Theming Over Food Quality

[ojeight]

I live in New York where I can get some of the best food in the world so when I go to Disney I know the restaurants might not live up to what I am used to. This does not mean that I have not had some great meals when I have been there. Also being from New York, I’ve also paid high prices for some not so good meals too. So when I go I plan most of my meals around the restaurants theming more so than the food. So for this reason I often choose to eat at places that have a specific theme or character element rather than a specific cuisine. Does anyone else do this or I am I alone. I can get a good steak or Italian any night of the week. I should also mention that I have not kids but when I’m at Disney I’m a big kid.

 

[ineedavacation33]

I do the same for Sci-Fi. The food isn't spectacular, but the theming is awesome.

 

[ErinsMommy]

I like a mix of both - atmosphere for us, and character interaction to keep the kid happy so we can enjoy our meals after she's done eating, otherwise as soon as she's done, she's ready to jet.

As for the NY having the best food in the world, where exactly do you eat? LOL. I've lived in NYC my whole life and have been to other parts of the States/World where the food is so much better. Each to their own of course, but was just curious. =)

 

[disnut8]

I do the same for Sci-Fi. The food isn't spectacular, but the theming is awesome.

My recommendation as well. Sitting in a car "outside" but not outside, watching B movie trailers, having a cold beer and a burger, being able to be with other people and, just relaxing for almost an hour in air conditioning. Yep, that's atmosphere.

My best moment? Was when my husband got the burger that had a hot dog on top of it and then that silly "commercial" for the drive in came on with the hot dog flipping around to get into the bun. We both cracked up watching that silly not even a minute clip.

 

[DrivenByDisney]

The food is what it is at theme parks for the most parks. Even Disney. We've had absolutely stunning meals at Disney as well as total disappointments, no worries there. It happens.

I love the themeing at Sci Fi Drive In and the 50's Prime Time Cafe. Two of the best "themed" restaurants on property to me. We go to these spots quite a bit actually and enjoy the atmosphere every time. It's even that much better when the CM's are really into their "roles" that day. Especially at 50's.

@disnut8 - The Picnic Burger! My wife and I used to share that bad boy, loved it. Sadly, they no longer have that at Sci Fi. Very cool timing with your husband as well

 

[ojeight]

As for the NY having the best food in the world, where exactly do you eat? LOL. I've lived in NYC my whole life and have been to other parts of the States/World where the food is so much better. Each to their own of course, but was just curious. =)

I said some of the best food, not the best food. I guess it depends on what you like and who is cooking it.

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

Tony's Town Square is a good example of this for me. I love being IN the Lady and the Tramp story, even if the food isn't the best (though I do think it is fine).

 

[kastoney]

I will be the dissenter here and say for me food always comes first, it is a restaurant after all. Sure Disney has hits and misses, but the food is always my driver. That said, I think places like 50s and SciFi are good examples of mixing both the atmosphere and the food. Of course the food isn't 5 star, but I would eat it even if it wasn't served by my cousin scolding me. Sanaa is another example where you can eat in a unique and interesting environment without sacrificing the food. On the other hand, there are some places that clearly take theme to the extreme over food quality (trex, rainforest, chef mickeys I'm looking at you) that I choose not to patronize

 

[ojeight]

The food is what it is at theme parks for the most parks. Even Disney. We've had absolutely stunning meals at Disney as well as total disappointments, no worries there. It happens.

I feel the same way so I never come out disappointed but have often come out pleasantly surprised.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I agree-the theming is what Disney is known for. As long as my food is OK, I'm happy! And watch what you say about NYC food-DS is a server at a restaurant in Manhattan, and one thing he always says is that the city has some of the greatest food, at least variety. But yes, the prices are HIGH. They make WDW seem inexpensive!

 

[AshleeH]

That's how we approach it - we're not foodies and are easy to please, so I've never been disappointed in a Disney meal, but we go for themeing. The only exceptions: Kona (we heard was fantastic - and it was) and Cape May (my DH is a seafood nut and this was a surprise for him for our anniversary - he loved it!).

 

[SouthJersey]

I live in New York where I can get some of the best food in the world so when I go to Disney I know the restaurants might not live up to what I am used to. This does not mean that I have not had some great meals when I have been there. Also being from New York, I’ve also paid high prices for some not so good meals too. So when I go I plan most of my meals around the restaurants theming more so than the food. So for this reason I often choose to eat at places that have a specific theme or character element rather than a specific cuisine. Does anyone else do this or I am I alone. I can get a good steak or Italian any night of the week. I should also mention that I have not kids but when I’m at Disney I’m a big kid.

Sci-Fi and the breakfast buffets for us.
San Angel has an awesome layout and the food has always been excellent, traditional Mexican fare.
Coral Reef, while getting knocked back and forth in reviews, has always been a decent meal for a 1TS with a unique theme too.

I was in NYC not too long ago at Eleven Madison Park for an amazing meal

 

[jenjersnap]

Yes, that I how approach it too..and I don't live in a culinary capital by any means. We like an all-around unique experience (whether that is a character meal or atmosphere like Biergarten that is unavailable to us or an opportunity to watch stellar fireworks from California Grill's platform). My food expectations are measured and I have mostly been satisfied.

 

[Baklava]

Totally. I am not eating at T-Rex because I imagine that they serve the finest ribs in all the land. I am eating at T-Rex so my daughter and I can go, "RAWR!" across the table at each other without getting funny looks.

I live in a city that is not a Fabulous Dining Destination, but that is a multi-cultural Mecca of excellent homestyle ethnic cuisines.