Counter Service Hollywood Studios

[mainegal]

"They" say there aren't any good counter services places to eat at HS.

But, if you were there for the day, and you had to eat something (not table service), where would you eat? What is the least objectionable?

 

[Hopefully]

While we agree that there is no great CS at DHS we find the Backlot Express to be acceptable.
The sandwiches at Starring Rolls look good in pictures I have seen, but I have never tried them.
We usually opt for a TS here at DHS

 

[goofy4prez]

"They" say there aren't any good counter services places to eat at HS.

But, if you were there for the day, and you had to eat something (not table service), where would you eat? What is the least objectionable?

I'd eat a huge breakfast and fast the whole day there at DHS.

Seriously, if I had to eat something there (and I won't again), I would eat at Starring Rolls. The sandwiches are good, the problem is they are so limited in what they offer. However, I will admit the pastries and deserts are very good here.

If you must eat at DHS I guess all of the places are edible and you will survive your ordeal with the exception one place:

ABC Commissary. One word will describe this place, horrible!!!

 

[CleoPahd]

For counter service we've liked the Backlot Express in the past.

 

[mommycrawford]

I hear they have smoothies near the Rockin Roller Coaster....I would have one of those if I was really hungry, but I am also willing to try ribs at Fairfax Fare this time. Salads are also pretty safe, and Pizza Planet looks like they have a decent one.

I usually get a small something at Sci Fi, or a frozen lemonade, and bring some nuts to snack on til dinner.

 

[TaraPA]

We "lunch" on soft pretzels & churros while in DHS!

I have to say Toy Story Pizza Planet was by far the worst meal I've ever eaten. Anywhere! Cardboard pizza & wilted salad. The noise level in there was deafening too!

The majority hate ABC Commissary - I've only eaten there once & had the Fish & Chips which was actaully very good. DH did not like the cheeeseburger.

We always go to Sci-Fi for our meal - it's TS but very casual, great sandwiches & burgers & not too expensive. You can be in & out quickly as well.

 

[RMulieri]

We felt the same way till this year..We tried Fairfax fare and they had changed their menu and it was actually pretty good.Other than that we like the Backlot

 

[onelilspark]

The thing with HS is that you just need to stick to basics. It's their more adventurous menu items that aren't fantastic. I suggest the sandwiches at Starring Rolls

 

[myweegirls]

I've had great success twice now with the taco salad at Fairfax Fare. It was surprisingly yummy the first time I had it - last July - and I went for it again this May with the same result. DH also enjoyed his meal there this spring - I think he had a roast chicken thing? I was too busy diving face-first into my salad to remember...

XO
Liz

 

[kerri0616]

Going in about three weeks!

Should I assume that we will eat outdoors if we choose Starring Rolls or Fairfax Fare? Will it be unbearable if we eat early, say 11:00 am???

Thanks! Just trying to keep us as cool as possible in the July heat!

Kerri

 

[GoMegGo]

I'd eat a huge breakfast and fast the whole day there at DHS.

Sad but true.

We've had decent experiences at Backlot Express, but nothing really stands out as a "must have" at HS. I was thinking about taking the boat to Epcot for lunch since there are so many great CS places there.

 

[Meriweather]

Fairfax Fare....I love the pork salad and we eat there at least once every trip.

We also AVOID ABC Commisary!!

 

[WVParkfan]

The thing with HS is that you just need to stick to basics. It's their more adventurous menu items that aren't fantastic. I suggest the sandwiches at Starring Rolls

I couldn't disagree with you more. It is the "regular" park food that gives CS at DHS a bad name. You can get carnival food anywhere (burgers, hotdogs, etc), even at Disney. But it is the different meal choices that make CS special at any Disney park.

How about trying some of these at Hollywood Studios:

Fairfax Salad (pulled pork salad) at Fairfax Fare.
Turkey Focaccia at Starring Rolls.
Chicken Curry with Rice at the ABC Commissary.
Southwest Chicken Salad at Backlot Express.
Cheesecake at Backlot Express.
Hot Italian Sub at Catalina Eddie's.
Chicken Caesar Salad at Catalina Eddie's
Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions from the Dockside Diner.
Cup of Soup and a slice of Carrot Cake from Rosie's All American Cafe.
A Pressed Tuscan Deli sandwich from the Studio Catering Company.
Grilled Vegetable Panini from the Studio Catering Company.
Chicken Caesar Wrap from the Studio Catering Company.

Hollywood Studios doesn't have the best Counter Service food in Disney World, but it isn't bad. If you avoid the temptation to go to Pizza Planet (all Disney pizza is horrid), and you take the time to get past the burgers, ice cream, and hotdogs, there really are some really good CS choices at DHS.

 

[rrkman]

I guess we are one of the few families that are ok with the ABC commissary. I usually get the fish and chips - not bad, the kids get chicken nuggets (have the allergy free ones for our one son), and my wife actually likes the chicken curry.

 

[Vaughn4380]

For counter service we've liked the Backlot Express in the past.

Same here.

 

[taz217]

I would have to say we have done both ABC and Backlot for CS with fairly good results. Like a previous post said........ Don't shoot for the stars with any CS meals in Disney World, but you can find lots of info on the Dis where you can find little CS treasures. You either have to get creative when you are looking to eat or not expect 5 star meals. As for beating the heat..... Gotta give ABC the nod there. The AC was kickin!!!!!!

 

[DEA]

I've had great success twice now with the taco salad at Fairfax Fare. It was surprisingly yummy the first time I had it - last July - and I went for it again this May with the same result. DH also enjoyed his meal there this spring - I think he had a roast chicken thing? I was too busy diving face-first into my salad to remember...

XO
Liz

It was the Chicken and Ribs platter, and it was very good. I daresay it was the best BBQ I had on the trip (over Cosmic Ray's and the rather abysmal plate at Sea World). It was better than I expected, and I had pretty high expectations going in.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would recommend the ABC Commissary.

 

[miksilver]

Sad but true.

We've had decent experiences at Backlot Express, but nothing really stands out as a "must have" at HS. I was thinking about taking the boat to Epcot for lunch since there are so many great CS places there.

My DH and I were discussing our dining options for our next trip and decided to do the same thing. We both agreed it was going to be a boat ride to Epcot for lunch!

 

[Polarone]

My family enjoyed the food at Fairfax (and the surrounding areas). My son (7 and not a particularly picky eater) enjoyed a turkey leg, that we all picked a bit from, my daughter (13 and a semi-picky eater) enjoyed one of the bar-b-q platters from Fairfax and my wife and I split another (can't remember who got what exactly, but I know I had at least a taste of brisket, ribs and pulled pork). Nothing that is going to threaten any real bbq joints out there, but I was honestly surprised at how much I enjoyed it (I'm one who really was disappointed at DHS CS meals on our last trip).

Kind of wish I had enjoyed it a bit less as I had to take the two kids on back to back rides on the RnRC right after (DW doesn't like roller coasters "AT ALL!!"), but I'd go back.