Several Questions - Please Help!

[__disneygirl]

Thanks to everyone who replied to my last thread. I'm sorry I am being annoying, but i'm trying to plan a Disney trip rather spur of the moment (We had to wait because my father has a very very hectic work schedule, and time has just opened up) trip, infact, we will probably be leaving for WDW in a week or so and all the planning has been put on my shoulders.. STRESSFUL but also fun!

This'll be my sixth trip to WDW and my first time really going all out with the restaurants. We usually just go to whatever's around, but this time I want it all planned. I would really appreciate your help and be so grateful if you could answer any of these questions.

All these include restaurants through the WHOLE resort, not just the parks.

1.) Is Hoop Dee Do a must-see? A lot of people i've talked to LOVE it while some call it just average.

2.) Will I be able to get a table at the Cinderella Castle or is it really as tight as they say it is?

3.) What quick service restaurant stands out in your mind, one that has that extra something that keeps you coming back.

4.) Where should we eat in the world showcase? While we'll be sampling some of the more exotic food in countries like China, for a meal I think we'll stick to something maybe in Italy or France?

5.) What are your opinions on The Garden Grill?

6.) Where can we get "The Kitchen Sink"? I remember seeing it on Great Hotels, but I don't remember what place it was at.

7.) Name ONE *MUST SEE* restaurant and explain why.

8.) Name ONE restaurant that should definitely be skipped and why.

Any help is so so so SO appreciated!!! Thanks!!

 

[curiouser]

1.) Is Hoop Dee Do a must-see? A lot of people i've talked to LOVE it while some call it just average. We do Hoop Dee every trip. Mostly for the all you can drink Sangria. Its yummy! But we also enjoy the food as well. The show is corny, but funny-- the last time we were there one of the actors was hysterical so I giggled my way through the night. We really enjoy the whole experience and I'd recommend it.

3.) What quick service restaurant stands out in your mind, one that has that extra something that keeps you coming back. Quick service as in counter service? Hands down Flame Tree BBQ. It tastes way better than you'd expect from a CS. The pulled pork sandwich is served with corn and baked beans. All three are exceptional. Another must-do for all of our trips. Its above and beyond CS.

4.) Where should we eat in the world showcase? While we'll be sampling some of the more exotic food in countries like China, for a meal I think we'll stick to something maybe in Italy or France? If you haven't tried Le Cellier, I'd recommend it. Its my favorite restaurant in WDW. We love learning about Canada from our server and the food is wonderful - especially the cheddar cheese soup!! Morocco is also very good. The atmosphere is wonderful, as are the appetizers. I tend to find the entree chicken a tad bit dry, but everyone else in our party always loves it.

6.) Where can we get "The Kitchen Sink"? I remember seeing it on Great Hotels, but I don't remember what place it was at. Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club (really between the Beach Club and the Yatch Club, which are connected)

7.) Name ONE *MUST SEE* restaurant and explain why. Must see? As I said earlier the decor at Restaurant Marrakesh is cool, as are the band and belly dancers that perform during dinner.

8.) Name ONE restaurant that should definitely be skipped and why. We really disliked Sci-Fi. Our server was horrible as was the food. They messed up my SO's order and it took another 30 minutes for him to receive a replacement. I wouldn't recommend it, at all.

Happy to help!

 

[tjmouse]

First tip is to just call Disney Dining today and see what's available. There will be some things you can't get, but be flexible, they usually have alternate suggestions for you.

1. Never done it, but heard it's worth it.
2. You might. All you can do is call. Try 48 hours in advance too because that's when cancellations have to be made by.
3. Tusker House at AK.
4. I wouldn't go with Italy or France, but that's just me. I like Biergarten myself.
5. Never done GG, but heard good things about it lately.
6. Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club Resort.
7. Must see - either 'Ohana or Kona. Love the Poly, great food at both.
8. Skip - Toy Story Pizza (yuck) and Cosmic Rays (hate going to different stations, food is cold by the time you get to eat it).

HTH!

 

[Wendy31]

1.) Is Hoop Dee Do a must-see? A lot of people i've talked to LOVE it while some call it just average.

We've never tried Hoop Dee Doo, because I can never work it into our schedule, so I don't have advice. But it looks really fun!

2.) Will I be able to get a table at the Cinderella Castle or is it really as tight as they say it is?

How many people will you be trying to get an ADR for? Since the restaurant went from 1 TS credit to 2 TS credits, I think ADR's have been easier to get. It never hurts to call! If you can't get an ADR at CRT, you could always try 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian - Mary Poppins & friends at breakfast & Cinderella & Prince Charming at dinner. Or, if you're interested in all the princesses, you could try to get an ADR at Akershus in Norway for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

3.) What quick service restaurant stands out in your mind, one that has that extra something that keeps you coming back.

MK - Columbia Harbour House - the food is really good & the seating upstairs is so nice & relaxing

AK - Flame Tree BBQ - the food is yummy, & the open-air seating by the water is just lovely!

EPCOT - Don't have a favorite here yet. Last year, we tried Sunshine Seasons in Future World, and it was good. This year, we're going to try some of the World Showcase counter-services

MGM - We go to Toy Story Pizza Planet for the kids

4.) Where should we eat in the world showcase? While we'll be sampling some of the more exotic food in countries like China, for a meal I think we'll stick to something maybe in Italy or France?

My DH has ALWAYS wanted to eat at San Angel Inn (the TS restaurant in Mexico), so that's where we're eating this year. But the reviews for Le Cellier (the TS restaurant in Canada) are wonderful. That's where we're trying next year. I think Chefs de France looks good too.

5.) What are your opinions on The Garden Grill?

I ate here YEARS ago w/ my best friend & her family before it was a character meal, and I loved it then. I thought the restaurant revolving was so cool. This year, we're trying it for lunch. The menu looks yummy!

6.) Where can we get "The Kitchen Sink"? I remember seeing it on Great Hotels, but I don't remember what place it was at.

Beaches & Cream at the Beach Club Resort - Easy access would be through the International Gateway in the WS at Epcot

7.) Name ONE *MUST SEE* restaurant and explain why.

My DH would say Liberty Tree Tavern in MK. The food is really good, and the character interaction was wonderful.

I would say CRT - nothing beats eating in the castle.

To anyone who's never been to WDW, I would suggest Chef Mickey's because, for me, it's such a traditional "Disney" kind of experience - being at the Contemporary Resort w/ the monorail running through, Mickey Mouse coming by your table, fun music...

8.) Name ONE restaurant that should definitely be skipped and why.

Last year, we didn't like Hollywood & Vine at MGM at all - food was mediocre at best, & it was crowded & noisy. There are much better restaurants at WDW in my opinion. This year, for our Fantasmic Dinner Package, we're trying Mama Melrose's.

 

[__disneygirl]

Thanks everyone this is so helpful keep the advice coming!! Oh you have no idea how much this is helping, thanks!!

 

[fitzperry]

1.) Is Hoop Dee Do a must-see? A lot of people i've talked to LOVE it while some call it just average. Haven't done it but will likely try to on our next trip. I hear it's a hoot.

2.) Will I be able to get a table at the Cinderella Castle or is it really as tight as they say it is? I agree with the op who suggested calling 48 hours in advance. We had lunch there in October, and our dds (ages 6 & 2.5) found it enchanting.

3.) What quick service restaurant stands out in your mind, one that has that extra something that keeps you coming back. We always seem to end up at the Columbia Harbor House in MK. I'm going to have to check out the Flame Tree BBQ in AK now after seeing these recommendations. On our most recent trip, we used most of our counter service credits on breakfast at our resort (POFQ).

4.) Where should we eat in the world showcase? While we'll be sampling some of the more exotic food in countries like China, for a meal I think we'll stick to something maybe in Italy or France? The atmosphere at Marrakesh is wonderful, as was our server. We weren't thrilled with the entrees, but the dessert platter was fabulous.

5.) What are your opinions on The Garden Grill? Sorry, I don't have one.

6.) Where can we get "The Kitchen Sink"? I remember seeing it on Great Hotels, but I don't remember what place it was at. Beaches & Cream. I love Great Hotels. I want Samantha Brown's job.

7.) Name ONE *MUST SEE* restaurant and explain why. The California Grill at the CR--breathtaking views of the MK, delicious food, and an observation deck to watch the fireworks. Well worth the 2 table service credits it takes on the dining plan, IMO.

8.) Name ONE restaurant that should definitely be skipped and why. We weren't crazy about Hollywood & Vine in MGM. We did the Fantasmic dinner package. We could have gotten great seats without it, and the meal and service were less than stellar. Fantasmic, OTOH, is not to be missed!!!

Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[__disneygirl]

Thanks!! So helpful. I love this place so much!

 

[Eeyore2003]

1) The Hoop Dee Do Review is allot of fun and is worth doing at least once to see if you like it.

2) You can only try for Cinderella's Castle. If you don't get in there, I'd definitely recommend 1900 Park Fair dinner with no reservations for a Cinderella meal. You won't be disappointed with that either. Breakfast at 1900 Park Fair with Alice In Wonderland is also nice.

3) By "quick service" do you mean "counter service"??? Our favorite is Kringla Bakeri in Norway. They have fresh sandwiches and DELICIOUS baked goods!!!

4) Le Cellier (Canada) is one of our "not to be missed" on every trip. We have not eaten at Italy. I would say France is also excellent, but seemed more expensive as Le Cellier with equivalent food. Could have been my imagination though. Both are excellent choices.

5) Garden Grill is one of the few character meals I haven't tried yet.

6) Again, the Kitchen Sink is at Beaches & Cream. Just be prepared for a wait if you go as the place is usually crowded.

7) Of COURSE I can't just pick ONE must see. We have 3....

Grand Floridian Cafe-we have eaten here lunch and dinner in various sized groups and the food has gotten nothing but rave reviews by everyone. My favorite dessert is here...Chocolate Fondue!!!

Artist Point-all meals excellent here also. We usually get the salmon or steak. The mushroom soup is yummy as is the berry cobbler!!!

Le Cellier-already mentioned. Excellent steak, cheese soup and breadsticks.

8) Of COURSE I just can't mention our ONE never go back to againer we have 4...

Jiko-the meals were fine, it was after that I got terribly ill for the rest of the night, AWFUL.

Brown Derby-we had 4 people in our group and absolutely everyone had a meal they didn't like.

Boma-it got such rave reviews and we just weren't impressed. Again, a party of 4 and no one cared for the meal.

Cape May Cafe Clam Bake- if you LOVE seafood, esp clams, this is the meal for you!!! We don't and had to literally eat here as there was no where else on Disney property that night that had an opening. At least there were some things we found to eat. You can order crab for an extra 12.99 which is what I probably should have done since I do love crab. Would have fit my mood that night!!!

Have fun planning!!!

 

[__disneygirl]

Thank you!!