Comprehensive List of Restaurants to Avoid

[juliebug1997]

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?

He apparently recorded it with Fiona Apple.

 

[asta]

He apparently recorded it with Fiona Apple.

I'll have to find that on iTunes and give it a listen.

 

[Quasialamodo]

Welp, apparently I reeeeaaaallly stuck my foot in it with this thread. I genuinely thought that people were going to give me more constructive dish feedback rather than I just shouldn't dismiss restaurants wholeheartedly.

And, in many ways, you guys are very, very right. I should probably try these restaurants myself, forcing myself to eat things I might not normally eat. But I didn't just dismiss things based on one bad review. They were based on consistently bad reviews (and at least in case of both Sci-Fi and all of the Mexican epcot eateries- consistent food poisonings or in the case of Whispering Canyon Cafe and Sci-Fi again lighting and sound issues).

Also, I did not know that that was Johnny Cash and Fiona Apple. Shocked and surprised.

An aside: I'm a guy whose fiancee is a male, for the people that assumed I was a "she". Also, I'm not shelling out for Platinum and it doesn't even say that you can pay for V & A on platinum. That sticker shock was still waaaaaay too much.

Anyways, thanks for some tidbits from some users that I can consider looking at again, but I make no promises that it might return to my try it out list. I'm about to post the list of restaurants I'm anticipating and hopefully I will restore some of your faith in me! (PS: I'm going to be eating a lot of beignets if I get my way and stay at POFQ, so there's that).

 

[Nancyg56]

Welp, apparently I reeeeaaaallly stuck my foot in it with this thread. I genuinely thought that people were going to give me more constructive dish feedback rather than I just shouldn't dismiss restaurants wholeheartedly. And, in many ways, you guys are very, very right. I should probably try these restaurants myself, forcing myself to eat things I might not normally eat. But I didn't just dismiss things based on one bad review. They were based on consistently bad reviews (and at least in case of both Sci-Fi and all of the Mexican epcot eateries- consistent food poisonings or in the case of Whispering Canyon Cafe and Sci-Fi again lighting and sound issues). Also, I did not know that that was Johnny Cash and Fiona Apple. Shocked and surprised. An aside: I'm a guy whose fiancee is a male, for the people that assumed I was a "she". Also, I'm not shelling out for Platinum and it doesn't even say that you can pay for V & A on platinum. That sticker shock was still waaaaaay too much. Anyways, thanks for some tidbits from some users that I can consider looking at again, but I make no promises that it might return to my try it out list. I'm about to post the list of restaurants I'm anticipating and hopefully I will restore some of your faith in me! (PS: I'm going to be eating a lot of beignets if I get my way and stay at POFQ, so there's that).

Well I have no idea how you expected constrictive feedback when no one really knows what you like to eat, foods you will avoid, and themes that enhance the WDW dining experience. The bottom line is that folks on the boards are truly helpful if they know how to help. No one can give you tips on where to use your dining credits if there are no real guidelines to base a response on. To be honest, based on your list of restaurants that you would avoid, i would suggest you toss out the dining plan and pay OOP, because I cannot see how you will even break even. The DxDDP is an expensive investment in Disney Dining, and you have eliminated most of the signature restaurants.

If you really want feedback, come back with a list of foods you enjoy, themes you like, and foods you do not like.

As for POFQ---- this is one of my family's favorite resorts. My DGD asked us to take her back to visit on our last stay, which was at BC. The resort is lovely, with lush grounds, jazz playing softly in the background throughout the day. There are benches placed strategically so that you can just enjoy the scenery. In the evening you hear the clip-clop of hooves as the horse drawn carriage makes its way along the cobblestones. The boat-ride to and from DTD is especially nice at night, when the lights along the Sassagoula river twinkle. I really miss seeing the old treehouses along the way, they were so much more a "Disney" sight, although the new Treehouses are fun to see.

IMO, the food court at POFQ is one of the best. There are plenty of choices, yet the room itself s not overwhelming. WE always enjoy a Muffeletta sandwich and more beignets than anyone should admit to. If you have a meal there, get a coupon from the cashier so that you can order your dessert after you eat your entree. That way, if you want hot beignets, or ice cream that is not melted, you just present your voucher.

 

[maxiesmom]

I'm curious as to where the OP has seen "consistent" reports of food poisonings at the Whispering Canyon. And are these documented cases, or just people assuming once they were ill it was food poisoning, and not a case of eating way more rich food than they are used to while on vacation. Or heat stroke. Or the stomach flu.

 

[smcabee]

I'm curious as to where the OP has seen "consistent" reports of food poisonings at the Whispering Canyon. And are these documented cases, or just people assuming once they were ill it was food poisoning, and not a case of eating way more rich food than they are used to while on vacation. Or heat stroke. Or the stomach flu.

I think the "consistent" reports of food poisonings referenced were for the Mexican Epcot restaurants. Im sure they were not documented cases or there would have been media reports such as the instance at the Animal Kingdom Wild Africa Trek.

 

[Quasialamodo]

I'm curious as to where the OP has seen "consistent" reports of food poisonings at the Whispering Canyon. And are these documented cases, or just people assuming once they were ill it was food poisoning, and not a case of eating way more rich food than they are used to while on vacation. Or heat stroke. Or the stomach flu.

Lights and noise were the issue at WCC, not food poisonings. The only consistent food poisoning reviews/issues had to do with Sci-Fi and all the Mexican Epcot eateries.

 

[mom2of2]

Lights and noise were the issue at WCC, not food poisonings. The only consistent food poisoning reviews/issues had to do with Sci-Fi and all the Mexican Epcot eateries.

Sci Fi has food poisoning reviews/issues? WCC has noise issues..not lighting. Sci Fi has lighting issues but not noise. I know there have been food complaints at Sci Fi but wasn't really aware of food poisoning issues

 

[keaster]

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 have not eaten at a whole lot of TS restaurants, but of the ones you listed above we enjoyed meals at:

Hollywood & Vine
Kona Cafe
Rainforest
Sci-Fi
T-Rex
The Wave
Victoria & Albert's (yes pricey but by far one of the most impressive meals I've every had in my life!)

 

[minnie mum]

I genuinely thought that people were going to give me more constructive dish feedback rather than I just shouldn't dismiss restaurants wholeheartedly.
..........

But I didn't just dismiss things based on one bad review. They were based on consistently bad reviews (and at least in case of both Sci-Fi and all of the Mexican epcot eateries- consistent food poisonings or in the case of Whispering Canyon Cafe and Sci-Fi again lighting and sound issues).
:

If you wanted constructive dish feedback for individual restaurants then you should have asked for that, rather than a generic: defend these restaurants. You gave a blanket pan on a huge percentage of WDW restaurants with only a vague reference to unnamed sources for these "consistently negative" reviews. So you must pardon those WDW vets who have dined at these restaurants for years and doubt the reliability of these reviews that you put so much stock in.

And again, referencing the second comment above, where are you seeing CONSISTENT claims of food poisonings? CDC reports? Florida Dept. of Health findings? Media coverage? Sorry, but Joe Blows review claiming food poisoning at xyz restaurant means diddly squat. He could just as likely have gotten a nasty enteric upset because he didn't wash his hands after touching germ laden guard rails, door handles, or lap bars all day. And then spread that nasty bug to his family. Or as another person speculated: overindulged in food he's not accustomed too, been dehydrated, had one too many drinks around the world, had a degree of heat exhaustion- the list goes on and on and on. These restaurants individually serve hundreds if not thousands of guests daily. If food poisoning was, indeed, present in these eateries, the emergency rooms of the local hospitals would be inundated. I have not heard of this happening. The only documented case of food poisoning (and that isn't even a real medical thing) that I have seen was years ago on the Wild Africa trek ,investigated by the health departments and CDC, and was limited to only a handful of guests over a very short time period.

 

[maxiesmom]

Lights and noise were the issue at WCC, not food poisonings. The only consistent food poisoning reviews/issues had to do with Sci-Fi and all the Mexican Epcot eateries.

And again I ask, were these confirmed food poisonings, or just the guesses of the people unlucky enough to become ill? And where have you seen these reviews? Because I have to tell you, if I eat a ton of rich food (or drink too much) and then run around WDW in the heat, I get sick too.

 

[itchin2go]

In unprecedented move, I'm going to quote myself and add in specific dishes, per your request :

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. Can't remember any specifics, just fairly good food, actually far better than I was expecting.

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. I know I had the vegetarian noodle dish, and my husband had some mussels that he went crazy for. He had a protracted conversation with the server about the mussels, and she said the only other ones on property that came close to those were at Le Cellier.

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. I have had the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli for an appetizer each time. It's unbelievable. My picky daughter tried to steal if from me. It's garnished with mushrooms that miraculously taste like bacon. I don't remember other specifics, except the cheese board, the seasonal tasting (apple dessert), and the sundae sampler which was delightful.

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. Tried the soup, husband tried the steak - it was all good. The tables are a bit close together, but it's a unique dining room, and worth the experience.

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. I had a vegetable platter, which was reminiscent of ok tex-mex food to me. My husband has the pollo a las rajas, which he still remembers. It's a dish that gets raves. Again, one of the more unique "dining rooms" in Disney World.

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. Everything on the buffet was fresh, well-prepared and better than we expected. Don't miss the sweet potato pancakes.

 

[itchin2go]

And again I ask, were these confirmed food poisonings, or just the guesses of the people unlucky enough to become ill? And where have you seen these reviews? Because I have to tell you, if I eat a ton of rich food (or drink too much) and then run around WDW in the heat, I get sick too.

I have to say, when I see a report of "food poisoning", I take it with a grain of salt. There are also rampant reports of norovirus at various times at Disney World, and as maxiesmom points out above, lots of other reasons why someone's stomach might be upset.

If you get "stomach sick", you cannot assume that you were poisoned at the last place where you ate.

Here are the things I "listen to" in reviews: (1) Was the service attentive? (2) Was the place clean? (3) Was the food warm?

I do not listen to a stranger's self-diagnosis of food poisoning. If an eatery is consistently poisoning people, it will be shut down, whether in Disney World or in the real world.

 

[JimmyV]

I get the sense that people are feeding a troll here. First, how could anyone not know that Bridge Over Troubled Water is a Simon and Garfunkle song? I don't care who else covered it. Second, what source could the OP be looking at where bluezoo, Wolfgang Puck Cafe, The Fountain, Citricos and V&A get "consistently bad reviews" and where food poisoning is reported to be endemic at WDW? Third, who shells out all that money for the DxDP with the preconceived notion that most of the Signature restaurants should be avoided. If someone has such a low opinion of Disney dining, wouldn't they "suffer through" eating CS food and paying OOP? There is something lacking in the genuineness of this all.

But I didn't just dismiss things based on one bad review. They were based on consistently bad reviews (and at least in case of both Sci-Fi and all of the Mexican epcot eateries- consistent food poisonings or in the case of Whispering Canyon Cafe and Sci-Fi again lighting and sound issues).

 

[scoutie]

What a bizarre post. If you are on your honeymoon with no children, I understand avoiding the princess character meals. The rest? Just....odd.

 

[Specter]

I think it's important to keep in mind, when seeking out reviews, you will usually find more bad than good just because of human nature. We are far more likely to complain when things are not to our satisfaction than we are to take the time to give praise when things are as we had hoped/expected them to be. I do think that this board is, generally speaking, a bit different because you have people that are so into Disney posting here, sharing their experiences for good or bad because they want others to get to have them too, or be able to avoid them.

My wife and I haven't been to the Wave yet but based on reviews that we have found here we are going to be trying it for both breakfast and dinner on our upcoming trip, assuming we can get the ADRs. We also intend to try Chefs de France and Tutto Italia, again, circumstances permitting. We have favorites that we try to visit each time we go, but we always try and work in some new restaurants as well and those are on our list.

From your list we have only been to a few of the restaurants mentioned. I had always wanted to go to Coral Reef and on our last trip we finally made it. Despite the dinner being near the end of our last trip and making the reservation at our 180 day +10 mark, we were not able to get a table by the glass despite asking repeatedly and indicating at check in that we were willing to wait. We did still have a good view, though. The food was good, no question, but it was not the best meal we've had at Disney by a long shot and ultimately as great as the atmosphere was we decided that we had tried it and wouldn't be going back. I don't actually remember a lot, specifically, about the food but I do remember my wife did not like the dessert that she got at all, though we wouldn't say that about anything else, it just wasn't memorable.

We are, however, fans of Kona. We enjoy the Asian fusion sort of menu, and are both big fans of sushi in addition to the regular menu items. We have been before and will be trying for a reservation again on our upcoming trip. This is where knowing your likes and dislikes more specifically would be useful. If you don't care for Asian flavors at all then that pretty much rules this one out regardless, but we have really enjoyed it on a few occasions now and have ordered multiple items off of the menu, all of which have been to our liking.

Ohana is, as mentioned, pretty polarizing. People love or hate it and we happen to love it. We have never had a bad meal there and have enjoyed watching the fireworks from a window side table, which is a great way to experience them. You need to judge based on the menu and then make up your mind for yourself if you're interested based on what they serve, and then if you think it's worth that gamble.

 

[minnie mum]

:

I get the sense that people are feeding a troll here. First, how could anyone not know that Bridge Over Troubled Water is a Simon and Garfunkle song? I don't care who else covered it. Second, what source could the OP be looking at where bluezoo, Wolfgang Puck Cafe, The Fountain, Citricos and V&A get "consistently bad reviews" and where food poisoning is reported to be endemic at WDW? Third, who shells out all that money for the DxDP with the preconceived notion that most of the Signature restaurants should be avoided. If someone has such a low opinion of Disney dining, wouldn't they "suffer through" eating CS food and paying OOP? There is something lacking in the genuineness of this all.

Having just read thru the OPs newest opus, his "TO TRY" list, I'm beginning to think you may be right.
Besides, you just have to really doubt the judgement of anyone who dumps all over the Signatures, yet wants to wax poetic over turkey legs.

 

[meowser]

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

Now you've clarified a bit more, I'll dip my toes in. For a couple on their honeymoon, I understand and agree with a few of these:Akershaus, Biergarten, Chef Mickey's, Cinderella's Royal Table, Hoop De Hoo, Spirit of Aloha, and Whispering Canyon Cafe. I'm not interested in the "show" aspect of these. I will do Biergarten at some point, but it's not a priority. 'Ohana also sorta falls into this category. I like and enjoy it, but DH does not. If you're avoiding the "shows" because you're not interested, I'd also avoid 'Ohana.

I can also see avoiding the more "chain"-like restaurants: ESPN, Planet Hollywood, Rainforest Cafe, Restaurantosaurus, etc.

As for restaurants on my personal "avoid" list: Bongos, Kona, and Yachtsman (which isn't on your list). But those are based on going to them and deciding it's not worth going back with so many other options.

Where I would reconsider if I were you is the signatures: Bluezoo, Brown Derby, Citrico's, Fulton's Crab House, and California Grill. I haven't been to all of them, but if they take the dining plan I wouldn't not eliminate them. In fact, California Grill would be my one "must do" recommendation for a honeymooning couple!

There are a few on there that I'm doing on my next trip: San Angel Inn (have always wanted to eat there for the location), The Wave (intrigued to try it), Sci Fi Diner (I've eaten there once and our friends want to do it. It's fun and I'll go in with low expectations for the food and will be happy.)

I've eaten at a few on your list that I enjoy, but not knowing your food preferences don't feel the need to push on you: Coral Reef, Chefs de France, Le Cellier. I will go back to all of them (and am trying to find a way to fit Chefs into my next trip).

Have a wonderful honeymoon! (And all of my comments refer to lunch and dinner. I've never done breakfast at any of them. And I would consider Kona for breakfast.)

 

[quakechicago]

I have to say, when I see a report of "food poisoning", I take it with a grain of salt. There are also rampant reports of norovirus at various times at Disney World, and as maxiesmom points out above, lots of other reasons why someone's stomach might be upset.

If you get "stomach sick", you cannot assume that you were poisoned at the last place where you ate.

Here are the things I "listen to" in reviews: (1) Was the service attentive? (2) Was the place clean? (3) Was the food warm?

I do not listen to a stranger's self-diagnosis of food poisoning. If an eatery is consistently poisoning people, it will be shut down, whether in Disney World or in the real world.

This. Seriously. If you google food poisoning types you'll see many types of poisoning actually hit people 36-72 hours after eating or MORE. So how many people grabbed a sandwich in the airport or days before traveling and were sick several DAYS later? Who knows. People remember the last thing they ate before being sick, but rarely is that the actual food that made them sick. And that doesn't even count people that picked up a nasty belly bug from one of the millions of kiddos while traveling or at the world.

(I strongly recommend you both be current on your vaccinations!)

I suggest you read menus for what YOU actually DO like -- especially if you feel like you're going to be forcing yourself to try strange and unusual food -- and then consider tripadvisor and yelp reports because you're going to get a lot of different range of opinions. If you're not used to the food and style of dining at V&A's and it would make you uncomfortable, that's one thing, but writing it off based on reviews is another.

And you can always send something back you don't like. I'm not sure why many people don't. A friend just told me how bad her experience at CRT was over a year ago down to every tiny little thing on every person's plate and when I asked why she didn't send it back, she blinked at me as if shocked.

Also our kiddo has multiple food allergies (I'm allergic to mustard, but it's fairly easy for me to avoid) and our experience with Disney food (while it is what it is, not exactly gourmet most of the time at for example a buffet) was very different than most, because at most places there is a special allergy chef who made my daughter and I (the chefs time and time again insisted it would give them great pleasure to cook for me and while I don't get embarrassed easily, when someone seems SO sincere about cooking and food I was like, um....okay, okay! lol) something customized. Our meals were grand and we only had one bad service experience (and I had the server replaced when they rolled their eyes at me over my kiddo's real, serious food allergies).

What I'm saying is, if there's something you don't like, or you want something else, no worries, they go way out of their way at Disney to make it right.

You can either look at this as an opportunity to experience new and different things or stick to what you know and are comfortable with. We also do the deluxe plan because we try to do as many character meals as possible with a 3 yo and it lets us be in better control of her allergies. (And with a 3 yo even though we're foodies, this is why we're not eating in some of the better restaurants when a character meal is available. Oh well, someday!)

Whatever you pick, you'll be okay. Have a great trip and congratulations!

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Actually - the OP put V & A on the list because he would have to pay OOP for it, since he's on the DxDDP and V & A is not included. He never said he didn't want to eat there because of the food or reviews.