Hollywood Studios Dining Strategy

[andiraye]

I'm not making any ADR's for our HS day because I want to preserve some flexibility for that day. However, I would like an idea of where to eat.

So....Last year we ate at Studio Catering and it was pretty bad. What are your favorite QS restaurants at DHS (recognizing I'm asking about the best of the worst).

Also, we may leave the park for dinner and then come back for Fantasmic. We may take a boat ride to the Boardwalk. Any good QS for dinner there?

Alternately, is there a decent, table service restaurant at a resort nearby where we could get a last minute ADR?

DTD is not an option for us because we are going another day and I don't want to deal with the parking, crowds etc.

 

[FancyNancy]

I really like Starring Rolls for a lunchtime QS. The sandwiches are huge and really tasty and the dessert selection can't be beat!

 

[Nancyg56]

My family likes the Backlot Express, I think that is the name. The burgers are good, andwe like that there is plenty of seating. If you time it right, you can watch the kids "training" at the Jedi Academy. SO darn cute!

Honestly, if you are considering leaving the park and then want to come back for Fantasmic, I would consider teh !Fantasmic DIning Package. It is a fixed price meal, and includes an appetizer and dessert plate, so it is reasonable in terms of what you receive. You are given vouchers for a reserved section for the show. WE like Mama Melrose, and have booked out package for lunch this trip. WE think it will give a nice break from the heat, and we wil not be wondering where we will eat that day.

We generally do not leave the park just to eat, traveling seems to take more time than you think. If you normally take that afternoon break, that is different. We do,but we normall have a late dinner, and so th break is really for us to relax and get ready for "round two".

Last minute ADR's are there, but you need to be flexible. The Epcot restaurants will be your best bet. If you really think you want a TS meal in a specific location, you probably should book an ADR to ensure that you are successful.

 

[DJFan88]

QS on the boardwalk doesn't wow me at all. If you'really looking for a nice sit down option, however, with good normal food, we like ESPN Club. There is also Big River Grill, which to me was okay. I don't believe either take reservations, but have never had a problem getting in mid day, if you are looking for a break from the park, and the boat ride is pleasant

Editing to add that the Dolphins Fountain menu looks good, also on boat ride, but I have never tried it

 

[karly05]

I tried Backlot Express for lunch at DHS this year and it was ok. But next trip I'm going back to my habit of hopping to Epcot for lunch on DHS day.

I've never eaten at Swan/Dolphin, but you might look at their options. S/D is the closest boat stop to DTD.

 

[wdwrule]

Nothing fantastic but we usually eat at ABC Commissary which is decent. Also usually Pizza Planet for the atmosphere for the kids. As for Boardwalk...we love the QS at Boardwalk Bakery! Amazing lobster rolls and other yummy sandwiches with a huge variety of desserts. For TS there, maybe the new Italian place, Trattoria al Forno?

 

[aretha30]

Our family really likes Starring Rolls. We have plans to eat there again next week

 

[tabistar]

We are doing the Fantasmic! package with lunch at Mama Melrose, then going to DTD for Wolfgang Puck Express for dinner (via bus to Saratoga Springs, then walking over). I know you said no DTD, but wanted to throw that out there.

 

[bradiblue27]

I enjoyed Starring Rolls! Very fresh and filling.

 

[supersnoop]

In my experience, a The Brown Derby is usually available last minute. I find myself craving the their Cobb salad, which you can get for $9 on the appetizer menu.

 

[ELSA711]

We eat at Mama Melrose for the fantasmic package but we have gone to Fairfax Fare and Rosies - pretty good IMO
And Herbies corn dogs while going into LMA

 

[andiraye]

I really like Starring Rolls for a lunchtime QS. The sandwiches are huge and really tasty and the dessert selection can't be beat!

Good to know!

We generally do not leave the park just to eat, traveling seems to take more time than you think. If you normally take that afternoon break, that is different. We do,but we normall have a late dinner, and so th break is really for us to relax and get ready for "round two".

I'm thinking we might want a break from the park. I thought the boat ride to BW or the BW hotels might be a nice relaxing break. I'm reluctant to make ASR's because I'm not sure how we will feel. I'm willing to chance the lack of availability!

Editing to add that the Dolphins Fountain menu looks good, also on boat ride, but I have never tried it

I will keep this one in mind for a last minute ADR if possible.


Thanks to everyone for the ideas!!!!!

 

[lovndisney12]

Any comments on Min and Bill's Diner?

 

[L&Lfan]

For a nearby resort TS, we like Captain's Grille at the Yacht Club. We've never needed an ADR for breakfast. We had one for dinner just to be safe but we noticed there were quite a few empty tables. Also Picabu at the Dolphin has a decent menu and doesn't accept ADRs.

 

[kastoney]

Starring rolls is about your best bet in the park. If you want to venture over to the boardwalk, the boardwalk bakery is good. Alternatively you may be able to get a last minute reservation at beaches and cream or ESPN club takes walk ups

 

[tomatecerise]

Starring rolls

 

[DJFan88]

The only thing I don't like about a starring rolls lunch is that actual lunch items seem limited. Only 2 sandwich options, luckily one is ham, however, and we don't eat sushi.

 

[Nancyg56]

Good to know!



I'm thinking we might want a break from the park. I thought the boat ride to BW or the BW hotels might be a nice relaxing break. I'm reluctant to make ASR's because I'm not sure how we will feel. I'm willing to chance the lack of availability!



I will keep this one in mind for a last minute ADR if possible.


Thanks to everyone for the ideas!!!!!

Oh gosh, if a brak is in order, you can check that day for an opening. WE love the boats, and take them whenever we can, so yes, hop on one and hit the Boadwalk. It is nice to visit the Epcot resorts, and there will be something to eat. If you have hoppers, you can continue the walk to Epcot if nothng suits you and foind food in the Countries. That entrance is to the WOrld Showcase.

 

[andiraye]

Oh gosh, if a brak is in order, you can check that day for an opening. WE love the boats, and take them whenever we can, so yes, hop on one and hit the Boadwalk. It is nice to visit the Epcot resorts, and there will be something to eat. If you have hoppers, you can continue the walk to Epcot if nothng suits you and foind food in the Countries. That entrance is to the WOrld Showcase.

Okay, then. That is our plan! We don't have hoppers but otherwise we are all set!

 

[Hans Olo]

I know most probably don't agree but my family and I really liked Pizza Planet. We went during Star Wars weekend and it was pretty busy but we were able to snag a table for 7 of us. The dessert we had was awesome too