Le Cellier.......Don't believe the hype

[jbuey22]

we love LeCell. When we first started going it was still a 1TS credit. We were so impressed with it and the dinner menu we thought it was a steal at 1 credit. So we made it a regular visit and always enjoyed it. I think many people agreed with us that 1 TS credit was a steal, because it was always booked and almost impossible to get ressies for dinner. So now that it is 2 credits, I agree with the majority that it is not worth 2 credits, or at least that there are better options for 2 credits. But I think Disney knows this as well and they atleast gave us the option for 1TS credit lunch. Fortunately the Strip and the Filet are still on the lunch menu. Even if the filet is a bit smaller I feel that the restaurant is still worth 1 credit for lunch. LeCellier is a controversial place. Alot of people with strict opinions feel strongly about telling the world how bad the place is. I think alot of people, after having so much trouble over the years to get into LeCell, look for negetives and go into the place with poor attitudes. I have heard alot of complaints about high salt content on many of the foods, but the NY Strip has never given me this problem. I never had the cheese soup either so cannot comment on that. The Mushroom filet I alwasys order without the sauce, so that may take away the sodium too. these are my opinions and I will be going back in Oct for lunch.

 

[akayek31]

We went for lunch in 2009. I was so looking forward to the soup and pretzel bread. When we were sat we were given a dinner menu at lunch. I had printed menus from the net of what I wanted as well as my kids. This was my splurge for a budget 17day trip to Orlando (7 at WDW). I called the server over and she had said that they over booked and were running with the dinner menu. I stated that I wanted the lunch since that is the time we were there. So instead of the prime rib sandwich that my kids wanted they got burgers. I was not impressed from that point forward. I did not like the soup or the pretzel bread that much. I did however think the maple creme brulee was awesome. I did not make a reservation for our Feb trip. But since we will be going back during free dining I am going to give it one more try to see if I like anything else on the menu. That is if I can get a reservation

 

[bicker]

I also wanted to say that I am kind of surprised at how often i get attacked and critisized on this board for posting my honest opinion about Le Cellier. I can understand when you love a place, but to attack others for not liking it??? Really people??? Thats sad. Nothing anyone can say can make me like that place again or go back...new or old menu, 1 or 2 tableservice credits, you get my drift!!

It is a bit strange, but in some ways it makes sense. I think most people worry, perhaps sub-consciously, that if someplace they like becomes unpopular, it is much more likely to change or go away. So by enlisting others, they feel that they are safeguarding their own enjoyment to some extent.

I think, though, that you've outlined an reaction to your negative experiences that is not much different from the reaction of the fans of the restaurants to your criticisms. When a restaurant is made anew, it may be better, worse, or just the same in quality as its predecessor. Even just natural variation over time, drifting in one direction or another, could make a great restaurant into a mediocre restaurant or could make a poor restaurant into a good restaurant.

That's one reason why I think it is appropriate for those of us giving our reviews to step back once our own experiences get a bit old. Because my wife and I haven't eaten there in years, I've stopped commenting much about Flying Fish, except with regard to the one thing that I can plainly see, from the outside, that hasn't changed. I don't cheer for the Grand Floridian Cafe anymore, because it has been so long. And so on.

Things do change. For worse, true, but also for better.

 

[Tiger926]

It is a bit strange, but in some ways it makes sense. I think most people worry, perhaps sub-consciously, that if someplace they like becomes unpopular, it is much more likely to change or go away. So by enlisting others, they feel that they are safeguarding their own enjoyment to some extent.

I think, though, that you've outlined an reaction to your negative experiences that is not much different from the reaction of the fans of the restaurants to your criticisms. When a restaurant is made anew, it may be better, worse, or just the same in quality as its predecessor. Even just natural variation over time, drifting in one direction or another, could make a great restaurant into a mediocre restaurant or could make a poor restaurant into a good restaurant.

That's one reason why I think it is appropriate for those of us giving our reviews to step back once our own experiences get a bit old. Because my wife and I haven't eaten there in years, I've stopped commenting much about Flying Fish, except with regard to the one thing that I can plainly see, from the outside, that hasn't changed. I don't cheer for the Grand Floridian Cafe anymore, because it has been so long. And so on.

Things do change. For worse, true, but also for better.

ITA! That is one thing about the DIS that drives me nuts. Not only do people feel it's ok to determine that a restaurant is the worst at Disney, when in fact they've only eaten there 1x, and to complicate matters even more, they've only eaten at a few restaurants on property. And, add in the fact that they haven't eaten there in years, and so in my opinion, there really is no validity in those reviews.

Menus change quite often at Disney, and so this is a good reminder for people when having these discussions.

I haven't eaten at Le Cellier in a couple of years, but we used to eat there quite frequently, but I don't feel appropriate giving any specific review either, as the menu has changed, as has the fact that it's now a Signature restaurant for dinner. And, we've eaten pretty much everywhere on property multiple times, including Signatures, so I have lots to compare to, but since it's been awhile, it's not fair for me to discuss specifics, even though we've eaten there several times over the years.

Good reminder for all, Tiger

 

[Eastern]

I read a lot of bad reviews here before I went, so I was expecting to be disappointed. However, I was pleasantly surprised.

It was only lunch, and we only got burgers, soup and the brulee, but we really enjoyed it all very much, for what it was. And our server was efficient and pleasant. For the record, I use very little salt in my cooking and I did not think any of the food was 'too salty'.

Now while we were waiting, the man before us, who was in a party of 12, left in a huff because it was 5 min past his ADR time. He actually cursed at the host, who tried to explain that it took a little more time to set up for 12 and that they were just about to call them. So his review would be very different than mine.

I would go and make my own decision at each restaurant I was interested in. Reading reviews may give you an idea of what to expect but it will certainly vary between individuals.

 

[TisBit]

That's one reason why I think it is appropriate for those of us giving our reviews to step back once our own experiences get a bit old. Because my wife and I haven't eaten there in years, I've stopped commenting much about Flying Fish, except with regard to the one thing that I can plainly see, from the outside, that hasn't changed. I don't cheer for the Grand Floridian Cafe anymore, because it has been so long. And so on.

Things do change. For worse, true, but also for better.

ABSOLUTELY!

Also, many people will complain about a restaurant for some very subjective things. A bad server might have had one bad day or it is one bad apple in the bunch, that gets weeded out down the line. Delays in food, again, can easily be a one time issue....any business will have problems. Consistently bad service which is not subjective, but objective. Things like not putting in the correct food, or cooking things to the wrong temps over and over again is different than feeling that you waited too long to get a drink or you didn't like their personality.

Too many people go on someone else's reviews and expect to have the best meal ever, only to be disappointed. On the opposite hand, if you go thinking you are going to be miserable and the food will be bad, you will (generally) have a bad experience. It is reading the good and bad reviews and going with an open mind. If you know that one item is always horrible, stay clear of it...

Le Cellier has two things to generate its hype. Prior to being two TS, it was one of the better values on the dining plan and it is a small restaurant, so reservations are hard to get. The food was generally good and tasteful and service was good (notice I never put amazing, most reviews put it at good to very good). Now that it is 2 TS for dinner, it will be easier to get in, but still most people won't be able to get a reservation because of its size.

 

[k5thbeatle]

You can partially blame Disney's worst idea in years for your experience; the Disney Dining Plan and it's evil twin the Free Disney Dining PLan! Funny how reviews of Le Cellier change when people thought they were "getting something" before the change in # of credits for this place. I would only disagree with the OP in that the Yachtsman Steakhouse isn't much better and is actually worse imho.

I always thought it was over rated to begin with, It probably still is, only with a bigger price tag

We've always said this too. Le Cellier has always been "just ok" at best for us.

Don't blame them for the empty tables. Blame people abusing the reservation system by making multiple reservations and never cancel them. They have to keep those tables open because of them.

Well you have a point, but at what point do they realize the system is faulty and allows people to do this and change it? We rarely made advance ADR's in the past but if you don't now it's likely you won't eat, at least at a sit down type place, so now you must know what you are going to be doing 180 days out?!?!

 

[Leafsgirl36]

I've read numerous reviews of LC, about 80-85% outstanding and 15-20% AWFUL. There seems to be no middle ground. One of the recurring themes in the awful reviews is the saltiness. That doesn't surprise me. Canadians eat a LOT more sodium than Americans, to the point that foods are actually reformulated before being shipped to Canada. (By contrast, Americans tend to prefer more sugar; many sugary sodas have been repeatedly offered in Canada only to be yanked due to poor sales.)

Not sure where you got your information from but I hardly eat any sodium and found that my meal was too salty for me to eat.

 

[brerrabbit]

I completely agree with prior posters that point out resturants are going to have good days and bad days. This can certainly vary reviews people offer. I also agree with Bicker that there are price premiums due to the location. I think the other things that sway reviews are the expectation that you are at WDW. By default everything just has to be wonderful. Another contributing factor is that while we (My DW and I) eat out fairly frequently, we are very seldom spending the amount of money we do at a WDW table service meal. We eat at local small places and some chain places like Chili's and Johnnie Carrino's. As a result of the price expectations are immediatly raised. The bar just gets set higher.

The last effect is what I refer to as the Halo Effect. I note this because when we went on our first two trips to WDW we stayed off site and never booked a WDW sit down meal. Our third visit we stayed on site read up on all our options and ate at WDW resturants. We were done in hook, line, and sinker. They were some of the best meals we ever had, at least they were in our perspective at the time. As we continued going to WDW some of the meals got a little less wonderful. We saw that many times WDW resturants were plagued by the same things that effect all resturants, bad waiter day, cook missing in the kitchen, late delivery or no delivery of ingrediants, all the things that make the industry hard. Over the years we have greatly lessened the effect of the halo, been realistic, and still find joy in eating at WDW because we are after all on vacation at WDW. We have our favorites, and others we don't care for as much, but have tried to visit all the resturants over the years. LC is one that has just fallen off our list. Partly because I don't eat red meat anymore (heart attacks will do that to you) and the last time we were there was a so so day. Now I won't tell anyone to not go there and if asked will give you a review of our last visit but will never say it stinks, don't waste you time.

After so many trips there is no halo effect. You look to try new places and judge them on a set of criteria that is uniquely yours and make decisions for future trips based on your personal preferences, and in the end that's about all you can do.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I think, though, that you've outlined an reaction to your negative experiences that is not much different from the reaction of the fans of the restaurants to your criticisms. When a restaurant is made anew, it may be better, worse, or just the same in quality as its predecessor. Even just natural variation over time, drifting in one direction or another, could make a great restaurant into a mediocre restaurant or could make a poor restaurant into a good restaurant.

That's one reason why I think it is appropriate for those of us giving our reviews to step back once our own experiences get a bit old. Because my wife and I haven't eaten there in years, I've stopped commenting much about Flying Fish, except with regard to the one thing that I can plainly see, from the outside, that hasn't changed. I don't cheer for the Grand Floridian Cafe anymore, because it has been so long. And so on.

Things do change. For worse, true, but also for better.

Completely agreed. It's one thing I honestly can't stand - when people take a single experience from several years ago and fall back on it constantly. In the Le Cellier case, when a restaurant explicitly changes its menu from a casual to "signature" experience, I really don't see how somebody's single lunch experience in '08 or dinner experience in '07 is relevant to my decision to try the place. I expect inconsistency from Disney, and it could've easily been an off day. Only after repeated (recent) meals do I feel comfortable making vast generalizations such as "terrible," "mediocre," etc, and even then I'm willing to be flexible about it. In just one week, I'll be returning to Flying Fish and Yachtsman, and hopefully I'll be able to provide an improved opinion of these signatures that have never won us over.

Then, of course, I think one should take reviews with a grain of salt. I happened to really enjoy 3 meals at the new Le Cellier dinner (after not enjoying lunch there at all), and I posted my dramatically improved opinion. For the record, I pay OOP, so credit value doesn't affect my judgment. Many of the recent LC dinner reviews haven't been so positive, but if I was basing my decision solely on these reviews, I would've missed three great dinners. Furthermore, if I was considering trying dinner, I can't imagine why I would be concerned about people's experience with non-signature LC, except, as you point out, regarding the things that are the same regardless, such as table proximity.

 

[goofyintoronto]

By the way, I can't stand Tim Horton's, but I know lots of Canadians would probably love a kiosk in the Canadian pavillion.

Tiger

I dont like Tim Horton's either. Their coffee has a horrible after taste. My true love always has been and will be Second Cup!

It is a bit strange, but in some ways it makes sense. I think most people worry, perhaps sub-consciously, that if someplace they like becomes unpopular, it is much more likely to change or go away. So by enlisting others, they feel that they are safeguarding their own enjoyment to some extent.>>>makes sense. I hear ya!

I think, though, that you've outlined an reaction to your negative experiences that is not much different from the reaction of the fans of the restaurants to your criticisms. >> good point. When a restaurant is made anew, it may be better, worse, or just the same in quality as its predecessor. Even just natural variation over time, drifting in one direction or another, could make a great restaurant into a mediocre restaurant or could make a poor restaurant into a good restaurant.

That's one reason why I think it is appropriate for those of us giving our reviews to step back once our own experiences get a bit old. Because my wife and I haven't eaten there in years, I've stopped commenting much about Flying Fish, except with regard to the one thing that I can plainly see, from the outside, that hasn't changed. I don't cheer for the Grand Floridian Cafe anymore, because it has been so long. And so on.

Things do change. For worse, true, but also for better.

ITA! That is one thing about the DIS that drives me nuts. Not only do people feel it's ok to determine that a restaurant is the worst at Disney, when in fact they've only eaten there 1x, and to complicate matters even more, they've only eaten at a few restaurants on property. And, add in the fact that they haven't eaten there in years, and so in my opinion, there really is no validity in those reviews.

Menus change quite often at Disney, and so this is a good reminder for people when having these discussions.

I haven't eaten at Le Cellier in a couple of years, but we used to eat there quite frequently, but I don't feel appropriate giving any specific review either, as the menu has changed, as has the fact that it's now a Signature restaurant for dinner. And, we've eaten pretty much everywhere on property multiple times, including Signatures, so I have lots to compare to, but since it's been awhile, it's not fair for me to discuss specifics, even though we've eaten there several times over the years.

Good reminder for all, Tiger

Thats a very good point. But when ppl ask for my opinion, I give it! But I always make it a point to tell the person if they're curious about a restaurant, they should try it. just cause my experience wasnt good, it doesnt mean they wont have a good experience.

I've read numerous reviews of LC, about 80-85% outstanding and 15-20% AWFUL. There seems to be no middle ground. One of the recurring themes in the awful reviews is the saltiness. That doesn't surprise me. Canadians eat a LOT more sodium than Americans, to the point that foods are actually reformulated before being shipped to Canada. (By contrast, Americans tend to prefer more sugar; many sugary sodas have been repeatedly offered in Canada only to be yanked due to poor sales.)

I have to say that i am shocked as to how much sodium is in the foods we eat. I cant compare it to the US, but here in Canada its pretty bad....from what I see anyway!

 

[rlahansler]

For those of you who will not read this all the way through, know this. Le Cellier does not live up to the hype that surrounds it. With their price increases, menu changes, and the constant air of exclusivity about it, it falls short. For the same money you can enjoy wonderful aged beef and impeccible service at the Yachtsman Steakhouse. For those that want the details, read on..........


We just returned from a week at WDW and all of the fun that involves. After many attempts we were finally able to get ADR at Le Cellier. I have to say that I was really looking forward to seeing for myself whether all the hype was precisely that....hype.

We had reservations for 7:00pm and we were starting to get hungry so we decided to see if there was any way we could get in early......of course we were told they were completely booked and that we'd have to wait for our reservation.....fair enough. We returned at 6:50 and checked in. We were seated almost immediately. What struck me right off was the amount of empty tables, but I figured they would be filled soon enough. A it turns out, there were easily 6 empty tables throughout our dinner. So much for being completely booked, but I digress.......

The first thing I noticed was that their menu was different from everythig I had been reading online. I was SO looking forward to the Coffee rubbed KC strip, alas it was not on the new menu. The next thing I noticed was how they've raised their prices 6-10 dollars depending on the entree.........

Drinks were ordered, iced tea for me, diet coke for my friend and a key lime coconut martini for his wife. The appetizers arrived before her martini did..... Although she raved about her drink, i still felt they were not THAT busy to justify such a long wait for a drink.

Appetizers were the Spicy Chicken and Chipotle Sausage - with roasted corn polenta and sweet onion jam. Not bad, but not worth the 14.00 price
Entrees were: "Le Cellier" Mushroom Filet Mignon - 8 oz. Canadian AAA beef tenderloin with wild mushroom risotto finished, white truffle-butter sauce and micro chervil. $40.00
Grilled Bone-In Rib-Eye - 16-oz bone-in rib-eye with herb parmesan potato wedges and pink peppercorn sauce. $42.00
Canadian "Prime" New York Strip - 12-oz. strip steak with Gruyère-Yukon gold potato gratin, wilted spinach and vin rouge reduction. $42.00
The steaks were ok, but not the best steak I've ever had...not even the best steak I've had at Disneyworld. We all agreed on this point.

I also had the "poutine" fries-French fries with truffle salt, Canadian cheddar and red wine reduction. $8.00

The fries were VERY salty.......too salty to eat. When I told our server, she simply stated "that's the truffle salt" I understand that, but I cant eat them.
She did nothing to rectify the situation, just kept telling me they were supposed to be salty.

When all was said and done I was disappointed with Le Cellier.
The food was average, overpriced and the service was mediocre. Now this is my 7th Disney trip, I'm no stranger to Disney prices and I don't shy away from a restaurant just because of the prices. I'm MORE than willing to pay for fine dining.....this was not it.
We had dinner at the Yachtsman Steakhouse a few evenings before this. I DEFINATELY recommend dining here. Aged beef, incredible service, and it's the same prices as Le Cellier is charging now. For the money, go to Yachtsman!!!
Our server, Lizz, was wonderful. Attentive, yet not hovering. Drinks were never empty, the table was kept neat and tidy, etc. The steaks were wonderful. Perfectly done, beautifully tender and delicious. There is something to be said for dry aged beef.

I'm believing that all the hype and exclusivity of Le Cellier is just that, hype.

Being from Chicago we have some of the best steak houses around. My first visit was in Sept 2009 and I was not impressed either. This past March I tried it again, this time a lunch reservation. The food was very good, I had the Cheddar Cheese Soup and the Cheesburger. I thought the service was poor. They served our soup with no spoons and we waited for over 5 minuted to get one. I will never do a dinner reservation here again, not worth the 2 credits, but probably will do a lunch one!!!

 

[AmberHeartsDisney]

yea i was pretty disappointed when we went in December (before the menu change) I forced my self to eat as much as i could because of the $$ it cost. My main issue was the saltiness of the food.

 

[3pletprincesses]

We went last week for lunch and the food was good BUT my risotto was really salty. I have read in the past many complaining about the risotto and I have to agree it is too salty.

 

[trekker93]

We had meals that were too salty, or in one case, cold. Also, the wait was 45 minutes for the meal - way too long! And the place had a high A/C going on which pressurized the room. Myself and another person left with a bad headache. Overall, this is the worst dining experience we've had at DW and will not go back. We much prefer France or Italy if we are in Epcot!!

 

[kaligal]

If you think the fries are too salty, try the mac n cheese! It's like eating mostly salt.

But everything at Le Cellier is too salty. Having never been to Canada (except two border cities), I don't know if they really load the food up with all that salt or if it is that restaurant...but good God, it should have been called Sodium Cellier.

No, it is not what it is hyped up to be. In all fairness, NO RESTAURANT could be everything the DIS hypes it up to be.

Before Le Cellier, all the DISers hyped Boma and Boma was the place you simply had to try, but damned if you could ever get a reservation. After a while, people started saying, "This place isn't all that" and the Le Cellier thing was born.

The fact that Le Cellier turns out to be a decent, but entirely overpriced restaurant should come as no surprise. It gets a lot of hype and is always full. OF COURSE they'll raise the prices. I would, too. Duh.

But it won't go on forever. Le Cellier will fall out of favor, like Boma did and whatever it was before that.

Who will be next? Hard to say. So long as it isn't my favorite restaurant, I'll be thrilled.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Le Cellier will fall out of favor, like Boma did and whatever it was before that.

Who will be next? Hard to say. So long as it isn't my favorite restaurant, I'll be thrilled.

People are already suggesting that Ohana is next (it was always busy enough), and I agree. Recently I've had a lot more difficulty finding an Ohana reservation than anything else. There are tables available at 9:30 or 9:45, but I could never eat that much food a few hours before going to sleep.

And I agree with you - no restaurant is worth "the hype." To me, there are places that the DIS overrates (Citricos) and places it underrates (Artist Point), but as long as I have places where I like the food, that's all I care about.

 

[traylorc]

I'm amused by the title of this thread...."Don't believe the Hype". Heck the very foundation of WDW is hype. It's billed as the most magical place on earth, if that is not epitome of hype I don't know what is.

Look...the Disboards is a fantastic place for information. I have learned more about how to plan and organize a trip from this website than from anywhere else. That being said, when it comes to reviews on restaurants....I read them but I don't base my final decision on where to dine on them. For every thread like this which proclaims "don't believe the hype" there are ten other Le Cellier threads which proclaim it to be the greatest restaurant in the history of civilization. I'm not Le Cellier fan boy...I have never eaten there. But if I really wanted to try out Le Cellier, then I would still do it despite this thread. Quite frankly if I refused to dine at any WDW restaurant that received negative comments on Disboards then I wouldn't be able to eat anywhere in the park.

As folks have already mentioned, I take the OPs comments with a grain of salt. He/she may not have had a great dining experience, but that doesn't mean Le Cellier won't live up to the hype for anyone else who elects to dine there.

 

[bicker]

The last effect is what I refer to as the Halo Effect.

Interesting. Some other similar effects that may have impact: Sometimes, if you hear a place is going to be great, you are disappointed because nothing could live up to the expectations you developed reading the glowing reviews. Similarly, if you hear negative things about a restaurant, but go anyway, you may be more inclined to be surprised and delighted. And the opposite could also happen for some people: If you see great reviews that may help convince you that you're going to have a great time. It may also make you more reticent about being dissatisfied, because that would make you so much more different from others. Similarly, if you see bad reviews, you may be looking for the flaws and therefore see more of them than if you were just sitting back and trying to enjoy your meal.

 

[Micca]

As theme park restaurants are concerned, WDW eateries are very, very good. In fact, they are likely the BEST theme park restaurants. Compared to similarly priced restaurants in the real world, they are ok. I agree that the WDW resort restaurants are better quality than the parks.