Rainforest Cafe?

[DisneyG8TR]

We have not been to WDW in about 6 years - MIL thought that it would be nice to get us a gift card so that we can eat at Rainforest one night (we ate there and liked it our last visit). After reading reviews, I am not so sure that we want to go.

Is one better than the other - AK vs DTD? Is the food really that bad? Should we take the gift card and eat somewhere else? It will be myself, DH, DD11, and DD9 (the girls are kind-of picky eaters).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Hootch]

is okay to me. We have eaten there a couple of times. This past trip we tried T0Rex but prefered RFC. I'd personally choose House of Blues in DTD but my kids, who are also very picky eaters, like RFC. It's also very convenient since we stay at POFQ. The boat drops us right by the restaurant in DTD.

Sorry, but I can't help you with the differences between the two Disney locations other than the DAK location serves breakfast, is supposed to be less crowded and ADRs can be taken by Disney Dining. If you decide on the DTD location (or have trouble getting the time you want at the DAK location) call the restaurant directly. We have avoided major waits at the DTD location by doing this.

 

[eliza61]

I didn't find the food bad. It's pretty average. It's like a TGI fridays with a few more selections. I find the one in DTD a lot noiser so we prefer the one in AK. We generally go for a late lunch. lots on the menu so your pickey eaters should be able to choose some thing.

 

[Missytara]

Their chicken fried chicken with mashed potatoes is really good; it comes with an awesome salad with rice wine vinegar. The bamba wrap is also one of my favorites; it is bar-be-que beef - yummo. Problem is I always end up wearing it!

 

[Dizny Dad]

Go to either location - both are family restaurants, which means loud and plenty of distracting events going on. You are at the right age to live through it, and the kids will love you for it.

Don't re-visit after the kids have grown; it can be a killer!

 

[bluslag]

We always eat at RFC the first night we arrive at WDW. We have done this now for about 8 years. We have never been disappointed. My son and I always get the pastalaya. It is spicy and we love the shrimp, peppers, and whatever else is in there. My husband always get the mojo bones and I always steal a few bones. We will be back there in 2010.

 

[VAfamily1998]

We were just in Disney last week and ate at RFC in AK. We were able to walk right in (party of 6) with no reservations just before noon on Wednsday.
We've been to other RFCs in the past (including the one in DTD) and we thought the thunderstorm in this one seemed a lot "tamer" than what we remembered. Also, the food wasn't as good as we remembered

We also at at TRex in DTD on Monday night (again, just walked in with no reservations, but this was around 9 pm) and we were THRILLED with the taste/quality of the food and also the service. We expected the meteor showers to be a bit more intense...but still it was a nice experience...our kids loved it!

 

[TinkerbellinLouisian]

We went to RFC at AK in '06 ....me, DH, and then...DS 14, DD13, DD12....and ALL were picky eaters back then....

SO some ended up with expensive entree's they didn't eat..and some ended up with RFC kids menu pizza....which did not eat either...because it "wasn't like Papa Johns"...

SO we're talking about neat dining places at WDW yesterday and DD12 ....who is now DD16....talks about how great RFC was...

I agree with DIZNEYDAD>above...

So this being said...I think it is the EXPERIENCE that they remember. We did let them get the chocolate volcano dessert (with sparkler lit on top)...I guess we were just worried that none of them really ate... (BAD PARENTS! BAD PARENTS!).... and they were delighted with sharing that...

and the gift shop....and the sights, sounds and experience.

Hope that helps!

Mary

 

[DisneyG8TR]

Thanks! I think that we will just go for it on our first night in town and hope for the best. (And get the Volcano!)

 

[Tara922c]

I thought the food was way over priced. Taste like frozen food with a high dollar price tag. However, my DD2 loved both the rainforest cafe, and T-Rex. She had just turned 2, and was laughing the whole time we ate. It is a cool atmosphere (a little loud), but we thought their food was awful. We ate at Rainforest in AK because it was pouring, we wanted to escape the rain, and there was no wait. We shared chips and queso, two sodas, and a kids meal and I think it was almost 30 with tip. I do not eat seafood, so their seafood might be good, but there chips and queso were not worth the money. I would eat there agian for DD, but I would never choose to eat there otherwise.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Whenever my family and I went to their location at Downtown Disney Marketplace I would always order the Planet Earth Pasta and it was very good.

 

[Hoosier Mom]

We enjoyed breakfast at the AK one. I think we had 8:30 am ADR's. We checked in and they had us browse in the store for a few minutes. I think they still seated us early. I think we had the breakfast of bandits. If I remember right, it was some eggs, bacon, little muffins, and fruit. It was very good.

 

[Chelley00]

I just did a review in my dining report listed below. DD loved it, I wasn't impressed. We had much better food at TRex

 

[FireDancer]

I have eaten there twice and while I wouldn't say it was a spectacular meal it was good and I enjoyed it. I think the one at DTD would be my choice but there isn't much difference from what I can tell. It all depends on what expectations you have going in. If you know that the atmosphere and theme will be a big part of the meal and the restaurant isn't all about the food I think you will enjoy it. If you go into it thinking you are about to have the same meal you would at a 3 diamond bistro in Paris you will be greatly disappointed.

Of the 3 big national theme franchises (Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock Cafe, and Rainforest) I think the Rainforest has the best food.

 

[phunchak]

The meals there are as good as anywhere else and for us it's always been alot cheaper than eating at a "Disney" Restaurant.

 

[LuvsTinker]

We always make a point of eating at RF and have never been disappointed.

We usually go to the one in AK which to me seems a bit less crowded than Downtown Disney.

 

[webprinter]

DH and I are adults and we like the Rainforest. Their hamburgers are good.

 

[ilovejsparrow]

I really like the RFC. Maybe we choose the right menu items but we have never been disappointed. I usually get the paradise pot roast and it has always been delicious. The atmosphere is really fun, and great for the kids!

 

[hello starshine]

We love it! We've ate their on our past 2 trips and I'm quite sad that we won't be having dinner there again when we go in May [it's not on the Dining Plan ]. I'd definitely go. The food's good, the atmosphere is fun, and make sure you order 'The Volcano' for dessert!

 

[DisneyNDecember]

We have not been to WDW in about 6 years - MIL thought that it would be nice to get us a gift card so that we can eat at Rainforest one night (we ate there and liked it our last visit). After reading reviews, I am not so sure that we want to go.

Is one better than the other - AK vs DTD? Is the food really that bad? Should we take the gift card and eat somewhere else? It will be myself, DH, DD11, and DD9 (the girls are kind-of picky eaters).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

We have never had a bad meal or bad service at the RainForest cafe. We love the food, atmosphere, & the great shopping they offer !!! I wish I had a gift card!! If you don't want it, just sent it my way.