My Thoughts on Table Service Restaurants

[RocketEAR99]

1 Visit - Rating 4

If you are someone who frequents WDW and have not come here yet, I would make a note of considering it. If you ever stay at Old Key West Resort, I would definitely consider it. Suffice to say if and when I stay at Old Key West again, I will be making a return visit.

In terms of ambiance, like most resort table service locations, the decor you see around the resort is what you get for a setting at the restaurant, basically. It therefore has that American-Tropical feel to it.

Our server here, Jonathan, was excellent (unusual that I actually remembered his name). The staff called him "Bam" since he was from Alabama and definitely carried the accent. He gave us a rundown of the menu and made note of his personal favorites in every category (appetizer, entree and dessert). He was most attentive to our table, making sure everything was to our liking, but then, the restaurant was not real busy either.

As a start, they serve Pina Colada Bread like 'Ohana does. Same stuff, very tasty.

Jonathan mentioned the 10 oz. Prime Rib which was not on the menu. He said it was because it was a lunch/dinner menu and the Prime Rib is only served after 5 p.m. We all ordered it. It came with a sauce and Olivia's Potatoes (a sort of cheesy scalloped potato side, but it is unique to that restaurant). The Prime Rib cuts were lean, cooked perfectly to order and full of flavor. The potatoes were also very good.

For dessert I had the key lime tart - their signature. If you like key lime desserts, you will likely enjoy this. It had mango and raspberry sauce drops on the plate around it which, due to the color, Jonathan referred to them as "ketchup and mustard". He had recommended the bread pudding, which another in party did order. The same bread pudding and ice cream is also served at 'Ohana. Jonathan claimed it was better at Olivia's, but we couldn't tell the difference. It was good though.

Due to the good food and service, and taking into account the apparent lack of popularity (as is consistent with the resort in comparison to other Deluxe Villa resorts on property), I would say this restaurant is a little something of a hidden gem. I encourage you to go discover it for yourself at your leisure!

 

[RocketEAR99]

1 Visit - Rating 3

This was a good place just off of Main Street at MK where soups, salads and sandwiches make up the menu. The ambiance here was fair, giving off an early 1900s feel, meshing in well with that of Main Street. It had the feel of an old sandwich shop and ice cream parlor.

The service experienced was great. Our drinks never ran dry and our server returned a few times to see how we were doing.

For my meal I had a cup of potato soup which was creamy and full of flavor, yet not overwhelmed by salt. I ordered the Plaza Club sandwich which was excellently prepared and very satisfying. For dessert, I had a simple hot fudge sundae, which if you go here, dessert basically makes the experience what it is. There was almost more ice cream than I usually care to eat in a single sitting, but it was good.

All-in-all, this is a great place to go if you're looking for a full stomach at a good price. I only gave this place a 3 simply because of my personal preference to typically want something more than sandwiches when I dine table service at WDW. But if sandwiches are your thing, this is well worth your attention.

 

[RocketEAR99]

1 Visit - Rating 3

This is one place I was very excited to try out, primarily because of the copious negative reviews I have read over the years. In February, I finally got my shot!

The Ambiance has it's good points and it's bad points here. Dining indoor under the "night sky" of Mexico with a view of a volcano was most pleasant. It makes a great dining atmosphere. Additionally, I have dined under the night sky near a volcano in Costa Rica, so I know what it feels like. Granted, ultimately there is no comparison between San Angel Inn and dining in Costa Rica, as the latter is far far better, but this does pretty well with a man-made environment. The bad part is that they have added significant amounts of seating to their dining room. So much so that I almost felt a little cramped and I was on the edge of the dining room too. That took away from things a bit and is ultimately what brought my rating to a 3 instead of something higher.

The service was standard. Not extremely attentive, but plenty attentive to our needs and helpful when it came to deciding what to order.

The chips and salsa were quite good and authentic. My entree of Mahi Mahi over poblano rice was very delicious! The menu here had recently changed quite a bit from what it used to be and it appears to have changed for the better, offering food with more signature touch.

From this visit it was apparent that the San Angel Inn is trying to do 2 things, step up the quality of their food and bring in more people. Both of which they seemed to be having success with, but as I said, the larger amounts of people do take away from the experience and atmosphere.

 

[Tracerr00]

1 Visit - Rating 4

If you are someone who frequents WDW and have not come here yet, I would make a note of considering it. If you ever stay at Old Key West Resort, I would definitely consider it. Suffice to say if and when I stay at Old Key West again, I will be making a return visit.

In terms of ambiance, like most resort table service locations, the decor you see around the resort is what you get for a setting at the restaurant, basically. It therefore has that American-Tropical feel to it.

Our server here, Jonathan, was excellent (unusual that I actually remembered his name). The staff called him "Bam" since he was from Alabama and definitely carried the accent. He gave us a rundown of the menu and made note of his personal favorites in every category (appetizer, entree and dessert). He was most attentive to our table, making sure everything was to our liking, but then, the restaurant was not real busy either.

As a start, they serve Pina Colada Bread like 'Ohana does. Same stuff, very tasty.

Jonathan mentioned the 10 oz. Prime Rib which was not on the menu. He said it was because it was a lunch/dinner menu and the Prime Rib is only served after 5 p.m. We all ordered it. It came with a sauce and Olivia's Potatoes (a sort of cheesy scalloped potato side, but it is unique to that restaurant). The Prime Rib cuts were lean, cooked perfectly to order and full of flavor. The potatoes were also very good.

For dessert I had the key lime tart - their signature. If you like key lime desserts, you will likely enjoy this. It had mango and raspberry sauce drops on the plate around it which, due to the color, Jonathan referred to them as "ketchup and mustard". He had recommended the bread pudding, which another in party did order. The same bread pudding and ice cream is also served at 'Ohana. Jonathan claimed it was better at Olivia's, but we couldn't tell the difference. It was good though.

Due to the good food and service, and taking into account the apparent lack of popularity (as is consistent with the resort in comparison to other Deluxe Villa resorts on property), I would say this restaurant is a little something of a hidden gem. I encourage you to go discover it for yourself at your leisure!

I'd really love to try Olivia's. My sister and I did the Keys to The Kingdom tour our guide had worked at WDW for about 5 years. I asked him what his favorite restaurant is and he said that it was Olivia's. He said that it's got consistently great food and it's really a hidden gem. And because it's a hidden gem he can always get in! So your review along with his really makes me want to go there!

 

[RocketEAR99]

I'd really love to try Olivia's. My sister and I did the Keys to The Kingdom tour our guide had worked at WDW for about 5 years. I asked him what his favorite restaurant is and he said that it was Olivia's. He said that it's got consistently great food and it's really a hidden gem. And because it's a hidden gem he can always get in! So your review along with his really makes me want to go there!

Awesome, I hope you get to try it out! If you're looking to fit it into your plans somewhere most convenient, it's a short jaunt by bus from Epcot, or a pleasant boat ride from Downtown Disney.

 

[RocketEAR99]

1 Visit - Rating 4

If Pan-Asian cuisine is something you enjoy and you plan on touring Animal Kingdom Park, this is a great place to try out!

While we were there in late February, there were not a lot people dining here. Our server encouraged us to get up and walk around and check out the place and the artifacts, which are real. It's safe to say I would find enjoyment out of being seated just about anywhere in this restaurant. The theme, due to the authentic artifacts, is...well...authentic! I know, I can be so helpful sometimes

The service experienced was standard...deserving of the typical 18% tip. Nothing more to say about that.

The food, on the other hand, was delicious! My family and I have grown rather attached to a Chinese restaurant about 45 minutes from where we live that for years, we have boasted it as the BEST Chinese food we have ever had. For me, ordering the Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli, this place measured up to that standard. For another in my party, who ordered the Shrimp Lo Mein, this place SURPASSED that standard. Also we all shared appetizers of Pot Stickers, which were very tasty!

Granted, the price for this food far exceeds that of what we paid at our favorite Chinese restaurant back home, but hey, it's Disney World.

So as my rating indicates, this is a great restaurant IMO, and one which we want to return to in the future, but we haven't planned anything specific yet.

 

[RocketEAR99]

To those interested/have followed my reviews here, I plan on visiting the following restaurants and reviewing them/adjusting my reviews of them after a visit in late October:

Artist Point - Signature Restaurant at Wilderness Lodge - Dinner - 1st Visit
Crystal Palace - Character Buffet at Magic Kingdom - Dinner - 1st Visit
Mama Melrose's - Italian Restaurant at Hollywood Studios - Dinner - 1st Visit
'Ohana - Family Style Restaurant at Polynesian Resort - Dinner - 4th Visit
Teppan Edo - Japanese Restaurant at Epcot - Dinner - 1st Visit
Whispering Canyon - Restaurant at Wilderness Lodge - Breakfast - 2nd Visit

There is a chance I may be bringing a first-time visitor to WDW with me this trip. If he joins us, I may attempt to change a couple reservations to other restaurants. If so, here would be my alternate list:

Artist Point - Signature Restaurant at Wilderness Lodge - Dinner - 1st Visit
'Ohana - Family Style Restaurant at Polynesian Resort - Dinner - 4th Visit
Sci-Fi Dine-In - Restaurant at Hollywood Studios - Dinner - 3rd Visit
Teppan Edo - Japanese Restaurant at Epcot - Dinner - 1st Visit
Tony's Town Square - Italian Restaurant at Magic Kingdom - Dinner - 3rd Visit
Whispering Canyon - Restaurant at Wilderness Lodge - Breakfast - 2nd Visit

I'm looking forward to trying those 2-4 new places for the first time!

 

[RocketEAR99]

1 Visit - Rating 5

It is important to note that this was my very first Signature Dining experience, so this restaurant, while a 5, does fall into a whole other class of restaurant than any of the ones I have previously reviewed (Le Cellier was not a signature restaurant at the time I went there for dinner).

The ambiance of this place was like a contemporary rustic, so to that end it was a bit different than the rest of Wilderness Lodge. The prices for signature dining are generally expensive, but reasonable for the experience.

Our server was very attentive and top-notch. He frequented our table to make sure things were to our satisfaction and see if we needed anything, but was not a pest either. He was extremely helpful in making suggestions from the menu, two of which I went with.

I decided to get a bowl of the Portobello Soup at the advice of a friend who had been here before and it was an excellent choice. Perfect consistency and great flavor. I am not a person who enjoys mushrooms of any sort, but I would gladly get another bowl of this given the chance.

For my entree, I went with our server's suggestion and ordered the Buffalo Strip Steak. I was perfectly roasted to medium rare (you could not order it any other way, but medium rare is my choice anyway). It came with a potato smear and corn sausage hash which accompanied it very well.

For dessert, I followed another of our server's suggestions and ordered the berry cobbler with raspberry ice cream. Having tasted plenty of variety in cobblers throughout my life, I can say with confidence that this was, once again, perfectly done.

The entire experience lasted 2 hours or so, so signature dining is not for those on a tight schedule. But this was far and away the most relaxing and most fulfilling meal I have ever enjoyed. It will be interesting to try other signature restaurants in the future and see how they compare.

 

[RocketEAR99]

1 Visit - Rating 4

This was a great and, in many ways, authentic Japanese Hibachi Grill experience. While there we saw many Japanese tourists or people of Japanese descent also dining there.

If you've read that this place gets loud because of the acoustics of the room and the number of people, that is true, but my party didn't mind it. Service was formal and good. Naturally the best part was having a chef grill the meal right at the table and performing all the neat tricks and making little jokes here and there. Here I enjoyed a swordfish steak with the standard noodles and rice and it was very tasty!

The downsides were the noise, which I mentioned and if you're not too keen on sitting with people you don't know, that will be a drawback. Tables seat 8 so unless your party fills the table, you'll be seated with others. Mine was a party of 4 and we were seated with 2 parties of 2 each. We didn't mind this having gotten used to similar seating arrangements at Biergarten.

If you've never been to a hibachi grill before, here is an excellent place to try it out for the first time. We enjoyed it very much and will likely go back.

 

[RocketEAR99]

1 Visit - Rating 5

OK, so after years of calling 'Ohana my place for Family Style Dining at WDW, the Garden Grill has officially become a worthy alternative when planning my future visits. My next visit will be in December and will likely include 'Ohana, but the visit after that will most certainly include a return to this place! Here's the breakdown.

The restaurant appeared to be a fun and popular destination for a great many families, yet seating is very limited. We are talking a dining experience with characters. The ambiance was clearly unique as the restaurant rotates around with views of the Living with the Land attraction. The rotation is slow, taking about an hour to go full circle. By the time you make your way fully around, you should be finished dining.




My party was seated at a table with this delightful arrangement:

The Characters, Farmer Mickey, Pluto, Chip and Dale, were able to spend quite a bit of time at each table without rushing on to the next. In some cases a character would spend up to 5 minutes with the neighboring family of 4. My party was all adults, so our interaction was more brief, but fulfilling.

Our server was very attentive and friendly, keeping our beverages full and our food coming as desired.

The food was plentiful and nothing short of delicious. For starters they served fresh baked rolls with maple butter and a fresh salad with the perfect amount of their own dressing recipe.

We considered getting more salad briefly, but we wanted more so to continue on with the main course, which turned out to be a great choice on our part. From left to right: carmelized onion mashed potatoes, beef filet with red wine sauce, tilapia with a salsa over fresh broccoli and carrots, roast turkey breast with lemon caper sauce over stuffing.

We enjoyed second helpings of all of it, but the beef was particularly flavorful, tender and juicy and the tilapia was perfectly prepared. The stuffing was good, not great, but the turkey made up for it, as did everything else.
Lastly was dessert, a berry cobbler with a homemade vanilla bean whipped cream topping. It was light and fluffy and not too sweet or rich. It brought the meal to a perfect ending. Sorry I did not get a "before we dug in" picture. It all happened so fast

Over all, it was a fantastic meal and we all felt satisfied and sure that the rest of the week, this meal would be most difficult to upstage. This restaurant (after this one visit at least) appears to be a MUST visit!

 

[RocketEAR99]

1 Visit - Rating 4

During a busy day of a Star Wars Weekend, my party had booked a reservation at this place.



Here's the breakdown:

The setting is supposed to be that of an old studio warehouse that was renovated into an Italian restaurant. It looked like they nailed that atmosphere to me. The open kitchen, hard wood floor, brick walls with studio memorabilia, miscellaneous forms of light fixtures and vine-decorated support structure all blended together to provide a sort of warm and inviting feel to the place.




Our service was attentive and prompt, however in one case too prompt. We were not quite halfway through our appetizers and they were bringing out our entrees. Fortunately, without us saying a word, they quickly realized they were bringing them way too soon and took them back. Later on when we were ready for them, they came out fresh and hot from the kitchen (and didn't taste as though they had been sitting under a lamp for 15 minutes).

As to the food, the others in my party enjoyed appetizers of Caesar Salad and Oak-fired Mussels. They both commented that the appetizers were delicious. I enjoyed a bowl of Vegetarian Minestrone. It was hearty and flavorful, but I can't say it was significantly better than what I've enjoyed at an Olive Garden.





For entrees, one in my party ordered the Seafood Arrabbiata which is "Shrimp, Mussels, Calamari, Fish of the Day (Salmon), and Whole-Wheat Spaghetti tossed with spicy Seafood Sauce". It contained quite a bit of seafood and he commented that the Calamari in particular was perfectly tender and the sauce was spicy as indicated, but not overly so.



The rest of us enjoyed Penne alla Vodka with Shrimp "with Pancetta and Sweet Onions finished with Tomato-Basil Sauce, Cream, Vodka, and Pecorino Romano". All I can say about this is that I was impressed with the consistency of the sauce and the perfect amount of it. I have had Penne alla Vodka at other Italian restaurants and enjoyed it, but compared to the flavor punch of what I was served here, the others were quite bland.



By the time we finished, due to the generous portion sizes, we were all too stuffed to try dessert! It's unfortunate that we couldn't, but we over-indulged in the entrees and that's what we were left with. So for one looking for an Italian dinner in the parks, I would choose this over Tony's any day (not that Tony's was ever bad for me, but this was far better). As for restaurants at DHS, I still love 50's Prime Time, but this is now the perfect alternate option among the other locations I have experienced so far (I have yet to try the Derby). Hope to see you again, Mama Melrose!

 

[RocketEAR99]

1 Visit - Rating 3

Maybe I'm weird, but I could not rate this higher than 3 with a good conscience. Don't get me wrong. If I didn't enjoy it, I'd give it a 1. This was the second Signature restaurant I have been able to visit, the first being Artist Point. Thus, Artist Point was the standard going into this place, and Flying Fish did not measure up in my opinion.



The atmosphere here was visually pleasing with the "flying fish" hanging from the ceiling and other decor and color that definitely gave the feel of an upscale seafood restaurant. To that extent, Disney did well. Seeing an open kitchen was also impressive. What was not to my liking was the noise. I could hear every conversation from every table with clarity. As such this was not a place I felt inclined to kick back, relax and enjoy a long meal as I did in Artist Point.





I have no complaints about the service, but nothing great to say either. Our server did her job, but was not as personable as I have experienced in other restaurants around Disney World. For that and the noise, this doesn't achieve my 5.

That said, the food was a MAJOR selling point. We began with appetizers of Crispy Sesame and Togarashi- Scented Calamari - "Served with Spiced Green Papaya, Wakame and Fragrant Vegetables, Asian Diping Sauce" and Chardonnay-steamed Maine Coast Blue Hill Bay Mussels - "Fennel, Chilies, Pesto Crema and Grilled Sourdough". Both were generous portion sizes and perfectly prepared. The Mussels in particular were given good flavor with the Pesto Crema and were very large in size. I could have easily made a meal out of them by themselves. Very impressive!




For entree, myself and another enjoyed the Entree Duo of "Potato Wrapped Red Snapper over Leek Fondue with a veal glace, red wine and Cassis butter reduction" and "Char-crusted New York Strip Steak with Roasted Fingerling potatoes, root vegetables, field beans and tiny onions woth classic sauce foyot."



Both were very delicious. The potato wrapping was crisp with the Snapper being flavorful and moist. The steak, while crusted on the outside was grilled to a perfect Medium as requested. While it did have a lot of flavor and I would order it again, I cannot tout it as the "best steak at Walt Disney World" as some do. I thought the Filet at Le Cellier was a bit better.

For Dessert, I ordered the Trio of Concession Sweets - Out on the Boardwalk - "Popcorn Mousse and Caramel Corn, Cherry-limeade popsicle, dark chocolate fudge burger, and pound cake fries."



While it was a novel and creative dessert with great presentation, I don't recommend it. Upon my next visit, I intend to try something - anything different. Perhaps I'll try the Banana Napoleon. The Popcorn Mousse was tasty, but the popsicle wasn't anything special and the burger and fries were almost as dry as southern cornbread.

So if Signature dining is your thing on a regular basis, this place is worth it, if not, I would venture to say that it probably won't impress you considering the price you're paying.

 

[RocketEAR99]

1 Visit - Rating 2

OK, this is one of my more tricky reviews. I honestly had a good experience here. The primary reason I rate this as a 2 is because I went a little out of my way to try this place. I'm not prone to finding myself in Animal Kingdom Park around dinner time, so I forced myself to stick around for this place given that it is only 1 of 3 Table Service locations at this theme park. This place, while good on every level, would still not merit me going out of my way to dine here again, given the plethora of offerings that will better suit my typical touring plans.



Here's the breakdown. The atmosphere here did impress me as much as that of the Africa are in general does at this park (which it impresses me a lot). The decor would leave little room for one to recognize that they are any place but Africa if they had no idea how they got there.



What really impressed me about this place was the buffet arrangement. There is a lot of space in that area and everything is so well spread out. There was no need to battle your way to a particular dish even as the place steadily filled with more patrons.



Our server did her part well in keeping our beverages topped off and removing used dishes from the table while I was away at the buffet.

The food here was quite good in large part. Pretty much any couscous dish was a winner. The top sirloin was perfectly roasted and seasoned and merited a second helping. The dessert pastries were pretty good, with the bread pudding and vanilla sauce being particularly welcome as expected. I did take issue that the pork loin was a little on the dry side and the seafood stew could have done without the bay scallops as their flavor overcame the rest of the seafood in the stew. I could've done with a soup selection or two and even just some soft serve ice cream for dessert to make the meal more enjoyable.













Overall, I would say that while the atmosphere was memorable, the food, while generally good, was also forgettable. I would go here again if someone I was with wanted to try it, but I don't see myself going back on my own. Comparing apples to apples, Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge was a better experience. Comparing restaurants at this theme park, Yak & Yeti was tops and does merit going out of the way a little bit.

 

[RocketEAR99]

1 Visit - Rating 4

This was a kind of spur of the moment decision to check this place out for dessert since we had heard good things about it.



First thing to note is that this place does NOT take reservations. In my opinion, this is a good thing as it gives everyone an equal shot at getting in at any given time on any given day. And if you're only going there for dessert like we were, it's an even sweeter deal (pun intended). I should also note, however, that there is a carry out entrance if you don't want to dine in. Very convenient.

The atmosphere is definitely that of a retro soda shop and ice cream parlor. Having visited a vintage soda shop/drive-in that was built in the 1930s, I can say with confidence, the dining room was perfectly themed. The draw back is that it has very limited seating. My picture captures very nearly the entirety of the restaurant. When we arrived and put our name on the list, we were told 45 minutes to wait, but it ended up being more like 10 minutes. Still, if you get there at a popular time, you're likely to be waiting for a long time. Given our experience, I would have gladly waited the full 45 minutes. It would have been worth it. Further, the location is a bit hidden if you don't know the Beach Club resort too well. The entrance is outside very near the pool area, almost tucked away.



The place was hopping while we were there (around 8 PM) and didn't die down. Servers were constantly going to and fro, but it seemed like there were enough to go around. We were seated at the bar in front of the grill. Though our order was simple, she was quick and checked on us periodically.

While we didn't order dinner, we got to see the chef grilling burgers and other sandwiches that looked very hearty and appetizing. For our order, we decided to split the infamous Kitchen Sink.



According to the menu, it contains "Scoops of vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, coffee, and mint chocolate chip served with all the toppings in the house and a whole can of whipped cream. Serves four." We were but 3 people, but with above average appetites since we had an early dinner. My judgment is that it could serve up to 6 with smaller appetites. When they brought it out, it became apparent that many of the patrons were Beach Club Resort regulars. These people seemed to be "in" on the joke. Before we were served the Kitchen Sink, the lights dimmed down, yellow caution lights flashed overhead and our server loudly announced that a family of 3 had decided to brave the Kitchen Sink, "with 8 scoops of ice cream, every topping in the house and a whole can of whipped cream!" to which the patrons all yelled in unison, "A whole can?!" to which the server clarified, "A whole can."



We came, we saw, we conquered, though it was not an easy task. The ingredients used were all delicious. The ice cream was tasty and genuine. The toppings (including pieces of Oreo, donuts, milky way bars, and brownies) were not cheap ones. It was a perfect way to end our day. The odds are very good we'll stroll by the place again, but when we do, we may opt for something other than the Kitchen Sink, just due to the shear size of it. For those who are wondering about the comparison to the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street U.S.A. at MK, really this is much better, but I still won't hesitate to stop by the Plaza if I'm visiting MK and want ice cream.

 

[RocketEAR99]

1 Visit - Rating 4



Since it's opening, this restaurant has been a hot topic and it was, by far, the most anticipated dining experience of my last trip. You've likely read many mixed reviews about this place's dinner experience. I'm here to tell you mine was superb!



The part about this restaurant that deserves much of the spotlight, is the atmosphere. If you're well versed in table service dining at the Magic Kingdom, you're likely aware that with the exception of Cinderella's Royal Table and perhaps Liberty Tree Tavern, the offerings are lacking in creative theme. This is rather odd considering they are at, arguably, the world's most elaborately decorated theme park. The best thing Tony's, Crystal Palace, and the Plaza have to offer is probably a view of Main Street.




Be Our Guest more than delivers with elaborate atmosphere and attention to detail with stone gargoyles and stain glass at the entrance, and the painted ballroom ceiling, snow falling over a wintery mountainous landscape "outside" while sitting in the ballroom.






The West Wing is also beautiful and provides a more interesting dining experience with the tattered fabric, the scratched picture of the prince that transforms into the image of the beast with a flash of lightning, and the enchanted rose that looks animated, yet tangible.




As you have no doubt realized, the rooms are dimly lit. This may cause issue with some, but I find it rather authentic. If you should ever find yourself in a real castle, lit by real candles, you'll find it is not that illuminated. This effect is very well duplicated here. Adding to the experience is the fanfare associated with your host, the Beast, emerging to greet guests in his study. You will never find a more perfect opportunity for a picture with him.



Switching gears to the food, it is not as high quality as one would hope, but it is nonetheless, very good, and the presentation is well done. We began with starters of Mussels Provencal "With White Wine, Tomato, Garlic, Onion, Basil and Butter" and French Onion Soup "Topped with a crouton and Gruyere cheese." The mussels were flavorful and large in size. There isn't much a person can do to spruce up French Onion Soup. It is what it is, but in this case the cheese selection is different from the typical mozzarella or provolone and the broth was not as salty. I thought these were all improvements upon the typical diner style, but at $7.49 per bowl, it's OK to skip it.




For entrees, we selected the Thyme Scented Pork Rack chop "With au gratin pasta,"

Chicken Breast Provençal "Pan-seared and simmered in a rustic blend of Heirloom Tomatoes, Olives, White Wine, and fresh Herbs with Seasonal Vegetables and Roasted Fingerling Potatoes,"

and Sauteed Shrimp and scallops "With veggies in a puff pastry with creamy lobster sauce."

The Pork Chop was juicy and the pasta was not disappointing. The Chicken Breast was perfectly cooked and not dry. The flavor was delicious! The Shrimp and Scallops was also a winning combo of good hearty seafood flavors. My only issue was that they could have scaled back on the puff pastry and it wouldn't have bothered me. It was just a little more flakey bread and air than I care to ingest in one sitting. On a side not, I ordered a glass of the suggested wine pairing. I don't remember the label except that it was a french white wine. I am not typically a fan of white wine, but this was really good and made the puff pastry go down more smoothly than if I had ordered a soda. I highly recommend it.

For dessert, they had a selection of pastries which they served tableside from a cart. I thought that was an excellent way of doing it since we knew exactly what we were getting when we ordered it. I ordered the Strawberry-Cream Cheese Cupcake with "Vanilla Sponge Cake, Strawberry Mousse Filling, and Cream Cheese Icing." The pink one in the photo of the cart below.



This cupcake was moist and tasted of REAL strawberry, not artificial. The cream cheese icing and mousse filling complimented it well and nothing was too sweet. In all honesty, it was one of the best cupcakes I have ever had. We're talking Top 3.

The service was adequate here, especially considering how full the restaurant is on a constant basis. And while dining in an atmosphere such as it was, all I cared was that service was good, not that it was fast. It provided more time to enjoy my surroundings. While I have yet to dine at Chrystal Palace and Cinderella's Royal Table, those aside, this has been my best Magic Kingdom dining experience by a landslide! I'll go back again, provided I can score another reservation. I hear lunches here are quick service and rather good, but not once did I see a less than outrageous line to get in during those hours.

 

[RocketEAR99]

1 Visit - Rating 3

I'm sorry I didn't get but a couple pictures related to this place. It sits on Disney's Boardwalk and has seating available both outside and inside. We dined outside, so I cannot comment much on the decor except by what I saw through the windows. It appeared to be a contemporary atmosphere inside, yet cozy. I was thankful to be seated outside since it was a pleasant evening with a delicate breeze and a great view of Beach and Yacht Club across the lake.

You cannot place reservations here. It is strictly walk up. The restaurant was doing full business, but we were seated within about 15 minutes. Our server did his job satisfactorily. He did not frequent our table, but he was not slow either and he was still within earshot most of the time if we needed to get his attention.

For dinner, myself and another ordered the New York Strip and Shrimp Combo with garlic mashed potatoes and vegetables. The steak was tender, juicy, and cooked as ordered. The shrimp had some generous size and there were 6 of them when I started. I just didn't remember to take the picture until later.



Another in my party ordered the Rocket Red Ribs (A full slab of pork ribs, dry-rubbed and basted with Rocket Red Barbecue Sauce. Served with garlic mashed potatoes and vegetables.) He had no complaints and the ribs appeared to separate from the bone pretty well.



Additionally, since it is a microbrewery, we ordered some beer. The others in my party ordered the seasonal Summer Wheat which was light and smooth as hoped and expected. I ordered the award-winning Rocket Red Ale which was as flavorful with some bite as I expected.

I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here, but if you're in the neighborhood and hungry, it's an option worth considering. I also wouldn't go out of my way for a beer here unless you're going for the smooth Summer Wheat in season. That's worth a taste. But again, if you're in the neighborhood and want a cold refreshing beer, why not stop by and try something apart from the usual?

 

[oldtink]

The Grand Floridian Cafe and Mama Melrose are both on my list to eventually give a shot. I've heard good things about the former and nothing about the latter until now...I'll still give Mama Melrose a shot, but I don't expect it to trump Tony's. I do, however, expect Via Napoli and Tutto Italia in Epcot to trump Tony's. Thanks for your input on restaurants!

We have eaten at MM three times and the food is excellent, but the place is LOUD. It is entertaining to see the open kitchen and the "yeller" calling out the orders, but it makes it hard to have a conversation. The service was good and again the food was excellent.
But because my DH is starting to have hearing problems, he finds it hard to dine in silence because he can't really hear conversation, so we probably won't go back.