Disappointed with Flame Tree BBQ

[Disney loving Iowan]

We had heard so many rave reviews that when we were at AK in January we decided to try a meal there. We expected it to be really good but were disappointed. DH got the turkey sandwich but it was dry, especially the bun. DD got the ribs and they were dry also and she didn't really care for them. I got the chicken and it wasn't too bad. It was probably the best of the 3 meals. DH has no desire to go back there again. Was this just a fluke? Should we try it again when we go back in September or just stick to Pizzafari?
Thanks!

 

[KatMark]

We had heard so many rave reviews that when we were at AK in January we decided to try a meal there. We expected it to be really good but were disappointed. DH got the turkey sandwich but it was dry, especially the bun. DD got the ribs and they were dry also and she didn't really care for them. I got the chicken and it wasn't too bad. It was probably the best of the 3 meals. DH has no desire to go back there again. Was this just a fluke? Should we try it again when we go back in September or just stick to Pizzafari?
Thanks!

We've never done Pizzafari--I refuse to eat Disney pizza (yuk!). We've always had great success at Flame Tree. This past trip in September, my ribs were a little grizzly, but the meat was still tasty. Maybe skip it in September and try the next trip...so hubby gets a break. We've never done the turkey. We usually do ribs and pulled pork (which is really good).

 

[food4me]

Sounds like it could have been an off day, but judging from the reviews on Allears over the past several weeks (http://land.allears.net/reviewpost/showproduct.php?product=48) they have had a lot of off days. recently I noticed several people complaining about the same issues (dry meat) that you experienced.

 

[AustinTink]

We had the same feeling. We tried it in March and the ribs and chicken were greasy and rubbery. Yuk.

 

[Lynn5700]

I had the chicken from there and have liked it in the past. I love that you get the minute maid icee things for dessert. That is why I like going there LOL!

 

[mi*vida*loca]

We ate there the day after we had Cosmic Ray's. DH said FT's ribs were good but he said too 'meaty' tasting. Not even spices. He never complains about food so I listened. LOL He liked CR's better.

I thought both were good. The kid's chicken was really tasty. Next time I'll get that.

 

[Time Traveler]

We always get the pork and chicken there with no complaints (probably have eaten there 15+ times), must've just been bad luck :/

 

[jcemom]

We didn't like Flame Tree either, but we've only tried it once. I keep intending to go back and give it a second go, but we really really like Pizzafari. When I get there I find that I'm just not willing to give up something I know I like to take a gamble on a meal we didn't enjoy before.

At Pizzafari DD is the only one who gets pizza. I LOVE the Italian sandwich they have, it's really good. We've also had the chicken sandwich and the chicken salad, both good too but not better than the Italian sandwich, IMO. The breadsticks are tasty too.

 

[MickeyNicki]

We always get the pork and beef sandwiches and they are awesome! Never tried the items you guys had so I cannot comment on them

 

[crisi]

I think their ribs are made "drier" than many - I like them fine, but I don't like what I think of a "greasy" ribs. So its possible that they were doing what they usually do, but you prefer a different preperation.

(I don't like Pizzafari at all though).

 

[G's mommy]

We didn't like Flame Tree either, but we've only tried it once. I keep intending to go back and give it a second go, but we really really like Pizzafari. When I get there I find that I'm just not willing to give up something I know I like to take a gamble on a meal we didn't enjoy before.

At Pizzafari DD is the only one who gets pizza. I LOVE the Italian sandwich they have, it's really good. We've also had the chicken sandwich and the chicken salad, both good too but not better than the Italian sandwich, IMO. The breadsticks are tasty too.

We enjoy Pizzafari, the italian sandwich is awesome! They also have the Minute maid frozen desserts.

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

We've never done Pizzafari--I refuse to eat Disney pizza (yuk!).

Kathy - You should try Pizzafari for the Chicken Parmesan sandwich and the Italian sandwich. We ate there and really enjoyed them!

 

[ntsammy5]

Kathy - You should try Pizzafari for the Chicken Parmesan sandwich and the Italian sandwich. We ate there and really enjoyed them!

They're both good - much more than I can eat so we share.

 

[sharadoc]

Kathy - You should try Pizzafari for the Chicken Parmesan sandwich and the Italian sandwich. We ate there and really enjoyed them!

I thought the chicken caesar salad was pretty good too. Not wonderful, but good. Better than a McDonald's or Wendy's salad.

 

[Maxwell]

We had heard so many rave reviews that when we were at AK in January we decided to try a meal there. We expected it to be really good but were disappointed. DH got the turkey sandwich but it was dry, especially the bun. DD got the ribs and they were dry also and she didn't really care for them. I got the chicken and it wasn't too bad. It was probably the best of the 3 meals. DH has no desire to go back there again. Was this just a fluke? Should we try it again when we go back in September or just stick to Pizzafari?
Thanks!

All the buns in WDW are dry and fall apart now since they switched to the whole grain Wonder buns. They are terrible, especially for a hot dog.

 

[jcemom]

I think their ribs are made "drier" than many - I like them fine, but I don't like what I think of a "greasy" ribs. So its possible that they were doing what they usually do, but you prefer a different preperation.

(I don't like Pizzafari at all though).

That could be it. We thought they were very dry and tasteless, other than tasting like meat, no other flavor. The sauce was good and we added a lot of it, but I guess we like juicy ribs.

 

[madalex]

I've been to FT many times, but always get the pulled pork sandwiches. I love it (particularly slathered with sauce). FT is the only CS place at any of the parks that I actually look forward to eating at.

 

[pipermae]

We're going in June and I'm still very up in the air about going to Flame Tree. We live in Memphis (known for blues, Elvis, and BBQ) so we're pretty spoiled BBQ wise and I'm worried we may not enjoy it... (particularly the sauce), if you had to compare it to a region of BBQ, what does it kind of equate to?

 

[pigby]

I've been to FT many times, but always get the pulled pork sandwiches. I love it (particularly slathered with sauce). FT is the only CS place at any of the parks that I actually look forward to eating at.

I love it too - usually get BBQ chicken though - I dream about it when we're not there!! In 2 weeks time we will be in Ak again and Flame Tree will be the first CS we will be hitting.

To the OP - sorry you were disappointed but it is worth another try - IMHO - love the seats right at the very back overlooking the water.

 

[Disney loving Iowan]

Thanks for all the replies. I know there are so many times on the boards that I hear someone talk about how bad a restaurant was that I have always gotten really good food at. I think they all have an off day now and then. I am hoping that is the case here. We will consider what everyone has said and I guess we will just have to see how we feel in Sept. Thanks again for all the good information!!!!