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Disney Vacation (9 Viewers)

My favorite QS (that hasn't been mentioned):

MK - Caseys

Epcot - Tangierine Cafe, La Cantina de San Angel

AK - Flaming Tree BBQ

HS - Starring Rolls (think this is closing or closed)

 
Shaft41 said:
I've followed this whole thread, but I can't go back through and pick out posts.  What are the consensus top counter service joints in the theme parks?  Since we're paying out of pocket and trying to do this trip on a tight budget, I doubt we're going to spring for any sit-down meals.  We enjoyed Flame Tree in AK last time we went, and it seems like maybe their meals were big enough for a couple of our kids to share.  We always seem to get a meal at Pecos Bill's at some point in MK, and that secret nachos post a few pages back sure seems intriguing.  For some reason, my kids LOVE Electric Umbrella at Epcot, although it's just pretty basic burgers.  I'm thinking this year we try the Cantina de San Angel for some Mexican.  Any other favorites in the parks?  Counter service seems to kind of suck at Hollywood Studios.  
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I was pleasantly surprised with Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom....it's not technically "counter service" but it's family style dining and you don't need a reservation.

 
The Commish said:
I was pleasantly surprised with Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom....it's not technically "counter service" but it's family style dining and you don't need a reservation.
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I like LT too - had a great meal there a few years back - heard the menu changed so not sure if we'll make it back

 
AAABatteries said:
The Commish said:
I was pleasantly surprised with Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom....it's not technically "counter service" but it's family style dining and you don't need a reservation.
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I like LT too - had a great meal there a few years back - heard the menu changed so not sure if we'll make it back
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There just a couple years ago during Mickey's Christmas....we had originally gotten reservations at Crystal Palace, but there was some sort of gas leak / fire in the kitchen and it was closed.  They suggested us going there....it was really good.

 
@Shaft41

lots of great recommendations so far, and I'll echo a few here. So for me:
MK:
Pecos Bills—Mainly a sentimental favorite b/c I use to work there. And while it was a must do each trip for that, I was very happily surprised with their revamped menu. The fajita platter was very large and really good.
Very Honorable mention: Columbia Harbor House. Really great classic meals and one of the best places to go when you want to sit and get off your feet. The 2nd floor is hardly ever full.
Guilty Pleasure: Casey Jrs. The hot dogs are huuuge and covered in lots of sloppy deliciousness.

Epcot:
In Future World: Sunshine Seasons at the Land pavilion. Huge menu with lots of hearty meals to choose from.
In World Showcase: UK's Yorkshire's Fish and Chips: May not be the best, but i'm a sucker for F&C b/c seafood is something we don't make at home (I'm the only one who likes it)
Tangerine Cafe (Morocco) Again, I'm the only one who like Mediterranean food (I know boring family), so while I'm on a World (Showcase) Tour, I eat what I can't get otherwise.
However, look for Choza de Margarita to open in Mexico this year—Tacos, Empanadas, etc.

Studios:
your right, not a whole lot here that's overly original especially with all the closures recently. But:
Rosie's All American is a decent place for burgers.
Fairfax Fare has some BBQ
And when I was there last there was a small collection of Food and Wine-type carts behind Dinosaur Gerty that had some unique, rotating meals.

Animal Kingdom:
Flame Tree BBQ and Yak and Yeti counter are you best bests here.

 
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Some interesting news (may have) slipped this weekend when The Rock–who starring in a live action movie of "The Jungle Cruise"—posted a rambling Instagram post. The most interesting tid-bit of the whoel thing was at the very end when he said that his production company will be working with Imagineering to redevelop the actual ride in all of the parks.

I'm not going to lie, I love the JC, but a refresh of it could be a very good thing.....or a very bad thing if they try and over produce it. Either way, I'm not telling him—or the girl in the photo—that it is a bad idea over fear of bodily harm—dayummmmm.... that girl is jacked.

 

 
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glvsav37 said:
Some interesting news (may have) slipped this weekend when The Rock–who starring in a live action movie of "The Jungle Cruise"—posted a rambling Instagram post. The most interesting tid-bit of the whoel thing was at the very end when he said that his production company will be working with Imagineering to redevelop the actual ride in all of the parks.

I'm not going to lie, I love the JC, but a refresh of it could be a very good thing.....or a very bad thing if they try and over produce it. Either way, I'm not telling him—or the girl in the photo—that it is a bad idea over fear of bodily harm—dayummmmm.... that girl is jacked.

 
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It's the backside of water. Ohhhhhh, ahhhhhh

 
Binky The Doormat said:
I thought the Grand Floridian was a top place?  What about the Albert & Victoria restaurant?  
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It is a four star hotel so while nice I would not consider a top luxury hotel though the prices match that level which is tied to the location and Disney tie in.  I have not eaten at Albert & Victoria but from reviews it looks really good.  

 
The Commish said:
I was pleasantly surprised with Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom....it's not technically "counter service" but it's family style dining and you don't need a reservation.
Click to expand...
Yes, we've done Liberty Tree Tavern the last two trips.  We enjoy getting a later supper there, and then walking out to catch the parade as it rolls through the second half of its route.  

 
glvsav37 said:
@Shaft41

lots of great recommendations so far, and I'll echo a few here. So for me:
MK:
Pecos Bills—Mainly a sentimental favorite b/c I use to work there. And while it was a must do each trip for that, I was very happily surprised with their revamped menu. The fajita platter was very large and really good.
Very Honorable mention: Columbia Harbor House. Really great classic meals and one of the best places to go when you want to sit and get off your feet. The 2nd floor is hardly ever full.
Guilty Pleasure: Casey Jrs. The hot dogs are huuuge and covered in lots of sloppy deliciousness.

Epcot:
In Future World: Sunshine Seasons at the Land pavilion. Huge menu with lots of hearty meals to choose from.
In World Showcase: UK's Yorkshire's Fish and Chips: May not be the best, but i'm a sucker for F&C b/c seafood is something we don't make at home (I'm the only one who likes it)
Tangerine Cafe (Morocco) Again, I'm the only one who like Mediterranean food (I know boring family), so while I'm on a World (Showcase) Tour, I eat what I can't get otherwise.
However, look for Choza de Margarita to open in Mexico this year—Tacos, Empanadas, etc.

Studios:
your right, not a whole lot here that's overly original especially with all the closures recently. But:
Rosie's All American is a decent place for burgers.
Fairfax Fare has some BBQ
And when I was there last there was a small collection of Food and Wine-type carts behind Dinosaur Gerty that had some unique, rotating meals.

Animal Kingdom:
Flame Tree BBQ and Yak and Yeti counter are you best bests here.
Click to expand...
Thanks.  We've eaten at quite a few of these, but we haven't done the fish and chips.  Might be time for that this year.  We also seem to end up at Pecos Bill's every trip.  

 
I can't recommend pecos bill. We thought it was awful. The rest of the ones glvsav are good though. Almost any stop in Epcot is worthwhile for something. 

 
Just booked our trip last night!! FINALLY.  Heading down Nov 11 thru the 18th. Staying at French Quarter (thanks for helping narrow the field). 

It also appears we may be taking a couple dare devils, much to our surprise. In preparation for Disney we decided to get season passes to Kings Island. Link The idea was to try and at least get the 9 year old to ride some of the more tame roller coasters, with fingers crossed for the 6 yo. Spent the majority yesterday afternoon in the kid zone there, but they did ride the smaller wooden roller coaster (older one went twice :)  and volunteered to go by herself if someone didn't want to go). (OMG that seat was TINY-I don't know how anyone bigger than 6'1" could fit. Never mind the snugness against the ol beer gut-oof). 6 year old was a little scared but laughing and wanted to go again after the first hill. 

Also rode a suspended (feet dangler) -didn't have a drop but much faster and lots of turns (again kiddie ride). Both girls were giggling the entire ride and were pumped, jumping and carrying on as we exited.

Wife and I looked at each other and smiled GAME ON  :football:

I'm sure they have it and likely tied into the magic bands, but is there a way to measure the girls and have it linked to them (they had those colored paper bracelet things @ KI) so we don't have to get measured each ride?

That, and I haven't begun to look, but is there a listing of all rides and height/weight restrictions. Heights ad my youngest is right at that 48" mark, and weights as ridding those kiddie rides I got a dose of exactly how bad of shape I'm in. The goal is to drop a few before we go, but knowing the 'tight fit' rides for a big guy and planning accordingly could save a lot of frustration. 

 
Redwes25 said:
Thanks. I had the wrong kind of mouse infestation when I stayed at beach club last time I visited (documented somewhere in this thread).  For 500 dollars a night that is something that is not acceptable. I do like being on property so maybe this is a good solution for me.  
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:o

 
@odin33 sweet dude....its def more fun if you don't have to split groups up on the rides. 

most of the attractions don't have a height req, but the good ones do. and if your littlest is 48 then you should be fine. I think the highest it goes is 44. Here is a full list

there is no weight requirements on any of them, but like you said as a big guy, some might be a squeeze. 7DMT comes to mind. 

unfortunately they have to be measured 2x at each ride where it may be close. Once at the entrance and again just before boarding. It was a major pain for us b/c my little guy was exactly 40 inches so it was a crap shoot to hit both posts. There is no standard band...but I don't see it being a problem for you. 

 
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Capella said:
I can't recommend pecos bill. We thought it was awful. The rest of the ones glvsav are good though. Almost any stop in Epcot is worthwhile for something. 
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Yeah - I don't want to bust on our gb glvsav but PB is not high on my list.  I think his nostalgia gets the better of him on that one :)  

I am intrigued by the secret nachos though.  I may be willing to give that a try.

 
@glvsav37 Thanks for the list. Looks like she's out on one ride Tomorrowland speedway so no biggie. 

Just checked a few sites and reviews and it appears some folks a lot more pooh sized than I didn't have an issue. It looks like Space mountain could be a tight fit (more for height). Just watched a 7DMT youtube and I think I'll be ok there. 

Do most 'car' (non suspended/looping) rides adopt a belt and bar? Realized yesterday it's probably been 20 or so years since I've ridden a real roller coaster. Almost forgot what the butterflies felt like.

 
AAABatteries said:
Yeah - I don't want to bust on our gb glvsav but PB is not high on my list.  I think his nostalgia gets the better of him on that one :)  

I am intrigued by the secret nachos though.  I may be willing to give that a try.
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:boxing: lol

its cool....honestly, for as big as it is, the MK has some real crappy QS choices. 

I think we all can agree the Liberty Square locations are the best. But beyond that, Pinocchio's is meh, and don't get me started on Cosmic Ray's. What MK does have is a really good selection of individual carts and single serve locations like Friar's Nook and Gastons, but its a pain to stop at these if you are feeding a family. 

Arguably, their better QS restaurants are only open seasonally, like the Diamond horseshoe and Tortuga Tavern (when they were serving taco salads)   

 
odin33 said:
@glvsav37 Thanks for the list. Looks like she's out on one ride Tomorrowland speedway so no biggie. 

Just checked a few sites and reviews and it appears some folks a lot more pooh sized than I didn't have an issue. It looks like Space mountain could be a tight fit (more for height). Just watched a 7DMT youtube and I think I'll be ok there. 

Do most 'car' (non suspended/looping) rides adopt a belt and bar? Realized yesterday it's probably been 20 or so years since I've ridden a real roller coaster. Almost forgot what the butterflies felt like.
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actually, the height on the speedway is to drive alone. She can drive with an adult at a very small height (forgot the actual number but my 40 incher drove it with no problem.

Space Mtn is unique b/c its one of the few rides that you sit single file vs next to each other. So be careful there b/c its tough to 'hold on to daddy' on that one and it is pretty scary for a young coaster fan. 

Off the top of my head.....most rides are lap bar only, splash man and big thunder mtn are the bigger rides that come to mind with only lap bars. 7DMT is a lap bar but not as loose as those. Anything else at MK will be pretty open. 

at Epcot, Soaring is a seat belt and char, Test track is a seat belt, Mission space is shoulder (I think, I don't do that one), anything else is pretty open. Also, on soaring, they have an optional middle strap that they use for kids that goes between their legs to keep them in the chair better/safer.

Studios: Star tours and Tower are seat belt, Rock n Rollercoaster is shoulder. Anything else is no harness. 

AK: Everest is a tight lap bar, nut-crusher, Dinosaur is a seat belt and bar in front of you. Anything else id open. 

Edit to add that the Banshee ride in Pandora is a unique system. You sit on it like a bike or snow mobile, and there is a seat back and heel rests that slide forward keeping your chest against the front of the seat--kind of like where the handle bars are. 


so overall, its not so bad. 

 

 
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jb1020 said:
Apologies in advanced for bringing up Universal, but I didn't see that it had a dedicated thread. 

Going to be in Orlando for work in May and we'll have about 3 free days.  We figure that's not enough for a Disney trip.   from what I can tell, you can do most, if not all, of Universal in 2 days.  The new waterpark doesn't interest us yet.  Kids are still 6 and 4, waterparks are pretty much nightmares with kids that young.  The kids aren't skiddish with rides so if they're tall enough, they're down for it. 

Tips for Universal?  I can't decide if their website really sucks, or if Disney's is super user friendly, but tis hard to figure everything out.  Overwhelming for a first timer i guess.

Is there some sort of fast pass system at Universal?  Do you have to say onsite - we won't be onsite.
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Just to update my Universal trip coming up in 2 weeks....we trashed those plans and are heading back to Disney.  Ha. 

Went to a bday party for the kids and we were talking to another mom about her upcoming trip and that got us pumped. We got home, had a few drinks and made the decision.

Universal was actually more expensive than I though.  For a family of 4 it was going to be $650 to get in both parks for 1 day.  Thats seems insane.  We would have done 2 days and the cost was a little over $1000. 

We're taking advantage 4 parks/4 days deal ($1200).  This will be our first time to stay off site, so that will be a little different.  So no meal plans...our kids never really ate much anyways.  They can live off gold fish while at the parks. 

I have to work Tuesday and Wed until about lunch so we're doing Epcot Wed Afternoon.  MK Thursday.  HS on Friday.  Going to take Saturday off and then hit up AK and the new Avatar park on Sunday. 

Hopefully @glvsav37 will give me my Disney Fan Boy Card back.  

 
lol...you never lost it :)

I have Univ on my radar for the next trip (whenever that is) so who am I to revoke anyones access

 
Trying to convince the wife to let us hit up MK in December,  but it's  been a losing battle. Figured that the kids (and us) could use the time away after our house  fire, but the wife is so razor focused on the house rebuild, she won't even consider it.  

I got til July to convince her, since that's when the free dining plan goes away.

 
Deranged Hermit said:
Trying to convince the wife to let us hit up MK in December,  but it's  been a losing battle. Figured that the kids (and us) could use the time away after our house  fire, but the wife is so razor focused on the house rebuild, she won't even consider it.  

I got til July to convince her, since that's when the free dining plan goes away.
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wow...didnt know about any fire, that sucks man..my biggest fear. 

aside from that i'm in the same boat. Expanding my house this year and we canceled our annual trip b/c my wife wants the money to go into our house and not the mouse house. 

IDK what would be available by July in terms of Free Dining availability? Ive never booked a Free Dining trip but from what I understand they have limited availability. So just be careful of using that as your selling point. I'd call WDW and confirm that it would still be avail. buy then. Just being honest from what I know...little off it as I do. 

Good luck with the rebuild. I have not even put a shovel in the ground yet and already I want to hang myself.  

 
Good luck to you guys building and doing reno's.  My wife and I just bought a lot and will build in the next few years, and I'm already pretty nervous about it.  We're both pretty content in our house now and we decided we'd rather wait 2-3 years before building rather than putting off trips like Disney. 

A last minute Disney trip is not reccomended.  We weren't planning on any big character meals, so thats nice, but we got shut out on the big ticket FP's. 

No big ticket rides left...no mine train, no Avatar rides....Plan on being there at rope drop those 2 days. 

Have they already moved the "rope drop" ceremony to the stage show at MK? 

 
jb1020 said:
No big ticket rides left...no mine train, no Avatar rides....Plan on being there at rope drop those 2 days. 

Have they already moved the "rope drop" ceremony to the stage show at MK? 
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yes. 

Keep checking the app. People will drop often. I know its the hot rides but it doesnt hurt to keep trying if you are waiting in line for something else. Worked for me when we went

 
yea, they basically made the monorail loop the safe perimeter.  So now you are screened at the TTC (for people parking, taxis and off property bus service), at the monorail station at each resort, at the incoming MK resort launch dock, at the bus loop entrance and at the walkway from the Contemporary. 

It spreads out the crowds significantly. As it was, the horde of people waiting to enter the bag check in MK extra plaza was a larger safety hazard then those beyond it. 

 
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glvsav37 said:
yea, they basically made the monorail loop the safe perimeter.  So now you are screened at the TTC (for people parking, taxis and off property bus service), at the monorail station at each resort, at the incoming MK resort launch dock, at the bus loop entrance and at the walkway from the Contemporary. 

It spreads out the crowds significantly. As it was, the horde of people waiting to enter the bag check in MK extra plaza was a larger safety hazard then those beyond it. 
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So the shark move for me is to Uber from the Mariott to Bay Lake Tower and walk past pretty much everything? 

 
planning a universal trip first week of june.  going to do a 4 day pass and stay at sapphire falls

anyone hear anything about volcano bay yet?  

 
jb1020 said:
So the shark move for me is to Uber from the Mariott to Bay Lake Tower and walk past pretty much everything? 
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yes, and from what I've heard you can request to get dropped off at the entrance, before the guard shack, so you are already 1/2 way there (vs starting from the BLT lobby) 

 
We took our son back over Spring Break as a spur of the moment surprise trip (kid is getting straight A's in his first year of middle school and is just being a great kid in general). We live in South Florida so we can go whenever we want. We did the Discover Disney Florida Resident Ticket 3 Day Ticket (ridiculous bargain). We did Epcot first and had such a great time. First off the weather was incredible. 78 and no humidity all weekend (4/13-4/16).

The parks were not packed. We were pleasantly surprised. We booked all our fast passes that week with no problems and made all our dining reservations as well. Everything just worked out perfectly.

We stayed on property at the Dolphin and loved it. Easy transportation via boat to Epcot and bus to the MK.

We spent 13 hours at MK. We were able to ride Space Mountain 3 times, Splash Mountain 2 times, and Pirates and The Haunted Mansion 2 times with barely any wait times after using up our fast passes. hands down MK is the best park in Walt Disney World. So many great  rides and old classics that still have that Disney something that makes you feel like a little kid. Thunder Mountain is so freaking great too. We love that one. We also used the train several times to get to other area's of the MK when we were getting tired. We must have walked 7 miles that day easy.....by hour 9-10 we were like.....ok Train Time!!!

A great weekend. And we will stay at the Dolphin or Swan moving forward. Excellent rooms (fully updated and clean), great dining in the hotels as well. Also the transportation is key. What Disney charges for parking these day's at the parks is criminal. Plus the bus drops you off right at the MK entrance....so mo more dealing with the Monorail or Boat line fiasco's.

 
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jb1020 said:
So the shark move for me is to Uber from the Mariott to Bay Lake Tower and walk past pretty much everything? 
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Yes. Done this numerous times. I haven't parked at the MK lot in probably 5 years. 

We will also park at Epcot and monorail it over to MK. 

 
glvsav37 said:
wow...didnt know about any fire, that sucks man..my biggest fear. 

aside from that i'm in the same boat. Expanding my house this year and we canceled our annual trip b/c my wife wants the money to go into our house and not the mouse house. 

IDK what would be available by July in terms of Free Dining availability? Ive never booked a Free Dining trip but from what I understand they have limited availability. So just be careful of using that as your selling point. I'd call WDW and confirm that it would still be avail. buy then. Just being honest from what I know...little off it as I do. 

Good luck with the rebuild. I have not even put a shovel in the ground yet and already I want to hang myself.  
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Yeah, the rebuild process sucks beyond belief,  but it is what it is. Getting a pretty much brand new house, so at least there's that.

There's been a grand flordian package package I've been  eyeing,  but its pricey. Probably best we skip it, but I'm thinking the kids could use the time away. I know i can.

 
Love the new safety protocol.  Hope it works.

Now we just need to get rid of motorized scooters.  I vote for snipers.  I will sign up to be one.

 
Deranged Hermit said:
Yeah, the rebuild process sucks beyond belief,  but it is what it is. Getting a pretty much brand new house, so at least there's that.

There's been a grand flordian package package I've been  eyeing,  but its pricey. Probably best we skip it, but I'm thinking the kids could use the time away. I know i can.
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F-it...you and I will get away. I am already regretting squashing my vacation and we have not even started yet. I think i'm gonna need a month by myself somewhere once this is done. 

 
Coming soon to WDW, and possibly DLR... American Idol.

Disney has bought the rights to American Idol and will being airing episodes on ABC in March 2018.  Auditions will be at Walt Disney World this fall.

No word yet where at WDW the auditions will tale place.  Gonna guess they're not going to rebuild the American Idol Theater at DHS for this. 

 
Bruce Dickinson said:
Coming soon to WDW, and possibly DLR... American Idol.

Disney has bought the rights to American Idol and will being airing episodes on ABC in March 2018.  Auditions will be at Walt Disney World this fall.

No word yet where at WDW the auditions will tale place.  Gonna guess they're not going to rebuild the American Idol Theater at DHS for this. 
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I remember back in 2002 or so when I went to Disney in college there was a "who wants to be a Millionaire" game set up. I had forgotten all about that. 

 
jb1020 said:
I remember back in 2002 or so when I went to Disney in college there was a "who wants to be a Millionaire" game set up. I had forgotten all about that. 
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I was selected to be on that show in DL back in 2001. I remember that you 'played along' with the contestant using a keypad on your seat, and who ever answered correct the fastest while they were in the audience got to be the next contestant.   

Turns out, one round I was on fire. Then the big spotlight came down over my seat. I ran up, sat in the center chair...and got bounced after 2 questions. lol.It was really surreal...the lights, the music, even though there was really nothing on the line, it was a freaky amount of pressure.

Fun experience though. 

 
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