Need Recommendations!
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We typically avoid eating at Disney Springs (with the exception of T-Rex because it’s unique) for the reason that the bulk of eateries are chains, some of which are available to us at home. We choose where we eat based on 1) food we can’t get at home e.g. seafood, Norwegian, etc. and 2) unique environments e.g. Sci-Fi, Garden Grill, etc.
Restaurant theme is nice but if the food sucks, I cannot for the life of me pay for crappy food just to be immersed in a specific theme… as of late, most of the restaurants IN the parks have been disappointing, unfortunately
I don’t go somewhere just for the theme. If I don’t like the food or it isn’t good, I won’t pick that location. What I mean is, take Garden Grill for example, I can get that food at home any day of the week but I’ll still eat there because I like the atmosphere. I have had a couple of bad experiences at different places here and there, but I’ve been to WDW nearing 30 times so I expect that to happen now and again. They can’t be on their A game all the time with that many locations and guests. But if a place is constantly under performing I wouldn’t keep giving second chances.
Yes, food is a very personal thing. I think after the OP has narrowed his choices down by type of food and menus that look appealing, he can see from our posts which ones have repeatedly good reviews
MK – Cosmic Ray’s. Can’t beat Sonny Eclipse
When he’s performing
MK – Cosmic Ray’s. Can’t beat Sonny Eclipse
When he’s performing
Very fair point. It’s not even worth it if he’s not performing.
Ok here’s my list by park:
Magic Kingdom: There isn’t a “must do” in this park for my family. Everything is pretty standard across the board and there are no stand outs but I haven’t tried Skipper Canteen yet. We do enjoy Crystal Palace but if you’re not into character meals, The Plaza on main street is a nice change from the bigger hustle and bustle type places and was quite good. For counter service it seems like we always wind up at Cosmic Rays and it’s not very good. We just happen to be in that area when we get hungry lol. So seriously, out of all of the parks, there is no must do food here. I can give you the “Must Avoid”….Cinderella’s Royal Table. WAY overpriced and not good.
Hollywood Studios: Now we’re talking. 50’s Prime Time is the must do here! The atmosphere is super fun and everything that is Disney to me. I’ve never had a bad meal here but I will say that getting a server that will play along is becoming slim to none these days so don’t go expecting any of the antics or you’ll be disappointed. We might get a server that plays along 2 out of 10 times. For counter service there is no must do here. Must avoid would go to Sci Fi dine in theater. Now granted the atmosphere can’t be beat but I’ve given this place 3 chances and I have never had anything on that menu that was good. I hate it because it’s such a cool concept for a restaurant but I want more than atmosphere. I want the food to match! Brown Derby is good but not worth the high price.
Animal Kingdom: The must do table service here is Tusker House. It’s a good character meal with finally some different options that aren’t so dumbed down for the masses. You’ll find a few unusual dishes here when you get tired of the standard american fare. If you’d like a nice meal, Tiffins is your best bet. The food was good and it was….wait for it….quiet inside!
This place hasn’t quite caught on yet so there was only us and one other couple there when we went. We did the Rivers of Light package and we found it a peaceful and lovely break from the usual loud, dish clanky restaurants in the rest of the World. For counter service: Satu’li Canteen gets my vote. The food is very good and the desserts are stunning! Again a nice break from the burgers etc. I’m not a fan of Flame Tree like everyone else. To me it’s just plain unseasoned chicken that is dry and in desperate need of flavor. It smells good going by but that would be the extent of it. It’s like Disney has a phobia of spices. lolEpcot: The world is your oyster here but I have a few must do’s based on what I’m in the mood for. Table service if I want to see the fireworks goes to Rose and Crown. I think their food is pretty darn good and you can’t beat the view. If I want total Disney experience or I’m taking someone new, I HAVE to do San Angel Inn in Mexico. It’s literally the best atmosphere in all of the World and the food is decent. It’s not going to be as good as your local Mexican joint but the vibe more than makes up for it, and hey….can you really screw up Mexican food? lol If you’re looking for character meals then Garden Grille is my go to. Excellent food and neat revolving restaurant. Counter service is hard for me here because I like so many restaurants here that I typically pick two table services here and really never do counter. I can tell you that the japanese counter service is NOT and I repeat is NOT anything like the Japanese take out you know and love at home. It’s literally the equivalent of the garbage you find in the mall….IF that good! Bland bland bland. The must avoids here are anything in the China pavilion, and The Coral Reef. I’ve tried this several times and not once have I had a good meal here, and for such a lovely restaurant, it has to be the loudest, most unromantic joint at WDW. What a waste! Also, I’ve given Via Napoli a few tries as well and I’m not a fan of their soggy pizza at all! Pizza is so subjective so it really comes down to how you like it. I don’t like to pick up my pizza and have it immediately droop over. It’s chewy because it’s soggy and I want my pizza crisp unless it’s deep dish. Also for me, pizza is something that is overdone here at home anyway and I don’t want it when I’m on vacation.
In the Resorts: Ohana is my number one must do in all of the World. In fact I don’t think I’d even care to go to WDW if I couldn’t eat here!
For a really good character breakfast, Trattoria al Forno at the Boardwalk. Literally the best breakfast we’ve had on property with great choices! Not just your standard bacon and eggs but some really tasty Italian breakfast dishes! Very pricey but if I only do one character breakfast, this is the one I choose. Excellent character interaction as well.
Well there you have my two cents! Planning is the best part!
When Disney World Does Reopens Here Are My Recommendations:
Magic Kingdom: Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen, Be Our Guest, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café, Liberty Tree Tavern, Crystal Palace, Plaza Restaurant & Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café.EPCOT: Regal Eagle Smokehouse, Le Cellier, Chefs de France, Coral Reef Restaurant, Garden Grill, Biergarten Restaurant, Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, Teppan Edo, Katsura Grill, Kabuki Café, Takumi-Tei, San Angel Inn Restaurante, Restaurant Marrakesh, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall & Rose and Crown Dining Room.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Sci Fi Dine-In Theater, ’50s Prime Time Café, Hollywood and Vine, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, Hollywood Brown Derby, Oga’s Cantina, Rosie’s All-American Café & Woody’s Lunch Box.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Tusker House Restaurant, Yak and Yeti Restaurant, Restaurantosaurus, Flame Tree BBQ, Satu’li Canteen & Rainforest Café.
Disney Springs: Raglan Road, The BOATHOUSE, Morimoto Asia, The Edison, Homecomin’, Paddlefish, Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar, Maria and Enzo’s Ristorante, Earl of Sandwich, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop, T-Rex, House of Blues Restaurant and Bar, The Smokehouse, Planet Hollywood Observatory, Sprinkles, D-Luxe Burger, Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar & Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill.
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