Dining Downtown.

[icarus]

My wife and I will be looking for a decent place to eat, but not nec. expensive when we go to Downtown Disney one night during our trip (the kids will be in the cubs den at this time). From what I've read, Planet Hollywood is just all around crappy - service and food (which is probably why we always seem to get a free something voucher from them everytime we stay at Disney), and Wolfgang Puck seems a bit too fancy for our tastes, although I could be wrong.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
~I~

 

[Uncleromulus]

I don't think Pucks is fancy at all. But anyway, how about Raglan Road?? Nothing at all fancy about that spot, and pretty good food.

 

[icarus]

I don't think Pucks is fancy at all. . .

I've never been there, I guess I am just making the assumption because I thought that the place is owned/ named after a high-end chef in the business.

- just shows how much I really know about pop-culture.

 

[GrandFloridianGirl]

Wolfgang Puck Cafe (downstairs) isn't too fancy and serves pizzas, pastas, yummy desserts..... (but not to be confused with WP Express that's CS)
It's probably the Wolfgang Puck Dining Room (located upstairs) you're thinking of that's extra fancy. DH and I went there on our honeymoon and that was a little too fancy schmancy for us.

If you want seafood, I hear Fulton's is good and I love Bongo's cuban fare. Rainforest cafe has a little bit of everything so you're sure to find something you like.
(personally, I could eat Earl of Sandwich for every meal)

 

[mikoiv]

You could get on the water taxi to Saratoga Springs and eat at The Turf Club. I just had lunch there today, nice room, not too bad a menu, good service (ask for a view of the river). Used my Disney Dining Experience card and total was $32 bucks after the 20% discount (used the savings for the tip). I had Mussels for appertizer and Penne with Shrimp.
Big bonus, you get to take a nice ride on the river.

 

[tinkandpan]

Raglan Road is a great suggestion. If you want something even more lowkey, try Earl of Sandwich

 

[Luv2Roam]

The Turf Club is right next to the boat dock to DTD too.
But one thing I thought of this past weekend about the Turf Club...
I almost made ADRs there, thinking we could dine there, take the boat to DTD, and then back over to get our cars and leave.
However, very glad I did not do this as:
1) RR food was delicious!
2) a bad storm brewed up and the boat service ceased
(Which in a jam we could have taken a bus over to SSR.)
But just something to consider. If there is a lot of lightening (very common in FL) the boats will stop during that time.

I don't mind PH. We have eaten there twice and liked it both times. I think it just has to be a place you are in the mood for.
I think at Wolfgang's you just don't get enough bang for the buck. I think they are too much for what people get.
Heck, you can buy the same meatloaf dinner at the Express for roughly $8 less.

Bongo's is good, as is HoB.

 

[JD3419]

Last time we went to House of Blues we really enjoyed it. Rainforest Cafe is ok, but it is very loud. For something quick and a good value you could always try Earl of Sandwich.

 

[Eeyore's My Favorite]

Capn. Jack's is great - never had anything bad there. Bongos at the West End was good, too, but you have to like that kind of food. Rainforest Cafe is okay, and we've never had anything bad at Planet Hollywood, although we usually end up eating in the bar area because it's always so packed. Wherever you choose to go, enjoy!!

Under 30 days & counting down quickly.......

 

[lynninpa]

Hi, Neighbor! (Warwick, RI here) We absolutely loved Raglan Road! So much, in fact, that we ate there twice during one trip. The food, the atmosphere and the service all got a from us-except for the Shepard's Pie.
Our worst DTD meal was at Cap' N' Jacks. Of course, just our humble opinion.
WGP Cafe has had quite a menu "overhaul." So make sure to check out the menu before booking.

 

[camdensmom]

Wolfgang Puck's is a great choice for a wifey/hubby "date night."

Planet Hollywood and RFC are both (IMHO) nothing more than an Applebee's with hype.

Capt. Jack's was my personal worst ever Disney Meal (March 2006). Bad service, yucky food and a GIANT cockroach spotting that the waitress tried to cover up by stepping on and dragging her foot not so subtly.

Earl of Sandwich is yummy as is WGP Express (and a GREAT value for CS) but if you are sans kiddos I say treat yourself!

 

[AnninIowa]

I'd recommend Wolfgang Puck's Express - great menu and food, but a little more affordable and casual than the Cafe. Plus you can eat outside and people watch. They have locations at both the West Side and Marketplace.

 

[tfoster]

My husband and I went to dinner there this past February and thought it was great. It was a pretty neat environment, our server was superb, and all of our food was absolutely delicious! I had steak and potatoes, and the whole meal was amazing. My DH had the jumbalaya (please excuse the spelling!); it was enormous and he loved it (but could barely eat half of it, there was so much!). We got a piece of chocolate cake to eat on the boatride back to POR and that was just as delicious as our meals. I'd go back there in a heartbeat. But if you do go, make a reservation. We had one and were so glad. People walking in were told they would need to wait over an hour for a table.

 

[lynninpa]

My husband and I went to dinner there this past February and thought it was great. It was a pretty neat environment, our server was superb, and all of our food was absolutely delicious! I had steak and potatoes, and the whole meal was amazing. My DH had the jumbalaya (please excuse the spelling!); it was enormous and he loved it (but could barely eat half of it, there was so much!). We got a piece of chocolate cake to eat on the boatride back to POR and that was just as delicious as our meals. I'd go back there in a heartbeat. But if you do go, make a reservation. We had one and were so glad. People walking in were told they would need to wait over an hour for a table.

The menu at HOB does sound wonderful! Can you tell us more about the atmosphere, tfoster?! And just where is it located?

 

[ThisMomLuvsDisney]

This is hands down my favorite place to eat in all of WDW

We eat there more than once if possible during each trip even though it is not on the Dining Plan! The menu is incredible (check it out at the DIS Home page under dining menus) and the prices seem reasonable for the quality, atmosphere and choices that you have

There is outdoor seating available on their patio that overlooks the water that is really nice on a beautiful evening as well

Wherever you choose to dine I hope you have a nice time on your night out

 

[icarus]

Hi, Neighbor! (Warwick, RI here) . . .

Just about 35 mins. to Bald Hill Road from here, and flying out of T.F.G.'

Thank you every one for the suggestions. It wasn't until last night that I realized that taking the boats to the other resorts opens a whole bunch of new options.

Raglan Road must be a newer place, as I don't recall the name from our last visit. If going for dinner do you have to purchase admission to pleasure Island as well?

I will try and make ADR for this place although October is coming up fast and we may not get in.

 

[NUguyinCrew]

Just about 35 mins. to Bald Hill Road from here, and flying out of T.F.G.'

Thank you every one for the suggestions. It wasn't until last night that I realized that taking the boats to the other resorts opens a whole bunch of new options.

Raglan Road must be a newer place, as I don't recall the name from our last visit. If going for dinner do you have to purchase admission to pleasure Island as well?

I will try and make ADR for this place although October is coming up fast and we may not get in.

Raglan Road is new, we ate there just after it opened last year. Hopefully they have some kinks worked out now. I wasnt impressed with the service or the food at this place. Like I said hopefully it is better now but for my money I'd just eat at Captn Jacks.
No you dont need admission, that is only to get into the clubs now, not the entire island as it used to be.

 

[tinkandpan]

We have never had to purchase admission to Pleasure Island to go to Raglan Road. We usually have an ADR on the earlier side (7ish or so) so I don't know if that changes anything. SOmeone else might have some better information.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I just wanted to add my two cents here. Please keep in mind that the DTD restaurants are privately owned, not done by Disney. This tends to affect the service and food quality in a negative way at some of the restaurants.

Steer clear of Fulton's Fish, Raglan Road, and Planet Hollywood.

 

[MickeyNicki]

Wolfgang Puck Express is awesome! The fresh brewed mango ice tea is refreshing...I get the pulled pesto chicken sandwich, DH loves the rotisserie chicken and pizza. Huge portions at reasonable prices and great tasting food makes this place a hit with us