Biergaden or Ale and Compass

[OHIOVACATIONER]

We have reservation for both of these to attend the CP. Cannot find a firm menu of Biergarden but that is probably because it is a buffet. What are your thoughts on the selection of food at Biergarden for those of you that have been there. MS said Ale and Compass is mostly seafood and we aren't that much on seafood and Biergarden is closer to CP. Also do you know how many TS it is for either. I thought I read 2. So for a party of 2 would that take away 4 TS.

Thank you

 

[JoJoGirl]

Hello from a fellow Ohio traveler! We will also be in WDW over Christmas season and had a similar dilemma. I’ve eaten at both places and both are very good options, but so very different! I depends on what you are looking for. We are booked at the Boardwalk so Ale & Compass would be very convenient, but we decided on Biergarten for our CP package.

Biergarten Pros:

- Food selection is very good, plenty for everyone to choose from. Lots of meat selections. Unlimited amounts of whatever you like best, even if it’s dinner rolls (my son’s favorite, lol!)
- Fun dinner show, with some Christmas touches thrown in that time of year
- Convenience: you won’t have to leave the park to eat.
- Beer. Big steins of yummy German beer.
- We are paying OOP, so the cost being less than other CP packages was also a consideration for us.

Biergarten Cons:

- You will need to fetch your own food
- Seating time can be longer than average, but easy to grab a beer from the outside stand while you wait.
- Communal seating at large tables with other guests. This doesn’t bother us, but YMMV.

Ale & Compass Pros:

- Much calmer atmosphere and full table service. Would be a nice respite from a day in the parks.
- Food is quite good if you are in the mood for New England inspired cuisine.
- You won’t have to share a table, and the restaurant is much quieter. Conversation is much easier here.


Ale & Compass Cons:

- Not as convenient. Have to leave and re-enter Epcot. The location is close, but it will still require an extra 10 minutes from the IG, plus bag check while returning.
- It’s a very good restaurant but not as Unique and “Disney Festive” as the Biergarten.
- You get what you are served. I actually loved my supper there, so as long as you order well this is not a huge issue. I ordered seafood so cannot comment on the landlubber selections.

Honestly, I would consider paying OOP for the CP package at Biergarten rather than using your TS credits (not sure about the cost at Ale & Compass, but I expect it’s similar). I think you could get much better value for two TS credits elsewhere, like Flying Fish or Yachtsman on another night.

Have fun planning!

 

[OHIOVACATIONER]

Lots of good information. Originally I was thinking it was just 2 TS but for both of us it would be 4 which wouldn't even be enough because I was only considering buying the DDP for 2 nights. Maybe I should pay OOP and then use the other TS at the GF which is where we are staying. Short trip. Thank you so much.

 

[Hopefully]

Lots of good information. Originally I was thinking it was just 2 TS but for both of us it would be 4 which wouldn't even be enough because I was only considering buying the DDP for 2 nights. Maybe I should pay OOP and then use the other TS at the GF which is where we are staying. Short trip. Thank you so much.

Not sure what you are thinking when you say “ I was only considering buying the DDP for 2 nights”. DDP Must be purchased for everyone in your party for EVERY NIGHT of your reservation.

 

[OHIOVACATIONER]

We are only staying 3 nights. First at the Boardwalk and the other 2 at the GF so if I buy the DDP it would just be for 2 nights at the GF.

 

[lovin'fl]

Do you have a CP package booked at both? If not, it may be tough to get now.

I will say we do Biergarten a lot. It's one of my family's must do places. Past couple times I have been disappointed and last time it was so bad, I said I never wanted to go again. We have it booked for January...sigh. Anyway, it was soooo bad because the wait (to be seated) is so long now. Then the place is mobbed and lines at buffet are long. You have line cutters and also line dictators (snapping at the line cutters). The food has also gone down in quality a touch. Also, we were seated down by the dance floor where about 25 little kids were running all around unsupervised. We were in the corner by this water fountain thing and the kids were coming over and splashing in it right by our table and plates of food. It was nerve wracking. But there have been other times we went when it was great. Lunch time is particularly better. It was unseasonably cold that week (during my last visit to Biergarten) and maybe folks just lingered inside restaurants more than usual.

 

[OHIOVACATIONER]

Yes I do have one booked at both but I need to decide and cancel one. I am sure there are people waiting for reservations. Hmmmm. I can see the advantage to a sit down restaurant. I may have to reconsider. Thank you