Talk to me about Rainforest Cafe!!

[TheDisneyBunch]

We have booked RFC in DTD for one night of our trip. I booked this b/c we have always thought it looked so cool when we would walk by in DTD. It looks like a neat place and one my ds would like. I assumed it would be good b/c it always looks so busy. So I got 2 $25 gift cards through mypoints to help cover the meal that night.

Well, NOW I see reviews where people say it is not good, the service is horrible, the wait is so long, etc.. I am getting a little bummed that I got these gift cards now and have even thought about selling them and just taking that cash and going some place we know we like that night.

I really can not make up my mind.

So, somebody help me here. What is it like? Anything good? Is the Animal Kingdom one better?


Thanks so much and also if you have any pics that would be AWESOME!

 

[OKW Lover]

Sounds like you've been reading some of my posts. Sadly, that is my take on RFC, long waits, OK food, poor service. But that doesn't mean you won't like it. Everybody is different.

 

[Connears]

I have eaten at many RFCs and the ones at wdw are typical. I have not been to the one at DTD for about 4 years, but service was fine and food good. We joined the safari club to get discount and head of line seating(you have to join at one of the RFCs-we have one in MA). We really enjoy the breakfast at the AK one where we have eaten the last 2 trips...they environments of all the RFC are fun with thunder storms and animals,etc.

Connears

 

[SorcererDonald16]

You can make ADRs directly through Disney if you want to eat at the Animal Kingdom Rainforest Cafe; I think you might be able to make reservations for the DTD location, but you have to call them directly (not entirely sure about that though as I've never done it).

We love Rainforest Cafe! As long as you can go at a less busy time or have a reservation, it's a nice change. We've been there every trip since they first opened. My dad makes a meal of the Buffalo Wings, and my mom and I love the Passport to Paradise cheese pizza. Nice desserts too, and one of the few restaurants you can find sweet tea at. We've never had bad service or bad food. It always surprises me to see such negative feedback here since we've never had anything but a great experience. But that's the luck of the draw, I guess. I have some pictures from May, but haven't had them developed yet. We went to the DTD RFC around 2pm for lunch and had no wait and prompt service.

My perspective is always that you have to go and try the restaurants and then decide for yourself. For example, the boards don't usually boast good reviews of Tony's, but we tried it anyway and loved it. Meanwhile, you mostly find bad reviews of Sci-Fi, and we tried it anyway and did not like it either. You just never know until you try. Have a great trip, either way!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

My family and I always go to the Rainforest Cafe at DTD and everytime it has been a positive experience. So there are always going to be some guests that thought it was a good and some who did not like it.

 

[Diehl2229]

We love the AK RFC, but didn't like the one in DTD at all.

 

[spincandy]

We like both the cafes. Tbh, my favourite is AK but, for me, there's never been much in it. Yeah, DTD is busier at night but we've never had a problem with the service. It won't be lightning quick but we've always found it delivered with a smile. Food is always ok.. we're happy with the burgers and the volcano dessert (yum!)

The atomosphere is great for most kids. Some littler ones are a bit intimidated by the loud animals. I don't know how old your kids are but I would prepare them for the noise if you need to. The aquariums are our favourite part.

Just be prepared for it to be busy and you'll have a good time.

 

[JoePa4Ever]

We used to like RC (have eaten there on every trip), but after eating there on our trip last year, we realized the food isn't that great & it's definitely not worth the cost, IMO.

 

[jenjersnap]

Well, we've eaten at several RFCs across the country, including both restaurants at WDW. It is true that the food is mediocre and over-priced, but my kids LOVE it there. It makes them so happy that we'll continue to go. There's always so much for them to see. Like Disney itself, it's an immersive experience and sometimes you have to loosen the expectations because it can't fulfill EVERY aspect every time, kwim?

If we've made reservations, we've never had a long wait.

I'd try it for yourself!

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

We have gone here on all our trips (always at the Animal Kingdom though) and I use my cards from mypoints. We tend to eat more of an appitizer meal but last trip DS had the ribs and loved them. We enjoy the atmosphere, have always made ADR's, no major waits. The service was not slow, but paced. Quite a nice change for us. I enjoy getting my drinks, enjoying the rest a bit before the appetizers come. Then we actually get to finish our appetizers before the main course comes. As for drinks, I just make sure I catch a wait staff to get refills. We have never had any problems and or bad food....

Hope you enjoy your meal, wherever it may be.

 

[jarestel]

Compared to typical Disney food, RFC falls right into line, neither great nor terrible. The theme is the reason most folks try it out initially. I wouldn't discourage anyone from trying the RFC, as you have to eat somewhere and given the non-signature restaurant choices available at WDW, RFC is as good as most.

 

[portia9]

We ate there in April and were perfectly happy.

 

[HALEYSMOMMOM]

We love it! Its one of the major things my DD8 is looking forward to doing on our dw vacation this year! We usually go to DTD one, and also shop, play, etc that day. It's so much fun! We have free dining this year, and I'm strongly leaning toward" purchasing" the my points gift cards for RFC, so that can be free too!

 

[saraheeyore]

we love the rainforest cafe
been to both a few times and its always been nice. had a bit of a wait but you can often look round the shop so its not so bad or watch the fish
been for breakfast and dinner
just avoid AK one as AK closes *** then its mad

 

[kieras nana]

can you make reservations,at the DTD one?
if so would anyone,have a phone number please?
my grandaughter,is really looking forward to eating here,on our next trip,
thanks
tracy

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

can you make reservations,at the DTD one?
if so would anyone,have a phone number please?
my grandaughter,is really looking forward to eating here,on our next trip,
thanks
tracy

You can make reservations at the DTD locations by calling them directly, so their number is (407) 827-8500.

 

[disney1990]

We ate at the AK Rainforest just last week. We thought the food was quite good. If you order a drink in their special glass (my son-in-law did) you get 1/2 price refills. Also, if you have an Annual Pass, you get 10% off the cost.

 

[mom2aredhead]

We joined the safari club to get discount and head of line seating(you have to join at one of the RFCs-we have one in MA).

I agree - if you can get a safari club card before you go, getting to the front of the line and the 10% discount is worth it. It costs about $15 to join, but we got a $10 coupon in the main with our card and they e-mail lots of $5.00 off coupons so it pays for itself quickly. We were there in May and I actually enjoyed my meal there more than Kona Cafe, which people around here RAVE about.

I wouldn't worry so much about the reviews here - I'm a firm believer in reading and doing research so I know what to expect, but trying (almost) everything once to form my own opinion. If the menu looks good, you can get a reservation at a convenient time, and you think you'll like the theming of the restaurant, don't change your mind because one guy didn't like his chicken sandwich 3 months ago or someone who didn't do their homework brought a kid that was afraid of thunder and animals

Enjoy your trip whatever you decide!

 

[Cheeseball]

We ate at the AK RFC, and we didn't like it at all. We waited almost 2 hours for a table when we were told it would be about 30-40 minutes. We were seated next to the animals and the thunderstorm and it was so loud, we couldn't hear each other and the thunderstorm scared the crap out of my then 3 yr old daughter and we had to move to the bar area. The food and service were ok. The only positive thing we got out of the experience was the cool light up souvenier cup!

We will not be eating there again. But like a pp said, different stroke for different folks, you may love it!

Renae

 

[ROEDISNEY]

We have booked RFC in DTD for one night of our trip. I booked this b/c we have always thought it looked so cool when we would walk by in DTD. It looks like a neat place and one my ds would like. I assumed it would be good b/c it always looks so busy. So I got 2 $25 gift cards through mypoints to help cover the meal that night.

Well, NOW I see reviews where people say it is not good, the service is horrible, the wait is so long, etc.. I am getting a little bummed that I got these gift cards now and have even thought about selling them and just taking that cash and going some place we know we like that night.

I really can not make up my mind.

So, somebody help me here. What is it like? Anything good? Is the Animal Kingdom one better?


Thanks so much and also if you have any pics that would be AWESOME!

We always eat at the one in Lake Buena Vista one. It's so nice inside there. The food is good & the serive is good. Try it I'm sure you ill like it.