Would you do the Spoodles buffet?

[GoofysGal67]

I talked DH into going for a quick weekend in July for my birthday - .
On our arrival day, we're not doing a park - just hanging at the hotel and taking advantage of Stormalong Bay, so I'd like to stay close to BC.

I made reservations at Spoodles, in spite of all the bad reviews. It was a restaurant I've always wanted to try because the menu appealed to me and I know food reviews are pretty subjective. I booked it before it was announced it would be a buffet during that time period. Now I'm second guessing.

Here's the thing - every other restaurant in that area seems to be $$$$. And while I know I could find something to eat on The Flying Fish or bluezoo menu (checked both out on allears) - I'm not sure my teenager will. (or my DH for that matter! DD will order off kids menu) And for those prices, I don't think I could justify him ordering something and then moving his food around on his plate because he doesn't like it. He has very basic tastes. Not into coulis, chipotle or chutney, kwim?

But for some reason a Spoodles buffet doesn't appeal to me. Do you think it will reflect the same sort of Mediterranean menu, or just your average buffet?

I would do Cape May Cafe, but we're doing that for breakfast. Oddly enough, the Captain's Grille seems like the most pleasing menu for my family, but I've read some pretty underwhelming things about that place.

So what would you do?

1. Go to Spoodles with an open mind, and possibly be pleasantly surprised?
2. Forget the cost, we're celebrating after all - and go for one of the pricier places and hope there's something my guys find appealing?
3. Captain's Grille for convenience and $$
4. Forget it all, and have a hot dog at Hurricane Hanna's and lounge around the pool!

 

[MickeyNicki]

I would rather go to Cape May of Flying Fish

 

[maggiew]

Wow! I didn't know that Spoodles was changing to a buffet before it closes. But I just went to the DIS homepage and found the announcement.

Are you restricted to locations that take the dining plan?

My suggestions would be ESPN zone or Cape May (Dinner is different than breakfast, so that wouldn't matter to me.)

If not restricted to DDP places, I would also suggest Il Mulino at the Swan.

Maggie

 

[disneyjanet]

What about Beaches and Cream?

 

[GoofysGal67]

Thanks so much for the ideas!

Food for thought...okay, bad pun

 

[PrincessTrisha]

If the Spoodles buffet doesn't appeal to you, book the Captain's Grille. I've read several good reviews of it (especially the pork chop). Enjoy a nice relaxed meal with your family.

Worrying that everyone will find something to eat (when I've chosen the restaurant) gives me a tummyache just thinking about it.

Enjoy your meal - and then head to Beaches and Cream for a big ice cream cone from take out.

 

[Minnie824]

I would go with ESPN Zone. I don't think I'd go to spoodles in the middle of their close-down/turnover buffet.

 

[GoofysGal67]

We're not on the DDP (short trip, room-only discount!), which is why I'd rather not go for my lungs at one of the higher end places (going in Sept for free dining!!)

yep, the more I think about it, going during the turnover seems like a risky thing.

Again, thanks for the advice

 

[Hootch]

Wow! I didn't know that Spoodles was changing to a buffet before it closes. But I just went to the DIS homepage and found the announcement.

another site:

<b>-- July 1 through mid-August: Spoodles breakfast will not be offered. During this time, breakfast will be served daily at Flying Fish Cafe, 7:30 – 11 a.m.
-- July 6 through August 1: A buffet dinner menu will be served at Spoodles. A la carte offerings will NOT be available at this time.
-- August 2 through mid-August: The restaurant will be closed completely for dinner. For advanced reservations during the closure, try Captain's Grille at Disney's Yacht Club Resort or Flying Fish Cafe. Same-day walk-up dining also might be accommodated at ESPN Club or Big River Grille & Brewing Works.

All dates are subject to change. The official grand opening date of Kouzzina has not yet been determined.</B>

 

[mhalpern]

What about the Garden Grove at the Swan? It's still a buffet but less pricey than bluezoo or flying fish. I haven't eaten there but the menu sounds good and it's near your resort.

 

[mom4graceandlogan]

We were looking for something completely last minute while stayng at BEach Club as we came back from the park and wanted a sit down meal at 7 during free dining on a staurday. I had settled on room service but the concierge called Captains Grille and got us right in there were actually a few open tables. While I was not blown away by the atmosphere it was the best steak I have had at disney. Better than Le Cellier and Artist's Point and KOna. ( My normal steak choices) I am a big steak lover. My husband really enjoyed his can't remember what it was. We REALLY enjoyed Captain's Grille. That being said if I was spending the day at the pool I would probably go for Beaches and Cream or Hurrican Hannah's and relax outside all day.

 

[GoofysGal67]

Well I guess at the moment I've got no choice but to keep what I have!! Reservations are still down?! Eeek.

 

[gigi1313]

we enjoyed captain's grille as well... ds swears it was the best "steak" he's ever eaten (it was prime rib)

other options would include adding a day to your tickets and going to one of the world showcase restaurants (like rose & crown)...