Land Pavilion food...

[MickeyfromSTL]

I wanted to hear some people’s thoughts on the food in the land pavilion. A year or two ago Disney changed the food away from: the BBQ, Pasta, soup/salad, and bakery places to the wraps and Asian type noodles menu. While I understand this is a personally preference, the old land pavilion food was way better,(and origional becuase it was the only place one could get some of that food on property) and my personal favorite place to eat at EPCOT. I think more people feel the same way about the change to, judging by the amount of people eating there now. I just don’t understand why Disney would chance something that (at least I believe) so many people liked.
Tell me what you all think…

 

[ZapperZ]

If you mean by Sunshine Seasons, then it is my most favorite counter service restaurant anywhere in WDW.

The last 2 pin events that I attended at Epcot, we were given food vouchers/gift cards for lunches. Practically everyone that I know at that event made a bee line to Sunshine Seasons during lunch time. And these are hardcore Disney fanatics we're talking about. The place is certainly not your typical fast food that one would get at WDW. Considering that you can get sushi rolls, mongolian beef, wraps, sandwiches, large selection of salads, etc.. etc., it gave you quite a variety of choices.

And that place has always been busy during lunch time whenever I'm there, even during the slow periods in September. So I'd say it is doing quite well.

BTW, you can get pasta and BBQ elsewhere on property, so the old restaurant wasn't unique.

If you look at the threads in the WDW Restaurant/Dining forum, Sunshine Seasons consistently is up there for many folks as their favorite counter service.

Zz.

 

[Jessie&Buzz]

I really enjoyed the food there. I remember how it used to be and was surprised when we got there. My mom and I shared a sandwich that was so good. I honestly couldn't tell you what it was but I remember it had the best sauce on it. The only problem was that my kids weren't thrilled with the choices but my son finally decided on a peanut butter sandwich.

I would go back there in a heartbeat!

 

[dxwwf3]

I haven't been a fan of Sunshine Seasons because of the menu in the past, but because I HAD to eat there on New Year's Eve because of necessity, I actually found something I wanted to eat: Asian Chicken Noodle Soup. And I'll be honest, it was fantastic. It came with a big flatbread looking cracker and the soup itself had a wonderful taste. I didn't really see anything else I would like there (Admittingly I'm a picky eater), but I will get that soup again.

 

[jonesenon4]

:sohappy: my family ate there in sept and loved the selections. i had the grilled tuna salad and it was as good as any sit down resturant for half the price.my wife got a stir fry plate and we ended up sharing. the kids got wraps and we all shared sushi. but the variety of foods is what makes it a great place to eat , my family and i are very glad they changed the menu away from the everyday burgers and chicken fingers we plan on making a stop there every trip from now on. hope to see everyone there soon.:sohappy: :sohappy:

 

[mayoki]

I really like the new Land, even though I'm an Epcot CENTER fan, and the food is fantastic and very different from the typical offerings throughout the parks.

It's also the only place in future world where you can drink a (plastic)bottle of beer.

 

[RonAnnArbor]

I think it is super as well -- there are a lot of people there these days basically because it gives them a place to hang out while waiting for their ride time on Soarin'

But I have been on a low-carb diet for the past 15 years or so -- and this is one of the only places in Epcot that has things like cheese and fruit snack boxes, and meat dishes without the rice/pasta/potatoes mixed in, so it has become a total favorite for me!

I think the quality of the food in the food court is quite good.

 

[mikeb_86]

Me and my family eat thare many times in the past and in July 06 this past year we sat down and eat since the renovation and it is so much nice then the past. New things for people to eat then reg park food. Stop and eat thare next time you have a time it is a great place to eat. Get a FP for Soarin then eat and soon your FP for Soarin will come up and you hit that ride.

 

[Epcot82Guy]

I really enjoy the new food, too. I will say I am a foodie. I appreciated the selection, but I did not find much that appealed to me. But, I got the Asian noodle soup, and I agree it was VERY good. I love my WDW burgers and fries, but this adds a nice balance. It is very grown up; very Epcot (in that it allows me to experiment). It also is healthier, so it goes along with the pavilions theme (granted, a very secondary consideration).

I also am not sure about the popularity issue. I was in the pavilion both the first week of August and the first week of October, and Seasons was full. I'm sure Soarin' factors in here, but they added a TON of extra seating and space (understand that much of the new food court is actually reclaimed food prep space, so density is not the same as it was in the former set up). I think it is a job well done, but I can see where this would be a turn off for people that like the more traditional theme park fare.

I do also think it could have had some more details added. It looks cool, but it is a little sterile. Be it lighting effects that change "seasons" cut outs or panels that switch, it needs a bit more Disney magic to fit its theme IMHO.

 

[jmani56]

I used to eat there often and always enjoyed it. They have really good desserts, and a good variety to choose from. The fruits/vegetables are grown right there and are always really, really fresh.

 

[brkgnews]

I tend to prefer the old food, too. I really liked the Chicken Parmesean you could get there -- one time I ate it for lunch and dinner on the same day

Luckily, I've found a backward way to still get it on property -- Pop Century has a chicken penne alfredo -- if you bat your eyelashes and smile real purty, they'll put the red sauce from the meatball sub on it instead.

 

[daverube]

The food in the Land Pavillion is fantastic. They have a huge variety, including some well put together, healthy salads. If you're on the dining plan, you can really rack up....the desserts are HUGE and very tasty!!

dave

 

[kcnole]

While the food in that pavilion was not my all time favorite food in Epcot (since there are so many yummy, yummy, yummy, yummy restaurants) it is my favorite counter service restaurant in the whole resort. The asian food is spectacular and like nothing I can find anywhere else in the world for counter service.

 

[Epcot82Guy]

I also think it caters to the international crowd more than domestic. I can't count the number of times guests would come to me at the front of pavilion (pre-rehab) and ask about the food, especially guests from the UK. Other CMs would send them there for "healthy" alternatives. While the old Sunshine Seasons had some, this is a whole new ball game. It definitely highlights some healthy alternatives over typical food without being bland (as Pure & Simple often was). Now the park offers several counter service spots that aren't too bad for the waistline - including Seasons and Tangerine Cafe particularly.

 

[alya922]

MickeyfromSTL, I am completely with you! Eating at The Land used to be my favorite place to eat on property! The atmosphere, the fountain, the amazing bbq chicken sandwich and chocolate chip cookie sundae! I just loved everything about The Land: the attractions, food, decor, etc. Ever since it's been updated, I find myself going in, seeing the attractions, and leaving.

I know I may get harpooned for this, but I no longer enjoy just sitting and relaxing there. It seriously is an experience that I miss everytime I return to Disney.

However, I know this is just my opinion and my experiences Similar to the way others love the way The Land is now. But I'm glad to find a kindred spirit that feels the same way

 

[Epcot82Guy]

I know I may get harpooned for this, but I no longer enjoy just sitting and relaxing there. It seriously is an experience that I miss everytime I return to Disney.

I don't think that is harpoon-worthy at all. I think it is a true statement. The Land is not really relaxing anymore. With the changes, its decor and atmosphere is very kinetic. To some, that makes the place exciting, alive. To others, it is hectic, and it goes against what they used to like (the relaxation). It is a change, and that always comes with the enjoyment of some and the expense of others. That's the balancing game of the improvement business.

 

[fredtom]

I think that Sunshine Seasons is wonderful, and offers a huge variety. We used our leftover DDP counter service and snack credits on our last day there Oct. 1 to take bags of food with us on the flight home. It was hard to decide what to get, but we enjoyed some delicious sandwiches, salads and desserts for at least two days afterwards.



"An Adventurer's life is best!" :lol:

 

[headmouse2000]

Im a sucker for the roasted chicken on flat bread... by far one of my new favorite places to eat now. It beats hamburgers and fries.

 

[alya922]

I don't think that is harpoon-worthy at all. I think it is a true statement. The Land is not really relaxing anymore. With the changes, its decor and atmosphere is very kinetic. To some, that makes the place exciting, alive. To others, it is hectic, and it goes against what they used to like (the relaxation). It is a change, and that always comes with the enjoyment of some and the expense of others. That's the balancing game of the improvement business.

Thanks Epcot82Guy I agree that split of opinion is what comes with change, especially when it involves something that is beloved like Disney. I think conversations on this messageboard get so heated when it comes to change because someone's memories and emotions are involved, as is so often with those who love Disney!

 

[Vernonpush]

We always go there for orange juice after riding Soarin'. Something about that ride always gets us in the mood for orange juice.:lookaroun