First Day - DTD - Which Restaurant?

[loopner67]

On the day we arrive, we're not going to a park. We're going to enjoy our hotel (the Beach Club), maybe mini golf for the first time and then go to DTD, where we'll eat dinner.

So what do you suggest and why? We've been thinking about the RainForest Cafe or Ragland Road, but since we haven't gone to any of the DTD restaurants, I thought it would be good to ask for suggestions. We pretty much love any kind of food and price won't scare us off either.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Wildflowerz]

MY theory when I'm on vacation is to try and not eat anywhere that can be found somewhere else. So, right away, that would knock out Planet Hollywood, ESPN (is that down there?), Rainforest, Wolfgang Puck, and, hehe, McDonald's. Sometimes that isn't possible. So, I can tell you that Planet Hollywood was okay. Food and atmosphere is just like Hard Rock if you've never been to a PH before. Also, if you got a MYW deal with your booking, you have some kind of coupons/vouchers for PH.

Of the others, the only one we've tried is Bongos. And we HATED it. Nothing was edible. Atmosphere was nice and relaxing, but nothing special.

I think if we eat down there, we'll probably try Raglan Road. I've heard good and bad things from it, but most of the time you've just gotta try it for yourself.

You could eat at the Beaches and Cream right at your hotel and get the Kitchen Sink. Then, retire to your room with your tummy aches!

 

[loopner67]

You could eat at the Beaches and Cream right at your hotel and get the Kitchen Sink. Then, retire to your room with your tummy aches!

We actually thought of that as an option!

Thanks for your thoughts on this! I have been to a PH before and would probably rather not go there - I had even forgotten there was one at DTD. LOL.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

The Rainforest Cafe is one of my families favorite restaurants in WDW and would be a great place to eat at.

 

[Wildflowerz]

We actually thought of that as an option!

I made the mistake of showing a pic of the Sink to DH and now he's insisting we go there and get it. I'm all for going there as I hear the burgers are yummo, but the sink? It's going to be me, DH, DD4yo, and a friend of our's. Me and the friend both have tummy issues with dairy! I'm thinking of going at lunch time on our off/pool day and eating a regular meal while DH and DD start in on it. Then, maybe my friend and I can fish out some of the candy bar/brownie/topping/etc bits and eat those instead. Hehe

 

[hawkeyesparks]

My DS loves the Rainforest, and we so we go there, but we recently ate lunch at the Earle of Sandwich, and MAN that 's a great place!

 

[lucysdad]

I highly recommend Raglan Road. The fish and chips are great. I've heard the bread pudding dessert is amazing, but because of the huge crowd there later in the evening, because of the band, we were unable to get some. We're going there on our first night in August, but going earlier in the evening to avoid some of the commotion. But, if you go late, the band is great, just be forewarned the service gets pretty slow then.

 

[patkingpin]

I would have to agree with Earl of Sandwich. We did the exact same thing last trip, we checked into the Beach Club Villas and headed down to DTD.

We ate at Earl of Sandwich and I craved it the rest of the trip. I am still
craving it and can't wait to go back in October to get some on our first day!

We tried Raglan Road later in the trip and it was one of those restaurants that we were glad we were on the dining plan and didn't pay out of pocket for. We were not impressed at all. Our service was bad as was our food.
That being said, I have read great reviews on the boards, so we might have just caught them on the wrong day at the wrong time.

I would still vote for Earl of Sandwich though.

 

[Chellymouse]

Raglan Road!! It's wonderful. We've eaten there several times and if you like Irish food and a fun atmosphere (and tasty adult beverages) Raglan Road.
Bongos...gotta agree...not great. Stay away from Wolfgang Puck also. It's way overpriced and the food isn't that great.
Earl of Sandwich is good, but tends to get very very busy.
Sorry to whomever posted about a bad experience at Raglan! That's a total bummer and I hope you give it a second chance. Maybe it was just a bad night!

 

[megthewonderful]

Easy choice....Raglan Road. The food is delicious. As mentioned in previous posts, the music is great later in the evening but the service tends to slow down a bit as the restaurant gets very crowded. If you go a bit earlier, the service is outstanding.

 

[Christine9125]

Earl of Sandwich. I have been craving. We will be there the day before everyone else this trip and will stay offsite, but I have told my DH we are going there for dinner. We also have another night scheduled for there.

 

[ont/ohana]

Another for Earl !! We actually crave it. My DD11 is already planning what she wants for Dinner there in Dec.

 

[KarlaG4Kids]

It is funny how so many people have such different experiences and opinions. DH and I HATE Raglan Road because of horrible service and lousy food as well as over the top loud and chaotic. Granted, we had ADR's there and then a huge storm hit and people poured in wanting to get out of the rain. It ended up being WAY busy at a time of day that is usually not as busy. We did not have a good experience at all and I like the Fish & Chips in Epcot (England) much better for a better price. We enjoyed Bongos a lot (but that was about 5 years ago). We really like Rainforest Cafe and it has a fun atmosphere. We also like Captn Jacks. Food is good, service is good. It isn't a huge Disney type atmosphere if you are wanting to get into the Disney spirit. Earl of Sandwich is great but again...no real atmosphere. It also depends on what kinds of food you enjoy and what kind of atmosphere you are looking for. Whatever you choose enjoy...you are at WDW!!!!

 

[DeAnna4140]

Another vote for Earl of Sandwich!! DD12 and I were just in the World for a week for the DC Games and ate there 3 times. We loved it! Great food and great prices! Tends to get VERY busy but well worth the wait!

 

[OKW Lover]

For a really good meal, try Portobello Yacht Club. Possibly the best Italian food at WDW, with great service as well. Or, for a change of pace, try House of Blues.