Does anyone not care for any of the food at Disney?

[Tricia1972]

Ah, it made a lot more sense to me when you said you're a Vegas regular.

Vegas is BLESSED you get true gourmet, buffets no less, for $30 at the finer Casinos

You're spoiled

Nothing wrong with it, but that's your problem.

We were Vegas regulars before we were Disney regulars and it took us a while to find our groove eating at Disney. (By the way that groove is Signature dining)

My good friend is the exact opposite. He's a Disney FANATIC (it's how we met) and he just went to Vegas for the first time. This man who lives, eats and breathes Disney really liked Vegas and was absolutely blown away by the food there. For the quality you get ($28.95 Champagne Brunch at Bellagio anyone?) you get much better food for your money in Vegas.

The downside to Vegas - you don't get Mickey or the Castle.

We ran into similar issues switching gears from Vegas to Disney. You'd probably be happier in Signature locations, possibly LeCellier or even Beaches and Cream for your burgers.

 

[Belle4mygrl]

I am not blown away by the restaurants either. I prefer my own cooking. Does that make me a picky eater? I never thought of it that way.

I do have my favorites Crystal Palace and Chef Mickey breakfast, 1900 Park Fare had a fabulous asparagus soup, Cosmic Rays rotisserie chicken and ribs.
I enjoy the atmosphere and most of the foods but I sometimes say "I could do better." I must be picky huh?

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I would love to go to Vegas sometime. I agree that the best food at Disney, is, for the most part, at the signature restaurants.

 

[trspohr]

I would have to agree. As far as food goes, Vegas, is definitely in it's own league. I personally have enjoyed most of the food we have tried at Disney. We are traveling this Thanksgiving with my in-laws, and they don't have much hope for great dining, but I have tried to plan, as to change their minds.

 

[MarieA]

As far as where we ate...


Magic Kingdom~ Crystal Palace, Cosmic Rays, Pinocchio Haus, Pecos Bill

I did enjoy the chicken at Cosmic Rays and DH has a taco bowl at Pecos that he raved about.

Epcot~ Electric Umbrella, Liberty Inn and funnel cake ( those were delicious )

DHS~ Hollywood and Vine, Toy Story Pizza Planet, and hot dogs some place but I can't remember where

AK~ Pizzafari, Flame Tree BBQ

I did enjoy Flame Tree

Also ate at Chef Mickey's which was just beyond horrible! Worth the price for the characters though. And also at POP food court a few times.



I am a picky eater... and I will admit that. I don't like ethnic foods for the most part. No asian, mexican, seafood, etc. So typical american food is what I like. Good steak, potatoes, hamburgers, chicken, pizza,etc. The buns of the burgers and hot dogs tasted weird to me. The pizza was tolerable but not a favorite. The "prime rib" ( if that's what they want to call it) at the buffet's was just plain awful.


I would love any suggestions you guys could give me.

I think it's because of the restaurants you chose. I personally don't care for the CS places at WDW. There are a few that are ok IMHO. Some of our favorites for TS are Flying Fish, Yachtsmans Steakhouse, Jiko, California Grill, Kona Cafe and LeCellier. FF, YS, Jiko and CG are all 2 TS locations. I'd give it another try. Stay away from the CS and buffets. Check out the menus on allearsnet.com and choose restaurants based on the menus you and your family like.

 

[BCV23]

As far as where we ate...


Magic Kingdom~ Crystal Palace, Cosmic Rays, Pinocchio Haus, Pecos Bill

I did enjoy the chicken at Cosmic Rays and DH has a taco bowl at Pecos that he raved about.

Epcot~ Electric Umbrella, Liberty Inn and funnel cake ( those were delicious )

DHS~ Hollywood and Vine, Toy Story Pizza Planet, and hot dogs some place but I can't remember where

AK~ Pizzafari, Flame Tree BBQ

I did enjoy Flame Tree

Also ate at Chef Mickey's which was just beyond horrible! Worth the price for the characters though. And also at POP food court a few times.

All counter service or buffets. No wonder you weren't happy. I wouldn't be either.

The table service (not buffets) are where WDW dining shines especially the signature restaurants. Since you enjoy rather simple foods, I'd try looking at the menus before your next trip and looking for places that have things you would enjoy. But do keep in mind that WDW restaurants are great about accommodating things like no sauce on a given dish, substituting rice for potatoes, etc..

Table service restaurants for dinner with things you might enjoy include Grand Floridian Cafe, Captain's Grill, Turf Club, ESPN Club, Big River Grill, Yachtsman's Steakhouse and Olivia's.

As Tricia said, Beaches and Cream might fit the bill too. Burgers and sandwiches from 11am to 11pm.

 

[Jenny-momof3]

So it's Vegas that has ruined me huh? We usually stay Bellagio and Wynn and just love the restaurants there.

I'm a TGM member and carefully planned each restaurant with that days park. And I used allears to find all the info on the dining. But when they have prime rib on the menu... I expected prime rib... and it was anything but!

We'll be staying at Beach Club for part of our stay so maybe we'll try to hit beaches and cream a few times.

I'm also thinking of treating my dh to dinner at Le Cellier one evening if I can get my 14 yr. old to agree to babysit.

 

[Kennywife]

I have been to Vegas and to Disneyland/World. I can honestly say I liked Disney's better. My faves at Disney include:

Raglan Road
Wolfgang Puck Express
Cosmic Rays
The Riverside Mill

Disneyland:

Naples....best pizza on earth!
Goofy's Kitchen
Napolini


Vegas:
Pyramid Cafe in Luxor, Mon Ami Gabi's

I too am a picky eater, but also, I have multiple food allergies, so I have to watch what I eat. I found Disney was much more accomodating and good variety as well.

Anna

 

[PrincessBetsy]

I really like the food at WDW since there is so much variety. Here is a list of some of my favorite places to eat in WDW:

Magic Kingdom:
CS - Cosmic Rays, Pecos Bills, Columbia Harbour House, Pinocchio Haus, Main Street Bakery (wonderful for breakfast)
TS - Liberty Tree Tavern, Crystal Palace, The Plaza (Really slow service, but the ice cream sundaes are great!)

Hollywood Studios:
CS - Toy Story Pizza Planet, ABC Commissary, Backlot Express
TS - 50s Prime Time Cafe

Epcot:
CS - Liberty Inn, Electric Umbrella, Boulangerie Patisserie (In France - best pastries in WDW!!!), Harry Ramsden’s Yorkshire County Fish Shop (In England)
TS - Le Cellier Steakhouse (In Canada - I've never tried this but it has great reviews)

Animal Kingdom:
CS - Flame Tree BBQ
TS - Tusker House (I haven't tried the new buffet, but the old Tusker House had great food)

If you go to the Marketplace in Downtown Disney, The Earl of Sandwich and Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop are delicious!

I hope you have a wonderful trip and hopefully you will find some food you enjoy!

 

[psindone]

I have to agree with MarieA. We also stay away from CS and eat mostly at the signature restaurants. I can eat Pizza, chicken fingers and fries anytime.
Try more of the the table service, especially the signature dining restaurants. We have quite a few favorites that we are sure to visit at least 3-4 times a year.

 

[robinb]

As far as where we ate...


Magic Kingdom~ Crystal Palace, Cosmic Rays, Pinocchio Haus, Pecos Bill

I did enjoy the chicken at Cosmic Rays and DH has a taco bowl at Pecos that he raved about.

Epcot~ Electric Umbrella, Liberty Inn and funnel cake ( those were delicious )

DHS~ Hollywood and Vine, Toy Story Pizza Planet, and hot dogs some place but I can't remember where

AK~ Pizzafari, Flame Tree BBQ

I did enjoy Flame Tree

Also ate at Chef Mickey's which was just beyond horrible! Worth the price for the characters though. And also at POP food court a few times.



I am a picky eater... and I will admit that. I don't like ethnic foods for the most part. No asian, mexican, seafood, etc. So typical american food is what I like. Good steak, potatoes, hamburgers, chicken, pizza,etc. The buns of the burgers and hot dogs tasted weird to me. The pizza was tolerable but not a favorite. The "prime rib" ( if that's what they want to call it) at the buffet's was just plain awful.

We did rent a car and ate offsite a few times. But It was usually more of a hassle than it's worth because we wanted to stay in the parks. Plus... once off property we didn't like the area so much.

I'm sooo looking forward to our next trip and really want to have some better experiences dining wise. I'm not opposed to spending money on a good meal... if it is in fact good!

I would love any suggestions you guys could give me.

Hmm ... it looks like you did try to stick to "American" type food. I have heard others complain about the buns, so you are not alone! I also don't particularly like the pizza at WDW, in fact I call Pizzarafi in AK "Pizzabarfi", LOL! So, you're down 3 out of the 5 things you like to eat as burgers, hot dogs and pizzas are out.

That leaves steak and chicken. You won't get steak at CS restaurants but you will find it at Le Cellier in Epcot and the Turf Club at SSR. I have heard many picky eaters who request that certain sauces and sides be left off. I would also recommend Liberty Tree Tavern for your family which has Thanksgiving type of fare. You might also like Trail's End restaurant in Fort Wilderness (down home food, including fried chicken and ribs for dinner) or even the Wilderness Canyon Cafe.

As for CS restaurants, I also love Flame Tree BBQ so we agree there ... it's the only CS where I will eat in AK. You liked Cosmic Ray's so you'll have somewhere to eat in the MK. You might also want to try Columbia Harbour House for their fried chicken nuggets. I can't recommend anywhere in DHS. Maybe the place with the turkey legs if you like that kind of thing (I don't). You might want to try Sunshine Seasons in The Land in Epcot. They have some plain grilled items (like chicken and pork chops) and the food is very fresh. The Biergarten also has some great bratwurst and I don't think they use the same buns. The Rose and Crown pub has a turkey sandwich.

I actually have the opposite problem from you. I am a very adventurous eater and I find the "ethnic" foods to be boring and dumbed down too much.

 

[Jenny-momof3]

You all are giving me wonderful suggestions! Keep em coming!

 

[robinb]

Animal Kingdom:
CS - Flame Tree BBQ
TS - Tusker House (I haven't tried the new buffet, but the old Tusker House had great food)

I loved Tusker House when it was a CS place. I have not eaten there as a TS yet either, but I'm getting a "Boma" kind of vibe from the place. Now, I LOVE Boma but most picky eaters do not. The spices are too strange for them.

 

[Amy&Dan]

If you like steak, I am going to suggest, Turf Club at Saratoga Springs, Coral Reef at Epcot has a very good steak and Le Cellier at Epcot has wonderful steak. If you do two ts' at Epcot, Coral Reef and Le Cellier would be my recommendations since you like steak. As for character meals, I would switch to breakfast. Cheaper, the food is generally good and no nasty prime rib! I enjoy Cape May at the Beach Club for breakfast. For burgers and plain American fare at Hollywood Studios definitely visit Sci Fi (at lunch is best and cheapest and they have great burgers, onion rings and shakes) and Prime Time. Can't get anymore all American than Prime Time with its pot roast, chicken pie, meat loaf, fried chicken and the like.

I find the pizza at WDW to be borderline gross. The one exception is the pizza window at Boardwalk, its pretty good.

Definitely try Columbia Harbor House next time at MK, the fish and chicken baskets are really good and they have a tuna sandwich I also like. Village Haus is no longer anyplace I'll visit since the things I like got nuked off the menu!

And in DTD definitely give the Wolfgang Puck Express a try for great cs. They have some incredilby good pastas, a roasted chicken meal that is huge and all sorts of nice flat bread pizzas and sandwiches. All big portions that can be shared. Its the best cs on property in my book, and with the exception of ordering in a line, its basically a table service since they bring you your food on real plates, refill your drink and the food is nothing like counter service. Its very near the World of Disney which is convenient!



I hope next time is better for you!

 

[Colleen27]

As far as where we ate...


Magic Kingdom~ Crystal Palace, Cosmic Rays, Pinocchio Haus, Pecos Bill

I did enjoy the chicken at Cosmic Rays and DH has a taco bowl at Pecos that he raved about.

Epcot~ Electric Umbrella, Liberty Inn and funnel cake ( those were delicious )

DHS~ Hollywood and Vine, Toy Story Pizza Planet, and hot dogs some place but I can't remember where

AK~ Pizzafari, Flame Tree BBQ

I did enjoy Flame Tree

Also ate at Chef Mickey's which was just beyond horrible! Worth the price for the characters though. And also at POP food court a few times.



I am a picky eater... and I will admit that. I don't like ethnic foods for the most part. No asian, mexican, seafood, etc. So typical american food is what I like. Good steak, potatoes, hamburgers, chicken, pizza,etc. The buns of the burgers and hot dogs tasted weird to me. The pizza was tolerable but not a favorite. The "prime rib" ( if that's what they want to call it) at the buffet's was just plain awful.

I would love any suggestions you guys could give me.

Some suggestions:

Magic Kingdom - Main Street Bakery cannot be beat for counter service. Sandwiches and to-die-for pastries, what's not to like? If you like fish, you might also enjoy Columbia Harbour House, which is basically a fish/chicken & chips place.

Since you like simpler fare, I'd suggest the Plaza as a good sit-down option. They're mainly a sandwiches and ice cream type place, with an absolutely fabulous reuben, excellent club sandwich, great fries, etc. and GIANT, classic ice cream desserts like brownie sundaes and banana splits. Liberty Tree Tavern might also be a good sitdown choice, since it is very American, Thanksgiving type food.

The places you ate at MK were basically our list of least favorites, other than Crystal Palace which we haven't tried. There are better options, but they're easily overlooked.

Epcot -

When it comes to counter service, there's no question in my mind - Sunshine Seasons, in the building with Soarin'. They have a great selection of choices from rotisserie chicken to sushi, and some of the best counter service desserts anywhere at Disney.

Table service choices are a bit tougher since you don't care for ethnic food. Most of our favorites are the more exotic World Showcase options, but Coral Reef has good seafood and steaks and a wonderful atmosphere with the aquarium wall. Le Cellier is a steakhouse, which sounds like it would be perfect for you and your family, but the ADR is one of the tougher ones to get so plan ahead!

Hollywood Studios -

The pickins here are pretty slim. We try not to eat counter service here, because we don't especially care for any of the choices. Pizza Planet is acceptable but not great and the kids like Toluca Turkey Legs, but there's nothing I'd really recommend other than to eat before you come or do what we do and have a sit-down lunch and go elsewhere for dinner.

When it comes to table service, there are a couple of simple, American choices. Prime Time's menu is very homestyle - meatloaf, fried chicken, etc. - but we've never been because I'm not into the whole theme of teasing from the waitstaff and all that. Sci-Fi has burgers and ribs and is just okay (great onion rings and milkshakes, tho!), but well worth doing for the atmosphere in our opinion. It isn't every day you can eat in a car-table under the "stars" at a drive-in!

Animal Kingdom -

Again, not many choices if you don't care for ethnic food. Flame Tree is definitely the best counter service the park has to offer, and there's no non-ethnic table service option at all. Since the park closes early, this is a good night to try a resort restaurant for dinner.

Resorts -

Beaches & Cream at the Beach Club has great, simple food and awesome desserts, but doesn't take ADRs so can be a pain to get into.

ESPN Club has typical sports bar food, awesome nachos and hot wings, good burgers.

Whispering Canyon at the Wilderness Lodge has a western/American menu, but I've never eaten there so I can't give any first hand opinion. It gets great reviews here on the DIS, tho, and might be worth a try if you don't mind the rowdy-ish atmosphere.

And if you're interested in a really nice meal, Yachtsman Steakhouse at the Yacht Club is expensive but excellent for steak lovers.

 

[webray]

As far as where we ate...


Magic Kingdom~ Crystal Palace, Cosmic Rays, Pinocchio Haus, Pecos Bill

I did enjoy the chicken at Cosmic Rays and DH has a taco bowl at Pecos that he raved about.

Epcot~ Electric Umbrella, Liberty Inn and funnel cake ( those were delicious )

DHS~ Hollywood and Vine, Toy Story Pizza Planet, and hot dogs some place but I can't remember where

AK~ Pizzafari, Flame Tree BBQ

I did enjoy Flame Tree

Also ate at Chef Mickey's which was just beyond horrible! Worth the price for the characters though. And also at POP food court a few times.



I am a picky eater... and I will admit that. I don't like ethnic foods for the most part. No asian, mexican, seafood, etc. So typical american food is what I like. Good steak, potatoes, hamburgers, chicken, pizza,etc. The buns of the burgers and hot dogs tasted weird to me. The pizza was tolerable but not a favorite. The "prime rib" ( if that's what they want to call it) at the buffet's was just plain awful.

We did rent a car and ate offsite a few times. But It was usually more of a hassle than it's worth because we wanted to stay in the parks. Plus... once off property we didn't like the area so much.

I'm sooo looking forward to our next trip and really want to have some better experiences dining wise. I'm not opposed to spending money on a good meal... if it is in fact good!

I would love any suggestions you guys could give me.

Wow..well that is why you didn't enjoy the food.

 

[Colleen27]

I loved Tusker House when it was a CS place. I have not eaten there as a TS yet either, but I'm getting a "Boma" kind of vibe from the place. Now, I LOVE Boma but most picky eaters do not. The spices are too strange for them.

Yeah, it is a lot like Boma IMO. Enough so that I'm very glad we didn't schedule dinner at Boma for our Animal Kingdom day on our last trip because it would have been too similar to the lunch we had at Tusker House. I actually liked it a bit better than Boma and we'll definitely go back, but I wouldn't recommend it for picky eaters.

 

[Lynne M]

Oh, my, that's your problem right there. All counter service and character meals. And the worst of the counter service places, no less. You left out an entire category of dining at WDW....table service.

Here are some table service places that all offer relatively plain food. And remember, you can always ask for dishes to be modified - sauces to be taken off, sides to be substituted,etc. Disney is extremely accommodating in that way.

Kona Cafe
Grand Floridian Cafe
Whispering Canyon Cafe
Trails End Buffet
ESPN
Planet Hollywood
Raglan Road
Wolfgang Puck Cafe
Yachtsman's Steakhouse
Narcoosee's
Le Cellier
Chef's de France (yes, it's French, but many choices for picky eaters)
Olivia's
Turf Club

Those are just the ones I can think of off the top of my head, there are plenty more.

 

[singe594]

We just returned from a 7 day vacation and were pretty unimpressed by the cuisine. The one exception was Boma (except all the desserts were pretty bad). Also, I don't know where Disney gets their chicken from but it all tastes like Ham. We're pretty easy to impress with food and we ate at a variety of places and price levels, nothing was really that great or special.

 

[Todd&Copper]

I could very well be wrong, but I'm gonna guest the thread starter is from very small town, USA. I know several disney servers, and I've been told many times, that small town folks are the ones who often complain about the food. They are just set in their small town ways, and not open to new ideas.

Not the OP, but I am a bit of a food snob, probably just the oposite of the narrow-minded individual you are describing, and I have yet to have a *FABULOUS* meal at WDW. I don't think the food is bad, but it is Olive Garden/Bennigan's/Friday's quality at most of the TS establishments.

But, frankly, I don't go to WDW for the food. Except the French pasteries and the Dole Whips.