I'd like to try some new restaurants during my upcoming Sept/Oct trip? There are not alot of restaurants I've not eaten at though. The only ones I saw on AllEars are:
Plaza Restaurant at MK
Toy Story Planet at DS
Big River Grill at BW
ESPN Club at BW
the new Cat Kora restaurant at BW
Olivia's at OKW
Captain's Grill at YC
Shutters at CBR
Trail's End Restaurant at FW
Paradiso at DTD
Are any of these any good? I've also not eaten at any of the Swan/Dolphin restaurants, V&A, or Bistro de Paris, but am only interested in restaurants that are on the
DDP.
Here are my experiences. I am a bit of a "foodie" and not a Disney apologist, so bear that in mind:
Plaza Restaurant at MK
I like this one, but it isn't anything special. Get a sandwich and a milk shake and you won't go wrong. It is a little pricey for what it is, but eating at this location makes up for the lack of culinary creativity.
Toy Story Planet at DS
Have you ever heard that you can't get good pizza in Florida? This place proves that to be true! The pizza isn't bad - it is serviceable at best. DW got a salad here that was ok too. If you are hungry, want something relatively quick, and you are in Hollywood Studios, go for it. They have an arcade here so that may play into your daily plans as well.
Big River Grill at BW
This is on the Boardwalk - you can boat here from DHS or EPCOT (or walk from either), or take a bus to any of the Boardwalk resorts (including Swan or Dolphin) and walk here. It is officially at the Boardwalk Inn, so if you are taking a bus, cab, or driving yourself, that is the way to go. Burgers and Beer are both pretty good here - I can't speak for more than that because that is all I have had here. I think it is a good place to eat - especially if the weather is right for eating outside. Doesn't take ADRs.
ESPN Club at BW
Also on the Boardwalk, ESPNClub is good for watching a game and eating pub grub. I know they take TIW as I have gotten that discount before, but not sure about the dining plan. The atmosphere is what you'd expect from an ESPN inspired restaurant. I like most of their appetizers and usually just have apps and drinks here.
the new Cat Kora restaurant at BW
Spoodles is still functioning until August, so you won't see anything about Koussina for a little while longer.
Olivia's at OKW
I have never been here but I have heard/read this is a little hidden gem.
Captain's Grill at YC
Despite one glitch in our service here, I thought Cptn Grill was pretty good. Not overly fancy and make an ADR b/c they were really weird about me not having one - we got there when the place opened and there was maybe three tables seated. They told me 45 -60 minute wait!! I said I was willing to wait and they buzzed our pager in 10 minutes - strange, but true. The food was pretty good - I would definitely dine here again.
Shutters at CBR
I ate here once and of all the meals I have had on Disney property (and there have been many) I have no recollection of this one. Couldn't have been too awful or too great b/c I'd remember it!
Trail's End Restaurant at FW
Most inexpensive buffet on property, and you'll get solid, basic eats. I haven't been here, but everyone I know pretty much states that statement. Food is good, service is polite, you'll come out full!
Paradiso at DTD
Also not open yet, and the dining line had no information for me Sunday when I was asking about it.
For what it is worth, we like every restaurant at the Swan/Dolphin with the exception of garden grove. You'll be OOP at any of them since they aren't on the dining plan, but if you need an OOP meal, go for the Fountain. It is like Beaches and Cream in a way, and they give a
AAA discount. The food is good, ice cream great, and it is a fun place to eat.
Hope that helps!
