Trail's End Buffet questions...

[Local_Girl]

We're considering having a meal here on our next trip, though I can't decide which meal to have! We'll be spending at least a couple of hours in FW on our resort-hopping day. I've read some rave reviews about the food/value here, but still have a few questions...

Do they take PS ressies?

For anyone who has ventured from offsite to eat here, how long does it take to get to the restaurant (via bus, I assume?) from the time you park your car at Ft. Wilderness?

Do they keep the buffet pretty well stocked, even as the end of the meal time approaches? We're thinking of having a late breakfast or late lunch...I get really aggravated when they don't replenish the buffet and your choices get really limited .

What is the atmosphere like?

Thanks for any info!

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Always happy to answer questions about Trail's End, my favorite restaurant.

There are no PS's here.

Buffet is constantly restocked, and food is fresh and excellent.

Atmosphere is sort of a rustic western type theme. Farther towards the back of the seating area, by Crockett's Inn there are some taxidermy items - full sized bear, etc.

After parking in the lot, once you grab a bus it isn't more than about a 10 minute ride to the Settlement area. You may have to wait a little for a bus, but they are pretty regular and I wouldn't expect more than a 10-15 minute wait for one.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

One more thing - if you are resort hopping and find yourself at the Contemporary or WL, then you can take a boat over to the FW marina - right next to Trail's End!

 

[Local_Girl]

Thanks, ftwildernessguy, for your quick reply!

Another quick question, if you don't mind! Since they don't accept PS ressies here, how busy does the restaurant get during the busy season--like, during holidays? Is it a large place? Would we do better choosing one meal over another during a busy time? Yikes---that was 3 questions!! Sorry...but I'll appreciate any input you can offer!

Thanks!

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Trail's End is deceptively large and can accomodate a large number of people. There is also a pretty quick turnover of people. Generally, lunch is a lighter crowd, but if you go at dinner it may look crowded with the HDD bunch hanging around waiting for the show. Just go on in.

 

[Planogirl]

We enjoyed visiting Fort Wilderness during a day when MK closed early. We took the boat to FW, ate a good dinner at Trail's End and then spent some time at the outdoor movie. Our wait was about 35 minutes so we walked over to River Country to check out its condition.

 

[Local_Girl]

Thank you for your replies, everyone! Now if we can only decide which meal to have here...

 

[travelbug]

I'll add my .02 worth here. You were wondering how busy it might get during holiday times. We ate dinner at Trail's End on New Year's Day this year. We arrived about 5:30 or 5:45 and were seated right away with no problem. They were no more than 3/4 full during the whole time we were there.

The food was excellent, the service was great, and you can't beat the value for a WDW restaurant.

 

[Local_Girl]

Thanks for that info Travelbug! I'm still not sure how we'll fit Trail's End into our plans, but I really want to do it. Now I won't be as concerned about scheduling it on a holiday if that's what works best with the schedule.

 

[smfnj]

This has become one of our favorite b'fast spots the last few years. If you go for b'fast after the parks open the crowds are minimal. You won't be disappointed.

steve