DL dining: Appearance over Appetizing

[irlandaise]

Sorry about the dry meat at Blue Bayou, but thank you for posting that beautiful photo. I can almost hear the crickets and the soft banjo music!

 

[DizMe]

I don’t know if you tried Friday or Saturday, since the dancers were there both nights. We ate at Hearthstone Friday night (13th) with a reservation, and they did seem busy with a lot of people waiting. Our food was super slow and my burger was warm at best (cooked, just not hot). Honestly, I was underwhelmed. Everyone had talked up Hearthstone and I was looking for a nice meal without having to deal with the Napa Rose prix fixe which we had no interest in. The food was decent and would have been better if had been hot, but it was incredibly loud in there, and way too cold.

In terms of sheer ambiance, our meal at BB on Thursday was better. This was the best table we’ve ever had at BB, and we have sat waterfront more than once. I didn’t even ask for a waterfront table, we just got lucky, and it was a two top which they pretend not to have when you’re making reservations. But the prime rib was dry — I don’t even know how they managed that with a medium rare piece.

I like good, simple food, but I agree that overall, food at the DL resort is more about looks than taste. I’d rather have a burger at Habit Grill than inside DL. As to my thoughts on In N Out, I grew up with them, they are decent and fresh, and they are also affordable and much better than any big national chain. The fries are fresh, but only okay, and it honestly depends on which In N out you go to, which doesn’t make sense, but is still true. We have three within 10 minutes of us and one has really good fries consistently. The fries would be better if they double fried them, like Five Guys. But Five Guys is so expensive you might as well go to Red Robin.

Best food of my most recent trip was Bengal BBQ, which is consistently good. Prior visit, best food was the short rib from Carnation, ordered with mashed potatoes instead of mac ‘n cheese.

It was either Th or Fri. I'm sorry to hear about your experience! We did get in a few days later and it was excellent and not overly crowded. We weren't looking for a full-fledged meal. My dd, sister, and I each had a bowl of French onion soup and a beer, all of which hit the spot!

Here's a pic of my DD eating her soup!

 

[KimberMama]

It was either Th or Fri. I'm sorry to hear about your experience! We did get in a few days later and it was excellent and not overly crowded. We weren't looking for a full-fledged meal. My dd, sister, and I each had a bowl of French onion soup and a beer, all of which hit the spot!

Here's a pic of my DD eating her soup!

View attachment 922526

It looks so yummy! I was seriously tempted by that soup, but we hadn’t eaten proper food since breakfast, and DH is vegan so he wasn’t going to split it with me.

I try to never say never. We may very well eat at Hearthstone again, I just don’t think it will be at the top of my list. I did appreciate that they had a plant based meal for DH that wasn’t just an Impossible burger. And I think my burger could have been good if it wasn’t room temperature, and also tough for supposedly being wagyu. But the flavors were great, with a bacon-shallot jam on it.

 

[LKing]

It's a little out of the way if you're staying off site and easy to miss if you don't go into GCH. I believe the hours are different than they used to be and it doesn't open until 4. I recommend a reservation though they do accept walk-ins and will text you if/when they have a table for you. However, we went the other night, got there around 6 and put in our name. We were given an estimated wait time of 15 minutes. Two hours later, they told us they wouldn't be able to get us in (party of 2). We didn't have a reservation that night but we were kind of shocked at the massive amount of people pouring in. It may have been due to the dance event, which we didn't know about at the time, but I've never had that happen before.

I'm curious, did you try to make a reservation? We went to the parks yesterday evening. It was a busy day of MK holders trying to get their last visit in and tourists arriving for the holiday week. At 6 pm, I was still able to book Hearthstone reservations for that evening.

 

[DizMe]

I'm curious, did you try to make a reservation? We went to the parks yesterday evening. It was a busy day of MK holders trying to get their last visit in and tourists arriving for the holiday week. At 6 pm, I was still able to book Hearthstone reservations for that evening.

Not through the app, no. We just walked up and there was no one else in line. They told us 15 min so we went off and looked in the gift shop etc. After 25 min, we went back and there were tons of people in line. We were then given a wait time of 30 min and after we'd waited a total of 2 hours (we'd gone out to the Craftsman Bar and had a beer so we weren't just milling around), we went back and were told they wouldn't be able to get us in. I don't really understand how they didn't know that in the first place if there were that many reservations and people ahead of us, but we did go over and discuss it with the concierge. He called over and got us into Napa Rose Lounge. We should not have taken him up on that because it wasn't a good experience and quite pricey for what we got, and I'd sworn before I'd never go back because I don't like the food.

 

[LKing]

We should not have taken him up on that because it wasn't a good experience and quite pricey for what we got, and I'd sworn before I'd never go back because I don't like the food.

I recently had a nage foam on a Lamplight Lounge dish and it was weird. I looked at the NR menu to see if your foam was considered nage as well. I don't know that I would like anything on that NR menu either.

I was recently told that non MK holders don't tend to mobile order. The admin CM who told me that said 1. people don't know how to use the app and 2. they are hesitant to use their credit card on an app. Last night we were at Royal Street Veranda just before Fantasmic. We wanted to try the coffee fritters but the line was very long. I glanced at the app and the mobile order was for immediate pick up. I quickly placed a mobile order, picked up my food, and was on my way long before anyone who was waiting in line. Edit to add that there were a lot of non MK holders in the parks yesterday because only Inspire MK holders were allowed in.

On the flip side, people that are used to WDW are more likely to book reservations for sit down meals. My guess is people booked same day reservations which kept bumping back the guests looking for a walk-in table. There is also the "Hungry Now" option on the app. I wonder if those people bump walk-ins.

Looking at the Hearthstone availability now (9:45 am on Saturday), it shows reservations for two all day starting at noon. However, if I try to book a reservation for 3 or 4, it doesn't have anything available until 10:10 pm!

 

[DizMe]

I recently had a nage foam on a Lamplight Lounge dish and it was weird. I looked at the NR menu to see if your foam was considered nage as well. I don't know that I would like anything on that NR menu either.

I was recently told that non MK holders don't tend to mobile order. The admin CM who told me that said 1. people don't know how to use the app and 2. they are hesitant to use their credit card on an app. Last night we were at Royal Street Veranda just before Fantasmic. We wanted to try the coffee fritters but the line was very long. I glanced at the app and the mobile order was for immediate pick up. I quickly placed a mobile order, picked up my food, and was on my way long before anyone who was waiting in line. Edit to add that there were a lot of non MK holders in the parks yesterday because only Inspire MK holders were allowed in.

On the flip side, people that are used to WDW are more likely to book reservations for sit down meals. My guess is people booked same day reservations which kept bumping back the guests looking for a walk-in table. There is also the "Hungry Now" option on the app. I wonder if those people bump walk-ins.

Looking at the Hearthstone availability now (9:45 am on Saturday), it shows reservations for two all day starting at noon. However, if I try to book a reservation for 3 or 4, it doesn't have anything available until 10:10 pm!

Oh, that's very clever! That may well be what happened. There were just 2 of us that night so we hadn't really thought they'd not have a spot as we were willing to wait and we got on the list at 4. We also weren't the only ones; there were 2 couples who were also on the wait list and gave up. The lounge did text us and kept bumping up the wait time. Just about the time we finally figured we should move on, the hostess let us know they would likely not be be able to accommodate us that night. We didn't mind since it wasn't something they'd anticipated--the crowd size, plus people who just sat down and stayed--but it felt like they could have let us know much sooner. Oh well!

That's very clever about using mobile order for the fritters! I love mobile order but I'm not very practiced at it. I do often use it for Bengal BBQ and treats sometimes. My friends love the Tropical Hideaway but I personally am not a fan of bao buns or Dole Whips (sacrilege, I know!) so I just order my meal from BBQ and grab a table at TH.

I like sit-down meals (not buffets, though) and generally book several during my trip. This trip we went to BB, TS's, Hearthstone (I did have a reservation for the night after we tried the walk-in!), Napa Rose Lounge (not intentionally), and Club 33. We also went to Ballast Point and Carnation Cafe without reservations. It's nice for us because we generally split meals or share (for example, DD was with us at Ballast Point and we ordered 3 appetizers and shared). She also had a coupon we used at BB for 50% off, which she was so thrilled about. I didn't tell her that me buying 3 meals at 50% off was not much of a savings over the 2 meals we were going to get (sis and me) with my 20% off MK discount. The coupon is only good if the CM is present

 

[LKing]

She also had a coupon we used at BB for 50% off, which she was so thrilled about. I didn't tell her that me buying 3 meals at 50% off was not much of a savings over the 2 meals we were going to get (sis and me) with my 20% off MK discount. The coupon is only good if the CM is present

I often see Disney employees using paper coupons for QS meals in the parks. It looks like they received several coupons and they need to look through the assortment and tear off the one that is most appropriate for that restaurant. They need to show their badge to the cashier in order to use the coupon. I don't know if they are Disney corp employees or park employees. Does your daughter receive anything like that?

 

[DizMe]

I often see Disney employees using paper coupons for QS meals in the parks. It looks like they received several coupons and they need to look through the assortment and tear off the one that is most appropriate for that restaurant. They need to show their badge to the cashier in order to use the coupon. I don't know if they are Disney corp employees or park employees. Does your daughter receive anything like that?

Yes, that's exactly what she used!

 

[NVDISFamily]

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.

I've had at least half of these and they are good. But I'd put a few at DLR on this list fairly high. Napa Rose, not a great value but many on your list are in the same boat. We had an amazing experience there. If you are going for a foodie recommendation, go there. Blue Bayou, also great overall. Plaza Inn is a great character breakfast and the food for a buffet is fairly good. Similar thoughts for brunch at Storytellers.

Some on your list also are great but have a similar concern to your thoughts of limited menu. One that stands out is the menu at Topolinos. Seems to evolve and evolve to be less options. We still love it.

The big delta between WDW and DLR is the quick service and mobile order options. At DLR, they are just so much better. At WDW, quick service and snack options are mixed but trend way lower. I find myself having to recommend we hop on a boat, Skyliner, and/or bus and head to Riviera (Primo Piatto), WL (Roaring Fork or even better Geyser Point) AKL, etc. to get better quality/value for our money. I find us spending a lot more money on food at WDW as to get quality in FL I have to get more sit down menu options and tip. For us, it's okay as we can afford it, but it does make us have to occasionally split from family and friends. At DLR, I get way better quality or tasty options with quick service.

Side note - no Flying Fish on your list? I've had a few great meals there and really like it.

 

[LKing]

Some on your list also are great but have a similar concern to your thoughts of limited menu. One that stands out is the menu at Topolinos. Seems to evolve and evolve to be less options. We still love it.

The big delta between WDW and DLR is the quick service and mobile order options. At DLR, they are just so much better. At WDW, quick service and snack options are mixed but trend way lower. I find myself having to recommend we hop on a boat, Skyliner, and/or bus and head to Riviera (Primo Piatto), WL (Roaring Fork or even better Geyser Point) AKL, etc. to get better quality/value for our money. I find us spending a lot more money on food at WDW as to get quality in FL I have to get more sit down menu options and tip. For us, it's okay as we can afford it, but it does make us have to occasionally split from family and friends. At DLR, I get way better quality or tasty options with quick service.

Side note - no Flying Fish on your list? I've had a few great meals there and really like it.

Since this thread is dying down, can you share a little more of your thoughts on dining at WDW?

I haven't been to WDW in over a decade but will be visiting next year (without kids). We will not have park hoppers. I'm a bit overwhelmed by the food options. It seems like a lot of dining recommendations on the WDW side of this site are in the hotels/resorts. As much as I know about how to get around DLR, I am a novice when it comes to figuring out how to get around at WDW. For example, if I were in the parks (any of them), how would I get to Flying Fish at the Boardwalk? And if I were planning on a meal there, would it be better/easiest to do on our MK, Epcot, AK or HS days?

I'm looking for two types of recommendations. The first is in-park restaurants for lunch and dinner - places that won't take a lot of time away from visiting the parks. Something similar to San Fransokyo or Tiana's at DLR. The second is for the nights when we are pretty much done with the parks and can leave to have more of a splurge, leisurely dinner either in a park or somewhere else. At DLR, we would choose Carthay Circle over Napa Rose or Blue Bayou. We are Californians so I can't see us traveling to Florida to eat at California Grill.
Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[irlandaise]

I haven't been to WDW in over a decade but will be visiting next year (without kids). We will not have park hoppers. I'm a bit overwhelmed by the food options. It seems like a lot of dining recommendations on the WDW side of this site are in the hotels/resorts. As much as I know about how to get around DLR, I am a novice when it comes to figuring out how to get around at WDW. For example, if I were in the parks (any of them), how would I get to Flying Fish at the Boardwalk? And if I were planning on a meal there, would it be better/easiest to do on our MK, Epcot, AK or HS days?

Flying Fish and the other restaurants at the Boardwalk, Yacht Club, and Beach Club are easy peasy to get to because there are boats that go to those resorts from Epcot and DHS.

I'm particularly fond of Epcot itself because of the international restaurants, so do check the menus for those.

I also really like the restaurants at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I haven't been to the new part (DVC), but at the original complex, Boma has a delicious buffet and Jiko is great for a splurge meal. The only Disney transportation to AKL is by bus.

The Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary all have nice restaurants and are easily accessible by monorail from the MK. Also I think by boat from the MK to the Poly and GF.

Artist Point at Wilderness Lodge used to be really good; perhaps the food still is, but now I think it's only expensive character dining.

 

[NVDISFamily]

Since this thread is dying down, can you share a little more of your thoughts on dining at WDW?

Sure. I won't claim to be a WDW expert but I likely have good cross country comparison in the past few years as someone who has been to both resorts a few times over the last few years. Also feels silly to say this, but I'm currently a WDW AP holder and not a MK holder....

To make it easier I'm going to do what I do at work a lot and color your text and my response different to help me try and answer all the questions -

I haven't been to WDW in over a decade but will be visiting next year (without kids). We will not have park hoppers. I'm a bit overwhelmed by the food options. It seems like a lot of dining recommendations on the WDW side of this site are in the hotels/resorts.

Not a hard rule but you will get a slightly higher tier of food out of the parks at the right spots. I'd say that the delta is much greater in the quick service route vs sit down but applies to both.

As much as I know about how to get around DLR, I am a novice when it comes to figuring out how to get around at WDW. For example, if I were in the parks (any of them), how would I get to Flying Fish at the Boardwalk? And if I were planning on a meal there, would it be better/easiest to do on our MK, Epcot, AK or HS days?

A few tips about WDW transportation. It's fairly easy to get to any on-property hotel from any park using a bus. Resort to resort can be a little harder. Don't be afraid to use Uber or Lyft to your advantage. A uber from any resort to resort will cost you 10 to 12 bucks and can just make it easy/quick. I don't do it for every trip, but if I need to get somewhere in less than 30 min, I'll call one. Sometimes it is worth it to be creative and consider your options. If you were at AK park and needed to get to Wilderness Lodge quickly for a meal you might be tempted to call an uber at the park. If you instead hop on the quick 5 min bus ride to AK Lodge the uber would drop about 60% in cost.

Special transport (I may be missing a few). MK to Wilderness Lodge or Fort Wilderness by boat. MK to all Monorail Resort by the monorail (sorry if too obvious). Also Epcot to MK TTC by monorail. Epcot and HW to Riviera, Caribbean Beach, A of A and Pop Century by Skyliner.

I'm looking for two types of recommendations. The first is in-park restaurants for lunch and dinner - places that won't take a lot of time away from visiting the parks. Something similar to San Fransokyo or Tiana's at DLR.

Most of the best spots at WDW will be sit down. The ones we like that are a bit more straightforward are -

MK - Skipper Canteen (sit down but you can get in and out fairly quick). Geyser Point at WL.
Epcot - Not sure I can recommend one that meet's your requirements. We have done a few but they are harder to get into and/or will take time. Epcot is a great snacking park. Don't skip on the treats. If you are in the back of the park and can hop on the skyliner to Primo Piatto at Riviera, that's good quick service eats. The food at connections was decent. They also let us refill our resort mugs here. Don't skip the school bread or other treats at the Norwegian bakery.
HS - docking bay is good and matches for the most part it's cousin at DLR. One of the better quick service options. The meatball sub at PizzeRizo is okay but pricy. Again, 99% of the time when we are at HS, you will find me taking the quick trip to Riviera to eat there. I'm sure Disney will let it go a bit when it's sold out but as it's an active selling resort they have that QS running like a champ.
AK - again, similar to others, you are a 5 min bus ride from AKL and the incredible food there. The Mara at AKL is an amazing quick service spot. Boma - the best buffet not just on Disney property but perhaps one of the best I've ever eaten at period. I'd put it on par with some crazy pricy Vegas options that cost way more. That said there are a few good wins in the park too Satuli Canteen would be my pick for best QS style. There are few other good options too.

The second is for the nights when we are pretty much done with the parks and can leave to have more of a splurge, leisurely dinner either in a park or somewhere else. At DLR, we would choose Carthay Circle over Napa Rose or Blue Bayou. We are Californians so I can't see us traveling to Florida to eat at California Grill.

Brown Derby, Boma, Yack and Yeti, Flying Fish, Sanaa, Steakhouse 71. Likely missing a few here. Yack and Yeti may have to be a lunch or early dinner splurge as they close the park early.

Random recommendation if you make it up to Universal - minions cafe.

 

[rwu]

The first is in-park restaurants for lunch and dinner - places that won't take a lot of time away from visiting the parks. Something similar to San Fransokyo or Tiana's at DLR. The second is for the nights when we are pretty much done with the parks and can leave to have more of a splurge, leisurely dinner either in a park or somewhere else.

As others have said, the park QS options aren't great -- my suggestions:

Magic Kingdom - Columbia Harbour House

Animal Kingdom - Flame Tree, Satu’li Canteen

EPCOT -- I've heard good things about Regal Eagle and Boulangerie Patisserie, but EPCOT often has food booths (e.g. Food & Wine, Flower & Garden, etc.) so we usually end up making a meal from them.

The Hollywood Studios QS options are especially limited, so I'll throw in a suggestion for Sci Fi Dine-In -- it's not QS, but IME, they're pretty quick, and the atmosphere is really cool.

For more leisurely dinner options, +1 for the Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurants Boma and Jiko.

Sebastian's Bistro has an interesting Caribbean menu.

Hoop Dee Doo is fun if you're into corny Western shows a la the ones that used to be in the Golden Horseshoe.

Victoria & Albert's is a really nice leisurely (but $$$$) dinner.

Disney Springs is a fun place to explore too -- lots of interesting stores, celebrity chef restaurants, entertainment, etc.

 

[LKing]

Sure. I won't claim to be a WDW expert but I likely have good cross country comparison in the past few years as someone who has been to both resorts a few times over the last few years. Also feels silly to say this, but I'm currently a WDW AP holder and not a MK holder....

If you are in the back of the park and can hop on the skyliner to Primo Piatto at Riviera, that's good quick service eats.

Random recommendation if you make it up to Universal - minions cafe.

Thanks! I asked because I see you posting in the WDW forums. I figured you knew both WDW and DLR well enough to understand what I am used to in CA, and what might be an adjustment in FL. For example, I had no idea that the skyliner is in the back of EPCOT. That's good info. I'll have to study where buses, skyliners and monorails pick up/drop off. I assumed they were all at the park entrance.

Thanks for the Universal rec. I will be at a conference for a couple of days before our WDW stint. During that time, my spouse is planning on going to Universal.

but EPCOT often has food booths (e.g. Food & Wine, Flower & Garden

We will be there during Flower & Garden. I'm not a huge fan of DLR's festival booths. Maybe WDW will be better.

 

[UnpokemonMom]

Our family has enjoyed meals at Blue Bayou, Carthay Circle and Napa Rose: https://www.disboards.com/threads/soaring-and-napa-rose-on-christmas-day.3959383/

We used to even enjoy Wine Country Trattoria but that place seems to have gone down a bit.

 

[LAS2AMS]

Just noticed there’s an active thread discussing how bad WDW food is…

 

[greeneyedchick]

The difference between DLR and WDW is that the best resultants in Los Angeles are a short drive away from DLR, whereas the best restaurants in Orlando are in WDW. And not because they’re exceptionally good, either.

If you want to venture out of WDW, Tu Tu Tango's on I-drive is better than most WDW restaurants.