PS making time is coming soon! Need advice! (long)

[maidmarion]

Hi! This board is so great. You've all been so helpful, those that I have met in chat and in threads and those whose reviews I have read. Our PS making dates are fast approaching and we have a HUGE list of restaurants we want to try! Way more than we can practically do, since he's never been and I haven't been since I was a kid so we will be spending plenty of time at attractions. (We are a couple in our twenties who are going to WDW in December for 7days/6 nights. And we are both big eaters! We are also from NYC, as you can see, so we probably have fairly high standards for ethnic cuisine especially, but low standards for what a good price is and what good service is being from Manhattan ).

Okay, so we are in agreement on these so far:

Boma (dinner), Ohana (dinner), California Grill, Trail's End.

My choices are: Hollywood and Vine (for the Fantasmic package), Donald’s Breakfastasaurus, Spoodles, Cape May Café, Crystal Palace, Tempura Kiku and/or San Angel Inn and/or Le Cellier, Chef Mickeys.

His choices: Coral Reef, Chefs de France, Rainforest Café, Marrakesh, Citricos, Cosmic Rays, Pecos Bills, Le Tangerine Cafe (sp?), Whispering Canyon, Artist Point, Kona Cafe.

We'd like to lower it to about 7-10 PS total. We'd also like to figure out at what time of day (breakfast, lunch, or dinner, plus __ o'clock). We'll be staying at WL.

I know this a lot to ask (and maybe a little too anal, but reading this site makes me feel like we have no idea what we're doing because y'all are such experts!) So, maybe, you could just peruse our list and if there is anything that you think is a REALLY bad or REALLY good idea, you can let us know and we'll cross that off or put a star beside it? If there is some other place that you'd recommend as a replacement (not just in addition to!! ) for something on our list, that'd be fabulous.

BTW, are we crazy? If so, please note that too. Maybe we are overplanning. Whew. This is so exciting and overwhelming we just don't know what to do!

 

[susy]

We find that one sit-down meal a day is adequate. I'll just tell you my favorite places for breakfast and lunch or dinner.

Lunch/Dinner- Jiko, San Angel, Le Cellier, Crystal Palace, Hollywood and Vine, Brown Derby, Garden grill, Ohana


Breakfast- Crystal Palace, Breakfastsaurus

 

[webray]

Well, from your list of want to eat at:

These are our favorites...and we have eaten at each of them many times and they are always wonderful:

For breakfast: Whispering Canyon at WL, Crystal Palace in MK,
Spoodles at BW and Restaurantosaurus in AK, Chef Mickeys at Contemporary.

For lunch: San Angel Inn/EPCOT, Chefs de France/EPCOT, Le Cellier (but we don't order entrees...we order soup and appetizers...we have never found the entree menu food to be overly good, however the soup and appetizers are wonderful),
Marrekesh or La Tangierne Cafe...you will only need one of these (one with the belly dancers or without...one dining inside...or one oustside while mo-roccan plays in the courtyard), Rainforest Cafe

For dinner:
Artist Point...one of our absolute favorites, Chefs de France and Marrakesh

We have found that Brown Derby and Ohana were way over rated. Garden Grill was just ok.

If you are going to be in the DTD area...why not try House of Blues...yummy!

 

[crazzydisneyfan22]

no! you aren't crazy! i spend every day before my disney trip reading guidebooks and going on websites! do not eat at the Breakfastasaurus, when i went it was insanely crowded and noisy and the food was horrible! all the rest of your ideas seem like good choices. just see which ones work out best with your schedule of being in the parks. you can also make as many priority seating reservations as you want so if you cant decide which restaurant to go to for dinner one night, make a PS for both and see which one you feel like eating at that day. hope i helped..

 

[MHopkins2]

I don't think you're crazy! I always make PSs for lunch and dinner every day - I LOVE the sitdowns at Disney, and picking which ones for each day is big fun during the planning stage.

My choices are: Hollywood and Vine (for the Fantasmic package), Donald’s Breakfastasaurus, Spoodles, Cape May Café, Crystal Palace, Tempura Kiku and/or San Angel Inn and/or Le Cellier, Chef Mickeys.

I definitely vote for Hollywood Brown Derby for the Fantasmic package - best restaurant at the Studios IMO. I was unimpressed with my dinner in March at Spoodles - the food just didn't live up to my expectations. Le Cellier is very, very good, and Chef Mickey's is a fun experience as long as you're prepared for the noise and the bustle. (AKA, don't go there for a quiet meal for two! )

His choices: Coral Reef, Chefs de France, Rainforest Café, Marrakesh, Citricos, Cosmic Rays, Pecos Bills, Le Tangerine Cafe (sp?), Whispering Canyon, Artist Point, Kona Cafe.

Coral Reef, Marrakesh, Citrico's and Artist Point are all on my Top 10 list. If you go to Marrakesh, you MUST order the beef brewat roll appetizer. Mmmmmmm!!! I have had both good and bad experiences at Chefs de France, though, and my most recent visit (March again) was underwhelming. Whispering Canyon is WAY too noisy for my taste - I had a PS there once and was blasted out by the noise before I even entered the restaurant (it's partially open to the lobby). YMMV.

It sounds like you're going to have a fabulous yummy-food-filled trip! Congratulations!!

 

[charabby]

Just a thought, but if you have Rainforest Cafe` in your area, that might be a good one to cross off the list. It's a cool rest., but if you can do it at home and you want to narrow down your choices, that would be a good one to cut.

 

[Gomez Gang]

Some of our must-eat-ats when we are at WDW are:

Chef Mickey's-good variety & characters are wonderful!

Cape May Cafe (clambake dinner) if you love clams-this is a must!

***Chefs de France!!!***Service and food outstanding, prices are resonable for Chef prepared French food.

Cosmic Rays is great for lunch.

fast food in Epcot's China (Lotus Blossom?) good deal, entrees are perfect for lunch.

Smoked turkey legs from the mobile carts in USA in Epcot( also found throughout WDW) Huge and delicious! Only $4 each and large enough for a guy's dinner.

O'hana has fantastic grilled pork, chicken and beef.

in my opinion, Crystal Palace's food quality and selection has gone down hill.

HAPPY EATING!!!!!!

 

[mommystieg]

Originally posted by maidmarion
My choices are: Hollywood and Vine (for the Fantasmic package), Donald’s Breakfastasaurus, Spoodles, Cape May Café, Crystal Palace, Tempura Kiku and/or San Angel Inn and/or Le Cellier, Chef Mickeys.

His choices: Coral Reef, Chefs de France, Rainforest Café, Marrakesh, Citricos, Cosmic Rays, Pecos Bills, Le Tangerine Cafe (sp?), Whispering Canyon, Artist Point, Kona Cafe.

Don't you hate trying to decide where to eat? There are too many choices!!! Out of your choices we have tried:
-Donald's Breakfastasaurus-not one of our favorites; we also found it very chaotic.
-Cape May Cafe-we had breakfast there; the buffet had a huge selection and the character interaction was very good. It does not seem to get as hectic as some of the other buffets.
-Crystal Palace-we had breakfast and lunch(before the menu changed)and really enjoyed both. DH says this is a must do for him every visit.
-San Angel Inn-it is a different kind of Mexican food so if you are looking for tacos, enchiladas and nachos you probably won't find what you were expecting. The food was very good though.
-Le Cellier-we had lunch there; it was ok. Great soup and pretzel bread!
-Chef Mickey's-we had dinner and enjoyed it although it can also get a little noisy.
-Coral Reef-the food is really good but the portions are small and the prices are high.
-Cosmic Ray's-good selection; warning--the stacked sandwich is huge and could easily be shared.

Hope this helps a little. I always spend months trying to decide where to eat. Heck we aren't going until June 2004 and I am already working on our meals

 

[anne930]

Of your choices, we like Cape May, Crystal Palace, Le Cellier & Chef Mickey's - don't care for Spoodles or Donald's Breakfastasaurus - Hollywood & Vine OK

Of his choices, we like Coral Cafe, Chef de France (both rather expensive) and Rainforest Cafe.

We are trying Whispering Canyon, Artist Point & maybe Kona Cafe this year.

Have fun deciding!!

 

[maidmarion]

Wow! Lots of info. I am actually writing little pluses and minuses next to the ones on our lists with regard to what y'all recommended. I am still not sure, I must admit.

No one seems to have much to say on Kona, Cali. Grill, Tempura Kiku or Trails End.

Susy- we hope to do about one sit-down meal per day, maybe one day with a breakfats and a dinner. The problem is narrowing it down! Now here come some tough questions : if you had to choose only San Angel or Le Cellier, which one would you? If you had to choose Breakfastasaurus or Crystal Palace, which one?

webray- which of San Angel, Le Cellier and Chefs de France if you had to choose one? And, sell me on House of Blues! We need a DTD offering on there somewhere. Thought Spoodles was, but, come ot find out, it's Boardwalk.

crazzy- I really liked your suggestion of making multiple PS. I just want to know if that will limit others in making their PS for the same restaurants. Don't want to be causing broken hearts! (And thanks for saying I'm not crazy, though coming from someone with crazy in their username, I don't know what i should think! )

MHopkins- no on Spoodles huh? I have to admit that Whispering Canyon doesn't really seem like my kind of entertainment. Maybe I would like it once I got there, but I'm not big on being harassed and made fun of, which is why you don't see Prime Time on my list! Here's hoping my beloved can give up on that! BTW, planning is supposed to be part of the fun isn't it?

charabby- nope, no Rainforest in NYC. In fact, until you mentioned that, I didn't even know it was a chain. That's what happens when you live on an island I guess!

Gomez- thanks for your counter service suggestions, we need those too. What would you recommend on the menu at Chefs de France? Maybe that'll sway me.

Mommysteig- you are not the first person I've noticed on the boards saying that Coral Reef is really not worth the price. Is this true for lunch and dinner both? BTW, what makes Crystal Palace a must do? Is it food, characters, service, atmosphere, or some combination thereof? Also, since we're both adults, do you think we'd stick out like sore thumbs anymore here than at Chef Mickeys or Breakfastasaurus?

Anne, looks like we'll be there at the same time! Maybe we'll run into each other! If you had to pick, would you choose crystal Palace or Chef Mickeys for a couple of kids-at-heart but adults-in-body?

I know this is long, but I can't tell you how helpful you've all been.Sorry for all the follow-ups, but, like I said, I'm quite obsessed over this PS business!

 

[mommystieg]

Originally posted by maidmarion
Mommysteig- you are not the first person I've noticed on the boards saying that Coral Reef is really not worth the price. Is this true for lunch and dinner both? BTW, what makes Crystal Palace a must do? Is it food, characters, service, atmosphere, or some combination thereof? Also, since we're both adults, do you think we'd stick out like sore thumbs anymore here than at Chef Mickeys or Breakfastasaurus?

If you want to eat at Coral Reef, then do lunch because it is a little cheaper than dinner. I don't know if you have this but here is a link to the menus:
http://wdwig.com/menu/menus.htm
We enjoyed our meal at the Coral Reef and I think it is definitely a "must try at least once" kind of place.
We think Crystal Palace is great for all the things you have listed. Both times we visited('02 & '03)we got the same server, Karen, and she is awesome. The great thing about WDW is that everybody can be a kid again so I don't you would stick out at any character meal
I guess I overlooked CG on your list. We have eaten dinner there and loved it. The food, service and atmosphere are outstanding.
Good luck with your choices!!!

 

[Boo Mc]

Between Donald's and Crystal Palace, I'd just choose based on which characters you want pix with. Both are buffet so food is similar IMO. The cheese soup at Le Cellier is a MUST do for us and we often have just that for lunch. If you do that, you can choose another Epcot restaurant for dinner. Trail's End is no big deal to me, I'd choose Hoop-de-doo instead. I think Cosmic Ray's is just fast food like burgers so that's not a must do IMO. Rain Forest is cute for ambiance but I don't know if the food is anything special. Just my two cents. Have fun!

 

[MHopkins2]

Originally posted by maidmarion
No one seems to have much to say on Kona, Cali. Grill, Tempura Kiku or Trails End.

Sorry, I must have missed those. I had lunch at Kona in 99, and can't remember a thing about it - which for someone food-obsessed like me, usually means it wasn't anything to write home about. But I've read several good reviews from other folks, so maybe it was just me? California Grill is AWESOME - the pork tenderloin with mushrooms and polenta is my favorite dish anywhere! Service there is always outstanding as well, and the view is breathtaking. As long as $$ isn't a problem, you should definitely hit the CG.

MHopkins- no on Spoodles huh? I have to admit that Whispering Canyon doesn't really seem like my kind of entertainment. Maybe I would like it once I got there, but I'm not big on being harassed and made fun of, which is why you don't see Prime Time on my list! Here's hoping my beloved can give up on that!

Re Spoodles, part of the problem is that we have a very similar restaurant in Dayton, and it's absolutely fabulous - so I had very high expectations for Spoodles. It wasn't *bad* so if you have your heart set on it, by all means; it just didn't thrill me. (Unlike CG, Citrico's, and some others, which amaze me every time.) I'm with you on the harassment thing - maybe you could convince DH just to go to Prime Time for a quick milkshake break vs. a full meal?

BTW, planning is supposed to be part of the fun isn't it?

It's one of my very favorite parts! My ex was ready to have me officially diagnosed with OCD just before our week long trip.

 

[Grumpy92]

Character Meals- Crystal Palace (good dinner), Chef Mickeys ok HollyWood & Vine would suggest one of the other Restaurants. Can only do so many crowded and loud character meals. I would do Chef Mickeys for breakfast & CP for dinner

Lunch - Konas is one of our favorites, Tempora is another one we love this but they dont take PS, often we go in the lounge with the great view and same menu, Tangerine Cafe is pretty good.

Dinner - Cal Grill very good, Artist Point is just ok, Le Cellier we love it there, skip Coral Reef, not big on Trails end but everyone else seems to love it you can take a romantic carriage ride afterward though

Counter Svc - (MK) Caseys, skip Cosmic Rays, Pecos is fine but I would rather do LTT for lunch, (EC) Sunshine Season is a very good food court

Others - PT Cafe is fun, Love Mama Melrose very California italian, Cape May great mussels, Beaches & Cream THE best burgers and sundaes.

 

[Gomez Gang]

Maidmarion,

Some of my favorites are listed below. Chefs de France does, however, change thier menu periodically due to whatever is in season (or the chef feels like preparing!) I have never had a bad entree there and we eat there everytime we visit, always for dinner.

tarte a la tomate et du fromage de chevire
bisque de homard--out of this world!!!!
gambas mediteraneene sur galette--biggest shrimp in the world!
creme brulee--yum!!!!!!!
matignon au chocolat avec sa creme anglaise

also, once my husband had a steak sauteed with mushrooms and he said it was "to die for" but I don't see it on the current menu.

go to wdwig.com/menu/men_cdfd.
for complete descriptions in Engilsh.

Bon appetit!

 

[Growin'upDisney]

Visit the Rainforest Cafe, walk around, but don't bother to eat. The wait is usually long, unless going for lunch. Food is good for a chain but with as many as there are sprouting up all over the US, it won't be long before there is one in your area, or at least whereever you vacation next!!

 

[anne930]

It's a tough choice between Chef Mickey's and Crystal Palace - they are both fun experiences. Chef Mickey's has a combination of Goofy, Mickey, Minnie, Chip & Dale & Donald - Crystal Palace has the Pooh characters, Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore & Tigger. Both are buffets so you can get plenty to eat and the quality of food is about the same to me - good, but not fine dining quality. The main difference is the location of the restaurant - Crystal Palace being in Magic Kingdom (very convenient) and Chef Mickey's being at the Contemporary ( a monorail ride away). My personal favorite is Chef Mickey's since we are Goofy and Minnie lovers. If you are seeing Mickey, Goofy, etc somewhere else, then I would go to Crystal Palace.

Hope this helps.

Anne

 

[deadheadbelle]

We eat at Breakfastosaurus every trip to Disney. It is very good, lots of food choices. We also enjoy Crystal Palace for dinner (I have not had breakfast there, but have heard it is very good). I would recommend lunch at San Angel Inn(especially the margaritas!). Chef Mickey's is great for breakfast or dinner. Enjoy the planning!!

 

[Dixie Luvr 98]

Can't believe no one has said anything good about Trail's End. It seems to have quite a following on this board The food is good and plentiful. We have never had a bad server there and have never had to wait to be seated. It's great to go to Ft. Wilderness and get away from the crowds for a while! Best of all, it is a bargain!!

Hollywood & Vine - We eat there for the Fantasmic package with the kids. The buffet food is okay, but is has a cafeteria-like atmosphere. For just a couple, I would probably try one of the other offerings.

Calif Grill - The service is absolutely outstanding! When we ate there, the pork tenderloin was actually a little tough and had gristle. I'm sure they would have made it right if I had complained, but I always feel a little rushed when I am out without the kids. The chocolate-banana bread pudding for desert was fantastic.

Spoodles - Love it for breakfast, but was rather disappointed for dinner. Food was okay, server was mostly absent.


Cape May Cafe and 'Ohana are both places we eat nearly every trip. Food and service have been consistently good.

 

[slimplaw]

I know you did not name this restaurant as one of your choices, but please consider going to 1900 Park Fare for the breakfast buffet. The food has always been excellent when I've gone. Also with you going in Dec. you really, really need to see GF decorated for Christmas. You're already at WL which is beautiful at Christmas, but you should see GF too. If you don't want breakfast, consider going for their afternoon tea.
Now on to some of your choices. I've always enjoyed Whispering Canyon for breakfast. I also had a late lunch there and it was very good. I enjoyed Spoodles the one time I ate there and will return. I've only eaten breakfast at Kona and want to go again for more Tonga Toast. LeCellier was very good the 2 times I ate there. My steak was very good both times. I though LaTangerine was very good. I've only eaten breakfast at Cape May and thought 1900 Park Fare was much better. Just remember that at the sit down restaurants, the servings are very large.