Horrible food is what I remember about Disney.

[crisi]

No offense, but exactly what were you expecting when you made an ADR at a buffet? Do you think it's fair to only give them "half the points" for having to get your own food if you're the one who chose to do a buffet?

Well, better food to make up for the fact it was a buffet. I had really high expectations. Everything I'd read (or chose to hear) had it built up as exceptional. And it wasn't. It was OK. And I wasn't yet of how much I hated buffets - I wasn't self aware enough to realize the value I placed on sitting down and having someone bring me food.

 

[DebIreland]

I am always surprised by threads like this though there is no doubt you're entitled to your opinion OP, of course you are. It's just that I've read in some posts in the past how Alfredos is nice or Mama Melrose is nice followed by comments that "of course the food is nothing like real Italian food", comments like that. I've been to Italy many times and toured it extensively and tasted their wonderful pastas, pizzas and sauces and I think the Italian restaurants at WDW that I've tried (the afore-mentioned plus Italian dishes at Wolfgang Pucks) do a fabulous job - that pizza at Wolfgang Pucks was DELICIOUS and the other two restaurants had gorgeous pastas too.

The thing is WDW is like a small city (is it something like 80 restaurants or around 100, can't remember???!!) - I think it's impossible that all the food there is bad. It's too much of a blanket statement. Perhaps not you OP, but often I think that people knock WDW food en masse through a sense of insecurity as if they fear that others might think they have untrained or inexperienced palettes. Whereas with me, I just like what I like, no analysis. It's not about the expensive places either - the veggie sandwich at Columbia Harbour House was gorgeous and cost about 6 dollars or so. Yum!!! No doubt there are disappointing restaurants but there are many wonderful ones too.

 

[tjmw2727]

Well, better food to make up for the fact it was a buffet. I had really high expectations. Everything I'd read (or chose to hear) had it built up as exceptional. And it wasn't. It was OK. And I wasn't yet of how much I hated buffets - I wasn't self aware enough to realize the value I placed on sitting down and having someone bring me food.

ITA about Boma (and I thought the joke was funny!). Normally I don't do buffets unless it a character meal my dd's really want. Even now that my dd's are 11 and 9 its toooo much work to get the food. My 9yo wants more salad, pleassee come with me mommy, just sit and something else comes up.

JMHO even though I did fine great food at Boma we won't do it again because its a buffet.

There are sooo many other places we love that we won't miss it and you all that do love it can get more ADR's!

TJ

 

[mking624]

It was a joke.

Funny how we can make so quick a judgment on the OP being a troll, but then I'm corrected about a joke on someone else's post....
Anyway....

Crisi, about others hyping up restaurants, I think that's why I take reviews with a grain of salt. What someone thinks may be great may actually be horrible to me, and vice versa. I love the restaurant forum, but I don't put much weight into reviews anymore since I like to try things for myself. Likewise, I very rarely offer reviews or ask questions about the restaurants.

 

[Califgirl]

I completely understand where the OP is coming from. The last time I was at WDW was in 1998 and the food was so-so and completely unmemorable. I can remember a couple of places that we ate, We loved Mama Melrose's had an okay meal in Japan somewhere and thought Olivia's a necessary but mediocre place (since we were staying at OKW it was convenient). We were staying at OKW and had a full kitchen, but I didn't cook per se, just used the kitchen for breakfast and maybe snacks.

Trust me I am more than amazed to find that there are several message boards dedicated to WDW food. I really thought, what is the point? But, since we are planning another trip, I began actually reading these restaurant message boards. I was mistified by DP's and DDE and what on earth was a ADR (we used to call them Ressies, didn't we?) So after reading (and reading, and reading) I finally signed up for the DP and started learning how to use it and found out that people can be really passionate about WDW food. It still sort of amazes me, because food is not the focus of my trip. If I want a good meal of almost any ethnic variety, we have wonderful restaurants here at home. And reservations are seldom a necessity. Having to make reservations so early in the game for WDW just amazes me, but I've paid attention, and actually made some ADR's. I'm not expecting Disney food to be stellar, but it's nice to know that there are so many options.

I just wanted to say, before you start flaming the OP and calling her names, such as troll, that I also felt exactly what she wrote. My last trip to WDW the food was so - so, I couldn't understand what the big deal about Disney dining was. But, let me add, thanks for all the constructive information everyone posts to these boards. Maybe this time when I come home I'll also be able to talk about how wonderful the food (or dining experience) was.

 

[Ted and Holly]

You have to see the difference between your post and the OP's.

First, you stated where you ate, where you are coming from, and your opinion. The OP was an under-armed pitch. Just lobbed out there waiting for people to swing.

I have done a bit of reading, and I find that the OP is from NJ, close to NYC. That is definitely a great place for food and restaurants. Also, from what I understand, the past trip she took was on her honeymoon and "food was not important". I can now see where she is coming from and I can sort of put your words into her post and come up with something useful.

But in the end, I may be working too hard for someone who may be just trying to stir the pot. You know?

Ted

 

[Hope73]

I am addicted to Disney and one of the best things is the food. On our first trip they had just come out with the 05 food package and I thought it was a good idea. I never realized how great it was until we got there. I didn't want ot have to worry about the price of this or that so the food plan is great. Our first trip in 05 we ate at 6 character meals.

Now planning our third trip the best thing and first thing we do is plan our dinner res.

I love LeCellier in Canada EPCOT, MK Crystal Pallace is a great combination of food and character. I personally like the buffet because it is at your own pace. 50's Prime Time is so fun I have great pics of MOM feeding my hubby his beans and the kids just love the desert menu on the viewmaster.

Only bad food we have had is WolfGang puck cafe I had pasta alfredo and thought it would be wonderful from here but it was so-so, the others in our party had ok food. We really didn't like the walk to the restaurant, we stick closer to parks now. The EPCOT mexico sit down rest had not the greatest food for us. It seemed like very fancy things and all three of the adults didn't like their food. We are huge Mexican eaters and go to rest at home all the time. On the other hand the Mexico stand casual rest had awesome food and I have to eat there every time I go do disney.

 

[Hope73]

I love the Disney Dining and I think if you don;t do the meals you are missing an entire part of the trip. Just for us I would never stay off property and not buy the meal plan. The bennefits are immense and it just wouldn't be the same. The ease of the bus systems id great the the meals are fab.

My kids are young 5&7 and the character meals are great for them. I think when they are older they will love the variety and quality of eating huge good meals.

 

[disneymom3]

CalifGirl--I think the other thing to wonder though is do you not remember ANYTHING else about your trip other than bad food? I mean if that is the case, why would someone go back to that place?

I see where you are coming from in that the first trip DH and I took was in 94 and we definitely had nonmemorable dining experiences. We ate at the Sci Fi and had fun because of atmosphere but the food was totally not memorable. I know we must have eaten a couple of other places 'cause we didn't starve all week, but I have no recollection of where. However, if it was BAD, trust me, I would remember because at least that makes an impression even if it is negative.

I guess I just don't see the point in a post like this. Is it looking for advice, trying inadequately to express an opinion, or what?

 

[Califgirl]

CalifGirl--I think the other thing to wonder though is do you not remember ANYTHING else about your trip other than bad food? I mean if that is the case, why would someone go back to that place?


I guess I just don't see the point in a post like this. Is it looking for advice, trying inadequately to express an opinion, or what?

Disneymom3, I remember lots about my trip to WDW in 1998. It was our 20th anniversary and we bought DVC. We had a great time. It's just that the food was not memorable. Truthfully, I don't expect theme park food to be memorable, even at TS restaurants.

The point of my post was:
1) By expressing my similar opinion to the OP's sentiments, maybe it will help others see a side of the OP's post that they had not thought of - perhaps because it was not expressed the way she intended. I have the same mystification of why everyone is so over the top about WDW food. Making reservations 180 days out is so out of my conciousness, that I would never dream of doing it, especially not for food at a theme park restaurant. (I have learned, thanks to these boards, that ADR's as they are now called, are necessary if you want to eat at a sit down restaurant.) And the food I've had at WDW in the past was serviceable, but not memorable in a "WOW" way.

2) To thank those who have posted helpful information about Disney resatuarants and the Dining Plan and DDE, so that those of us who do not frequent WDW could get a clue. I've read and learned. I've signed up for DDP and made ADR's (and I actually know what all those initials mean!). But that doesn't mean that I'm looking forward to my WDW trip for the food. I'll be well fed, I'm sure. And, hopefully this trip I will enjoy some wonderful and memorable meals. But if I do, it will be a bonus, not the focus of my trip. (I'll admit to trying to stack the cards in my favor on this one, thanks to these terrific boards)

So sorry if you thought I expressed my opinion inadequately. Or did you just think my opinion was inadequate?

 

[crisi]

Funny how we can make so quick a judgment on the OP being a troll, but then I'm corrected about a joke on someone else's post....
Anyway....

Crisi, about others hyping up restaurants, I think that's why I take reviews with a grain of salt. What someone thinks may be great may actually be horrible to me, and vice versa. I love the restaurant forum, but I don't put much weight into reviews anymore since I like to try things for myself. Likewise, I very rarely offer reviews or ask questions about the restaurants.

I agree, lesson learned. I now try and temper my own reviews. At the time, the reviews of Boma were so overwhelmingly positive (this was three years ago, now) that I was convinced it was something it wasn't.

Almost fell for the same at Beaches and Cream. Fortunately, someone set me straight on the quality of the food before I went. Still don't know why anyone raves about that one, but at least I wasn't terribly disappointed in the place. Just the normal sort of disappointed when you have a long wait followed by poor service and poor value.

My "trip of bad food" was in 1988 (?) on my first honeymoon. We ate at Brown Derby, horrible. We ate at Coral Reef, horrible. We ate at Alfredos - a previous favorite - horrible. I can't remember where else we ate, but food was not good that trip. The marriage didn't last either.

 

[Eeyore2003]

1. I think it's all about where you live also. It's not just "New York" etc. It's regional. Take Bratwurst in Germany, I'm from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the Bratwurst capital of the World!!!, various brats from the little city meat markets were a weekly staple for me and I don't think the bratwurst in Germany as good. Although people not having this often will find it delicious. Same thing with thier Sauerbraten, German Potato Salad, etc. Mine is SO much better!!!

I would imagine people from the Northeast may not find lobster etc. as good.

2. I don't think counter service quite as diverse as table service restaurants.

3. I've also found, like previously mentioned that some restaurants that are "raved" about, we really didn't care for and others have become our favorites. Alot also depends on your personal tastes. On the average, once in a while you find a "not to be missed, eat there every trip" keeper, you find the "very good, will eat here again", and you find the "will never eat here again". You just gotta keep trying and you'll probably find some of each on every trip. Watch the restaurant board and look up the menus on allearsnet.

 

[babywewe]

I have'nt been to WDW in 8 years. I cant remember if i liked the food or not. THe last time i went i did'nt stay on site and only went to MGM and MK...probally just ate lunch. From trips before that i remember the food court at Allstar and i remember a character breakfast.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

I agree, lesson learned. I now try and temper my own reviews. At the time, the reviews of Boma were so overwhelmingly positive (this was three years ago, now) that I was convinced it was something it wasn't.

Almost fell for the same at Beaches and Cream. Fortunately, someone set me straight on the quality of the food before I went. Still don't know why anyone raves about that one, but at least I wasn't terribly disappointed in the place. Just the normal sort of disappointed when you have a long wait followed by poor service and poor value.

My "trip of bad food" was in 1988 (?) on my first honeymoon. We ate at Brown Derby, horrible. We ate at Coral Reef, horrible. We ate at Alfredos - a previous favorite - horrible. I can't remember where else we ate, but food was not good that trip. The marriage didn't last either.

I know exactly what you mean. I have to catch myslef when I talk to friends and family about various WDW restaurants cuz I rave about certain ones, but I realize that part of it has to do with the fact that I am on VACATION and at DISNEY...so everything tastes better! Also, only when I am at WDW do I splurge with no regards to calories. At hoome, even when dining out, I may order sauce on the side, or try to eat light in general. So this may have something to do with my raving about most of the restaurants.

So, now that I have said that...crisi, try Brown Derby again! I was NOT expecting much and I was pleasantly surprised, and so was DH!

Eeyore-My DH is Cuban and he was very disappointed with Bongo's, so you are right! I gotta say, I still think Boma is one of the best restaurants on property, as most people cannot claim that they have easy access to African food, plus I like the buffet style because you can have a little taste or so many original and exotic dishes. I also love Jiko, but I think Boma is such a great value.

 

[crisi]

Brown Derby is pretty far down on my want to try list. We don't spend much time in MGM and like to have lunch at the SciFi (a much maligined restaurant, but the atmosphere and malts and burgers are fine). At some point, but it will be after we get to California Grill, Yachtsman, Shula's, Citricos, Artist's Point, V&As, Flying Fish and Jiko (a few more times, Flying Fish is my current favorite and Jiko my husbands).

We did try Alfredo's last trip - the statute of limitations on having a bad meal at a restuarant does eventually run out - and although my meal was horrible and my daughter's inedible, my husband and son loved their fettichine, so I think we will be back. But this time, we will stick to the fettichine.

My last trip to Biergarten (three years ago, same trip as Boma) was a pleasant surprise. We only went because we were traveling with my husband's aunt, who has traveled in Germany and had two German exchange students - so it was a spur of the moment decision to please her. I wasn't expecting much, but thought the food was pretty good. (I'm not from Sheboygan, but my grandparents were from the New Ulm, Minnesota region and my grandfather's German accent was still there when he died). Now, had I been expected GREAT German food, we'd have been disappointed.

 

[LuvTony0508]

Well, people are sure passionate on this board. All I remember about Disney is that it is the most awesome place on the planet for me!!! I really don't care if I ever go anywhere else in the world (although exploring the planet would be nice, LOL). I went to Disney for the first time in 2004 at 35 years old. I have to tell you, I've been bitten by the Disney Magic Bug. I cannot recall having one single bad experience in Disney, not food, not service, not transportation, not anything, well maybe one bad experience... GOING HOME - CHECKOUT TIME.
Judy

 

[LK03]

It's weird that food is the only thing she remembers about WDW. I can really only recall two places we ate the days we were there. Where we ate the rest of the time I have no idea, but it must have been decent to not remember hating it. Though, I do remember on the DCL it sure was nice to hop upto Pluto's and get fresh chicken fingers and fries. I remember adoring those fries, lol

 

[sara74]

I have to say we were pleasantly surprised by the meals we had in our week at WDW. I suppose I should post some reviews but in short we found that the variety was great, that there were healthy choices even at counter service restaurants and that our table service meals ranged from nice to really great! Our kids are not picky eaters, so DD chose roasted chicken with mashed potatoes over chicken fingers nearly every time. There were very few burgers or mac and cheese plates comsumed and fruit was available almost everywhere. For the record we ate at Columbia Harbour House, Cali Grill, Boma, Crystal Palace, CRT and more! I even thought that CRT's breakfast was decent. Yes, DH had the egg plate, but I had the 'healthy' choice and the carmelized bananas, yogurt and granola was just right to me. I'll admit that if I were charged $30 anywhere else for breakfast I would be outraged, but I considered the atmosphere and setting to be a large part of the experience and hence, made it worth the $.

 

[twinkles]

Hollyb:
We are from Central NJ and foodies. I understand where you are coming from about food at Disney. My daughter is a chef at Disney and as far as innovative and creative...Disney is a little behind compared to NY. My daughter lived and worked in NY so she knows good food and restaurants so she is not impressed with Disney...please folks this is my daughters opinion. We are leaving tomorrow to visit her and trying to find places to eat with her was like pulling teeth.
Food is very different from people to different regions. My daughter would not be caught in any chain restaurants. She mostly does all her own cooking.

Of course there are some very nice restaurants, V&A, FF, Citricos, etc. but
from where we come from these restaurants are what we are used to quality and price $.

I still eat like a pig when I go to the world...and enjoy every last bite

 

[disneymom3]

So, I have a question--why does your DD work there if she doesn't like it? I know my nephew is a chef and he goes crazy if he feels he is not being challenged in the culinary arena and couldn't keep doing it.

Have a great time on your trip and hopefully you will enjoy your meals anyway!! (Or DD will, I should say.)