Biergarten returning to a buffet

[elgerber]

I posted this in the buffet rumor thread but thought I would post it here. I just got this email from Disney for our October trip.

VIEW in your browser​ Dining Reservation Update​ Dear Guest, Thank you for booking a dining reservation at EPCOT for October 18, 2021. We are making adjustments to the dining experience at Biergarten Restaurant and will now be offering a buffet experience on the date of your reservation. Favorite menu items will remain available including Pretzel Rolls, Bratwurst, Schnitzel and a variety of desserts including Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce and Black Forest Roll. Biergarten Restaurant will offer family-style dining for reservations through August 28, 2021. If you prefer to change your plans based on this update, please visit DisneyWorld.com or the My Disney Experience app to cancel your dining reservation and make new reservations at another location. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Kind Regards, Disney Destinations​ ©Disney​

 

[Jennasis]

But will they seat you with strangers?

 

[2xcited2sleep]

That's nice that Disney is advising people of the change! Seems like more than they usually do. Wish they were more specific about the seating. I expect I'm in the minority but I'm sorry to see it return to a buffet. I have never been a fan of buffets - dating back far before the pandemic. I tried Biergarten for the first time in late 2020 because it was family style and was very pleasantly surprised. The food wasn't anything in and of itself that I'd rave about but the atmosphere was fantastic and we had a great time. I'm not sure I'd go back as a buffet but I definitely would if family-style service continued. I totally get the economic reasons behind preferring to operate a buffet ... just my two cents.

 

[elgerber]

But will they seat you with strangers?

Yeah didn’t mention that. That would be the question.

 

[mollygirl13]

But will they seat you with strangers?

I want to make a reservation for the end of August but am hesitant to do so if they're going to bring back the communal seating.

 

[georgina]

DH wanted to try this one on our Sept trip, we got the email too. Will be cancelling. Not dong a buffet in Florida in Sept!

 

[FoodieFriend]

darn, I was also excited to try them as family style because we didn't enjoy the buffet style & communal seating.

 

[Darklord77]

darn, I was also excited to try them as family style because we didn't enjoy the buffet style & communal seating.

I would be surprised if they brought back communal seating right now.

 

[lorimay]

I would be surprised if they brought back communal seating right now.

I am surprised they are bringing back all these buffets right and then if they sit people at one table, its absolutely nuts. Florida a hot bed right of infections.

 

[Lilsia]

That's nice that Disney is advising people of the change! Seems like more than they usually do. Wish they were more specific about the seating. I expect I'm in the minority but I'm sorry to see it return to a buffet. I have never been a fan of buffets - dating back far before the pandemic. I tried Biergarten for the first time in late 2020 because it was family style and was very pleasantly surprised. The food wasn't anything in and of itself that I'd rave about but the atmosphere was fantastic and we had a great time. I'm not sure I'd go back as a buffet but I definitely would if family-style service continued. I totally get the economic reasons behind preferring to operate a buffet ... just my two cents.

My daughter and I ate there on our trip this past May and they gave us way too much food. More food then 4 people could eat. I asked the server before we got the food if we could leave some stuff off, knowing that we would not eat it. She said "no", that they make up all of the first wave of food that is sent out the exact same way with the same amount of food if there is 1 person or 4. Only when you ask for seconds for something, do they just give you that item. It was a huge waste of food. I rather that people are able to pick what they want to eat and not waste so much. They should probably just have someone scoop the food onto your plate for you behind the line.

 

[Disneylover99]

Great news! I'm not a fan of family style.

 

[Dizzytime]

Fantastic news! Thank you Disney World!

 

[Lsyves]

I’m curious if there will be servers serving you or any modifications due to covid. A restaurant near us makes us wear gloves and hands us our own set of tongs to use when choosing items from the buffet. A bit clunky but it does make you feel slightly safer. I wasn’t a buffet fan pre covid (germaphobe)!