Main Dining rooms

[bumbershoot]

Our worst meals ever were at the Coral Reef Restaurant at the Living Seas (and talk about expensive)....food is just so subjective.

Same here. The sauce tasted like aluminum. Horrid. DCL food might be salty to me, but it didn't taste like *that*.


I didn't realize that the OP was the same one who didn't want housekeeping. I understand feeling uncomfortable with over the top service; even if I won a huge lottery you wouldn't see me hiring a butler or a maid or really anyone but maybe a drop-in housecleaner, and I'm a dirty-laundry-hider when I know housekeeping is coming into my hotel/stateroom, but I do like SOME service.

OK, here's a snippet of real life service on the cruise that made me feel weird...I was at Palo brunch, dining alone b/c DH didn't want to go, and my server said things that made me feel silly* for eating so little (more than I normally eat nowadays but NOTHING compared to the plates I was seeing people bring back to their tables). When it came time for dessert, he insisted on getting me a plate of desserts. Didn't want me to have to go get it myself? That made me feel weird and I wish I had been brave enough to ask why.

But it doesn't mean he was being intrusive; it was almost certainly because he wanted to be NICE to me. I didn't have to accept it. He brought me some nice little things. Nothing chocolate, but that's OK; I didn't ask him for chocolate.

But yeah, I get being nervous around extreme levels of service. Doesn't mean it's a bad thing, though, or that we have to be scared of ALL amounts of service. Man, my sister in law would have LOVED to have someone bring her a plate of desserts and wouldn't have thought twice about why the server was offering it!



*I don't think his intention was to make me feel silly. But I ended up feeling funny about it.

 

[MND]

Fixed.

Thanks! It works for me. I count 14 entres at Parrot Cay, not 5. Regardless, I think the OP will find plenty of variety at the MDRs.

I really like the food on DCL, particularly at the MDRs. I have cruised on the Dream and the Fantasy and those dining room menus are identical. We are taking a DCL cruise to Alaska next summer on the Wonder and it will be fun to be on one of the classic ships.

Thanks for posting the menus. I can spend part of the next few months deciding what I want to order.

Mike

 

[wallawallakids]

Same here. The sauce tasted like aluminum. Horrid. DCL food might be salty to me, but it didn't taste like *that*.


I didn't realize that the OP was the same one who didn't want housekeeping. I understand feeling uncomfortable with over the top service; even if I won a huge lottery you wouldn't see me hiring a butler or a maid or really anyone but maybe a drop-in housecleaner, and I'm a dirty-laundry-hider when I know housekeeping is coming into my hotel/stateroom, but I do like SOME service.

OK, here's a snippet of real life service on the cruise that made me feel weird...I was at Palo brunch, dining alone b/c DH didn't want to go, and my server said things that made me feel silly* for eating so little (more than I normally eat nowadays but NOTHING compared to the plates I was seeing people bring back to their tables). When it came time for dessert, he insisted on getting me a plate of desserts. Didn't want me to have to go get it myself? That made me feel weird and I wish I had been brave enough to ask why.

But it doesn't mean he was being intrusive; it was almost certainly because he wanted to be NICE to me. I didn't have to accept it. He brought me some nice little things. Nothing chocolate, but that's OK; I didn't ask him for chocolate.

But yeah, I get being nervous around extreme levels of service. Doesn't mean it's a bad thing, though, or that we have to be scared of ALL amounts of service. Man, my sister in law would have LOVED to have someone bring her a plate of desserts and wouldn't have thought twice about why the server was offering it!



*I don't think his intention was to make me feel silly. But I ended up feeling funny about it.

Our server at Palo did that to me as well. Maybe it was the same one!! Either way he brought this plate of deserts that he said I "had" to try. I think he was trying to be nice. I had a little small bite of each as I am not a huge desert person. But thought I would tell you in hopes that it made you feel better knowing you are not the only one that has happened to! Over all he was a nice server but he was a tad over the top talking about how "beautiful" I looked. It made me uncomfortable. I felt like he was trying to pad his tip! Honestly, the only one I want to tell me how nice I look (esp more than one time) is my husband. I was dressing up for a date with him and no one else!

 

[Julz226]

I have been on several cruise lines and all are more or less the same. You are not eating at a restaurant where they can go to market and get fresh ingredients each day, where they are serving small groups at a time.

Think large scale serving. They make massive servings of the five entrees and plate as tables are ready. The wait staff can go over the top trying to please because they want to be memorable and important when you are tipping. Your tips are how they earn their living.

If you are expecting a restaurant experience and seclusion, cruising might not be the best choice for you. Some people love the service and will sacrifice a little food quality for all cruising has to offer but it is not for everyone. Maybe a different type of vacation would appeal more to your tastes.

 

[SaphyBelle]

I've never cruised before (taking our first one in April on Fantasy). The food on the menu looks fine to me, I'm just happy to be cruising, on Disney for that matter. I know from what I read that I can order a few entrees' if I can't decide on just one. If I'm still hungry after dinner than I'll go grab something up on deck or even order room service.

and o/t (kind of).. As a Mom- I am so excited that somebody else will actually cut up my children's food so I can actually relax, have a conversation with other adults and feel that I am on vacation for once.
First I've read about that- so thanks..

 

[LeahJH]

I've never cruised before (taking our first one in April on Fantasy). The food on the menu looks fine to me, I'm just happy to be cruising, on Disney for that matter. I know from what I read that I can order a few entrees' if I can't decide on just one. If I'm still hungry after dinner than I'll go grab something up on deck or even order room service. and o/t (kind of).. As a Mom- I am so excited that somebody else will actually cut up my children's food so I can actually relax, have a conversation with other adults and feel that I am on vacation for once. First I've read about that- so thanks..

You know about the dine and play on the 2nd seating right? Eat your entree, dessert, and a glass of wine at a table of ...wait for it....adults!

 

[Coldflame]

Really odd thread indeed.

Back to your original point, while I'm not particularly keen on their food/selection, it's actually not all that bad, specially when you consider the top-notch service and entertainment value. I usually rate food quality and selection 3 out of 5 stars. The wait staff, however, have been amazing all of our cruises.

You have other options at the Cabanas, Flo's and even room service (which is included in your cruise price for the most part, i.e. except alcoholic beverages).

While I don't see what the big deal is about not letting the staff cut your kids food, they will not impose that in any way and they always ask the parent if it's OK to do so, at least in my experience. They do the same when kids order off the kids' menu or ask for desert, they always ask for parental confirmation.

The one thing that does rub me the wrong way is that you don't see how great it is to not have to do the dishes and cook for your family. That tells me you are usually not the one in charge about those tasks at home. As someone who shares those duties on a daily basis with my wife, one of the best parts of the cruise is taking a vacation from chores/cooking/home duties. But, hey, to each his own, so whatever.

 

[Meghatron]

You know about the dine and play on the 2nd seating right? Eat your entree, dessert, and a glass of wine at a table of ...wait for it....adults!

You can do this on the first seating, too. It only takes five minutes to walk the kid(s) up to the club.

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[JohnDS]

The one thing that does rub me the wrong way is that you don't see how great it is to not have to do the dishes and cook for your family. That tells me you are usually not the one in charge about those tasks at home. As someone who shares those duties on a daily basis with my wife, one of the best parts of the cruise is taking a vacation from chores/cooking/home duties. But, hey, to each his own, so whatever.

Ok, so I ignored this thread most of the day since it's just nonsense now.

I went out of my way to point out that the point of the thread was about the menu selections, and some people did respond to that, but so many are still stuck on this service angle. This comment strikes me as the oddest of all. In an effort to sell something this post reduces the mdr staff at DCL to that of an Applebee's.

You would also be incorrect, both my wife and I cook and clean. We often do that while on vacation. We frequently eat out however at all levels of establishments where we do neither. If not cooking is the best part of your vacation, you need to branch out, our last vacation I cooked almost every meal and had fun.

So if I rub you the wrong way, I guess that's fine with me. If the best thing about your vacation is getting out of the kitchen, then I'm already doing better than you so best of luck. As you said, to each their own.

 

[MND]

I've never cruised before (taking our first one in April on Fantasy). The food on the menu looks fine to me, I'm just happy to be cruising, on Disney for that matter. I know from what I read that I can order a few entrees' if I can't decide on just one. If I'm still hungry after dinner than I'll go grab something up on deck or even order room service.

and o/t (kind of).. As a Mom- I am so excited that somebody else will actually cut up my children's food so I can actually relax, have a conversation with other adults and feel that I am on vacation for once.
First I've read about that- so thanks..

I think you will get plenty to eat in the MDRs. My family and I have always found several good choices at each restaurant.

Enjoy your cruise!

Mike

 

[Beermam42]

I am along for the ride, do not ruin a great experience for your chrildren, if you are for real. I along with others wonder what is your end game.
Never been on a cruise?

God do not ask for ketchup you will go into shock at what the waiters bring.
Suggest if you are real, and go be quiet, watch, and enjoy. This is what I did on my first cruise on Magic this year.

 

[Meghatron]

God do not ask for ketchup you will go into shock at what the waiters bring.

LMAO

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[Started With a Mouse]

God do not ask for ketchup you will go into shock at what the waiters bring.

 

[Started With a Mouse]

For what it's worth, I wish there was a happy medium between the sub-par service received on land at some restaurants, and the way over the top service in the MDR's. But, that's where the bread and butter, NPI, is for the servers, they depend on those tips. I do agree that one size does not fit all, they should feel you out, so to speak. If you want to remain to yourself, they should not try to become overly familiar with you.

 

[tinkerone]

I have read all the posts in this thread, at least skimmed them quickly and I don't think it has been mentioned that if there is something on one of the menus from another dinning room that you just have to have, you can request your server to see about getting this for you. not sure they would be thrilled if you asked every night but they will do it, if your polite about it.

there are several ways to check the menus for the day. one is the new app for the ipad/ipod/iphone/android. they also post them at the front of the dinning rooms at about noon. this would actually give you more choices most nights and you would have more than the 5 entries you are seeing.

again, just a thought if it is a problem and there is nothing you like from your own mdr for the night.

as to cutting up childrens meals for them, can I be a child for the night?? sounds good to me. I have been on lots of cruises and some with children. its not just standing over their plate and cutting, its interacting with them, showing them tricks, making mickeys out of their food. I think you should maybe give it a chance, it may not be like your picturing. its definitely not creepy.

have a great cruise, its your time, your money, do what you will but enjoy it!

 

[WallaceFamily]

To enlighten the original post most of the best restaurants have very limited menus, many charge a premium to just find out what the chef decides to prepare, as opposed to a chain that will cover every type of cuisine in one menu but back to the original post the mdr's are not intended to be a five star restaurant, they are similar to banquet halls,

Here, here.
In my experience, fine dining menus are usually pretty short. On the flip side, I steer clear of restaurants that have way too many selections.

Also, think of these mdr more like a very nice wedding banquet or even a step up...at a wedding, you usually get a choice of meat, chicken or vegetarian.

 

[Dug720]

God do not ask for ketchup you will go into shock at what the waiters bring.

Clearly we never needed ketchup as I'm clueless. Do they do ketchup weird on the ship? It can't be worse than Whispering Canyon, can it?

 

[WallaceFamily]

Clearly we never needed ketchup as I'm clueless. Do they do ketchup weird on the ship? It can't be worse than Whispering Canyon, can it?

I've only been on one Disney cruise and don't remember any issues about ketchup. Is it like the ketchup in Mexican resorts??? That stuff was weird, but if you closed your eyes and just eat, it was okay. OP, are you scared now? Lol. Hey, Dude, just go with the flow. Don't be so hung up on the little things of vacationing.

 

[jaymar]

This whole thread really stressed me out......

 

[SaphyBelle]

You know about the dine and play on the 2nd seating right? Eat your entree, dessert, and a glass of wine at a table of ...wait for it....adults!

yes, but we're sailing with a couple of grandparents who want main seating. So we're on main seating.. Also, my kids get hungry early.. we're on east coast so the time that dinner is, is usually the time we eat at home.