Opinions wanted on BOG, CRT, Tutto Italia, HDDR and more

[gharter]

Day #3 - Tutto Italia is ok, not great by any means. If you want great Italian at WDW, go to Il Mulino at the Swan. Not on DDP.
Day #4 - BoG. Again overrated. We have never had a bad meal there (as others have had) but have never had a great meal. Its fun to do once.
Day #5 - Kona, ate there once. Not bad, not memorable.
Day #6 - HDDR great to do at least once. A lot of fun.
Day #7 - CRT, very well done, worth doing at least once.

 

[JerseyJanice]

A couple of random comments—there is no such thing as “great” Italian food at Disney restaurants. It may be OK at Mama Melrose or Trattoria del Forno, but it won’t be great except possibly at Il Mulino which is not on the Dining Plan.

BOG is going to become a 2 credit meal for dinner. I’m not sure exactly the date it will switch to 2 TS, but I think it’s fairly soon.

 

[KellyHonos]

A couple of random comments—there is no such thing as “great” Italian food at Disney restaurants. It may be OK at Mama Melrose or Trattoria del Forno, but it won’t be great except possibly at Il Mulino which is not on the Dining Plan.

BOG is going to become a 2 credit meal for dinner. I’m not sure exactly the date it will switch to 2 TS, but I think it’s fairly soon.

When i booked BOG, the agent didn't say anyhting about the date I'd be coming, so I think i'm in the clear. but i'm going to double check.

 

[NYCgrrl]

A couple of random comments—there is no such thing as “great” Italian food at Disney restaurants. It may be OK at Mama Melrose or Trattoria del Forno, but it won’t be great except possibly at Il Mulino which is not on the Dining Plan.

BOG is going to become a 2 credit meal for dinner. I’m not sure exactly the date it will switch to 2 TS, but I think it’s fairly soon.

I believe the switch over date is July 27th.

 

[KellyHonos]

Just for general knowledge---- BOG becomes 2 credits at dinnner beginning July 27.

 

[CynBeth]

Hey, guys. For all you veterans out there, I wanted to ask a few questions on restaurants because I have some concerns about my reservations and I wanted to give myself a chance to change anything before it got too late. I'm headed to WDW in July and there's only 2 in my party, so fingers crossed based off any criticism on here, I'll be able to change something if needed.

Day 1: going to Disney Springs, and we really would like to try the Poutine place. Any good? We love poutine, so it sounds delicious.

Day 2: ROL dining package/Tusker House. I've been to Tusker House once in 2016, and I enjoyed it. Has this restaurant stayed consistent? Is there a different AK restaurant that also does character dining that would honor the ROL package? I don't think so, but figured I'd ask just in case.

Day 3: Tutto Italia in Epcot. I've heard really mixed things about this place; any thoughts? We love italian food, so we'd like to go somewhere with great italian.

Day 4: Be our Guest; this restaurant is concerning to me because I feel like a lot of people claim the food sucks. We went in 2016, and I have to say, I quite enjoyed it. What do you guys think?

Day 5: Kona Cafe. I wanted to come here based off of great reviews on the dis unplugged. I definitely want to give it a try. Plus we love the Poly and want to stay here one day, so coming here to eat once a trip helps cure our craving. What are some favorites off the menu?

Day 6: Hoop De Doo Revue. This I also booked based off of excellent recommendations. Is it worth the 2 TS credits?

Day &: Cinderella's Royal Table. I booked this off of great recommendations as well, but again, it's 2 TS credits....thoughts?

My biggest concerns as of now is the 2 TS credit reservations I have. Trying to decide whether or not to keep both or let go of one...We didn't get a chance to do CRT last time, so we really want to do that, but then HDDR also sounds great. If I keep both, I'm going to have to look at paying for something out of pocket, which I think may be Kona, based off prices Ive seen on the menu.

What do you guys think? Any recommendations or suggestions would be so helpful.

We have only done breakfast at Tusker House but really enjoy it.

We have been to Tutto Italia twice for lunch and love it!

We also enjoy BOG for dinner.

 

[LongLiveRafiki]

Since you mentioned you're vegetarian, I thought I'd chime in on my experience with the two places you've listed that I've been to.

CRT was fantastic. We went in August and the vegetarian option was a Tofu Vegetable Couscous (looks like it's currently the same) and it was absolutely delicious. For an app, I had tomato soup, which was also very flavorful, though your app option may vary. 2 credits is a lot and the value on the DDP isn't the greatest, I felt it was totally worth it. It was our favorite restaurant of the trip.

HDD- I know you said you cancelled it, but thought you'd like another perspective. They have a separate vegetarian menu with 3 options. 1) Pasta with butter, oil, or marinara, 2) Grilled Veggies in Vinaigrette (squash, mushrooms, zucchini, and tomatoes with spinach and edamame), or 3) Pasta Primavera with veggies and marinara sauce. There's also a Grilled Salmon with veggies option if you're pescatarian. I went with option 3. It was simple wagon wheel pasta with marinara and vegetables but still good. Vegetarians are also provided with the salad, cornbread, mashed potatoes, corn, and strawberry shortcake from the regular menu. In my opinion, it was a ton of different things to eat (far more than I'm offered as a meal at most restaurants in Disney or elsewhere) and definitely didn't feel like I had to scrape together a bunch of randomness to make a meal. (I'm used to making meals at restaurants out of random sides and I know it sucks.)

Anyway, again when it comes to the 2 credit value on the DDP for HDD, it's not the greatest, but the experience itself of HDD definitely was. The fact that you get a show along with your AYCTE dinner, plus unlimited alcohol and tip included lessened the blow of spending two credits.

Everyone has different opinions, but CRT and HDD are now on our repeat list for our next trip.

 

[KellyHonos]

Since you mentioned you're vegetarian, I thought I'd chime in on my experience with the two places you've listed that I've been to.

CRT was fantastic. We went in August and the vegetarian option was a Tofu Vegetable Couscous (looks like it's currently the same) and it was absolutely delicious. For an app, I had tomato soup, which was also very flavorful, though your app option may vary. 2 credits is a lot and the value on the DDP isn't the greatest, I felt it was totally worth it. It was our favorite restaurant of the trip.

HDD- I know you said you cancelled it, but thought you'd like another perspective. They have a separate vegetarian menu with 3 options. 1) Pasta with butter, oil, or marinara, 2) Grilled Veggies in Vinaigrette (squash, mushrooms, zucchini, and tomatoes with spinach and edamame), or 3) Pasta Primavera with veggies and marinara sauce. There's also a Grilled Salmon with veggies option if you're pescatarian. I went with option 3. It was simple wagon wheel pasta with marinara and vegetables but still good. Vegetarians are also provided with the salad, cornbread, mashed potatoes, corn, and strawberry shortcake from the regular menu. In my opinion, it was a ton of different things to eat (far more than I'm offered as a meal at most restaurants in Disney or elsewhere) and definitely didn't feel like I had to scrape together a bunch of randomness to make a meal. (I'm used to making meals at restaurants out of random sides and I know it sucks.)

Anyway, again when it comes to the 2 credit value on the DDP for HDD, it's not the greatest, but the experience itself of HDD definitely was. The fact that you get a show along with your AYCTE dinner, plus unlimited alcohol and tip included lessened the blow of spending two credits.

Everyone has different opinions, but CRT and HDD are now on our repeat list for our next trip.

Wow. I am absolutely appalled at the fact that the agent I spoke to didn't know this. I explained the situation to her, saying that the menu at HDDR looked like there was nothing of substance for me to eat there, and she said that it was pretty much meat and that the only things there would be for me is macaroni and vegetables, which didn't elicit a 2 credit meal in my eyes, so I cancelled. I can't believe you just shared all of those amazing options in place of meat.....Really mad the agent didn't know that??? Now I've cancelled it and probably won't be able to get it back since it's so popular.....wow. Whatever, I'll just make it a priority to go next time I guess....

As for CRT, I'm very excited to try this place out. I have wanted to go the last 2 trips but couldn't swing the 2 credits, so I guess now it's meant to be.

Thanks for your feedback!

 

[ENJDisneyFan]

Wow. I am absolutely appalled at the fact that the agent I spoke to didn't know this. I explained the situation to her, saying that the menu at HDDR looked like there was nothing of substance for me to eat there, and she said that it was pretty much meat and that the only things there would be for me is macaroni and vegetables, which didn't elicit a 2 credit meal in my eyes, so I cancelled. I can't believe you just shared all of those amazing options in place of meat.....Really mad the agent didn't know that??? Now I've cancelled it and probably won't be able to get it back since it's so popular.....wow. Whatever, I'll just make it a priority to go next time I guess....

As for CRT, I'm very excited to try this place out. I have wanted to go the last 2 trips but couldn't swing the 2 credits, so I guess now it's meant to be.

Thanks for your feedback!

They should really post the vegetarian options online so everyone has access to that information. What a bummer OP, I'm sorry you cancelled

 

[tsme]

Tutto italia was horrible for us. The food was very bland, tasteless, and the service wasn’t great.

Kona is good, service seems to be spotty. I love the sushi & the Asian stir fry

HDDR is so much fun & the food is good.

Cinderella’s royal table is great for the experience. The food is ok.

 

[KellyHonos]

They should really post the vegetarian options online so everyone has access to that information. What a bummer OP, I'm sorry you cancelled

I made another thread about the 3 bizarre experiences I had with dining agents. How could a dining agent not know this? I'm so mad.

 

[piratepride]

We have been to BOG several times for lunch. We have never had a bad meal or experience there. You can pre order thru your MDE as well and I highly suggest this. This basically allows you to avoid the long line! ROL/Tusker House character meal is a great deal as well.

 

[Mambo Junkie]

Day 1: going to Disney Springs, and we really would like to try the Poutine place. Any good? We love poutine, so it sounds delicious.
Haven't tried it.
Day 2: ROL dining package/Tusker House. I've been to Tusker House once in 2016, and I enjoyed it. Has this restaurant stayed consistent? Is there a different AK restaurant that also does character dining that would honor the ROL package? I don't think so, but figured I'd ask just in case.
Love the Tusker House
Day 3: Tutto Italia in Epcot. I've heard really mixed things about this place; any thoughts? We love italian food, so we'd like to go somewhere with great italian.
We ate there last time and enjoyed it.
Day 4: Be our Guest; this restaurant is concerning to me because I feel like a lot of people claim the food sucks. We went in 2016, and I have to say, I quite enjoyed it. What do you guys think?
I don't care for it. Personally, I love the Jungle Canteen.
Day 5: Kona Cafe. I wanted to come here based off of great reviews on the dis unplugged. I definitely want to give it a try. Plus we love the Poly and want to stay here one day, so coming here to eat once a trip helps cure our craving. What are some favorites off the menu?
Have never eaten there
Day 6: Hoop De Doo Revue. This I also booked based off of excellent recommendations. Is it worth the 2 TS credits?
Family fun. The food isn't bad
Day &: Cinderella's Royal Table. I booked this off of great recommendations as well, but again, it's 2 TS credits....thoughts?
We eat there because of granddaughters and princesses. I personally don't care for the food. To me, it's just ok. I may try breakfast next time. It's hard to ruin breakfast.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

Thank you for the feedback!!! My trip is second week of july, so I think we should be okay. I think I'm going to let go of HDDR because the only thing I'm seeing on the menu is fried chicken.

and if I remember the beans have meat in also. as much as I love HDDR in your situation I would let it go as hard as it is to say that

 

[GeorgiaHoo]

Couple thoughts. We've had dinner and lunch x2 at Be Our Guest. The food is fine--not great, not terrible--and we'd eat there again. That said, my wife is vegetarian and the menu is pretty limited generally, and can't recall what they had on the vegetarian side (a pasta maybe?). We've never eaten at CRT, but REALLY enjoyed California Grill brunch if that's an option for you. Best meal we've had at Disney by a long ways, and many more options than CRT. Haven't had Tutto Italia, but we've enjoyed the pizza/pasta at Via Napoli, and had a great time sitting on the patio both times there. A bit of wait to sit outside, but well worth it, especially since it is really loud inside the restaurant.

 

[LongLiveRafiki]

and if I remember the beans have meat in also. as much as I love HDDR in your situation I would let it go as hard as it is to say that

Yes, the beans do have meat, but there's lots of other vegetarian options as I posted above.

 

[KellyHonos]

Thank you all so much for your feedback. Based on the commentary here, I changed Tutto Italia to Akershus, and I let the HDDR reservation go due to an agent informing me that there wasn't many vegetarian options (to which now I realize that was a goof on her part, but oh well, I'll book it next trip), and instead we will dine at Mama Melrose. Ive been there 2x before I quite enjoyed my dishes, so we will just go there.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I've read on other threads that people were only offered pasta with marinara as the veggie option at HDDR. Like with so many things at Disney, it can be a different experience depending on the day. I would honestly skip it and not risk being let down.

I've done BOG dinner and enjoyed it but it was a one and done type thing for dinner. I do want to try lunch.

We've done CRT lunch 3 times. Always enjoyed it. They rush you out but it's a nice experience.

Tusker House breakfast was our best breakfast and best buffet on Disney ever. It's so good!

Kona breakfast was good. I wouldn't go out of my way for it though.

We pay OOP also. No DDP the past two trips.

 

[KellyHonos]

I've read on other threads that people were only offered pasta with marinara as the veggie option at HDDR. Like with so many things at Disney, it can be a different experience depending on the day. I would honestly skip it and not risk being let down.

I've done BOG dinner and enjoyed it but it was a one and done type thing for dinner. I do want to try lunch.

We've done CRT lunch 3 times. Always enjoyed it. They rush you out but it's a nice experience.

Tusker House breakfast was our best breakfast and best buffet on Disney ever. It's so good!

Kona breakfast was good. I wouldn't go out of my way for it though.

We pay OOP also. No DDP the past two trips.

Just curious, why not dining plan? Do you not utilize the amount of food?

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Just curious, why not dining plan? Do you not utilize the amount of food?

We used to do it when the kids were smaller and did tons of character meals but it's just not worth it anymore.

Last trip we did the Labor Day exclusive and had no choice but to pay OOP. We stayed for 10 nights/11 days and ate wherever and whatever we wanted. It was my SO's first trip so I wanted to give him the full experience. My son was 15 and DD9 but she ordered off the adult menu a few times. We did 9 TS which included Ohana, Chef Mickey, CRT, CG, VN x 2, B&C, Kona and BOG. We also did 15 QS meals, ate and drank around the world two nights, a night at Trader Sam's and did a lot of snacking. We paid about $2300 for our food, snacks, alcohol and tips. Had we done the DDP it would've been $2040 (back in 2015) BUT that doesn't include our alcohol, our night at Trader Sam's and drinking and snacking around the world. I believe when I did the math after our trip we would've had to pay $500-800+ extra over the DDP since we actually used 12 TS credits and 15 QS credits plus tips. Let's not even get into our Trader Sam's night and nights of drinking around the world.

Next trip I'm renting points and didn't even think about adding on the DDP. It's just DD12 and myself and we aren't making many ADR's (3 over a 9 night trip). We want to try out some lounges, maybe share apps, do same day ADR's, try more QS places so we don't want to be tied down to a plan.