Counter Service Must Do's?

[jonw]

Are there counter service locations which are clearly superior?

Searching back for similar topics I made a little list (updated list based on feedback in this thread):

AK - Flaming Tree BBQ
MK - Pecos Bill's, Cosmic Ray's, Columbia Harbour
Epcot - Sunshine Seasons, Tangerine Cafe
DTD - Earl of Sanwich, Wolfgang Puck
MGM - Backlot Express, Starring Roll

These seem to be the most suggested. Is this a good list?

(we're doing DDP and I have most of my TS meals set.)


I'm particularly interested in locations which have varity for the kids. I don't want them eating chicken nuggets or macaroni and cheese at every meal.

 

[Yen Sid]

I don't want to overplan. I prefer to have most of the day loose and don't want to script where we'll be exactly for each meal. That said, are there counter service locations which are clearly superior?

Searching back for similar topics I made a little list:

AK - Flaming Tree BBQ
MK - Pecos Bill's and Cosmic Ray's
Epcot - Sunshine Seasons
DTD - Earl of Sanwich, Wolfgang Puck
MGM - Backlot Express and ABC Commissary

These seem to be the most suggested. Is this a good list?

(we're doing DDP and I have most of my TS meals set.)


I'm particularly interested in locations which have varity for the kids. I don't want them eating chicken nuggets or macaroni and cheese at every meal.

I agree with your AK, MK, DTD selections, have never tried Epcot one; usually eat at a country for quick bite, at DHS I would choose Backlot Express, have heard way too many horror stories on the ABC commisary.

 

[rrkman]

We really liked Sunshine Seasons the last time we were there. Had a lot of good choices outside of the burger/hot dog/nuggets/mac&cheese group. We also like to eat all around the world showcase....we will usually have someone pick something out and then atleast try some of it. But, instead of variety, we seem to be in a bit of a rut.....I usually get the fish & chips, my mom a pastry in France and/or Norway, DW something in Morocco...then, we'll stop at American Adventure to get the kids a burger or something.

We usually end up eating at either Pizzafari or Pizza Planet once each trip, too. Even though Pizza really isn't outside of that group either, Pizzafari does have a hot italian sandwich that some of us got last time and really enjoyed it. Another place that we view as slightly different is the Studio Catering Co....they have a chicken platter (rice and beans) and also chicken leg for kids.

 

[jonw]

It's not that I'm objecting to "that group" of foods as I am looking for some varity. We're on vacation so I'm ok with the kids not eating super healthy. It just seems that half of the kids menus are exactly alike.

We usually end up eating at either Pizzafari or Pizza Planet once each trip, too. Even though Pizza really isn't outside of that group either, Pizzafari does have a hot italian sandwich that some of us got last time and really enjoyed it. Another place that we view as slightly different is the Studio Catering Co....they have a chicken platter (rice and beans) and also chicken leg for kids.

 

[rrkman]

I certainly didn't mean anything by calling it 'that group'.....I agree with you, most of the kids meals are the exact same - PB&J, Mac&Cheese, or Chicken Nuggets. Even adding a deli sandwich, grilled cheese, fish, or something different, would be nice. This is also one of the main reasons that I like to do atleast a couple buffets (including breakfast buffets and I realize that this isn't an option for CS) because even though they still have these same things, I can sneak some other stuff in there with it.

 

[Clotho]

I highly recommend Sunshine Seasons! I couldn't believe the variety there! Excellent. From "those foods" to sushi to unique Italian grinders to tasty salads...

I find Cosmic Rays to be hit and miss. I really like that there are a bunch of stations with different food options, but my two observations:
1) there is still burgers and hot dogs..."those foods"...so if you are trying to get them to try the occasional other thing, that may not be the solution
2) every other time the food is overcooked and pasty. Sure every other time from that it's fine. But overall, you don't know which you're going to get.

I would also add Turkey legs! Hubby and I share one and a thing of popcorn or chips and a big old soda, and it is plenty filling, can be eaten anywhere and on the go, good source of protein for energy.

 

[Alaska Catdog]

Columbia Harbour house in MK is a must do for us. They have a nice selection of sandwiches that provide a refreshing break from the burger, hotdog, pizza mac&cheese choices. Plus the upstairs is very rarely crowded and the bathrooms are usually clean and tidy.

 

[bluejasmine]

My list:
Mk-Pecos Bills, Cosmic rays
EP-Sunshine Seasons, Tangerine Cafe
DTD-WGPE, EOS

 

[RllngRckBrw]

I would agree with that list for the most part. I really like the chicken and ribs at cosmic rays, it is the best value in my opinion. Also I like Starring Rolls at MGM. It is only either a ham/turkey sandwich or a veggie pita, but it is not the normal burger/fry combo and is quiet tasty.

 

[Clotho]

Columbia harbor House was my number one place for years. but they took the most unique and fabulous sandwich off (the Starboard Deck), and I am heartbroken! I got that at least twice a trip!! I mean really...ham, muenster, broccoli slaw, on 9 grain bread? Where else do you get that fabulous a sandwich in a theme park?!?!

 

[EpcotMatt2]

Love the Fish & Chips stand in UK at World Showcase. No variety, but great fish & chips.

 

[jemlover]

For DH and I it's Flame Tree Barbecue and Cooke's of Dublin in DTD. We found the fish and chips there to be much better than the counter service fish and chips in England in Epcot. The restaurant is tiny and there's no atmosphere but the fish is great! DH sat outside at the bar next door and had a beer while I ordered. It was a nice break after shopping all morning.

 

[MahaloPoly]

I must agree about Sunshine Seasons and Tangierine Cafe in Epcot. We went to both on our recent trip and they were both excellent. If you are using the dining plan, at Sunshine Seasons you can get a pretty big bowl of yummy soup as a snack credit.

Columbia Harbour House has good vegetarian chili, but it is spicy! It is also nice and quiet on the upper floor.

I don't know what to think of Cosmic Ray's... the food was okay, but there was something about the corridor where the restrooms are, in the back of the building, that made me feel a little unsafe. And I have never felt not safe at the Magic Kingdom. I also must say, definitely avoid the prepackaged dessert cakes at Cosmic Ray's - we couldn't eat them, and we usually never pass up dessert!

We didn't go to any counter service at AK or DS, so I don't have anything to add about those.

 

[autumnpalm]

Mmmm I will mention Columbia Harbour House again. LOVE their tuna sandwich and hummus sandwich and the seating area upstairs is wonderful. We love to sit at the windows and just people watch. Can't wait to eat there again.


I'll also give a shout-out to Captain Cook's at the Poly!! Tonga Toast and self serve Dole Whips?? What more could you ask for?

 

[melissac]

The 2 CS we eat at everytime are MK-Columbia Harbour and AK- Yak and Yeti. I know a lost of people aren't happy with Yak and Yeti CS but we love it special the shrimp Lo-Mein

 

[docgrumpy]

Casey's for hotdogs!