Food at the Dolphin - Fresh, Fountain, or Picabu?

[ead79]

We're looking to eat a relatively quick meal at the Dolphin. Of Fresh, the Dolphin Fountain, and Picabu Buffeteria, which do you prefer and why? We've never eaten at any of these restaurants, so your input is greatly appreciated!

 

[jwfla422]

We like Fresh the best out of those selections because the food seems to be the highest quality there. We also like the selections and that they make most of it "to order". Picabu is ok as is the Fountain.

If you're in a rush though you'd probably want to go with Picabu since it is cafeteria style. FRESH is busy on the weekends so you can expect to be there for a good 45 min to an hour. Check out their menus so you can get an idea of the different choices they all offer.

 

[Robert P]

Fresh is our favorite there as well, but I don't think you are going to be able to have a quick meal there. Not that it's a long meal, but certainly won't be as quick as the other choices.
I would estimate Fresh will take close to an hour. Not sure if that is quick enough for your plans.

 

[ead79]

We have about an hour and fifteen minutes, so we could do Fresh during that time it sounds like. My parents will be staying at the Dolphin, so we thought it would be convenient. Do you need an ADR for Fresh, or is it walk-up?

 

[Robert P]

Depends on the time and the meal, so it's hard to predict how busy they will be. I would have to suggest an ADR if one is possible. Last visit, we just walked up, and it was less than 1/2 full, but that was just that one instance. Other times that trip, when we walked by, it was quite full.

 

[toonjie]

I just made ressies for breakfast at Fresh which I don't think was possible a few years ago, you used to have to make them through the hotel I believe. Fresh is one of our favorite breakfast buffets, just behind Boma which is our favorite.

 

[Leota]

Another overlooked option is the Cabana Bar & Grill out by the lap pool. They make a wonderful Angus Burger & my personal favorite - Blackened Grouper Sandwich.

It's really lovely sitting in the bright FL sun, washing down lunch (or dinner) with a Boat Drink. Their Mojitos are to DIE for.

Of the other 3, I agree with Robert - Fresh is the way to go. Assuming you are talking Lunch. They aren't open for dinner.

 

[Robert P]

Thanks Leota.
I had forgot about the Cabana. I had the burger there for lunch in July, and it was excellent, much better than any burger I have gotten elsewhere in the EPCOT resort area (especially Beaches & Cream).

 

[jwfla422]

Another overlooked option is the Cabana Bar & Grill out by the lap pool. They make a wonderful Angus Burger & my personal favorite - Blackened Grouper Sandwich.

It's really lovely sitting in the bright FL sun, washing down lunch (or dinner) with a Boat Drink. Their Mojitos are to DIE for.

Of the other 3, I agree with Robert - Fresh is the way to go. Assuming you are talking Lunch. They aren't open for dinner.

I agree Leota, Cabana Bar and Grill is sometimes "overlooked" unless you're out by the pool. I actually think their food is better than what we've at the Fountain and Picabu . The Fountain does have good milkshakes though.

We've never made PS's for FRESH (and never had to wait to sit as there is a lot of seating in there), but it might not be a bad idea to have them.

Sometimes it can be quite busy (usually early to mid-morning) especially if there are some conventions going on. The "order" lines can get backed up too but you still can usually be in and out in about an hr (under an hr. when it isn't busy). ENJOY!! This is one of our favorite breakfast places in WDW!

 

[juju]

Do you know how late the Cabana serves food?