DHS - Stumped!

MickeyWaffles · Apr 28, 2019

We are planning on doing 3 TS on our next visit - a character meal every other day. We know we are doing Crystal Palace, Tusker House and Akershus.

I’m really stumped about DHS. On one hand, I don’t want to add another ADR (we like to be pretty flexible), but I also am always underwhelmed by the QS there. It will be early 2020 after SWGE is open, so I’m also wondering if an ADR would be wise. My issue is that if I add an ADR, I don’t know where I’d even make it! There are so many QS and TS places I love in the other parks, but DHS is really a tough one for me.

H&V: We’ve done the character dinner and while we had really incredible interactions, we are not huge fans of the atmosphere and food.

Sci Fi: We will probably be a group of 12 including a baby, toddler and preschooler - the seating is not ideal for us.

50s Prime Time: My food was really bad the last time we ate there. Willing to give it another try, though.

Brown Derby: It’s good, but we don’t want to do signature.

Mama Melrose: We live in an area with excellent Italian restaurants and eat at them quite often so we usually avoid Italian food on vacation.

Some questions:
-Am I missing any sort of hidden dining gem at DHS?
- Is Woody’s Lunchbox decent? Worth trying? We haven’t been to TSL yet.
-What are your favorite QS meals at DHS?

Right now I’m thinking of giving 50s another shot or taking our chances again on QS. I am totally overthinking this but I really just have no idea what direction to take. Thank goodness we have months to decide

ForMyBoys · Apr 28, 2019

I also don't love meal options there. If you want to eat in park I would give 50s another shot. We've eaten there twice and liked the food.

I agree Sci-fi seating is not ideal and the restaurant is pretty dark so it might be hard with a toddler.

If you are willing to leave the park you could take the boat to the Boardwalk.

L&Lfan · Apr 28, 2019

Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge. It’s our favorite!

Mainemama · Apr 28, 2019

I always struggle the same way. This year I am making my kids happy and going to Sci-fi. (Food is meh, but it is a kid favorite.) I would consider Mama Melrose in your case. Yes, it is not a novel experience, but the food is solid and likely to please a large group. The setting also seems (a little) calmer and less crazy than the other HS restaurants. It provides a nice break. I am going to be stalking this thread to see QS recommendations. I am planning one of those on a separate day this year to tide us over until a 10 pm reservation at Beaches and Cream.

2xcited2sleep · Apr 28, 2019

Agree that Brown Derby Lounge is the best option food-wise but they don’t take reservations and, to your point, an ADR might be wise with the crowds Galaxy’s Edge will bring. It’s also not really set up for large parties. I’d go with Mama Melrose. The DIS did a review there a year or so ago and for the most part were pretty pleased with their meal (it’s on YouTube). In terms of QS, ABC Commissary is going to start taking reservations for dinner... not sure if the menu will improve with the change. Pizzerizzo will likely be open - a decent option but not a gem.

EdnaMarieMode · Apr 28, 2019

With a party of 12 I’m reluctant to suggest a lounge (they are smaller and don’t take ADRs and the seating is not set up for larger parties).

At Sci-Fi they can put you in 2 cars with 6 each (they can also accommodate a high chair). The lighting is low but we haven’t had any issue navigating that with little ones (you know your crowd best though).

For QS in TSL there’s only Woody’s and it’s generally a pain to find seating there. The seating area is too small, and outdoors (covered but not air-conditioned).

I wouldn’t call it a hidden gem but ABC Commissary will be taking ADRs and that might be the best way to have QS with 12 people and not worry about seating.

jdisnut · Apr 28, 2019

The best option for eating during your day at Disney's Hollywood Studios is to leave Disney's Hollywood Studios and figure something else out. It's remarkable how as the food as improved everywhere else on property, this park has somehow been left behind. The options are all pretty dismal, especially in the counter service category. Fortunately, Epcot and the BoardWalk area aren't too far away. We like jetting out to Beaches & Cream for lunch.

ENJDisneyFan · Apr 28, 2019

I wouldn’t do Woody’s with a large group, it could be nearly impossible to find seating. Honestly I don’t think the QS is as bad as people say. We’ve had decent meals at ABC Commissary as well as Backlot Express.

kastoney · Apr 28, 2019

We enjoy SciFi, but I can see how that may not work for your party size from a seating perspective. Have you considered leaving the park? The Beach Club is just a short boat ride away and we love Beaches and Cream.

CookieandOatmeal · Apr 28, 2019

We love the atmosphere of Sci-Fi but the seating arrangement definitely makes it hard to talk to people. Would you consider going to Cape May? The food is pretty decent there whether you go for breakfast or dinner.

2xcited2sleep · Apr 28, 2019

jdisnut said:
The best option for eating during your day at Disney's Hollywood Studios is to leave Disney's Hollywood Studios and figure something else out. It's remarkable how as the food as improved everywhere else on property, this park has somehow been left behind. The options are all pretty dismal, especially in the counter service category. Fortunately, Epcot and the BoardWalk area aren't too far away. We like jetting out to Beaches & Cream for lunch.

It is interesting how it doesn’t seem like a ton of thought has gone into food options there. The food in Galaxy’s Edge is being compared to Satuli Canteen (which we think is great) so I’m hopeful in that regard.

Love Beaches & Cream but that is difficult for a large party... although they are expanding so depending on timing could be an option. We also like The Fountain at the Dolphin (similar concept - burgers & shakes). However, with likely Galaxy’s Edge crowds I’m not sure how appealing (or easy) it will be to leave and re-enter going forward.

piccolopat · Apr 28, 2019

For your size group, I think Mama Melrose is the best option. The food has always been good even if it is not gourmet Italian and it's possible for them to set up a table that will fit all of you. As PP said, there are a couple of options on the Boardwalk that you can look into if you are willing to take the time to leave the park.

kiramay · Apr 28, 2019

We’re going as a group of 11, and I’m booking Sci Fi. I love my family but a meal where we CAN’T talk to each other will be a nice break. lol Plus, I have 3 kids, so we put one in each row= no arguing with each other.

SteveH · Apr 28, 2019

I've felt the same way about the food at DHS too, so much that for a big meal we've planned to leave the park and either go to the Boardwalk or to Epcot.

I've heard good comments about Woody's Lunch box but a lack of seating and shade might not make it a great option.

I am disappointed that all they are doing to get ready for Star Wars is making ABC Commissary an ADR, they need to do a lot to ABC to bring it up to that level. As good as the food is in Epcot and AK, DHS is really getting ignored as far as quality and sheer number of experiences.

disny_luvr · Apr 28, 2019

When in DHS, we typically leave the park and head to Beaches and Cream. We love it there! Mind you, we usually stay at the BC or YC during part of our trip, so we usually couple lunch with a rest and swim at the resort.

Farro · Apr 28, 2019

We don't plan sit downs at DHS, we always hop somewhere else or eat at DS.

But we are in the minority when I say we can always find something at a quick service if we are hungry. I just settled for chicken strips and fries once and was perfectly happy with it.

I don't remember the name, but it was near ToT and had picnic benches I think?

Next trip we plan to get some small plates at Baseline Tap House. Fairfax Fare menu looks decent, maybe the rice bowl?

CynBeth · Apr 28, 2019

I would give 50’s PTC another chance. We have always had good food and service.

holden · Apr 28, 2019

We did Sci Fi with a group of 12. We had either 2 or 3 cars (can't remember).

PollyannaMom · Apr 28, 2019

If everyone in your group would find 50s fun, I'd give that another go. (I avoid it because I know I wouldn't like the teasing - but I've heard the food is good, so you may have just hit an off-day the first time.)

Otherwise, I like the idea of heading over to the Boardwalk. That's been on my list for a while, and I haven't done it yet, so I think I'd use the dilemma as an opportunity.

jsbowl16 · Apr 28, 2019

Are you staying to watch Fantasmic?

We pick whichever restaurant has the best reservation time that is on the Fantasmic dining package. We don't love any of them but we do love having guaranteed seating for Fantasmic without having to use a fastpass. Fantasmic could be more difficult to find seating once SWGE opens. Nobody knows for sure.

DHS - Stumped!

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Disney foodie served with a side of sarcasm

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Where's my Mai Tai?

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Argh.

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I was a click-clack champ!!

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