don't care for Rainforest Cafe, but I'm a food snob and don't like chain places (like Rainforest, Applebees, Chili's.) I really like Crystal Palace for breakfast. Now, some people don't like buffets, but I LOVE breakfast and the fact that I can load up on Mickey waffles and eggs.

My top 5 would be:

5) Cape May Breakfast
4) Rose & Crown
3) Ohana
2) Boma
1) Narcoossee's