So many bad eats at MGM, where do we eat?

[DisneyBaby2004]

I have changed my dining plans so many times based on reviews I am reading. Is it worth it to take an afternoon breeak away from the park and go to Beaches and Cream or somewhere at the boardwalk(recommendations please) to eat our lunch/dinner and return for Fantasmic or just eat somewhere at the park? My kids and hubby don't like nasty food, especially at Disney prices. We will more than likely drive our rental car and it will be DH, DD6, DS2. Thanks so much for all your help.
This time next week I should be walking around World Showcase

 

[BAST]

I know there are quite a few bad reviews for the MGM restaurants, but I think that Brown Derby is an excellent restaurant - one of the best in WDW. Also, we like to eat at Sci-Fi - the lunch is okay but the atmosphere is as good as it gets. Personally, I also think that Beaches and Cream is overrated and the crowds make it really unpleasant.

 

[Majkman]

First, since you're looking for a Boardwalk suggestion, the BEST restaurant that we've eaten ever on property was at Spoodles. We of course made our PS right away for this years' trip (33 days.........come'on now).

I would recommend checking out their menu, but every time we've eaten there, the food, service and atmosphere were all outstanding.

In regards to MGM.........I agree the quality pickings are pretty slim, but we do enjoy the 50's Prime Time Cafe. The food is probably the best in the park and it offers a bit of entertainment while not being overwhelming.

Good luck and happy eating,
Have a Magical Day,

Andy

 

[Luv2Roam]

We have done that -- leave MGM and eat elsewhere. And it worked out fine.
Unless we just can't, we don't do counter service at MGM. Sci-Fi is fine for lunch, and Prime Time good for any meal. But sometimes sit down lunch does not fit in the park plans.
By the time you go somewhere else and return, you could have a decent sit down in MGM.

 

[Merriwind]

I've got to second the vote for Hollywood Brown Derby--really good food! I crave their Cobb Salad! It's also a pleasant, quiet location. Nice for a break from touring. With kids that little, I don't think that I would go through the trouble of leaving and boating to the Boardwalk area for a meal. And, I don't have much great to say about Beaches & Cream. Very crowded, very loud, very expensive, ok hamburgers and fries. You would have as good a meal at Sci-Fi, but if you're looking for good eats, try the Brown Derby.

PS - The kids can get real food--grilled chicken breast with veggies, not chicken fingers and fries at the HBD. Another big plus in my book! Enjoy!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Brown Derby has great food and we've always had good luck with Sci-Fi lunches. Of course at Sci-FI we stick with basic burgers, shakes, floats etc. and they've always been really good. Mama Melroses had a good dinner so I would think their lunch would be pretty good also.

 

[weluvpluto]

We always have had good meals at 50's Prime Time - we usually just stick with the pot roast and fried chicken

 

[dawgfan]

I usually tour a park half the day and go through Epcot in between stopping for lunch along the way. For example if I hit MGM first thing in the morning I go out at lunch on the boat headed through either Boardwalk or Epcot to eat lunch. I then go to MK for the second half of the day.

 

[BCV23]

We love Mama Melrose for lunch and Brown Derby is very good as well. Both are lots better than Beaches 'n Cream in our book.

 

[campinggal]

Another vote for Brown Derby!

Last month when I was down at WDW solo I wandered over to Beaches & Cream from Epcot and I was surprised how small, crowded and noisy it was. I didn't even want to wait in line for an ice cream. Everybody is different and I prefer semi quiet restaurants to dine in. Brown Derby has always had great food- interesting adult food but then the standard kid menu to please my DD.

Funny you posted this question, I was just thinking about our October trip (I know it is a ways off) and wondering if we should try some place different at MGM but like you, the inconsistent reviews have scared me away plus, I really enjoy the Brown Derby!

 

[dani12]

We just did Mama Melroses and it was really good...

 

[CamColt]

Another vote for Mama Melrose for lunch or dinner. It is one of our favorite WDW restaurants and we will even go out of our way to eat there.

 

[dzneelvr]

I have to get our "2 cents" in about the supposed bad food at MGM....we haven't found that at all!! We love Sci Fi for lunch and Mama Melrose' for either lunch or dinner.
Mama's is so accomodating...they whipped up a chicken parmagan (sfts) for my DS at lunch even though it wasn't on the menu
Hollywood and Vine has a fabulous buffet...we're not regulars of the Brown Derby, but may have to try it next trip. The backlot has good burgers and basics.

 

[Micca]

We have enjoyed Sci-Fi for lunch, but we always leave the park for dinner.

 

[Lezah]

We have had great breakfasts at ABC Commissary and always have lunch at 50s Prime Time and we have always had great food. So much so that both are on our menu plans for next trip in August! HTH

 

[Laura's Dad]

We've done lunch and the FDP at Mama Melrose's six or seven times and enjoyed it very much. We will be ther next Saturday. We have always liked the food and service.

 

[skuttle]

We have enjoyed two meals at 50's and will be going back in December. Both times the food was good and last time Aunt Claire was lots of fun!

We have also enjoyed dinner at Mama Melrose with the fantasmic package. We also have enjoyed a burger for lunch at Sci-Fi. The theming is great and it's a nice break from the heat of the parks.

While I agree...the food at MGM may not be as good as that offered at Epcot or other Resorts, but I definitely don't think that it is so bad that I would go somewhere outside of the park just to eat.

Just because you read a bad review about a restaurant on the DIS, that doesn't mean you won't enjoy it. Take it with a grain of salt. If the restaurant interests you, try it and make a decision for yourself. We have been surprised by enjoying meals at "awful" restaurants on the DIS while being disappointed in some of the DIS favorites. You never know...people have different expectations.

 

[cocodog]

We were pleased with Mama Melrose for dinner a couple of weeks ago. It is not gourmet food, but I had not expected much! I was pleasantly surprised,a nd the service was fantastic!

 

[GalDisney]

For counter service try the Backlot Express. I was there last week and it was uncrowded and food was good. They have a yummy turkey sandwich.

 

[minijeanie]

Mama Melrose at best is on the level of pizzeria uno or fast food pizza joint.

your kids are young...go to sci fi or 50's primetime

and mama's is okay for pizza...

as long as you realize it is more like a pizza hut than an authentic pizza