CRT - Disappointed in new menu :(

[Donald & Daisy Duck]

We have always enjoyed CRT for dinner in the past, but this time we were really disappointed. They have a new chef who redesigned the menu about six months ago and IMHO did nothing to improve it I had the tenderloin of beef and my dh had the porkchop which the waitress recommended. It was all just so-so - beef didn't have much flavor, potatoes were dry and the tomato hollandaise sauce was just yuck and the porkchop was undercooked with not much taste. Our waitress told us that many of the returning CRT patrons were complaining to the waitstaff about the new menu and preferred the old one. This has always been one of our favorite places to eat, but we will not be back until the menu has changed once again. The previous changes were fine...but this new one is lacking in our opinion. Ambiance at the castle is still wonderful as always!!!

 

[GeorgeG]

Welcome to the new WDW dining experience.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Yep, I'm not excited about the handful of ADR's this trip. May was so, so and September was downright disappointing.

 

[epcotfan]

Sorry to hear you were disappointed. I still long for the food WDW served 20 years ago.

 

[inkedupmomma]

CRT is my favorite! I won't lie though, when I came back to WDW in 2008 after dining there in 2005, I was SHOCKED in the food difference, but still managed to enjoy the food. Then in 2009, the food was not really good at all... I don't mind the new menu change, and I am hoping it is better than my 2009 experience..if not, well, I probably will not go back

 

[gibbersome]

Problem with CRT is that it's a great location and people will continue to dine at the castle even if all they served was beef jerky and ketchup for $30. There's no real pressure to improve the quality of food served at the castle.

 

[Hootch]

back to CRT this summer and were considering dinner as a change of pace since the princesses have been added. I looked at the new menu and it just didn't seem appealing enough for the price difference. All I have read on these boards is disappointment in the execution too.

The lunch menu has changed to but they have kept the Major Domo. So that's where we're heading. This will probably be our last CRT for some time given our daughter's age. I hope it's the same and has not been "improved"..

 

[Mary T in PA]

We ate there last week, on Dec 1st to be exact for lunch. I usually get the Major Domo and that hasn't changed. What did change for our lunch: DH usually get the pork chop and that dish was redesigned - DH ate it but it wasn't what he expected as we were there in July. He said it was good, it just was different now, but I don't think he will order that again if we go back.

And the dessert menu changed too, which I didn't like, I loved the pudding they used to have and now it's gone.

We did notice the wands are now different too - they looked like cheap wands from the dollar store. I am glad we still have some old wands from previous trips.

Overall the food was still good, and we had a good experience. But if they continue to make more changes to the menu we will have to sit this restaurant out for a bit.

 

[OurDogCisco]

ITA, I saw someone's review of the breakfast and was a little disappointed. It definitely did not look as good as it was before. Good thing my girls have kinda out grown the princess thing.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

I ordered the duck and sent it back, I guess it was my own fault. I assumed it was duck breast, it came on the bone, with the skin still on with a huge layer of fat.

I took one look at it and requested the pork chop, which was OK, nothing fantastic.

The princess basically did a drive by at out table, none stopped to talk, and none of them took anytime to pose with the kiddos. They got to the table, signed the books, and stood for one picture, and seemed bothered by the multiple cameras.

We won't be returning to dinner; we will stick to breakfast from now on, if we go at all.

 

[honeydiane1953]

I have read so many comments re the old menu at CRT. They weren't that great either. We have never wanted to go to CRT because we knew it was all about the hype rather than the food. Come to think of it most of WDW's food is like that all over. This place being soo wonderful and the food is mediocre at best. IF I had a car while down there we would eat off site. Food at the resorts are pretty good but at the parks fagetaboutit.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

Is it wrong to expect more character interaction when paying $$? I mean we don't go there for the food (thank goodness).

As far as the food goes, the best thing they have going is the Major Domo Pie at lunch. It is the only menu item that was memorable in a good way. I've eaten breakfast, lunch, and dinner there on multiple occasions and the pie is the only stand out.

Why do I keep going? The things you do for your children. (Chef Mickeys is another one of those things)

 

[uncw89]

Oh no! I hope the food is OK. We are going to CRT for the first time in Jan. for my birthday (yes, I'm an adult and wanted to try CRT!) and I was hoping the dinner was going to be at least decent.
Thanks for the opinions!