Worst Disney Dining Location

[tjkraz]

OK, we've talked about some favorite dining locations. I want to hear about your real disappointments. The exact reason is up to you: bad food, bad service, bad theming, etc.

I'm going to give my vote to Pizza Planet. Granted we didn't get to see much of this place in Toy Story, but they could have done better than the walk-up slab of concrete they poured at MGM. Honestly, I've never even eaten there. I remember telling my son about it when he was in his "Toy Story" phase. When we walked through the doors for the first time, it couldn't have been a bigger letdown.

[Rozzie]

:rolleyes: Tony's. The famous $20 cold spagetti platter. You only have to wait 70 minutes for it. Isn't your mouth just watering????

[nono]

My worst is from y-e-a-r-s ago, so take this with a grain of salt: Biergarten. Really, really bad. Like Alpo bad. But this was at least 10 years ago. Maybe in another 5 or so, when the kids can enjoy the show, I'll give it another whirl.

[JohnNJ]

Easy. Victoria & Alberts. Big plates, little food, big bill, bad acoustics, annoying wait staff. And you have to dress up. Yuck!

I sure do miss the Empress Lily.

John

[idratherbeinwdw]

IMHO the problem with WDW dining is it is almost always inconsistent. A great place on one trip can be so so or even bad on the next trip. I've loved the Rose and Crown and I've hated it, both for food and service. Same with a number of other places.


Restaurants I won't patronize anymore include:
Akershush in Norway. I thought that buffet was boring and not good quality.
Alfredo De Roma--Bland food, bad service
Tony's also bland food, slow service (but I do like the decor as i am a Lady/Tramp fan, have a huge collection at home, so sometimes I visit and walk through)
Concourse Steak house--ok service, crummy steaks imo


But for all time horrible I vote for the Big River Grille and Brewing works. AWFUL food and AWFUL service, yuck yuck yuck! :yuck: :thumbsway :headache: :hurl:

[PoohsPal]

Brown Derby

Big $$$
Little food that did not thrill me (probably just my taste)
Horrible wait staff

Good thinkg the martini was yummy! ;)

[Stimpy]

My worst is from y-e-a-r-s ago, so take this with a grain of salt: Biergarten. Really, really bad. Like Alpo bad. But this was at least 10 years ago. Maybe in another 5 or so, when the kids can enjoy the show, I'll give it another whirl.

Biergarten is definately hit or miss. We've had great meals there and we've had horrible meals. We used to go every trip but after the last 2 times it wasn't as good so we've decided to skip it for a while.

We actually didn't like the sit-down restaurant in Mexico...sorry I'm drawing a blank on the name! The atmosphere was pretty, the servers were nice but the food was extremely bland.

Also, we tend to skip all the Italian and pizza...can't beat the NY pizza we're used to. :)

[idratherbeinwdw]

Also, we tend to skip all the Italian and pizza...can't beat the NY pizza we're used to. :)

Same problem here Stimpy. Growing up in Queens and now living on Long Island there are so many great Italian/Pizza places. WDW pizza invariably disappoints in comparison, as does WDW Italian food. LOL I guess we are pizza snobs! :snooty:

[tjkraz]

This is funny since I almost listed Tony's as a close second. We ate there once and our service was pretty good. We even had a birthday in our group and they did a nice job of recognizing it.

But I found the menu to be lacking. Three of us ended up with the spaghetti by default (didn't like anything else on the menu), and it was pretty bland.

[DisFlan]

It's been a few years, but the only really bad meal I've had at WDW was the old buffet at Akershus. Maybe it was because I'm not big on pickled fish, cold potatoes and unidentified things in some form of gel. The runner up would probably be the San Angel in Mexico. Not the worst, but not great, either.

Other than that, we've enjoyed many years of wonderful food at WDW.


DisFlan

[jaysue]

My worst is from y-e-a-r-s ago, so take this with a grain of salt: Biergarten. Really, really bad. Like Alpo bad. But this was at least 10 years ago. Maybe in another 5 or so, when the kids can enjoy the show, I'll give it another whirl.

Is that an insult to canines around the world?

Cheers
jaysue

:bouncegoo

[jaysue]

Worst WDW dining experience to date:

Have to think about this one :headache:

:tapedshut :tapedshut :tapedshut :tapedshut

Inconsistent I think is the watchword - case in point

In May 2004, we went to Spoodles for dinner and it as 99% horrible - the service was indifferent, the food so-so and the value proposition shall we say somewhat lacking :rant:

Flash forward to Jan 2006, we decide to give it another shot since it was the best location for our activity plan of Epcot and Boardwalk - this time it was very good - excellent service, the pizza lady asked Jonathan to play help with her in flipping the pizza dough (she disposed of the dough afterwards), the food was very good etc. - all in all a total reversal of the prior experience

The same has happend with Morocco restaurant in this case the opposite from a great experience to a mediocre one at best

Inconsistent indeed is the right word to use

cheers
jaysue

:grouphug:

[KNWVIKING]

Years ago we did Alfredos for the first time. I didn't like my meal, but later learned it was pesto in general I didn't like so I decided to give Alfredo's another shot.

Couple years later, we gave it that shot. DW & I both had the lasagna. While eating I mentioned to DW that it had a familiar flavor, but couldn't place it. Without giving it a seconds thought she says "Chef-boy-r-dee". Bullseye !!! We were paying $50.00 for stuff I won't even buy for a buck a can.

A co-worker of mine is shocked by my opinion of Alfredo's. She claims it's THE BEST Italian restaurant she's ever eaten at, ( and her name ends in a vowel & puts "gravey" on her pasta, not 'pisgetti sauce ).

In May we gave it one last shot. One of THE BEST meals we've ever had on property. By far the best Italian food ever.

So now I'm totally confused and don't know wether to eat there again or just live with the memory of a great meal.

[DSNY FN]

California Grill is my pick The view of the fireworks is great but the food was mediocre at best and the servicwe was slower than molases in January in the arctic.

[jaysue]

California Grill is my pick The view of the fireworks is great but the food was mediocre at best and the servicwe was slower than molases in January in the arctic.

Yikes - more details please - we just booked CG for March trip - give me the good, the bad and the ugly!

cheers
jaysue

[Leftcoaster]

I'd say I've been pretty fortunate in my dining experiences at WDW. My biggest disappointment would have to be 1900 Park Faire. It wasn't bad just mediocre. chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace, and Liberty Tree Tavern were all much better.
I avoid pizza in WDW as it is uniformly bad. The pizza from Spoodles is decent and I'll grab a slice after Illuminations from time to time.

[jaysue]

I'd say I've been pretty fortunate in my dining experiences at WDW. My biggest disappointment would have to be 1900 Park Faire. It wasn't bad just mediocre. chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace, and Liberty Tree Tavern were all much better.
I avoid pizza in WDW as it is uniformly bad. The pizza from Spoodles is decent and I'll grab a slice after Illuminations from time to time.

Second that - we had the Character Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare and it was "ok" - the selection was somewhat limited and the food area was always busy and it just seemed that the tables were packed close together

cheers
jaysue

[KNWVIKING]

We also have issues with Cal Grill, but not for food reasons as we've always been satisfied with the meal - although it was a little overpriced.


Both times we ate there we specifically booked a time 45 minutes prior to Wishes. We figured they'd actually seat us about 10-15 minutes late and we'd be enjoying our entree by the time the fireworks started.

The first trip there, our timing was just about perfect but as we were being seated the host walked us past several open tables in the main dining area, including three tables for two right at the window facing MK, ( we were a party of two) and tried to seat us in this back room area that was facing WL. I politely asked if we couldn't be seated out in the main area and would really appriciate one of the window tables. The host tried to keep us in the back room by explaining how romantic the room and view was. I explained - this time not so politely - that if we'd wanted romance we'd be naked back in our studio. He finally relented and gave us our window seat.

The 2nd time we ate there was worse. We never even got seated till AFTER wishes. The problem a host explained was that people who had much earlier PS were simply not finishing their meal until they got to see Wishes. I'd have to agree with his explaination becuse while we were waiting we were watching people simply not finish. The entire waiting area was packed. Soon as Wishes was over it looked like The Main Street Stroller Race with diners trying to get to the elevator. And to add insult to injury, we were once again taken into that romantic back room !

If we try CG again, I doubt it will be on a Wishes nite. Unfortunately, one of the things that makes CG special is also ruining it. Well, actually I should rephrase that ; Unfortunately, one of the things that make CG special also brings out the worst in its guests.

[chimera]

Living Seas.

The atmosphere is great. It's really cool to sit near the big aquarium, but the food is way overpriced and not memorable.


San Angel.
I've had better Mexican food at Taco Bell.

[jiggerj]

I Maybe it was because I'm not big on pickled fish, cold potatoes and unidentified things in some form of gel.
DisFlan :blech:

Your probably not going to believe this but....LeCellier! I had heard so much about it...lots of hype how great it was so I was very excited to try so maybe my expectations were too high. BUT...The service that night was T E R R I B L E. I literally had to hunt down our server at one point and I can be a patient woman! :) We went in May so it was not overy packed at the time. I dont even remember everything that we had, except the Prime rib, but I do remember that it was not very good at all. Grizzle! Maybe it was just a bad night as the cheese soup lived up to its reputation...YUM! I will try again sometime though....

Tonys...a few years ago for dinner and everything that has been posted about it I found to be true as well. Went back though to try again for the Magical Gatherings breakfast and the food was again...Yuck! The event itself was alot of fun though-

[athenna]

I avoid pizza in WDW as it is uniformly bad. The pizza from Spoodles is decent and I'll grab a slice after Illuminations from time to time.

Just a suggestion if you are looking for good pizza, try Wolfgang Puck's! I have only eaten at the WP Express and the pizza was great! Haven't tried his ''fancier'' restaurants, but I can only imagine it must be excellent.

Oh, on to my picks for worst dining at @ WDW. I've been pretty lucky so I don't have a lot, but:
1)the Veggie burger from Cosmic Ray's
2)I wasn't crazy about the Arkersus, but I think I just didn't like the choices.
3) I have had Calamari from Alfredo's many times and it was always good except for the last time, 4/05. It looked like calamari, but didn't taste like it. Tasted like fried zucchini, which is fine, if I wanted fried zucchini.

[nono]

Is that an insult to canines around the world?

Cheers
jaysue

:bouncegoo

I would agree that most dog food is an insult to canines (as well as other beings too!) :jawdroppi Anyway, there's not enough :beer: in Germany to erase that memory.

[DSNY FN]

Yikes - more details please - we just booked CG for March trip - give me the good, the bad and the ugly!

cheers
jaysue


As was mentioned the meal was way overpriced for what it was. The people eating wanted to wait to finnish after teh fireworks were done we waited an hour for our seating. The servers were less than friendly it almost felt like they felt they were doing you a favour when they stopped by the table to see if you needed or wanted aything. It took 20 minutes after we were seated for a server to come and take a drink and appetiser order. The food was bland at best in taste and for what you pay the meal should have been top notch IMHO. The good was that we were allowed to go out on the observation deck to view the fireworks while we were waiting for our table. Our meal was over 500 bucks plus tip for 5 adults.

[jiggerj]

The good was that we were allowed to go out on the observation deck to view the fireworks while we were waiting for our table. Our meal was over 500 bucks plus tip for 5 adults.

WHAT!!!!!! over 500 bucks for 5 adults! :faint:
I think I will hold off on CG for a while....long while!

(geez....after hearing your bill I had to go and fix all my typo's You got me all shaky here! LOL)

[cobbler]

Our bad expirences.

Hollywood and Vine back in 2001. It was ok. Character buffet back then. Don't know if it is now.

Boma - sorry but just not our cup of tea. I guess we are simple folks. At least we tried it.

Coral Reef - Yes overpriced. Pretty cool with the aquarium but that is about it. Added to the fact that I can't eat seafood and it makes it worse. I ate off the kids menu that time. Hubby loves seafood so we went for him.

Pizza - HORRIBLE!! UGH!! We were at Pop or Sports in 04, got a pizza to take back to the room. Hubby and I could hardly eat it, so gross.

[vascubaguy]

My vote for the absolute worst would have to go for Tony's. I couldn't believe the price for something I could have made from a can... and tasted MUCH better.

I'd also have to say O'hana. Though I loved the location and view, I wasn't all that impressed with the food, and the service was AWFUL! I might try it again since the menu has changed some, but our "appetizers" were cold and getting them to bring skewers around was like pulling teeth. (not to mention I had informed them several times of food allergies and the waitress told me numerous times, "I'll get the chef to fix some skewers completely away from the shrimp". Yeah, I'm STILL waiting for those to come. If we weren't on the dining plan, her tip would not have been good.

Other than that, I think we really enjoyed all the others. Oh wait, several folks didn't care for the Tangierine Cafe in Epcot. I tried it and it was ok, but definately not on the "worst" list.

[AmyBeth68]

Our last few experiences at CG were less than superb...and we were HUGE fans of the place. We have now converted to Artist Point...that place ROCKS! Great food, great wine, beautiful setting. CG has lost its edge IMHO...hopefully it gets its act back together but maybe we just had an off night....uh twice...?!

[DSNY FN]

WHAT!!!!!! over 500 bucks for 5 adults! :faint:
I think I will hold off on CG for a while....long while!

(geez....after hearing your bill I had to go and fix all my typo's You got me all shaky here! LOL)

Yep 500 plus tip it was crazy expensive for the food and service we recieved we will not eat there again after that time.

[KNWVIKING]

Yeah but that was that funny Canadian money. The meal was only $17.95 American.

[DSNY FN]

Yeah but that was that funny Canadian money. The meal was only $17.95 American.


LoL um no it was American LOL I wish it had been Canadian because at the time the exchange rate was a killer LOL.

[Leftcoaster]

Just a suggestion if you are looking for good pizza, try Wolfgang Puck's! I have only eaten at the WP Express and the pizza was great! Haven't tried his ''fancier'' restaurants, but I can only imagine it must be excellent.




I agree on the Wolfgang Puck's pizza. Although, I won't eat at Puck's in WDW since I have a couple near where I live. I won't do any of the chains there since I only want to do things I can't do at home. Yes, I am a dork.

[Leftcoaster]

My vote for the absolute worst would have to go for Tony's. I couldn't believe the price for something I could have made from a can... and tasted MUCH better.

I'd also have to say O'hana. Though I loved the location and view, I wasn't all that impressed with the food, and the service was AWFUL! I might try it again since the menu has changed some, but our "appetizers" were cold and getting them to bring skewers around was like pulling teeth. (not to mention I had informed them several times of food allergies and the waitress told me numerous times, "I'll get the chef to fix some skewers completely away from the shrimp". Yeah, I'm STILL waiting for those to come. If we weren't on the dining plan, her tip would not have been good.

Other than that, I think we really enjoyed all the others. Oh wait, several folks didn't care for the Tangierine Cafe in Epcot. I tried it and it was ok, but definately not on the "worst" list.


I've done O'hana for breakfast and that was really good. It was also one of my all time weirdest moments but,t hat's for another thread.
I haven't done it for dinner but, from reading reports, it seems to be really hit or miss for dinner.

[jnrrt]

I can't believe I'm the first to say it, but Sci-Fi! This place actually has a history of being terrible in my extended family, but I ignored the wisdom of generations, and went there anyway.

I'm glad the kids got to see it, but never again. We waited 60 minutes for a PS with our baby already an hour after his dinner time. Our server was apparently working in a time-warp. We'd heard to stay away from anything "fancy" so we ordered salads, a chicken sandwich, and kids meals that took 70 minutes to come. 70 minutes. And when they came, they'd obviously been under the heat lamp for a loooonggg time. How do you wreck a grilled chicken sandwich? I don't know, but they did, and it was bad. And it was expensive. Not my favorite combo. We watched the entire movie reel twice. And it's not like you're going to send your food back, because you may end paying rent as you would have to move in and live there by the time you'd receive your food.

No thank you.

[tjkraz]

La-la-la-I'm not listening to any bad Sci-Fi stories-la-la-la

I booked a lunch PS for the first day of our upcoming trip. Despite all of the awful stories (yes, there are many), I'm holding out hope that they don't screw-up a burger and a turkey club. :fingerscr

[KNWVIKING]

jnrrt, I'll 2nd your sci-fi opinion. I'd actually forgotten how bad the food was. We really enjoyed the concept and theme of the restaurant, but the food was BADDDD.

[Stimpy]

I can't believe I'm the first to say it, but Sci-Fi! This place actually has a history of being terrible in my extended family, but I ignored the wisdom of generations, and went there anyway.

I'm glad the kids got to see it, but never again. We waited 60 minutes for a PS with our baby already an hour after his dinner time. Our server was apparently working in a time-warp. We'd heard to stay away from anything "fancy" so we ordered salads, a chicken sandwich, and kids meals that took 70 minutes to come. 70 minutes. And when they came, they'd obviously been under the heat lamp for a loooonggg time. How do you wreck a grilled chicken sandwich? I don't know, but they did, and it was bad. And it was expensive. Not my favorite combo. We watched the entire movie reel twice. And it's not like you're going to send your food back, because you may end paying rent as you would have to move in and live there by the time you'd receive your food.

No thank you.


We've had long waits there too. Now we try to make our PS's for as soon as they open for lunch. Lunch time in general seems to be much quicker at the Sci-fi. The food isn't that great but the burgers are decent. We eat there more for the peace and queit from our kids. They kind of zone-out while watching the movie clips.

[Rozzie]

we also do lunch Sci-FI's. I think we might just grab a shake there this time. Last time food was okiedokie, and also took 1.5 movie reels.

Tim, stick to the burgers, you should be ok---NO SPINACH DIP. Heed my warning....:scary:

[jaysue]

Yeah but that was that funny Canadian money. The meal was only $17.95 American.

Could have been worse - could have been in Pound Sterling

cheers
jaysue

[PoohsPal]

Tim - keep in mind that my "I'll never go again" is on Mar's favorites list. I'm sur eyou'll be fine, especially with burger and a club.

[athenna]

I agree on the Wolfgang Puck's pizza. Although, I won't eat at Puck's in WDW since I have a couple near where I live. I won't do any of the chains there since I only want to do things I can't do at home. Yes, I am a dork.


No, you're not a dork. It's the same reason I refuse to eat at the Rainforest Cafe. If I can get it at the mall 10 minutes from my house , I don't want it on vacation at WDW.

[PoohsPal]

LC - Our first trip to AK we made breakfast PS/ADRs. I wanetd Rain FOrest Cafe, as teh nearest is a couple hours away, but dh said no, because you could go there outside of WDW. SO, we went to breakfastasaurus. Boy did I hold it over him when we say teh golden srches there! :headscrat

[gopherit]

Hmmm... let me put Pinnochio Haus among my "Why did we come in here?" choices. Bad atmosphere, bad food. THis was before its revamping, I should note.

DH would tell you "COral Reef". He said it was way over-priced and so-so. THey messed up my order, though what they gave me was fine, but I do agree that price-wise, I didn't see the merit.

Eldest DS would tell you NEVER AGAIN for RFC. He swore the gorillas were ALL LOOKING AT HIM. (Apparently that does something to a 10 yr old boy.) He also was not keen on Prime Time (Geez, Mom - this place can't even afford COLOR TV!)

Our Ds9 did not care for Ohana food, but said he would go back if we let him choose from a Kona menu. He too did NOT care for PT Cafe. (That's 2 "no" votes in our fam of 5, if you're counting...) Said hot dog was like the ones he gets at school (and that's NOT a compliment.)

DD5 said no thanks to PT Cafe also. DIdn't like the soup. Frankly, nothing was wrong with it, I think it was an emotional vote swayed by her brothers. But that's her vote, which makes it 3 "no" votes out of 5. The "no"s have it.

Oh and for the folks soon to dine at Sci-Fi - if it's any consolation, we've actually only had good food there. Last trip, I ordered only appetizers for myself (the spring rolls and a salad, I think), but DH had the penne pasta and BIL had the ribs. No one complained - and DH can be a fussy dude. I think I like the lunch fare there better - the burgers / shake thing just seems to "go " better with a drive-in atmosphere. Who gets shrimp pasta and eats it in their car?!?) :veryconfu

[jaysue]

Enough knocks on PT50 to make me choose another MGM venue

Thanks
jaysue

:umbrella:

[DSNY FN]

Actually our family love 50's PT it was a great meal and a great atmosphere when we were there mind you that was in 99 LOL.

[TW1]

I've been disappointed with the so-called "brick oven" pizza on the Boardwalk. Pretty lame. And not really crazy about Pizza Planet.

And for old time sake, I'll repeat my never ending rant on how disappointing the coffee is throughout Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.

[Pumpkinboy]

...we had the Character Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare and it was "ok" - the selection was somewhat limited and the food area was always busy and it just seemed that the tables were packed close together...I know what you mean about the food at 1900 Park Fare; we went for dinner, and the character contact was pertty good, but the food was pretty unappetizing - it looked nice in the descriptions, but in solid form it was indifferent (or worse). LC - Our first trip to AK we made breakfast PS/ADRs. I wanetd Rain FOrest Cafe, as teh nearest is a couple hours away, but dh said no, because you could go there outside of WDW. SO, we went to breakfastasaurus. Boy did I hold it over him when we say teh golden srches there! That brings up (pun intended) our worst meal at WDW: the Rainforest Café at AK. I think the Golden Arches would have been better (certainly cleaner). RFC had very very slow service, and then when it came the "food" consisted of huge piles of horrible stuff in gloppy sweet sauces. :yuck: Sure the environment was entertaining, but you can only take it for so long - and given the service it was sooooo long. Visited the washrooms there and found the dirtiest bathrooms I had seen anywhere at WDW. :yuck: And as Tony Bourdain points out in his wonderful book Kitchen Confidential, if the parts of the restaurant they let you see are filthy, just imagine how aweful they keep the kitchen. :Paranoid: :scary:

Nope, at AK from now on we stick to Tusker House and Flame Tree BBQ (haven't tried Pizzafari). And our DDE cards work in all three of the CS places there since they have no TS places in AK.

[Mike]

No, you're not a dork. It's the same reason I refuse to eat at the Rainforest Cafe. If I can get it at the mall 10 minutes from my house , I don't want it on vacation at WDW.


I too live about 10 or 15 minutes from that same Mall and I agree wholeheartedly. Although my kids do always seem to ask to go to the RFC while we are in WDW. So recently we've been heading there about a week or two before our vacation so we can use the old "we just ate there" line :thumbsup: