Originally Posted By MPierce >> I have to say VBDAD that out of all the meals we had at WDW on our last vacation, my wife, and I both agreed that there was only meal that we said was good enough to compare to the places we normally frequent right here in Gooberville USA. << -------------- >> interested as to what you had ? << Here's my review. <a href="http://mb.laughingplace.com/MsgBoard-T-103580-P-1.asp" target="_blank">http://mb.laughingplace.com/Ms...-P-1.asp</a>
Originally Posted By MPierce >> I'm trying to soften up my rough edges a bit. << That ain't very Texan like!
Originally Posted By vbdad55 read your assessment and always Iunderstand what one person may like another odesn't questions I have: ordered hamburgers @ Liberty Tree - ? Why ? Some very very good lunch entrees there- I wouldn't order burgers anywhere in WDW.. Chili-- OK a Texan orders chili somewhere else- that would be like me ordering pizza there...it is never going to match your tastes. Also you know it is vegetarian ( Walt's favorite ) -and that just doesn't seem to fit your M.O. France- rude waiter -- that's what I would expect in France-- LOL !! OK- now here- if you think Long John Silvers grease shacks serve fish and chips..then I am concerned. Yeah, they're cheaper - for good reason..not sure it's even fish - yucko Bangers and Mash would have been a great choice.. the scotch eggs back on the menu also very good.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 btw-- get the fish and chips from Raglan Road next time- you won't be disappointed
Originally Posted By -em So when I was at Epcot today they had the menu up for the new TS in Mexico... It sounds good but when the entrees START at 21.95 I don't think I'll be going there anytime soon... Looks nice though
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom My bigger concerns are with sit down restaurants in DHS and the MK. I have already stated that in my opinion you can always find a table somewhere in EPCOT. I have never eaten at the China Pavillion but have always wanted to. And I have to say..... it seems to me pretty obvious that Disney is uping the prices to make their DDP appear to be a better value. I guess I will stick with the blue margariatas.
Originally Posted By Christi22222 <Christi, I had to go back to your post 226 to see what the fuss was about. You made some good points, but you did come on awfully direct. Speaking as one who just got (temporarily?) kicked off of another board for being direct, I'm trying to soften up my rough edges a bit.> Hi Dan! You are wise to give me a reminder. While I am not at all combative by nature, I tend to only post when someone has gotten me riled. So that probably results in posts that are too "direct" as you so kindly put it. The post below by Nikki is the one that spurred me to my directness. While it certainly wasn't a big deal, it pushed my button that having an opinion on the dining issue was just being nosey rather than discussing a legitimate issue of concern with the mouse. In retrospect (as is so common on the internet), it was silly to be ruffled. Guess I shall stick to lurking! Sorry Nicki! <Why do some of you have such issues with people like me who don't leave property to eat? Don't you have better things to worry about then what I'm doing with MY money? Mayhap you should keep your noses in your own beeswax.>
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom <<Has the actual QUALITY of table service restaurants changed or has it been each persons interpretation of what defines quality changed? note quality. Not variety/price/locations just quality. Your version of mediocre may be my good and someone else's amazing yet we all could be eating the same dish the same restaurant same day. who is then right?>> First off, I want to point out that to some extent it's a little difficult answering this question when talking only about WDW. Since, WDW has dropped a lot of things from their menu and changed others. What me and KJ ended up doing was comparing the food at Disneyland California and WDW. We both found the food at DL to be far superior to the food at WDW. We were so impressed with the Bakery on Mainstreet USA at Disneyland that we ended up eating breakfast there every morning. Since that time, on return trips to WDW we have gotten things from the bakery on Mainstreet USA and didn't find the offerings to be anything like at their sister park in California. On our last trip to WDW back in October of last year the Bakery wasn't even open. In general the baked good at WDW are not up to par with those of Disneyland (flavor, texture and quality).
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom I also want to say that I enjoyed reading posts from some of the "lurkers" around here.. thanks guys and gals. Your opinion counts and I for one am grateful you had something to say.
Originally Posted By HokieSkipper <<My bigger concerns are with sit down restaurants in DHS and the MK.>> I never have a problem in DHS. 50s Primetime somehow always has seats available.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Dropping into the LBV Subway WOULD kill me.>> Oh, that is terrible, Nikki! You really shouldn't even leave property because the wafting odor of the fresh bread could trickle into your nostrils and then you'd drop dead on hallowed ground! <<Subway is disgusting!>> At the risk of this turning into a sandwich debate, I'd say compared to most fast food it is a healthy choice. And reasonably priced. And even tasty! <<Why do some of you have such issues with people like me who don't leave property to eat?>> I think, deep down, we're all just jealous since we wish we were lucky enough (or wealthy enough) to give all our money to the white-gloved one ... please, don't take it personally. Just enjoy all the high quality, fairly priced magical cuisine ... and realize if the say ... well, the food actually isn't really that good that at least it comes with magic, dreams and wishes and a side order of never-ending pixie dust! <<Don't you have better things to worry about then what I'm doing with MY money? >> YOU have money?!?!? Where did you get that ... I want some!!! ... Do you have $1,000 bills like some woman I saw today trying to pay and get change at a Starbucks? <<Mayhap you should keep your noses in your own beeswax.>> Maybe you should take a deep breath. Barely back here a few days and already seeing perceived slights even when none are intended.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Spirit I don't live in Boston. Not about to drive an hour plus to eat. My MIL made better Italian food than the local restaurants. >> Ah, I thought you were closer to Boston. I could use a personal chef ... if it works for Oprah, then I should have one too!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Disgusting compared to what? Cosmic Ray's? McDonald's? The Roadkill Special some guy is selling in the back of his truck in Kissimmee?>> <<I don't understand why people like Subway.>> I don't understand what I am watching on CNN right now. <<I've eaten Subway a few times, and each time it has been nasty - the meat didn't taste right.>> Perhaps, you had bad meat in New Orleans. Every experience isn't going to be the same. <<Personally, I rarely eat fast food.>> Sounds like an elitist to me ... I have a friend just like that ... she says she never goes into a McDonald's and I believe her ... I think she sits in her car in the parking lot scarfing down a Big Mac, Fries and a Diet Coke! <<If I'm going to eat fast food, 99% of the time it's going to be Chick-Fil-A. >> Ah ... finally something we agree on (beyond refillable mugs!) ... I just had Chik-Fil-A two hours ago ... Mighty tasty ... and $14 for two ... still a bargain compared to Disney (you do know there are two located within five minutes of WDW!) So yes, I would much rather eat a burger at Pecos Bill's instead of a "turkey" sandwich at Subway.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 >Why do some of you have such issues with people like me who don't leave property to eat?< <<Nikki, I'm completely with you. As I've said, I like the total insulation from the outside world that you get when staying on property. Going off property to the average Subway (which are all over the place back home) not only takes me out of my isolation, but it's just a totally standard meal that I can get anytime.>> I could understand that opinion maybe 10-15 years ago ... before WDW expanded so it is right on top of 'the real world' ... and before WDW dropped standards and quality so it felt so much more like 'the real world' ... But I am not even saying going off-property is required to get better food for less money (not always) and NOT have to book 180 days out. There are plenty of non-WDW owned and operated locales at DD ... at Swan/Dolphin ... at DD Hotel Plaza that are options. Some great options. But I know I am beating my head up against a wall here ... there are people who will gladly pay MORE money to stay at WDW motel (All Stars or Pop) instead of Swan/Dolphin or DD Hotels simply because they want to give Mickey their money. Then, it becomes a cult/religious/political like deal where common sense doesn't matter and it is what it is. >But I also completely understand people not wanting to pay out the wazoo to get magically mediocre food on the holy property of Walt Disney World.< <<If I felt that the quality of food in WDW had fallen to an overall mediocre level, then I'd feel differently. But I get a great philly cheesesteak sandwich at Cosmic Ray's, tasty fish & chicken at Columbia Harbor House, and excellent ribs and/or a pulled pork sandwich at the Flame Tree, not to mention all of the excellent food and atmosphere available at the many sitdown restaurants.>> I have dined at all of the above in the past 2-3 years. So, I obviously think those are generally good choices IF you want QS food at WDW (while other locales like Electric Umbrella, Yakitori House, Rosie's -- at least when it served burgers are just complete and utter crap). ... But I also think the food quality is still not what it was and the price points are too high. <<I'm angry that Disney has simplified their menus due to the DDP, but that doesn't mean that I don't enjoy my meals in the World. And as to the value, I just don't concern myself with it.>> One Spirit would suggest that many WDW guests don't concern themselves with the value and that's why they are constantly making it a worse value (see Trail's End of late as just another example!) <<I fully expect food to be more expensive at a Disney park than it would at the local Sizzler. But as long as I have the money to spend, and as long as the food and atmosphere and view are things that I can't get at home, then I'm a happy camper!>> I would bet you can get better food in Dallas than at 85-90% of WDW's full serve locales. Some are just amazing (like V&A's, California Grill, Bistro de Paris), but others are really pretty average and get all the accolades because they are part of the magic of The Walt Disney Co!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<Oh, Olive Garden is trash. Denny's is fine if you are trashed. Neither would be something I'd go to when I'm down there.>> Honestly, I think tossing those chains into the mix is done for hyperbole sake ... there are so many places you can dine at/near WDW that are far better options.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<So I am completely baffled how this thread digressed into arguing restaurant preferences.>> Welcome to wild, wacky wonderful LP. Christi. Nice to see ya here! And let's face it, like something else I ... nevermind, the only thing better than talking about food is eating it! So enjoy the talk ... with a nice little mango chutney on top! ;-) <<I agree with some of the opinions about food here, and not others. Food, after all, is a matter of taste - geez! >> Well, some people's tastes are questionable. After all, how many folks shop at Walmart ... vote for crazy people in Delaware ... and watch Jersey Shore? Many things are matters of taste.
Originally Posted By tashajilek "Sounds like an elitist to me ... I have a friend just like that ... she says she never goes into a McDonald's and I believe her ... I think she sits in her car in the parking lot scarfing down a Big Mac, Fries and a Diet Coke! HAHAHA you are a funny spirit!! Funny how people think the diet coke will save them after eating a big mac!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<2002-2006 was the worst, IMO. Things are looking a bit up. >> <<Are you crazy!? 2002-2006 was some of the best Table Service eatin' I've ever experienced at WDW! Every menu was varied and everything was delicious. >> Like I said ... all about taste. I think the best era for WDW dining was the 90s because that's when Eisner pushed for world-class options ... and that's when all sorts of locations like California Grill, Citricos, Flying Fish, Artist Point, 'Ohana, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Ariel's etc all made their debuts. And there was a bigtime focus on making them all as good as they could be. Theme park locations also improved quite a bit (although locations at EPCOT were really good to great from 1982 anyway!) Since 2001, it's largely been downhill ... and it all got much worse when the DDP began about five years ago.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 << In the BEST category I would put Cali Grill / Jiko / Blue Zoo -->> <<All of which you have to make resevations for well in advance of your meal if you plan on enjoying any of them. And, Jiko has a dress code. Heck, I was staying at AKL, wearing wranglers, $300 cowboy boots, $150 Montana silver belt buckle, $75 pony hide and silver belt, $700 Skully black leather and Ostrich jacket, $200 Stetson and they still would let my party in WITH resevations ( no blue jeans). I guess the typcial person in Florida just hasn't yet come to the conclusion that jeans can be formal when worn appropriately.>> If you were turned away at Jiko for wearing jeans, then I am shocked ... totally. Because jeans are allowed ... and most of the dress code is completely ignored anyway ... shorts and tees and sandals can be spotted at any fine dining locale because Disney doesn't enforce it. If you were dressed as you say and were turned away, then I would have walked through the place with the GM and went table to table ...
