Places that exceeded your expectations and places that were let downs

[Masonmj84]

For me . . .

Exceeded my expectations:

Hoop dee Doo Revue - I know it generally gets good reviews but I was skeptical (seemed like a lot of money for a hokey show and comfort food). But it's one of those experiences where the whole is much greater than the sum of the parts.

Via Napoli - another place that generally gets good ratings where I was skeptical (probably because I've otherwise never had anything close to good pizza in a theme park). While it's not the best pizza I've ever had, it's much better than I would have expected.

Teppan Edo - another place with overall positive reviews but I was somewhat skeptical (partly because I'm not very social and generally don't like sharing a table with strangers). Was way better than I expected with the caveat that I've never otherwise been to a teppanyaki restaurant.

Boatwright's - off the beaten path and doesn't get much attention or love. But the meal I had there was very solid. Not necessarily worth going out of the way for but would definitely eat there again if staying at POR.

Boma breakfast - another place that gets positive reviews but I was amazed at how much better the quality and selection were as compared to a character breakfast buffet.

Monsieur Paul - a signature that doesn't get much discussion or fanfare but we had, quite possibly, our best overall meal at WDW at this restaurant (and we've eaten at all of the Disney operated signatures except V&A).

Let downs:

Coral Reef - I know it gets a lot of negative reviews but it was still a let down. The novelty of the tank wore off in about 30 seconds and all we were left with was a grossly overpriced, dark and tired theme park restaurant with uninspired food and service.

Le Cellier - the only thing signature-worthy about this restaurant was the mushroom filet. Everything else about the food and service was mediocre and it was too dark and noisy and the tables were too close together.

Be Our Guest - yes, the atmosphere is totally unique and, based on that alone, it's probably bucket-list worthy. And we had suprisingly good service, given how crazy busy it was. But the food was barely edible. For us, it was a one and doner.

CRT - this is the only one on our let down list that we've returned to because, overall, we find the experience of eating in the castle with princesses to be magical. But it's on the list because the quality of the food and service is just such a joke for the price you pay.

 

[Party.Of.4-NY>>>FL]

Cool thread!

Exceeded:

Also Hoop Dee Doo. Couldn't have said it any better so I will just quote you on this one and say I totally agree.

Hoop dee Doo Revue - I know it generally gets good reviews but I was skeptical (seemed like a lot of money for a hokey show and comfort food). But it's one of those experiences where the whole is much greater than the sum of the parts

Las Ventanas (Coronado Springs)
This is a small restaurant with maybe 15-20 tables. We stopped in one morning for breakfast expecting something similar to what you would find at your local diner or IHOP. We were pleasantly surprised to see some menu choices that you wouldn't normally see at any old regular breakfast place. We also ended up returning for lunch on a different day and that was just as good. The prices are also very reasonable. Entrees were only a couple dollars more than what you would pay for quick service at Pepper Market down the hall. Definitely worth a try if your staying at Coronado.

Le Celliar
Lately it's seems to get a bad rap I think due to tables being close together and it's now 2 TS credits but we really enjoyed our meal there. I had an espresso-rubbed steak (I think that's what they called it) there and it was very good. Although I can't seem to find it on any menus online. Perhaps they have certain entrees that are considered daily specials? I don't know but I can promise you I had it there this past December and it was very tasty.

California Grill (brunch)
I had high expectations of this meal going in and it not only met them but far exceeded them as well. Everyone and everything from the CM at the check-in desk downstairs, to our server, to the buffet items, drinks, entrees, and dessert platter was spot on and it made for a very memorable meal.

Chef Mickeys (breakfast)
Ok, I know, I know. Not exactly gourmet food served here so let me explain. After reading many terrible reviews on here about the food quality I considered cancelling our ADR here. I ultimately decided to keep it though because I felt we should give it a chance and decide for ourselves. Going in with low expectations, I was impressed with many aspects of our meal here. We waited only 2-3 minutes to be seated after checking in and characters were already making their rounds. When it was our turn, the character interactions were very good and did not feel rushed at all. Our server was very good and kept coming by to clear used plates and see if we needed anything. Food quality was typical buffet breakfast food but there seemed to be slightly more to choose from than your average breakfast buffet. Would definitely consider returning here if the kids voted yes on it.

Club Villian
Not exactly a restaurant but food and drinks are served there so I'm including it on my list. Can not say enough good things about our time there. Character interactions, especially Cruella de Vil, were the best we have ever experienced anywhere on Disney property. Entertainment was very good, food was served buffet style but it seemed there was a little creativity in some of the offerings. Bartenders were quick and there was never a line any time I approached either of the 2 bars for a drink.

Let Downs:

CRT
Felt very rushed the entire time. Character interactions were good but also felt a little rushed. Wasn't all that impressed with the food given the price, although I realize the inflated price is due in large part to the experience/atmosphere not the food quality. Perhaps my high expectations contributed to the let down on this one.

 

[Stefecatzz]

So, my list will be a mix of TS, QS & lounges as my trips are a mix of going with friends & going solo. I never rule out a lounge or QS for a good meal & find them a great option when you don't have an ADR.

Exceeded my expectations:

Rose & Crown - I really wasn't expecting much the first time I ate here & if memory serves me correctly, I only ordered the salmon app & a potato leek soup but both were excellent. This was waaay back when (maybe about 3+ years ago) and they were still serving complimentary bread service which was also pretty good IMO & I'm still sad they took it away. But not that sad as I've since been back somewhere around 5-6 times, most recently a couple of weeks ago & am making my way through the whole menu. It never gets old to me whether I sit inside or outside, day or night. And I always have had great service as well.

Kringla Bakery - It became one of my absolute favorite QS in WS after I tried the club sandwich, school bread & more recently the meatballs. Everything I've tried has been very good & a better quality for the price than most QS in WDW.

Crew's Cup Lounge - I'd read several years ago that in one person's opinion, this was the best burger on property. And...truffle fries!! Ok, sold! And it never disappoints. It has become another of my regular spots when I'm hungry for a burger & my beloved truffle fries. And also service is consistently excellent here no matter the time day/night.

Tangierine Café - I am not a vegetarian by any means, but the veggie platter here is really well done! And the seating both indoors & out is nice & relaxing for a break from the crowds.

Sunshine Seasons - I haven't had a bad entree here yet but my favorite is the salmon w/strawberry shortcake for dessert; always perfection!

Sanaa - The bread service, apps & entrees here are all A+++! And also A+ for atmosphere & service!

Raglan Road - Yes to everything on the menu, including the awesome drink & beer selection & entertainment with excellent service!! It's still hard to go anywhere else to eat at DS, even with all the new options!

Brown Derby Lounge - I only had the Cobb Salad app w/a couple of drinks here but everything was really good & I loved the people watching.

Columbia Harbor House - I was surprised how good the fish platter was here (not so much with the lobster roll, though)! And I do enjoy the upstairs seating. It's very relaxing & a nice break.

Capt Cook's - I remembered watching a 7in7 & Pete raving about the coconut thai meatballs here. That really isn't my typical thing to order but I am So glad I took his advice as it's one of the best QS meals I've ever had (both times)!

Landscape of Flavors - Everything I've had here has been really good! And it's a fun atmosphere!


Let downs:

Biergarten - I've given this 2 tries in the past few years (one for a lunch CP package & the other actually last night b/c I was starving & it was one out of only 3 ADRs available last minute 45 minutes before park closing). Honestly, one thing I do believe is that for WDW pricing standards, it is priced right being below most buffets on property with great theming & entertainment. I have to say though after last night's meal, I would more consider this place average and would not rule it out if I were in the same predicament as I was last night in the future. But I still don't understand the hype I read about it (unless they're referring solely to that berries & cream dessert in the little cup...then I get it!).

Be Our Guest - This makes the list bc I'm not sure if I'll ever get over the rather large price increase for the exact same food available for lunch here. I did enjoy the roast beef sandwich & the pulled pork but for somewhere around $17 now instead of the $13 I'd paid in the past, I'll have to pass & just stick with an order of soup & dessert here in the future so I can still experience the awesome atmosphere inside the castle.

Garden Grill - I was disappointed in the food here and am really disappointed that they took my most favorite beef off the menu for dinner & in its place now is pot roast. But as far as character interaction goes, this place really exceeded my expectations and it's why I booked it twice when I had the DDP those trips.

50's Prime Time Cafe - Our server was not into the antics at all so we had to settle with watching the other server in the room which kind of felt like we were watching a sitcom so it was still pretty entertaining. Nevertheless, the food also was a let down for the price so I won't be running back here any time soon.

Geyser Point Bar & Grill - I was really looking forward to the cheesy brisket I'd read about that looked so good & had good reviews. I was there around 3:30ish one hot afternoon & my brisket came out with cold, hard 'melted' cheese on top & below that was nothing more than canned hash style meat. Sorry, not good for the price at all. But the drink was good & I did have good, friendly service that day so I will give this another try in the future.

Boma - This is another that is average IMO but for the food, I cannot justify the price of it. I did give it two tries: the first it was good & the second, not so much. And both times I was seated at the same table right under the ceiling vent for the AC so my food was cold within seconds of bringing back to the table (soups included..). There are other places I love to go in this resort instead for a consistently great meal.

Flametree BBQ - The barbecue here is average at best & I don't understand the hype. But the turkey sandwich is very good so this could really make both lists bc I was surprised by that.

Via Napoli - Being from NJ originally with access to really good pizza my whole life, I was not impressed with this pizza & the burnt tasting dough both times I've tried eating here. I suppose I could ask the server if I could have one without burnt dough but there are other places I haven't tried yet in WS so this takes a seat on the backburner for now.

 

[ChasingLeslie]

Let Down:
LTT - The fritters were disgusting, my salad was horribly wilted and overdressed, and my kids wouldn't eat their food. Even OGT cake couldn't save this meal.

Exceeded Expectations:
Mama Melrose - I went in expecting mediocre chain Italian, but everything was absolutely delicious!

1900 Park Fare - I almost cancelled this meal because I wasn't sure about the menu changes last year. My friend convinced me to keep it and I'm so glad I did! It was hands-down the best character interaction and all the food was very tasty and fresh.

 

[1983DisneyFanatic]

Exceeded Expectations:

Hollywood & Vine: the reviews where really bad, but I booked it anyway for the characters and Fantasmic. Everything was better than I expected.

Mama Melrose: I wasn't expecting much as I heard it was worse than Olive Garden. My husband and I both loved our meals and the inclusion of appetizers for the Fantasmic package on the regular dining plan was a bonus.

Splitsville: When we arrived at Disney Springs, practically everything was closed, so we went here. I had heard the sushi was good, but I was skeptical because it's a bowling alley. The sushi was AMAZING!

Let Down:

Cinderella's Royal Table: Interactions with Princesses were very short and Jasmine was borderline rude. This was on my daughter's birthday too, so that made it more of a disappointment. The food was mediocre at best. Within minutes after leaving, my stomach started hurting and I had diarrhea the rest of the day further spoiling my daughter's birthday. I'm not sure if the the food was bad or my stomach was not accustomed to eating the cheeses in the charcuterie.

 

[smcabee]

Exceeded:
Splittsville
Jock Lindseys
Spirit of Aloha
Bull & Bear
Turf Club
Star Wars Dessert Party

Let Down:
Ohana
Yachtsman
Be Our Guest
Hoop Dee Doo
Via Napoli

 

[Shanti]

Exceeded My Expectations:
Tusker House breakfast
Garden Grill breakfast
Hoop Dee Doo Revue
Sci Fi Dine-In Theater
Yachtsman Steakhouse
Sanaa

Met My Expectations:
Cinderella's Royal Table
Be Our Guest
Crystal Palace
Ohana's
Chef Mickey's
Coral Reef
T-Rex
Skipper's Canteen
San Angel Inn
Akershus breakfast
Whispering Canyon Cafe
Wishes Dessert Party

Let Me Down:
Le Cellier (burnt filet mignon that was supposed to be medium well)
Garden Grill Dinner (because my son is gluten-free & was poorly accomodated there at dinner)

 

[Westcoastwild]

Exceeded: Tokyo dining. Rose and crown. Trails end.

Minor Let down: Jiko's (food is good but not awesome). Hoop de do- I loved it for the show but food wise it's definitely one and done. Marrakesh- if they dumb that down any further it won't even resemble morrocan

Major let down: brown Derby. And via napoli- food would be just ok but service and noise were atrocious

 

[disneyAndi14]

Exceeded my expectation:

HDDR
Yak and Yeti
Via Napoli
Sanaa
Raglan Road
The Boathouse

Let downs

Chef de France
CRT (breakfast)
Coral Reef
CM

 

[kmv]

Exceeded:
Columbia Harbour House

Let Down:
Hollywood and Vine- The food was awful, the place was dirty and we paid a ridiculous amount for the Star Wars dinner.
Coral Reef- We waited about far beyond our ADR. Our server was incredibly rude. I think he didn't take us seriously because we were younger and had a 4 year old with us (she was amazingly behaved). It made the experience awful and I will never return.

 

[Farro]

The counter service in Animal Kingdom really exceeded my expectations.

Beaches and Cream - total let down.

 

[FelisLachesis]

Exceeded:

Columbia Harbour House: I didn't even know this existed when I walked by it. We were hungry, the smells were good, so we went in. It smells real good, and it tastes better than it smells! I guess it exceeded expectations because I had none?

Rose and Crown: I love English food, and this is some of the best. As I keep saying, though, stay away form the Masala. Other than that, everything is excellent!

Let down:

Rainforest Cafe (AK): I saw the menu, saw it wasn't exclusive to Disney, saw the mixed reviews. I went in expecting Applebee's level food. I hate to say, they didn't even get to that. Yes, their food is worse than Applebees!

 

[ncc1701]

Let Down: Tutto Italia. Not as good as our local Carrabba's or Maggianos. Rushed service ok food.

Exceeded:
Capt. Grille (lunch) while service was slow on 2 of 4 visits, food was very good. We did the lobster roll and picked an other sandwich to share.It is a go to when we don't want to plan lunch while doing a half day at a park.
Boatwright's Hadn't been there in 10 years but had good dinners on our last two trips. We stay at POFQ and went on a weekend night when we didn't have an ADR or want to deal with the crowd at DS.

 

[IrishNYC]

Exceeded:

Boma (dinner) - the service was so attentive, and the food was so, so good. It was a nice reprieve from the rest of the processed food of so many WDW restaurants. Everything was fresh, tasty, and different. I expected good, but it was really awesome. If we were staying at AKL on our next trip, we'd eat there again, but we aren't, and we just can't make it work with our plans. Next time for sure.

Chef Mickey (breakfast) - as someone said above, I went in expecting meh food, but was going for our 5 year old to see Mickey. We LOVED Chef Mickey. The food was very good. The character interaction was some of the best we had. The service was a little lacking on refilling drinks, but it wasn't awful. We planned breakfast here again for our next trip, but we're doing Bon Voyage instead.

BOG (Breakfast) - One of our favorite meals on property. Breakfast was so much less chaotic than the lunch we experienced. The food was very good, and we all enjoyed it very much. It's a repeat for us on our upcoming trip.



Disappointed:

BOG (lunch) - the food was abysmal. The place was chaotic. It was impossible to find a clean, empty table, and we got attitude from the CM busing tables when we asked him to wipe a table down for us. Never again.

CRT (breakfast) - Decent time with the characters, but their personalities were lacking. Couple that with the terrible food, never again for the price/2 credits. Akershus is our preferred princess meal.

Yak & Yeti QS - Awful. Awful awful awful.

 

[soniam]

Exceeded:
1900 Park Fare breakfast
50s Prime Time
Monsieur Paul
Columbia Harbor House
Tusker House
Tiffins
Boma
Nomad Lounge
Trader Sam's

Let Down:
Teppan Edo
'Ohana breakfast
Be Our Guest lunch

 

[Lisa F]

this thread is entirely dependent on expectations. The only places that exceeded my expectations were places where I had low expectations... I generally have high expectations and most places met those, so a place not being on my list is not reflective of how good it was.

but I would say for exceeded expectations:

Biergarten: I have never been there in all of my years at Disney and everything was delicious, the company was delightful, and the atmosphere and show (especially at christmastime) was amazing. I had middling expectations but the food was truly delicious and the overall experience was much better than I imagined.

'Ohana: I haven't been there in a while and the negative reviews always make me nervous so I tried to adjust my expectations down. It was amazeballs

Crystal Palace Breakfast: I have been to CP lunch before so I had kind of low expectations... CP breakfast is WAY better than CP lunch.

Sanaa: I kept my expectations reserved on this as well as I LOVE indian food and frankly it is hard to get good indian food outside of certain geographic areas. This blew me away too.

Let downs:
Yak & Yeti: I tried it once before and got very sick after eating it (I think due to dehydration and heat exhaustion. I was nursing at the time... but that kind of experience sticks with you regardless of who is at fault) but finally was ready to try it again after all of the amazing reviews. I shared with my son and let him pick and he picked the ribs. they were not very good. I also did not like the famed wonton dessert. I think this one is off my list for now, especially with the other amazing AK options.

Narcoossees: probably the biggest let down of any trip I've ever taken. I went once years ago and it was "fine" but not "great" and nothing I was eager to return to. When I went with the picky kid I thought the more basic menu would appeal but our meal was a disaster. burned yet undercooked at the same time. Probably a bad night for the kitchen but this one is now off my list also, too many other great places to eat at.

 

[jwfla422]

Exceeds/Met Expectations
MK- BOG Dinner
EPCOT-Via Napoli
HS- 50s Prime Time
AK- Still haven't found a place we like here
Resorts - Swan -Il Mulino
DS - The Boathouse

Let Downs
MK- CP
EPCOT- GG
HS-Sci-Fi
Resorts- YC - Captains Grill
AKL - Boma
DS- Chef Arts Homecoming

Good thread, very interesting how diverse everyones lists are. I bet next time I visit any of the restaurants I listed that they can easily change from the Exceed to the Let Down list (or vice versa).

 

[DaisyDuck001]

Exceeded my expectations:
Rose & Crown (all food I had on most recent visit was delicious)
The Wave (didn't much like the cobbler dessert, but everything else was great, both at breakfast and dinner)
Captain's Grille
Skipper Canteen (menu looked weird before first visit, but tried it anyway and it became an instant favorite at the MK)
Boatwright's
Garden Grill breakfast
Artist Point
Contempo Cafe

Let-downs:
Ravello character breakfast (I would skip if I had this to do over; good French toast, but everything else just OK, and expensive)
BOG lunch (I liked high school cafeteria food better than this)
BOG dinner
Le Cellier (not bad, but overpriced for what it is)
V&A (tried once as a bucket list item, but learned that I prefer something more casual)
Coral Reef
Boathouse (it was just OK)
Narcoossee's
Citrico's
San Angel Inn (view is great, but food was just OK)
California Grill (not bad, but pricey for what it is)
Trail's End dinner (it was just OK)
T-Rex

I've found from one trip to the next, some restaurants may get worse, while others may get better. I've heard that from time to time they transfer some of the chefs to other restaurants, so I wonder if that has something to do with the variations in food quality.

Exceeded expectations on one or more trips, but was a let-down on a more recent trip:
Ohana dinner
Whispering Canyon lunch
POR food court (good food for a food court, but one evening they were not keeping up with things that needed to be re-stocked, cleaned up, etc.; will still go again, as it looked like a short-term situation, and I still like this food court)

Yes, it's interesting that several of the same restaurants appear on some people's "best" list and other people's "worst" list.

 

[steg]

Let Downs
Tiffin's - worst signature meal we had the entire vacation part service, part food
San Angel Inn
Boathouse
Columbia Harbor House
Jock Lindsey's
Raglan Road
Yachtsman (in 2013, haven't been back since)
Liberty Inn
Yak and Yeti TS
BoG Lunch

Met
Yak and Yeti CS
California Grill
La Cava Del Tequila
Sanaa
BoG Breakfast
50's Prime Time
Kimonos (this could be in the let down section as I had better sushi at Kona and Benihana somehow)
Captain Cooks
Cosmic Ray's
Tokyo Dining
Teppan Edo
Chef's De France
Beaches and Cream
Bongos
Trader Sam's Grog Grotto
Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie
Yorkshire County Fish Shop
Le Cellier
Amorettes
Sunshine Seasons
Mara
Nine Dragons
Kringla Bakeri og Cafe
Spice Road Table

Exceeded
BlueZoo
Flying Fish
STK Brunch
Paddlefish (RIP Broiler Claws)
California Grill Brunch
Skipper Canteen (for an MK restaurant)
Bon Voyage Breakfast (for a character breakfast)
Jiko
Victoria and Albert's main dining room and QVR
Tutto Gusto Wine Bar
Via Napoli
Kona Island Sushi
Kona Breakfast (even with their brand new menu)
Benihana (Lake Buena Vista Hilton near DS)
Sleepy Hollow
Ample Hills
Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe
Earl of Sandwich
Shula's
Nomad Lounge (Drinks only, haven't tried the food)
Maya Grill
Morimoto Asia
Artist's Palette
House of Blues
Ganachery
Splitsville
Tangerine Cafe

 

[chris benton]

Exceeded:
Mama Melrose. Start to finish, everything was MUCH better than I anticipated.

Ample Hills Creamery. My tummy doesn't like dairy all the time, but I'll risk it with Ample Hills...HAPPILY. Not too sweet, super creamy, decent eclectic flavor selection, really nicely flavored standards, too.

Chef Mickey's dinner (food only.) Why? My expectations were REALLY low. It was better than I thought it would be.

Aloha Isle. Dole Whips and Pineapple Floats are everything. Tangy, not too sweet, and sour.

Let Down:
Pecos Bill's was atrocious. No flavor in the fajita platter except for salt, and far too much salt to be edible. The "fixin's bar" guacamole was green. I doubt it had much avocado, but it was green. I imagine it's the same "guacamole" that you can buy in the sour cream dip section in the dairy case at the grocery store.

BOG Breakfast (food only.) For the food alone, come on...we all know it's a joke. As a whole, it served the purpose I wanted.

Citrus Swirls need to be outlawed. That bitter orange thing from the concentrated oj - FAIL!