Which character dinner...LTT, Chef Mickey's or Garden Grill?

[mom23boyz]

Help us decide. My kids loved CM last time, but I've heard not so good things recently. We'll be there before the characters leave LTT.

 

[TexasTodds]

We haven't done Chef Mickey's so I can't say either way, but we did LTT and Garden Grill in January, so I can tell you about those.

For us (me!) LTT was NOT relaxing at all. The characters were spaced just so that everytime I sat down and got the kids settled again, here came another character. I just felt like I never relaxed, the kids lost interest in eating, and I like actually remembering that I ate, instead of shoveling food down to get out the door.

GG was a total opposite experience. They had us sit where the kids were on the outside (we were at a u-shaped booth on the bottom level, so you couldn't see too far away, so the kids actually ate, and we also had alot of time to interact with each character. It was a very relaxing meal (plus more scenery! I would do the boat ride before instead of after if possible to understand each "scene" better.

As far as food, LTT was just mediocre...I can do the frozen stouffers route at home if I so choose. Definitely nothing special.

However, we loved the food at GG. I thought the catfish and flank steak were very good, as well as the rolls and the potato casserole was really good too (I know alot of places serve something similar, but I still really like them all!) The kids didn't complain about their chicken, and really liked their dessert also. We went at the end of the lunch hour, and the service almost was a little slow at the end, but I found that pretty much everywhere you would have great service through out the meal, but it was difficult to get them to actually bring you the check so you could leave. Hard to believe since you would think they wanted faster turnover!

Well, that was my experience, for what it is worth!

 

[galligan4]

We have only been to CM but it was great! We had Breakfast and the food was pretty good. The kids got to see Mickey and the whole crew and they loved it. They all come around to the tables for "hello" and pictures. We are going back in December and can't wait!

 

[aribelle]

The reports are that LTT food is either mediocre or wonderful because it's "comfort food".

BUT....the reason we're doing this one, is that the character part of the meal will go away as of January, 2009 (I can't recall the exact date but it's very early in the month, like the first week I think). So.....for us it's about enjoying something that won't be there the next time we are.

And hey, I like comfort food.


Of course I'm not much help because our family will be doing all three of these, lol. But....knowing that LTT characters will be gone soon gives this a sense of urgency for me.

 

[shocker]

I've done all 3 and my favorite is Garden Grill, even with all the food options in Epcot I still can hardly walk past this place without a visit. If this is any issue for you, GG and LTT are served family style (all-you-can-eat platters brought to your table) and CM is a buffet. If your feet are in need of a rest or you have very small children you may want to opt for family style, standing at the buffet helping get a bunch of kids plates isn't very relaxing.

 

[megthewonderful]

Without a doubt, go to the Garden Grill. It was the most relaxing character dining experience we had and the kids loved the restaurant, the characters and the food.

 

[disneystacy]

We are doing Garden Grill this trip. I feel it is a calmer character meal. We are doing CP and 1900 Park fare earlier in the week though.

 

[Barb D]

Garden Grill is my favorite of the three, although Chef Mickey's is a must to do at least once. Since you've done it before, though, I'd definitely go with GG.

 

[Lady_Aurora]

I have done all three and they really depend on what you and your family like

LTT, as said above, is no longer having characters as of January 09, so if you really want to try that one, i would go for that since its only a limited time. Their dinner is family style and, though my family is not a big fan of that way of eating, found the food to be excellent. The characters also come around in a timely manner as well, so you are not waiting forever for them to come.

Garden Grill is a lot like LTT in that it also is a family style service. The kids might think its cool that the restaurant is rotating, so thats also a selling point on this place. The food was decent, but i felt that the portions that were originally brought out were kind of small for the size family i had with me and the second helpings took a while to come out. The characters come around somewhat timely here, though we did have to wait a bit for one.

CM you said you had before and it is one of my personal favorites! I have not been there since july 07, but when i was there last, it was still up to the standards for me.

I Hope this helps and Have fun on your trip!

 

[jemgumby]

We have done LTT and GG. We liked both, however, since the characters will no longer be at LTT soon I would do that one!

 

[tinkerlisa]

We haven't done Chef Mickey's so I can't say either way, but we did LTT and Garden Grill in January, so I can tell you about those.

For us (me!) LTT was NOT relaxing at all. The characters were spaced just so that everytime I sat down and got the kids settled again, here came another character. I just felt like I never relaxed, the kids lost interest in eating, and I like actually remembering that I ate, instead of shoveling food down to get out the door.

GG was a total opposite experience. They had us sit where the kids were on the outside (we were at a u-shaped booth on the bottom level, so you couldn't see too far away, so the kids actually ate, and we also had alot of time to interact with each character. It was a very relaxing meal (plus more scenery! I would do the boat ride before instead of after if possible to understand each "scene" better.

As far as food, LTT was just mediocre...I can do the frozen stouffers route at home if I so choose. Definitely nothing special.

However, we loved the food at GG. I thought the catfish and flank steak were very good, as well as the rolls and the potato casserole was really good too (I know alot of places serve something similar, but I still really like them all!) The kids didn't complain about their chicken, and really liked their dessert also. We went at the end of the lunch hour, and the service almost was a little slow at the end, but I found that pretty much everywhere you would have great service through out the meal, but it was difficult to get them to actually bring you the check so you could leave. Hard to believe since you would think they wanted faster turnover!

Well, that was my experience, for what it is worth!

I agree with you on the GG. We had a blast! the food was the best we had while we were there and we saw the characters alot!!! When we go back there that will probably be one CM we do again!!!

 

[PlutosFriend]

Help us decide. My kids loved CM last time, but I've heard not so good things recently. We'll be there before the characters leave LTT.

If I had to pick just one of these, I would pick Garden Grill. My kids get a kick out of the floor turning BUT since this is the last year with the characters at LTT, maybe you should do that one!

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Chef Mickey's.