Please share your best & worst dining experiences

[stellablue]

I thought this might be a fun and useful thread.

Our worst dining experiences were:
1. 50's PTC: We are big fans, but during our trip a few years ago, we were seated next to a family on the left with wild kids who were literally climbing the walls and a mother sitting there ignoring them. One of the kids ended up puking all over my DH's foot and it was so nasty. The mother could have cared less. On the other side of us was a family that consisted of a mom, dad, grandma, and a little boy. The dad was SO scary. Big dude wearing a wifebeater-yelling at everyone at his table-they all looked terrified of him. He didn't understand the antics of the waitress and was being so rude and demeaning to her, they ended up switching to a new server. We were partially relieved when we got moved to another table after the puke incident because listening to that scary guy demeaning everyone around him was so awful. We have since been back to 50's PTC and we've had much better experiences.

2. Whispering Canyons Cafe breakfast: We made the mistake of ordering the breakfast skillet- YUCK. It was awful-so gross I could barely look at it, much less eat it. The eggs were powdered eggs and really fake and disgusting tasting. Sausage and the gravy were greasy and putrid & the sausages were only partially cooked, bacon was paper thin. The Mickey waffles were good, but we were so disappointed that we spent all that $$ & only ate the waffles. The entertainment was fun and our waiter was good and we will be back to order something else, but will stay clear away from the skillet!

Now, to change the tune to something more positive:
BEST:
1. California Grill: Without a doubt the best dining experience of our lives. We were seated in the Wine Room, which was so romantic & quieter than the main room. They decorated our table & gave us free wine tasting & dessert to celebrate our honeymoon. Our waiter was very experienced and top notch, wine, sushi, and filet were out of this world, Watching Wishes from the balcony area was incredible. At the end of our meal we felt blissfully full and so special from our experience. It was worth every penny!

2. Hoop Dee Doo Revue: SO much fun! We paid for a tier 2 seating, but got seated right up front, our waiter was hilarious, the show was fantastic, & the chicken and mashed potatoes and dessert were delicious! We had such a wonderful time-we will never forget it!

Anyone care to share your best and your worst dining experiences at WDW?

 

[Pakey]

After over 20 WDW vacations, trying all of the restaurants, it's pretty hard to narrow it down but I'll give it a go.

BEST: Victoria & Alberts. We try to dine here every vacation but my favorite was probably the first time we took all of our adult children and their spouses (8 of us total). It was the first time the kids had experienced food/service of this calibur and we had a great time. They especially loved how there were 8 servers who would put each of our courses in front of us at the exact same time (yes, they are easily entertained).

WORST: Kouzzina. It was four adults, we were seated 45 minutes past our ADR. At the table next to us was a family, parents with 2 children. The youngest child was terror and the parents did nothing to curb his screaming/throwing food. In fact, they lingered after their meal and each ordered another beer while this very unhappy child sat alone in his high chair. On top of that, our food was so slow coming out and when I took my first bite of my entree, it was very cold. By the time our never seen waiter returned, the rest of my party was almost finished with their meal. Mine sat uneaten. He did ask if I wanted it fixed but I didn't want to make my group sit with the screaming next door neighbor so I declined. We were comped for my meal which was nice but it was the worst in over 1000 meals eaten at WDW.

 

[si-am]

Our worst meal was at Rose and Crown, probably 3-4 years ago now. The food was okay, not as good as it had been in previous years. The sticky toffee pudding was burned and inedible, though. Even worse, the service. It was a 2 1/2 hour meal because our waitress was hardly ever there (and we only ordered entrees and dessert, no app!) In fact, I sat for SO LONG waiting for a refill on my Coke, that I actually went and BOUGHT one at the bar because I was so thirsty. Ridiculous. We haven't been back.

Best: We've had a lot of these. Raglan Road and Cali Grill have topped the list in the past few years though.

 

[LovesTimone]

I have lots of reveiws but I will stick to our last trip, Dec 2011

Worst - Cali Grill - I know most people rave over it, and we did too... until this last trip. The evening started off good - We arrived and were seated right away and given a seat at the window as requested... so far so good...
Service: We sat for about 10 mins before our server stop by to tell us she would be right back. which was another 10 min's, during this time another server did bring us a glass of water. Finally she came to take our order, we ordered cocktails, and then went ahead and ordered, app'z and main entree. Again someone other than our server brought drinks, app'z and main entree. She never once checked on us, we had to stop another server to get another round of cocktails, really then she did stop back by like she was doing us a favor, and take our dessert order. Food Quaility Appetizer were good, I had sushi and Dh went for one of the flat breads. The main entree was not good for either of us. DH had the filet and it was fatty, stringy, and flavorless. Mine was Scallops and mush it was suppose to be rice or orzo it was awful, I could not eat it. DH ordered the " Lava cake" but it was dry and there was no lava in it he said it was gross. I had the pear cobbler it was tasty and warm, and I was hungry so.... not sure if I was grateful to get something to eat or it was really good... hard to judge. On our way out we stop at the hostess stand to speak to a manager, but she said they were all busy, so we just left, and I doubt that we will be back anytime soon.

Best - Flying Fish - This is a wonderful restaurant and we have never had a bad meal or service here. They have pear martini's super good. DH and I both had the shrimp cocktail very good. DH went with the filet, was good perfectly and the side were wonderful, I had the potato wrapped fish, and they let me which sides without a problem, the fish was cooked perfectly and my sides were wonderful as well. Now on to dessert.... All I can say is YUMMO - DH had the Chocolate brownie style dessert it had bacon in it with a warm gooey center, I got a small bite and it was amazing bacon and chocolate is the way to go. I had the pear upside down cake with ginger ice cream, It was so good, it was the best dessert we had the whole trip, we are still taking about it. Our server went above and beyond, she was on her game and was warm and really nice.
I would like to mention, Ragland Road, we had lunch there on our last day it was wonderful, very laid back and quiet compared to the evenings. It was a nice way to end our vacation.

 

[meggiebeth]

Best:

Grand Floridian Cafe- We just loved the atmosphere and food. Our waiter was friendly and they were very accommodating of me being a vegetarian- offering to cook me whatever I wanted.

Citricos- Lovely atmosphere and food- we loved that the MK fireworks were visable through the big windows.

HDDR- SUCH good fun! The food was not the best we had on the trip but still nice, and the entertainment was terrific. It was the one evening ADR my 6 year old brother stayed awake for. (For obvious reasons!)

Akershus- Our first ever meal at Disney and wonderful food and service.

Chef Mickey's- Described by my father as having 'a buzzing, vibrant atmosphere' we loved this restaurant. This was also where I tasted my first Mickey waffle.

Worst:

Sci Fi Dine In- Food was gross, atmosphere was alright but we just didn't enjoy it that much. The booths were really dirty too. My 6 year old brother had nightmares for nights after watching the clips.

Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room- I liked the look of the menu here, but the food was bad and being from the UK we can say for certain that the food was not British at all. Bacon in bangers and mash? Ewww. The vegetarian sheperds pie was horrible too.

California Grill- I was looking forward to this but the viewing area was so crowded that I could barely see the fireworks. It didn't feel very exclusive at all for the price. The food was just okay- we aren't sushi people though. Our waitress was amazing though.

 

[sandieb]

We've been blessed with many, many trips to WDW. Lots of good meals and lots of so so meals.

Most enjoyable - the Hoop Dee Do Review; it is not fine dining, but the food was good; loved the fun dinner show

Best food - probably Le Cellier; everything was delicious the couple times we have gone; the service was also very good; tables are so close together we ended up chatting with the folks sitting on either side. I mean only about 2 feet apart.

Worst food - for table service/buffet - Chef Mickey; food is cafeteria type food, the place is disgusting with food and dirty floors; we used to go their our first night every year, but we stopped going a couple years ago

 

[goofyintoronto]

WORST:
1) Tony's. OMG never EVER again. GROSS! my chicken parm was horrible. I tried my son's meatball and couldnt swallow it. It was that bad. Their marinara sauce is what killed all the dishes. Yuck! The atmosphere was cold and uninviting as well.

2) Its a tie between Chef Mickeys & 1900 PF dinner: Both meals were not very good at all. CM's had a terrible atmosphere too. Almost as bad as Tony's.

BEST:
1) Cali Grill: my son and I both LOVED our meals. everything was AMAZING, the food and service!!

2) I know its not TS, but Wolfgang Puck Express marketplace. HOLY MAMA, i cannot stress how amazing it was! I had the spag&balls and sweet mother of pearl i thought i was in heaven. My son felt the same way about his pizza. We WILL be returning every single trip, even if i have to walk on foot for miles!!


Disappointing but not the worst meal i've had, Le Cellier. Yes I had the breadsticks, and the soup, and i can honestly say it wasnt that great. I've had FAR better in my hometown. The strip steak i had was mediocre. A bit too fatty for my taste....and it lacked flavour to be honest. I really dont understand the hype this place gets. I dont think i ever will. I wont go back for a while.

 

[topmonkeygirl]

The best we've had has been at Le Cellier' and Narcoossee's. The food, service, and atmosphere are excellent. No complaints at all about either place.

Now with that being said the worst experience we've had has been at Narcoossee's, but not the restaurants fault. We got seated next to a table with 5 kids all under age 8. The parents were seated behind us and on the other side. The kids were horrible little brats. They were throwing food, dropping dishes, playing under the table and the parents didn't even look their way. Every time a waiter went by they stopped them for something, one waiter had to bring the little brat back from the bathroom because the "parent" was too self absorbed to take them. The waiter apologized and said there was a rush on their tables. I thanked him and left a nice tip because I knew the blankety blank parents weren't. I wanted so bad to go over to the table and ask them how they were enjoying their lovely meal without kids there to spoil it. I know it's Disney and there are going to be kids everywhere but please sit with your kids and have some control over them. Wait staff is not there to be a baby sitter, and I personally don't want kids like that sitting next to me in a nice place!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for letting me rant.

As far as food goes Yactsman steak house. The food just wasn't very good. The service was exdellent though.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Best - Shula's
. . . great service
. . . good food
. . . quiet and serene atmosphere
2) Worst - Kouzzina
. . . terrible service
. . . noisy, noisy, noisy environment
. . . over-priced for quantity and quality

NOTE: Tie for Best & Worst - V&A
. . . kitchen did not honor allergy to one of my guests
. . . she started to blow up due to nut allergy
. . . had to leave the restaurant for her eppy pen
. . . terrible for such a restaurant

 

[Magic3forme]

Best: Ohana, we were there twice last year and both times, the food was hot, flavorful. Just an all around good dinner. The kids like to get up and dance and participate.

Worst: Le Cellier
we were there 3 years ago. Our table was right by the bathroom, so tons of traffic by our table. My food was undercooked and cold. Our server was awful and unattentive. We have had better meals at Longhorn. Needless to say we havent been back.

 

[Annadesu]

BEST: We happened to go to the Italian restaurant in Epcot right after Italy had won the world soccer cup. A lot (if not all) of the people working there were from Italy, and they were so incredibly excited that it just radiated throughout the entire place. They went so far as to take a silver pouring mug, held it up like it was a trophy, and sang victory songs about the soccer game. The food was amazing, and everyone was having a wicked good time.


WORST: My family decided to go to the Mexican restaurant in Epcot, and well... the food was quite good, and the restaurant experience itself was fantastic, but some of my family members suffered from horrific GAS the rest of the evening, and I half thought about buying one of those battery powered fans just so I could have clear air to breath. <_<

 

[mdelano4]

Worst:

1) Tony's - food was awful. Hair in my pasta was bad enough, but the only thing I was offered was a replacement meal. Considering the rest of the family (2 of 3 kids were still small) was done, there was no way they could sit through that. Not only did they not take the meal off my bill, the manager never appeared despite my asking to see him. Never, never again.

2) Hollywood & Vine - food was terrible, buffet was dirty and server disappeared after we got one drink.

Best:
1) HDDR - DD (4) got selected to be in show. Was an experience we will never forget. Love the food and atmosphere.

2) Rose and Crown - had a 7PM ressie. Wanted later to see Illuminations. Got seated outside about 7:30PM and first thing waiter said to us was "I am not going to let you leave before the show." That set the tone for a wonderful meal and experience all around.

 

[billfatora]

BEST:
5) California Grill
4) Flying Fish Café
3) Yachtman's Steakhouse
2) Empress Lily (no longer exists)
1) Victoria & Albert's
WORST:
5) Mama Melrose's
4) Coral Reef
3) Kouzzina
2) Planet Hollywood
1) Alfredo's (no longer exists)

Only my opinion ! However, I do believe that almost any restaurant at WDW, on any given day, at any given time, could be either an exceptional experience... or a train-wrcek !

 

[kgoodb00]

BEST: 50's PTC-We had the best waiter ever. He was hilarious and made it an effort to find our names out and call us by name the whole time we were there. He really made the dining experience a lot of fun! The food wasn't too bad either. I had the pot pie and it was quite delicious! Definitely planning to go back there next time we visit!

WORST: Grand Floridian Cafe-The atmosphere wasn't what I expected. Our waitress just didn't seem to want to be working there that night. We were seated so close to the people around us that I really felt like we were all one large group. Also the food was just ok. We had the NYstrip and it was very over seasoned for our taste. We went there to try something different outside of a park, but probably wouldn't go back there again!

 

[Kay1]

On our most recent trip, the best was the breakfast at Olivia's - amazing potatoes and grits, and the worst was Rose and Crown. The new veggie curry is awful - cheapo veggies in a bland sauce.

Thanks for starting such a useful thread.

 

[MinnieGolf]

We've had lots of very good experiences over the years and just a few bad. But the absolute best, year in and year out, is Flying Fish. Excellent food, excellent service, excellent attention paid to special occasions.

Honorable mentions: Grand Floridian Cafe, Boma, Artist's Point, Le Cellier.

Worst experience (without eating): 1900 Park Fare. We made a ressie because of recommendations from guide books and were looking forward to a special character meal. We walked into an incredibly noisy, chaotic dining area. The floors were nasty with spilled food, and the buffet looked like it hadn't been cleaned since a herd of buffalo grazed there. Yuck! We walked out and haven't been back.

Worst meal: Chefs de France. This was always on our list must-dos, but we noticed with each succeeding visit that the quality seemed to be declining. About two years ago we hit rock bottom: terribly slow, indifferent service; tasteless entree; a dessert that was so old it was inedible. It's been stricken from our list.

 

[Amyhoff]

Worst - Crystal Palace. Spoke to the chef about our daughter's deadly milk allergy and the fact that I was nursing and not eating dairy. Chef walked us around the buffet and said he would also send out several plates of special food for us to eat.

About 40 minutes into our meal, the chef came to our table to announce that all the dishes he sent contained dairy. He messed up. THANK GOD my daughter didn't go into anaphylactic shock because she was busy eating something that was okay for most of the time, but I had eaten so many of the dishes... I couldn't figure out how they got dairy free to taste so delicious....

Best - Ohana. We don't do any of the fancier restaurants with our two little kids, so I don't have any experience with the higher caliber dining experiences, but Ohana pleased everyone in our party. My mom and I are not big meat eaters, but were completely satisfied with the sides and deserts and had the best time! The chef was awesome about our allergy issues too!

 

[Peaseblossom]

Best: Wanyama Safari, which concludes with a family-style meal at Jiko's, i.e. the safari group sits together, and if you're lucky, mingles. Just an all-around lovely experience.

Worst: Mama Melrose - a pushy and condescending waiter ensured that all I remember about the whole dining experience was a pushy and condescending waiter.

 

[LiveToTravelNicely]

Best-
6) California Grill for the food / Narcoossee's for the ambiance & Wishes view
5) Chef Mickey's for breakfast (I know a lot of folks have rated this one as the worst, but I actually liked the "crazy" atmosphere, kids everywhere, napkin twirling over your head excitement! The breakfast was the standard Disney Breakfast buffet.)
4) Tusker House
3) Tony's
2) Akershus Princess Breakfast
1) Via Napoli- The Best, can't wait to go back!

Worst-
2) Coral Reef (I think I had my expectations too high for this one. We had a seat right by the aquarium which was awesome, but my wife and I really didn't care for the food there. Our server was great, too.)
1) ABC Commissary (I know this is a CS, but the staff was terrible and the food was terrible.) The only thing going to ABC is the Air Conditioning

 

[DisneyHolidayFan]

BEST MEAL (year after year) LeCellier - always great!

WORST MEAL - Rose & Crown - Was so excited to take my son there after good experiences previously. Fish was like the turkey in Christmas Vacation - no meat inside!! And, the warm apple crumble had no crumble, just a few slices of apple and some liquid in a very very small paper cup!! It was not like this in the past!!!