Carnation v. Plaza Inn chicken

[mcm574]

I've heard such great things about the fried chicken at the Plaza Inn... but just discovered Carnation Cafe has fried chicken on the menu as well. How do they compare???

 

[Ckkk]

Its the exact same price and to me is exactly the same. I feel like most people will go with Plaza Inn though. Carnation is going to require a reservation and Plaza Inn is a walk in except like the first 15 minutes when it opens at noon(there tends to be a line).

 

[DLgal]

It's totally different. The chicken at Carnation Cafe is a boneless breast (with skin), and served with totally different veggies on the side, as well as a different gravy (a true milk gravy). At Plaza Inn, it's chicken on the bone and the gravy is only on the potatoes and is kind of thin/watery compared to the one at Carnation Cafe. Also, you get a roll at Carnation Cafe. You get a biscuit at Plaza Inn.

They are both equally good, IMO. I really like the one at Carnation Cafe, but if I don't feel like doing a sit down, the Plaza Inn is just fine with me.

 

[mcm574]

Thanks for the input! - we're trying to make reservations for dinner every night to force ourselves to take a break - and Carnation Cafe is downright affordable compared to some of the other options! That said, it seems like we could justify doing both dinner at Carnation and a lunch at Plaza Inn, perhaps to do our own compare and contrast exercise!

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

As a previous poster said the chicken is different styles. Both are good, in terms of portion size though you get a lot more chicken at the Plaza. At the Plaza you get 3 pieces (or 2 breasts) and at the Carnation it is one piece and not that big. I would get chicken at the Plaza and something else at Carnation lots of good options.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

Let us know what you think!

 

[ADLFAN]

I've had both and the Plaza Inn is the one that is my new "must do" on future trips! I loved every bit of the meal and it would have been even better if I'd remembered to ask for white meat only. The Carnation Cafe was a good meal, too, and we even got seated in the little gazebo on the patio for perfect people watching! My husband had the sourdough melt thing and thought it was ok but a little greasy, and there wasnt much else on the menu he was interested in. He loved the pot roast at the Plaza Inn! I would like to do Carnation Cafe for a breakfast with their large Mickey waffle, yum! I think it would be best to do both, like you said! And now just thinking about it makes me want to check the menu again and plot possibilities!

Have fun planning!

 

[Bud Ice]

Popeyes 2pc Spicy.

 

[Xenorye]

Thanks for the input! - we're trying to make reservations for dinner every night to force ourselves to take a break - and Carnation Cafe is downright affordable compared to some of the other options! That said, it seems like we could justify doing both dinner at Carnation and a lunch at Plaza Inn, perhaps to do our own compare and contrast exercise!

Carnation Cafe is good stuff. I really enjoyed the meatloaf.

 

[chrisaman]

I've had both and the Plaza Inn is the one that is my new "must do" on future trips! I loved every bit of the meal and it would have been even better if I'd remembered to ask for white meat only. The Carnation Cafe was a good meal, too, and we even got seated in the little gazebo on the patio for perfect people watching! My husband had the sourdough melt thing and thought it was ok but a little greasy, and there wasnt much else on the menu he was interested in. He loved the pot roast at the Plaza Inn! I would like to do Carnation Cafe for a breakfast with their large Mickey waffle, yum! I think it would be best to do both, like you said! And now just thinking about it makes me want to check the menu again and plot possibilities!

Have fun planning!

Yum, Mickey waffles

 

[tarheelalum]

A lot more bang for the buck at Plaza Inn from my experience. My wife and I always split the plate and both of us are full at the end of the meal. It is probably the best value at DL.

 

[mcm574]

Sounds like the Carnation reservation is a keeper, but perhaps we'll try something other than the chicken. I will be sure to report back after our April trip!

 

[theluckyrabbit]

We like the chicken at both places and find the portions large enough for 2 adults to share. The chicken at Carnation Cafe is a little bit spicy, so if that might be a problem, Plaza Inn would be a better choice. We've also found that the CC chicken can be a bit fresher than the PI chicken because it doesn't sit in a warming tray. It is made in the kitchen and comes right out to you. During busy times, the PI chicken doesn't sit, though, because turnover is so high. The warming trays get refilled often. The one thing we like better at Carnation Cafe is being led to a table, instead of searching for a table at Plaza Inn (not a problem during off times, but sometimes a big problem during busy times).

 

[GatorChris]

Sounds like the Carnation reservation is a keeper, but perhaps we'll try something other than the chicken. I will be sure to report back after our April trip!

Make the time to hit Plaza Inn for the chicken - you won't be disappointed. But Carnation Cafe has a lot of good stuff to try, including the yummy meatloaf. Throw in some fried pickles and a milkshake and you've got yourself a great meal!

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

We enjoy Carnation Cafe occasionally, but we haven't tried the chicken there since we feel like we get a good bang for the buck on the Plaza Inn chicken. At Carnation, my older son and I love the baked potato soup. He and my husband are also fans of the meatloaf. My younger son turned us on to the sourdough bacon cheese melt which surprised us because tasty burgers aren't a common experience for us inside the park.

 

[amyg1975]

All this talk about Carnation Cafe made me finally book a reservation for us. We ate there once, and loved it, so I look forward to going back. None of us had the chicken, but everything we did have was fabulous!

 

[pepe3penelope]

DH and I hands down prefer the fried chicken at Plaza Inn. Our kids go crazy over them as well so we order extra drumsticks just for them!

 

[Indiana Scott]

I enjoy the whole experience at the Plaza Inn just a little bit more. There's something about being in such an original part of the park (designed by Lillian Disney) and it's generally slow and quiet there when we dine. It's wonderful to sit in the atrium and people watch over Main St.
I guess it doesn't make much difference though because we always dine at both establishments at least once!

 

[mcm574]

After all my planning, things went awry due to my 2-year-old's terrible case of croup!

We did make it to Carnation Cafe our first night, where three of our group actually did have the chicken and loved it. I went with meatloaf, and my SIL with fish - all very enjoyable, and a good amount of hearty food for that first day, when we were exhausted. While the aforementioned sickness meant we didn't make it to the Plaza Inn - at least we've got something to look forward to next time! Thanks for your input, everyone!...