Restaurants booked for first time visit...comments or reviews please

[Chelley00]

If you can replace the Hollywood and Vine with ANYTHING else, please do so It was horrible, the worst meal of any of our trips. Now, with that said, we did breakfast there last trip and it was wonderful, but the dinner was beyond disgusting.

 

[Tommy_B]

We are going to disney for the first time in October...these are the restaurants we have booked...please give your thoughts/opinions on whether they are good,bad or indifferent(lol)..Thanks

The Garden Grill(supper)
Le Cellier (Lunch)
Hollywood and Vine(Supper)
Tusker House(Breakfast)
Crystal Palace(Breakfast)
Chef Mickey's(supper)
Planet Hollywood(supper)
The Plaza(supper)
1900 Park Fare(supper)

The only one I would change is Planet Hollywood, it is utterly forgettable. A Denny's with memorabilia.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

We are going to disney for the first time in October...these are the restaurants we have booked...please give your thoughts/opinions on whether they are good,bad or indifferent(lol)..Thanks

The Garden Grill(supper)
Le Cellier (Lunch)
Hollywood and Vine(Supper)
Tusker House(Breakfast)
Crystal Palace(Breakfast)
Chef Mickey's(supper)
Planet Hollywood(supper)
The Plaza(supper)
1900 Park Fare(supper)

Chef Mickey's. We love it. It's high energy. But we have gone on a Friday and they've had fish night each time we've gone instead of their regular menu.
H and V. Our least favorite of the buffets. Not all that bad but selection not all that great and quality not the best.
CP Breakfast is the best meal of the day here. We loved ours.
Le Cellier. We liked the steak there. Nice place to go.

 

[JoShan1719]

We are going to disney for the first time in October...these are the restaurants we have booked...please give your thoughts/opinions on whether they are good,bad or indifferent(lol)..Thanks

The Garden Grill(supper)
Le Cellier (Lunch)
Hollywood and Vine(Supper)
Tusker House(Breakfast)
Crystal Palace(Breakfast)
Chef Mickey's(supper)
Planet Hollywood(supper)
The Plaza(supper)
1900 Park Fare(supper)

I've had breakfast at the Crystal Palace and lunch at Planet Hollywood twice.

Crystal Palace: I'm not much for breakfast, but getting to see the characters (and being in MK before park opening, since my reservation was at 8:05am) was worth it. The food was good (I'd lean towards "okay" but again, I don't like breakfast. I'm sure it was yummy).

Planet Hollywood: Twice was enough. The food is just typical. It's nice to go once so you can look around at all the cool movie memorabilia, but after that you probably don't need to go back again.

 

[Pats Dragon]

We like revolving scenes and characters at Garden grill and the food is good.

Le cellier has excellent cheddar soup and steaks.

crystal palace is always very good as is park fair

food at chef m is sometimes cold but it is a fun experience

we like planet hollywood for the experience mostly although the drinks are good and the food ok

plaza sandwiches are always good but pricey.

Skip h & v. Food is often cold and ambiance not fun.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Crystal Palace(Breakfast) - awesome choice, great food and lots of fun

Chef Mickey's(supper) - terrible..we love breakfast here but will never go back for dinner

Planet Hollywood(supper) - its ok, like a TGIF or Chilis but with atmosphere

The Plaza(supper) - very good, love the fries

1900 Park Fare(supper) - another horrible place...the 4 of us left hungry (yes the food was that bad)

I totally agree with MickeyNicki on the above....Chef Mickeys & 1900 PF dinners were not that good. Although I have to say, the characters are pretty great at both. if you have never been, its worth a try once at least. Who knows, you might like it! Crystal Palace & Plaza are both great....love the fries at Plaza too. The best ever! Planet Hollywood is decent enough. But there are other options at DTD such as Raglan Road, which is far better!!

Le Cellier is nothing spectacular to be honest. I was actually quite disapointed with my steak. The soup & bread is nothing special either...ive had far far better in my hometown local sandwich shop.

 

[DisneyFamily123]

We are going to disney for the first time in October...these are the restaurants we have booked...please give your thoughts/opinions on whether they are good,bad or indifferent(lol)..Thanks...

Garden Grill -- food was plentiful and good. Characters (farmer Mickey, Pluto, Chip, Dale) are fun. Be sure to kid around a bit with them. Downside --for our 2011 trip, we arrived for a 6:40pm reservation and were told they were an hour behind! But gave us fast passes for Soarin'... seated at almost 8pm. Server was great, very funny. Didn't wait that long in 2010, so maybe unusual. To be on safe side, I'll book earlier dinner. It was a problem because we wanted to get up early the next morning (but changed our plans 'cause we like GGrill).

Le Cellier (Lunch) - basic good stead dinner. nothing interesting. Other places in Epcot are more fun/interesting.

Hollywood and Vine(Supper) - DON'T GO! Dinner in 2008 was not good at all. Very low quality buffet... I mean low.... Lunch was no better on a later trip. Recent reviews still no good. If you want a fantasmic package, try Brown Derby (2 dining credits)... or have a nice lunch at 50s Prime Time or Sci Fi Diner... and just get some quick service for dinner and eat it while in line for Fantasmic.

Tusker House(Breakfast) - I like breakfast, but now that characters are at lunch... I'd go for lunch instead and use that morning time to do park attractions. But if you like to get up early... I like an 8am reservation at Tusker House when the park opens at 9am.

Crystal Palace(Breakfast) - never been to breakfast but we really like lunch and dinner.. Great quality buffet, fun characters, very convenient location. Can't beat it... we will go twice in 1 trip.

Chef Mickey's(supper) - had 4:30pm reservation and it was not crowded. characters did the usual table greetings and posing for photos but didn't see any of the fun goofy stuff.. maybe it was too early. Food was good enough for a buffet (no where near as good as Crystal Palace). While you can meet several characters here, I prefer to get photos of us and DS with characters in the parks (much better background for photos). The Contemporary resort is uninteresting to visit, especially compared to the Polynesian or Grand Floridian.

Planet Hollywood(supper) -- Didn't go but we had one at home. It was OK. Went to Downtown Disney 1st time this 2011 trip. Probably won't go again. Boring... would rather be in the parks or at the resort. We went to Cirque du Soleil (nice!) and T-Rex for dinner (fun decor, noisy because voices carry).

The Plaza(supper) - almost went here! Menu looks not much different from quick service but at a table. Not expensive if paying out of pocket... if on dining plan, I'd rather go to Crystal Palace again. Soda ice cream floats (snack credit too!) next door are great!

1900 Park Fare(supper)[/QUOTE] -- We liked this dinner in 2010 but again, I prefer these characters in the parks with better photo backgrounds(not diners and tables). Food was pretty good. We saw the stepsisters at the Halloween Party in 2009 - great photos. Grand Floridian is fun lobby to visit - orchestra, shops, floral arrangements, characters in floor tiles.

I just made all our reservations yesterday for our trip in April. We are staying at Poly and made reservations for a few nights in Epcot... is that too far to travel over with small children? This is what I've booked- all dinners: If anyone has an opinion good or bad I would love to hear it, or another suggestion. Thanks!......

See above for Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace.

Coral Reef - good food, very convenient location in Future World, fun to watch the fishies... ask for a table by the window for a great view. We got our request both visits 2010 and 2011. I think those tables are for smaller parties (3 or 4 people).

Tepan Edo - fun place but we have lots of places like this at home so don't bother at WDW.

Ohana - Like the characters at breakfast. Really don't care for dinner. Limited menu. Unless improved, the dinner check in-process can be a mess resulting in long waits to be seated. I'd rather pay out of pocket and get category 1 seating at Spirit of Aloha.

Cinderella's Royal Table - went for lunch in 2011. Good food. Nice experience. Princesses were very good with DS. Fun to eat in the castle but you'repaying for it... I looked at a lot of videos... and I think the characters at CRT are much more "real" looking than Akershus. Maybe they save the best for CRT?

1900 Park Fare -- see above for dinner. We like breakfast too. Delicious food. Love Mary Poppins, Alice and the Mad Hatter (a real blast of fun...!)

Tutto Italia - very decent Italian restaurant... but we have that at home. There are places for small children (how small?) to eat that might be more fun. DS at age 5-6 liked Biergarten and San Angel Inn in World showcase, and Garden Grill in Future World.

Tony's Town Square - Uninteresting. In Magic Kingdom, I'd go to Crystal Palace instead... for lunch, I like Liberty Tree Tavern too.

 

[Colleen27]

A few quick reviews of the places we've tried...

We are going to disney for the first time in October...these are the restaurants we have booked...please give your thoughts/opinions on whether they are good,bad or indifferent(lol)..Thanks

The Garden Grill(supper)
Le Cellier (Lunch)
Hollywood and Vine(Supper)
Tusker House(Breakfast)
Crystal Palace(Breakfast)
Chef Mickey's(supper)
Planet Hollywood(supper)
The Plaza(supper)
1900 Park Fare(supper)

Tusker House breakfast was just okay, but I'll say up front that I'm not a breakfast person so it takes a lot for any breakfast to be good in my eyes. Everything tasted fresh and was served at the appropriate temperature but nothing really stood out, and they do a unique preparation of their corned beef hash that I didn't care for even though that's one of few breakfast foods I really enjoy. I mostly had cheese cubes, a little carved ham, and yogurt with granola. The character interaction wasn't very good either; I don't like the way they have Donald outside for the pic package they try to sell you and that he doesn't sign autographs, and in the restaurant the interaction was hurried and the lighting not very good for photos.

Crystal Palace was that rare breakfast that I do really enjoy. The puffed French toast was lovely, sweet, and just crisp enough on the outside while light on the inside. The corned beef hash was very good, as was their cheesy potato casserole, and DH & DS loved the made-to-order omelets. The character interaction was better than at Tusker House too, not as rushed though we did have a bit of a wait for Eeyore at the end of our meal, and the bright, airy restaurant makes getting good pics easy. I'm not big on breakfast or buffets but really liked this one.

Chef Mickey's was somewhere in the middle. The food was decent, not gourmet but enjoyable, particularly the cream cheese mashed potatoes and the salmon. The character interaction was good and my kids liked the whole napkin twirling and all that, even though it did make the restaurant a bit loud for our tastes. The service left something to be desired but I think that's because we had such a late seating and our waitress really seemed like she was done for the day even though she was still on the clock.

Planet Hollywood is one we've been to twice. The food is quite good, nothing fancy but TGI Fridays type of food with large portions and of good quality. I very much enjoy their buffalo strips and fajitas. The only reason it doesn't make our must-do list is because it is such a crazy-noisy place. The kids loved seeing all the movie memorabilia but were almost too overwhelmed by it all to have much interest in their lunch, and the tables are practically on top of one another which only makes the noise issue worse. Still, my teenage son loves the place and I've enjoyed the food on both our visits so odds are we'll be back when my toddler outgrows her nervousness with loud settings.

The Plaza is probably my personal favorite MK restaurant. The food is simple but fresh and good, the portions are easily shared if you're paying OOP or looking to stretch dining plan credits, and the desserts are to die for.

Crystal Palace
Coral Reef
Chef Mickeys
Tepen Edo
Ohana
Cinderella's Royal Table
1900 Park Fair
Tutto Italia
Tony's Town Square

Coral Reef is awesome for the atmosphere but the food seems a bit hit-or-miss. We haven't been back in a couple years after two distinctly not impressive meals. Nothing was terrible but it wasn't especially good either, the crab legs were a bit rubbery and sort of fishy, and the current menu just doesn't wow us, particularly in regard to the non-fish choices for my (fish but not shellfish allergic) DH. The kids did love eating in the aquarium, though.

Teppan Edo is a favorite of my whole family. It isn't the best teppanyaki restaurant in the world but the service is impeccable, the food is good, and the show is enjoyable. If you're going to compare it to similar restaurants in the "real world" you might not enjoy it; it is pricier (what at Disney isn't?) and in the interests of authenticity they serve only white rice, not fried. Those seem to be the most common complaints but neither bothers my family. It is a must-do for us and we'll be dining there for the 4th time in January.

Ohana is one that my family is split on. DH & DS, both big meat eaters, loved it. DD & I, who aren't as big on a meat-heavy meal, weren't impressed. Personally I think you really have to love meat to enjoy it. While I enjoyed the sticky wings and the turkey (now chicken, I believe) and beef, that much meat all at one sitting is way too much for me and the side dishes felt sort of thrown together and not all that good. The salad was really the only one worth eating; the noodles and broccoli were just "eh" rather than appetizing accompaniments to the meat. We're going back in January because I was outvoted by the carnivores in the party, however - as I said, DH & DS loved it and when my brother decided to join us for our next trip DS decided we just HAVE to take him there.

Cinderella's Royal Table is an experience. The food has been good but not great on both our visits, but you don't really go for the food. Eating in the castle is such a uniquely Disney experience that even though the restaurant isn't among our favorites I think it is well worth the price for first-timers and those who haven't done it before. The service and character interaction can both be rather rushed and it isn't something I'd want to do every trip, but it is well worth doing once.

Tutto Italia was really lovely, a well prepared classic Italian meal from start to finish and good, attentive service all around. The prices are a bit on the high side which I think is off-putting to some OOP guests but the food is very good. The lasagna was excellent though a bit on the overly-large side for as rich as the dish is, the bufala mozzarella appetizer was fresh and cool with an olive oil just full flavored enough to complement the cheese & tomatoes without overpowering them, and the lemon sorbet was the perfect light end to follow a heavy pasta entree. Even my DH, who isn't a big fan of Italian food, enjoyed dinner there (and discovered a new favorite beer, Peroni).

 

[kecmouse]

Garden Grill- Awesome choice! We had a bad waiter which i think was a fluke, but if your looking for good food this is a great choice. The entree's are fresh and tasty!

Le Cellier- Good food, it's not the BEST on property but I would definitely say it's not a bad restaurant on property. I thought the food tasted good.

Hollywood and Vine, and Chef Mickeys are not one's that I have ever tried but I always hear not so good of reviews. Be sure to check out the menus on some of these restaurants so that you know if you like the food types or not.

Hope this helps!

 

[Kellybelly777]

Crystal Palace is one of the best dinners we've ever had. Excellant choice, delicious food, perfect location, well worth the price. Can't go wrong!

Chef Mickey's is...eh. Characters and location are excellant, but the food itself is mediocre. It's much more disorganized than other character buffets as well. but if you're more interested in characters rather than food, it's good.

 

[lncbodsmom]

O.k.- just got rid of Tutto Italia and replaced it with Garden Grill. Thanks for all the input everyone... I didn't know anything about Grill but you all keep saying it's a great choice One less night we have to travel into Epcot. I think that will be good as my children will be so tired and probably prefer just going to MK most nights.

 

[Quin]

O.k.- just got rid of Tutto Italia and replaced it with Garden Grill. Thanks for all the input everyone... I didn't know anything about Grill but you all keep saying it's a great choice One less night we have to travel into Epcot. I think that will be good as my children will be so tired and probably prefer just going to MK most nights.

Um.....Garden Grill is in The Land pavilion at Epcot.

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

The Garden Grill(supper)
For us... the worst dinner we've encountered in WDW. So many better options in Epcot!!

Le Cellier (Lunch)
Much better steakhouses in WDW, but for 1 credit-it doesn't make a bad lunch.

Hollywood and Vine(Supper)
Don't do it!!! Good for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are GROSS!

Tusker House(Breakfast)
Good.

Crystal Palace(Breakfast)
Good.

Chef Mickey's(supper)
Eh--Not great food, but good interaction.

Planet Hollywood(supper)
HOLY LOUD, lol. The food will be like Applebee's and there are many many better options.

The Plaza(supper)
I think of this as a lunch--not enough for dinner.

1900 Park Fare(supper)
Good

________________

I would check out Kona, Chefs de France, Coral Reef, Mama Melrose, Via Napoli, Yak n Yeti, Liberty Tree Tavern, and Cape May Cafe. Those are a few options that haven't failed us yet!!

 

[lncbodsmom]

What??!! I thought it was in MK! Thank you for pointing that out. I really don't want to do 3 nights at Epcot so think we might do 2 nights at Crystal Palace. Seems to get rave reviews from everyone.

 

[Quin]

The only other TS dinner option that you're not already doing in MK is LTT. The food/concept is kind of similar to GG in that it's a traditional American dinner served family-style, but LTT does not have characters.

Other options close to MK would be WCC at WL (take a boat directly from MK. Boisterous kids enjoy it; lots of shouting, stick horse races around the dining room, etc) or something at Ft. Wilderness (also a boat ride from MK). Ft. Wilderness has a 2 TS BBQ with characters (kids dance with the characters but do not get individual meet&greets at tableside), a 1 TS Trails End buffet, and the 2 TS HDDR dinner show. Once you're at Ft. Wilderness there is also the free campfire/sing-a-long/marshmallow roast with Chip & Dale, the free outdoor Disney movie each night (weather permitting), and the evening hay wagon rides (about $8 per person, I think).

 

[lncbodsmom]

I'm thinking of doing dinner in Hollywood Studio one night. I've narrowed it down to 50's Prime Time Cafe and Sci Fi Dine In Theater. Any opinions?

 

[JoShan1719]

I'm thinking of doing dinner in Hollywood Studio one night. I've narrowed it down to 50's Prime Time Cafe and Sci Fi Dine In Theater. Any opinions?

I'd pick 50's PTC over Sci-Fi. I just like the atmosphere better.

Also, I agree with the pp about giving LTT a try at MK. I was there last month and enjoyed it so much it may become one of our must-do's every year.

 

[Quin]

I'm thinking of doing dinner in Hollywood Studio one night. I've narrowed it down to 50's Prime Time Cafe and Sci Fi Dine In Theater. Any opinions?

Kind of not loving either one; for TS dinner on a DHS night we take the boat to the Epcot-area resorts unless we want the F! seating package. Of these 2 choices, I'd take Sci-Fi for the theming.

 

[sephorachick]

We are going to disney for the first time in October...these are the restaurants we have booked...please give your thoughts/opinions on whether they are good,bad or indifferent(lol)..Thanks

The Garden Grill(supper)
Le Cellier (Lunch)
Hollywood and Vine(Supper)
Tusker House(Breakfast)
Crystal Palace(Breakfast)
Chef Mickey's(supper)
Planet Hollywood(supper)
The Plaza(supper)
1900 Park Fare(supper)

I LOVE Le Cellier. The filet mignon melted in my mouth. The moose dessert was ok but I wouldn't get again.

Planey Hollywood is a pass for me. Went once & it was ok.

I love the plaza for banana split personally. cute place.

I have reservations at Chef Mickeys next saturday! Never been & am excited to try