Is Disney food quality and service totally unpredictable??

[MouseFan71]

It seems that after reading these boards and other rate and review sites like Allearsnet, that Disney dining is really spiraling downwards lately. I never know where to make my ADR's because the food and service are inconsistant from one hour to the next. I've also read that service for folks on the DDP is horrible. Has anyone else had this problem??

 

[Uncleromulus]

I guess it all depends who you listen to and where you eat. We're not on the DDP so I can't comment on that. We do all Signature restaurants (and have done so on a regular basis since 1975) and I can say that the food and service are as good as they ever were at those places. Menus seem just a bit smaller, portions maybe a bit smaller--but otherwise we're still pleased!!

 

[Jimdvc]

I would say that overall the food and service is very respectable.

 

[MichelleB]

We just got back a week ago. There were 6 of us so an auto gratuity of
18%. We ate at Chef Mickey's (had great service), LeCellier (mediocre service), 50's Prime Time (mediocre service), Trail's End (mediocre service), and Tony's (deplorable service). We were on the DDE card but did not present it until the end at all but 50's Prime Time. The service at Tony's was our last TS and so bad that my husband has vowed to only do counter service for our next trip. He said he's tired of tipping for lousy service. I have to agree that with the prices being what they are, the food and service should be better. I know we could have complained but it would have taken time from our day so we did what they bank on and paid the darn tip. Tipping aside, for a family of 6, the food isn't good enough to warrant the expense anymore. We'll be more frugal and not spend it on overpriced Disney food next time.

 

[Brian Noble]

For the most part, Disney food is "serviceable" to "good". Service likewise.

I can't recall a truly bad meal, or bad service experience. Some have been better than others. But, nothing has been amazing, or worth a detour. Fine places to eat at if you are in the area.

To be fair, we haven't yet tried some of the nicer resort restaurants, the Jikos and Artist Points of the World, but perhaps someday. But, so far, the meals and service haven't been markedly better than I can get here in my modest little college town.

On the other hand, the "experience" meals (character meals, Sci Fi, Coral Reef, etc.) have all been really unique, and fun experiences. And, so, we find that we book one or two such meals every three days or so.

We tend not to do much other Disney TS dining. So, even though everyone raves about places like Le Cellier, we don't bother, because we've got a couple of great steakhouses here. Same with, say, Tony's. I can get mediocre Italian food for much less at home; why should I pay top dollar and kill 90 minutes in the Magic Kingdom for the same thing?

 

[LowesChevy]

Like any where else, if the restaurant is packed to the brim the service will probably be slower than when it is half empty. If we go to a popular restaurant where we live at a peak time it is crazy. You have to wait a while, the service can be slow, and the food might stink because the kitchen is so overwhelmed.

At WDW, we usually have ts breakfast, dinner, and 2-3 lunches. The busier and bustling the restaurant is the slower the meal goes. We had a bad experience at California Grill 3 years ago-there was a private party that totally backed up our reservation from sitting a little after 7 PM to being seated at 8:30 PM. Our waiter was slow and unattentive, which really aggravated us more, but I will still go back every year, sometimes twice.

The idea is not to let an isolated dining incident turn you off totally. I always give a place a second chance to prove itself and if its bad again, its off the list.

Everyone has different experiences at the same place, even the same night. While reading the reviews pick out what the people are complaining about, but also what they are complementing.

Overall we have really great & memorable dining experiences at WDW.

 

[MickeyNicki]

Yes it can be hit or miss but it could also be people's taste buds. DH and I can eat the exact same food and have completely different opinions on it.

 

[Aurora's Mommy]

I haven't been to WDW in a few years, but I can honestly say I have never had a "bad" meal in terms of quality. However, it may be my attitude. Although I enjoy eating a good meal, I'm realistic that I am eating a WDW, and that their goal is to feed as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. Is Tony's the best Italian food I've ever had? Absolutely not, but it was absolutely edible.

I can also say that I have never had bad service at WDW, but, once again, it may be my attitude. As a family, we have always respected our waitstaff, we've been polite and patient.

Please note we have not been to WDW in almost 4 years, but we are heading there again in April. We will be on DDP, I may have a different attitude when I get back!

 

[Tricia1972]

Rating from our Favorites on Down - all experienced in 2007:

Victoria & Albert's - Amazing food, amazing service. Truly an incredible experience and I'd go back there in a heartbeat.

Jiko - Great food, amazing service. Such a relaxing and unique evening. We've got ADR's for our trip in March

LeCellier - Delicious Fillet, Fine service. Our server was busy, but still took time to explain the menu to us and made us feel special while taking care of our needs. We're also going back here in March.


We experienced good food with good service at:
Mama Melrose

We experienced fine food with good service at:
Spoodles, Liberty Tree Tavern, Narcoosee's, Boma Breakfast (uninspired African, but fine breakfast buffet type food)

We experienced bad food with amazing service at:
50's Prime Time Cafe

We experienced fine food with bad service at:
Boma - Dinner, Cap'n Jack's, Chef Mickey's Breakfast, Chef Mickey's Dinner, Crystal Palace, Whispering Canyon Cafe (Stinky Pete)

We experienced bad food with bad service
Les Chefs de France, Kona Breakfast


By fine food, I don't mean that it's good or special. I mean that it's just that - fine. Nothing special and very mass produced. As a PP points out, what more can you expect at Disney when they are feeding the masses?

 

[MouseFan71]

Great points made by everyone, thanks!! I'm not a picky eater, I just want it to be edible - I'm a bit more picky on the service side because I worked in the service industry for so long. It's hard when you want to get an opinion on a particular restaurant and the reviews are all over the spectrum. I guess we'll throw caution to the wind and try it for ourselves.