Originally Posted By CarolinaDisneyDad Sorry this is so long and if you must skip at least read the Italy review as we enjoyed it the most. As you all know I am a budget eater at WDW, but this year we did splurge a few times and dine at a few restaurants. Because my touring plan is fluid and often changes based on crowds, fatigue and weather, I didn't make reservations. I did find though that most restaurants open at 11 to 11:30 and that as long as we arrived before noon we were seated with virtually no wait. We did choose to lunch rather than dinner for our big meals because we were eating a small breakfast in the room and then hitting the parks so early. The first place we ate was T-rex in DTD. We had eaten here before and had a positive experience. My kids had rotisserie chicken and shared it and were both very happy which was surprising since they are picky eaters. My wife had shrimp skewers and I had a burger. All were well prepared and we were very satisfied with the service. Even though it was very crowded we were seated in less than 30 minutes and it was during prime dining time at around 7pm. I love the theming of this restaurant. It is way over the top but in a good way. The place still looks good which is surprising considering how many people they serve each day. We were seated in the jungle. I ‘m hoping to get the ice room some time. I’m getting closer. Next we ate at the Yak and Yeti in AK. It is another beautiful structure that fits in so well with the theming of the area. Once again no wait again at a little after 11am. We were seated by a window on the second floor. I told my wife,” it is worth eating here just to get to look out this window”. What great atmosphere! My wife and youngest daughter shared a sweet and sour chicken which they both liked. I tried it and thought that it was OK but a little bland. My oldest got the kids chicken and I tasted hers also. Not good, but I guess that’s what is expected for a kids meal. I was adventurous and had the lettuce cups. They were different but good. I assembled them putting a little of the meat and veggies in each cup and took a bite. They are a very unique flavor which I like. Then I ruined them. I had lightly dipped them in the sauce and thought they went well together so then I just poured all the sauce on them. Big mistake. It overpowered them and ruined the delicate blend of seasonings , but I ate them anyway. What else is a fat man gonna do? I guess I could have explained my mistake but I was too embarrassed. Oh well, live and learn. I thought overall the Yak and Yeti food was so-so but the atmosphere makes it worth doing at least once. Norway character breakfast. This was a nice meal. a buffet brought to the table. It had normal breakfast items that anyone will like. There was however a cold bar up front that had some odd items. There were 3 kinds of fish. I can’t remember what their names were but I tried them. Let me just say that fishy fish first thing in the morning is nasty. My family got a big laugh watching me choke down a sample of each. This is a princess breakfast and they came around. Let’s just say that the CMs playing Ariel and Cinderella would be considered the hot bar for this meal. I should have gotten my picture with them but I don’t think Mrs. CDD would have liked that very much. Nice meal and entering the empty EPCOT park before opening is a unique feeling. Still though Chef Mickey’s is the best character meal in my opinion. Prime Time Café at DHS. Surprisingly we were seated in less than 5 minutes here at shortly after 12noon. I’ve had the meatloaf here and it is good. This time I had the stacked sandwich, my youngest had a grilled cheese and my oldest I think a kids corn dog. My wife was the funny one here. Her’s was cousin Amy’s iceburg lettuce wedge which she asked for with no dressing. Well when it came there was no dressing alright, and also no bacon, chives or anything else. It was just a quarter of a head of iceberg lettuce, plain,on a plate, to the tune of $5.49. Throw in a drink and tax and I paid $8.00 for a chunk of lettuce and a drink. Magical! I told the server she said no dressing but wanted the other stuff and she told me “nope, she said plain!” and that was the end of that and that was all she got! Meanwhile a table near us was having a great time with a male waiter who was over the top and really enjoyed playing mama to his table. He even made one of the kids at the table clean up the dishes and carry them to the kitchen. Our server was ok ,but her half-hearted attempts at carrying the theme when compared to the show going on right beside us, left us feeling shorted. Not our best time here. Side note – Has anyone noticed that the chicken at the Harbor House in MK doesn’t seem the same as before and is sort of flavorless? Italy- Tutto Italia- I saved the best for last. We arrived in Italy and were seated a little before 12 noon. Once again no wait! we were seated and our server was, I believe, named Stephon. We had a little difficulty at first as sometimes he didn’t understand exactly what we were saying but tried very hard. After we ordered he stuck around and we engaged him in conversation, talking about Italy, where he was from, and his experiences since coming to the US. What an impressive young man. He was very interesting and our conversation wasn’t finished by the time the food came. My kids got spaghetti, my wife had lasagna and I had farfalle. Theirs were OK, but I found mine to be extraordinary. It was great and I enjoyed every mouthwatering moment. It’s a bowtie pasta in ham and cheese sauce. It was so good that I didn’t taste the other’s dishes when they were done because I didn’t want to spoil what I had. The young waiter combined with the excellent food made Italy clearly our best dining experience at WDW.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Sorry this is so long and if you must skip at least read the Italy review as we enjoyed it the most. << The longer the better. Italy was my favorite dining experience also.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> The first place we ate was T-rex in DTD. We had eaten here before and had a positive experience. My kids had rotisserie chicken and shared it and were both very happy which was surprising since they are picky eaters. My wife had shrimp skewers and I had a burger. All were well prepared and we were very satisfied with the service. Even though it was very crowded we were seated in less than 30 minutes and it was during prime dining time at around 7pm. I love the theming of this restaurant. It is way over the top but in a good way. The place still looks good which is surprising considering how many people they serve each day. We were seated in the jungle. I ‘m hoping to get the ice room some time. I’m getting closer. << I still haven't dined there yet. Do you think this is more of an experience aimed at children or do you feel adults would enjoy it also? I liked Rainforest alright, but I found it much to noisy for my taste. Is T-Rex like that also?
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Next we ate at the Yak and Yeti in AK. It is another beautiful structure that fits in so well with the theming of the area. Once again no wait again at a little after 11am. We were seated by a window on the second floor. I told my wife,” it is worth eating here just to get to look out this window”. What great atmosphere! My wife and youngest daughter shared a sweet and sour chicken which they both liked. I tried it and thought that it was OK but a little bland. My oldest got the kids chicken and I tasted hers also. Not good, but I guess that’s what is expected for a kids meal. I was adventurous and had the lettuce cups. They were different but good. I assembled them putting a little of the meat and veggies in each cup and took a bite. They are a very unique flavor which I like. Then I ruined them. I had lightly dipped them in the sauce and thought they went well together so then I just poured all the sauce on them. Big mistake. It overpowered them and ruined the delicate blend of seasonings , but I ate them anyway. What else is a fat man gonna do? I guess I could have explained my mistake but I was too embarrassed. Oh well, live and learn. I thought overall the Yak and Yeti food was so-so but the atmosphere makes it worth doing at least once. << Another place I have never eaten at. It sounds like from your review that I will not be eating there anytime soon either. However the lettuce cups do sound interesting.
Originally Posted By CarolinaDisneyDad <<<I still haven't dined there yet. Do you think this is more of an experience aimed at children or do you feel adults would enjoy it also? I liked Rainforest alright, but I found it much to noisy for my taste. Is T-Rex like that also?>>> It is very loud and doesn't lend itself to calm casual dining. There is a hurried atmosphere. It's like Rainforest on steroids. You might still want to walk in and look at the place and then go dine somewhere else.
Originally Posted By CarolinaDisneyDad <<<Another place I have never eaten at. It sounds like from your review that I will not be eating there anytime soon either. However the lettuce cups do sound interesting.>>> It's a unique setting. I think I liked it more because we were on the second floor. The lettuce cups are different and I think next time I will be a little more careful with the dipping sauce. As for the sweet and sour they serve a smaller portion at a counter service outside for half the price.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Norway character breakfast. This was a nice meal. a buffet brought to the table. It had normal breakfast items that anyone will like. There was however a cold bar up front that had some odd items. There were 3 kinds of fish. I can’t remember what their names were but I tried them. Let me just say that fishy fish first thing in the morning is nasty. My family got a big laugh watching me choke down a sample of each. This is a princess breakfast and they came around. Let’s just say that the CMs playing Ariel and Cinderella would be considered the hot bar for this meal. I should have gotten my picture with them but I don’t think Mrs. CDD would have liked that very much. Nice meal and entering the empty EPCOT park before opening is a unique feeling. Still though Chef Mickey’s is the best character meal in my opinion. << This is my wife's, and my favorite memory of a Disney dinig experience. Although it was before the Character meals, and it was supper instead of breakfast. It happened several years back, when we thought excellent was the only way to describe all of the previous meals we had experienced at WDW. I had read good revues on different WDW forums about Akershus. This was a serve yourself buffet back then. We both tried nearly everything offered, and there was quite a bit to choose from. Ranging from Venison meatballs to cold pickled Herring. Let me tell you it was all horrible to both of us. Our palates were definitely not equipped to handle Norwegian cuisine. When you mentioned the fish you had for breakfast CDD, this memory of our experience came rushing back to me. I think the meal cost $18.98 per person way back then. We still think it was worth it for all the laughs we got from the experience. However, we do not have any plans to return in the forseeable future.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Prime Time Café at DHS. Surprisingly we were seated in less than 5 minutes here at shortly after 12noon. I’ve had the meatloaf here and it is good. This time I had the stacked sandwich, my youngest had a grilled cheese and my oldest I think a kids corn dog. My wife was the funny one here. Her’s was cousin Amy’s iceburg lettuce wedge which she asked for with no dressing. Well when it came there was no dressing alright, and also no bacon, chives or anything else. It was just a quarter of a head of iceberg lettuce, plain,on a plate, to the tune of $5.49. Throw in a drink and tax and I paid $8.00 for a chunk of lettuce and a drink. Magical! I told the server she said no dressing but wanted the other stuff and she told me “nope, she said plain!” and that was the end of that and that was all she got! Meanwhile a table near us was having a great time with a male waiter who was over the top and really enjoyed playing mama to his table. He even made one of the kids at the table clean up the dishes and carry them to the kitchen. Our server was ok ,but her half-hearted attempts at carrying the theme when compared to the show going on right beside us, left us feeling shorted. Not our best time here. << Another place we have never tried. Mainly because I'm really not into all the antics that might go on at this place, since I am so shy, and reserved. All of the reviews say the same thing though. You never know if you are going to get a good server or not. Meatloaf is one of my most favorite meals, and I really would like to try it out after your review.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Side note – Has anyone noticed that the chicken at the Harbor House in MK doesn’t seem the same as before and is sort of flavorless? << Not the Harbor House in particular, but all of the food that we tried at several counter service restaurants seemed to be less flavorful on our last trip. I was especially disappointed in the Roaring Fork.
Originally Posted By CarolinaDisneyDad <<<. You never know if you are going to get a good server or not. Meatloaf is one of my most favorite meals>>> Yes It is hit or miss. Our first time was a hit and we have been trying hit again ever since
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Italy- Tutto Italia- I saved the best for last. We arrived in Italy and were seated a little before 12 noon. Once again no wait! we were seated and our server was, I believe, named Stephon. We had a little difficulty at first as sometimes he didn’t understand exactly what we were saying but tried very hard. After we ordered he stuck around and we engaged him in conversation, talking about Italy, where he was from, and his experiences since coming to the US. What an impressive young man. He was very interesting and our conversation wasn’t finished by the time the food came. My kids got spaghetti, my wife had lasagna and I had farfalle. Theirs were OK, but I found mine to be extraordinary. It was great and I enjoyed every mouthwatering moment. It’s a bowtie pasta in ham and cheese sauce. It was so good that I didn’t taste the other’s dishes when they were done because I didn’t want to spoil what I had. The young waiter combined with the excellent food made Italy clearly our best dining experience at WDW. << As I already stated this was our favorite meal on our last trip also. Like you, I had the Farfalle, and my wife had the Casarecci. I licked my plate clean, then finished up about half of my wife's plate. Both were excellent. While a little pricey I felt the meal was worth it. The service was excellent also. My only real complaint with this restaurant is that the seating is just a little to close for my taste. I highly recommend Tutto Italia.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> It's a unique setting. I think I liked it more because we were on the second floor. The lettuce cups are different and I think next time I will be a little more careful with the dipping sauce. As for the sweet and sour they serve a smaller portion at a counter service outside for half the price. << I might give this a try next time then.
Originally Posted By dshyates I suggest trying out T-Rex's bar. You get a feel for the place and don't have to put up with the noise all that long if it annoys you. And there is usually no wait. A couple of weeks ago I tried the Yakking Yeti. I had the Duck and it was quit good. I was at a first floor window seat and had a great view of Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade while I ate.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 have not done Yak & Yeti yet but the lettuce cups sound intersting. Also this thread inspired me to start my trip notes also- and I will start with dining. I think most here know I live to dine around the world- and I was mostly very happy but I will admit the pricing is getting up there. I will revciew each place we ate at in the next few days that will include Raglan Road ( dinner) Liberty Tree (lunch) Whispering Canyon Cafe (dinner) Chef Mickey ( breakfast) Biergarten (dinner) Boma (dinner) Sci Fi (Lunch) Le Cellier (lunch) O'hana (dinner) Prime Time ( dinner) California Grill(dinner) and Pirate Dinner @ Shutters ( Vero Beach)
Originally Posted By MPierce >> have not done Yak & Yeti yet but the lettuce cups sound intersting. Also this thread inspired me to start my trip notes also- and I will start with dining. I think most here know I live to dine around the world- and I was mostly very happy but I will admit the pricing is getting up there. I will revciew each place we ate at in the next few days that will include Raglan Road ( dinner) Liberty Tree (lunch) Whispering Canyon Cafe (dinner) Chef Mickey ( breakfast) Biergarten (dinner) Boma (dinner) Sci Fi (Lunch) Le Cellier (lunch) O'hana (dinner) Prime Time ( dinner) California Grill(dinner) and Pirate Dinner @ Shutters ( Vero Beach) << Looking forward to it VBDAD. I love it when LPers post their reviews, and opinions after returning from a trip. It lets all of us share a little bit of others experiences.
Originally Posted By danyoung >Another place I have never eaten at. It sounds like from your review that I will not be eating there anytime soon either.< Hey, never plan your dining choices based on one report (sorry, CDD!). I had dinner at the Yak & Yeti a few months ago, and it was excellent. I don't remember the name of the dish I had, but it was basically a seafood stew, with shrimp, mussels, etc. The broth and veggies were spicey and tasty, and the egg roll that came with it was mouth-watering. Combine that with a terrific young waiter who really did a nice job, pleasantly chatting while right there with my food and drink, and it was one of the better meals of the trip!
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 We were at Y&Y in July. Mark had the duck (sorry Pierce) I had shrimp. Both were great. Mark had the fish stew at Rose & Crown. It was mostly fish, very little broth. Again that he loved.
Originally Posted By MPierce >> Hey, never plan your dining choices based on one report (sorry, CDD!). << I usually don't. That's why we ate at Norway, and it sucked!
Originally Posted By MPierce >> We were at Y&Y in July. Mark had the duck (sorry Pierce) << I always knew those squids were savages!
