Artist Point ... worth the switch?

[HouCuseChickie]

So, I'm thinking about dropping 'Ohana in favor of Artist Point, especially now that we've switched over to WL for lodging. Personally, I think the menu looks amazing and this would enable me to work with my preferred bakery for my mom's cake. Still, there is the lure of never-ending meat at 'Ohana. Any thoughts or opinions?

 

[Sumrdog]

We had an amazing meal at Artist point, it was 7 years ago. I don't know if the menu has changed or not. It was quiet and I had a cedar planked salmon that was cooked perfectly. But now with the whole signature designation, I bet the prices are even higher than I remember. You can't go wrong with 'Ohana and the endless meat. That's a tough one, because I think they are two totally different experiences. And the Poly is just a boat ride away. I am sure my rambling is not in the least helpful...bottom line having eaten at both, if it were me and the hubs alone, Artist Point; if my elementary school aged children are joining us 'Ohana! I think no matter what you choose it's a win!

And your staying at the Wilderness Lodge... I love the Wilderness Lodge! We stayed there once, but my husband doesn't like it because he works at the Lodges in Glacier National Park and he feels like it reminds him too much of home. I pointed out that they don't have Mickey Totem Poles in Glacier Park...

 

[HouCuseChickie]

We had an amazing meal at Artist point, it was 7 years ago. I don't know if the menu has changed or not. It was quiet and I had a cedar planked salmon that was cooked perfectly. But now with the whole signature designation, I bet the prices are even higher than I remember. You can't go wrong with 'Ohana and the endless meat. That's a tough one, because I think they are two totally different experiences. And the Poly is just a boat ride away. I am sure my rambling is not in the least helpful...bottom line having eaten at both, if it were me and the hubs alone, Artist Point; if my elementary school aged children are joining us 'Ohana! I think no matter what you choose it's a win!

And your staying at the Wilderness Lodge... I love the Wilderness Lodge! We stayed there once, but my husband doesn't like it because he works at the Lodges in Glacier National Park and he feels like it reminds him too much of home. I pointed out that they don't have Mickey Totem Poles in Glacier Park...

We've eaten at 'Ohana before, but never Artist Point. We'll actually be a party of 9 (with 2 kids and an infant), but I'm pretty sure this is the meal where we'll be celebrating my mom's bday...so something special is in order. It's an early meal and all of the kids are pretty well behaved in restaurants, but it's so hard to pick. Of course, both are special in their own ways.

Funny that you say that b/c I think that's some of what turns me off on WL. No, I don't work at Glacier (but how awesome!!!!), but I've stayed at the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone and as nice as WL is (and it's really nice ) there's the part of me that would prefer to walk out the door to a ton of thermal features and a too close for comfort herd of bison when in such a setting. On the flipside- WL is DH's fave (at least out of where we've stayed) and he gets none of that Yellowstone yearning. Good point- the Old Faithful Inn = 0 Mickey Totems! Funny...I typed in "old faithful inn totem" and I got a bunch of images of WL! Nice!

 

[Sumrdog]

We've eaten at 'Ohana before, but never Artist Point. We'll actually be a party of 9 (with 2 kids and an infant), but I'm pretty sure this is the meal where we'll be celebrating my mom's bday...so something special is in order. It's an early meal and all of the kids are pretty well behaved in restaurants, but it's so hard to pick. Of course, both are special in their own ways.

Funny that you say that b/c I think that's some of what turns me off on WL. No, I don't work at Glacier (but how awesome!!!!), but I've stayed at the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone and as nice as WL is (and it's really nice ) there's the part of me that would prefer to walk out the door to a ton of thermal features and a too close for comfort herd of bison when in such a setting. On the flipside- WL is DH's fave (at least out of where we've stayed) and he gets none of that Yellowstone yearning. Good point- the Old Faithful Inn = 0 Mickey Totems! Funny...I typed in "old faithful inn totem" and I got a bunch of images of WL! Nice!

We stayed at the Old Faithful Inn once as well and the thermal features are amazing! I guess that's the turn off for my husband he wishes he were at the real thing. That is why Animal Kingdom Lodge is my personal favorite, I have never been to Africa, (well I guess Morrocco on a day trip from the straight of Gibraltar is technically Africa) But I have never been on an African Safari and doubt I ever will be, so AKL is as close as I will get!

As for your dinner, Artist point is nice and quiet. And I bet you will get amazing service...

 

[Pooh Lover]

Personally, I couldn't switch. Ohana is our first night dinner every year and we normally stay at the WL too. Although we'd love to try Artist Point, we'd have to give up something other than Ohana to do it....its just that important. If Ohana doesn't hold that kind of nostalgia for you and you think your Mom would rather try Artist Point, give it a try. I'm sure everyone would have an amazing evening.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

We stayed at the Old Faithful Inn once as well and the thermal features are amazing! I guess that's the turn off for my husband he wishes he were at the real thing. That is why Animal Kingdom Lodge is my personal favorite, I have never been to Africa, (well I guess Morrocco on a day trip from the straight of Gibraltar is technically Africa) But I have never been on an African Safari and doubt I ever will be, so AKL is as close as I will get!

As for your dinner, Artist point is nice and quiet. And I bet you will get amazing service...

Exactly...I'm sure if I'd been to Africa and gone on a safari in a traditional preserve or even stayed at the Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, I don't think AKL would have quite the draw for me. And as cool as it is to see the geyser go off at WL, I can't help but be reminded of Wyoming and the many WOWs b/c it was all real. I won't go too far down memory lane, but I remember sitting the on pavement waiting for Old Faithful to go off and aside from getting a treat in seeing Beehive erupt first (and in much more spectacular fashion)...we learned that while there was light snow all around us, the natural thermal features kept the ground warm...making for a very pleasant wait on the ground. It's just so different when it's natural vs. manmade. One is cool while the other is wow.

I'm sure the service will be great at AP and the menu is so drool-worthy. Right now, there are a whopping 4 appetizers and 4 entrees I want...and can I have the entire dessert menu???

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Personally, I couldn't switch. Ohana is our first night dinner every year and we normally stay at the WL too. Although we'd love to try Artist Point, we'd have to give up something other than Ohana to do it....its just that important. If Ohana doesn't hold that kind of nostalgia for you and you think your Mom would rather try Artist Point, give it a try. I'm sure everyone would have an amazing evening.

Not much 'Ohana nostalgia for us, but DH does enjoy it...and I think it would make for a more fun family environment. I mean, pigging out on meat and dumplings before waddling back into MK for EMH and evening festivities just has a certain warm fuzzy feeling to it. The only negatives I see with 'Ohana are the wait, the off limit foods for our table due to allergies, and me having to peel endless amounts of shrimp for my girls. Still, a great meal...really, both are great options...so, it's hard to pick.

 

[Tiggerish]

Exactly...I'm sure if I'd been to Africa and gone on a safari in a traditional preserve or even stayed at the Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, I don't think AKL would have quite the draw for me. And as cool as it is to see the geyser go off at WL, I can't help but be reminded of Wyoming and the many WOWs b/c it was all real. I won't go too far down memory lane, but I remember sitting the on pavement waiting for Old Faithful to go off and aside from getting a treat in seeing Beehive erupt first (and in much more spectacular fashion)...we learned that while there was light snow all around us, the natural thermal features kept the ground warm...making for a very pleasant wait on the ground. It's just so different when it's natural vs. manmade. One is cool while the other is wow.

I'm sure the service will be great at AP and the menu is so drool-worthy. Right now, there are a whopping 4 appetizers and 4 entrees I want...and can I have the entire dessert menu???

Wow, if the menu is that attractive, you have to consider it seriously. I'll be honest, I LOVE artist point. The menu is fab, the service is fab; yet, for all that, I have had less than stellar meals there. This last trip, I couldn't finish meal or wine,although I think that was mostly because I didn't feel 100%...another trip, I went for the premium priced some kinda-river cedar planked salmon and it was not as spectacular as "advertised"; it was good, don't get me wrong, but just not as "good" (imagine the O-word) as I was led to believe.

I've eaten at AP frequently and enjoyed it 99% of the time. I've seen large family groups there, so you won't feel odd--I would say, if the menu is that appealing AND its the bakery that you prefer to work with, it might be a "go" for you. I've never been to Ohana, but if "all u can eat meat" is what they serve there and what you like, that's worth something too.

Sorry not to be able to be more help. Happy to answer any questions you might have about APoint

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Wow, if the menu is that attractive, you have to consider it seriously. I'll be honest, I LOVE artist point. The menu is fab, the service is fab; yet, for all that, I have had less than stellar meals there. This last trip, I couldn't finish meal or wine,although I think that was mostly because I didn't feel 100%...another trip, I went for the premium priced some kinda-river cedar planked salmon and it was not as spectacular as "advertised"; it was good, don't get me wrong, but just not as "good" (imagine the O-word) as I was led to believe.

I've eaten at AP frequently and enjoyed it 99% of the time. I've seen large family groups there, so you won't feel odd--I would say, if the menu is that appealing AND its the bakery that you prefer to work with, it might be a "go" for you. I've never been to Ohana, but if "all u can eat meat" is what they serve there and what you like, that's worth something too.

Sorry not to be able to be more help. Happy to answer any questions you might have about APoint

You bring up one of my concerns...I've heard very mixed reviews on Artist Point. I hate looking at a menu and falling in love, just to be served something that's only OK. Your description kind of reminds me of my Le Cellier letdown. Not bad, but I certainly didn't have that vocal OMG moment I had when I had the best steak of my life.

There is a bakery work-around if I stick with 'Ohana and don't want to deal with the GF...it's just a bit of a pain...still, a small sacrifice if we have to go that route. Of course, it's a lot easier to pick up AP last minute -so I'm going to hold 'Ohana for now and then debate about it all summer.

 

[rufio]

I've never been to 'Ohana, but we have eaten at Artist Point and our only complaint was that the waitress wouldn't leave us alone! She literally told us her entire life story down to what kind of TV she owned! But the food was great!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I've never been to 'Ohana, but we have eaten at Artist Point and our only complaint was that the waitress wouldn't leave us alone! She literally told us her entire life story down to what kind of TV she owned! But the food was great!

We'd also be a larger party, so unless my mom hits a chatty period, it might be easier to leave us alone- LOL. Good to hear that the food was great

 

[Tiggerish]

I've never been to 'Ohana, but we have eaten at Artist Point and our only complaint was that the waitress wouldn't leave us alone! She literally told us her entire life story down to what kind of TV she owned! But the food was great!

I think I might have had her last time I was there! I've never been to 'Ohana, either, so I can't compare the two, only offer my experiences at Artist Point.

I also remembered that last time I finally ordered the buffalo. I'd always wanted to try it, but every time, something else on the menu would sound too good to pass up. The buffalo comes with truffle mac & cheese, and I have never been a fan of mac & cheese (I know, I know; please don't disown me!!) but I figured I'd give it another shot--every now and then I think it's good to give something another try. So, maybe my lack of total enjoyment of my last meal at AP could just be chalked up to having ordered food I just didn't have a taste for. The previous time, I had the diver scallops over risotto, and I thought I died and went to heaven. I almost wanted to order a second dish of it, it was that good!

@HouCuseChickie, I think your plan sounds like a good one--keep the 'Ohana ressie and decide closer to the trip.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

First - Sandy and I stay at WL twice per year, April & Nov. Been doing this since 2005 .

We've gone to AP a number of times. They went from stunning to "fake sig" and back to legitimate Sig between 2005 and now. The new chefs, and (particularly) the new manager Alvin, are doing a VERY good job regaining their former greatness.

Now - having said that.... they still have a way to go. Don't get me wrong - AP is again a VERY good Signature. BUT - if you are going for the BEST Sigs, at the same price point? I would recommend grabbing a Downtown Disney Buss at WL - their next stop is the Floridian. Book Citrico's (Best), or Narcoossee's (close runner up) for dinner. Come home by grabbing the monorail to MK, then boat or bus to WL. OR - grab bus to MK, monorail to Contemporary (or WL boat direct to Contemporary), and book the California Grill if it's done refurbishing during your time frame.

AP is again very good - it's just that Citrico's, Narcoossee's, and the Grill are better .

I really would like to try Citrico's, but for whatever reason...I keep thinking I want to wait until DH and I can try it on our own (feel the same way about Jiko). I was thinking Cali Grill if I can snag an ADR, but I worry since DH thought it was just OK on our last visit. Still, I love the setting (even if we haven't seen the new decor) and it certainly would feel special for my mom (who has never been up there). Not sure about Narcoosee's...I like the menu, but it did nothing for DH. Yet, he's not the only one eating- soooooo, still a consideration. I just worry if you think AP has made strides, but isn't quite there just yet.

I guess maybe I'll wait to see if I can get into Cali Grill. I don't expect it to be Be Our Guest crazy, but there is a lot of anticipation over the reopening...so I think ADRs are going to go fast.

 

[Tuvalu]

My husband and I ate at Artist Point last night. We were celebrating our anniversary and received a complimentary champagne toast and an incredible mixed berry cobbler with raspberry sorbet for dessert.

Our server was attentive (though not stellar) and the food was good, though not in the "best ever" category like you found with Le Cellier. Be aware that the menu changes frequently so what you think sounds delish now may not be on the menu when your vacation arrives.

You cannot go wrong with 'Ohana, especially with a large party. We ate there earlier this week and the food was scrumptious as always. 'Ohana is much more kid-friendly than AP...the kids we saw there last night were restless and three of them had screaming fits (only one was removed from the restaurant.) Not exactly conducive to a romantic anniversary meal! We expect kids at 'Ohana.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

My husband and I ate at Artist Point last night. We were celebrating our anniversary and received a complimentary champagne toast and an incredible mixed berry cobbler with raspberry sorbet for dessert.

Our server was attentive (though not stellar) and the food was good, though not in the "best ever" category like you found with Le Cellier. Be aware that the menu changes frequently so what you think sounds delish now may not be on the menu when your vacation arrives.

You cannot go wrong with 'Ohana, especially with a large party. We ate there earlier this week and the food was scrumptious as always. 'Ohana is much more kid-friendly than AP...the kids we saw there last night were restless and three of them had screaming fits (only one was removed from the restaurant.) Not exactly conducive to a romantic anniversary meal! We expect kids at 'Ohana.

Actually- I was trying to say that le Cellier fell short of that "best ever" title. Best ever for steak still goes to this place near us at home... http://www.killenssteakhouse.com/ Sorry- sometimes my writing is all over the place.

While I think my girls would probably make it through a meal at AP, my nephew might not do so well...and I have no idea if they're taking him out to restaurants and getting used to dining in public. So, maybe 'Ohana might be better in that regard.

 

[Tuvalu]

I knew what you originally meant...you expected to be blown away by Le Cellier and weren't...should have clarified that back to you, haha.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I knew what you originally meant...you expected to be blown away by Le Cellier and weren't...should have clarified that back to you, haha.

And I'm coming down with a cold and nothing's making sense...so that surely can't help. I guess I just hate going someplace that should be great and it's just good. I mean, I think V&A is the only place I'd walk into and hope for spectacular, but I have to keep 'Ohana a very serious consideration since the food is at least good, consistent and the fun environment could elevate it above AP just being good. It also sounds like the menu changes up like Cali Grill's - which can be a great thing if it changes according to your tastes or a big let down if not.

 

[EvilQueen-T]

i ate at artists point about a year and a half ago and had an amazing meal. i've also eaten twice at ohana's, once a year and a half ago and again last summer. one meal was really good and the other the meats were so dry that all the water in bay lake wouldn't have made a dent in it. if you've never done artists point then i'd go for it if for no other reason than it's a new experience.

 

[mrdisman]

So, I'm thinking about dropping 'Ohana in favor of Artist Point, especially now that we've switched over to WL for lodging. Personally, I think the menu looks amazing and this would enable me to work with my preferred bakery for my mom's cake. Still, there is the lure of never-ending meat at 'Ohana. Any thoughts or opinions?

Artist Point baby..

 

[Sumrdog]

And I'm coming down with a cold and nothing's making sense...so that surely can't help. I guess I just hate going someplace that should be great and it's just good. I mean, I think V&A is the only place I'd walk into and hope for spectacular, but I have to keep 'Ohana a very serious consideration since the food is at least good, consistent and the fun environment could elevate it above AP just being good. It also sounds like the menu changes up like Cali Grill's - which can be a great thing if it changes according to your tastes or a big let down if not.

I feel the same way. If I am paying for a meal at a restaurant that calls itself signature then the food should be great in my opinion, not just average. And I hate leaving a restaurant feeling like I could've just gone to the grocery store and spent a third the money to cook a better meal for my family at home.