Just got back last night and this board was so helpful to us. We had some good meals and some great meals, here is the lowdown:
Captain Jacks (picked this one after our kids refused to go to the parks, wanted to swim, and we were scheduled to go to Coral Reef): its great if you eat lobster. Otherwise the menu is pretty limited so check online before you go. The lobster tail was terrific as was the spinach dip and the clam chowder. Service was great and the atmosphere was mellow. Limited desserts.
Boma- I don't like buffets but I wanted to try some african dishes and Boma was great. Alot to chose from including really great soups. The kids ate both african and american food and really enjoyed it as well. Terrific dessert choices.
Chef Mickey- Major disappointment. Characters spent 2-3 minutes a table which was ok but the atmosphere was not fun or celebratory. Food was mediocre at best. Would not go back.
Le Cellier- Truly great. Wonderful atmosphere and service. We almost weren't done in time for Illuminations and our waitress said not to rush, we could always walk out to see it and then come back to finish the meal (who knew that was an option). If you are on disney dining, be prepared to leave alot of food on the plate, it is way too much with an appetizer and their great bread. Steaks were enormous. Desserts were fabulous too.
Ragland Road- We were supposed to go to Japan at Epcot but it was raining and that is a far walk from the entrance so we called Disney Dining to see what our options were. We got in to Ragland Road and it was really excellent. It is never discussed on these boards, even my 2007 guidebook said review pending. Its an upscale irish pub. There was alot of variety on the menu and the kids menu was the best of any restaurant including fried shrimp and fish and chips. Terrific bread and dessert menu too. If you are staying near downtown disney, or not going to the parks one day, this is a really great choice and its fun to walk around too b/c its on Pleasure Island.
As for counter service, we struggled a bit with my 8 year old b/c the kids choices were often VERY limited and he had to order a kids meal if one was offered. For example at Pecos Bills in MK, the only choices were chilled chicken or sloppy joe. Kind of odd choices when the main item on the menu is burgers. Couldn't they throw a smaller burger on the kids menu? We had a little trouble locating chicken tenders and on at least 1 occasion I switched my meal with his. Its not even like he is picky, its just that the choices at MK were just odd.
Snacks were terrific, most menus had a symbol of what counted as a snack and we had lots of good ones: brownies, smoothies, waffle cones, ice cream, candy, etc... We had 8 credits left over that we used for take home gifts at the gift shop our last day.
One last thing, my son was celebrating his birthday this trip and had a birthday button on. Every single restaurant did something special for him so be sure to wear your button (get one at Town Hall in MK or from most restaurants) or mention that you are celebrating.
All in all I would say that Disney Dining is a great deal even if you leave alot behind (in addition to never finishing, we also left 2 TS kids and 1 CS on the card). Feel free to post questions.
Captain Jacks (picked this one after our kids refused to go to the parks, wanted to swim, and we were scheduled to go to Coral Reef): its great if you eat lobster. Otherwise the menu is pretty limited so check online before you go. The lobster tail was terrific as was the spinach dip and the clam chowder. Service was great and the atmosphere was mellow. Limited desserts.
Boma- I don't like buffets but I wanted to try some african dishes and Boma was great. Alot to chose from including really great soups. The kids ate both african and american food and really enjoyed it as well. Terrific dessert choices.
Chef Mickey- Major disappointment. Characters spent 2-3 minutes a table which was ok but the atmosphere was not fun or celebratory. Food was mediocre at best. Would not go back.
Le Cellier- Truly great. Wonderful atmosphere and service. We almost weren't done in time for Illuminations and our waitress said not to rush, we could always walk out to see it and then come back to finish the meal (who knew that was an option). If you are on disney dining, be prepared to leave alot of food on the plate, it is way too much with an appetizer and their great bread. Steaks were enormous. Desserts were fabulous too.
Ragland Road- We were supposed to go to Japan at Epcot but it was raining and that is a far walk from the entrance so we called Disney Dining to see what our options were. We got in to Ragland Road and it was really excellent. It is never discussed on these boards, even my 2007 guidebook said review pending. Its an upscale irish pub. There was alot of variety on the menu and the kids menu was the best of any restaurant including fried shrimp and fish and chips. Terrific bread and dessert menu too. If you are staying near downtown disney, or not going to the parks one day, this is a really great choice and its fun to walk around too b/c its on Pleasure Island.
As for counter service, we struggled a bit with my 8 year old b/c the kids choices were often VERY limited and he had to order a kids meal if one was offered. For example at Pecos Bills in MK, the only choices were chilled chicken or sloppy joe. Kind of odd choices when the main item on the menu is burgers. Couldn't they throw a smaller burger on the kids menu? We had a little trouble locating chicken tenders and on at least 1 occasion I switched my meal with his. Its not even like he is picky, its just that the choices at MK were just odd.
Snacks were terrific, most menus had a symbol of what counted as a snack and we had lots of good ones: brownies, smoothies, waffle cones, ice cream, candy, etc... We had 8 credits left over that we used for take home gifts at the gift shop our last day.
One last thing, my son was celebrating his birthday this trip and had a birthday button on. Every single restaurant did something special for him so be sure to wear your button (get one at Town Hall in MK or from most restaurants) or mention that you are celebrating.
All in all I would say that Disney Dining is a great deal even if you leave alot behind (in addition to never finishing, we also left 2 TS kids and 1 CS on the card). Feel free to post questions.
