Disney falls short in the Dining Department...

[DanenRox]

We're lucky to be able to visit WDW a couple of times a year and often friends/family come along. Planning a "family" meal for September is difficult because I'm spending other people's money as well. I love my Disney but it's sad that I can't find one Disney restaurant where quality matches price (in my opinion). Admittedly, we avoid the very high priced restaurants but have tried many, many of the others. With so much culinary talent in Disney it really is a shame that Disney's dining options pale in comparison to nearby off-site choices. Since Disney exceeds my expectations in most other arena's, it's disappointing that their dining choices aren't as impressive. p.s. Just my opinion.

 

[eah7]

What type of food/restaurant were you thinking for the group?

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Unfortunately there are no restaurants at Disney World that aren't overpriced. Your best bet would be to eat all counter service, eat off-property, keep food from a supermarket in your room, or buy a dining plan.

 

[DanenRox]

What type of food/restaurant were you thinking for the group?

We will be a group of 8. Six adults, a couple of whom are big men with big appetites and two 16 year old girls, one of whom is a vegetarian (at the moment). O'Hana is our usual celebration destination but with a vegetarian in tow, meat on a stick seems like a bad idea. I'm considering Chefs of France but all tolled that's going to be an expensive meal and the quality is iffy. I'm also looking at 50's prime time cafe to where entree's are about $20.00. Boma scares 2 of my adults (not adventurous eaters) but is a contender as is the Living Seas in Epcot. Frankly none of the choices excite me nor does the mandatory 18% tip that's going to be automatically added to the overpriced meal (party of 8). At this point I hear myself whining and I don't mean to do that. I am open to any/all suggestions and thank you for your help!

 

[DVCconvert]

We will be a group of 8. Six adults, a couple of whom are big men with big appetites and two 16 year old girls, one of whom is a vegetarian (at the moment). O'Hana is our usual celebration destination but with a vegetarian in tow, meat on a stick seems like a bad idea.

I've actually heard very positive comments about vegetarian meals served (by calling ahead) at OHana.

 

[TDC Nala]

'Ohana will do a vegetarian meal on request, it should be arranged ahead of time by putting the preference on the reservation.

You will not find any restaurant at WDW that is not priced higher than what you could get at home or offsite (assuming you do not go to restaurants in a major metropolitan area like NY, LA or DC, which has comparable prices anywhere except chain restaurants, and even chain restaurants in some cities are higher)

Not to start discussing tips, as we can't do that on the restaurant boards. But any restaurant in urban settings that I have been to has a mandatory tip for parties of more than 6 or 8. You may also find this at some offsite restaurants.

It's also a bit difficult because if you have been visting WDW for the past decade, you realize that the food quality used to be better in many restaurants.

 

[sharona]

I agree about the quality / value relationship. I haven't found anything that strikes me as particularly reasonable so we're taking a different view of it and trying to stick with only eating TS when there is some other draw like a character meal or show package. Even though those are overpriced as well, at least I feel like we will get something we can't get somewhere else.

What about considering something like the HDDR - Yes it's more pp than just dinner but beer and sangria are included and you get the show to go along with it. It's family style so plenty of food for the big eaters and I'm sure they can accommodate a vegetarian request for your niece. It gets consistently good reviews.

As for planning for family and worrying about spending other people's money - I am the planner in our family and frequently run into this dilemma. You can't please everyone so don't stress yourself trying. Offer a few options with menus and prices clear to all. Go with the majority and don't worry about it any further.

 

[HunnyJar]

I've actually heard very positive comments about vegetarian meals served (by calling ahead) at OHana.

All of my meals at 'Ohana have been vegetarian and they have been wonderful. I haven't called ahead, I have just had it noted on my ADR's. I've never had any problems with this whatsoever. And depending what chef prepares the meal that night the more creative it can be. Some times it's just rice and veggies other times it's has tofu. But some have also experienced really elaborate dishes. Keep in mind there is also noodles, broccoli (broccolini perhaps) and of course the dessert! I've always been very happy at 'Ohana and it always tops the list for which restaurant we want to go back to.

 

[DanenRox]

Excellent suggestions and information. I will look into the vegetarian meal at O'hana and will revisit the Hoop de doo idea. We did eat there (HDDR) several years ago when DH got pulled to the stage and dressed as a ballerina. He many not be thrilled with this idea...so...we don't tell him. Another plus is that I LOVE showing off the Fort Wilderness area to friends who are unfamiliar! OK, I'm getting excited again. Thanks so much.

 

[Peter Pirate 2]

It's 'Ohana, not O'Hana.

 

[maggiew]

I think the restaurants at the hotels are usually better than in the parks.

I might recommend Kona Cafe, Olivias or Il Mulino. We've had good meals at all of them.

I've not tried Captain's Grill yet, but it is on my list.

Maggie