Comment on my dining plans?

[julieryc]

My family's going to Disney World for the first time in 18 years in April (and it'll be our first vacation in 14 years, so I'm trying to make everything great.) I've booked some tentative reservations, but it's far enough out that I can still change things if it turns out I've picked terrible restaurants.

We're going Friday-Thursday, with Monday-Tuesday visiting Universal. I only want to do ADRs for dinner, since I didn't want to plan the entire day around eating. Staying at AKL.

Here are our dinner plans:

Friday (arrival day!): Jiko (as part of Wanyama Safari)
Saturday: Mama Melrose's (with Fantasmic! reservations)
Sunday: Le Chefs de France
Monday/Tuesday: Nothing planned since I don't know what time we'll return from Universal; I'm thinking if we get back to the hotel before they close, either Boma or Sanaa. (Should I make reservations for either? Are reservations definitely needed? Like I said, it would be difficult since I don't know what time we'll return. Also, I want to eat lunch or dinner at the Harry Potter restaurants at Universal, which might cover dinner plans there.)
Wednesday: Le Cellier
Thursday: Be Our Guest (I really want to try it, plus, Be Our Guest + Wishes seemed like a really nice way to end the trip)

Are these good, or should I change any of them? My dad is not super-adventurous when it comes to food and not generally a fan of Japanese food. Also, should we make an effort to eat at Boma and/or Sanaa for dinner at some point, since we're at AKL and I've heard it's got the best food of any resort? Food quality (and service) matters much, much more than alcohol quality.

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[memakwed]

I think all are good choices. We've stopped doing le cellier the last few trips because we felt it was played out but no complaints of the food. I think your dad will enjoy all choices. Boma and Sanaa may not appeal but Boma is a trip fave for us. Maybe a late dinner ADR but only if it would be good for your dad.

 

[ReluctantDisaholic]

We love Boma - and none of us are particularly adventurous eaters

 

[CandiceF]

My kids are not adventurous eaters and loved Mamma Melrose!

 

[jimmytammy]

My family's going to Disney World for the first time in 18 years in April (and it'll be our first vacation in 14 years, so I'm trying to make everything great.) I've booked some tentative reservations, but it's far enough out that I can still change things if it turns out I've picked terrible restaurants.

We're going Friday-Thursday, with Monday-Tuesday visiting Universal. I only want to do ADRs for dinner, since I didn't want to plan the entire day around eating. Staying at AKL.

Here are our dinner plans:

Friday (arrival day!): Jiko (as part of Wanyama Safari)We have not eat here but have friends that loved it
Saturday: Mama Melrose's (with Fantasmic! reservations)MM not a fave of ours anymore but it is a great way to see Fantasmic
Sunday: Le Chefs de FranceIts been a few yrs but I remember the French Onion Soup being amazing. Just for thought, we lean towards San Angel Inn, Biergarten and Rose N Crown more, and specifically got to Nine Dragons for Honey Sesame Chicken and Vai Napoli for Piccante Pizza
Monday/Tuesday: Nothing planned since I don't know what time we'll return from Universal; I'm thinking if we get back to the hotel before they close, either Boma or Sanaa. (Should I make reservations for either? Are reservations definitely needed? Like I said, it would be difficult since I don't know what time we'll return. Also, I want to eat lunch or dinner at the Harry Potter restaurants at Universal, which might cover dinner plans there.)Ressies are definite for Boma and Sanna can be hit and miss for needing one. Boma is tops in the food dept. as far as buffets go. The HP restaurants are good, but given choice, I would go Boma. Do a light lunch at HP
Wednesday: Le CellierSince they went signature we have avoided, but it is very good
Thursday: Be Our Guest (I really want to try it, plus, Be Our Guest + Wishes seemed like a really nice way to end the trip)Ate lunch here in Oct, theming is awesome, food was good, overall, great experience

Are these good, or should I change any of them? My dad is not super-adventurous when it comes to food and not generally a fan of Japanese food. Also, should we make an effort to eat at Boma and/or Sanaa for dinner at some point, since we're at AKL and I've heard it's got the best food of any resort? Food quality (and service) matters much, much more than alcohol quality.Since you are this close to AKL, yes to either, though we have only eaten at Boma, I would give nod to this one for lots of flavors

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[dancemonkey]

Three Broomsticks is a must at universal. We go every time we're at universal!

 

[wdw&sonny]

Tchoup Chop at City Walk to end your IoA day.
Otherwise all great choices. I assume you have PH since you have 2 EP restaurants chosen.

 

[JZCubed]

Friday (arrival day!): Jiko (as part of Wanyama Safari)
Saturday: Mama Melrose's (with Fantasmic! reservations)
Sunday: Le Chefs de France
Monday/Tuesday: Nothing planned since I don't know what time we'll return from Universal; I'm thinking if we get back to the hotel before they close, either Boma or Sanaa. (Should I make reservations for either? Are reservations definitely needed? Like I said, it would be difficult since I don't know what time we'll return. Also, I want to eat lunch or dinner at the Harry Potter restaurants at Universal, which might cover dinner plans there.)
Wednesday: Le Cellier
Thursday: Be Our Guest (I really want to try it, plus, Be Our Guest + Wishes seemed like a really nice way to end the trip)

Are these good, or should I change any of them? My dad is not super-adventurous when it comes to food and not generally a fan of Japanese food. Also, should we make an effort to eat at Boma and/or Sanaa for dinner at some point, since we're at AKL and I've heard it's got the best food of any resort? Food quality (and service) matters much, much more than alcohol quality.

Thanks in advance for any help!

I rarely recommend traveling for food at Disney unless you are driving yourselves.

Reason is simple - Disney does not make it easy going resort-to-resort via Disney Transportation.

Jiko - if staying at AKLodge, this is an excellent choice.
Mama Melrose - we enjoy the Fantasmic! package since you have access to some of the best available seats for the show. Given your other Signature choices, I'm surprised you did not select Brown Derby.
Le Chefs de France - anything in Epcot other than Nine Dragons. Food at Chefs is very good.
Boma or Sanaa - either would most likely require an ADR. Boma is buffet. Sanaa has a large lounge/bar area and you would not need an ADR to eat at Lounge/Bar. Sanaa is best enjoyed during daylight so patrons can enjoy the animals on the Savannah (although, if you're staying at AKLodge, you may have a similar view from your room).
Le Cellier - not my favorite Signature. Better steaks are elsewhere (i.e., nearby at Shula's, Yacht & Beach; good steak at Boathouse too). Since you are already going to Epcot, this (or Chefs) might be the one ADR I would consider changing for Boardwalk or Downtown Disney Springs.
Be Our Guest - we prefer the table service dinner menu here (and you may be able to get photographed with The Beast). West Wing is a lovely room. BE ADVISED: You cannot see Wishes fireworks from inside Be Our Guest.

Looks great. ENJOY!!

 

[PghPiratesGirl]

I LOVE Le Cellier! I highly recommend the filet, cheddar cheese soup, and pretzel bread. YUM!

 

[crabbygal902]

I rarely recommend traveling for food at Disney unless you are driving yourselves.

Yes! 100% agree!


Friday (arrival day!): Jiko (as part of Wanyama Safari) This sounds like a fantastic experience! I hear great things about Jiko
Saturday: Mama Melrose's (with Fantasmic! reservations) We have done this before and really enjoyed it
Sunday: Le Chefs de France We liked our lunch here but have no need to rush back. Never had dinner. The baguettes were the best part of the meal.
Monday/Tuesday: Nothing planned since I don't know what time we'll return from Universal; I'm thinking if we get back to the hotel before they close, either Boma or Sanaa. (Should I make reservations for either? Are reservations definitely needed? Like I said, it would be difficult since I don't know what time we'll return. Also, I want to eat lunch or dinner at the Harry Potter restaurants at Universal, which might cover dinner plans there.) I think that it is going to depend on the time of year you are visiting. Looking at ADRs in the next couple days, there is an opening at Boma and openings at Sanaa tomorrow. If you are willing to be flexible about your meal time or are willing to wait, you may be in luck. I like the PP's suggestion to eat in the lounge as well.
Wednesday: Le Cellier Love it! One of our favorite places to eat on property.
Thursday: Be Our Guest (I really want to try it, plus, Be Our Guest + Wishes seemed like a really nice way to end the trip) Haven't had dinner, but lunch is fantastic.

 

[Disneymummyuk]

You have picked some really amazing restaurants!

Been to jiko and it is by far the best signature (in my opinion) on property. Really really good and of course you can't beat the location and setting.

Chef de France another really good option. Been once. As others have said many good options in Epcot.

BOG also fantastic - it will be the perfect end to your week. I have been many times and food and experience always fantastic.

le Cellier also really great, although I am not sure it is as good a signature as the others and of course it is expensive but it is still good and the restaurant itself is lovely and very atmospheric. So should probably still go.

Never been to mama Melrose altho I do think Brown Derby would be better option. for the experience you could try sci fi dine in altho be warned it is not the best for food but great unique restaurant.

Also never been to boma or Sanaa but here they are good. Plan on going to Sanaa on our next trip.

Enjoy your trip.

So all in all great choices.

 

[JPDtheJD]

I would replace Chefs de France with something else. We ate there two nights ago and it was awful. It was as if they put our plate in the microwave. I wish we had done Garden Grill instead. The food there is great, we just didn't want to go because we aren't as into character meals.

 

[Acrosthec]

I'm always wary of making reservations on arrival day, just because...well, things happen. I'd hate to get stuck with the no-show fee if my flight were delayed or if I was driving myself and got a flat or something else. Just something to consider.

The restaurants you've picked look great though! Have a blast!

 

[goofy4prez]

Here's my personal thoughts on your choices.


Friday (arrival day!): Jiko (as part of Wanyama Safari)
IMO, Jiko is one of the finest signature restaurants found in WDW. I have always had great service and great food in a very nicely themed restaurant. One of my favorites and a must do each trip.
Saturday: Mama Melrose's (with Fantasmic! reservations)
I would rate Mama Melrose as decent but far from great. It is well worth it though when doing the Fantasmic dining package. I'm sure you will enjoy.
Sunday: Le Chefs de France
Not a bad place at all. I tried it for the first time this past June and will return again. The food was good and the service was pretty decent as well.
Monday/Tuesday: Nothing planned since I don't know what time we'll return from Universal; I'm thinking if we get back to the hotel before they close, either Boma or Sanaa. (Should I make reservations for either? Are reservations definitely needed? Like I said, it would be difficult since I don't know what time we'll return. Also, I want to eat lunch or dinner at the Harry Potter restaurants at Universal, which might cover dinner plans there.)
Wednesday: Le Cellier
Le Cellier is a restaurant that left me so disappointed and is one that I will not return to. This place IMO, falls way, way , way short as a signature restaurant. I found the place to be very loud and very cramped. I thought the service was very average; and the food? Very... Um... Ok I'll say it, very Outback in quality and lacking what one would expect in a signature restaurant. If it is a steak you want and your on the DDP I would head over to the Yachtsman Steakhouse nearby which blows LC out of the water; and if paying OOP, Shula's is an excellent choice and even better than YSH. LC is one of them places you either love it or you just don't. When Disney made this a signature restaurant a few years ago and raised the prices and did nothing with the decor, atmosphere and little with the menu other than raise the prices they lost me.
Thursday: Be Our Guest (I really want to try it, plus, Be Our Guest + Wishes seemed like a really nice way to end the trip)
For me BOG is more about the decor of the restaurant more than anything else. IMO, in short, it's an incredible experience to see it in person and average to eat. Would I go back again? Sure, but it is not a must do for me. I'm sure you will enjoy it though.

 

[aidansmom]

I would replace Chefs de France with something else. We ate there two nights ago and it was awful. It was as if they put our plate in the microwave. I wish we had done Garden Grill instead. The food there is great, we just didn't want to go because we aren't as into character meals.

I agree with this. We were there three nights ago and couldn't get over how lackluster the food was. I wish they had put my food in the microwave - at least then it would have been hot . While you always see mixed reviews for it, San Angel Inn is consistently a family favorite for us. We have never had a bad meal there, and always enjoy the atmosphere and attentive service. We had a great meal there and at Biergarten last week. We also tried Sanaa for the first time last week, which we LOVED. Best meal of the whole trip.

 

[JPDtheJD]

I agree with this. We were there three nights ago and couldn't get over how lackluster the food was. I wish they had put my food in the microwave - at least then it would have been hot . While you always see mixed reviews for it, San Angel Inn is consistently a family favorite for us. We have never had a bad meal there, and always enjoy the atmosphere and attentive service. We had a great meal there and at Biergarten last week. We also tried Sanaa for the first time last week, which we LOVED. Best meal of the whole trip.

We usually do San Angel Inn when we do World Showcase! My DH and I are still fussing about that Chefs de France fiasco!!!