Comprehensive List of Restaurants to Avoid

[Disfan1968]

This thread post came dangerously close to trolling... I am actually pretty impressed by the responses so far.

 

[POOHsie]

With the DxDining I'd do a TS breakfast and a Sig/2-credit dinner every night. I can't imagine sitting down to three big meals in a day (especially since so many at Disney are buffets!)

My trip is the 2nd week of November and things are pretty well booked up. Free dining begins Nov 9th and Nov 7-9 is the Wine & Dine half marathon. So you might want to search what is available and start with that as well.

OP's Signature says Honeymoon visit is in November 2015. By that time, some new Disney Springs/DTD restaurants should be open, including Food Truck Park.

 

[tinkandme]

It's hard to argue for or against restaurants when you give us basic criteria of why you've written the whole group of restaurants off. But I will say that there are several restaurants on your list that we love! You have to realize that people are far more likely to write reviews when something goes wrong, so you see more of those. Here are the restaurants I think you should reconsider (based on my experiences there):

1900 Park Faire (dinner food was good, character interaction fantastic)
Bluezoo (One of the best meals we've had on Disney property)
Brown Derby (Expensive but one of the better in-park meals we've ever had)
California Grill (Service isn't quite as spectacular as it once was, but the food makes up for it)
Kona Cafe (One of our faves for breakfast, also very good for lunch and dinner)
Ohana (Probably the most polarizing restaurant at Disney, but in 10 dinners there, we've never had a bad meal. Breakfast is also tons of fun!)
Victoria & Alberts (Expensive, but worth it for a special occasion. We ate here last October on our honeymoon)
the Wave (Great breakfast)
__________________

I totaly agree with MissyRose!

 

[maxiesmom]

Off of your list I counted 21 restaurants at which I have had enjoyable meals. I agree with many of the previous posters--if there is a type of food you don't enjoy, then don't make an ADR for that food type. But don't write places off because of bad reviews. If you search you will find that every single eatery at WDW has had a negative review. You need to form your own opinion.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Nobody can make a comprehensive list of WDW restaurants that everybody should avoid. Especially not based on reviews on this site or any other website. If you eliminate a restaurant because it got "a bad review" then you'd have to eliminate all restaurants. And I'm not about to defend the restaurants on your list to you when you have decided for yourself that these restaurants don't appeal to you. No reason for me to do any "defending" because I don't know what subjective criteria you used to eliminate them - just the objective criteria. Maybe you eliminated all the Mexican restaurants because you don't like Mexican food. I would put in, though, that I would gladly attend more than 20 of the restaurants you have listed, because it is likely that I do not have the same criteria you have.

PS - Pollo Campero is closed permanently.

Can't you use deluxe dining credits at V&A's any longer? Because I don't see why you would exclude that based on price unless maybe you can't use credits any more.

Deluxe Dining credits could never be used at V&A. The only "meal plan" that is accepted there is the one that is part of the Platinum Package Plan. I see where the OP is on the Deluxe Dining plan but they didn't mention being on the Platinum Package Plan.

 

[mare1203]

You don't have the Flying Fish on that list, nor Jiko, both of which actually cost more per person when you break it down by revenue than Victoria & Albert's (though do accept Deluxe Dining Credits). It's a common misconception that V&A's is the most expensive restaurant on property. When you break down all the appetizers, entrees, dessert, and drinks, it is not. Sooooo...

It would have been nice to see which ones you poo-poo because of dislike over the menu and which ones were for bad reviews. If you don't like Mexican and Moroccan, then putting all those types of restaurants on the list makes way more sense, but we don't know that.

You have eliminated a whole host of my favorites, many of which get mixed reviews on here but have always been wonderful to me. We especially enjoy the signatures, which are best enjoyed on the Deluxe Plan because you get so many credits anyway. You say to defend the choices via comment, so here goes:

California Grill - Offers the hand-down best view on property. The food is wonderful and their wine cellar is outstanding. For a honeymoon, California Grill would be one of my must-do's for the food and view. Service has been getting mixed reviews (though less-so lately...I can't remember the last time I saw a thread on a bad time at CG but it's been a while). We were unsure during our last visit in February and received fantastic service in addition to the aforementioned food & view.

Hoop Dee Doo - My favorite show on property. Has been doing 3 shows per night since WDW opened and still often sells out. You get comfort food, beer & wine is included in the price, and a chance to be silly to boot. For a honeymoon this is a great place to go and let loose. They will also acknowledge anniversaries and honeymoons in a section of the show.

Hollywood Brown Derby - Best signature restaurant in a theme park. The atmosphere is old Hollywood and we have always received wonderful service here. They do not rush you and it is a chance to take a break from a busy park day without having to transport to a resort or other park.

Kona Cafe - My favorite plated breakfast on property. Some days I wish I could have their Samoan (Hawaiian eggs benedict) for breakfast. Only place you can get real Kona Coffee. Service can be rushed, but the food is always good. Many people also go for the macademia pancakes or Tonga Toast. Lunch and Dinner also often receive good reviews, but I haven't eaten during those meals so I cannot comment.

Those are just a few that I don't believe deserve a write-off.

To make it more fun for myself, I am going to guess your list of eats. You say 7 days, so I'm going to assume 6 nights, which gives us 18 credits:
Be Our Guest
Crystal Palace (I'm going with breakfast on this one, probably before the park opens)
Yachtsman Steakhouse (2)
Jiko (2)
Artist Point (2)
Narcoosee's (2) (to watch the MK fireworks and because you can get the steak and lobster to "maximize credits")
Rose & Crown (with the hopes of a view for Illuminations)
Via Napoli lunch
Boma (probably breakfast because with this list I am out of dinners, but it could be a dinner)
Sanaa lunch
50's Prime Time lunch (I actually hesitate with this pick; Liberty Tree for lunch to get the Ooey Gooey would also make sense)
Raglan Road
Flame Tree BBQ (for your AK day)
Wolfgang Puck Express

 

[The Librarian]

If you are a huge fan of Chip & Dale and "home cooking" (turkey?) as mentioned in your signature you might like Garden Grill. I found the food to be pretty good as long as you aren't a vegetarian. Chip & Dale are probably my favourite characters and they are really fun to "hang out" with, even briefly.

Your hit list is huge. I think you might have a hard time using your credits. I also wouldn't worry about prices if you have the deluxe plan. Isn't the point of that plan to not have to look at the prices?

 

[smcabee]

If you really have that large of a list of places you wont eat, In my opinion and my opinion only you will be wasting money on the Deluxe dining plan. Whatever you decide and wherever you go I hope you have a wonderful Honeymoon.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Hello OP. I'll answer your post in the spirit in which it was written:

#, A: 1900 Park Faire, Akershaus
We liked 1900 PF - character interaction at Bkfst & Dinner great/ food OK.
Agree totally re: Askershaus

B: Biergarten, Bluezoo, Bongos, Brown Derby
Agree with Biergarten - food sat under heat lamps & tasted like cardboard. Can't speak to the other 3, as I've never had the pleasure. Would love to try Bluezoo & BD someday, tho.

C, D: California Grill, Cantina de San Angel, Casey's Corner, Chef Mickey's, Chefs de France, Cinderella's Royal Table, Citrico's, Cooke's of Dublin, Coral Reef, Cosmic Rays
Pretty much agree with all of these, except Chef's & Citrico's. Thought both of these were wonderful.
CRT is worth trying once - especially if you have a little princess - but definitely understand why you wouldn't want to go there on your honeymoon. Atmosphere is nice, food is pretty bad IMHO, and it's a hassle to get to your table. Waiting room is always too crowded.
CM is abysmal, in my opinion. It's uncontrolled noisy chaos with lackluster food.
Coral Reef gets an A for atmosphere; a C for food - but wouldn't write it off totally.
CG was a huge disappointment when we went. Had a table in some back room - the wine rm, I think. Food was really lackluster for the price & service was just plain bad.

E, F: ESPN Cafe, Fairfax, the Fountain, Fulton's Crab House
Never been to any of these except FCH - & that was just ok. Not worth the $$, IMHO

G, H, I: Garden Grill, Hacienda de San Angel, Hollywood & Vine, Hoop De Hoo
GG was ok - again, not someplace I'd go without kiddos.
HSA - never been
H & V - skip it!
We really liked HDDR - but wouldn't suggest it for 2 adults on their honeymoon.

J, K, L: Kona Cafe, LeCellier, Lotus Blossom Café
I didn't care for Kona - too much teriyaki sauce.... At bkfst it reminded me of a glorified Denny's. Sorry - I know I'm in the minority here.
We actually like LC - pretzel bread is to die for, the steak w/MR risotto was pretty good - tho gone now, and I love Labatt's Blue Beer!
Can't say anything about LBC - never been.

M, N: Mama Melrose, the Maya Grill, Monsieur Paul
MM was just OK - wouldn't bother with so many other good places. Never tried MG or MP - tho have MP on my radar for the future.

O, P: Ohana, Pecos Bill, Planet Hollywood, Pizza Planet, Pizzafari, Pollo Campero, Portobello
In this group I've only been to Ohana - and I will never go back for either bkfst or dinner. I am definitely in the minority here.

Q, R: Rainforest Cafe, Restaurantosaurus
Totally agree. These are places that young males frequent for bar food at home.

S: San Angel Inn, Sci-Fi Theater, Shutters, Spirit of Aloha
Wouldn't go to Sci-Fi without kids - tho it's ok otherwise.
Thought SoA was cheesy.
Never tried the other 2.

T, U: T-Rex, Tangeriene Cafe, Tony's Town Square, Tutto Italia
Never been to TC or TI. T-Rex belongs in the same category as RC above.
TTS was just ok - not someplace I'd frequent on the DxDDP,

V-Z: Victoria & Alberts, the Wave, Whispering Canyon Cafe, Wolfgang Puck Cafe
WCC was another chaotic restaurant - and I don't really care for BBQ type food, so I'd rather not go back to that one. Didn't care for their bkfst either.
Never tried the Wave.
Had exceptionally bad service at WPC the 2 times we went, so we won't be returning. Waitresses were far more interested in talking amongst themselves than explaining anything to us such as where to place an order, where to sit, etc.
Will be trying V&A in another month or so. But I understand why you wouldn't want to pay OOP after you've spent so much already for the DxDDP.

If you'd like to tell us what type of food/atmosphere you like, perhaps we can give you some help.
Have a great time planning your wedding & honeymoon![/COLOR]
Looking forward to seeing what you have in mind

 

[itchin2go]

1900 Park Fare, Akershus - Liked both of these, but really went for the characters; if you're not into the characters, I wouldn't do either of these.

Brown Derby - Liked this one a lot, and are doing it again next trip; a breath of fresh air in a park full of pretty crappy food

California Grill - have eaten here twice - both were special experiences; wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to someone, provided they're willing to drop the cash

Hacienda de San Angel - have not eaten here, but have read lots of good things about it and am eager to try

Le Cellier - had a good meal here once, wouldn't hesitate to go again

San Angel Inn - despite bad reviews, ate here once and really liked it. I think it has a couple of strikes against it: (1) the management is a little persnickety/not the most customer friendly, (2) tables are close together, (3) many "guests" have a very narrow view of Mexican food. I wouldn't hesitate to eat here again; the setting is positively magical.

The Wave - OMG you don't know what you're missing. On a whim, we booked a next day ADR for breakfast here thinking it would be serviceable if nothing else. It was SO good. I'm sad we can't work it in our next trip. I think it gets lost in a sea of more exciting choices, but I think it consistently churns out really good food, with really good service.

 

[North of Mouse]

There are several on your list that we enjoy.

You might do well to try some of them for yourself instead of just going by 'hearsay'

'All' restaurants at some point have had negative reviews by diners!!

 

[minnie mum]

Hmm. Its been a couple of days, and the responses have been almost unanimous in their response to the OPs "Comprehensive List". Since she apparently sets such stock in the opinions of others, I wonder if she has reconsidered her stance. C'mon OP. Let's hear from you.

 

[WDWFANCBIIIME]

Sorry, this question is destined to fail.

I've followed these boards long enough to know that every restaurant has fans and detractors.

haha exactly what I was thinking!!!

 

[KimBean]

Hello, folks! Today's song of the day is "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Johnny and June Cash.

The following is a list of restaurants that meet criteria (as seen below) that I will not be visiting at the World. If you wish to defend any of these as restaurants to try before I start scheduling ADRs, please do so via comment.

About my trip: Honeymoon for 2, no children, Deluxe Dining Plan, 7 days in early November

Criteria: Bad reviews on disboards or allears; menu unappealing; price (V&A alone)

First thread of two. Second post will include restaurants eager to try (in a few days).

#, A: 1900 Park Faire, Akershaus
B: Biergarten, Bluezoo, Bongos, Brown Derby
C, D: California Grill, Cantina de San Angel, Casey's Corner, Chef Mickey's, Chefs de France, Cinderella's Royal Table, Citrico's, Cooke's of Dublin, Coral Reef, Cosmic Rays

E, F: ESPN Cafe, Fairfax, the Fountain, Fulton's Crab House
G, H, I: Garden Grill, Hacienda de San Angel, Hollywood & Vine, Hoop De Hoo

J, K, L: Kona Cafe, LeCellier, Lotus Blossom Cafe
M, N: Mama Melrose, the Maya Grill, Monsieur Paul
O, P: Ohana, Pecos Bill, Planet Hollywood, Pizza Planet, Pizzafari, Pollo Campero, Portobello

Q, R: Rainforest Cafe, Restaurantosaurus
S: San Angel Inn, Sci-Fi Theater, Shutters, Spirit of Aloha
T, U: T-Rex, Tangeriene Cafe, Tony's Town Square, Tutto Italia

V-Z: Victoria & Alberts, the Wave, Whispering Canyon Cafe, Wolfgang Puck Cafe

You are on the Deluxe plan and it's your honeymoon... eat at V&A's twice!!

 

[KimBean]

Nobody can make a comprehensive list of WDW restaurants that everybody should avoid. Especially not based on reviews on this site or any other website. If you eliminate a restaurant because it got "a bad review" then you'd have to eliminate all restaurants. And I'm not about to defend the restaurants on your list to you when you have decided for yourself that these restaurants don't appeal to you. No reason for me to do any "defending" because I don't know what subjective criteria you used to eliminate them - just the objective criteria. Maybe you eliminated all the Mexican restaurants because you don't like Mexican food. I would put in, though, that I would gladly attend more than 20 of the restaurants you have listed, because it is likely that I do not have the same criteria you have.

PS - Pollo Campero is closed permanently.



Deluxe Dining credits could never be used at V&A. The only "meal plan" that is accepted there is the one that is part of the Platinum Package Plan. I see where the OP is on the Deluxe Dining plan but they didn't mention being on the Platinum Package Plan.

Ohhhh... I did not know this.

 

[DisneyLvr55]

I'm headed over to the theme park forum to see if theres a post listing any ride thats gotten a bad review.

Spoiler Alert - Every ride is in the list!

 

[Missyrose]

You are on the Deluxe plan and it's your honeymoon... eat at V&A's twice!!

V&A's doesn't take Disney Deluxe Dining Plan, just the Platinum Plan.

 

[asta]

Wait, forget the restaurants, did Johnny Cash really record "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" ?

 

[DisneyLvr55]

Wait, forget the restaurants, did Johnny Cash really record "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" ?

That was my first thought too. As far as I know, that was written and performed by Simon & Garfunkle. Maybe Cash covered it?

 

[Tiggr924]

Hello, folks! Today's song of the day is "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Johnny and June Cash.

The following is a list of restaurants that meet criteria (as seen below) that I will not be visiting at the World. If you wish to defend any of these as restaurants to try before I start scheduling ADRs, please do so via comment.

About my trip: Honeymoon for 2, no children, Deluxe Dining Plan, 7 days in early November

Criteria: Bad reviews on disboards or allears; menu unappealing; price (V&A alone)

First thread of two. Second post will include restaurants eager to try (in a few days).

#, A: 1900 Park Faire, Akershaus
B: Biergarten, Bluezoo, Bongos, Brown Derby
C, D: California Grill, Cantina de San Angel, Casey's Corner, Chef Mickey's, Chefs de France, Cinderella's Royal Table, Citrico's, Cooke's of Dublin, Coral Reef, Cosmic Rays

E, F: ESPN Cafe, Fairfax, the Fountain, Fulton's Crab House
G, H, I: Garden Grill, Hacienda de San Angel, Hollywood & Vine, Hoop De Hoo

J, K, L: Kona Cafe, LeCellier, Lotus Blossom Cafe
M, N: Mama Melrose, the Maya Grill, Monsieur Paul
O, P: Ohana, Pecos Bill, Planet Hollywood, Pizza Planet, Pizzafari, Pollo Campero, Portobello

Q, R: Rainforest Cafe, Restaurantosaurus
S: San Angel Inn, Sci-Fi Theater, Shutters, Spirit of Aloha
T, U: T-Rex, Tangeriene Cafe, Tony's Town Square, Tutto Italia

V-Z: Victoria & Alberts, the Wave, Whispering Canyon Cafe, Wolfgang Puck Cafe

Of those you've listed….
We really enjoyed Citricos, Kona Cafe, Wolfgang Puck Cafe

Good luck