Dining Choices Tough

[jgplimdesign]

From reading trip reports, dining reviews----and scouring the ever-present 'food porn' thread. . . I can't imagine there being too many of us out there. . .but. . .

Does anyone actually struggle in trying to find places to eat? Though I am more apt to try new things-----my husband is pretty 'tried and true' when it comes to food. There are so many menus where I see like 'one' thing that might be of interest to him-------and that doesn't really seem fair to be on vacation and having a choice of '1'. I've shown him menus and he will point out things that he'd eat. . .but I know him to get that he is being 'kind' if he thinks it is someplace I want to try. . .

We have favorites already scheduled. . .Biergarten, 'Ohana, The Crystal Palace (breakfast), Rose & Crown, Whispering Canyon . . .we got a lunch ADR at Le Cellier which will be a 'first time' for us. . .not too worried about that. . .

Otherwise I keep making and canceling other ADRs-----I read reviews and get discouraged. . .then read others that are 'encouraging'. . . (some made and cancelled restaurants include Kona Cafe, Boma, Via Napoli, Sci-Fi, 50's Prime Time, Liberty Tree. . .)

For SO MANY choices out there. . .it isn't as easy as I think it should be. . . just looking for others out there who think the vast menu collections at times feels limited. . . generally speaking 'cause of family members, dietary restrictions, etc.

I'm not looking to argue. . .just looking for a little camaraderie. Please tell me I'm not alone!

 

[wcpamotm]

Yes it certainly can be a tough choice. One can only eat (and afford) so many meals in one trip! We solve this dilemma by planning for our upcomming trip meals even as we make ADRs for the next trip!

Negative reviews notwithstanding, I'd suggest going with whatever seems interesting to you, in terms of food, ambiance, entertainment, or some combination of the above. As long as you avoid the notion that Disney food will knock your socks off, you should be ok. While there are some restaurants I enjoy more than others, few are really bad overall, and I have none on my hypothetical "never again" list. (Now, it may be quite some time before we make it back to 1900...)

 

[staceylynnga]

I have made a few changes to our reservations for different reasons and, like many on these boards, can be influenced by reviews of others. Irs one reason I've stayed away from Coral Reef. Seems all atmosphere and generally mediocre food and service. Same with Chef Mickeys.

From what I've read, and hopefully others with more knowledge can confirm, supposedly most restaurants can make your husband a simple steak or grilled chicken even if it's not on the menu. If so, I'd go where you are most interested in trying. He may surprise you and find something new!

 

[Nadjalu]

Well what advice I can offer you is this:

Don't go by reviews. People's tastes are so different what I may report as "horrible" you may love and vice versa.

Go by the menus and your gut. If you like the menu and what the place has to offer, go with it. 99.9% of the time you WON'T be disappointed. But the reverse is also true, follow another's advice on a place that you may not be fond of the menu....you won't like it.

WDW has such good places to eat, it is hard to choose. But go with what your family likes, you won't be sorry.

Have a great trip!!

 

[newdeal]

Kona is excellent, great food, usually not too busy, excellent bread, good selection of entrees including prix fix menu...it is a must do for us after our first visit last trip. People mostly complain its noisy since its open into the lobby. We had no issues at all we were too busy talking and having fun to notice.

Boma is the best buffet on disney property. Good food selection for all types of eaters, some more exotic choices, good dessert selection, nice selection of fruit which isnt present at all buffets. No idea who has given boma bad reviews, most people on here seem to love it.

As for via napoli, 50s prime time, sci fi and liberty tree we have never done those as i hate family style, am not interested in the theming of sci fi or 50s and while via napoli may be interesting in the future we havent had timein our schedule to try it yet (and would probobly do tutto first so it may be a few trips until we get there)

 

[tigger30066]

I totally understand where you are coming from. My best friend and I go every year for a girls only trip. She would try almost anything once, and I am very picky. We have several places that are must do's and everything else we look at the menu online and make sure that they have something I like. I would not worry about only having one choice on the menu too much, because I usually only have a couple of options no matter where I go( in the world or at home). As long as they have something he will like I am sure you will have a great time.

 

[Hopefully]

I agree that it is a tough choice, but for the exact opposite reason. There are so many wonderful restaurants and choices we can not get at home!!
We too are primarily "meat and potatoes" folks, yet we love the choices in WDW. So I really don't understand your dilemna.
As others have said, go with your gut and make ADR's where the menu appeals to you. Don't let the reviews influence you.

 

[3pletprincesses]

yes I find it hard. My dh won't eat sea food, sushi, nor fish. If it has a strange name, it's probably not good. As a matter of fact he is our picky eater and our daughters are just adventurous as me. I found it hard at time to find restaurants for our past trip. One thing he told me was that he could eat filet mignong every night so deluxe it was and since my signature restaurants have filet mignon, it made things easier. The girls and I had all kinds of things while he enjoyed his filet mignon LOL In August, the girls and I are going all out and doing all restaurants that we wouldn't be able to do when he is around

One more thing, forget about reviews. We were plesantly surprice at CRT, yatchman just to name a few while really didn't like Narcossees. If I had read all the reviews, I would have skipped Yatchman for exemple and yet it was of the best meals we had while recommandations told me Narcossees was very good and we hate it.

 

[goofyintoronto]

yes I find it hard. My dh won't eat sea food, sushi, nor fish.

I dont eat seafood/sushi/fish either yet I think im a pretty adventurous eater. Some ppl are allergic to seafood....me, i just dont like it. But i'll try anything once.
I agree with the others about reviews.....dont pay too much attention to it. For example: ppl raved and raved about le cellier and their food like it was made by the angels in heaven.....I was so disappointed in their meal when i tried it. I didnt like it. I vowed never to go back. I heard mixed reviews about Sci Fi, yet i tried it anyway and LOVED it!!! Just go with your gut and try what appeals to you and your family. You will always hear different reviews on restaurants, everyone has a different opinion. We wont all agree on everything. So go where you want, and enjoy!!

 

[Diegosmom]

Wow are our husbands related lol

Hubby doesn't really like buffets (but I probably couold get 1 or 2 out of him). He is Mexican so loves that so we will do the 1! And 5! In mexico. He also does not like italian, doesn't really eat pizza, hamburgs or sandwichs. He does like steak but didn't want him having that as his only choice. Oh also he doesn't like his food sweet, so he loves ribs but they can't have sweet sause (I think he likes what's called mephas dry rub)). Had thought about just doing the quick service dining but he probably won't like too many of those choices so I decided regular dining so at least there would be more of a chance he would like something as most places have steak. What I worry about is that we will be spending all this money for him to be on dining and then am I going to have to run out somewhere offsite to get him food?

 

[JimmyV]

Go by the menus and your gut. If you like the menu and what the place has to offer, go with it.

A word of caution here, though. Often, Disney menus suggest a preparation or ingredient base that sound far more "exotic" and unusual than the really are. In the end, Disney food is pretty main stream. They know who their customer base is. Nothing served at WDW is akin to an episode of "Fear Factor" or "Bizarre Foods". Anyone who likes the "basics" can order pretty much anything from any menu and not be overwhelmed, despite the flowery, complicated and challenging descriptions offered up on the menus.

 

[MrsLS]

I would stop reading reviews too. Everyone has different opinions and one thing can make someone not like the restaurant. There are restaurants that I hate and people on here love and the other way around. If the menu looks good, then I would go. Also like a pp said, if there is something he would eat that has some sauce or something with it that your DH won't eat, they can make it without that item. Or most restaurants will switch the side dish, as long as its offered with another menu item.
Is your DH really picky or just likes plain food? Plain is easy because they will make it plain for him. If picky, I would suggest maybe buffets since you can pick and choose. Or even some of the ones you cancelled like Sci Fi, 50s & LTT make pretty basic meals but good (except for 50s, haven't tried that).

 

[jgplimdesign]

Have enjoyed reading comments to this thread. . .

As some have inquired as to DH's dining habits. . . I claim that he is all about 'the basics'-----he doesn't eat seafood (other than a tuna sandwich)----and he isn't a vegetable person (other than salad, potatoes, corn, tomatoes. . .) No broccolini on his plate!! . . .he does like lamb & the 'usual' meats.

I introduced him to 'Ohana last year----which was a big thrill. . . while I consumed most all of the salad and all of the broccoli/snap peas----he devoured the meat & potstickers!

I know he is capable of finding 'something' on the menu-----I guess I'm working too hard at trying to find the 'ultimate' choices-----always looking to try a few new restaurants-----wondering if I'm overlooking somewhere that could become a 'new favorite'. . . I'm just babbling on here. . .

He is more 'meat & potatoes' and I am more 'flexitarian' (part-time vegetarian. . .perhaps one day evolving into a full fledged veggie person. . .but that's a different thread and a different forum all together)

I questioned the meat seasonings at Boma on another thread. . . While I personally am not 'over the top' on buffets (though we have two booked), I'm intrigued by some of what I've read for myself. . . DH is willing to go. . .just don't want to have to pay a visit to the Resort QS on the way back to buy an additional meal if there aren't enough DH-friendly options. . . maybe that is more my concern than anything. . .I dunno. . .

Anyhow. . .I've rambled on since beginning this post. . . thank you again to those of you who offered up their suggestions, comments, etc.

 

[POOHsie]

There really isn't an answer for you except: ignore reviews. What I do is return to WDW every year or so, and try places we haven't been before. Can't say we were ever disappointed in a big way. And don't forget restaurants in the Boardwalk area like Kouzzina, Flying Fish, Il Mulino, Don Shula's and BlueZoo. They are all outstanding!

I got tired of going thru your problem with my late-DH. He was cool to most everything I showed him. After awhile, I just went ahead and left him out of the conversation. I came up with the trip plan, and announced where we were eating for the day. It was all OK with him. He's was a follower, not into WDW or restaurant dining. Me and DD enjoyed ourselves, tho.

 

[EvilQueenT]

we have our favorites as well but what about doing those then leave one spot he picks and one spot you pick or even one new place you pick together? maybe look at it like we do...try it, if you don't like it don't eat it and if worse comes to worse we'll take the car or a cab to xxxx if we have to (ie the grocery store, mcdonalds lol etc...). it's no different than trying a new recipe at home. if it's bad just chalk it up to trying something new but don't feel like you then have to starve if you don't like it.