Gave Garden Grill A Second Chance-OOPS

[jcemom]

I think that when a restaraunt overgoes such a major menu and format change as Garden Grill, that all old posts should be cancelled out and ratings reset to zero.

I agree.

 

[travelbug]

This is truly a shame! I always heard such glowing reports about GG before it was redone, and was hoping to finally try it out on my next trip. I'm glad I saw this thread. No way will I go there now that it is so lousy.

 

[Madhatter123]

Just my 2 cents but....

Why would anyone pay for food and service so lacking? I've spent more than 20 years in the restaurant business and understand better than most that at any place one can dislike their meal or have slow service but to feel that I've thrown away $100 would never happen!

Brenda

I agree with Patsgirl completely. I also agree with the posters who said that at Disney ALL reality is suspended. We all become more tolerant of things that in our real lives we would never stand for. Hour long waits for 2 minute rides, 500% markup on water, believing that the next Disney bus is only 5 minutes away (when it's actually a half hour). Why do grown men at Whispering Canyon get up, wear napkins on their heads and dance and sing "I'm a little teapot"? We're all in a Disney Daze.

In my case, I felt I was on vacation and really didn't want the scene or tension of a confrontation. Any other place at any other time, I would have walked out and refused to pay a penny for the poor food, small portions and lousy service. But in the same way you tolerate all the other insults to your inteligence and dignity, you just pay your bill, complain to anyone who'll listen and vow never to eat there again.

Many times you think that it's just you and everyone else is enjoying the food. You fool fooolish. That's why I love this board and post. Perhaps it will inspire anyone else foolish enough to tryo Garden Grill to really stand up and walk out. Even better perhpas it will inspire a true boycott and we, not Disney, will have the last laugh.

 

[Wishing123]

Just wanted to bump this thread. It's important

 

[C.Ann]

I'm really sorry to hear that.. When we were there in 2001, we loved the food, the characters, the wait staff...

Worse yet is I can't think of another restaurant in Epcot that I would be interested in trying.. Guess we'll have to go there on an evening when we've already eaten somewhere else.. Darn!

 

[a Really Bad Egg]

The Garden Grille was the only 'disappointment' on our trip. Not only was the menu change a real shocker (we didn't know before hand) the characters were out of line - completely. My very pretty DD (15) received too much attention and made us all very, very uncomfortable. It was even noticed by management who told them to 'behave'.

I have to say - I believe we deserve an apology - not just for the poor menu, service, etc - but for the complete unprofessionalism of the characters. Can you tell we are still peeved?

Skip the Garden Grille.

 

[theSurlyMermaid]

The Garden Grille was the only 'disappointment' on our trip. Not only was the menu change a real shocker (we didn't know before hand) the characters were out of line - completely. My very pretty DD (15) received too much attention and made us all very, very uncomfortable. It was even noticed by management who told them to 'behave'.

I have to say - I believe we deserve an apology - not just for the poor menu, service, etc - but for the complete unprofessionalism of the characters. Can you tell we are still peeved?

Skip the Garden Grille.

OMG..that's disgusting! I don't blame you at all for being angry still!

I've been telling DH about this now legendary thread. I can't believe what a disaster the GG has turned into.

 

[profdsny]

I hope the reviews of this place are posted where ever people look for reviews of WDW restaurants. I thought Tony's had gotten bad until I read this. 'Reviews' also should be sent to newspaper travel section editiors. Let everyone know, then maybe Disney will stop using the bottom line for their cook book.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

It is really quite ridiculous to change something that is already right. It does not cost a bit more to serve good food as opposed to bad food (when you are in this price category).

The problem with many tourist places is that they have no incentive to do better since most will only be there once and it is not worth it for them to complain. Sad thing is that some will not come back just for such shinanagins. We always look for places with lots of local license plates when we are on the road.

I would like to see some sort of report card that diners could turn in so that the restaurants at DW would be competing against each other to get the best grades. I bet the chefs are not happy in having to turn out meals that people do not like either.

Only good thing I can say is that my poor tired feet will no longer have to make the trek back to The Land as they have taken away Food Rocks and now the FOOD at the GG does NOT rock. Used to be well worth it.

Slightly Goofy

 

[Serendip]

It seems like Garden Grill is becoming some sort of line drawn in the sand for the regular Disney "guest" and the management team concerned only with maximixing profit. I think it's a worthy place to make a stand.

Garden Grill is a prime example of Disney changing something that wasn't broken just for the sake of squeezing more money out of its "customers". Yes, I agree with the posting that pointed this out.

If we were "guests" as they like to physcobabble us into thinking, then they should show some respect for us and our wishes. Walt Disney himself was a genius who knew that if you treated people as guests and with respect, they would in return be loyal to you. That symbiotic relationship was what made Disney great.

Bigger problem here is that we are not treated as customers either. In the parlay of consumerism, the "customer is always right". Garden Grill is an example of a place beloved by its loyal customers yet taken away just to make a quick buck. I think Disney knew they would lose customers when they changed the menu and format so drastically and so obviously designed around microwaves and profits. They didn't care because they also knew that Soarin would bring in fresh suckers every single day. One time shots who would see what a rip off the place was and swear never to return only to be replaced the next day by more passersby. It was a cold calculating, money grabbing scheme on their part.

We are neither guests, nor customers, were are merely suckers and idiots to be fleeced wherever and wnever Disney wants. It's been that way for a while and will continue to go that way unless someone takes a stand.

So, for anyone who ever thought that Horizons was a great ride that didn't need to be dismantled, or that the Old Journey Into Imagination was better than the new, or that World of Motion could have stood side by side with Test Track I say make a stand at Garden Grill. For anyone who thinks that an Epcot parade should return, anyone who believes that Mr. Toad didn't have to go away for Winnie the Poooh or that 20,000 Leauges Under The Sea was more interesting than the plywood walls they put up to replace it, tell Disney you're sick of them fixing things that aren't broken just to squeeze more money out of us and give us less in return.

I could go on and on about how so many attractions have become 'seasonal" and are closed so often or how dirty the parks have become, how much maintenance needs to be done or how having Epcot only open until 9:00Pm on a summer day is wrong. We all have our peeves and we all have suffered through "Disney changes" always made under the pretense of being "good for the guests" but are just actually ways to steal our money to suppot the Eisner Empire elsewhere.

With its blatant attack on Garden Grill, Disney is treating us like a bunch of ignorant fools and think that we won't notice how they fleece us more and more each day.

Well we have noticed and Garden Grill is the last straw. If they truly think we're guests and not just timid sheep to be sheared, let them bring back the old garden Grill just to show they're listening. It may too late to do anything about all the other changes but it's not too late to do something about Garden Grill.

Spread the word to everyone you know out there and use whatever means possible to get the story out. Disney has gone too far with Garden Grill and the people have noticed. One of Eisner's basic policies is to squeeze people until they say ouch. Well, with Garden Grill, we should all say OUCH!!

 

[profdsny]

I think everyone here who is in the building at some point, to do Soaring or whatever, should make a point of stopping just a few people waiting for a table at the GC and tell them how terrible it is, and they would be better to go anywhere else. Not a big demonstration or anything, just casually start a conversation with people along the lines of "Oh, you're not eating here, are you?" Let it go from there. If their numbers start dropping dramtically, maybe someone at WDW will figure something is wrong somewhere. I've already sent this link to two people who go to WDW about every 3 months warning them about this place.

 

[Planogirl]

There sure are a lot of new posters on this thread. How interesting!

Anyway, I was also disappointed in the food court at the Land. It was OK for me but not for my son unfortunately and is no longer an alternative for us.

It's a shame that Disney couldn't just leave well enough alone and had to change all of the eating venues at the Land for the worse.

 

[smjj]

I hope our moderators are reading this because, I hate to say, even the DIS Board restaurant rating section is still using this outdated description:

"The all-you-can-eat family-style breakfast includes scrambled eggs, breakfast casserole, sausage, ham, fresh fruit, biscuits and gravy, French Toast sticks and cheese grits. At lunch and dinner, roasted chicken, hickory-smoked steak, catfish, smashed potatoes, gravy, salad, vegetables (from the gardens of the Land) biscuits and apple butter is offered. Vegetarian meals are available upon request[/B]"

Knock,knock,knock hey moderators are you there. Lets get this review updated OK. I think enough of us regulars have spoken out about this place. Update your review...smjj

 

[taswira]

I loved the Garden Grill with the old menu and all-you-can-eat (excellent catfish!), but I guess I am one of the rare ones (along with many of my friends and family) because I love it even more since the changes. I no longer come out feeling stuffed like a pig (had a tendency to overeat with the old menu and that cobbler), and the choice of 5 entrees allows me to re-visit often. I have dined there 8 times since the menu change.

For me, it has always been the best character interaction (and clean, too - - It's like I was at a different restaurant than the OP), best service (keeping me supplied with iced tea without being asked is a big plus), and good food. I love the red snapper and the chicken, as well as the rest of the menu. The big delicious strawberries, bite-size chocolate chip cookies, bites of chocolate pound cake and lemon pound cake, and marshmellows (not stale and the one item I do really like to dip in the chocolate) are fine with me and avoid that heavy, bloated feeling I always got after the cobbler. As for breadsticks, I ask for and get only the multi-grain ones. Regarding salad - You only get that with dinner unless you ask for it at lunch and pay more. That was the policy even with the old menu.

I respect the opinions of those of you who now hate Garden Grill, but those who have not tried it may want to judge it first-hand. However, I consider it the best "adult character meal." Being without kids, I am happy that fewer toddlers seem to be dining there now (less screaming - even though yes, many young children are also well-behaved - - Thank You to those fine parents!). For them I would suggest CP or LTT for good experiences. But there are some of us adults who are still devoted fans of the characters, and some of those are pleased with the "new" Garden Grill.

Note: Edited to correct spelling!

 

[Hanover]

We have an ADR for the Garden Grill in 11 days. I'm really apprehensive about going through with the meal after so many bad reviews. I booked it a while ago not knowing the menu had changed. I spoke with a Disney dining representative this morning trying yet again to get an ADR for Le Cellier, but they are booked solid. I told her all about the bad reviews I'd read on the GG and she asked what the complaints were about so I told her a brief synopsis. Hopefully the GG management will take note sometime soon. I'm thinking we may be sticking to counter service instead.
Has ANYONE tried the Garden Grill recently and actually liked it? We've got 2 children ages 4 and 8 that are not really picky eaters. I thought they'd love the revolving restaurant and character interaction. Any other TS suggestions? We will be going to the princess storybook breakfast that morning so I was trying to skip Akershus for dinner.

 

[taswira]

Has ANYONE tried the Garden Grill recently and actually liked it? We've got 2 children ages 4 and 8 that are not really picky eaters. I thought they'd love the revolving restaurant and character interaction.

As I just posted above, yes I have, as recently as Aug. 5 and Aug. 9 (last week - Yes, four days apart!). I LOVE it!

They do have a children's menu as well. I think your kids will love the character interaction, and at 4 and 8 they are no longer "toddlers" so should also love the revolving restaurant and scenery. Give it a chance. If you don't like it, just never go back, but please do try it.

If for any reason you do not like your entree choice, tell them politely and they will bring you something else.

 

[smjj]

Lets see, one positive out of 115 post. With that kind of a track record, I don't think I will gamble at $25.00 a person for adults...

 

[jcemom]

Lets see, one positive out of 115 post. With that kind of a track record, I don't think I will gamble at $25.00 a person for adults...

That's a big issue, I think. For two adults and one child you're looking at over $75 for dinner. I never spend $75+ on dinner outside Disney World, and I just don't think I'm willing to gamble that amount of money on a meal when I could eat for less with better odds of getting something I like. I'm not a gambler, lol. (Plus, both my boys are now considered adults, so if all 5 of us went...$140!!)

 

[taswira]

I know just as many people who do like the new Garden Grill. People who wish to complain are more likely to take the time to post than those who have praise. Although this thread is full of negative posts and several are from having dined there, a large majority seem to be jumping in on the anti-GG boat based on the word of others without trying it personally. Since this thread is obviously intended to be only anti-Garden Grill, I apologize for posting here and I understand why others with any praise for GG would be afraid to comment. Sorry for intruding and I will retreat now . . .

 

[jcemom]

taswira, I welcome all points of view. I'm sorry if I'm the one who's offended you. It wasn't my intention at all.

If the Garden Grill's new menu didn't appeal to me but it got tons of glowing reviews, I'd be willing to try it again anyway. As it is, I don't care for the menu AND I've read almost all negative reviews, with a few postives sprinkled in, and a handful of 'eh, it's okay' type reviews. I loved the old Garden Grill and am really sorry to see one of my favorite dining options removed from my list. I'm happy that you enjoyed it, more than once even.