Discouraged in some restaurants? Any recommendations?

[KSoda]

My children, ages 18,15,10, grandson 11 months old and myself have reservations for our WDW vacation, arriving 6/27 to 7/9 for the Polynesian resort, we're celebrating my youngest daughter's
10th, and grandson's first birthdays, as well as my elder daughter's graduation, and my 15 year old, for doing great in school. Our package, includes the basic dining plan. So far, we've made reservations for priority seatings at 10 establishments, for breakfast and dinner, a few are dinner shows, I'll list them below, but, I'm getting somewhat discouraged from some reports I have heard of about a few of our once favorite restaurants. As with any family and guest visiting WDW, WE ALL KNOW how we almost have to mortgage our homes for what is for some, a once in a lifetime vacation. We had reservations for Alfredo's on the Forth of July, then I've read some very disappointing reviews of that establishment, not to mention, they're closing their doors, we cancelled the reservation there and made a new one for the German Beirgarten. We wanted to eat at the Coral Reef, then today I listened to Kevin Klose' DIS Unplugged Round table report, and I couldn't believe of how he said he was treated there and the sub par meal he recieved. After reading and hearing of several restaurants in WDW, I have little clue now of what to expect. I'm feeling as, if we don't eat at a high class restuarant like Victoria and Alberts, and I'm probably being sarcastic here, we'd almost be better off with some fast food joints. I realize that many of the priority seating restaurants food is just OK, and we pay for the atmosphere and name of the place, but like anyone, we want to get what we pay for, but, I do want a good meal, good service and good atmosphere, like anyone else. So, I find myself changing reservations left and right lately. Below, I'll list what we have so far, can anyone add any comments and reviews of their favorites and recent experiences?

So far, we have a lot;

Hoop Dee Doo review DS
Donalds breakfastosaurus CB
Princess Story Book CB
Wispering Canyon dinner
Cinderella's Round Table CB
Cristal palace dinner
Beirgarten dinner (4th of July)
Chef Mickey's CB
Polynesian Luau DS
Fantasmic/Mama Melrose DS

The kids want to eat at the Coral Reef and 50's Prime Time Cafe. Any other recommendations? How would any of you use the dining plan credits also? Your input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[fla4fun]

First of all - Relax!

Restaurant reviews are very subjective, because so many variables play into your restaurant experience. Any restaurant can have an off day. I had my best, and my worst, meals at Le Cellier last December, just a week apart. If I had only eaten there once, I would have given either a glowing review or a scathing one. But since I had both experiences, I know that some days things go great and some days they don't. There's no way to know ahead of time which experience you will get, so we all go in hoping for the best, and dealing with the bad ones when they come.

I think your choices look good. But the more important question is, do they look good to you? Make your plans based on the menus and themes that appeal to you. I happen to love Nine Dragons, which is a restaurant that a lot of people don't recommend. They say you can get better and cheaper Chinese food outside the World. Maybe you can. But the food is similar in taste and price to my favorite non Disney Chinese restaurant (Ming Court on I-Drive), so to me, I'm getting the food I like for a price I'm willing to pay. There are people who complain about the quality of Italian food (especially pizza) in the World, and some who say it's just like their Italian Grandma used to make. So as long as the menus look good to you, I say go for it.

 

[ldo]

the reviews are very mixed---but I think it would be fine. Enough people said it was good and the atmosphere is really cool. The one I would be cautious of is CRT--but just be prepared, some have said food not that great and sometimes cold---well, certainly, if I got a cold meal--I would send it back.
I saw the mixed reviews of Ohana's for dinner and, b/c of those reviews, I did not book there for Aug trip (and now it's full), then I just saw it on Food Channel last night and it looked really great and we are definitely going to book ADRs next year.

My friend just ate at Sci-Fi, she got the ribs platter and said it was fine, not fabulous, but perfectly fine and the atmosphere was great and her kids loved it.
So, unless we see 100% yuck on the BB, I wouldn't worry too much---just order what that others have said was good.

 

[mouseRD]

DH & I had a late lunch here last year in May & enjoyed the fun atmosphere; we enjoyed "playing" with our server & even the server for the table next to us engaged us in conversation. The food was good too.

 

[janets]

I think you'll be fine with your choices. You have selected several buffets, which give everyone a good choice of items and you've included several character meals.

Please note that it appears you're staying 12 nights and your list above looks like it already covers 12 credits (you have two 2 credit meals). If you want to include Coral Reef or 50's Prime Time, you'll either have to drop 2 off the list or pay OOP for some. Just wanted to point that out.

Don't be discouraged by reviews. Everyone likes different things, come from different areas of the country, have access to different kinds of restaurants. For some, eating out at all is terrific. For others, with access to really upscale restaurants because of location, they might feel that something is lacking. Don't let it get to you.

You'll have a wonderful time if you remember that there will be crowds, even with ADRs you might have to wait a bit for your table, select things that you think will appeal to you (some people feel that on DDP is a great time to experiment, but I'm not so sure I feel that way beyond trying a different type of appetizer). And above all, have fun.

 

[KSoda]

Well, I feel better now. I agree that there are good and bad days for everything in life, I guess what I am seeing or hearing is a select few places have developed a pattern of poor food or service, the Sci-Fi restaurant in MGM looks like a fun place to eat, but we can't expect to get a great meal there, that I can see from whatever review I read. I was really disappointed to hear about Alfredo's in particular, we used to love eating there (its been 5 years now though), to us it had it all, great atmosphere, food and service, but I haven't heard one good thing about it in recent months. As far as dropping dining points goes, I believe we can keep what we have for now on our list, we'll pay cash for something, I expected to. We've done the Luau a few times already, but two of my kids were too young to remember, so thats a toss up. As far as Fantasia goes, I could use all my credits up on that alone, and then some! I think that is one of the most awesome shows on earth, the kids love it. So, I need to begin to look at counter service meals now. The kids and I made up my own dining reservation schedule/calendar on the computer, but we overlooked the fact that on some days we would be at the water parks and Downtown Disney, we'll need to adjust our calendar and wallet to allow for that as well. On June 30th, we might head to KSC to view an Atlas rocket launch, thats another day we need to plan meals for, I wish it were the Space Shuttle as we had planned for. Even though planning a WDW vacation can be very stressful and takes even months, it is because of people like you all and your insight, recommendations, thoughts and yes, even prayers that make it all so much fun and exciting, so, thank you very much for your help, and YES! I WILL RELAX! LOL.
PS, any single mom's care to join us for dinner? My girls tell me I need a date , families are welcome too, would love to meet fellow Disney fans.

 

[janets]

If I can offer a suggestion for CS lunch at DTD...try Wolfgang Puck Express. The menu is excellent, the service very good and you can eat outside and enjoy the people watching. I feel it's an excellent option for CS if you're downtown. There's one at Westside and at the Marketplace.

Also, if you like sandwiches, try the Earl of Sandwich at DTD. While the wait can be an issue at times, the selections are also very good.

 

[milmore104]

First Yes you need to RELAX. You never know until you try. Everyone is different. I too was hesitant to make an ADR to Coral Reef due to the reviews I've read. But I went ahead and did it anyway. DH has alwyas wanted to try it and I thought it would be nice for our 10th Ann.

As for your choices...
Biergarten, CM, CP HDDR and CRT are on our ALWAYS MUXT DO list.
We are trying WCC and PSBB for the first time as well this trip
And Donald's well it's not our favorite breakfast but we still have and ADR for this upcoming trip as well.

Happy Eating!

 

[KSoda]

DH & I had a late lunch here last year in May & enjoyed the fun atmosphere; we enjoyed "playing" with our server & even the server for the table next to us engaged us in conversation. The food was good too.

Oh YES, we ate at the 50's Prime Time too and absolutely loved it, the food wasn't bad, but the atmosphere and interaction of the waitresses was a blast. She had her way with me, tapping my elbows off the table, stuffing a napkin under my chin, telling me to "say the meal prayer," telling the kids "DON'T EAT WITH YOUR MOUTH OPEN," it was a hoot.

 

[Piglets Mommy]

I'm experiencing some of the same frustrations as you are. We have decided to base everything on our past experiences and go with our gut. Also, you have to remember that even Disney can't satisfy everyone all the time. I also think that some of the reviews out there may be more accurate than others, and even the the best restaurants in the world have some negative reviews. I'd say go with your gut, enjoy your trip, and remember that you are there for the whole Disney experience, not just the food. Hey, even on a terrible day, it's much better than food that you would find at any other theme park!

 

[carmiedog]

I agree that it's very subjective. My dh doesn't want to eat at Prime Time again, says he didn't like it. I grilled him on it, and he liked the food and the service was fine, but the whole experience was tainted because dd and ds spent half the time having tantrums. SO many things play into someone's perception of a restaurant.

Donald's has negative reviews but it was one of dh's favorites. I've also read a lot of negative about Mama Melrose, but it's our family's #1.

Of others on your list, Crystal Palace and Coral Reef were both winners for us.

I'd bet if you sat and read reviews on your favorite eating places at home, they'd be all over the board as well. Go with a positive attitude, have fun, and make up your own mind. Even the rare times that I didn't enjoy something (and I'm having trouble recalling anything), I just chalked it up to a new dining experience and will know next time.

 

[Wendy1953]

My children, ages 18,15,10, grandson 11 months old and myself have reservations for our WDW vacation, arriving 6/27 to 7/9 for the Polynesian resort, we're celebrating my youngest daughter's
10th, and grandson's first birthdays, as well as my elder daughter's graduation, and my 15 year old, for doing great in school. Our package, includes the basic dining plan. So far, we've made reservations for priority seatings at 10 establishments, for breakfast and dinner, a few are dinner shows, I'll list them below, but, I'm getting somewhat discouraged from some reports I have heard of about a few of our once favorite restaurants. As with any family and guest visiting WDW, WE ALL KNOW how we almost have to mortgage our homes for what is for some, a once in a lifetime vacation. We had reservations for Alfredo's on the Forth of July, then I've read some very disappointing reviews of that establishment, not to mention, they're closing their doors, we cancelled the reservation there and made a new one for the German Beirgarten. We wanted to eat at the Coral Reef, then today I listened to Kevin Klose' DIS Unplugged Round table report, and I couldn't believe of how he said he was treated there and the sub par meal he recieved. After reading and hearing of several restaurants in WDW, I have little clue now of what to expect. I'm feeling as, if we don't eat at a high class restuarant like Victoria and Alberts, and I'm probably being sarcastic here, we'd almost be better off with some fast food joints. I realize that many of the priority seating restaurants food is just OK, and we pay for the atmosphere and name of the place, but like anyone, we want to get what we pay for, but, I do want a good meal, good service and good atmosphere, like anyone else. So, I find myself changing reservations left and right lately. Below, I'll list what we have so far, can anyone add any comments and reviews of their favorites and recent experiences?

So far, we have a lot;

Hoop Dee Doo review DS 2 TS credits each
Donalds breakfastosaurus CB 1 TS credit each
Princess Story Book CB 1 TS credit each
Wispering Canyon dinner 1 TS credit each
Cinderella's Round Table CB 2 TS credits each
Cristal palace dinner 1 TS credit each
Beirgarten dinner (4th of July) 1 TS credit each
Chef Mickey's CB 1 TS credit each
Polynesian Luau DS 2 table service credits each
Fantasmic/Mama Melrose DS 1 TS credit each

The kids want to eat at the Coral Reef and 50's Prime Time Cafe. Any other recommendations? How would any of you use the dining plan credits also? Your input would be greatly appreciated!

According to your plans you are now using 1 TS credit more than you will have in you DDP (you are staying 12 nights which equals 12 TS credits per person, 12 QS credits per person, and 12 S credits per person). I gave you the points credits for each meal you have above. One of the 1 TS dinners you have listed will have to be paid out of pocket. Coral Reef and 50's Prime time would also have to be paid out of pocket at this point. Since generally Breakfasts cost less then dinners and lunches, I would opt to pay for a breakfast out of pocket, and leave the TS credits for dinner or lunch. You do not have to pay for the 11 month old, he gets to eat off of your plates, but when making a reservation make sure you tell them you have an 11 month old that will need either a high chair or a booster seat.

As far as QS (old CS) meals go, we love Peco's Bills, Electric Umbrella, Pinnocchio's Village Haus, Liberty Inn, Pepper Market, Everything POP, Roaring Forks, Hurricane Hanna's, Earl of Sandwich, Wolfgang Puck Express, Cosmic Rays', Cantina de San Angel, Tangierine Cafe, Tusker House.

We usually pay for breakfast out of pocket, bring cereal, or use our snack credits for muffins, etc. (You can purchase a whole box of donuts, a bag of bagels for 1 snack credit in the merchandise store in the hotel.) We also buy the refillable mugs, which cost $12.00 each, and in your case that would come to $1.00 per day for all the drinks you can drink at your hotel for your stay!

Hope you all have a great time!

 

[Colleen27]

I'll just second what other's have said - reviews are subjective and based solely on a single dining experience. An off day or a bad server or a rushed meals because the place is crowded can lead to a lousy review of a normally good restaurant. Also at Disney, expectations play a big role in how any specific guest reviews a dining experience.

For example, Sci-Fi often gets lousy reviews as much because of the prices as the food or service. People paying OOP don't like the TS prices for food so similar to a CS restaurant. And when compared to Le Cellier, it is obviously not the most "bang for your buck" choice for a TS credit for those on the DDP. We love it, but we aren't looking for the most value for our DDP credits and we aren't worried over prices. The food is good but unremarkable (about on par with Red Robin, IME), but the atmosphere makes it a must-do for us. Our only must-do, actually; even though we've been generally pleased with most of the meals we've had at Disney we generally prefer to try new things each trip, and Sci-Fi is the only TS meal that we repeat.

 

[leanan]

If I can offer a suggestion for CS lunch at DTD...try Wolfgang Puck Express. The menu is excellent, the service very good and you can eat outside and enjoy the people watching. I feel it's an excellent option for CS if you're downtown. There's one at Westside and at the Marketplace.

Also, if you like sandwiches, try the Earl of Sandwich at DTD. While the wait can be an issue at times, the selections are also very good.

All the counter service at DTD is pretty good. I love Cookes of Dublin. They have good outside seating plus their food is so hot and fresh when served that sometimes it needs to cool down first.

Well I do recomend to just say no to the McDonalds unless you are a desperate McDonalds addict. Even DD who thinks MD is the bomb demands Earl Of Sandwich when we are at DTD.

WP Express makes my day with their wonderful rendition of Mac and Cheese. For our little ones an order of the garlic mashed potatos will hit the spot.

 

[shondad]

I think the DDP allows users who may not have had the option to do so, try new and different things without being concerned with the price. While I truly respect the opinions and experiences of others, I base my decisions primarily on the likes/dislikes of me and family. We have used the DDP twice and plan to soon for the third time and it has been thoroughly delightful. I changed my dining plans sooo many times our first two trips (just because I have a real problem dealing with too many choices, and because so many looked appealing). However honestly, I get the most joy out of being able to give my children the Disney experience they may not have had otherwise. Even though I know many times we have a tendency to remember bad food/service quite well, I think my kids will remember more those Disney trips where Mom and Dad took us to eat with Mickey Mouse, Donald or Lilo and Stitch moreso, kids don't usually sweat the small stuff (IMHO), its just us borderline OCD parents.

I am personally on a mission to try all new restaurants each trip, and then when we run out of ones to try that appeal to us, we'll just start all over again.

My hope is that you will take the time to enjoy your soon to be fantastic, once in a lifetime (hopefully not ) dynamic Disney vacation!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Hoop Dee Doo review DS
Donalds breakfastosaurus CB
Princess Story Book CB
Wispering Canyon dinner
Cinderella's Round Table CB
Cristal palace dinner
Beirgarten dinner (4th of July)
Chef Mickey's CB
Polynesian Luau DS
Fantasmic/Mama Melrose DS

The kids want to eat at the Coral Reef and 50's Prime Time Cafe. Any other recommendations? How would any of you use the dining plan credits also? Your input would be greatly appreciated

Of the ones you listed, I've done WC, CRT, CP, CM, 50's PTC, and Mama Melrose.

I would agree with other posters, all reviews are subjective. To paraphrase a famous President - a place can please some of the people all of the time , but all of the people none of the time. No matter how good a place is, it's not going to meet everyone's needs all of the time. Boma's one of my favorite places to eat at WDW...but re views on the DIS go up and down. Reviews go up , so new folks tri it out, but when it doesn't live up to their elevated expectations, they write a bad review. Truly, not every meal I've had there, and I always dine at Boma, so I've been there a fair amount since it opened, has been perfect. One night we got there 30 minutes before our ADR, but weren't seated until 40 minutes after our ADR time. By the time we were seated, the kids were basically asleep. Given , we pushed their limits. It was our arrival day, they had never been to WDW, and I didn't know my niece and nephew were such early crashers. They had had a long day. At our ADR time, they were still awake, all that time sitting and they fell asleep. The food was still pretty good, but the mood was ruined - too bad. I thought it would be my in-law's favorite place! Instead, their favorite was Boatwright's, which I really didn't care for at all - personally.

WC - we really liked this one. We didn't have high hopes, but just wandered in..and got a table. We were exploring WL for the first time.

CRT - if you've never been inside, it's cool to do once, but not our favorite character meal. WE liked CP much better.

CP, CM - our favorite character meals, but having done both several times, I might pick another for myself next trip...but that's me -see?

50's PTC - food is classic American. If you 'get' theidea of this place, and a good server, it's great. If you get an inexperienced server, it's not as fun. On our first trip our waiter was everyone's favorite server by far!

Mama Melrose - our visit here wasn't all that great, but it was a long time ago, and the problems were all service related, not food. The food was pretty good, even if the order was wrong.

Personally, the only thing I'd avoid is too many ADR's. Our family doesn't like the constraint of too many ADR's. WE do one per day, but that's us. We also keep it to one Caracter meal per visit, but that's us too. We go commando all day and night, so I view meals as a chance to relax - and I appreciate a little quiet. Olivia's was nice in that regard, as was Artist's Palette (at 3pm). But someone else might hate that both of those are a little out of the way.

 

[KSoda]

However honestly, I get the most joy out of being able to give my children the Disney experience they may not have had otherwise. Even though I know many times we have a tendency to remember bad food/service quite well, I think my kids will remember more those Disney trips where Mom and Dad took us to eat with Mickey Mouse, Donald or Lilo and Stitch moreso, kids don't usually sweat the small stuff (IMHO), its just us borderline OCD parents.


You bring up an excellent point...So many times adults look for the deals, or look at quality instead of seeing things through a child's eyes and mind. My eleven month old grandson will care less about the food or service we recieve, and hopefully he won't be frightened of the charracters. My ten year old daughter would be happy with mac and cheeze, but, moreso, she'll have the fond memories of charracters, atmosphere and server interaction.

 

[momof2disprincesses]

We ate at Coral Reef last Christmas for the CLP dinner. We wanted to give something new a try and were very pleased with it. My DD10 at the time doesn't care to much for fish so we asked if we could substitute something else. The waiter said no but when he brought the meal it was exactly what she had asked for. We really enjoyed the meal. This would not be a resturant to pay out of pocket for though. I believe our bill was close to 200 dollars.

I'm not sure if they are still allowing it but we share alot of our meals to stretch out our TS. If you are planing HDD it will cost 2 TS and they are now sitting people with the DP on the outsides of the room our balcony.

Enjoy your trip and make the best of each resturant you visit. Some will be great and others just so so. It sounds like you have a great family and will enjoy each others company no matter how good or not so good the resturant will be.

Have a great trip.