Looking for fast(-ish) TS suggestions inside parks...

[brown1442]

We are contemplating doing the DxDP for our next trip. My younger son (will be 6) has multiple food allergies and while we found Disney to be fantastic at accommodating we definitely found the TS places to do a better job then CS. A few CS places turned us away bc they couldn't accommodate and a few others took forever to make him separate food (we'd be done eating before he even got his food).

The only "glitch" in this plan is we really don't want to spend the entire trip in restaurants. I'd like to plan on eating one nicer sit down meal a day but then find some quicker TS options to do for breakfast or lunches inside the parks. Any suggestions...

As it stands (and this is obviously subject to change) we are contemplating dinners at:
* O'hana
* Kona
* California Grill
* Le Cellier
* HDDR

We'll be staying at the Poly so we'd probably throw in breakfasts at O'hana and Kona too... but really I'd like to avoid having to leave parks once we get there. So which TS would be most likely to be able to get us in and out and back on the rides???

 

[HunnyJar]

We are contemplating doing the DxDP for our next trip. My younger son (will be 6) has multiple food allergies and while we found Disney to be fantastic at accommodating we definitely found the TS places to do a better job then CS. A few CS places turned us away bc they couldn't accommodate and a few others took forever to make him separate food (we'd be done eating before he even got his food).

The only "glitch" in this plan is we really don't want to spend the entire trip in restaurants. I'd like to plan on eating one nicer sit down meal a day but then find some quicker TS options to do for breakfast or lunches inside the parks. Any suggestions...

As it stands (and this is obviously subject to change) we are contemplating dinners at:
* O'hana
* Kona
* California Grill
* Le Cellier
* HDDR

We'll be staying at the Poly so we'd probably throw in breakfasts at O'hana and Kona too... but really I'd like to avoid having to leave parks once we get there. So which TS would be most likely to be able to get us in and out and back on the rides???

I would think that the Plaze might be a good TS choice for MK. Since it's mostly sandwiches, I wouldn't imagine that taking too long. LTT was wonderful last year for lunch and it didn't take that long either. Since CP is a buffet you have the ability to control how long you take to eat and they are suppose to be wonderful at accommodating allergies here.

As for Epcot we usually do TS for dinner, so I can't really suggest anything here. I know Tusker House offers a buffet for lunch, but since it has changed over from CS to TS, we haven't tried it. Never been to Yak and Yeti either. Sorry!

 

[jandersonlj]

We have found that no matter where you go it is almost an hour before you get out! Although, we have found that our wait to be seated can vary greatly!! Try to get the first available seating, or close to the first, for lunch or dinner and you get seated very close to reservation time. Sometimes it is a bit inconvenient to plan other meals, but it is worth it if you want to save time. We have actually waited 1.5 hours past reservation time. When you add that to the hour most of the places take to eat, it ended up taking up too much of our day.

 

[dzneelvr]

Your list is fine for meal choices but since son's food allergies are a deal breaker make sure you are specific with his needs when calling in to WDW Dining to make all your ADRs. Not all TS will be able to accomodate, especially those with set menus. We sat next to one family 2 years ago at Ohana who had a child with severe multiple allergies (they did not give any advance notice) and the family member basically ate bread and a salad...the family was quite rude about it and had the wait staff scrambling to adjust when they really couldn't do much on notice. As far as time, most TS do take more than 60 minutes because it's a slower pace and wait staff is conscious of allowing you time to enjoy each course. Ohana is easily over an hour, but there's fun stuff do do; HDDR has a set time so you can see that; CF takes us about 2 hours; Le Cellier closer to CF because the wait can be 30+ minutes even with an ADR.

 

[brown1442]

I don't mind one meal a day lasting longer... we actually very much enjoy sitting down for a nice dinner to "recover" from a day in the park. I just don't want to sit down for 3 long (2 hour meals) a day... which would mean significantly reduced park time... kwim?!? I know this means we'll probably "lose" money on the deluxe plan but we aren't doing it for the food... we are doing it for my son's allergies.

We went to Disney in 3/10 and had a FANTASTIC experience at every TS place we ate. I as absolutely FLOORED with how well Disney accommodated my son's food allergies (and he has multiple... peanuts, tree nuts, milk, soy, gluten, etc). Now obviously I did talk to the WDW food allergy people and make sure they let all the places know we were coming... but we NEVER were treated like an inconvenience at any of the TS places... in fact, quite the opposite. The chefs came out at every restaurant and hand delivered every meal to ensure no cross contamination risk with switching of hands or sitting out. They made my son amazing entrees that were truly above and beyond (one place even hand made him some sorbet for dessert and another sent someone into the park for a fruit popsicle!). His Ohana meal was outstanding... they made him spice rubbed chicken wings which he LOVED (oddly enough for a 4 year old), grilled chicken and shrimp, broccoli, white rice, and this HUGE pinnapple/brownie/ice cream dessert. They treated him like a KING!! Which is part of the reason we love Disney. He has multiple issues (autism, mitochondrial disorder, seizure disorder, etc) and its the one place on earth that we get to feel like a normal family... that means the world to us!!!!

Now the CS places were different... we were turned away from Columbia Harbor House and Pinocchio Village (nicely I will add... they were just completely honest that they couldn't feed him) and Wolfgang Pucks in Downtown Disney. Sunshine Seasons was the only place we were met with rudeness and I genuinely didn't feel comfortable with how they wanted serve him (and then how they wanted to charge us). They places that could accommodate him all offered the same things... and then took forever to make it... which is totally understandable and at that point I was just happy he could eat... but still thats why I am considering the deluxe dining plan for next time around.

I was just hoping to find places for breakfast or lunch that would be on the quicker side. For example... yes, our meal at Cali Grill in the past did last 2.5 hours (and it was wonderful and 110% worth it) but I don't want to do that for lunch!!

We were thinking of something like Biergarten in Epcot... we were in and out of there last time super fast and the food was yummy!! I just wondered if there were other park places that could be like that???

 

[newserenity]

I don't mind one meal a day lasting longer... we actually very much enjoy sitting down for a nice dinner to "recover" from a day in the park. I just don't want to sit down for 3 long (2 hour meals) a day... which would mean significantly reduced park time... kwim?!? I know this means we'll probably "lose" money on the deluxe plan but we aren't doing it for the food... we are doing it for my son's allergies.

We went to Disney in 3/10 and had a FANTASTIC experience at every TS place we ate. I as absolutely FLOORED with how well Disney accommodated my son's food allergies (and he has multiple... peanuts, tree nuts, milk, soy, gluten, etc). Now obviously I did talk to the WDW food allergy people and make sure they let all the places know we were coming... but we NEVER were treated like an inconvenience at any of the TS places... in fact, quite the opposite. The chefs came out at every restaurant and hand delivered every meal to ensure no cross contamination risk with switching of hands or sitting out. They made my son amazing entrees that were truly above and beyond (one place even hand made him some sorbet for dessert and another sent someone into the park for a fruit popsicle!). His Ohana meal was outstanding... they made him spice rubbed chicken wings which he LOVED (oddly enough for a 4 year old), grilled chicken and shrimp, broccoli, white rice, and this HUGE pinnapple/brownie/ice cream dessert. They treated him like a KING!! Which is part of the reason we love Disney. He has multiple issues (autism, mitochondrial disorder, seizure disorder, etc) and its the one place on earth that we get to feel like a normal family... that means the world to us!!!!

Now the CS places were different... we were turned away from Columbia Harbor House and Pinocchio Village (nicely I will add... they were just completely honest that they couldn't feed him) and Wolfgang Pucks in Downtown Disney. Sunshine Seasons was the only place we were met with rudeness and I genuinely didn't feel comfortable with how they wanted serve him (and then how they wanted to charge us). They places that could accommodate him all offered the same things... and then took forever to make it... which is totally understandable and at that point I was just happy he could eat... but still thats why I am considering the deluxe dining plan for next time around.

I was just hoping to find places for breakfast or lunch that would be on the quicker side. For example... yes, our meal at Cali Grill in the past did last 2.5 hours (and it was wonderful and 110% worth it) but I don't want to do that for lunch!!

We were thinking of something like Biergarten in Epcot... we were in and out of there last time super fast and the food was yummy!! I just wondered if there were other park places that could be like that???

I am glad that Disney can be so accommodating at the TS restaurants. I'm sure it is a nice change of pace, it must be such a challenge to feed your DS when you are not at home. My mom has a gluten allergy and said there was a ton for her to eat at Biergarten. I'm not sure about your son's allergies, but I am sure they would be more than accommodating to him.

I don't have the answer about fast service in the restaurants in the parks. We have the deluxe dining plan as well (and this is our 1st trip) so I have no idea what to expect. I hate to spend the whole trip eating... or even worse waiting! SO, I completely get what you mean!

 

[crabbygal902]

Hi! Your post drew me in because my DS 11 is an Aspie and follows a no food dye, no preservative, no nitrate, organic when possible, no gluten diet and until recently...no casein as well. Gluten is really the biggest culprit and can make him really sick, so we avoid it completely.

Although Disney is altogether fabulous about food issues (isn't it great to be able to eat in a restaurant like a 'normal' family?) here's the best of the best that we have experienced:

1. Chef Mickey's. The chef bent over backwards to accommodate my son, fixed him multiple plates of delicious food, and was quick, quick, quick. You could zip over to the MK after a breakfast or dinner here.

2. 'Ohana. I see you had a similar fantastic experience. I'm afraid that they have spoiled my son completely with the delicious g/f c/f offerings. Of course, this is not a meal you want to rush through and is an attraction in itself.

3. The Wave at the CR. Another great meal quickly prepared by an outstanding chef. Yippee! We had plenty of time after our dinner to go to the MK for the evening.

4. Biergarten. You've been there, too! Love it!! This was fast meal, wasn't it?

5. Teppan Edo. They cooked my son's food on a separate part of the grill with special ingredients and were very careful, asking lots of questions before creating a menu just for him.

One of the best CS experience we had was at Cosmic Ray's in MK. We went went they first opened and spoke to a manager. He brought out my son's food personally to avoid cross-contamination.

Have a great trip!

 

[cbg1027]

My first thought was to suggest buffet or family style places because those are usually quicker than regular TS places.

But with your son's dietary requirements, the buffet places will most likely be having to special make his food, which will take just as long as any regular TS.

So I think your best bet is to aim for less popular places and eat at off-peak times when there won't be as many orders in front of yours that the chefs have to make first before they can start on yours.

Places I can think of that might fit the bill -

MK:
All the sit downs are very popular and crowded in MK. I would pick whatever appeals to the family and get an ADR for an off-peak time.

Epcot:
Biergarten
Marrakesh
Tutto Italia
Rose and Crown (lunch - dinner is more crowded due to prime Illuminations viewing)
Nine Dragons
Tokyo Dining

DHS:
Hollywood and Vine seems to be the least popular. I don't think it matters which restaurant so much as WHEN.

AK:
Same issue as MK and DHS. Try eating at off peak times.

Good luck. I'm so happy to hear Disney makes you feel like a 'normal' family.

 

[brown1442]

Awesome... thanks for the suggestions!!!

 

[hannahryan]

Eating off peak is a great idea. Also, you may want to look at the menus before you go, so you will know what you want to order. If you order your food when you order drinks it will be faster. Also, let the server know you don't want a long, relaxing meal. That way, they will come over sooner to clear plates, get check, etc. and get you out quicker.

 

[aras4007]

Tutto Italia in Epcot was good food and really fast. We were out in about 45 minutes. Our reservation was for about 4pm I think and there was no one in there yet! We went right to our table.

Also, Liberty Tree Tavern in MK is really good. We've only been for dinner though, which is family style so I don't know how that would be with food alergies but I'm sure they would do whatever to please you. We got out of there pretty quickly too. Its nice there because since it is family style, the food is already prepared and that way you're not waiting a long time for your meals.

 

[CathieArms]

We were there in July '09 and almost ever restaurant was a one-hour process. That's just the way it is. It takes time to get in, order, eat your meal, pay your bill and get out.

With that said, though, an hour isn't that bad. I've read that the CS options can be a full 45 minutes from the time you get in line, order, find a seat and then eat. And, in your case, it sounds like it might be even longer.

Your best bet at the shortest TS times would be, in my opinion, a buffet at an off time. Crystal Palace at opening, for instance. And then just be sure to ask for your bill as soon as you've completed all of your ordering so that you can settle it up and leave as soon as you're ready.

For our trip in June, we're doing DxDDP and are actually looking forward to the "breaks" that the TS restaurants allow us in our day. We'll be doing at least 2 TS restaurants ever day, and we'll do 3 on about 4 days. We'll do breakfast before a park opening (so no real interference with touring), then a lunch around 1:30 when we're likely to be ready to sit down for awhile, and then dinner around 7:00 when we're ready to hang it up for the night...or at least take a really good rest before doing more.

 

[afwdwfan]

As others have said, try to find a time when they might not be as busy, and if possible, book the first ADR offered once they start serving lunch or dinner.

On our last trip, we went with my whole family. I have a sister with a gluten allergy and they were wonderful about accomodating her needs everywhere, but I have to say that the two best experiences we had regading allergy care were at Mama Melrose and Crystal Palace. One thing that buffets have in their favor is that the chef can come out and walk you through the buffet. If he knows the allergies, he can suggest items already on the buffet that would be ok (I don't know what/how many allergies your son has so that might be more difficult for you than it was for us). My sister was able to find plenty of things on the buffet at CP that she could eat. The chef even asked her if she wanted anything that she was unable to get off the buffet made special for her without gluten. She declined the offer, but as we were finishing our meal the waitress brought out a gluten free chocolate brownie that the chef made for my sister. That thing was big enough that we all shared it and it was quite delicious.

 

[jade1]

Looking for fast(-ish) TS suggestions inside parks...

Have heard Hollywood and Vine is both fast and ish all in one.

Biergarten is fast and pretty good though.

 

[The 6 J's]

On a whim we stopped in at Liberty Tree Tavern around 11:30am on Saturday for lunch, with no reservations, and got a table for 8 in 5 minutes, ate a decent meal complete with two of us with food allergies and were out in about 45 minutes (skipped dessert). On our way out the place seemed much more crowded so I'd go for ADR's. The location is great - to head toward any part of the MK afterwards. In general I like to schedule meals off of the traditional meal times in the hopes of getting in and out quicker. I don't know if it helps but we rarely have a complaint about the amount of time a meal takes.

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

Speaking from someone with a Tree Nut allergy.... Here's where I always have good luck

Breakfast: Kona

Kona if you're at the resort

In Park Options:
MK: Plaza or Liberty Tree
Epcot: Nine Dragons / Chefs de France / San Angel Inn
AK: Yak n Yeti
HS: Mama Melrose / Sci-Fi

Dinners at Resorts:
Captain's Grille
Ohana
California Grill
Yachtsman

Haven't tried HDDR yet, but hope to in May!!