Most Recent Reviews
Review of Goofy's Kitchen Character Brunch
Reviewed by CodyDisneyman1234567 Review Date: 02/22/2025
Rating: (7) Recommended
it was nice
Pros:
characters were great chip and dale kept coming to table and free photo pass with goofy.Cons:
food was not the bestReview of Akershus Royal Banquet Hall - Breakfast
Reviewed by Kerwin Review Date: 02/19/2025
Rating: (6) Not Recommended
My extended family ate here in late January, 2025 and it was a one-and-done for us.
We chose the restaurant for my two nieces, aged 5 and 7. It was their first trip to WDW and princess experiences were high on the to-do list. Great news - five or so princesses call this restaurant home. What a dream! Ariel, Snow, Tiana, Rapunzel and Belle all stopped over to say hello. Was it too many princesses? They have a lot of tables to get to and they can't get backed up, so the visits were all a quick hello, a signature, a picture, and a See ya! And you only get to meet them once. I don't know how costumed characters manage to make multiple visits that seem longer while princesses only have a minute or two for one visit, but that has been my experience across multiple locations on several visits. Also, princesses are people, too. We all agreed one was having a long day and she was not bringing the magic to life.
The food - pass. I am an adventurous eater and was really looking forward to trying Norwegian food! I do not for a second think that is what this is. I think it is Disney's version of Norwegian food. It was fine, but it did not appeal to the picky eaters of the group. It struck me as bunch of cold food with cream sauce smothered over everything. If the princesses were not here there is no way this restaurant would make it in the dinner's paradise that is EPCOT.
Also, we had an odd experience with the princess handler. Our server was admittedly a little absent and we needed a straw or something for one of the kids at the table. The princess handler came over to ask if we had met everyone. We said we had and then asked for said straw. His response was that we needed to ask our server. How hard is it to get a straw? I get it, that's not your job. But he could have at least sent a server over. Nope, just walked away. And it was several more minutes before our server returned.
The bill. Disney is expensive. We get that. We also ate at California Grill and Artist Point on this trip. This was the only time the bill came and someone at the table said, "How is the bill this high?!" We all agreed that while having princesses come to the table was nice, this was not worth the cost. We did not feel this way about Artist Point or California Grill.
Am I glad we made some magical memories with my nieces? Yes. Would I eat here again? No. In EPCOT specifically I would choose Garden Grill over this location any day and just meet the princesses around World Showcase. These girls have nothing on Chip and Dale! (Plus at Garden Grill you get views of Living with the Land. You can't beat that!)
Pros:
A gaggle of princesses, food is all-you-care-to-enjoy, locationCons:
So many princesses = so little time, price, food might be too exotic for someReview of 50's Prime Time Cafe Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by Kerwin Review Date: 02/19/2025
Rating: (8) Recommended
My extended family ate here in late January, 2025, and had a really nice evening!
We did have a bit of a rocky start. The restaurant was very busy and we had to wait almost 30 minutes past our reservation time to be sat. On the plus side there is a great lounge and the grownups got to have a drink while we waited.
The restaurant is brilliantly decorated like a 50's home. If that isn't your thing this won't influence you, but I felt like I was in my grandma's house and I loved it.
I did not tell my family that the staff gives you chores and ribs you like family would and they really enjoyed the surprise treatment. My young nieces loved telling their daddy over and over again that his elbows weren't allowed on the table! While we were eating a server "punished" a girl who didn't eat her veggies by making her clear the table and carry them to the kitchen. It was hilarious! Our server was very personal and had a great sense of humor. She honed in right away on who was really into the gag and delivered her digs accordingly.
The food - it's comfort food. Nothing new or exciting here. They do it pretty well. One person really liked their fried chicken, the other person thought it was just fine. We all agreed the appetizers the highlight of the meal. Dessert was also fine.
Are there characters here? No. Did my nieces care that black and white tv was playing at our table? No. But the adults sure got a kick out of the shows that were playing! The ambiance is fun and the cast members were great. It wasn't the best meal we had on our trip, but it was definitely the best value for our money. It is a great "value" table service option in a park that doesn't have much to offer in the way of dining. I would return here without hesitation.
Pros:
Cast member interactions, ambiance, price, good for picky eatersCons:
Not a very adventurous menuReview of Artist Point
Reviewed by Kerwin Review Date: 02/19/2025
Rating: (8) Recommended
My extended family ate here in late January, 2025. For many in the party it was their first dining experience on their first trip to WDW. Overall, reviews amongst our party were mixed.
Firstly, our server was very friendly. She was warm and personal and stopped by the table multiple times. Several party members ordered based on her recommendations and they were pleased with the selections. Also, we had a surprise +1 and the staff was able to accommodate us. I know this is not guaranteed, and we were so grateful.
The food - meh. Everything was fine. We all agreed it was fine. Nothing was bad, nothing seemed really hot or fresh, (I am almost certain it is kept warm buffet-style in the kitchen and they just portion it out to order), but nothing was really great. As a beloved Disney blog hostess is known to say, it was on par with banquet food. I think it is worth mentioning that appetizers and desserts are small bites. Clever, as it makes it easy to share. I did wonder how soup was going to be served family style. But we had a large party, and apps and desserts were brought out in waves and the first wave did not have enough portions for everyone. I personally had the prime rib. I honestly enjoyed the prime rib at Coral Reef more on a previous visit. I also sampled my in-law's gnocchi. Again, both were fine. The dessert theming was really good, though!
The cast really brings the magic to this location. Dopey, Grumpy, Snow and The Queen were wonderful! We had my two nieces - both under eight - with us, and they were thrilled. When the youngest curtsied to The Queen it made my night! (I think it made The Queen's night as well. She seemed quite surprised. I take it most littles are not so nice to her.)
And that's my compliment sandwich! Would I go out of my way to eat here again? Probably not. (Disclaimer - I don't normally travel to WDW with young children.) It is not easy on the wallet and there is better food to be had on property. While it was my favorite princess dining experience to date, it was not my favorite character meal in regards to the food. Am I glad we made magical memories here with my nieces? Absolutely! I think if you have a die-hard Snow White fan in your family, it is worth the time and $$ to dine here at least once.
Pros:
Character interactions, serviceCons:
PriceReview of Seoul Sister
Reviewed by DVCSammy Review Date: 02/19/2025
Rating: (10) Recommended
I was looking forward to see how 'Disneyfied' they would make Korean food!
Parkside Market is bright & airy and a lovely addition to Downtown Disney with DIN TAI FUNG just across the grassy commons .. ..
Ordered the BEEF + EGG BOWL and it was surprisingly good > Good bit of meat, good rice, perfectly-cooked egg but was just dying to see how authentic their GOCHUJANG was and I was pleasantly surprised .. .. Tart with a nice amount of kick and zero added sweetness .. .. Just the way it should be .. ..
With their homemade lemonade, it made for a great lunch! THANKS SEOUL SISTER!!
[ Annual Pass discount accepted (20%) but not Disney Gift Cards ]
Pros:
Beef + Egg BowlCons:
noneReview of Artist's Palette Lunch / Dinner
Reviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 02/18/2025
Rating: (1) Not Recommended
On our last visit in November, service was far below par to say the least. After placing our order, numerous other orders (Uber eats, etc.) were served. On inquiry, the young lady seemed to get frustrated, could not provide an answer and simply walked away. After twenty additional minutes, I complained to the supervisor, who apologized and offered free deserts for all in the party. Once the food arrived, it was ok, but certainly not worth a 30 minute wait. I am not a Saratoga Springs fan and certainly will not stay/eat there again.
Pros:
None.Cons:
Service horrible and bland food.Review of 50's Prime Time Cafe Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 02/18/2025
Rating: (7) Recommended
We went here for my daughter's birthday lunch. Not 1 cast member wished her a "Happy Birthday" and our server was totally bland. Nearly zero interaction and never checked back to see if we needed anything else, or how our food was. The food was tasty as always, and we will likely return, however, the previous year's of cast member interaction and lively antics are long gone. We did not see any other tables having interactions with their servers either.
Pros:
Food is tastyCons:
No interaction with the cast members and totally lackluster attitudesReview of Skipper Canteen
Reviewed by Darikraphael Review Date: 02/16/2025
Rating: (8) Recommended
Our party of four adults ate here on August 24th of 2024. We had never been here before and were hoping that we might find it a go-to table service location for future visits. In our opinion, the Magic Kingdom restaurant choices are a bit lackluster and a reliably good place to eat would be welcome. Although not spectacular, Skipper Canteen was good enough to merit consideration the next time we are lucky enough to visit WDW.
The theming fit well with the Jungle Cruise vibe and our server was engaging with an appropriately corny sense of humor. It felt like our "captain" on the Jungle Cruise ride followed us to the restaurant to be our server.
The appetizers we ordered were the "secret" menu bread, the Jungle Green salad, and the Cachapas. The bread was the stand out here and the mixed greens appealed to the salad junkie in our party. The Cachapas were OK, but we all thought they could be a bit more flavorful.
Our two less adventurous diners ordered the Dr. Falls Signature steak. They got more than they bargained for because the seasoning was a little bolder than they expected. However, they both enjoyed it and said they would order it again if they ate here in the future. The sustainable fish was sea bass and it was excellent. The ginger lemon grass broth really complimented the fish. Our father ordered the Baa Baa lamb chops (which sadly no longer seem to be on the menu) and thoroughly enjoyed them.
We ordered three of the desserts; the Coconut Bar, the Kangaloosh!, and the lime panna cotta. The Coconut bar was so-so, but the two others were better than we expected. All of us said we would order the Kangaloosh on future visits.
Probably the most disappointing element of the meal were the cocktails. We tried all four on the menu and they were all a miss for us. We also tried a glass of the Spice Route Chakalaka and were underwhelmed. Like the cocktails, it was a little too sweet for us.
Overall, we enjoyed our meal here and would definitely try it again. However, we are still searching for the holy grail of Magic Kingdom eateries.
Pros:
1) The atmosphere and the service were appropriate to the theming. 2) Most of the dishes were very good with a wide range of available flavors.Cons:
1) Picky eaters may struggle here. 2) The cocktail menu could have been more inspired.Review of Festival of the Lion King
Reviewed by Anonymous Review Date: 02/16/2025
Rating: (1) Not Recommended
Huge lion king fan but do not enjoy this. I went into this excited because I am a big lion king fan but was disappointed. While this MIGHT be great for little kids I wish Legend of the lion at magic kingdom did not close. I saw both when I was 8 and I was disappointed by this! It should have stayed closed permanently back in January. If you want to do it don't use LL. But I think it's not worth wasting time in the park. There are so much better things to do in the park.
Pros:
lion king musicCons:
Just not greatReview of Boatwright's Dining Hall Dinner
Reviewed by Darikraphael Review Date: 02/16/2025
Rating: (6) Recommended
Our family stayed at POR last August. On the first night of each Disney vacation, it is a tradition of ours to eat a table service meal at the resort where we are staying. This the fourth time we have stayed at POR. We loved Boatwright's the first time we stayed here (2005). The food and service perfectly fit the Port Orleans theming. Unfortunately, at each successive visit, the quality has gradually declined. Our most recent trip continued that trend. Our server was a new cast member, which we understood and didn't mind. She was pleasant and was really trying to do well. However, the CM assigned as her trainer was overbearing and criticized our server in front of us. This caused our server to become flustered, and she started to make some mistakes she probably wouldn't have otherwise made.
The food this time was hit or miss. The only appetizer we ordered was the French Onion Soup. It was decent, yet unremarkable. We ordered four entrees. The star was the Shrimp and Grits. We have ordered this each time we've dined here, and it has never disappointed. The Jambalaya has also been reliably good. The Taste of the Bayou was overcooked and yet not very warm. The vegetables were almost inedible, and the meat and chicken were dry and not very flavorful. If you like Hot Nashville Chicken, you may not want to order it at Boatwright's. It did not resemble the hot chicken we have had in its namesake city. The biggest letdown was the quality of the desserts. The Bread Pudding was dense and not very tasty. The Banana Cream Pie Cheesecake was awful. It was overly sweet, and the banana flavoring tasted artificial. The Cafe au Lait Pot de Creme did redeem the dessert lineup a bit, but not enough to get the taste of that terrible banana flavoring out or our mouths.
The cocktails we had were all very good. The Sazerac and the Boulevardier were the standouts.
We are disappointed that the restaurant no longer serves breakfast. It was one of our favorite places for an early meal.
We gave Boatwright's a six rating, but that was based partially on nostalgia. This particular visit was more like a four or five. We would have preferred to give it a "maybe" recommendation, but that was not a choice. We gave it a yes, but be sure to stick with the Jambalaya, Shrimp and Grits, Red Beans and Rice, and maybe the Roasted Prime Rib. Do yourself a favor and avoid the cheesecake.
