Park Restaurants ?

[jillrobinson]

In the past when we've been the parks have always closed early and we've had dinner in the village, Cafe Mickey, PH, RFC or Annettes, but this time the park will be open until 10.00 and 9.00pm respectively. We like to have one nice table service meal/day and I think really with just 2 days there it would be better taken in the park.
Saturday
Thinking EMH = very early breakfast @ hotel, so lunch around noon, I like to try different restaurants everytime so Fuente d'el Oro, Colonel Hathi's Pizza Outpost or Cowboy Cookout (I'm open to suggestions on best counter service) we've done Toad Hall, Au Chalet de Marionette and Pizza Planet.
and then main meal around 6.00 - Inventions (we cancelled last visit because DS was ill) or Auberge de Cendrillon, my niece (5) will be with us, but I have to bare in mind my DS's 13 and 8.
Is the food at Inventions similar to Lucky Nugget ? (my sister didn't like LN) I'm hoping not given the price difference, also does anyone know if the 20% discount for eating before 6.00 applies and do you still get the same character time earlier in the evening.
Sunday
Will request a GMF, otherwise as above for EMH and then Brunch at the Steakhouse in the Village ( had a GMF at The Steakhouse once and loved the setting), same question about the buffet as above though and evening meal, I've no idea, considering Walt's, Silver Spur Steakhouse, Plaza Gardens.
Any advice, suggestions greatly appreciated.
So many restaurants, so little time.

 

[A Small World]

We found that when the parks were open late we really appreciated a table service meal at lunch time (about 1.00) It gave us a break from the crowds during the day and also meant we werent fighting with the crowds for an evening meal. We could enjoy slightly shorter queues whilst people were eating and we just grabbed what we fancied from counter service when we felt like it without having to stick to a set time.

 

[Raci]

Sounds like you're making the same decisions as me Jill

I'd like to try some different places too. Although not yet decided whether to book Auberge or Inventions or maybe just stretch the budget and do both

But I too would love to know which counter service restaurants in DP people would recomend?

 

[Bexx]

At the risk of sounding boring, I would suggest booking Walt's for about an hour/half hour before a parade. Reserve in advance and ask very nicely for a window table. You get a great view and a good meal at the same time

 

[Ware Bears]

Both Inventions and Steakhouse offer far superior food to Lucky Nugget so hopefully your sister will like both of them. (In case that sounds bad I love going to the Lucky Nugget.)

We've gone both times to Inventions at 6pm. Characters have always turned up by 6.15pm. Can't help with the 20% discount for eating early, didn't even know there was any chance of this until I just looked at DLP foodguide now. Is it a new offer? The first time we went we used the AP voucher which gave 20% off, the second time we used shareholders discount of 15%.

 

[Ware Bears]

The only thing I am wondering about is doing both Steakhouse brunch then a table service meal in the evening? Not sure if you would be too full still from the brunch to fully enjoy the evening meal??

 

[jillrobinson]

Thanks everyone, I can see your point about lunchtime A Small World and I was wondering whether we'd be best eating then and perhaps chilling at the hotel for an hour or two, it kindof depends on Parade times as well though I wouldn't want to miss anything.
Elaine I loved the Lucky Nugget and wouldn't hesitate to go back and it's top of the boys' lists too, but sis wasn't fussed I definately would like to do the Sunday Brunch, but was expecting more of a snack style affair and Walt's in the evening as Bexx suggests would've fitted in nicely with my schedule there, but we can't just eat for the sake of it, although if it's cold or raining it would be very nice.

When it comes to Inventions or Auberge de Cendrillon I'm torn, they're both priced about the same, with Inventions I'm pretty sure there will be something everyone will like on the buffet, at ADC, I think we'll all struggle with the menu, (I won't eat Foie Gras or Veal on principal, so that kindof cuts down my meal choice and I have no idea what Pike Perch or Hypocras sauce tastes like) but my niece will love the prince/princesses & my boys will just have to take their DS's with them to pass the time.

 

[Ware Bears]

Oh dear, there are just too many restaurants and not enough days to eat in all of them!!

The Steakhouse brunch is a bit misleading in its name ~ it's a full-blown buffet like Lucky Nugget with a bit more upmarket food ~ and we usually spend a couple of hours in there so that could cut into valuable park time.

We loved Walt's but are going to leave eating there again until next summer. Same with Inventions ~ we've eaten there twice and thoroughly enjoyed it but will leave returning there until another time. Auberge ~ I'm hoping that perhaps the menu might become more expansive when it's up for review.

Good luck with your decisions!!

 

[Cyrano]

Oh dear, there are just too many restaurants and not enough days to eat in all of them!!

It's a lovely dilema.

Fuente and Inventions would get my vote.
We were disappointed with our character interaction at 6pm; but it seems that our experience was the exception