Various Restaurant Questions

[_Scar]

1.) Does Ratatouille visit and greet guests for dinner at CdF? Will he summer 2011? Is it cool enough to go out of your way to do?

2.) How much of a show does your waitress put on at 50's Prime Time Cafe? Is it too much or very subtle? We're not the ones to be put in the center of attention (we avoid Whispering Canyon at all costs)

3.) Chef Mickey's/Crystal Palace- how many characters do you come by and do they all mess with you or just take pictures? Related to question 2 about the center of attention...:lookaroun we're not character people- but we can put up with it if it means a great meal

4.) What's better? Front row, up close and personal tank view at Coral Reef- or tiered view so you can see the whole tank?

5.) Can I order the chocolate wave at Coral Reef as an underaged?

6.) Tonga Toast: is it all that it's cracked up to be? Is it considered a snack on the dining plan if ordered from Capt. Cook's?

7.) What, in your opinion, is the most bang for your buck with 1 dining credit? (pref. dinner only)

 

[Mukta]

1. Remy does greetings now. It is hard to say if he will continue to do so in 2011. If you don't enjoy the food at Chefs de France, it is not worth the trip to go just to see Remy. Check out the menu and see if you would enjoy the food without Remy.
2. 50s can vary. Sometimes you will get a server who is very involved and sometimes they can be very detached. Even if they get involved with you, the rest of the room will not always be involved. Our waitress played with us, but didn't involve anyone else in the room. If the idea of being there is going to stress you out, it isn't worth it.
3. I have eaten dinner at the Crystal Palace. Each character came to our table one by one for a photo opportunity. We ate from the buffet at our leisure and met with the characters when they came to visit. They didn't mess with us. They stood by the table and waved hello. We got up, took a picture with them or gave them a hug and they left.
4. I have eaten at the Coral Reef 5 times, and I prefer up close.
5. I believe you can. Usually when you cook or bake with alcohol, the alcohol burns off and you are merely left with the flavor.
6. Never had the Tonga Toast.
7. For me, I think it is Boma. As a buffet, I get a lot of variety with my entrees and desserts. The atmosphere is great and I love spending some time at the AKL.

 

[jaime_1234]

I can answer 2 of these:

2) It really kind of depends. Our waiter didn't do anything out of the ordinary, but the one across the room really put on a show. Maybe it was because they had a big party while it was just me and mom at our table?

3) The characters at Crystal Palace are much more reserved than Chef Mickey's. At Crystal Palace they just pose for pictures, unless you have people in your group that encourage the playfulness. At Chef Mickey's they're a bit more animated, but again, if your group acts more reserved they'll probably just pose for pictures and move along.

 

[lilclerk]

2.) How much of a show does your waitress put on at 50's Prime Time Cafe? Is it too much or very subtle? We're not the ones to be put in the center of attention (we avoid Whispering Canyon at all costs)

5.) Can I order the chocolate wave at Coral Reef as an underaged?

2. It depends on the waiter/waitress, and I think they also read you and go off your vibe. When my friend and I were there in December, there was a large group next to us who really wasn't into it and the waitress didn't play around with them much. My friend and I were really into it and playing along with the same waitress and she went all out with us, telling us stories about when we were little.
Example: My friend kept putting his elbows on the table without thinking and she eventually made him hold a sugar packet against the wall with his head and say "I will not put my elbows on the table" three times. She also fed him his vegetables.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/siriusthinking/4177161967
http://www.flickr.com/photos/siriusthinking/4177922362

5. Yes you can.

 

[_Scar]

awesome answers everyone but can still use more opinions!

 

[ThinkTink721]

1.) Don't know

2.) Don't know - we did Whispering Canyon in 2008 & luckily we were not singled out

3.) Chef Mickey's - Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, & Pluto come by your table for a meet & greet (usually Donald greets you at the front) - if you want a pic and/or an autograph, they will do that for you...if not, they will just say, "Hi," & move on. The characters will ask everyone to wave their napkins in the air while they parade around the restaurant - you don't have to participate unless you want to.
Crystal Palace- Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore, & Rabbit come by your table for a meet & greet - it is the same as Chef Mickey's, except they have a parade around the restaurant that the kids can join in if they like.
*I like the food at both restaurants.

4.) Don't know - I have never eaten there

5.) Not sure - I have never eaten there - Sounds good though! :slurp:

6.) Don't know - I have never eaten there

7.) Ohana's at the Polynesian Resort - If is my favorite! :slurp:

 

[Mulan]

3. Just ate at the Crystal Palace today. My boyfriend and I dined there. Initially, the characters were actually ignoring our table and walking on right by. We were pretty dressed up for the parks... But we're the opposite. We are character people. He went and talked to the CM to have them stop by. We got our pictures. I'm sure once you get your pictures, they won't bother you after if that's what you mean. The food was pretty standard buffet food, but they had a great selection of salads!

7. Definitely loved Ohana's. This was my first time there & had a blast! The food was pretty good too.

 

[mickey2008.1]

character breakfast at cape may very low key, they come over, say hello, take pictures, and off they go, leaving us to eat a great breakfast buffet with a nice walk to EPCOT.

Best TS, we found last year was Kona cafe, to go along with Wolfgang cafe.

 

[lilclerk]

We had Whispering Canyon for lunch last December and, while our waitress was definitely into her part, it was very quiet in there and no one was singled out for anything. She just made sure we had a good time ourselves. Maybe lunch would be a good time to try it if you're interested in it?

I've only eaten at Coral Reef once and we were on the second level. I liked that we were able to see everything in the tank clearly, but being up close would be pretty neat. Though, there was a giant sea turtle just sitting on the ground, watching a girl eat... that might have been kind of awkward for her :lol:

 

[wm49rs]

1.) Does Ratatouille visit and greet guests for dinner at CdF? Will he summer 2011? Is it cool enough to go out of your way to do?

We enjoyed out meal at CdF, and got to see Remy as well. But, we were also glad to be on the DDP, and weren't quite certain if we would return and pay out of pocket. One of those "experience it at least once" meals.

2.) How much of a show does your waitress put on at 50's Prime Time Cafe? Is it too much or very subtle? We're not the ones to be put in the center of attention (we avoid Whispering Canyon at all costs)

They can be pretty subtle. If you give off the right vibe, then the good ones will catch on. We simply were (and looked) exhausted one evening and our waitress took it easy on us.

3.) Chef Mickey's/Crystal Palace- how many characters do you come by and do they all mess with you or just take pictures? Related to question 2 about the center of attention...:lookaroun we're not character people- but we can put up with it if it means a great meal

I didn't see that much of a difference between the two, but Crystal Palace has always been a great place for our family to dine, even as my kids have gotten a little too "old" for character meals. No worries there.

4.) What's better? Front row, up close and personal tank view at Coral Reef- or tiered view so you can see the whole tank?

I'd say sit up front. We've been twice (one with and once sans kids) and were not impressed by the meal either time (See: CdF). May as well enjoy the fish up front and personal.

I can't help with the last three. Sorry.....

>>>

 

[Phonedave]

1.) Does Ratatouille visit and greet guests for dinner at CdF? Will he summer 2011? Is it cool enough to go out of your way to do?

Here was there two weeks ago. I would not go out of my way to see him. There is no real interaction. He does not speak, he just moves around, sort of bows, etc. The cart he is on is also MOBBED. Everyone gets up and crowds around the cart. However, Le Chefs de France is one of my favorite places to eat.

2.) How much of a show does your waitress put on at 50's Prime Time Cafe? Is it too much or very subtle? We're not the ones to be put in the center of attention (we avoid Whispering Canyon at all costs)

It's hit or miss. Most of the time they are pretty good at picking up of you are interactive or not, and if not will play it down a notch. Getting them to be 'on' can be a trick sometimes though.

3.) Chef Mickey's/Crystal Palace- how many characters do you come by and do they all mess with you or just take pictures? Related to question 2 about the center of attention...:lookaroun we're not character people- but we can put up with it if it means a great meal

Most character places are 4 characters - that seems to be the magic number. Again, most are good at judging your reaction. If you just look at them and say "hi" and nod, they will go on their way. If you interact with them, then they will interact back.

4.) What's better? Front row, up close and personal tank view at Coral Reef- or tiered view so you can see the whole tank?

Sorry, I have never eaten there.

5.) Can I order the chocolate wave at Coral Reef as an underaged?

Sure. No spiked coffee for you though.

6.) Tonga Toast: is it all that it's cracked up to be? Is it considered a snack on the dining plan if ordered from Capt. Cook's?

Thats a tough one. I like it, but I don't know if I LIKE LIKE LIKE it. But then again, I also fail to see the thrill in Zebra Domes, and Dole Whips.

7.) What, in your opinion, is the most bang for your buck with 1 dining credit? (pref. dinner only)

I would have to say, as much as I don't want to, Le Celliar. I don't think it lives up to the hype, but for 1 credit it is a great bang for the buck.

-dave

 

[TWICKERS]

1.Dined at Chefs de France Aug 24th for dinner didn't see Remy
2.Had a good experience years ago at 50'Prime Time however 4 years ago waiter didn't act part at all and we had taken relatives there telling them how good it was.
3.Dined at CP lunch Aug 12th saw Piglet Pooh Tigger and Eeyore food very good and Chef Mickey's Aug 13th saw Mickey Minnie Donald and Goofy none wre in your face if you did not want them to be. Meal OK thats all.
4.Not been there.
5. same
6.Not tried tonga toast but lunch at Kona was excellent.
7.Didn't have dining plan.

California Grill excellent as always requested wine room and not disappointed.

Been back a week oh how I miss it !!!!!!!

 

[PrincessK]

1. We were there in late June and Remy did NOT appear. However, while we booked for Remy, the food alone was incredible and we have rebooked for November. Unbelievable hidden jewel of a restaurant!

2. It can vary by server. We've never had someone make us stand in the corner, but it really depends.

3. Each character stops by the table, takes a pic, gets a hug and moves on. Personally, I tend to time my visits to the buffet by where the character is. If I know I have at least 5 tables, I'll make a trip. But if one misses you, tell your waiter. They'll pull the character for a return.

4. I've never been there.

5. Alcohol bakes/cooks off. Yes.

6. Tonga Toast is so yummy, but if I recall, it would be considered a counter service, not a snack. Dole Whip, however, is a snack and is a MUST.

7. I'd go with Boma for incredible variety, or even Chefs de France. Their fixed course offerings (Prix Course) are incredible values for the credit. (You get an app, main and dessert.) Oh, then again, Kona at the Polynesian is SO good, too. You can't go wrong with any of those three.

 

[CaptainShortty]

Does Ratatouille visit and greet guests for dinner at CdF? Will he summer 2011? Is it cool enough to go out of your way to do?

I've eaten oat CdF and did not see him and other times I have. And by 2011, there is no way to tell if he will still be there. That being said, the restaurant is wonderful so if you enjoy French food it is worth going to even if you do not see him.

2.) How much of a show does your waitress put on at 50's Prime Time Cafe? Is it too much or very subtle? We're not the ones to be put in the center of attention (we avoid Whispering Canyon at all costs)

It depends on the CM that you get. Some are very into their part and will make you do all sorts of goofy things while others will not. Honestly, there are so many wonderful restaurants in WDW that you're better off finding a different one that fits your quieter dining tastes. Sci-Fi Dine In Theater is a great alternative because you get the great theming and the fun without any possibility of being singled out.

3.) Chef Mickey's/Crystal Palace- how many characters do you come by and do they all mess with you or just take pictures? Related to question 2 about the center of attention...:lookaroun we're not character people- but we can put up with it if it means a great meal

Chef Mickey's is the Fab 5; Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto and Goofy. They will come by and do pictures and autographs and if you play with them, they'll play back. If not, they'll just move on. There is also a time when they have you wave your napkins in the air while they parade around the room but you don't have to participate. So it's what you make of it when it comes to the character dining. Crystal Palace is Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet and the same is true with the Chef Mickey's characters. They come around and take pictures and sign autographs and will only really play around with you if you "ask" them to.

4.) What's better? Front row, up close and personal tank view at Coral Reef- or tiered view so you can see the whole tank?

I've eaten at Coral Reef many times and love it! I like having a tiered view so you can see the whole tank. You can always go down close to the tank during dinner for a few minutes to see the fish up close if you want (especially if you eat dinner later and guests have left).

5.) Can I order the chocolate wave at Coral Reef as an underaged?

Yes, I believe you can. If I remember correctly the alcohol burns off and you're good to go.

6.) Tonga Toast: is it all that it's cracked up to be? Is it considered a snack on the dining plan if ordered from Capt. Cook's?

I've never had it, sorry. =/

7.) What, in your opinion, is the most bang for your buck with 1 dining credit? (pref. dinner only)

In my opinion there are a few great 1 dining credit options:
O'hanas (Polynesian Resort)
Chef Mickey's (Contemporary Resort)
Sanaa (Animal Kingdom Lodge)
Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge)
Coral Reef (Epcot)
Le Cellier (Epcot) **It depends on when you go, this is being changed to a 2 credit dining option in I believe March 2011.**

Hope that helps you! =)

 

[Fashionista007]

1. This is answered in a thread I started awhile back http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=601888

Remy's Schedule:

12:30, 1:40, 2:50, 5:20 Mon-Sat

 

[JohnLocke]

2.) How much of a show does your waitress put on at 50's Prime Time Cafe? Is it too much or very subtle? We're not the ones to be put in the center of attention (we avoid Whispering Canyon at all costs)

3.) Chef Mickey's/Crystal Palace- how many characters do you come by and do they all mess with you or just take pictures? Related to question 2 about the center of attention...:lookaroun we're not character people- but we can put up with it if it means a great meal

2. We've done it 2 or 3 times. It really depends on your server, but they will probably be able to feel you out and decide how much to play around with you. I could be wrong, but I don't think you'll have too much to worry about, even if you play along. Just remember that you're not the center of attention there, because the whole restaurant is experiencing the same thing you are at any moment. Also, it's not one big dining room, it separated to be more like many different big kitchens that you eat out of, with each room containing about 4 tables.

3. I've never done Chef Mickey's, but I love the Crystal Palace for breakfast. I don't know how much difference is between the two, but I'd guess you just have to decide if you prefer Mickey or Winnie the Pooh and/or in park vs out of park, I prefer Pooh and eating in parks, so it's pretty easy for me. We've all only done the character meals as adults, you'll have 3 or 4, depending on how they're going and how long you wait, come by the table. They usually just come to your table wave and take pictures, they will play around a little bit sometime, but, once again, it's hardly noticeable. If they do mess with you, it will just be a funny reaction to something you say while you're talking to them, and since they can't talk back it can be pretty funny, or maybe they will mess around with you at the table a little, but nobody really pays attention to what's going on at other tables.

Just remember, Disney pretty much tries to make sure that you're laughing along, very few people would ever single you out in any way, if it appears you're uncomfortable.

 

[_Scar]

I'm starting to rethinbk 50's.... maybe I'll try Mama Melrose's... do they do anything there?

3. I've never done Chef Mickey's, but I love the Crystal Palace for breakfast. I don't know how much difference is between the two, but I'd guess you just have to decide if you prefer Mickey or Winnie the Pooh and/or in park vs out of park, I prefer Pooh and eating in parks, so it's pretty easy for me. We've all only done the character meals as adults, you'll have 3 or 4, depending on how they're going and how long you wait, come by the table. They usually just come to your table wave and take pictures, they will play around a little bit sometime, but, once again, it's hardly noticeable. If they do mess with you, it will just be a funny reaction to something you say while you're talking to them, and since they can't talk back it can be pretty funny, or maybe they will mess around with you at the table a little, but nobody really pays attention to what's going on at other tables.

Just remember, Disney pretty much tries to make sure that you're laughing along, very few people would ever single you out in any way, if it appears you're uncomfortable.

Good point! Actually we are planning on doing both and I'm VERY excited. One thing we never do is get pictures with characters, so this should be great :sohappy:

6. Tonga Toast is so yummy, but if I recall, it would be considered a counter service, not a snack. Dole Whip, however, is a snack and is a MUST.

Oh, then again, Kona at the Polynesian is SO good, too. You can't go wrong with any of those three.

MMMM! Sad it isn't a snack, but it's okay. I'm going to be trying it for breakfast at Kona during December (not on DP). I'm so excited to eat there!

1. This is answered in a thread I started awhile back http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=601888

Remy's Schedule:

12:30, 1:40, 2:50, 5:20 Mon-Sat

TYSM!

Looks like I'd be eating dinner at 5:20 :slurp:

And everyone's making comments about how great CdF is, woohoo!

7.) What, in your opinion, is the most bang for your buck with 1 dining credit? (pref. dinner only)

In my opinion there are a few great 1 dining credit options:
O'hanas (Polynesian Resort)
Chef Mickey's (Contemporary Resort)
Sanaa (Animal Kingdom Lodge)
Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge)
Coral Reef (Epcot)
Le Cellier (Epcot) **It depends on when you go, this is being changed to a 2 credit dining option in I believe March 2011.**

Hope that helps you! =)

Currently we're planning on using our 5 credits on dinner at the following

1.) Crystal Palace
2.) Coral Reef
3.) Cape May Cafe
4.) Chef Mickey's
5.) Chefs de France

but that could change at any moment :lol:

we're also considering:

Boma
Ohana (I just can't convince family to try this place!)
Turf Club
Grand Floridian Cafe
Liberty Tree Tavern
Teppan Edo
The Wave

 

[JohnLocke]

I'm starting to rethinbk 50's.... maybe I'll try Mama Melrose's... do they do anything there?

I hope that I, or no one else, has really scared you off from the 50s, it's really not that bad. As I've said before, after the initial meeting, and sometimes not even then, they really feel you out for who to play along with and who not to. Some in our party get it really good from them, because they play along as well, and some others don't really get anything done to them at all. As I've said before, if it's more a fear of embarassment, don't be scared, it's happening all around you as well, and your server's most likely never going to be so over the top that it's going to draw any more attention to your table from others, they really only ever get close with people who really play along. Example, if someone tries to tattle on someone else for breaking the rules, the tattler's the one that really gets it and not the rule breaker. It's really worth experiencing at least once.

Also, just wondering, what goes on at Whispering Canyon?

 

[_Scar]

I hope that I, or no one else, has really scared you off from the 50s, it's really not that bad. As I've said before, after the initial meeting, and sometimes not even then, they really feel you out for who to play along with and who not to. Some in our party get it really good from them, because they play along as well, and some others don't really get anything done to them at all. As I've said before, if it's more a fear of embarassment, don't be scared, it's happening all around you as well, and your server's most likely never going to be so over the top that it's going to draw any more attention to your table from others, they really only ever get close with people who really play along. Example, if someone tries to tattle on someone else for breaking the rules, the tattler's the one that really gets it and not the rule breaker. It's really worth experiencing at least once.

Also, just wondering, what goes on at Whispering Canyon?

Actually, we are still going to probably eat at 50's Prime Time because I really think the family would love it. If anything, we'll have a good time being at DHS during the Christmas lights regardless- and if 50's is great then it will just be an added bonus :sohappy:

Whispering Canyon, is much more (or so I've read) in your face theatrical. Say you ask for ketchup: they give you 10 ketchup bottles. Wear a Universal/Sea World shirt? You're dead meat- so to speak. :lol:

 

[JohnLocke]

Actually, we are still going to probably eat at 50's Prime Time because I really think the family would love it. If anything, we'll have a good time being at DHS during the Christmas lights regardless- and if 50's is great then it will just be an added bonus :sohappy:

Whispering Canyon, is much more (or so I've read) in your face theatrical. Say you ask for ketchup: they give you 10 ketchup bottles. Wear a Universal/Sea World shirt? You're dead meat- so to speak. :lol:

Where is Whispering Canyon? Sounds like that one could go either way.