Recommendations Please!!!

[karenbaco]

Hi all,
I'm a little annoyed that you pay sooooo much money to stay at AKL and if you don't have ADR 3 months in advance you can't even eat at their restaurants. How crazy is that? We're coming in on the 8th of December and won't even be able to have a meal at our hotel cuz we don't have an ADR. So with that said, we are on the hunt for a good counter service at any other resort other than Mara's at AKL. Any suggestions? Where is Beaches and Cream? Thanks so much for your recommendation.
Karen

 

[disney queen]

beaches and cream is located at the beach club near epcot. it can be very busy at meal times; so, if you don't want to wait i would suggest being there when they open as they do not take ADRs. do you just want resort suggestions or parks also?

 

[looo33]

Hi all,
I'm a little annoyed that you pay sooooo much money to stay at AKL and if you don't have ADR 3 months in advance you can't even eat at their restaurants. How crazy is that? We're coming in on the 8th of December and won't even be able to have a meal at our hotel cuz we don't have an ADR. So with that said, we are on the hunt for a good counter service at any other resort other than Mara's at AKL. Any suggestions? Where is Beaches and Cream? Thanks so much for your recommendation.
Karen

Ask when you get there..........try calling dining from the room or go to the front desk. We have sometimes had luck doing this.

 

[zmichele]

You asked for a good COUNTER SERVICE resort restaurant. Just wanted to be sure you knew that Beaches and Cream is considered Table Service, not Counter Service. When I took my Mom last Thanksgiving, we enjoyed Pepper Market at Coronado Springs resort (very close to AKL if you have a car.) They had lots of choices and it was a very good value for a Counter Service venue if you are on the DP. Their portions were very large and we shared most meals. I've read that they only allow Cookies or Muffins for dessert on the DP.

 

[Grumpy92]

You can get a few items to go at Beaches and Cream, YC/BC

Roaring Forks at WL
Gasparilla Grill at GF

Riverside is a nice foodcourt
Hey how about Trails End they always have a great buffet and voted the best value at WDW.

 

[karenbaco]

I am only looking for Resort counter service places. I don't want to use my hopper that day so i have to stick with resort restaurants. How will I get to them from AKL?? Also, is there some kind of deli to get some lunch meats and groceries? Maybe we'll make some sandwiches. Thanks in advance

 

[TAKitty]

I am staying Dec 8 as well and I called a week ago and booked Boma for breakfast and had many different times to pick from for Dec 9. I decided on 8:30 a.m. I would continue to try.

 

[jackmac]

One of the better options if you can't get into a table service resort restaurant is to go to the lounge next to it. At the YC/BC the lounge next to Yachtsman is the Crews Cup, it has a limited menu but adequate for a meal. After 6 PM it also serves a steak. Martha's Vineyard, next to the Cape May restaurant also serves light snacks. I'm not sure if Jiko or Boma have a lounge next to them, but I assume that they do. I also would not give up on having dinner there, reservations always open up and usually you can get day of seating.

 

[iliketoby]

I 100% agree -- if you're staying in the hotel, you oughtta be able to eat there! Only Disney would tell its hotel guests to go find somewhere else to eat.

I'm not sure why you need counter service recommendations -- because you want it in your room or because you're committed to the dining plan.

Beaches & Cream is a small burger & fries place at the Beach Club, near the pool. Hard to find the first time, it'd be good to ask an employee (any employee will do). Although it is a sit-down place, they'll give you a sandwich and fries to go in a styrofoam box. Across the way, you can get treats at the Boardwalk Bakery.

Wilderness Lodge has an OK quick-bite-to-eat at Roaring Forks, and is a nice experience. You can walk out back and watch the geyser go off.

Food & Fun Center at CR has video games the kids can play.

Every chain restaurant in the world can be found off-property.

 

[tinagirl]

Don't forget your options at Downtown Disney (Earl of Sandwich has gotten some decent reviews as of late) as well as the boardwalk area.

Your resort should have a Downtown Direct bus so that should be very easy for you. Also, it'll put you in easy proximity to other resorts, like Port Orleans (I like the jumbalaya at their food court)...take the bus to Downtown, then the boat or walk to Orleans.
-Tina.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

You can buy sandwich fixings in stores at any of the resorts with DVC villas, such as BC, WL or BW. Be aware they are more expensive then a regular grocery store.

If you want to eat at Boma or Jiko, I would call each morning and check availibility. If you are fexible with your times, you may be able to get in.

Mara is pretty good. We stop in there to get some premade sandwiches even when we are not staying at AKL.

 

[Rella Bella]

Don't forget your options at Downtown Disney (Earl of Sandwich has gotten some decent reviews as of late) as well as the boardwalk area.

These are both great areas to explore. I know the Boardwalk has several sit-downs that you don't need an ADR for.

 

[Merriwind]

Don't give up on the AKL restaurants. We were there in mid-October and they were booked solid at Boma. I had an ADR for 7pm but wanted to change it to early in the evening. No way, I was told. We showed up around 5:15, were seated within minutes and they were taking walk-ups too. Hope you can get in too. Enjoy!