Where to eat at Downtown Disney?

[ntengwall]

I think we are going to do DTD our first night so we don't waste a ticket to a park. What would be your recommendation for where to eat there? We won't have tickets to Pleasure Island or the video arcade (forget it's name). I was thinking Rainforest if we get there early enough. We were going to go around 3 and then try to eat early around 5 or 5;30. I did hear the food at RF is bad though but I know my boys would love it. Thanks for any advice!

 

[Shirrie]

We have been to Rainforest Cafe several times, we love it. Our boys 12 & 4 liked the food also..

 

[wdwthanksgiving]

we liked the food at rainforest - just be prepared for a long wait - it seems to always be very, very busy
in a pinch, you could try earl of sandwich - it certainly does not have the "atmosphere" that rainforest has, but the food is great and very reasonable
hope you have a great trip!

 

[SpectroMagic*o*]

I like Rainforest Cafe for the atmosphere, and I know your kids will too...they have a volcano that erupts every 30 minutes and when it does, the lights get dim and it's really cool. The food's not bad...it's not gourmet either...it's like any other food chain (think planet hollywood) just with a really great atmosphere.

ug:

 

[HLAuburn]

I posted about RFC, too. Here's the link...
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=991610

We've been to the one at Animal Kingdom, and they food isn't great, but the atmosphere is. Your kids will definitely be entertained. After looking at other options (Bongos, Earl of Sandwich, Planet Hollywood), Rainforest Cafe seems like the best choice all around for DTD with kids.

 

[slk537]

We absolutely love the Earl of Sandwich - it's not a sit down menu experience, but it's yummy food and reasonable.

 

[timandlesley]

I've seen it get bombed here for some reason but we LOVE PLANET HOLLYWOOD. We've eaten there on ALL of our trips and we LOVED it every time. GREAT atmosphere, awesome food, and the best deserts.

 

[scoutsmom99]

I would eat at Earl of Sandwich and then enjoy the shops and DTD atmoshpere.

 

[Savin4Disney]

Another vote for Earl of Sandwhich! We loved it. We spent our first afternoon there too. Walked around took pictures ate at Earl.

 

[barknluke]

Yet another vote for Earl of Sandwich. We went for 8 days, on the dining plan, carefully picked every restaurant...and that Tuna Melt at the Earl of Sandwich was definately one of our culinary highlights. Isn't that a kick in the teeth, a 5 dollar sandwich...'tis true though.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

I'd go to House of Blues, personally. They make great burgers, wonderful chicken, I had the best service there (another plug for Eli...thanks for the Stella Artois!), and the best soup.
Although I don't mind the food at Rainforest (never had a truly bad meal anywhere in WDW, aren't I lucky???), it's awfully loud , the service is incredibly slow, and it may take you 2 hours to get a seat, depending on crowd levels. I like the moving animals, and they may be very entertaining for the kids, but I honestly can't eat with all that thunder and lightning and monkeys shrieking and elephants trumpeting. It's a show, not a meal.

 

[nbodyhome]

Earl of Sandwich is awesome, and Raglan Road is too! I wasn't impressed with Rainforest - (or PH, for that matter). I also love the DisneyQuest Cheescake Factory Express.

Denise

 

[aprilvaca04]

The Rainforest Cafe for sure...we have been there numerous times and are never disappointed. I thought that the novelty would wear off but it never has...my kids just love it!

 

[waltdisneyworlddreamer]

If you've never experienced RFC I think you should definitely try it. It looks cool from outside but it is even better inside. We really enjoyed the food there. Everyone has their own opinions, but all of our party was more than pleased with our meal!!! Lots of fun!