Brown Derby Reviews!

[BlondeAppetit]

I am considering switching around my AK day and doing the morning at AK and the evening at HS.

Currently we have a Jiko reservation at 6pm.

Am I crazy to consider switching it to the Brown Derby for the Fantasmic package?

Thoughts?

 

[OhThePain]

There are some Signature restaurants where you will feel comfortable eating in right from the parks... HBD is one of those. There are some Signatures where you might feel really uncomfortable sitting in unless you are clean and showered... Jiko is one of those. While it seems like a no brainer going from AK to Jiko, your dining experience may not be the greatest if you show up all hot and sweaty. Jiko has much better food than HBD (although we really enjoyed HBD back in October), you may want to consider which restaurant you might feel most comfortable in if going right from the parks.

 

[illinidp]

We would definitely make that switch as HBD is one of our favorite WDW restaurants.

 

[AWish]

I'd always choose Jiko over HBD based on food quality and atmosphere.

Fantasmic is awesome, but both times I've done the HBD with Fantasmic, I've felt like I could've gotten similar seating without the package.

 

[sookie]

Jiko is SO MUCH better than the Brown Derby. It is my favorite signature. Stay with Jiko! You won't regret it!

 

[MattRyan]

Haven't had Jiko, but here's my opinions on HBD Fantasmic Package.

It's great that you don't have to wait in line for the show, people were waiting over 2 hours and we walked up 45 minutes before, so that was nice.

As for the food...

Dinner rolls are good, just standard dinner rolls.
Appetizers: I found the variety of appetizers lacking, it was basically seafood apps, cobb salad, and a cheese plate. I didn't like eat of those, so only nibbled at my appetizer.
Entrees: The filet is amazing, and the bed of mashed potatoes is divine! The Cabernet and shallot butter on the steak is bland however.
Desserts: You get to choose 3 mini desserts, they are VERY tiny and I also found them to be VERY disappointing.

 

[sephorachick]

I had amazing food & service both times at Brown Derby. My FAVORITE adult beverage is there too. Here are link to my reviews & pics:

http://yohoyohobloggerslifeforme.blogspot.com/2012/07/wdw-brown-derby-vs-ny-brown-derby.html


http://yohoyohobloggerslifeforme.blogspot.com/2013/06/brown-derby-review.html

 

[Disneyglobegirl]

On our past trip this June we dined at both Jiko and The Brown Derby...Maybe we just hit Jiko on an off night but it was just not that great...definately not what I expected for the price and and all the raves reviews it gets here....I had the Filet with Mac and Cheese...the filet was stringy and tough and no flavor and the mac and cheese was very very bland....could not believe that was the mac and cheese that gets all these rave reviews We did enjoy the wine and our Appetizers and Dessert but the Mains were just blah and for that price we're not so sure we would go back to Jiko again.

Our Fantasmic dinner at The Hollywood Brown Derby was excellent!! We enjoyed everything we ordered and had a great server. No complaints about anything there at all..... will definitely go back there again.

 

[rsimon]

On our past trip this June we dined at both Jiko and The Brown Derby...Maybe we just hit Jiko on an off night but it was just not that great...definately not what I expected for the price and and all the raves reviews it gets here....I had the Filet with Mac and Cheese...the filet was stringy and tough and no flavor and the mac and cheese was very very bland....could not believe that was the mac and cheese that gets all these rave reviews We did enjoy the wine and our Appetizers and Dessert but the Mains were just blah and for that price we're not so sure we would go back to Jiko again.

Our Fantasmic dinner at The Hollywood Brown Derby was excellent!! We enjoyed everything we ordered and had a great server. No complaints about anything there at all..... will definitely go back there again.

Did you specifically request the Filet with Mac & Cheese? They haven't had it on the menu that way for some time (since the new Chef took over) and even though they will make it for you if you request it, there is no comparison to the way it used to be.

Quite frankly, Jiko has gone down hill under the new Chef and we don't go there nearly as often as we used to.

To the OP, we haven't been to dinner at BD, but we really enjoy the lunches there. The food has always been good there for lunch at least. You might also consider Sanaa as it is really good and a change of pace.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Our Ratings of Brown Derby: (*rev 2/24/2014*)
. . . food price value: D
. . . food quality: C
. . . food quantity per serving: C
. . . food prep speed: B
. . . food selection: C
. . . seating quantity: C
. . . seating comfort: C
. . . eatery atmosphere: B
. . . eatery convenience: B
. . . staff friendliness: C
. . . staff attentiveness: D
. . . character interaction: n/a

Our Recommendations:
. . . appys:... Crispy Phyllo Napoleon
. . . entree:.. Herb-Roasted Rack of Lamb
. . . dessert:. Banana Toffee Cake, Grapefruit Cake Chocolate Sphere


NOTE: Declared a Disney "signature" restaurant, Brown Derby does not measure up to
the classification. Although a relaxing atmosphere, the food quality is below average.
This is a Disney-owned eatery, not a true Brown Derby. Brown Derby made a licensing
agreement with Disney. Only the original Derby remains. In six states, there are "Brown
Derby Roadhouses" which were opened by Girves. They are no longer connected with
Brown Derby or Disney's Brown Derby. As for Hollywood Studios, Girves should not have
allowed Disney to denigrate the famous Brown Derby name and reputation.

 

[Disneyglobegirl]

Did you specifically request the Filet with Mac & Cheese? They haven't had it on the menu that way for some time (since the new Chef took over) and even though they will make it for you if you request it, there is no comparison to the way it used to be.

Quite frankly, Jiko has gone down hill under the new Chef and we don't go there nearly as often as we used to.

To the OP, we haven't been to dinner at BD, but we really enjoy the lunches there. The food has always been good there for lunch at least. You might also consider Sanaa as it is really good and a change of pace.

Yes I made the request after reading reviews here that they would still serve it that way if you ask.....We were definitely disappointed. We will add Sanaa to our list next time

 

[starousse]

I would definitely not switch out Jiko for Brown Derby.

 

[akadada]

Unfortunately we're not making it easy for you...many mixed opinions.

we've never had a bad experience at HBD; and we go every time (probably 5 times in 8 years). It's always been good to great. One time we sat right next to a table with Tom Hamilton (fans know who he is, otherwise google). Anyway, it's a great restaurant from our opinion: both food and service.

We've done Jiko twice in the past 8 years; first time was very good (not great). This last time was unmemorable except the price. Poor service, okay food; ridiculously expensive. nice atmosphere though. HBD you can pick apart the menu to keep it within a budget, for example the Cobb Salad two ways.

I personally think you can have a good experience at either, so perhaps you should let your itinerary and comfort level drive the decision over food.

 

[disney meema]

It's been awhile but we loved our dinners at brown derby and as part of the fantasmic show it's a win win! Will be trying Jiko's during our stay at AKL and looking forward to it, but I like to eat where we are going or where we are that particular day or evening.

 

[Sencybil]

Oooh - tough choice! Loved both of these. I think you'll enjoy either one, so don't stress too much. If you do go with Jiko, make sure you go out to the Savannah with the night vision glasses, it added a fun element to the evening.

Sencybil x