Raglan Road questions...Ready for some Irish music!

[Dr.Mickey]

Somehow, we have managed to miss Raglan Road over the years, even though we love Irish music and a good Irish pub. So we have an early evening reservation in January. I've read that they have live music every night, but I've got a few questions:

1. I read a review that talked about the main dining room vs side dining rooms. Does it make a difference? Are there rooms where you can't hear the music or see the performance? Is it worth insisting on a particular location, even if it means a longer wait? Can you describe the setup?

2. With a 7pm reservation on a Friday night, should we expect a long wait to get seated? Can you wait with a view of the performers?

3. Any recommendations on food? "Don't eat there" is an ok recommendation if you feel that way, but not exactly the most helpful

Thanks!

 

[disneyvoice]

We have always had a very good experience with Ragland Road. I think the food is really good (their brunch is really good too). We haven't had any difficulty hearing music from the side rooms but if you want to see the dancers it is best to be in the main room. My 15 year old son is a ballet dancer and he also loves to tap so when we have been in a side room he has always gotten up and stood somewhere in the main room where he wouldn't be bothersome to other diners so he could see dancer's feet.

 

[HatboxGhoul]

Not really a difference between the main and side dining rooms, side dining room will be a little quieter and and in the main dining room you can see the stage clear on for any performances going on. It depends what worth is to you if you want to just hear music but still be able to talk to each other or if you want to hear and see it and be closer to the action.

With a reservation you shouldn't have to be wait, however it is Disney and they are busy and a Friday will be no exception. I would assume 5 minutes wait at the longest if you have a reservation but hopefully none.
I quite enjoy the rack of heaven, its just ribs but it Guinness glazed fall of the bone ribs. I also really like the Fish and Chips.

 

[livyy]

In the main dining room, there is the main stage where the dancers and band will be performing. In the side dining rooms, throughout the evening, a dancer or dancers will go in the side rooms, bring a mat, and perform. They love to bring little kids up there with them to join them too. No matter where you sit (main or side dining), you will be able to hear the music. Heck, you can even hear the music just passing by the restaurant outside.

I have never had a problem with long waits with a reservation. The big issue with a long waiting time would be without a reservation, so I wouldn't worry about that.

Every time I go, I order the Citrus Salmon Salad. It is beyond delicious and so fresh! One of overall favorite meals. My parents have tried, absolutely loved, and still rave about the Keen Eye for the Shepherd's Pie, the Fish & Chips, and the Burger 'R' Way (and they are some picky eaters, haha).

Raglan Road is one of my favorite restaurants not only in Disney, but overall! I go all the time. It's truly an experience

 

[Hopefully]

Not really a difference between the main and side dining rooms, side dining room will be a little quieter and and in the main dining room you can see the stage clear on for any performances going on. It depends what worth is to you if you want to just hear music but still be able to talk to each other or if you want to hear and see it and be closer to the action.

With a reservation you shouldn't have to be wait, however it is Disney and they are busy and a Friday will be no exception. I would assume 5 minutes wait at the longest if you have a reservation but hopefully none.
I quite enjoy the rack of heaven, its just ribs but it Guinness glazed fall of the bone ribs. I also really like the Fish and Chips.

An ADR is not a reservation in the usual sense. They are NOT holding a table for your party at a specific time. An ADR places you in line for the next table for your party size, once you check in. Waiting 15 - 30 minutes is common, often longer. Over annual trips We have usually waited that long at Raglan Road.

 

[Ralph&Pam]

In terms of food choices, we go for the fish and chips, the onion rings, and the crock o'pate appetizer. All excellent.

 

[JerseyJanice]

As PPs have said, for hearing and seeing the performances, ask for the main dining room.

For food, I've really enjoyed the "It's not bleeping chowder" dish. But whatever you do, don't miss the Ger's Bread Pudding.

It is food for gods! Divine!

 

[My2Qtz0205]

We went there for dinner last month. We had an ADR. We checked in and then browsed the shop for a bit until they buzzed us. We got seated right in front of the stage without even asking! It was perfect for my Irish music-loving husband. I don't remember what anybody else had, but I had the fish n chips and it was very good. View from our table:Hubby's beer flight:

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

Last time we were there, we waited about an hour for a table. And yes we had a reservation. It was a Sunday evening.

Then after an hour, we were seated at the furthest possible table. It was a table shoved in the corner that they had to move the table to allow us to be seated. Which meant that if we wanted up, even for the bathroom, we would have needed help. They were too busy to expect prompt service just to let us get up.

We didn't sit down, and said that we needed a table in the main room. And that we had already waited an hour.

That gave us an available table in the main room. And the rest of the night was perfect. We had a wonderful server. He was well versed in the gluten free options and was able to make a suggestion for an incredible dessert.

 

[LilyWDW]

We went there for dinner last month. We had an ADR. We checked in and then browsed the shop for a bit until they buzzed us. We got seated right in front of the stage without even asking! It was perfect for my Irish music-loving husband. I don't remember what anybody else had, but I had the fish n chips and it was very good. View from our table:View attachment 257903Hubby's beer flight:
View attachment 257905

Haha... he looks so happy looking at that beer flight. I love it!

 

[momjeeps]

My favorite dining experience at WDW, mind you I've only had one WDW trip with ADRs to date but... Loved the Scallop Forrest and Bread Pudding the best.

 

[BK2014]

We were there in December. Even with a reservation we waited a while. Then we got seated off the main room, with a pillar obstructing part of our view. We asked to wait for the next table in the main room, but our server said we would have to go to the end of the line. DW was not pleased. As for food, it has been good both times we have been there. I recommend the shepherd's pie.

 

[Dr.Mickey]

Thanks for the reports! I guess like everything else, it can depend on the day. Well, we have a hard time finding Irish music in our city, so I can't imagine it being a bad night for us.

 

[Colleen27]

Raglan Road is one of our family's favorite Disney restaurants, so much so that there have been a couple of trips where we found ourselves there for dinner one day and drinks/dessert or brunch on another. As others have said, the main dining room is best if you want to see the dancers. In our experience, they'll happily accommodate a request for the main room if you let them know at check in that's what you want, but it might mean waiting a little longer. You can hear the music everywhere, so that's not so much of an issue unless you really need to see (not just hear) the band.

I adore the shepherd's pie there. It is a bit different from the standard presentation, and absolutely delish. The scallop forest appetizer is wonderful as well, and if you happen to go for brunch (no entertainment) the smoked salmon potato pancakes are lovely. My girls love the fish and chips, and my 15yo is something of an expert on that because she orders it everywhere. DD9 also really liked the Guinness ribs. She also very much appreciates that they have a steak on the kids' menu. Other than one dessert - a different variation on the apple crumble than is currently on the menu - we've never had a bad dish there.

 

[AliceNDinah]

I have an ADR booked there just to try the Ger's Bread and Butter Pudding. Heard it is amazing! Could you share it between 3 people?

 

[JerseyJanice]

Could you share it between 3 people?

Possibly, but you won't want to share it once you taste it.

 

[AliceNDinah]

Ha, I'm sure you're right Jersey Janice ;---)

 

[Simba's Girl]

I've been waffling on an ADR for here, mainly because of my beer loving DH and Dancer DD (Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Irish and Tap)...

 

[Beer Me]

We had a table which was literally touching the main stage. It was a blast. Food and beer were good but don't expect quiet conversation!