DL dining: Appearance over Appetizing

[xipotec]

Disclaimer: Our family are foodies, so it may be worse for us.

DL is a theme park, I get that, but the food is SO limited and mostly bad. It's becoming very hard to find a sit down that has something for everyone.

1. Limited menus ( 4 entrees these days is called a menu)
2. Very low quality and inconsistent
3. Expensive across the board.

WDW has some incredible places to eat, granted, they have the space for more. I was very surprised at the terrible quality and inconsistent food all over DL.

It's gotten pretty bad overall that we won't eat in the park besides small favorites things here and there. (Dole Whip looking at you).

Even the DTD "fancy" places seem to not really compete with many of the places at WDW and the surrounding areas.

What do you think DL can do to address this? Do they even need to fix anything to you?

 

[Iceman93]

I think the Carthay Circle Restaurant is the finest in-park restaurant worldwide. The other sit-downs in DCA range from good to very good, and certainly on par with WDW in-park restaurants. I agree that DL is weak when it comes to sit-down restaurants, as Blue Bayou has a wonderful ambiance but the experience overall is very inconsistent.

DTD does not compete favorably with DS when it comes to restaurant variety or quality, unfortunately. But Napa Rose is usually very good, on par with top-tier WDW in-resort spots.

 

[LKing]

I don't think DTD, or Disneyland for that matter, is trying to compete with WDW.

I'm not sure what surrounding areas you are comparing the food to. Anaheim is not what I would consider a mecca for food.

 

[Tinkaboo]

Two different animals. Definitely not a place for foodies...never has been, never will be.

 

[LAS2AMS]

Disneyland is primarily a locals park, nestled in the Los Angeles area - home of some of the best restaurants in the world. Disney World , OTOH, has some of the best food in the Orlando area by default.

A lot of the restaurant concepts Disneyland has tried through the years failed because people have other choices. Hence why Pixar Place outsourced its restaurant concepts (after many failed attempts by Disney itself). Disney World, OTOH, has a captive audience.

Through my job, I’ve had the luxury of eating at the finest restaurants throughout Southern California. I’ve also had the luxury of eating at most restaurants in WDW and there’s only a few I could consider premium. Not long ago we dined at the Mexican sit down restaurant in Coronado Springs after it was voted #1 fine Mexican dining in Orlando… and if that’s #1, that tells me a lot about the restaurant scene in Orlando. There are oodles of places in SoCal that offer a far more premium dining experience, often at a lesser cost.

I disagree the food at DL is bad. Most publications have agreed for years that the food at DL is better, as DL has to compete for locals business. Last year we ate at Chef Mickey’s and Goofy’s Kitchen in the same week. The food was good, not great, at both places but Goofy’s Kitchen was the clear winner.

If you’re eating counter service, it’s pretty much the same meal. DL has more healthy options and will often allow you to substitute. You can get a fruit cup with your burger instead of fries… not true at WDW. Just like how Mickey’s Not So Scary party is all candy whereas Oggie Boogie bash has carrots, grapes, whole wheat crackers, etc. Overall, Disneyland has far more options than WDW for counter service, largely attributed to the more diverse base.

Ultimately, if you’re a foodie, I suggest you venture outside the Disney Bubble on your next visit. I can guarantee you that hardly anybody visits DTD just to eat….

 

[Geemo]

We go for the fun of a theme park and not the food.
There are times I'd rather have a Costco hotdog than eat DL/DCA food and those are less than $2.
I don't think DL/DCA has anything for $2 other than free water

 

[crystal1313]

We have pretty much given up on table service now. Mainly due to prices, and not a lot of choices for entrees.

This last trip we ate a lot in downtown Disney, quick service. Earl is a favorite annd inexpensive for DLR and we also like Tiendita, which is more expensive but so far, the food quality has stayed consistent. We got a couple of snacks at the parks, like the massive pretzel at pyms. I felt that was an ok value and it was better than i expected. We only ate a handful of times at quick service in the parks.

 

[irlandaise]

A friend and I had a very good dinner at Hearthstone Lounge recently.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I generally don't like the food/snacks. I've had some good meals at Carthay Circle and at the restaurants at The Grand and even one good meal at the new restaurant at the Disneyland Hotel. I think the most beautiful desserts (colorful, layered with a bunch of stuff) are the most atrocious when it comes to flavor. I can't say that there's anything within Disneyland Park that I would go out of my way to eat again, but there are plenty of things that I will eat again because it's what is available. I think it would be awesome if they ever decided to have better options, but I don't think they will because they don't need to. The parks are always packed with people and those people are going to be hungry and they will eat whatever there is. I am far from a foodie. I just don't see much difference between park food and lots of fast food/chain restaurant food, other than the price.

 

[DizMe]

I imagine you're right, but I'm not a foodie myself. My sister is, and she would likely agree with you. I'm not a big eater and I generally find eating a means to an end rather than an experience. I do love sit-down but more for conversation, ambience, and a chance to relax than anything.

 

[LAS2AMS]

I imagine you're right, but I'm not a foodie myself. My sister is, and she would likely agree with you. I'm not a big eater and I generally find eating a means to an end rather than an experience. I do love sit-down but more for conversation, ambience, and a chance to relax than anything.

If he’s right, there must be a lot of desperately hungry people waiting in long lines for lousy, trendy food. .

The lines / waits for quick service/ casual eateries are always longer in DL than WDW. A few years ago DL said that fast casual was far more popular in DL than WEW… which probably explains why DL had better variety and presentation.

Table service is limited in DL, mainly because we have better options. PCH Grill, Storyteller’s, Steakhouse 55, etc. had great menus. The latter closed, the former became buffets - because people are seeking experiences. WDW has over 30K hotel rooms on site — that’s a huge captive audience that enables more choices.

Napa Rose and Cathay Circle are the flagship restaurants of the DL resort. Napa Rose will set you back $220pp including tax and tip but not including drink, making it the most expensive restaurant at DL or WDW. That’s a lot of money to spend for lousy food .

 

[LKing]

For some reason, I thought you posted this after you returned. It looks like you aren't visiting until February 2025.

Is your concern about what ADR to book?

 

[DizMe]

If he’s right, there must be a lot of desperately hungry people waiting in long lines for lousy, trendy food. .

The lines / waits for quick service/ casual eateries are always longer in DL than WDW. A few years ago DL said that fast casual was far more popular in DL than WEW… which probably explains why DL had better variety and presentation.

Table service is limited in DL, mainly because we have better options. PCH Grill, Storyteller’s, Steakhouse 55, etc. had great menus. The latter closed, the former became buffets - because people are seeking experiences. WDW has over 30K hotel rooms on site — that’s a huge captive audience that enables more choices.

Napa Rose and Cathay Circle are the flagship restaurants of the DL resort. Napa Rose will set you back $220pp including tax and tip but not including drink, making it the most expensive restaurant at DL or WDW. That’s a lot of money to spend for lousy food .

LOL. I'm one who prefers being in a restaurant, sitting down, with table service. I love the feel of Blue Bayou and I'm happy with the food. I've been pretty much disappointed across the board with Napa Rose and they're always very dismissive of us, which I do not appreciate. In the past, we had some great experiences there, especially when they had the back bar area for casual walk-in dining, but after several tries post-Covid we gave up. The food and service have been very inconsistent post-C and I don't need to spend a lot of money to be treated like crap; I can get that for free I love Carthay Circle restaurant though I've also had a few visits that missed the mark (most notably, the blasting A/C they couldn't turn off combined with a severe staff shortage and inability to prepare most things on the menu). I'm lucky to be able to go to Club 33, which is a very fun experience but it's more about the exclusive nature and the fun of being there than the food itself. I mean, it's very good, but it isn't the height of dining perfection.

To me, the requisites for a great restaurant are ambience, food quality and presentation, atmosphere, and very importantly, service. I want to feel like my presence there is important to them. I want the food to taste good, look good, and be served in a timely manner by friendly waitpeople (is that a word?). I don't care if it's the height of gourmet cuisine, I just want it to look and taste great and be served by friendly staff that make you feel welcome.

I really loved Steakhouse 55 and miss it a lot.

 

[irlandaise]

Napa Rose and Cathay Circle are the flagship restaurants of the DL resort. Napa Rose will set you back $220pp including tax and tip but not including drink, making it the most expensive restaurant at DL or WDW.

Well, not quite:

Although subject to change, the prix-fixe menu begins at $295.00 per Guest. Optional wine pairings start at $155.00 per Guest. Zero-proof pairings start at $115.00 per Guest.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/grand-floridian-resort-and-spa/victoria-and-alberts/

 

[LKing]

Zero-proof pairings start at $115.00 per Guest.

I've never seen this before. What would be considered zero-proof pairings?

 

[irlandaise]

I've never seen this before. What would be considered zero-proof pairings?

I assume in the case of Victoria & Albert's that they mean fancy pseudo wines, not Shirley Temples.

 

[xipotec]

For some reason, I thought you posted this after you returned. It looks like you aren't visiting until February 2025.

Is your concern about what ADR to book?

No, we went August 2024, this is a return trip.

I see Carthay Circle mentioned as the best here a lot. But let's really look at the "menu" at this "fine" dining option.

We have what is basically ONE option from each "meat" group. Prepared in very specific ways, with limited other choices. Essentially if you're not a meat person you do not even HAVE an option.

I have been lucky to have dined around the world, and to have a restaurant that claims to be the best without a vegan option or even several meatless options is limited to say the least. I know people will say it's a steak house. Most fine steak house I have ever been to had multiple pasta / seafood and vegan options on the menu as well as multiple beef , pork and chicken.... certainly more than 6 dishes on the menu.

Essentially it's one of each type of meat at all DL places. And if you do not like how it's being prepared your cooked.(pun intended)

And as far as saying the food must be good because people gobble it up? That's not saying anything , people goto Golden Corral and McDonald's all day long . The average guests idea of good food is was the plate full of edible food and more than they could eat.

I'd also say from my experience , at least in LA most of the restaurants left much to be desired compared with other major cities in the US and abroad.

We are venturing outside DL for dining option this trip as well. Not sure what the obsession is with Cajun in DL either. Now they are adding Tiana's and that Cajun, so we have 2 places at least featuring small menus with mostly Cajun options???

Lamplight was terrible when we went in August, aside from the horrible wait time for the food, it was all very mediocre. Carthays is out as we have a vegan in our group.

DL at least does have a single vegetarian option in most places which can't be said for WDW quick and sit downs for the most part.

As far as WDW, they have way better options for food in general, here's a list.

1. Citricos
2. Victoria and Alberts
3. Tiffins
4. Skipper Canteen (best addition to MK ever)
5. Topolinos (maybe the best Disney place ever)
6. Yachtsman
7. Saana
8. Teppen Edo
9. Kona Cafe
10. The Brown Derby

I cannot really think to add anything from DL or DTD so far that can be compared to the places on this list.

Trader Sam's was our favorite meal we had while there. (But again an hour wait WITH a reservation?) I would say Naples was a good experience and a shout out to Jolly Holiday as the place we loved to grab a quick bite.

So far we have yet to try Hearthstone or GCH Grill, so looking forward to those.

 

[LAS2AMS]

No, we went August 2024, this is a return trip.

I see Carthay Circle mentioned as the best here a lot. But let's really look at the "menu" at this "fine" dining option.
View attachment 918672
We have what is basically ONE option from each "meat" group. Prepared in very specific ways, with limited other choices. Essentially if you're not a meat person you do not even HAVE an option.

I have been lucky to have dined around the world, and to have a restaurant that claims to be the best without a vegan option or even several meatless options is limited to say the least. I know people will say it's a steak house. Most fine steak house I have ever been to had multiple pasta / seafood and vegan options on the menu as well as multiple beef , pork and chicken.... certainly more than 6 dishes on the menu.

Essentially it's one of each type of meat at all DL places. And if you do not like how it's being prepared your cooked.(pun intended)

And as far as saying the food must be good because people gobble it up? That's not saying anything , people goto Golden Corral and McDonald's all day long . The average guests idea of good food is was the plate full of edible food and more than they could eat.

I'd also say from my experience , at least in LA most of the restaurants left much to be desired compared with other major cities in the US and abroad.

We are venturing outside DL for dining option this trip as well. Not sure what the obsession is with Cajun in DL either. Now they are adding Tiana's and that Cajun, so we have 2 places at least featuring small menus with mostly Cajun options???

Lamplight was terrible when we went in August, aside from the horrible wait time for the food, it was all very mediocre. Carthays is out as we have a vegan in our group.

DL at least does have a single vegetarian option in most places which can't be said for WDW quick and sit downs for the most part.

As far as WDW, they have way better options for food in general, here's a list.

1. Citricos
2. Victoria and Alberts
3. Tiffins
4. Skipper Canteen (best addition to MK ever)
5. Topolinos (maybe the best Disney place ever)
6. Yachtsman
7. Saana
8. Teppen Edo
9. Kona Cafe
10. The Brown Derby

I cannot really think to add anything from DL or DTD so far that can be compared to the places on this list.

Trader Sam's was our favorite meal we had while there. (But again an hour wait WITH a reservation?) I would say Naples was a good experience and a shout out to Jolly Holiday as the place we loved to grab a quick bite.

So far we have yet to try Hearthstone or GCH Grill, so looking forward to those.

Millions more people visit WDW than DL annually and you’re cherry picking high end restaurants that very few of those guests will ever experience to symbolize average WDW fare. Nonsense. DL and WDW use the same suppliers; the lion’s share of what is consumed is literally the same. If you believe that the same chicken tenders and say fries cooked at WDW are way better, I have a $100 bill I’d like to offer you for $200. Even the terrible Joffrey’s has made its way into DL.

Alas, everyone had opinions. We’ve at twice at Topolinos - once last December and once this past August - and thought it was good but very average food at WDW pricing. It also has a limited menu, which you ridiculed Cathay for. Tiffins and Kona Cafe are very mediocre. Brown Derby is probably the most generic resultant in all of the DHS, Even the Plus Sized Park Hoppers agree. I ate at Saana for the first time not long ago when we stayed at AKL and it was easily the worst meal I’ve had in years.

DTD has increasingly become Disney-owned merchants. Many of its restaurants and shops have fled to the nearby Garden Walk, Irvine Spectrum Center, etc.

Ultimately, there’s too many local options to visit Anaheim (!!!) for fine dining.

 

[DizMe]

We have what is basically ONE option from each "meat" group. Prepared in very specific ways, with limited other choices. Essentially if you're not a meat person you do not even HAVE an option.

You're right that Carthay has no vegetarian/vegan entree options on the menu. However, they have off-menu items they will prepare for you, but you have to ask them what they are offering that day. This is from the PETA website:

Carthay Circle Restaurant (Buena Vista Street)​

While there’s nothing on the menu explicitly labeled “plant-based,” several items can be ordered vegan and there may be various off-menu options, too. Just ask your server to guide you to animal-free selections. Examples of vegan items the eatery has served in the past include Braised Mushroom Ravioli, Celebration of the Farmers Market Spring Vegetables, and Spring Vegetable Risotto. For dessert, order the Seasonal Sorbet.

I'm not vegan/vegetarian and I've not tried ordering off-menu items so I can't say anything from personal experience.

 

[xipotec]

You're right that Carthay has no vegetarian/vegan entree options on the menu. However, they have off-menu items they will prepare for you, but you have to ask them what they are offering that day. This is from the PETA website:

Carthay Circle Restaurant (Buena Vista Street)​

While there’s nothing on the menu explicitly labeled “plant-based,” several items can be ordered vegan and there may be various off-menu options, too. Just ask your server to guide you to animal-free selections. Examples of vegan items the eatery has served in the past include Braised Mushroom Ravioli, Celebration of the Farmers Market Spring Vegetables, and Spring Vegetable Risotto. For dessert, order the Seasonal Sorbet.

I'm not vegan/vegetarian and I've not tried ordering off-menu items so I can't say anything from personal experience.

Well that's not much of a help for planning?
Lol! They should just list options!!!
Topolinos menu


Right away TOPs has 3 pasta dishes , 2 seafood and several meat options, that's at least 4 other options than Carthays .

I did say we are foodies, so no apologies for the point I am trying to make.

As far as quick service, nothing stand out that big of a difference between the two parks. I am taking about real sit down places that may justify the prices charged.

Sorry to hear about your experiences , the only restaurant on the list that has been hit or miss for us was Brown Derby.

The rest are very solid