Comprehensive List of Restaurants to Avoid

[Quasialamodo]

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

 

[Altoqueenkelly]

We enjoy quite a few of those that are on your list. Its going to vary widely from person to person. It does seem, however, that you are severely limiting your choices especially with the Deluxe Plan.

Not interested in debating as this is a very opinion-based topic but I will humor with the Restaurants we enjoy that are on your list and why we like them:

Akershaus - Good Princess option for less cost
Cinderella's Royal Table - Castle, Good Food, Princesses
LeCellier - Good Food, Fun location
Mama Melrose - We like the food and the F! Package
Ohana - Love the food, atmosphere and location
Wave - Great food
Wolfgang Puck Cafe - Great food

 

[prettypatchesmsu]

My husband and I absolutely loved Wolfgang Puck Cafe. Great food. And our favorite quick service go to spot is Pecos Bills. Fine dining it's not, but we think it's good. Love the toppings bar.

 

[vicki_c]

You might as well list every restaurant in WDW. You have some of the traditionally "better" reviewed restaurants on your list as well, including blue zoo, Citrico's, the Wave, V&A's, Brown Derby and more.

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.

 

[Missyrose]

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

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)
__________________

 

[scrappymel]

I certainly wouldn't rule out a restaurant based on bad reviews. For every person that hates something, someone else usually loves it. There are LOTS of restaurants on your list that get very good reviews as well. We enjoy many of the restaurants on your list.... for the food and atmosphere. But, to each their own! Hope you find something you love.

 

[ZoZo]

Hmmm. I think you might be limiting yourself unnecessarily. If your criteria are "bad reviews on disboards or AllEars", you'd have to put every single restaurant on your "NO" list. Different people like different things. Some people are simply picky eaters. Some don't like buffets. Some don't like WDW prices for meals. There are many reasons why people give restaurants bad reviews. I doubt you'll find a single restaurant at WDW that hasn't gotten some bad reviews.

Here's what I've observed on my nine years on the DIS. There are some restaurants that get consistently bad reviews (Hollywood and Vine and Tony's Town Square spring to mind). Some get mixed reviews (O'Hana seems to be split 50%/50%, with people either loving it or hating it). Some seem to get pretty good reviews most of the time (like Kona Cafe and Flying Fish).

So I'd recommend giving most restaurants a try. Some of the restaurants on your list that I personally happen to like are: Kona, California Grill, Casey's, Le Cellier, Lotus Blossom, Mama Melrose, Pecos Bill's, Sci Fi, Whispering Canyon, and Wolfgang Puck's. I've had good to great meals at each one. I've also had good meals at places that are widely panned, like Nine Dragons. I tried Sci Fi for the fist time in February, after avoiding it for years due to iffy reviews. I had a really good burger there! You just never know.

 

[OKW Lover]

Sorry, this question is destined to fail.

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

 

[figment_jii]

Yeah, I tend to agree with the other posts that if you're avoiding a resturant solely because someone gave it a bad review here on the Disboard or Allears (or really, any review site), you should pretty much cross over every restaurant in WDW. Perhaps if almost all reviews are negative, then that might be something to consider, but even then places do change and reviews can be quickly out of date.

Now, for the criteria that the menu is appealing, there is a little more validity to that. If you don't see anything that looks appealing on the menu, then perhaps that would be something to forgo at this point (or check the menu closer to the date of your trip because menus do change).

Of the places you've listed that you're going to avoid, I've been to and liked include Biergarten, Brown Derby, California Grill, Chefs de France, CRT, Cooke's of Dublin, Cosmic Rays, Kona Cafe, Le Cellier, 'Ohana, Rainforest Cafe, Sci Fi, Tutto Italia, and WCC. I've also been to Akershaus, Citricos, Monsieur Paul, and Portobello and while they didn't wow me, I would go all out and avoid them either. Most of the other places you've listed I haven't been to recently.

 

[POOHsie]

Pollo Compero closed and the building was razed.

You have only one TS choice for DHS: '50s Prime Time. That wouldn't be my top choice at DHS.

Citrico's and Wolfgang Puck Cafe deserve to be on your "good" list.

 

[dachsie]

I'm trying to figure out where the heck you are going to eat on any dining plan much less the deluxe one. Kona cafe has the best breakfast on property with those macadamia nut pineapple pancakes! I dont think anyone would argue with you on the pricing of V&As but you seriously limited your options unless you want eat the same few places over an over. Part of the fun of trying new places is for the variety of things you can try. Good luck!

 

[minnie mum]

I will be fascinated to see your restaurant to do list. It must be very short.

I agree with the PPs who say it is naive to write off any restaurant simply because it has received bad reviews. Some negative reviews give no information on which a reader can make an informed judgment as to its "worth" . Others may be for a reason that is specific only to the writer. A degree of critical analysis must be part of basing decisions on subjective reviews by strangers. I would be interested to know if the OP spent as much time searching for positive reviews. They are fewer in number, because people are much more likely to complain than to praise on a message board. But they can be equally unreliable.

I counted over 20 restaurants on your list that I would have no problem eating at, and several that are long time favorites. I won't bother listing them, since the OP has already written them off.

 

[Tonyz]

So, do you like... anything?

 

[LoriABil]

I don't know. You are certainly limiting your options. I agree with PPs that you can find good and bad reviews for every restaurant listed. You might add Trip Advisor's reviews to the list, though. It cuts down on the die hard fans; just a different set of opinions from a different clientele.

We enjoyed Cantina de San Miguel, even though the food was FAR from traditional Mexican. Coral Reef was also high on our list; we had great service. LeCellier was great, but I think we must have gone when it was in its prime. We also had a great meal at Shutters; the steak was phenomenal and it was quiet! But seriously, Tutto Italian might be the best traditional Italian onsite. Whispering Canyon Cafe is fun, but maybe not for a honeymoon. All this said, most of these were experienced in non-peak seasons, so I'm sure service and food quality vary widely depending on when you go.

We have done DDP twice. Both times we vowed never again! We were too stuffed to try the yummy snacks available everywhere! I am curious to see your Must Do's! Just make sure you aren't painting yourself into a corner by eliminating these options - using 3 credits a day is difficult enough!

 

[aristocatz]

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

We also love some of these you listed. Everyone has different taste, so one man's favorite might be another man's least favorite.

We LOVE Biergarten! I was apprehensive to try it at first, but I'm so glad I did-its now one of my favorite restaurants in WDW! Love the food, excellent beer, we've always had great service, & the band is awesome!

Kona Cafe is my favorite breakfast & a must-do for every trip. Love the open and casual atmosphere, service has always been great, and the Samoan Eggs and coffee are so delicious.

Hoop De Doo is another favorite-Love FW resort. The food is good, unlimited Sangria or beer included in the meal, and the dinner show is awesome.

I also really enjoy Garden Grill. Love love love the salad they serve with the meal. I enjoyed the food. One of the best character meals in my opinion, because my DD got to meet Mickey multiple times without the chaos of a larger and louder venue. Chip & Dale were also really great-they all spent ample time with her.

Tangierine Cafe is one of my favorite CS restaurants. I like that type of cuisine & portions are huge.

I also love Sci-Fi. Food is not gourmet, but its not meant to me. It's good food and the shakes are good as well. The theming is so unique, it would be a shame to not check it out at least once.

 

[wdwloverz]

Part of the joy & richness in life is having YOUR OWN experiences. Unless something just sounds awful to you (maybe you HATE Mexican food, so don't try La Hacienda, etc) go form your own opinions, you will probably be very surprised!!

 

[purple figment]

In your sig line you wrote "...I wax poetic about the Tower of Terror, Turkey Legs, huge caramel apples..." but if you were to ask for opinions on turkey legs here on the boards you would get many who don't like them at all so most likely they would go on your won't try list and you would miss out on something that it turns out you do like. If a menu or atmosphere doesn't appeal, that's a legitimate reason for not trying a restaurant, but crossing it off the list because others didn't like it is not because until you try it for yourself you won't know whether you actually like it or not.

 

[Hmbldr]

So, we all agree with all the previous posts accept the OP. Real curious to see the list of desired restaurants.....

 

[JaimeK]

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.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

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.

V&A only accepts the Platinum DP, not DxDDP.