Should we try Rainforest Cafe?

[OurMsBrooks]

We've eaten at the DTD Rainforest several times. The best time was when we sat outside on the deck over the water. While we didn't get the atmosphere as much, it was a very pleasant spot to eat. The food is average.

Our last visit, though, has convinced us that we will not be going back. We were a party of nine, and they seated us at a table that would have been tight for six. We tried hard to be polite in requesting a change, but the staff was very unpleasant and unwilling to accommodate us. They kept insisting that there was no reason the children couldn't "squeeze together" on the bench side of the table. We didn't see any reason why the children should have to be any less comfortable than anybody else; after all, they are paying customers, too, and had waited a good long time for a table we had made the appropriate reservations to get. I've never been so cramped in a restaurant. In order for one person to stand up, the people on either side had to slide their chairs back and stand up too. We were even crowded after they added another table for two on the end of our table. It was a frustrating experience, and I'm afraid we're done with that restaurant. There are too many other options to waste time and money someplace where we have had a negative experience.

 

[dioxide45]

We have ate at the AK location several time but not the one at DTD. Food is decent and atmosphere is good. I always worry about dust on the vines and other decorations falling on to my food. If you do go and plan to visit again, sign up for the Safari Club. You get 10 or 15% (not sure) off your bill or a free appetizer (up to $8). I think it costs 15-$20 to join, but they send you a coupon for $5 less than what you paid for the club. So if you go back often, it pays for itself. They also will send you coupons at other times and on your birthday. They even let us use one that was expired at the AK location.

 

[Disney_Daddy]

Rainforest Cafe doesn't accept the DDE. They will give 10% for DVC members though.

It's not my favorite, but the kids enjoy it.

 

[MandM-Mom]

My kids really enjoy the RFC, and me and my husband actually do too! My DH can't get enough of the Lava Nachos, and my favorite is the Jungle Chop Salad. I think the food reminds us of of an Abblebees type location, which we generally enjoy....not fancy but good food and alot of it!

Also in August we could not use the dining plan like others have noted but we could still charge it back to our Disney room charge, which I like because I don't like to carry alot of cash in the parks.

 

[ntsammy5]

the food reminds us of of an Abblebees type location, which we generally enjoy....not fancy but good food and alot of it!

That's a good comparison.

 

[ajleone]

I'm not a big fan of our local Rainforest Cafe, but I think the ones at AK and DTD are much better and can be quite fun.

 

[Cee]

I'm not a fan of RC either, BUT.....that huge "volcano" dessert is AWESOME.

 

[spring70]

We love it and go every time.

 

[danielle782001]

We are going for the first time this coming Friday for lunch. My boys having been asking to eat there, so we are giving in. We called them directly to make the reservation. We are not big fans of chain food. We will stick to ordering simple menue items like a burger orchicken. We are looking forward to the atmosphere. We think the kids are going to love it. Here is to hoping!

So the chicken fried chicken is good? I was wondering about that one???

 

[simonkodousek]

The atmosphere of RC is very unique and fun, but the food is awful. I ordered their special of ribs, steak, and coconut shrimp to share with another person, but only the coconut shrimp was OK. The steak was really tough and difficult to cut, and looked as if it had been sitting under a heat lamp for awhile. The ribs were the most disgusting food I have ever seen. They were nothing but fat! I would have taken a pic and posted it here if I had a camera they were so bad! So, on our entire expensive meal there, I only had 2 coconut shrimp and a milk shake!

 

[sl_underwood]

Anyone have pics of the volcano dessert? My whole family thinks that sounds awesome! Also, can you go there for dessert only? I am iffy on whether ds would like it or not. He does have sensory issues but loves animals, he isnt afraid of any animal at all but all the sounds might be overwhelming for him.

 

[FFerret]

My son has autism, but he took to RFC pretty well I'd say it's a noisy place but not loud like in your face or overbearing. We ordered the Volcano (sorry, no pics); we all got a kick on how the servers call it through the restaurant.

I love the themeing; food is a bit overpriced (but fun).

We've been to the AK one twice now, so it'll be a regular when we go back.

We're going to be at POR just on Apr 3rd--i've never been there and am looking forward to it!

OH--and yes, you can just get the Volcano. I had GCs for RFC and that's all we got (plus drinks).

 

[dioxide45]

I think the food reminds us of of an Abblebees type location, which we generally enjoy....not fancy but good food and alot of it!

I don't thin I would compare it to Applebees. While the type of food served might be similar, the quality far exceeds any Applebees food that I have ever had.

 

[my3disneygirls]

OP, here is my two cents. I have been to the AK location and it was OK. The second time I had the Cobb salad and it was huge and quite good. Personally with all of the food offerings on and off property I would not choose to go, but since your DD wants to try it I say you really should.

I am controlling when it comes to planning vacations. My middle DD wants so badly to go to 50's prime time. I have no desire, but made an ADR for April to make her happy. As much as I hate to admit it at times it is the children's' vacation too. As far as hubby is concerned it's not his vacation, he does what we tell him to. Just kidding. OK not really.

 

[Disney Padawan]

I remember I went when they first opened in Sawgrass Mills Mall near Miami. They had live animals at the entrance and the atmosphere was great.
I would suggest going at least once just because it's not your typical restaurant. The food is above avarage, not 5 star quality, but a place like this you mainly go for the theme.
This makes me wonder something? Does anyone have an opinion on which one is better? Are both locations similar inside and in size? Does one have more to offer than another? Just curious.

 

[Lovin' Lorne]

We go to the RFC at DLR all the time and enjoy it. We both order salads and haven't had a dissapointment yet.

 

[Eeyore's My Favorite]

We ate at the RFC at AK on Tuesday afternoon & it was great. I hadn't been to a RFC in a long time. I got a turkey roll-up, and DH got a meal with 3 types of shrimp & he said it was fantastic. There was so much food, that we didn't have any room for the Volcano. We did see them bring 3 past us while we were eating & they were huge!!

I'd say go for it - you'll enjoy the theming.

 

[dzneelvr]

I'm going to go to the mat in defense of RFC! Our family "discovered" it on a trip to Chicago when the kids were small and we absolutely loved the entire experience to this day, my DS (now 20) and DD (now 18) LOVE it! It somehow means "Disney" to them and that's alright with us! Even though DH won't order anything other than the ribs, and DS and DD the pizza, hey! it's an event! I take exception with all the food complaints--we don't expect the same cuisine as, say, The Brown Derby at MGM. You will get large portions, the setting is unique (get up from your table and wander around to see all the sections), the gift shop has excellent buys, and the waitstaff is very attentive As soon as the new Landy's eatery "TRex" is ready in DTD, we'll be there as well! Here we come AK RFC in June 08

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

This was not at the Rainforest in DTD, however my family and I went to the one in Toronto since we never been and because they messed up my parents orders, they gave us a free Volcanoo. Normally we would not order it since it's to big for 3 people, however I thought it tasted amazing. Still it's better off for more then 5 people at one table, so I don't think we would be ordering it again,

 

[SoonipiLady]

I just cashed in 115,000 reward points and got several gift cards for RFC, since I knew there was one in DTD, which is where we'll go our first night in town (we're coming in late afternoon and staying at POFQ, so we'll take the boat down). But that means we can use some of the Gift Cards the day we're at AK. Anything to save some $$$$$