Opinions Needed, Please

[Terk-1]

Have started putting together a list of possible places to dine and was looking for some opinions. Will be there 10 days and will be on the dining plan. Most of these would be dinner, with CS for lunch. Not a big breakfast eater, so that would be just a pop tart or something. The one's with question marks are one's that I'm on the fence.

Tusker House (CS)
Crystal Palace
Liberty Tree Tavern?
Rose & Crown
Le Cellier
Spoodles?
50's Primetime
Mama Melrose's?
Whispering Canyon Cafe
California Grill?
Concourse Steakhouse
Garden Grill?
Cape May Buffet?
Yorkshire Fish (CS)
Sunshine Season (CS)
Casey's (CS)
Tempura Kiku?
Teppanyaki?
Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station? (CS)
Cosmic Ray's (CS)
1900?
Rosie's All American Cafe? (CS)
Chefs de France?
GRAND FLORIDIAN CAFE?

 

[Hopefully]

WOW! What a plan, I am hungry and envious all at the same time!
Many of your ?'s I have not tried, but a few I can comment on. (We agree closely on those you have definitely decided on!).
We ate at the Cape May Buffet 2 years ago, and all in all we were disappointed and did not return in October. If you caught the food just as it was being replenished on the buffet, it was okay. Otherwise - not so good. Also my DH and DS found the clams to be very chewy.
Teppenayaki is one of our favorite WS restaurants and a must do for every trip. The atmosphere is nice, we have always enjoyed sitting with others, an opportunity to meet other travelers. We find the food excellent, the service warm and friendly and the chefs, for the most part, quite entertaining.
We found Rosie's All American Cafe to be terrible. Plus there were very long lines for food and then it was difficult to find a table in the shade - or at all for that matter - to sit at.
This last trip we were pleasantly surprised at the Backlot Express at MGM.
Have a wonderful trip!

 

[GeorgiaAristocat]

Ohhhhh, I just LOVE planning restaurants!

I'll comment on Cali Grill . . .
You didn't say who was going, and this could make a difference in some of your choices (especially if you are dealing with young children or a lot of children OR if you are going to be adults only)

My husband and I ate at Cali Grill last September (on the dining plan). It was WONDERFUL. The atmosphere was excellent, the view was fantastic, seeing the fireworks from the observation deck made it all worthwhile. We had a nice, relaxing, very romantic dinner. The food is great, I just can't say enough good things . . .
Depending on how big your party is and whether you are all big eaters, I will say that I think it is VERY easy to share meals on the dining plan, especially if you have a water drinker or small eater. (I order like I eat a lot, then tend to leave a good portion on my plate.) We didn't share a meal here, but we easily could have. Neither of us finished our appetizer, or meal, or dessert. I found this to be true at most of the table service we ate at.

I respectfully disagree with Hopefully about Teppanyaki. We thought the food good and plentiful, but nothing out of the ordinary if you can get this at home.

Here are links to my full dining review, we had TS at Cali Grill, Teppanyaki, Kona Cafe, 50's Prime Time, CRT Breakfast, and Le Cellier. Dining Reviews

Have a great time planning your trip. I'm hungry now . . .

 

[Terri C]

You have some great selections listed. I can comment on a few.
We loved LTT. The characters were great and we liked the food. Chefs de France is good also. The atmosphere and service is outstanding. I like Teppanyaki but if you have a Benihana type place near you I don't think I would eat there unless you really had your heart set on it.

Have fun choosing! Let us know what you decide on.


Terri

 

[annie1995]

I can comment on a few of the places you have selected.

For starters Liberty Tree Tavern, a definate yes in my book. Great interaction with the characters, and the food was kind of homestyle, so the kids really loved it!
The same goes for Garden Grill. Great food and character interaction!

Now for Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station, we ate there, and my husband who is a human garbage disposal ( hope he doesn't read this post ) didn't finish his food. It tasted like fake chinese food at best. The only thing we really liked was the Ginger Creme Brulee(sp?) for dessert.

I am not sure about the other places that were up in the air for you, but these three we had experience at. Have a great trip!

 

[budbeerlady]

I loved Mama Melrose, I had the veal and it was great. And DD loved the atmosphere in there. She also loves gellato so I think that helped.

We loved 1900 park fare dinner, it was the favorite of dh because of all the meat and other options.

We all enjoyed le cellier, dd though her chicken strips were too spicey for her taste.

We didnt care for LTT and wouldnt go back. The characters were alright, but we could have done pics with them in the same costumes outside LTT the next day with little wait. The service was bad and the food wasnt so tasty. It was very bland. I make a better ham, gravy and turkey at home. Salt and pepper could do little to save it.

I enjoyed tusker house, had a great lunch there twice at AK. I like the chicken wrap, corn chowder and cheesecake best.

I wish we had done garden grill instead of LTT, it looked really good. Everyone looked like they were having fun and who knew the place rotated!

Good luck with your planning and have a good trip!

 

[Piglet54]

Spoodles has terrific food and a relaxed atmosphere. We tried them for dinner last trip, and we're going back. I haven't had breakfast there, but I've heard its great.

 

[kutchyone]

Tusker House (CS)
Crystal Palace - If between Liberty Tree I would select Liberty Tree over Crystal Palace.
Liberty Tree Tavern? - If between Liberty Tree I would select Liberty Tree over Crystal Palace.
Rose & Crown
Le Cellier - Wonderful
Spoodles? - Very good, would eat there again in a heart beat.50's Primetime
Mama Melrose's? - Hated it, are you eating here for the Fantasmic Package? If so use 2 TS credits and eat at the Brown Derby or pay out of pocket and eat at H & V.
Whispering Canyon Cafe
California Grill?
Concourse Steakhouse - Noisy
Garden Grill? - OK, nothing to write home about. With so many wonderful places to eat at in the World Showcase why bother with this one?Cape May Buffet? - Very good buffet for everyone, even those who do not enjoy seafood. Loved those clams and even the desserts, which normally on a buffet are not the best, were very good.
Yorkshire Fish (CS)
Sunshine Season (CS) - try Tangierine Cafe instead, much better CS food or even Liberty Inn.
Casey's (CS) - Just OK, preferred Pecos Bills/Cosmic Ray's or Columbia Harbor House.
Tempura Kiku?
Teppanyaki?
Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station? (CS)
Cosmic Ray's (CS)
1900?
Rosie's All American Cafe? (CS)
Chefs de France? - Very, very good meal.

What about Kona Cafe or Boma's?
GRAND FLORIDIAN CAFE?

 

[mic_key_mouse]

Tusker House (CS)- yes
Crystal Palace-yes
Liberty Tree Tavern? yes
Rose & Crown-yes
Le Cellier-yes
Spoodles? yes
50's Primetime no way I would eat a meal here again, maybe dessert?
Mama Melrose's? no
Whispering Canyon Cafe- one of the worst restaurants for food in WDW imo, the atmosphere is fun for the kids- but I am focusing on food
California Grill? HUGE yes
Concourse Steakhouse- I would go to Lecellier twice (or Shula's) rather than go here
Garden Grill? yes
Cape May Buffet? yes- if you go early and get the food when it is fresh
Yorkshire Fish (CS) yes
Sunshine Season (CS) yes
Casey's (CS) a better choice is Pecos Bills
Tempura Kiku?
Teppanyaki? no
Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station? (CS) no
Cosmic Ray's (CS) no
1900?
Rosie's All American Cafe? (CS)
Chefs de France? no- one of the most overpriced meals for medicre French food I have ever had (but I think it is hit or miss, either that or some of the positive reviews are from people that haven't eaten at a lot of Frech restaurants)
GRAND FLORIDIAN CAFE?

Haven't been to the others, so I can't comment Hope it helps.

 

[kandmwedding]

Tusker House (CS) --- yum
Crystal Palace --- never been here
Liberty Tree Tavern? --- really loved the turkey, green beans and dessert
Rose & Crown --- love fish & chips and the english rose
Le Cellier --- always a good choice
Spoodles? --- never been
50's Primetime --- didn't particularly enjoy the food here, prefer Hollywood & Vine when in MGM
Mama Melrose's? --- never been
Whispering Canyon Cafe --- mmmmmm.... ribs!
California Grill? --- never been
Concourse Steakhouse --- never been
Garden Grill? --- haven't been since the new menu came out
Cape May Buffet? --- never been
Yorkshire Fish (CS) --- same fish and chips as R&C, so yum!
Sunshine Season (CS) --- lots of choices that are good
Casey's (CS) --- don't love the hot dogs (I think that's just me though) but love the fries
Tempura Kiku? --- never been
Teppanyaki? --- never been
Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station? (CS) --- pretty good and nice for a change
Cosmic Ray's (CS) --- typical counter service
1900? --- never been
Rosie's All American Cafe? (CS) --- never been
Chefs de France? --- never been
GRAND FLORIDIAN CAFE? --- never been

A few I would add to your list --- Hollywood & Vine (this has become a must for us on every trip), Biergarten (it's not all strange German foods as most people think and the entertainment is fun), Sommerfest (yummy brats!), Lotus Blossom Cafe (love the eggrolls), Fountainview Cafe (the fruit croissants are to die for!), El Pirata y el Perico (great toppings bar).

 

[timandlesley]

Teppakanayi is one of my FAVORITES, I am going back this year for my b-day dinner. LOVED IT!!! GREAT food, especially for all you get on the plan. We loved it so much last year that we tried to go back during our trip but couldn't get in.

Mama Melrose- we LOVE the food and think it is a great value for the dining package w/ the Fantasmic package.

 

[Del]

Many different opinions as you can tell. I'll comment on LTT----great interaction with characters, lousy dry food. Prefer CP, CM or 1900 PF for a character meal.

Mama Melrose--our favorite. We go every time we are at MGM. Love the soup, salad, kids love the pasta, nice fish, take a look at the menu....great service...quiet.

good luck

Del

 

[princesstommi]

Rose & Crown - Have had both lunch & dinner here. Lunch was fantastic. Dinner was good.
Le Cellier - Had lunch here, was v. good.
Spoodles - fantastic dinner there our last trip. May become a *must do* for us.
50's Primetime - I enjoy it, DH not so much. Food is okay, and I have so much fun.
Mama Melrose's - okay. Would go back, but not on the top of my list.
Tempura Kiku? - Had a good afternoon snack/lunch here. DH loves their sushi
Cosmic Ray's (CS) - I prefer Pecos Bill's
Chefs de France? - Had a good lunch here in Oct. Goat Cheese & Tomato Tarte appetizer was to die for.

 

[Terk-1]

Sorry. Forgot to mention that this will be a solo trip, so just me dining at these places.

 

[Lulu's Mom]

I would recommend:

LTT - My DH really enjoyed this place as did I. The characters were great and we enjoyed the food.

Le Cellier - SO GOOD!!!! Maybe we should do this one twice, like someone mentioned instead of possibly the Concourse.

Tusker House - Good for CS since the food is different. Portions here are huge and really good, I always get the chicken.

The other places I have not been to yet but I am hoping to try a lot of your choices on our upcoming trip.

 

[Terk-1]

Thanks for your inputs. As I'm on the fence with some of these, thought I'd ask you all. Any other opinions, recommendations, etc.? I should state that I'm a pretty picky eater, so it's more of simple stuff like roasted chicken, steak, etc.

 

[idoteech]

Tusker House (CS) - Good for Counter Service
Crystal Palace - a MUST!!! We ate breakfast and dinner here - GREAT FOOD!!!
Liberty Tree Tavern? - can't help with this one.
Rose & Crown - can't help with this one
Le Cellier - Hear it's fabulous but some say it's overrated.
Spoodles? - can't help with this one
50's Primetime- was not AT ALL impressed with the atmosphere or the food.
Mama Melrose's? - can't help with this one
Whispering Canyon Cafe - get the soup. it's wonderful!
California Grill? - can't help with this one
Concourse Steakhouse - hear it's noisy!
Garden Grill? - can't help with this one
Cape May Buffet? - can't help with this one
Yorkshire Fish (CS) - hear it's great
Sunshine Season (CS) - can't help with this one - we ate at Electric Umbrella and LOVED it...suprisingly so...
Casey's (CS) - can't help with this one
Tempura Kiku? - can't help with this one
Teppanyaki? - can't help with this one
Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station? (CS) - can't help with this one
Cosmic Ray's (CS) - good
1900? - can't help with this one
Rosie's All American Cafe? (CS) - was not AT ALL impressed
Chefs de France? - can't help with this one
GRAND FLORIDIAN CAFE? - can't help with this one[/QUOTE]

 

[Wendy1953]

Tusker House (CS) haven't eaten here
Crystal Palace - Lovely
Liberty Tree Tavern? - Lunch has better choices of food, but lovely place to eat
Rose & Crown-haven't eaten here
Le Cellier- haven't eaten here
Spoodles? -- great
50's Primetime - I had a great time, dh wouldn't like it, dd loved it
Mama Melrose's?- loved it, food was great - service slow
Whispering Canyon Cafe- great fun
California Grill?-a bit overpriced, and I particularly didn't like the fireworks view from there
Concourse Steakhouse - haven't eaten there
Garden Grill?-haven't eaten here in a long time
Cape May Buffet?- haven't eaten here
Yorkshire Fish (CS) - haven't eaten here
Sunshine Season (CS) - haven't eaten here
Casey's (CS) - hot dogs, ff......if you're in the mood
Tempura Kiku? - haven't eaten here
Teppanyaki?- haven't eaten here - but planning on doing so
Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station? (CS) - haven't eaten here, looked like fast food make believe Chinese
Cosmic Ray's (CS) -haven't eaten here
1900? - haven't eaten here
Rosie's All American Cafe? (CS) - haven't eaten here
Chefs de France?- no question...great food, atmosphere and service
GRAND FLORIDIAN CAFE? - very good

Not sure how picky, picky you are, but some of these restaurants have elegant food....have you looked at the menu's on allears.net? I suggest you look at them before making your decision...Coral Reef, Brown Derby, Tony's Town Square are also worth trying. But as I just said, check out the menu's, you know what you like....ENJOY!

 

[Minerva]

LTT was fun. If you want to see most of the big characters it's a good choice. I found it to be much more relaxed than Chef Mickey's. The food is nothing spectacular but it was good enough that we'd go back. Just watch out for the mashed potatoes they were very salty.

I would consider 1900 Park Fare a must do if you have a Cinderella fan. Even if you don't it's a great choice. The food was very good for a buffet and the restaurant is very pretty. I've heard some people say they felt rushed with the characters there but we went at opening and had tons of time with them.