Studios or Resort for Dining?

[lieutjenn]

This has probably been asked a gazillion times but I couldn't find a related thread. Seems like the dining at HS is woefully lacking behind in quality. Would you recommend leaving HS and dining at a nearby resort rather than using a TS credit in the park? Thanks!

 

[PirateKate]

We usually take the boat to Cape May Cafe or Captain's Grille. We aren't crazy about any of the TS restaurants at DHS. I think many of the restaurants at DHS are more about the theming than the food.

 

[neodymm]

I think most will agree that if you can get an ADR for Hollywood Brown Derby, then stay in DHS. Otherwise, it's probably best to leave the park and eat at DTD or a resort. We always eat at HBD on our DHS day, it's worth the 2 TS to us, but we always have the DxDDP and never make it to every breakfast. I love having the last dinner ressie at HBD and leaving when DHS is basically empty, it's cool to be in a park all by yourself. LOL

 

[bleeps]

For us, it's a balance of the "time is money" thing at WDW. If you're done for the day at HS and it is dinner time, then sure -- leave the park to eat and spend your evening elsewhere. If you want to squeeze in as much HS time as you can, however, you're better off eating there in the park. If you're talking about a 1 credit TS meal, then personally I don't believe the resort choices are THAT much better than the park choices.

I think people underestimate the time and energy it takes to get around at WDW. We'd leave a park to go to a signature dining (2 credit) meal, but would only leave for a 1 credit meal if it better aligned with our plans for the evening.

 

[CajunMomof3]

I agree with you about the food quality in the parks. In fact, I have been playing with my ADRs to avoid eating in HS on our second day there. One caveat to that is the Sci-Fi. Not for the food, but for the atmosphere. It is a neat place to eat and is a must-do for our kids. We are trying Mama Melrose's for the first time this trip...

 

[sherbetdibdab]

Studios is probably worst in the park for food in our opinion but I agree with you that Sci Fi diner is a must do at least one purely for the ambience (the food is edible, just about).

Mama Melrose's is pretty good - it is a teeny bit on the expensive side, but not ridiculous. We've eaten there twice and always enjoyed the food and the atmosphere (lovely waiting staff). Look out for the hidden Mickey on the dalmatian statue in the lobby .

 

[eelkmj01]

We also are trying Mama Melrose for the first time on this trip. I wasn't crazy about Hollywood & Vine for dinner, but we did enjoy lunch there and we are going to try the breakfast there in January now that Special Agent Oso and Handy Manny are there.

 

[CajunMomof3]

Studios is probably worst in the park for food in our opinion but I agree with you that Sci Fi diner is a must do at least one purely for the ambience (the food is edible, just about).

Mama Melrose's is pretty good - it is a teeny bit on the expensive side, but not ridiculous. We've eaten there twice and always enjoyed the food and the atmosphere (lovely waiting staff). Look out for the hidden Mickey on the dalmatian statue in the lobby .

Thanks for the pointer! DS9 loves the Hidden Mickey search!

Any suggestions on what to order at MM? I am doing low-carb (at Italian restaurants it is a little more difficult), but everyone else loves pasta. We are on the DxDP so app and dessert suggestions would be great!

 

[lieutjenn]

Awesome answers, everyone, thanks.

I too think it depends on whether it works for your schedule, as the value of time to travel around. Since we are early risers, I think we will be ready to leave the park at dinner time and will get an ADR somewhere else.

 

[lblume91]

We have eaten at Sci Fi, Mama Melrose's & 50s Prime Time. Sci Fi was a "never again" place. Mama's was a "maybe... someday... down the road... when we've tried every other place on property..." 50s Prime Time is a "when can we go back because we all loved it!"

 

[lockedoutlogic]

The quickserve is by far the worst at Studios

The table service is by far the worst at Magic Kingdom


pound for pound...nobody can beat EPCOT's sheer selection and choices


...so let it be written...so let it be done

 

[Mickey_Man]

We have eaten at Sci Fi, Mama Melrose's & 50s Prime Time. Sci Fi was a "never again" place. Mama's was a "maybe... someday... down the road... when we've tried every other place on property..." 50s Prime Time is a "when can we go back because we all loved it!"

Stick with a burger and a milkshake and Sci Fi and it is fine. The atmosphere is unique and fun. Haven't tried 50s yet but most seem to love it. Hollywood Brown Derby is the best DHS has to offer.

 

[jdisnut]

I would leave the park and book a reservation at a place in the Epcot resort area, but I actually don't mind the table service at the Studios. It's not spectacular, but restaurants like 50's Prime Time and Sci-Fi possess a certain Disney charm that makes them worthwhile, even if the food is fairly mediocre.

Also, for whatever reason, I always seem to catch Mama Melrose's on a good day, I guess.

 

[MickeyNicki]

We like Sci Fi, 50's and MM so there are plenty of choices for us BUT that being said....I would prefer somewhere else for dinner if we were leaving the park for the day but if my plans were to stay at HS then we would def eat at HS

Next month we want to see the Osborne Lights so we are having a very early dinner at MM because it is much easier to eat in the park and stay in the park than constantly going back and forth.