Just back! My dining thoughts/experiences

[nkereina]

Just back from 10 wonderful days at WDW! Thought I’d share my thoughts on the places we ate at. Feel free to ask any questions!

• Yak & Yeti lunch (AK) – I was not excited about this one as we always had done Tusker House, which I love. But I was pleasantly surprised. We had a great window seat on the second floor and service was good. The fare here isn’t my usual preference, but it was fine and made for a good break from the park.

• Liberty Tree Tavern lunch (MK) – One of our favorite places, and this meal was definitely a highlight! We shared the Bill of Fare, and the ooey gooey toffee cake is easily one of my favorite things to eat at WDW. We had some bumps in service due to honest mistakes, but the server was very apologetic and made up for it. Can happen anywhere, any time.

• Ohana dinner (Poly) – I had high expectations based on how popular this place is, but we were underwhelmed. The food was decent, but the place is chaotic and loud. The service was ok. Everything about it was just “meh” to us. We felt the same about breakfast here too. We love the Poly, but think Kona is the better choice there.

• Garden Grill breakfast (Epcot) – Another highlight meal for us. The warm cinnamon bun was amazing, and the server was quick to bring us more of the items we wanted. Character interaction was fine, we never usually bother with the characters. Loved the rotation of the restaurant and being in our booth – it felt more private and less busy than most other restaurants at WDW. More relaxing.

• Via Napoli dinner (Epcot) – We had eaten here once before in 2011 and had a good experience, but were a bit let down this time. We ordered two individual size pizzas and it took a solid 40 minutes for them to come out. It is a very busy place and I know most people are ordering pizzas so I understand, but not a good place to eat if you’re in a hurry or starving. The pizza was good, but pretty basic. Nothing to write home about. We’d likely return, but not for a while. There's other places we'd rather try before returning.

• Baseline Taproom (DHS) – Got drinks here twice and the pretzel. Really good addition to DHS. Everything was good and it was nice to hang out in the patio and people watch. It was quite busy both times we went, but they do have some communal tables so there’s more seating than it appears.

• Homecomin’ dinner (DS) – My favorite meal of the trip! I got the fried chicken with all white meat, mac & cheese, and the cheddar biscuit. Everything was delicious. Our server was incredible. Will definitely return next trip – can’t wait to try more there!

• Crystal Palace breakfast (MK) – IMO, this breakfast has the most unique food offerings. The puffed French toast, breakfast pizza, breakfast lasagna. All of it was very good. The characters here were slow to come around and it took us a while to get seated. But we’d definitely return.

• Beaches & Cream lunch (Beach Club) – One of our favorites, so I can understand why it’s grown in popularity. ADRs can be hard to come by because there’s literally 9 tables in the place, but we ate there at 12pm on a weekday and there was a lot of empty seats. I’m sure they could have accommodated a walk-up at that time. The No Way Jose is amazing, and the lunch fare was perfect. We rode the bus here from AK and then took the boat to DHS, so it’s an easy place to take a break at if you’re park hopping and visiting DHS or Epcot afterwards.

• Cantina de San Angel QS dinner (Epcot) – We split chips and guac and we each got tacos. Food was very good. But we made the mistake of eating here on a Saturday night during Food & Wine, so the seating area was a madhouse. The CM directing us to the line to order told us they could not guarantee a seat after we ordered. We found someone getting up luckily, but it would not have been easy with a larger group. There were also many rude people loitering and chatting after they had eaten, taking away seats from those who were walking around with trays of food.

• Polite Pig QS dinner (DS) – First time eating here and we’d return again! Not the world’s best BBQ, but it’s a nice addition to Disney Springs. It was quite busy, but there were open seats at the bar where you can order food off the same menu.

• The Edison drinks only (DS) - Stopped in for a drink and to check the place out around 8pm on a Thursday. The upstairs bar and downstairs bar were both full, but we did find a small high top table next to the bar where we sat. It did have a server but seating was first come first serve. Drinks were pricey and service was slow, but the drinks were good and it was an interesting atmosphere to check out. The woman walking around on stilts was a unique touch and the band added to the atmosphere. The menu was decent, but overall, I'm not dying to run back for a meal here.

 

[Hopefully]

Nice review. Thank You
Did you consider posting this in the Dining REVIEW sub Forum here?

 

[NYCgrrl]

Thank you for taking the time to write up your experiences.

 

[bigeyedfish]

Nice, thanks! We have Yak & Yeti, Garden Grill, Kona Cafe, and Liberty Tree Tavern on our list!

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Nice report. I'm looking forward to trying Yak and Yeti next week. I've always enjoyed their QS so we are going to try out TS.

 

[LoriWV]

Thanks for the report! Nice to get the highlights of several places in a quick and easy read.

 

[Pookie9922]

Glad to hear about possible availability at BnC. We have a resort day our first day, staying at the BC. It’s a Tuesday. I’ve been hoping for a BnC ADR to open up. We might just go see what walkup looks like. Someone also suggested the Fountain as a similar alternative.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Glad to hear about possible availability at BnC. We have a resort day our first day, staying at the BC. It’s a Tuesday. I’ve been hoping for a BnC ADR to open up. We might just go see what walkup looks like. Someone also suggested the Fountain as a similar alternative.

We walked up when we stayed at the BC and ate at the counter. It was a great meal.

 

[nkereina]

Did you consider posting this in the Dining REVIEW sub Forum here?

I will do that! Thanks for mentioning!

 

[djc9699]

Thanks for the review. We are trying Yak & Yeti for the first time in December. Not sure about the cuisine but want to try something new.

 

[Spencer Wright]

Just back from 10 wonderful days at WDW! Thought I’d share my thoughts on the places we ate at. Feel free to ask any questions.......

• The Edison drinks only (DS) - Stopped in for a drink and to check the place out around 8pm on a Thursday. The upstairs bar and downstairs bar were both full, but we did find a small high top table next to the bar where we sat. It did have a server but seating was first come first serve. Drinks were pricey and service was slow, but the drinks were good and it was an interesting atmosphere to check out. The woman walking around on stilts was a unique touch and the band added to the atmosphere. The menu was decent, but overall, I'm not dying to run back for a meal here.

We had lunch at the Edison and absolutely loved it. We always eat early so places are usually empty. Since it was lunch I did not try a drink. Was that place extremely hectic and crazy? I would love to go back at night, but it seems like the kind of place that could easily deteriorate into chaos. Also, I love the music there. Could you hear it at night?

 

[KSR0330]

Thanks! We also love Liberty Tree Tavern, Homecomin' and Baseline Taproom. We're planning on trying the Polite Pig at our next trip. We've never been to Via Napoli, and I was planning on going our next trip, but almost every review I've read lately is not good. I think we're going to skip it and try Teppan Edo instead.

 

[bellecee]

Thanks! This was really helpful.
I've booked an ADR for Crystal Palace for breakfast and now I'm even more excited it. Breakfast lasagna?!? omg yes!!

 

[nkereina]

We had lunch at the Edison and absolutely loved it. We always eat early so places are usually empty. Since it was lunch I did not try a drink. Was that place extremely hectic and crazy? I would love to go back at night, but it seems like the kind of place that could easily deteriorate into chaos. Also, I love the music there. Could you hear it at night?

The Edison was busy at night, but I'm not sure I'd describe it as crazy. It was manageable. No room at the bar as I mentioned, and the dining room was mostly full but I don't think there was a wait list. You could definitely hear the music and from where we were in the bar, they actually projected video of the band on the wall for those of us with our backs to them which was a nice touch.

Breakfast lasagna?!? omg yes!!

I will warn its more of a sweet dish than a savory one, but I don't think you'll be disappointed! So good!

 

[CHEMISTSP]

Great reviews. I agree with you - on our trip in late August Homecomin' was easily our best meal and Ohana was our biggest disappointment. You tried a lot of places I have never been too so I appreicate your perspective on them

 

[kappyfamily]

Thank you, sounds like you had a great trip!

 

[aml3679]

Thank your for yours short but accurate reviews. We loved Yak & Yeti, Ohana gets bad reviews all around, We love Via Napoli and plan on eating at Homecomin- and Cantina de San Angel on our visit coming in January.

Just back from 10 wonderful days at WDW! Thought I’d share my thoughts on the places we ate at. Feel free to ask any questions!

• Yak & Yeti lunch (AK) – I was not excited about this one as we always had done Tusker House, which I love. But I was pleasantly surprised. We had a great window seat on the second floor and service was good. The fare here isn’t my usual preference, but it was fine and made for a good break from the park.

• Liberty Tree Tavern lunch (MK) – One of our favorite places, and this meal was definitely a highlight! We shared the Bill of Fare, and the ooey gooey toffee cake is easily one of my favorite things to eat at WDW. We had some bumps in service due to honest mistakes, but the server was very apologetic and made up for it. Can happen anywhere, any time.

• Ohana dinner (Poly) – I had high expectations based on how popular this place is, but we were underwhelmed. The food was decent, but the place is chaotic and loud. The service was ok. Everything about it was just “meh” to us. We felt the same about breakfast here too. We love the Poly, but think Kona is the better choice there.

• Garden Grill breakfast (Epcot) – Another highlight meal for us. The warm cinnamon bun was amazing, and the server was quick to bring us more of the items we wanted. Character interaction was fine, we never usually bother with the characters. Loved the rotation of the restaurant and being in our booth – it felt more private and less busy than most other restaurants at WDW. More relaxing.

• Via Napoli dinner (Epcot) – We had eaten here once before in 2011 and had a good experience, but were a bit let down this time. We ordered two individual size pizzas and it took a solid 40 minutes for them to come out. It is a very busy place and I know most people are ordering pizzas so I understand, but not a good place to eat if you’re in a hurry or starving. The pizza was good, but pretty basic. Nothing to write home about. We’d likely return, but not for a while. There's other places we'd rather try before returning.

• Baseline Taproom (DHS) – Got drinks here twice and the pretzel. Really good addition to DHS. Everything was good and it was nice to hang out in the patio and people watch. It was quite busy both times we went, but they do have some communal tables so there’s more seating than it appears.

• Homecomin’ dinner (DS) – My favorite meal of the trip! I got the fried chicken with all white meat, mac & cheese, and the cheddar biscuit. Everything was delicious. Our server was incredible. Will definitely return next trip – can’t wait to try more there!

• Crystal Palace breakfast (MK) – IMO, this breakfast has the most unique food offerings. The puffed French toast, breakfast pizza, breakfast lasagna. All of it was very good. The characters here were slow to come around and it took us a while to get seated. But we’d definitely return.

• Beaches & Cream lunch (Beach Club) – One of our favorites, so I can understand why it’s grown in popularity. ADRs can be hard to come by because there’s literally 9 tables in the place, but we ate there at 12pm on a weekday and there was a lot of empty seats. I’m sure they could have accommodated a walk-up at that time. The No Way Jose is amazing, and the lunch fare was perfect. We rode the bus here from AK and then took the boat to DHS, so it’s an easy place to take a break at if you’re park hopping and visiting DHS or Epcot afterwards.

• Cantina de San Angel QS dinner (Epcot) – We split chips and guac and we each got tacos. Food was very good. But we made the mistake of eating here on a Saturday night during Food & Wine, so the seating area was a madhouse. The CM directing us to the line to order told us they could not guarantee a seat after we ordered. We found someone getting up luckily, but it would not have been easy with a larger group. There were also many rude people loitering and chatting after they had eaten, taking away seats from those who were walking around with trays of food.

• Polite Pig QS dinner (DS) – First time eating here and we’d return again! Not the world’s best BBQ, but it’s a nice addition to Disney Springs. It was quite busy, but there were open seats at the bar where you can order food off the same menu.

• The Edison drinks only (DS) - Stopped in for a drink and to check the place out around 8pm on a Thursday. The upstairs bar and downstairs bar were both full, but we did find a small high top table next to the bar where we sat. It did have a server but seating was first come first serve. Drinks were pricey and service was slow, but the drinks were good and it was an interesting atmosphere to check out. The woman walking around on stilts was a unique touch and the band added to the atmosphere. The menu was decent, but overall, I'm not dying to run back for a meal here.