Pep Talk Needed!

[Sarahh1027]

Hello all! It's that time for me- just over three weeks until I can book my ADRs!!! Of course like the true Disney fan I am, I've been planning and changing and rethinking and obsessing over which restaurants to book. This started months ago- and now it's crunch time! (Don't judge- November 3rd will be here before I know it!) Anyways- what I need is to hear great things about my choices! I've read so many negative comments about my choices but after MONTHS of deciding, my official choices are in my opinion the best choice for my vacation. Of course I know lots of people don't like certain restaurants for very real reasons, but I'm hoping I can get positive reviews and comments about my choices. Only happy thoughts and if there is none for one of my choices well I'll take that into consideration too! Okay so here's the background: my boyfriend and I have an entire 7 night vacation booked for the first week of May. The best part?? It's his very first Disney vacation!!! I CAN'T CONTAIN MY EXCITEMENT!! He's super excited too- but just not anywhere near my level of excitement. And he left ALL the planning up to me (like he had a choice!) He isn't a HUGE picky eater- but he likes what he likes and doesn't stray. On the other hand- I eat just about everything. Here's the plan: Be Our Guest for dinner at Magic Kingdom the night we arrive (he loves the Beast so he's pretty excited about this one- he plans on getting the steak). Yes, I had him look over all the menus for my choices. He doesn't totally understand the reasoning behind this but the last thing I need is to get there and have him wanting to order off the kids menu because he doesn't understand what pommes frites is- FRIES. THEY'RE FRIES. YOU LIKE FRIES. Okay sorry, a little off topic. Anyways- the next day I'm planning Via Napoli at Epcot. He's Italian and loves pizza. The next day is Magic Kingdom again but this time for rope drop- so I'm thinking we leave early evening for dinner at Ohana. He loves meat. The next day is our rest/downtown Disney day and The Crossroads at The House of Blues is the big winner (This ones a keeper- I've been there my last two trips and I'm totally in love with it)! Then it's Animal Kingdom day. Rainforest Cafe (which I'm a huge fan of and he's been to our local one so its a keeper). Next is Sci Fi Diner at Hollywood Studios. (After lunch at Pizza planet which I love and I know he will too..like I said, he loves pizza!) Then our last full day is back to Magic Kingdom. Dinner at Tony's because who doesn't like a heaping mound of pasta? I've been here also. Wow I wrote a lot...thank you to all who actually read this! So I guess I'm asking for happy stories about dinner at Be Our Guest, (Fingers crossed I get the reservation!), dinner at Via Napoli, dinner at Ohana, and dinner at Sci Fi Diner. As for lunch, do you guys have a favorite place to have quick service at Epcot? I usually get Electric Umbrella (you can't beat chicken fingers and burgers) but anyone prefer elsewhere? Maybe Sunshine Terrace or just snacking around the world? Also one Magic Kingdom day I'm thinking lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern. I really want to try the turkey meal. Any thoughts?
Incase you all couldn't tell I'm bored (I'm stuck at home sick with a really bad cold) so yeah I hope you all have some good things to say! Thank you all in advance!! (also if you read the whole thing just to find that you've never eaten at any of those restaurants or had any good experiences there I apologize and thank you for sticking it out)

 

[Roobear77]

The only one I can comment on is dinner at BOG. I know there are a lot of negative review, but this was one of our best meals when we were there in January. We both had the steak (I substituted the au gratin macaroni) and it was very good. Decent quality and cooked exactly how we wasked. Kids had the chicken brochette with broccoli and I tried it, was also very good. We had one of each of the strawberry, lemon meringue and chocolate cupcakes, and my hubby had the eclair. All delicious.

 

[mickeygirl78]

It sounds like a fun trip! It's been a few years since I went to BOG for dinner (have done lunch more recently). Dinner was fabulous though. I had the steak w/ fries and french onion soup. Loved it. Btw - lunch is really good there too! I've had dinner at 'Ohana twice, most recently last month. It's really good. There is tons of food. Everything was hot, served promptly, service was excellent. Everyone in our party really enjoyed it. I made the mistake of not getting a Sci-Fi adr at my 180 days and then was not able to find one for my trip last month. I was disappointed because our meal at Sci-Fi in 2013 was one of the best of that trip. I had the chicken pasta, it was so good!! Other family members had the steak and commented that it was better than at some of the steak places on property. The atmosphere is so fun too. Make sure to get a milkshake! I've never done Liberty Tree for lunch but I have for dinner. I love the dinner meal.

At EPCOT we tend to eat our QS at Sunshine Seasons, there is a nice variety. The fish & chips stand in the UK is really good too.

 

[Sarahh1027]

The only one I can comment on is dinner at BOG. I know there are a lot of negative review, but this was one of our best meals when we were there in January. We both had the steak (I substituted the au gratin macaroni) and it was very good. Decent quality and cooked exactly how we wasked. Kids had the chicken brochette with broccoli and I tried it, was also very good. We had one of each of the strawberry, lemon meringue and chocolate cupcakes, and my hubby had the eclair. All delicious.

Thank you! That is so good to hear because i am definitely most excited for dinner here! My boyfriend is definitely getting the steak and I'm stuck on either the steak or the seafood pastry puff. They both look sooo good!

 

[kwdw]

Quick service in EPCOT? You need a touring plan to decide on this. You don't want to be in WS but thinking of heading to Future World to eat. Too far to walk. If he has to have chicken fingers or burgers - you can get those in America. I never pre-plan quick service in EPCOT - there are enough choices, IMO - and I can't predict when and where I'll be hungry.

LTT for lunch - one of my favorite meals on property. But - you could do dinner there instead of Tony's, too. IF you don't get BOG for dinner - plan lunch one day there instead. But hopefully you'll be lucky. You'll have a greater chance of getting BOG for dinner LATER in your trip since folks can make ADR's 180 + 10 days......

Rainforest Cafe? When you have one back home? I'd suggest Flame Tree Barbecue or Tusker House instead. I get why people go to Rainforest if they don't have one close to home, but since you do - I'd really suggest trying someplace else. I hear loud and clear that he isn't an adventurous eater - but Tusker House does have normal meats, chicken, mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, etc. I personally haven't been to Flame Tree yet, but folks who like meat seem to love the place.

 

[Sarahh1027]

It sounds like a fun trip! It's been a few years since I went to BOG for dinner (have done lunch more recently). Dinner was fabulous though. I had the steak w/ fries and french onion soup. Loved it. Btw - lunch is really good there too! I've had dinner at 'Ohana twice, most recently last month. It's really good. There is tons of food. Everything was hot, served promptly, service was excellent. Everyone in our party really enjoyed it. I made the mistake of not getting a Sci-Fi adr at my 180 days and then was not able to find one for my trip last month. I was disappointed because our meal at Sci-Fi in 2013 was one of the best of that trip. I had the chicken pasta, it was so good!! Other family members had the steak and commented that it was better than at some of the steak places on property. The atmosphere is so fun too. Make sure to get a milkshake! I've never done Liberty Tree for lunch but I have for dinner. I love the dinner meal.

At EPCOT we tend to eat our QS at Sunshine Seasons, there is a nice variety. The fish & chips stand in the UK is really good too.

Thats great to hear about Ohana!! I've been reading some upsetting negative comments about it and it makes me sad because I'm so excited to try it!! As for your meal at BOG-YUM! I must try the french onion soup! I absolutely can't wait for this meal and experience! I also haven't heard much about Sci-Fi's food so that is really awesome to hear! I can't wait, I think this will be my boyfriend's favorite's atmosphere- an excuse to watch tv while eating and very little conversation I originally wanted to go to LTT for dinner but I opted for Ohana instead but I still would love to experience it for lunch! Oooo fish and chips sound awesome. I'll have to check out the menu for the place- not sure the boyfriend will eat it but maybe there's more on the menu? I'll look into it! Thanks for the input!

 

[brinkley07]

We just returned 2 days ago and here are my thoughts. BOG atmosphere was amazing, but food was mediocre at best. I did have the steak and it was a little tough with very little seasoning ( and I usually only put a little salt on my steak when I cook). Family (DH and my mom) had several other dishes which they weren't in love with as well. We were so disappointed in the food and we cancelled a second dinner reservation we had for the end of the week. Pictures with the Beast are awesome though, and the interaction for my little guy was great! Via Napoli was amazing and all of the food was good. Between all of us we had chicken parm, pizza, and a pasta dish with several appetizers...all of it was wonderful so def. go there. If you like Rainforest then go and the food was good when we went. Sci-Fi was ok, but the onion rings were very greasy. All of the other food was good, but we actually didn't eat the onion rings sending them back instead. It's fun theming so it does make for a fun meal! Lastly was 'Ohana which has made our do not return for a while list because the food was too spicy for DH, the chicken came out raw in the center, and they really rushed us through the meal this time. Maybe it was a rough night, and DH had always had this on his must do list prior to this visit. As with anything I love some places that others don't and we always will re-try things again in a year or more. Since we had always loved 'Ohana I'm disappointed at how it turned out and I would try it again, but also if you want a little romance try to get a table that isn't in a walkway where the kids will parade and play games. Tony's never fails us and we loved it this year as well. I'm from Boston area and grew up eating in the North End, so I go against the grain with Tony's and have always lucked out with a good meal. Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[Sarahh1027]

Quick service in EPCOT? You need a touring plan to decide on this. You don't want to be in WS but thinking of heading to Future World to eat. Too far to walk. If he has to have chicken fingers or burgers - you can get those in America. I never pre-plan quick service in EPCOT - there are enough choices, IMO - and I can't predict when and where I'll be hungry.

LTT for lunch - one of my favorite meals on property. But - you could do dinner there instead of Tony's, too. IF you don't get BOG for dinner - plan lunch one day there instead. But hopefully you'll be lucky. You'll have a greater chance of getting BOG for dinner LATER in your trip since folks can make ADR's 180 + 10 days......

Rainforest Cafe? When you have one back home? I'd suggest Flame Tree Barbecue or Tusker House instead. I get why people go to Rainforest if they don't have one close to home, but since you do - I'd really suggest trying someplace else. I hear loud and clear that he isn't an adventurous eater - but Tusker House does have normal meats, chicken, mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, etc. I personally haven't been to Flame Tree yet, but folks who like meat seem to love the place.

Thank you for your opinions! Hmm I definitely have to check out the Tusker House menu now. I think I'd like to try somewhere new and I've had my eyes on this one but never took the chance to really check it out. I'm gonna do that right now! You have a good point about dinner at LTT instead of Tony's! I do love Tony's though, anyone ever have lunch there? and is splitting a plate there (such a chicken parm) frowned on at restaurants? That would be the perfect lunch for us followed by a later dinner at LTT. Of course we'd tip as if we got two entrees. I've never eve fathomed splitting a meal at a restaurant but it sounds like a good lunch plan for a table service restaurant. But is it even allowed! If I can't get the first night dinner at BOG maybe Ill try for the last night and go to LTT the first night...guess it depends on what I can get! Can't be too choosy...just to be at Disney World is more than enough!

 

[marchingstar]

my only first is that it might be tricky to get BOG dinner for your arrival day. I would try to stay flexible--it might be easier to book BOG for your second mk day and Tony's for your first day.

I think for me there would be a bit too much repetition in these restaurants (I couldn't eat pasta, pizza, and burgers and fries this often) so I would be inclined to add some more variety. but if you know its the kind of food you two will enjoy, I say go with it

oh one more point: last year in May HS restaurants had special star wars meals (Hollywood and vine did a jedi mickey dinner, where disney characters were in Star Wars costumes, and Sci Fi did a breakfast with storm troopers and others). Im guessing neither has been announced yet, but if the dinner appeals to you I would book dinner at H&V, or leave space in your schedule for the breakfast.

 

[Sarahh1027]

We just returned 2 days ago and here are my thoughts. BOG atmosphere was amazing, but food was mediocre at best. I did have the steak and it was a little tough with very little seasoning ( and I usually only put a little salt on my steak when I cook). Family (DH and my mom) had several other dishes which they weren't in love with as well. We were so disappointed in the food and we cancelled a second dinner reservation we had for the end of the week. Pictures with the Beast are awesome though, and the interaction for my little guy was great! Via Napoli was amazing and all of the food was good. Between all of us we had chicken parm, pizza, and a pasta dish with several appetizers...all of it was wonderful so def. go there. If you like Rainforest then go and the food was good when we went. Sci-Fi was ok, but the onion rings were very greasy. All of the other food was good, but we actually didn't eat the onion rings sending them back instead. It's fun theming so it does make for a fun meal! Lastly was 'Ohana which has made our do not return for a while list because the food was too spicy for DH, the chicken came out raw in the center, and they really rushed us through the meal this time. Maybe it was a rough night, and DH had always had this on his must do list prior to this visit. As with anything I love some places that others don't and we always will re-try things again in a year or more. Since we had always loved 'Ohana I'm disappointed at how it turned out and I would try it again, but also if you want a little romance try to get a table that isn't in a walkway where the kids will parade and play games. Tony's never fails us and we loved it this year as well. I'm from Boston area and grew up eating in the North End, so I go against the grain with Tony's and have always lucked out with a good meal. Good luck and have a great trip!

That is so funny because I'm from the south shore (halfway between the Cape and Boston)! I really hope the BOG food is good- but like you said the atmosphere and meeting Beast makes it worth it! You have a point about Ohana's seating. Although watching the kids will be cute I dont think we want them too close and banging into our table! You definitely psyched me up for Via Napoli, real Italian pizza at Epcot is literally a dream come true! I hope you had a wonderful trip and thank you for sharing your experiences!

 

[Sarahh1027]

my only first is that it might be tricky to get BOG dinner for your arrival day. I would try to stay flexible--it might be easier to book BOG for your second mk day and Tony's for your first day.

I think for me there would be a bit too much repetition in these restaurants (I couldn't eat pasta, pizza, and burgers and fries this often) so I would be inclined to add some more variety. but if you know its the kind of food you two will enjoy, I say go with it

oh one more point: last year in May HS restaurants had special star wars meals (Hollywood and vine did a jedi mickey dinner, where disney characters were in Star Wars costumes, and Sci Fi did a breakfast with storm troopers and others). Im guessing neither has been announced yet, but if the dinner appeals to you I would book dinner at H&V, or leave space in your schedule for the breakfast.

Oh my goodess that would be amazing...it just so happens we love star wars. He is obsessed with Yoda actually That is an awesome idea! I'm so glad you guys are shining some light on the BOG reservations for the first night- I always forget about the 180+10 thing. Plenty of other people are aiming for the same night but they get days in advance! I will have to aim for a later night but still hoping for the best!

 

[kwdw]

When I travel with the boyfriend, we frequently split meals at WDW - both lunch or dinner. We'll get one entree, but might add an appetizer, salad or dessert to make sure we will both get enough food. Just kinda depends on what we feel like. We don't feel obligated to tip as if we had ordered two entrees, but we do make sure tip generously based on what we do order - so this is a time we are likely to hit the 20% tip category. We had crap service one time when splitting a meal - and that got a low tip. Another time - we had AWESOME service with a split meal - and he got more like we had ordered two entrees. So, while we try to respect when splitting that we might sometimes be a "cheap table for one" yet the server is working for two, we look at the whole service experience when it comes to the tip.

 

[AngieInOH]

I think you'll be fine. The one I would question is Rainforest...... are you sure you want to do that if you have one locally? They have T-Rex which might be a little different. I haven't eaten at either so I can't make a comparison.

 

[Shellyb84]

I'm planning a March 2016 trip and a July 2016 trip and completely obsessing over both It's driving me crazy that I can't plan our itineraries for the July trip yet since park hours aren't posted!!!

BOG is lovely and the food was pretty good (not as amazing as I expected, but by far better than any other restaurant in MK). Next time we are going to try it for lunch instead of dinner.

O'hana is one of our favorites, a must-do every trip. The food is good (the appetizers are my favorite part) and it's such a fun atmosphere and the service is excellent and friendly. One additional recommendation at the Polynesian, is the Spirit of Aloha dinner show. It's a really fun show. The food isn't amazing, but it's decent and plain enough to suit picky eaters, and beer and wine is included.

Sci Fi is a good choice for HS. The only other good place there IMO is Brown Derby. Alternatively, you could take the short ferry over to the Boardwalk/Yacht and Beach Club area and eat at one of the restaurants there or in World Showcase.

My favorite quick service in Epcot is the Yorkshire County Fish Shoppe.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I am afraid what your boyfriend is going to be saying is "why are you making me eat some of this junke"

Dinner at Tony's. He's Italian???? NO! RUN !!!!! Please don't do this. It's HORRIBLE. It makes Olive Garden look like a gourmet restaurant! You may be one of the few people I have heard of who having eaten there would return! He's Italian, I think he won't like it;....

My concern with O'hana is the 'hit or miss' quality. Some times it OUTSTANDING. Other times it's HORRID! Too risky IMHO.

Personally I wouldn't do Rainforest since you can eat there anywhere and you apparently have a local one (there's nothing special about the Disney versions!) . What about Boma, or skip Tony's and do a signature meal with good steak at Jikos! Plus that gives you a chance to explore that beautiful hotel and have a nice romantic dinner (something I don't see anyplace on this meal plan.. most of these will be overrun with kids LOL!)

 

[brinkley07]

That is so funny because I'm from the south shore (halfway between the Cape and Boston)! I really hope the BOG food is good- but like you said the atmosphere and meeting Beast makes it worth it! You have a point about Ohana's seating. Although watching the kids will be cute I dont think we want them too close and banging into our table! You definitely psyched me up for Via Napoli, real Italian pizza at Epcot is literally a dream come true! I hope you had a wonderful trip and thank you for sharing your experiences!

We had a great trip...thanks! So funny we are from the same area! The kids were cute, but they really did bump into the tables and parents were leaning over peoples shoulders to take pics. I have kids but still felt some of the parents were extremely rude. No matter what happens it's Disney, so it is wonderful!

 

[Sarahh1027]

We had a great trip...thanks! So funny we are from the same area! The kids were cute, but they really did bump into the tables and parents were leaning over peoples shoulders to take pics. I have kids but still felt some of the parents were extremely rude. No matter what happens it's Disney, so it is wonderful!

Yes exactly! To me there is no such thing as a bad trip to Disney or even a "bad" meal! Sure there are places I'm sure people have no need to revisit but I mean define "bad"...it's DISNEY!!! Bad and Disney..they just dont mix!

 

[Sarahh1027]

I am afraid what your boyfriend is going to be saying is "why are you making me eat some of this junke"

Dinner at Tony's. He's Italian???? NO! RUN !!!!! Please don't do this. It's HORRIBLE. It makes Olive Garden look like a gourmet restaurant! You may be one of the few people I have heard of who having eaten there would return! He's Italian, I think he won't like it;....

My concern with O'hana is the 'hit or miss' quality. Some times it OUTSTANDING. Other times it's HORRID! Too risky IMHO.

Personally I wouldn't do Rainforest since you can eat there anywhere and you apparently have a local one (there's nothing special about the Disney versions!) . What about Boma, or skip Tony's and do a signature meal with good steak at Jikos! Plus that gives you a chance to explore that beautiful hotel and have a nice romantic dinner (something I don't see anyplace on this meal plan.. most of these will be overrun with kids LOL!)

So true! We will be 22 & 21 at the time of the trip so we're sort of like kids ourselves but i really appreciate your opinion! Infact I'm looking into a different place for dinner on our Animal Kingdom day. I went to the AK Rainforest Cafe and it was great but the one near us (over an hours drive but we took the trek to appease my Disney withdrawals!) that one just wasn't as good. I think it's one of those hit or miss situations. But hey been there, done that, I'm thinking its time to try somewhere new! I've been on the fence with Ohana, we will try it..I'm really hoping we have a good experience! I can definitely see how it is a hit or miss! As for Tony's, I've been spoiled with homemade sauce my whole life but still enjoyed the atmosphere (huge lady and the tramp fan!) and my spaghetti was really good. But then again I'm nowhere near a fine food eater. Think comfort foods mostly! He's definitely a pickier eater but if its something he likes he isn't picky. He just won't try anything fancy sounding! He may be Italian but he eats just like any 21 year old American! On the other hand I was brought up with different cultural dishes, things he wouldn't even think of trying. How do you know you don't like something if you don't try it?

 

[Sarahh1027]

I'm planning a March 2016 trip and a July 2016 trip and completely obsessing over both It's driving me crazy that I can't plan our itineraries for the July trip yet since park hours aren't posted!!!

BOG is lovely and the food was pretty good (not as amazing as I expected, but by far better than any other restaurant in MK). Next time we are going to try it for lunch instead of dinner.

O'hana is one of our favorites, a must-do every trip. The food is good (the appetizers are my favorite part) and it's such a fun atmosphere and the service is excellent and friendly. One additional recommendation at the Polynesian, is the Spirit of Aloha dinner show. It's a really fun show. The food isn't amazing, but it's decent and plain enough to suit picky eaters, and beer and wine is included.

Sci Fi is a good choice for HS. The only other good place there IMO is Brown Derby. Alternatively, you could take the short ferry over to the Boardwalk/Yacht and Beach Club area and eat at one of the restaurants there or in World Showcase.

My favorite quick service in Epcot is the Yorkshire County Fish Shoppe.

Haha! You sound like me- I'm freaking out because my first week of May vacation is STILL too far out to officially plan the itinerary. Soon though! I can't wait to see the park hours! It worries me though that'll I'll have to change the plans around and at that time it'll be too late- all my dinner reservations will be booked! Don't they come out the same day? Grrr they should give us the park hours like a year in advance!! I hope my Ohana, BOG, and Sci-Fi experiences are all good! I'm trying not to set the bar too high (to avoid let down) but hey I can't contain my excitement! That's awesome that you have two trips so close together- Double planning time!! Yahoo!

 

[Sarahh1027]

I think you'll be fine. The one I would question is Rainforest...... are you sure you want to do that if you have one locally? They have T-Rex which might be a little different. I haven't eaten at either so I can't make a comparison.

Actually that's a good idea- my boyfriend actually asked to go to T-Rex. I've been there and really enjoyed it. And it's similar to Rainforest, which is awesome. Hmm maybe we'll catch a bus to Downtown Disney and eat at T-Rex instead? I like it!