Your opinion about buffet crowds

[DISNEYFAN3260]

Cabanas can be very hectic during lunch on embarkation day, but I honestly don't mind it at all. We know to expect it now, so I actually consider it part of the fun and excitement of the first day! Probably strange to say, but I prefer that busy energy to the quiet of the MDR at lunch. To each his/her own!

 

[seelyt2]

We've only been once (thus far) so I don't have tons of experience, however on the last full-day of our cruise we went to the very back of Cabanas and had no problem with crowds or getting a table. It was quite peaceful in comparison. The front and mid-section of the restaurant were the most crowded, I think.

 

[cheermom2four]

so is Cabanas the only place to eat on embarkment day (we are going on the Magic for our first and Fantasy on the 2nd cruise)? I've never cruised before let alone on Disney so sorry if this is already known out there.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Our first cruise, we went to cabanas and it was exactly as you described. totally crowded, no tables available, plus we were lugging our carry-ons around with us... I felt so unsettled. It really was the low point of the trip, not a good way to start a vacation! Next trip, we are leaving our carry ons with concierge hosts (since we decided to upgrade this trip) and either going to cabanas super early or heading down to EG or even better just filling up with the snacks offered in the concierge lounge.

That's what we do--leave our carry ons with Concierge and head down to EG for lunch. That first day the snacks in the lounge--tho good--just aren't quite enough before our late seating dinner.

 

[Uncleromulus]

so is Cabanas the only place to eat on embarkment day (we are going on the Magic for our first and Fantasy on the 2nd cruise)? I've never cruised before let alone on Disney so sorry if this is already known out there.

No--one of the Main Dining rooms will also be open. On our 2 cruises it was Enchanted Garden. That's where we head!!

 

[JMHDisney]

I hate Cabanas. I go to whatever MDR is open on embarkation day, get seated at my table, enjoy a glass of wine, and check out the buffet without dragging luggage around. So much more relaxing than the zoo of people at Cabanas.

I also hate it for breakfast and much prefer to go to Triton's/Lumiere's/whatever MDR is open for breakfast. So much more relaxing (and my son always got the waffles so you can definitely get them in the MDRs too if you ask!).

 

[Julylady]

We are also not fans of the buffet at Cabanas. We will either eat in a main dining room or order room service. I am just not a fan of buffet style food.

 

[markuehl]

We loved Cabanas my kid's can't wait to go back we were on a 5 day Dream double dip if that makes any difference and always got a table and no trouble and found the food better then in the MDR'S maybe we just went at the right times .

 

[oam]

I hate Cabanas. I go to whatever MDR is open on embarkation day, get seated at my table, enjoy a glass of wine, and check out the buffet without dragging luggage around. So much more relaxing than the zoo of people at Cabanas.

I also hate it for breakfast and much prefer to go to Triton's/Lumiere's/whatever MDR is open for breakfast. So much more relaxing (and my son always got the waffles so you can definitely get them in the MDRs too if you ask!).

To be clear the MDR that is open on embarkation day has a buffet. Is the buffet food any different then Cabanas?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

To be clear the MDR that is open on embarkation day has a buffet. Is the buffet food any different then Cabanas?

No. It's the same food. And not as much selection as in Cabanas. The difference is that you are escorted to your table, before going for your food. You order drinks from the server and can leave your carry ons at the table while you serve yourself.

 

[oam]

No. It's the same food. And not as much selection as in Cabanas. The difference is that you are escorted to your table, before going for your food. You order drinks from the server and can leave your carry ons at the table while you serve yourself.

Thanks

 

[bumbershoot]

ahhh thank
you this sounds promising. Can't wait to get that waffle ;-)

Even if the husband doesn't want to go, just go on your own. Bring back a bunch of them to the husband, even!

 

[tvguy]

Never had an issue at the buffet, but as West Coasters on a Caribbean cruise we kind of stuck to our normal time to eat by our body clocks, so we always had breakfast and lunch near closing time, about 1030 am am for breakfast, and just before 2pm for lunch. But with 2 teens, getting them up by 10:30 am was a challenge.

 

[Gilrond]

Can concierge royal suite get room service lunch on embarkation day? (I use a cane and buffets are a challenge even when not hectic.)

 

[FloridaBabe]

We only really use Cabanas for breakfast but never had a problem getting a table even when it is busy.

 

[phinz]

Can concierge royal suite get room service lunch on embarkation day? (I use a cane and buffets are a challenge even when not hectic.)

I would call shoreside and ask. But I would call at least twice to make sure you get the same answer both times.

 

[cedricandsophie]

We always get in early...find a good table on deck next to the pool and then just hang out there. It wouldn't even occur to me to pull my luggage around. We just leave it at the table. Never had a problem. I'm not a fan of cabanas so I usually just get pizza or a burger from the grill.

 

[bumbershoot]

Can concierge royal suite get room service lunch on embarkation day? (I use a cane and buffets are a challenge even when not hectic.)

As important as the Royal suite guests will be to the concierge staff, I think they are going to be too busy with all the other embarkation stuff to do that.

That said, you could even ask the Cabanas staff to help. When we realized that our normal server was working the egg station, and when he saw that we were asking for plain poached eggs, he took it upon himself to help us out a great deal when he saw us there, so I imagine if you *asked* someone for help that day, they might could help you.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Can concierge royal suite get room service lunch on embarkation day? (I use a cane and buffets are a challenge even when not hectic.)

AFAIK, except during the muster drill time (3:45-4:30) room service is open.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Can concierge royal suite get room service lunch on embarkation day? (I use a cane and buffets are a challenge even when not hectic.)

DMIL had mobility issues and the buffet crew was always more than willing to carry her tray and help her as much as she needed.

Meanwhile, a main dining room is open for embarkation lunch and is generally less hectic than the buffet up on deck. The staff will show you to a table and get your drinks for you while you go through the buffet. Again, a crew member will be happy to carry your tray.