Monorail/MK Counter-Service Dinner Opinions? *Poll*

[kristenrice]

OK, DIS friends, I am looking for some friendly planning input...

We are a three-generation group ranging in age from 7-72, travelling in October. On Saturday, me and my 14-year-old daughter had to ruin the plans by signing up for the Parisian Afternoon event at Epcot. Since we are all planning to stick together (we are a close-knit bunch) the plan is to try and get out of Epcot before the crowds get too unbearable. We have an early breakfast (8:30am) at O'Hana and then we are heading straight to Epcot. The luncheon is at 1pm and gets done around 3ish. I was also able to secure the candy sushi event for the 4 "kids" at 5pm so they will have that as a "snack".

We are planning to head to the MK area because we want to watch the Happily Ever After fireworks show at 9pm from the Top of the World lounge. Since we will have about 3 hours, we have a few options for dinner. We know that we want to do CS because we are not sure how long we may "linger" in exiting Epcot and we do not want to feel too rushed. A TS meal is also not in the budget. So I was thinking that we would take the monorail from Epcot over to the TTC and then pick a CS restaurant either on the monorail line or over at the Wilderness Lodge (Boulder Ridge) area, just so that we can be within easy reach of TOTWL for our final destination of the evening.

Here's where I need the advice....Which CS should we choose? I have not eaten at ANY of them so I have NO predisposition towards any of them besides what I have read on the various menus. I want to know about things like service, seating areas, ease of finding the venue, and stuff like that. I would also like to know about the quality of the food....is it decent or are we talking elementary school cafeteria? Make sure you comment AND vote

 

[Ginger R]

Our family has only eaten at 2 of the ones you have listed. We ate at captain cooks and contempo cafe and out of those two we preferred contempo cafe. We thought the food there was pretty good and finding a table to sit at wasnt a problem. Service was good. They bring your order out to you so based on the ones we've done I would say contempo cafe was good. Cannot comment on the other 3 choices but I'm sure you will get other opinions! Enjoy whichever you choose!

 

[DVC92]

The three on the monorail loop are all fine. At Contempo, you'll have easy access to TOTWL w/o having to get back on the Monorail. You can walk to Capt'n Cook's from the TTC and also you can get a Dole Whip for dessert. If you like a long walk, you can also walk to Gasparilla from the TTC . It has a nice assortment of offerings.

 

[buzzrelly]

I kind of LOVE Geyser Point and think it’s always worth going out of your way for. But also, TOTWL has small plates and the food is really good. If you’re planning on going there anyway, you can just eat up there.

 

[kristenrice]

I kind of LOVE Geyser Point and think it’s always worth going out of your way for. But also, TOTWL has small plates and the food is really good. If you’re planning on going there anyway, you can just eat up there.

Well, we are already planning on the cake

 

[Ms.Minnie]

I voted for Geyser Point, I have only eaten there once but it was very enjoyable and relaxing. I plan to go again on my next trip. The atmosphere may be worth the extra effort it will take to get there and get back to the Contemporary.

I have also eaten at Contempo Café and Gasparilla Grill the food at both place was OK, nothing really outstand but not bad either. Both of these locations may be more convenient to your final destination but I think out of all the ones listed I liked Geyser Point the best.

Whatever you decide, have a great time.

 

[jerseyduke]

Geyser Point and Captain Cooks (Particularly if the Ukulele player is out on the Trader Sam's side) My two favorite areas for that type of activity.

 

[CraigInPA]

My wife and I have eaten at Captain Cook's and Contempo Cafe.

At Captain Cook's, we used to have something called the grown up grilled cheese sandwich. It came with home made chips, and was excellent. It's now gone from the menu. We also used to get a sandwich with chicken and pineapple, also excellent, and also gone from the menu. The last time we went, we both had the Aloha pulled pork sandwich. It was good, but not great.

At Contempo, we made the mistake of each ordering the hot turkey sandwich, and on another trip, the spicy chicken sandwich. The mistake is that these are HUGE sandwiches. Unless you are starving, you probably will feel stuffed after eating one. We preferred the turkey sandwich. It was a stand-out. We also used to get the pot roast there at dinner, which was excellent, but that's now gone from the menu.

 

[Simba's Mom]

So it looks like Contempto Cafe is more popular than Gasparilla Grill. On my arrival day, I don't have park tickets, but staying at the Poly (monorail resort). I'm looking for a CS at a monorail resort for that evening. The reason I don't consider WL is that I have an ECV, and from what I understand, the boats aren't ECV-friendly, so I'd have to take a bus. I could take a bus to any resort. So I figure the monorail resorts, it is.

 

[Matty B13]

So it looks like Contempto Cafe is more popular than Gasparilla Grill. On my arrival day, I don't have park tickets, but staying at the Poly (monorail resort). I'm looking for a CS at a monorail resort for that evening. The reason I don't consider WL is that I have an ECV, and from what I understand, the boats aren't ECV-friendly, so I'd have to take a bus. I could take a bus to any resort. So I figure the monorail resorts, it is.

Yes, the boats, except the big ones, are not ECV friendly. Made logistics with my Dad a pain last time we stayed at VGF, especially when the monorail is down.

Gasparilla Grill, has several options, and the kitchen will usually make you anything to order as well if they have the ingredients on hand.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I voted Roaring Fork. IMO that’s by far the best on your list for CS.
While we thoroughly enjoy Geyser Point, we have never tried the walk up. Always did the table service. We find it a bit overpriced and it has a limited menu.

 

[aoconnor]

Easily Geyser Point for me. It's stunning, and you can even sit down and order some items off the quick service menu (like the excellent chicken sandwich) for the same price as the quick-service window. You don't need a reservation.

 

[sjrec]

Geyser Point is so relaxing and beautiful location. We were there in August and it was hot-so four of us shared two items. We also had cocktails

 

[MICKIMINI]

We love Capt'n Cooks for the outdoor tropical patio area and food is pretty good too.

 

[AlldayIdreamaboutDisney]

1.Geyser Point
2.Contempo
3. Capt Cooks