Disney fast food hamburgers

[Demosthenes]

This is not a defense of the lackluster hamburgers at WDW. In my opinion, they suck; I've never had one anywhere on Disney property that was any good. All of that being said, as I was listening to one of the recent reviews of Disney hamburgers while sitting in a Five Guys, the thought occurred to me that perhaps the reason Disney's burgers suck is a function of the number of burgers they are serving. My Five Guys gets slammed at lunch; it generally takes about 10 minutes to get an order of burgers. They are sending through maybe as many as 100 guests in an hour. The fact that they are doing a more limited volume of burgers has got to have something to do with why they're burgers are so much better than the fast food competition around town. Isn't it possible, or even probable, that is same principle applies to Disney burgers? Wouldn't this explain why ABC Commissary has better burgers than Cosmic Ray's or the Liberty Inn? (My personal experience is that ABC Commissary tends to be the least crowded of the major quick service food joints in any of the theme parks). I'm assuming that Cosmic Ray's is selling significantly more burgers than a standard fast food joint. Maybe I'm way off here. Maybe they don't sell as many burgers as I'm suggesting. It's just a thought.

 

[BriarRosie]

I think ABC Commissary must have changed their burgers since the last time I had one there a couple of Decembers ago. They didn't have a specialty "surf and turf" burger, just the really mediocre Disney cheeseburger.

However, the cheeseburger billed as the Angus bacon cheeseburger at Pecos Bill's was outstanding by comparison. The toppings bar didn't hurt, either. I don't know why there's inconsistency, unless they serve a different burger for "regular" and "premium" menu items.

 

[ADP]

I think ABC Commissary must have changed their burgers since the last time I had one there a couple of Decembers ago. They didn't have a specialty "surf and turf" burger, just the really mediocre Disney cheeseburger.

However, the cheeseburger billed as the Angus bacon cheeseburger at Pecos Bill's was outstanding by comparison. The toppings bar didn't hurt, either. I don't know why there's inconsistency, unless they serve a different burger for "regular" and "premium" menu items.

Agreed about the inconsistency. I think that is a bi-product of each restaurant location being its own cost center. Each location only has so much to spend on all the menu items. Some restaurants may spend more on making sure their burgers are a notch or two higher than other restaurants, but spend less on providing a better chicken sandwich. Just my 2 cents.

 

[NancyIL]

However, the cheeseburger billed as the Angus bacon cheeseburger at Pecos Bill's was outstanding by comparison. The toppings bar didn't hurt, either. I don't know why there's inconsistency, unless they serve a different burger for "regular" and "premium" menu items.

I agree about the Angus cheeseburger at Pecos Bill's, and was going to suggest that when I saw the title of this thread! The sauteed onions and mushrooms from the Fixin's bar just makes it that much better. TIP: I order the burger with no sides, and usually save about $2.

 

[BriarRosie]

Agreed about the inconsistency. I think that is a bi-product of each restaurant location being its own cost center. Each location only has so much to spend on all the menu items. Some restaurants may spend more on making sure their burgers are a notch or two higher than other restaurants, but spend less on providing a better chicken sandwich. Just my 2 cents.

The burgers at ABC were not improved by having Len buying them. (He didn't actually buy mine, but he brought a bunch of food to the table after I had already finished my height of mediocrity burger.)

I agree about the Angus cheeseburger at Pecos Bill's, and was going to suggest that when I saw the title of this thread! The sauteed onions and mushrooms from the Fixin's bar just makes it that much better. TIP: I order the burger with no sides, and usually save about $2.

I'm actually fine with the side of the bag of apples instead of fries. I might go for the non-side, burger only if nothing appeals. I don't always want fries.

 

[Joshua_me]

I'll always defend the burgers at "The Fountain" in The Dolphin resort as the best burgers BY FAR on property.

If you're spending the day at EPCOT, remember that it's a short walk or "Friendship" cruise from World Showcase's "backdoor" (International Gateway) to The Dolphin and it is well worth the trip !

 

[DisneyKevin]

If Five Guys (and others) can make a fantastic buyer, Disney should be able to as well.

The problem is that Disney is trying to reach a certain profit margin, while Five Guys is trying to insure it's continued existence by make happy, satisfied customers.

Disney is buying cheap, inferior product and charging top dollar. They are not concerned that a lousy burger will keep you from returning from the business.

Many people have posted that while at Disney, they don't even think about what they are eating. It's fuel and nothing else.

Every time this discussion comes up, I hear the same defense of Disney...."it's worse and more expensive at Six Flags, county fair etc". As if that gives Disney a pass.

Would you return to any mediocre, over priced restaurant in your home town because the one down the street is worse?

Disney has the ability to turn out good (and some times great), hot, tasty food.

There is a distinct drop in quality when the main focus becomes profit margin and stops being the desire to serve a great product.

Disney is a business and no one is suggesting that they shouldn't make a profit.

I am suggesting that they have the ability to serve a higher quality product (a la Five Guys, Fuddruckers etc) and make guests happier........if they even notice.

Don't get me wrong....I don't believe any of this will happen....not when there is a line at every counter service location.

But that's ok....it provides me with job security.

 

[rlduvall]

Thread hijack.

Where is the closest Five Guys to Disney World? There are no Five Guys in our "neck of the woods" and we have always wanted to try them.

Thanks.

 

[hockeymomNS]

Thread hijack.

Where is the closest Five Guys to Disney World? There are no Five Guys in our "neck of the woods" and we have always wanted to try them.

Thanks.

I would like info on this too. As someone whose whole house has been dieting since Jan 1, we are dying for a burger on our April/May trip.

 

[jdb in AZ]

We love 5 Guys too.

Last time we ate at Gasparilla's at the Grand Floridian I nearly broke a tooth on the hamburger gristle. A classy hotel should have better food than that!

 

[DisneyKevin]

Five Guys
1310 West Osceola Parkway
Kissimmee, FL 34741
(407) 201-3929

Exit Disney property by WWOS and keep traveling east until you find The Loop shopping area. This one is in the parking lot of Lowes and BJ's at The Loop. It's at the intersection of Osceola Parkway and John Young Parkway.

Five Guys
7512 Doctor Phillips Blvd # 100
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 226-9888

This one is close to the intersection of Sand Lake Road and Dr Phillips Blvd. Come out Hotel Plaza Blvd and take a left on Apopka Vineland Road. Take right at Palm Parkway (which turns into Turkey Lake Road). At the intersection of Turkey Lake and Sand Lake Roads, take a left. Turn right on Dr Phillips Blvd and Five Guys is 1/2 a mile up on your left side. It's in Steinmart parking lot.

This one is probably a bit closer and doesn't involve a toll.

 

[hockeymomNS]

Five Guys
1310 West Osceola Parkway
Kissimmee, FL 34741
(407) 201-3929

Exit Disney property by WWOS and keep traveling east until you find The Loop shopping area. This one is in the parking lot of Lowes and BJ's at The Loop. It's at the intersection of Osceola Parkway and John Young Parkway.

Five Guys
7512 Doctor Phillips Blvd # 100
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 226-9888

This one is close to the intersection of Sand Lake Road and Dr Phillips Blvd. Come out Hotel Plaza Blvd and take a left on Apopka Vineland Road. Take right at Palm Parkway (which turns into Turkey Lake Road). At the intersection of Turkey Lake and Sand Lake Roads, take a left. Turn right on Dr Phillips Blvd and Five Guys is 1/2 a mile up on your left side. It's in Steinmart parking lot.

This one is probably a bit closer and doesn't involve a toll.

Thank you Darling Kevin..........there is some heavy duty shopping planned at the Loop, now I have to decide between Bone Fish or Five Guys......perhaps two days of shopping is in order.

 

[rlduvall]

Five Guys
1310 West Osceola Parkway
Kissimmee, FL 34741
(407) 201-3929


Five Guys
7512 Doctor Phillips Blvd # 100
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 226-9888

Thanks so much!

 

[Metro West]

Thread hijack.

Where is the closest Five Guys to Disney World? There are no Five Guys in our "neck of the woods" and we have always wanted to try them.

Thanks.

Five Guys is pricey for a cheeseburger/fries but worth it. Just make sure you don't order a large order of fries...you won't be able to eat them all!

 

[Cherinva]

I'm going to chime in here....first, I love 5 Guys burgers....they are a little pricey (ie: I don't go there often) but the quality it awesome....

Now with WDW and burgers, I try to stay away from them....most of the places I have found them dry and tasteless...so much so, I will just order something else.....Now with that said, last year we ate at the ABC Commissary.....I took a chance, and ordered the surf and turf burger...we got in sometime after 12..there was a bit of a line, but nothing major.....I have to say, that was the best burger I've ever had on WDW property...it was hot, flavorful and I was really impressed!!! A couple of days later on our last day, we had a dinner ADR for 50s Prime Time, so we decided to have an early lunch (because the only time I could get for dinner was at 5)....since I was so happy with my burger the first time at ABC, we decided to have our early lunch there....we waited for ABC to open, went in and ordered our food.....each of us had the same thing.....this time I was very disappointed in the burger....it still had a decent flavor, but it wasn't hot and I could tell it had been pre-made and sitting under a heat lamp....so my lesson here, is not to go when the doors first open, but to wait until the early lunch crowd dies down and go in when I know the burger will be made fresh.....