WDW ADRs you can't live without

[DDuckFan130]

San Angel Inn is my mom's must-do because she loves the steak and chilaquiles there. The chips and salsa have also gotten better and now they have that yummy Bavarian cream We all also love 50s Prime Time simply for the meatloaf. Runner-up is Boma for breakfast which we do once a year, usually for my birthday. But the first two we do almost every trip and we go 3-5 times a year. 50s Prime Time is SOMETIMES harder to get into depending on when we go, but San Angel isn't really bad at all.

We do revolve our days around the ADR's, but we go often enough that it's not a huge deal to us.

We don't have to have ADR's, but we make them just to have that sit-down meal. Also, I have Tables in Wonderland, so we like to have our money's worth I guess.

 

[ShookieJones]

I appreciate the many replies but, to clarify my OP, why are these TDRs so special?

IMHO there is no restaurant at WDW that's worth committing to 6 months in advance. In other words, there is no restaurant whose food is so tasteful or is so uniquely decorated that I just "have" to go to it on every trip. I'd like to understand what makes these restaurants so special to you that you are willing to get on the phone at 9 AM six months in advance in order to make sure you get the reservation you want?

Since we don't mind eating at odd times (e.g. 11 AM, 2 PM, or 7 PM) while at WDW, since we've already eaten at all the theme park restaurants, and since WDW offers so many interesting dining options, there simply isn't one restaurant that we just have to do every trip. Certainly we are unwilling to lock in a vacation day at a specific theme park at a specific time just to make sure we are there for a 6 PM seating at (for example) Le Cellier. To us, the food and atmosphere there is simply not appreciably better than any one of a dozen other restaurants at WDW that are much easier getting a reservation at. If (for example) Le Cellier is a "must do" ADR for you, then why? What's so special about it to you?

Please understand that I'm not criticizing your opinion; I'm only trying to understand it. For me, if I can't get a table at Le Cellier, I'm just as happy with another half-dozen restaurants at Epcot. To me, it's more important that I have the flexibility to change my plans than it is to commit to being at Epcot on a specific day and time just so I can eat at Le Cellier. IMHO, Le Cellier simply isn't good enough that I'd build my vacation plans around it.

DW and I almost always make our ADRs first thing in the morning at Guest Relations once we've decided what we want to do that day. If we can't get our first choice, then we pretty much are just as happy with our second, third, or fourth choices. There simply is no one restaurant at WDW that "WOWS" us significantly more than several others.

So, if there is a restaurant that "WOWS" you, then why?

Ok I get where you're coming from...but let me ask you something first. Do you eat to live or live to eat?
Most people who agonize over their ADRs and make their plans around their meals live to eat. We're foodies.
Now I know not all WDW restaurants are the best around, but in my opinion some are pretty amazing.

Too me me it sounds like one of two things:
1. either mealtime for you is just a time to get your sustenance and move onto other things that are more enjoyable
or
2. you've experienced some pretty serious dining experiences in your time that the restaurants around property are just "ehh" to you.

But to answer your question:

Ohana - Hands down the best all around WDW meal experience for me. Again NOT the best plate (but still VERY good), but everything from the family style meal to the pot stickers..to the bread pudding or even..being called "cousin"...
Garden Grill - "farm fresh" meal - great dessert, and CHIP AND DALE. 'nuff said.

Those are two for sure - Now there are much better meals on property..Cali Grill, Yachtsman Steakhouse, LeCellier that all offer more amazing dishes.
We love those as well..and always try to fit at least one of those 3 in as well.

But what all these restaurants share that puts them all over the top is there in WDW!
So you add:
1.It's in WDW
2.We're live to eat types
3.just some flavor combination or dish we just HAVE to HAVE

and that will be your answer...or at least mine.

 

[ParentsOf4]

Too me me it sounds like one of two things:
1. either mealtime for you is just a time to get your sustenance and move onto other things that are more enjoyable
or
2. you've experienced some pretty serious dining experiences in your time that the restaurants around property are just "ehh" to you.

Since we've been on every attraction 10+ times (even the ones we don't like), we like to take our time eating. We definitely don't view WDW food as just sustenance so it's not #1. We also like most WDW restaurants, so it's not #2. Actually it's:

3. WDW has so many restaurants that are about the same in terms of overall food quality and experience that why do you feel the need to build your vacation 6 months in advanced around your ADRs? Why are you letting your meals dictate your vacation?

For example, what I usually do when I arrive at Epcot at 9 AM is head over to Guest Relations to make an ADR for later that day. "What, I can't get something for Le Cellier? No problem, how about Rose & Crown? What, can't get that. What about Les Chefs de France? Great, I'll take that." In other words, Le Cellier or Rose & Crown are not so much better (hypothetically) than Les Chefs de France that I'm willing to lock down my vacation plans six months in advance just for a restaurant. I "get" that if you have never been to Le Cellier why you'd like to try it once. I also "get" if it's a family tradition. However, if you've been to Le Cellier, Rose & Crown, and Les Chefs de France, what makes Le Cellier so much better than Rose & Crown and Les Chefs de France that you are willing to go out of your way to call at 9 AM six months out and lock yourself into a specific park on a specific day just for that particular restaurant?

Please understand that I'm not being critical. I'm just interested in reading why (hypothetically) people think Le Cellier is so incredible that want to build their vacation around it.

 

[Dad 2 M & M]

Very surprised at the quality of food.Our steaks were superb.

How was the atmosphere? It looks like it would be really cool. We are really considering this joint!

 

[luv]

I love the cranberry waffle thing at RFC. The puffed French toast at CP is a nice treat. The green beans at GG, when they're fresh, are amazingly good...I had a plate of them for my entire dinner once. I love the beef brewat rolls at Marrakesh. The PB&J shake at 50s is hard to resist.

But, except for the waffle at RFC, there is nothing that drives me to the point of obsession.

 

[luv]

My current must do is T-Rez, even though I've heard nothing to suggest its spectacular, I can't get a ressie!!

I like T-Rex, too. Unfortunately, it keeps getting more popular. But try calling the restaurant instead of Disney. You may be able to get a reservation that way.

 

[BCVTalsJam]

San Angel Inn and Liberty Tree!

 

[LuvtheGoof]

Since we've been on every attraction 10+ times (even the ones we don't like), we like to take our time eating. We definitely don't view WDW food as just sustenance so it's not #1. We also like most WDW restaurants, so it's not #2. Actually it's:

3. WDW has so many restaurants that are about the same in terms of overall food quality and experience that why do you feel the need to build your vacation 6 months in advanced around your ADRs? Why are you letting your meals dictate your vacation?

For example, what I usually do when I arrive at Epcot at 9 AM is head over to Guest Relations to make an ADR for later that day. "What, I can't get something for Le Cellier? No problem, how about Rose & Crown? What, can't get that. What about Les Chefs de France? Great, I'll take that." In other words, Le Cellier or Rose & Crown are not so much better (hypothetically) than Les Chefs de France that I'm willing to lock down my vacation plans six months in advance just for a restaurant. I "get" that if you have never been to Le Cellier why you'd like to try it once. I also "get" if it's a family tradition. However, if you've been to Le Cellier, Rose & Crown, and Les Chefs de France, what makes Le Cellier so much better than Rose & Crown and Les Chefs de France that you are willing to go out of your way to call at 9 AM six months out and lock yourself into a specific park on a specific day just for that particular restaurant?

Please understand that I'm not being critical. I'm just interested in reading why (hypothetically) people think Le Cellier is so incredible that want to build their vacation around it.

While we don't have any must-dos either (we have not eaten at anywhere near all of the restaurants on property, but will eventually), I guess my only question is - why don't you think that your experience at Chefs de France is any different than your experience at Rose & Crown? Obviously, one is French, the other English. We think the experience between these 2, for example, is completely different.

We have eaten at Le Cellier multiple times,and had a great experience each time, but it is our son's favorite, and we don't even go there if it just the two of us. When we take the kids, we have 6 adults (us, 2 kids, a fiance and a girlfriend), so ADRs for some meals are pretty much essential, some at 6 months, and a lot that can wait until only 2 or 3 months out. We also much prefer Bistro de Paris over Chefs de France, and think even those 2 in France offer a completely different experience. Just our opinion of course.

We usually try to wing it with eating if we are by ourselves, and we know which restaurants we will not be able to get into, and we are OK with that as well. We have successfully just walked up to 50's Prime Time and gotten a table by asking if Mom has room at the table for 2 more. CMs always smile at that, and we get right in! We do make a one or two ADRs each trip for different places to eat, just to make sure we get in (like BOG for next year), but we don't let it dictate our entire vacation.

So anyway, after all that, there was a question somewhere in there about why you don't think they are different experiences?

 

[LuvtheGoof]

Just to clarify, I did not write my "experience at Chefs de France is any different [emphasis added] than [my] experience at Rose & Crown". I agree they are different. I simply wrote that my experience at Rose & Crown was no better than my experience at Chefs de France.

In my example, I've eaten at all 3 restaurants. IMHO, none of the three is so much better that I just have to have an ADR for each trip. But some people (for example) love Le Cellier, Rose & Crown, or Chefs de France. For these individuals, it's important to make sure they have an ADR for that particular restaurant.

I see where you are coming from. I would agree that most are no better than others, though I do think that some, like Bistro de Paris, Jiko's and Cali Grill do offer better experiences.

We also do not really have any "must dos" for our trips either. We simply vary where we make our one or two each trip. One time Jiko's, Cali Grill next trip, then maybe Bistro de Paris, add in Shula's and a few V & As.

As you wrote, "We have eaten at Le Cellier multiple times, and had a great experience each time, but it is our son's favorite". I'm interested in reading why (for example) Le Cellier is your son's favorite. What makes it so much better than (for example) Rose & Crown that it's an ADR "you can't live without" (to quote the title of this thread).

It's his favorite since he thinks it has the best steak on property. We have not taken him to Jiko's or Shula's (which is the best steak in our opinion - not including V & As!), so his options are limited to Cali Grill, Le Cellier, Yachtsman, and Turf Club. I think he also likes the theming in Le Cellier as well.

I'm just wondering, just trying to generate an interesting thread. I'm hoping for responses along the lines of "We love the X there and just have to get it every trip". Or "It's so romantic that my spouse and I feel like we're dating again each time we go there". In other words, what makes these particular restaurants so special to you that you are willing to go out of your way to make sure you get an ADR for them on each trip?

I think it's a great topic, and I can't wait to read some of the responses!

 

[Sloan]

Jiko - because they have menu items and cooking techniques I don't find often - anywhere - other than when I was in South Africa and Zimbabwe. The Wild Boar tenderloin appetizer (apologies to Pumba - though he's really a warthog) is excellent, as are many other specialty menu items not found in most fine-dining restaurants. Jiko uses spices that are not common here - and that make each dish a special experience. Also, the atmosphere there, and being in the Animal Kingdom Lodge, makes for a really pleasant dining experience. Finally, Jiko has the best selection of South African wine of anywhere I know outside of South Africa.

California Grill - because the commitment to real freshness, quality and specialty foods has earned my repeat business. I've had incredible ostrich, bison, sushi and veggie sides that I'm just not able to reliably find elsewhere. Also, the view of the Magic Kingdom and being able to go out to watch Wishes! with a great glass of wine from the terrace is a real treat for me. Consistency too - I've been there many, many times, and can't recall a bad (or even mediocre) meal. There's also an excellent wine list.

Victoria & Albert's - because I've really not been able to find anything else like it in Florida - or anywhere in the South for that matter. Chef Hunnel is amazing, and it's just a spectacular dining experience.

Citricos - because Chef Ponticelli takes great care with the food & ingredients, and is not afraid to make unique dishes that you may not find elsewhere. His sourcing of the best ingredients, collaboration with wine makers, and understanding of real dining hospitality all make this worth repeat ADR's.

 

[righttrack]

Ohana
Boma
Biergarten

Those are are favorites. We are usually open to anything else and each of us have our own favorites too:

mine - California Grill
hers - Artist Point
dd1 - Sanaa
dd2 - Jiko

I try to work all of those in for the typical trip. Last trip, sadly, we did not get Ohana in because there were no ADRs. We stayed at the Poly and really there was no getting in without wasting a lot of time, so we bagged it. We doubled up with 2 visits to Boma, and really that was the only way to enjoy all of their offerings. So many things to try on that buffet. Today that's what I'd like my work cafeteria to transform into - Boma!

 

[disneydaft]

Crystal Palace on our first morning for breakfast.

Its not the best buffet in WDW but we are always desperate to get to the MK on the first day and start our vacation. Plus the wee guy loves pooh. Not to mention the fact that our first view of the castle is almost unobstructed as the park isn't actually open.

 

[flavious27]

Le Cellier, for the soup and bread sticks oh and the beef selection.
Hoop Dee Doo, fun show and classic disney

 

[ddbowdoin]

For the last four years I salivated over Le Cellier... then I finally got an ADR and it was underwhelming. Was it bad, certainly not. But given the price tag, I've had considerably better steaks here at home. I also wasn't all that impressed with the actual theming, it was ok.

As for Ohana... I personally love it but we'll be skipping it. My wife is really small, she doesn't eat much so buffet meals at 35 a whack isn't worth it for us; she eats like .04% of what I throw down in that meal.

 

[ThinkTink721]

'Ohana
Teppan Edo
Chef Mickey's (mainly for the characters)

 

[wolf359]

I have an expanding list of favorites, but I don't think there are many that MUST be a part of every vacation. I'm happy if we manage to get to a couple favorites and try at least one new place on each trip.

Of my favorites I do have clear reasons for these four...

California Grill: This is one of my favorites because it upscale enough to feel like dining here is a special event yet isn't too pretentious. I've always had outstanding service, food, and ambiance, and when added up has always been a memorable meal.

San Angel Inn: I know this isn't a universal opinion but I really enjoy the food here. Plus I love the theming and the whole "original EPCOT" vibe of the entire pavilion.

Via Napoli: Here's a new favorite and almost entirely because of the food. Considering the numbers of diners that come through an average Disney restaurant it is somewhat unexpected to have food that tastes fresh and seems completely custom-made. We also had great service and I liked how the dining room felt very upbeat and lively and not hectic like some places can.

Hoop Dee Doo: This is my most sentimental choice, but it's still a clear favorite. While the food is alright the show is a lot of fun and brings back some really great memories of eating and seeing the show at the Golden Horseshoe Revue at Disneyland when I was a child.

 

[ddbowdoin]

'Ohana
Teppan Edo
Chef Mickey's (mainly for the characters)

we're hitting Teppan for the first time this March, I'm excited.

My only experience with these types of places are relative dives here in Boston, so it looks nice

 

[lebeau]

I get where you are coming from. For me, there really is no "must do". I find it silly that certain restaurants are as popular as they are. Most of the time, this is undeserved. There are usually other restaurants that are just as good that have tables available becuase for whatever reason, they aren't the flavor of the month.

A prime example to me is the Garden Grill. In the world of character dining, I'll put it up against anything. But it is relatively easy to get a table there compared to some of the other character meals. Why? Because people who want to eat with Mickey HAVE TO go to Chef Mickey's. And Epcot has too many other options.

I just don't get the hype around Disney food some times. I enjoy it or I wouldn't be on this part of the forum. But the way people rave about certain places or menu items is way out of proportion to the actual experience.

I'd love to see the Dining forum take a swing towards greater objectivity and less hype. But it's probably not going to happen.

 

[flavious27]

I have an expanding list of favorites, but I don't think there are many that MUST be a part of every vacation. I'm happy if we manage to get to a couple favorites and try at least one new place on each trip.

Of my favorites I do have clear reasons for these four...

California Grill: This is one of my favorites because it upscale enough to feel like dining here is a special event yet isn't too pretentious. I've always had outstanding service, food, and ambiance, and when added up has always been a memorable meal.

San Angel Inn: I know this isn't a universal opinion but I really enjoy the food here. Plus I love the theming and the whole "original EPCOT" vibe of the entire pavilion.

Via Napoli: Here's a new favorite and almost entirely because of the food. Considering the numbers of diners that come through an average Disney restaurant it is somewhat unexpected to have food that tastes fresh and seems completely custom-made. We also had great service and I liked how the dining room felt very upbeat and lively and not hectic like some places can.

Hoop Dee Doo: This is my most sentimental choice, but it's still a clear favorite. While the food is alright the show is a lot of fun and brings back some really great memories of eating and seeing the show at the Golden Horseshoe Revue at Disneyland when I was a child.

We like to try some things that are new when we go down to wdw. Though sometimes it feels like a let down when we go somewhere new that isn't that good and could have went to something we have before that is good.

For the last four years I salivated over Le Cellier... then I finally got an ADR and it was underwhelming. Was it bad, certainly not. But given the price tag, I've had considerably better steaks here at home. I also wasn't all that impressed with the actual theming, it was ok.

As for Ohana... I personally love it but we'll be skipping it. My wife is really small, she doesn't eat much so buffet meals at 35 a whack isn't worth it for us; she eats like .04% of what I throw down in that meal.

For 2 adr points it does not feel like it is worth it. For lunch using one point, it doesn't rub as bad. As for the price tag of places outside of disney, yeah there are places that offer more but it is part of how it is.