Biergarten Seating

[owl0306]

Do you sit with strangers at this restaurant? I looked at pics and just see long tables. If yes, what happens when you have a baby that needs a highchair? I would love to check out this restaurant but would love to know more about that and the food. Thanks!

 

[Lumiere Lover]

Yes, you do sit with strangers at a table. I am sure with a baby they could put a high-chair at the end of the table, or remove one of the chairs for the high-chair. In September 2010 we ate with three other couples, and had a wonderful time. This past December, the people at are table were there more for the food than the conversation, so it wasn't as good of a time. The food is typical german food, bratwurst, german potato salad, other types of meats. The food is very good.

 

[owl0306]

thanks! I know some people like eating with others but me not so much. I will have to pass.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

thanks! I know some people like eating with others but me not so much. I will have to pass.

That is too bad.

Our Ratings of Biergarten: (rev 1/10/13)
. . . food price value: C
. . . food quality: B
. . . food quantity per serving: A
. . . food prep speed: B
. . . food selection: C
. . . seating quantity: B
. . . seating comfort: C
. . . eatery atmosphere: B
. . . eatery convenience: B
. . . staff friendliness: C
. . . staff attentiveness: B
. . . characters: B (entertainment, not characters)

NOTE: Seating is on long beer-hall tables, so other families will be
seated with you. Although entertainment at lunch and dinner, the
dinner show is far more fun. At dinner you get more Oom-Pah music
and dancing, let alone be chosen to participate. Although WDW likes
to Americanize its food, Biergarten remains relatively authentic. It
is good, above average German comfort food. The tables are in seats
of 6-8-10-12. (There are three tables for 4 along the mezzanine wall.)

 

[Wendybird55]

Depending upon how many in your party you can be seated with other guests. For the most part there are 2 tables put together that each sit 4. So if you are 4 or less you definately will be seated with another group. As far as needing a highchair, it's no different than any other Disney restaurant. All you need is to ask for one.

Basically half your group is on one side of the table (either towrds the front or back) and the other half across from them. The front end of the table is up against a railing as the tables are on tiers so all guests can enjoy the entertainment. Which is fun.

It's buffet style and we enjoy the food. You may think it awkward sitting with a group of strangers, but it's really not that bad. The 2 groups of people tend to talk and act amongst themselves and it's not like you're forced to interact and make small talk with strangers. Depending upon the other group you may or may not interact with them. We usually exchange some plesantrie with the other group..usually talk about Disney things exchange info, stuff like that...maybe ask "where are you from". But it's not intrusive at all, plus a good portion of the time people are focused on the entertainment.

It's a loud, lively atmosphere which can be fun for younger ones. They can even get up and do the chicken dance if they want.

 

[Peachkins]

thanks! I know some people like eating with others but me not so much. I will have to pass.

Although our family did ultimately decide to go to Biergarten, I feel the same way. Even our family of six ended up seated with another couple. I have to say though, the food was really good. I'm not even that big a fan of German food and found plenty to like. The theming and atmosphere was a lot of fun, as was the live entertainment.

 

[Dis703]

Honestly, we were so involved in our meal and DS and the entertainment I barely noticed the others sitting at our table. I wouldn't let the concern over sitting with others keep you from trying it out. It was one of our better dining experiences at DW and we loved it enough that we plan to eat there each trip.

 

[minnie mum]

Honestly, we were so involved in our meal and DS and the entertainment I barely noticed the others sitting at our table. I wouldn't let the concern over sitting with others keep you from trying it out. It was one of our better dining experiences at DW and we loved it enough that we plan to eat there each trip.

Pretty much what I was going to say. I really don't get the angst about possibly sitting at the same long table with another family. This is SO traditionally German- we actually experienced this situation all over Europe. And when you think about it- at most WDW restaurants the tables are SO closely spaced (hello LC and San Angel Inn!!) that you might as well be seated at the same table anyway.

We love the food and the beer is first rate. No problem removing a chair and putting in a highchair for the little one either.

 

[Mousemommy1]

We do not mind sitting with others, we think it's kind of cool actually. But, over multiple experiences at Biergarten, it can really go either way. We've had people who are clearly into meeting new people and some who are just not (in those situations, we just enjoy our own company and the food). It's not like you are forced to talk to the people at your table, I wouldn't let that aspect atop you from going. It's a really neat restaurant.

 

[katied718]

We were surprised when they seated our family of 4 with an older party of 4-we had no idea that's how the seating worked. The restaurant was a very last minute selection due to me screwing up the ADR's (as in-I made the ADR at a restaurant that was in a different park & it's our last night and its 6pm & we need to find SOMETHING that we can use this dining credit on, lol). And let me tell you-after a week of typical Disney restaurant food-it was FANTASTIC to get what I would consider a "home cooked" meal. Very very yummy & we will be definitely going there again. And the people we were seated with we're very interesting to talk to-turns out they were former cast members & the one couples son is currently Goofy at one of the parks. Do it was a great experience.

 

[CruznLexi]

It is not much different than eating on a cruise. We had a great experience when we ate there in Dec. we do eat there every trip it is one of my favorites. We did live in Germany though.

 

[FiggieFan]

We really would rather sit by ourselves because i am always worried about who they are going to sit us with and I am not comfortable with small talk, but we would never pass up the Biergarten because of it. On our February trip, we went twice. The first time, the other people at the table were having their own conversations and didn't even respond when I said hello - that was fine - we did our own thing and it was better than forcing an uncomfortable conversation. I do understand b/c they were having issues with a teenage son that did not want to try or eat anything. The second time, we sat with a family of 6 and it was GREAT - it could not have gone better. We had so much in common and had a great time. Food selection is great and so is the music show.

 

[ses1230]

We really would rather sit by ourselves because i am always worried about who they are going to sit us with and I am not comfortable with small talk, but we would never pass up the Biergarten because of it. On our February trip, we went twice. The first time, the other people at the table were having their own conversations and didn't even respond when I said hello - that was fine - we did our own thing and it was better than forcing an uncomfortable conversation. I do understand b/c they were having issues with a teenage son that did not want to try or eat anything. The second time, we sat with a family of 6 and it was GREAT - it could not have gone better. We had so much in common and had a great time. Food selection is great and so is the music show.

I have found the same thing about Biergarten. Sometimes we just say hello and keep to ourselves, but sometimes the other people are fun! Once we sat with a family whose kids were the same age as ours, so conversation was easy, and it got even easier after they bought a bottle of wine for the table!

Seriously though OP, it sounds like you have made your decision, but I am glad that we went to Biergarten, it is now a must-do for us. I love the food and I could make a meal on the salads alone! And the band is so good, the best part for my kids is getting up to dance to the music!

 

[pl4bby]

I don't like sitting with strangers either. Big turn off even though I hear the food is good

 

[Disneylover99]

We went there twice, once when it was very busy and we sat with another family and once when it was dead and we sat by ourselves at a table.

We much prefer the Biergarten when it is crowded. It has a different vibe when it is packed....more fun!

 

[KrazeeK120]

I've been there 3 times and it's been one of the highlights of my trip each time.

I went with DH all 3 times...the first and third time, we were seated with another couple and a family of 4. Neither of the families seemed particularly interested in interacting with us, but the couples we were seated with were great to talk to! They were both older than us and it was fun to hear where their lives had taken them and why they were at Disney.

The 2nd time, we were seated with a father/college age daughter (it was adorable, the dad was concerned that he wouldn't have much longer to take such trips with his daughter) and a late 30s couple with the cutest (and best behaved) 4 year old boy ever. Our whole table talked with each other and had a very nice lunch.

I would think that they could accommodate a high chair, and getting to meet new people is such a fun experience. The food is really tasty too!!! I really cannot say enough good things about Biergarten. It's one of DH and I's two favorite restaurants.