Downtown Disney

Bongos Cuban Cafe Dining Review at Downtown Disney

by josh on March 13, 2010

Bongos Cuban Cafe Restaurant

Food Type: Cuban, Caribbean

Dining Plan: NO

Cost:  Appetizers are $7-$20.  Entrées are $13-$33.  There is an express counter service window that serves Cuban sandwiches in the $8 range.

Setting: Bongos was designed by Gloria Estefan in 1997 and resembles a 1950s era Havana nightclub.  The internal architecture and mosaics were designed by the well known Luciano Franchi de Alfaro and the outside was designed by Bernardo Fort Brescia.  Both the interior and exterior are exquisitely themed.  The bar is housed inside a 75 foot tall pineapple sculpture and features bongo drum stools and the best mojito I’ve ever tasted.

Advantages: Fun atmosphere, beautiful interior artwork, and a gigantic pineapple make Bongos a unique dining experience.  Food is served in a traditional and authentic manner.  Beer and alcohol are relatively inexpensive.  The sandwiches from the express counter service are good, especially if you enjoy Cuban sandwiches.  Since this restaurant is not on the Dining Plan, it’s more likely a table will be available.

Disadvantages: The menu descriptions aren’t always clear.  Considering there are about 40 entrées, this can make it difficult to decide what to order.  Music is blaring at an uncomfortably loud level.  Servers are as concerned with talking to each other as they are with helping customers.  Food may seem bland.  Most meals are served with simple white rice and plantains that lack flavor.

Value: Average.  There is usually plenty of food, but the flavor and quality isn’t always there, especially on the more expensive entrées.  Most meals are in the $20 range which makes Bongo’s a moderately priced meal.

Reputation: Bongos is not on the Dining Plan, which means many visitors won’t even consider it.  The noise and fact that it’s ethnic food may also be a turnoff.  That’s too bad, because Bongos is an interesting restaurant to say the least.  I don’t think I would go so far as to recommend a meal here though, unless you love traditional Cuban food and aren’t on the Dining Plan.  Bongos is noisy, dark, and the food and service aren’t what most people are expecting.  The express counter service sandwiches are good, but the Earl of Sandwich offers more variety and better quality for a lower price. 

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Cap’n Jack’s Oyster Bar Review at Downtown Disney

by josh on March 13, 2010

Food Type: Seafood

Dining Plan: 1 Table Service

Cost:  Appetizers are $6-$9.  Entrées are $13-$24.  There is one menu for lunch and dinner.

Setting: Cap’n Jack’s is located right on the “Buena Vista Lagoon,” everyone’s favorite man-made body of water at Downtown Disney.  Unfortunately, this restaurant has nothing to do with everyone’s favorite pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow.

Advantages: The crab cakes are the best item on the menu.  The view from the window tables is excellent.  There are probably plenty of reservations open.

Disadvantages: There are zero hot appetizers and only nine entrées to choose from.  There is no real crab, lobster, or scallops on the menu.  Portions are small and prices are high.  Originally, the only reason people came here was for the twin lobster tail entrée, but that’s long gone from the menu.  There aren’t even any oysters at a restaurant with “Oyster Bar” in the title.

Value: Poor.  The portions are small, menu is extremely limited, food is generally bland, and service is nothing to write home about.  There are better options in every direction.

Reputation: The menu at Jack’s is so limited we’re almost to the point where the wait staff can dress up like airline stewards and ask customers if they want the chicken or beef.  The pretty location is wasted on the limited menu and low quality of food.  Jack’s is in desperate need of a renovation and relaunch.  Obviously, it would be perfect for a Pirates of the Caribbean themed restaurant.  I can’t imagine any situation where I would recommend Jack’s.

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Fulton’s Crab House Dining Review at Downtown Disney

by josh on March 12, 2010

Food Type: Seafood and steak

Dining Plan: Fulton’s is not on the Regular Dining Plan or Deluxe Dining Plan, but it is on the Platinum Dining Plan and Premium Dining Plan.

Cost:  Lunch: Appetizers are $10-$20.  Entrées are $10-$17.

Dinner: Appetizers are $10-$20.  Entrées are $20-$55+.

Setting: Fulton’s restaurant is located inside of a full size riverboat replica.  Yes, you will be dining on a docked riverboat.  It is one of the neatest settings at Disney World.

Advantages: One of the fancier and more romantic restaurants.  One of the only places at Disney to get “real” seafood like lobster and crab that is flown in fresh daily.  Meal includes crab dip, crackers, and bread.  Lunch features less expensive favorites, but you can also order most anything from the dinner menu.  Seafood is high quality, fresh, and prepared well.  Service is usually stellar.  Extensive wine list.  The riverboat setting is fun and difficult to replicate outside of Disney World.  Kids menu includes crab legs entrée.

Disadvantages: Expensive and not on the most common Dining Plans.  Considering the price, this will be a disappointment if the food or service isn’t outstanding, which it occasionally isn’t.

Value: Above average.  This is another difficult one because everyone’s needs, tastes, and pocketbooks are different.  If money is of no consequence then Fulton’s is a good choice because the food is on a level above just about any other Disney restaurant.  If you’re looking for one special meal then Fulton’s is a good choice also.  Lunch is also much cheaper with most entrées in the $15 range.  If you would like to enjoy the ambiance of the riverboat then lunch may be the more economical option and if you fall in love with it you can always return for dinner.

Reputation: Fulton’s has some of the best seafood at Disney World and the riverboat is unique and fun.  Service and food are generally exquisite and the seafood offerings are fresh and expertly prepared.  It is also one of the most expensive restaurants at Disney.  I would recommend Fulton’s to those who are looking for fresh seafood and have plenty of money to spend.  If cash is tighter or if you aren’t celebrating a special occasion, there are plenty of cheaper alternative to spend an evening.

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House of Blues Restaurant Review at Downtown Disney

by josh on March 12, 2010

House of Blues Website

Food Type: Officially “Cajun and southern,” but mostly sandwiches, burgers, and salads

Dining Plan: NO

Cost: Appetizers are $9-$11.  Entrées are $12-$27.  The “Gospel Brunch” occurs on Sunday at 1030am and features an all-you-care-to-eat breakfast buffet and live gospel music.  Adults are $33.50 and children 3-9 are $17.25.

Setting: The House of Blues at Downtown Disney is one of 13 locations nationwide.  There is live music most  days and nights, but you’ll want to check the schedule at http://www.houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/orlando/ to find out who’s playing and whether or not it’s something you might be interested in.  The outside of the restaurant features a 100 foot tall water tower and the interior is themed like an old house on the Orleans bayou.  Inside you’ll also find the artwork of Dr. Imagination and the House of Blue’s staple, the crazy quilt.  Supposedly there’s a box of mud from the Delta Mississippi under the stage, but I’ve never asked to see it.  Maybe when I become a rock star they’ll show me.

Advantages: There are usually talented musicians playing for free on stage.  The menu features a wide variety of items.  The sandwiches are moderately priced in the $12-$15 range.  You can bypass the line to get into the show if you get your receipt signed.  The voodoo shrimp and rosemary cornbread appetizer is delicious.  The jambalaya, ribs, Elwood sandwich, and shrimp po-boy are also recommended.  This restaurant is not on the Dining Plan, so it is likely that you can walk up and get a table, unless there is a popular act playing.  Usually open until at least midnight and later on weekends.

Disadvantages: Not on the Dining Plan.  This isn’t a restaurant where you’ll likely be holding a conversation unless there isn’t a band playing.  Service isn’t consistently excellent.  I wouldn’t recommend the pasta.

Value: Above average.  The menu is diverse and has a number of different price points and options.  Any of the $12 sandwiches would be tasty and filling and many of the more expensive specialty entrées like the jambalaya and baby back ribs are good as well.

Reputation: The House of Blues is another restaurant that doesn’t participate in any of the Disney Dining Plans.  It’s unfortunate, because it means a lot of people won’t give this place a try.  The food is consistently good and the atmosphere is among the best at Disney World, especially if talented musicians are on stage.  The gospel breakfast is also a fun way to eat as much of the delicious rosemary cornbread as you want and listen to some great gospel music.  The buffet offers a wide variety of food from made to order omelets to southern fried chicken to bacon and sausage.  If you’re hungry, awake, and enjoy Gospel music then check out their website linked above to purchase tickets.  If you aren’t on the Dining Plan and enjoy live music then the House of Blues is worth a look.

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Paradiso 37 Dining Review at Downtown Disney

by josh on March 12, 2010

Food Type: North, Central, South American

Dining Plan: NO

Cost: Appetizers are $4-$15.  Entrées are $12-$29.  The menu is the same throughout the day.

Setting: This restaurant opened on June 5th, 2009 and is one of the newest at Downtown Disney.  The “37” in the title refers to the 37 countries in the Americas and was the number of tequilas originally available for consumption.  The signature piece of the restaurant is the towering tequila bar and there are several other tequila themed light fixtures and accents around the restaurant.  Paradiso 37 features a tasteful variety of both bright and muted colors as well as some mosaics to keep the eyes interested.  Overall, the restaurant is not one of the more elaborately themed, but no one should walk away thinking the space is boring – especially those stumbling out after a few margaritas.

Advantages: Paradiso serves a wide variety of alcoholic drinks featuring a formidable tequila list.  I especially recommend the frozen sangria and beer that’s served chilled at a perfect 29 degrees.  Pricing is generally reasonable with a number of entrées in the $12-$15 range.  Patio dining is fun and the views are excellent.  The crazy corn and beef and pork skewers are excellent.  Service is usually attentive.  The bar area is a fun place to enjoy an evening with other adults.  There is usually live music in the evenings.  Since it’s not on the Dining Plan, it’s easier to walk up and get a table or sit in the bar and enjoy a couple of appetizers.

Disadvantages: Not on the Dining Plan.  Beer and alcohol are expensive.  Beers run $6 each or $19 for a pitcher, margaritas are in the $9+ range, and a shot of tequila will run at least $9.  Entrées are not prepared as well as the appetizers, making this place better for a drink and an appetizer instead of a full blown meal.  It gets extremely loud everywhere in the restaurant when a band is playing.

Value: Above average.  Two drinks, an order of the crazy corn, and an order of the beef skewers would run about $40 and should make for a delightfully pleasant light meal.  Although the alcohol is expensive, Paradiso does feature an extensive tequila list and the bartenders mix drinks well using premium liquor.  Entrées are moderately priced and the portion size is large.

Reputation: Although Paradiso 37 is fairly new, it’s clear that their emphasis is on the appetizers, tequila, and music, rather than fine dining and intimate conversations.  This is fine if that’s what you’re expecting.  The outside patio, with its own bar and fabulous view, is a fun place to sit and enjoy an afternoon or evening provided it’s not overpoweringly hot and the bugs aren’t out.  I would recommend a late night at Paradiso with the sangria and a couple of appetizers.  Drinks and appetizers are what a lot of people will be looking for in Downtown Disney anyway, and this is a fun destination to fill that need.

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Planet Hollywood Review at Downtown Disney

by josh on March 12, 2010

Food Type: American

Dining Plan: 1 Table Service

Cost: Appetizers are $9-$19.  Entrées are $12-$27.  Menu is the same all day.

Setting: Planet Hollywood is part of a (dwindling) chain of restaurants known for their movie memorabilia, slow service, and bad food.  The Orlando Planet Hollywood is no exception and features walls full of authentic movie stuff along with a neato “planetarium-like” ceiling.  It’s also conveniently attached to a Planet Hollywood gift shop with prices that eclipse even Disney’s.  No wonder Disney gives out a $15 coupon with every Magic Your Way package.  Compared to Planet Hollywood prices, that $8 car antennae topper is a bargain.

Advantages: If you want to eat at a Planet Hollywood, your choices are getting slimmer and slimmer so this might be it.  The atmosphere is fun for a couple of minutes as you walk to your table and gaze at all the movie stuff.  It’s easy to get a reservation.  All Disney “Magic Your Way” packages come with a $15 coupon and it’s on the Dining Plan.

Disadvantages: At one point, Planet Hollywood had 45 locations nationwide.  There are only six locations remaining and they’re all located in tourist traps (not that Downtown Disney is a tourist trap, of course).  I guess that should tell you something.  If it doesn’t, let me just tell you that the food is below average, service is slow, and the music is turned up so loud it would drown out a space shuttle launch at Kennedy Space Center 50 miles away.

Value: Poor.  If you must eat here, stick to the sandwiches.  Even the ice cream isn’t good.  Seriously.

Reputation: I feel sort of bad trashing Planet Hollywood like this.  The truth is that any chain restaurant that has had to close nearly 100 locations worldwide and has gone bankrupt twice is just not worth visiting.  The food is poorly prepared and the service somehow remains snotty, which is odd considering the disposition of the franchise.  Maybe the staff feels like it’s a privilege to eat at Planet Hollywood because it’s like an endangered species?  I don’t know.  The bottom line is that you should dine somewhere else.  Anywhere else.

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Portobello Table Service Dining Review at Downtown Disney

by josh on March 12, 2010

Food Type: Italian

Dining Plan: Portobello is not on the Dining Plan or the Deluxe Dining Plan, but it is on the Premium Dining Plan and Platinum Dining Plan.

Cost: For lunch, appetizers are $4-$24 and entrées are $10-$16.  Dinner appetizers are $4-$24 and entrées are $20-$80.

Setting: The Portobello Yacht Club, one of the original restaurants opened at Downtown Disney in 1989, recently went through a renovation and dropped the “Yacht Club” from its name.  We are now left with just “Portobello,” which, according to Disney, is “patterned after a classic osteria” with a menu “born from the bounty of the Italian countryside.”  I’m not sure what that means, but what we have is an elegant restaurant with a more open dining room and friendly atmosphere.

Advantages: Portobello has wonderful outdoor terrace seating.  The menu is more authentic than Tony’s at the Magic Kingdom or Mama Melrose’s at the Hollywood Studios, but isn’t as pretentious or stuffy as Epcot’s Tutto Italia.  The dishes are made with simple fresh ingredients that create a complex authentic Italian taste.  The antipasto platter is a fun way to start a meal and the “Ravioli Gigante”are probably the biggest raviolis you’ve ever seen.  Lunch is moderately priced and the pasta entrées are the exact same as you would get at dinner, only less expensive and smaller portions.  This restaurant is not on the Dining Plan, so it’s easier to walk up and be seated.

Disadvantages: Portobello is not on the Dining Plan.  Dinner is expensive, especially considering the relatively small portions and inattentive service.  The “Sambuca Shrimp” appetizer consists of four shrimp, for example.  Entrées should be enough for one, but won’t be plenty of food for two to share.  The service is often on the slower side as staff doesn’t appear to be well trained or knowledgeable.

Value: Poor to average.  Portobello is a bit on the expensive side, especially for dinner.  Several of the pasta dishes cost more than $20 and don’t include meat.  I would try Portobello for lunch before committing to the more expensive dinner.

Reputation: Portobello is not a particularly popular restaurant.  For one, it’s way out in the Pleasure Island section of Downtown Disney, which doesn’t get much foot traffic because just about everything in that area is shut down.  Second, it doesn’t take the Regular or Deluxe Dining Plan.  On the other hand, Portobello is a good choice for those who aren’t on the Dining Plan and appreciate quality over quantity.  It would also make a reasonably priced pasta lunch.  Overall, I would only recommend Portobello for those who are not on the Dining Plan and would like a more authentic Italian meal than they would find elsewhere at Disney.  If you’re on the Dining Plan then there’s no reason to make a special trip out here.

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Raglan Road Irish Pub Dining Review at Downtown Disney

by josh on March 12, 2010

Food Type: Irish

Dining Plan: 1 Table Service

Cost: For lunch, appetizers are $5-14 entrées are $10-$15.  Dinner appetizers are $7-$26 and entrées are $14-$29.

Setting: Raglan Road in Orlando is a replica of the original Raglan Road Pub in Dublin, Ireland.  Each of Raglan Road’s four bars, along with all of the custom furnishings and fixtures, were imported directly from Ireland.  The restaurant also features a stage where entertainers play live Irish music and a centrally located table where dancers perform traditional Irish dances.  The band plays every night beginning at about 7pm and ending at 12am with occasional breaks, except for Sunday when the band does not play.  The best reservation time for dinner is around 8pm if you would like to enjoy the live entertainment and bustle of the restaurant.  Make sure you request the area you would like to be seated in also.  There are tables near the entertainment that can be louder as well as tables away from the entertainment that are quieter, but you won’t have a great view of the musicians or dancers.

Advantages: The Irish musicians are talented and the music isn’t so loud that it overpowers most conversations.  Great place to enjoy a beer and the entertainment.  Intriguing menu that is a little different but should still appeal to most guests.  Service is usually attentive and food is hot and well prepared.  Lunch entrées are moderately priced.  Make sure you try the scallop appetizer and bread pudding dessert.  Kids menu includes several unique entrées instead of the usual chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese.

Disadvantages: Restaurant can get loud and busy, especially during weekend evenings.  Although Raglan is fine with kids, there will likely be a lot of people huddled around the bar areas drinking beer, especially on weekend evenings.  This kind of atmosphere can make some kids and parents uncomfortable.  If you want a quieter meal, consider weekday reservation in the earlier evening before the entertainment starts.

Value: Above average.  Raglan Road is priced well considering the quality of the food, attention of the staff, and engaging entertainment.  Lunch is also moderately priced and the service and food are just as good.  Portions aren’t huge, but should be plenty to satisfy the hungry.  If somehow you still have room, order the bread pudding.

Reputation: Raglan Road is one of the best restaurants at Downtown Disney and it takes the Dining Plan.  The evening entertainment is fun without being intrusive and the food and service are first rate as well.  If you’re adults looking to enjoy a fun meal or a couple beers and an appetizer then I would suggest getting reservations during a weekend evening.  If your party includes young children, I would suggest a weeknight reservation.  Raglan also prepares a fine lunch for those looking to have a relaxing midday meal without the noise and bustle of the evenings.

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Rainforest Cafe Review at Downtown Disney

by josh on March 12, 2010

Food Type: American – A great variety of burgers, sandwiches, seafood, steaks, and chicken.

Dining Plan: The Rainforest Café is not on the Regular Dining Plan or the Deluxe Dining Plan, but it is on the Premium Dining Plan and Platinum Dining Plan.

Cost:  Appetizers: $9-$17.  Entrée: $13-$37.  Lunch and Dinner Menu are the same.  Breakfast: $10-$14.

Setting: If you’ve been to a Rainforest Café then the setting will be familiar.  If not, the Rainforest Café takes the idea of a themed restaurant to a whole new level.  The restaurant is decked out with trees, vegetation, waterfalls, and animatronic jungle animals that not only make sounds, but talk as well.  The sky booms with thunder and lightning and live fish swim in aquarium sized tanks throughout the restaurant.  All in all, the Rainforest Café is definitely a sight to be seen.

Advantages: The theming eclipses even the best Disney has to offer.  Fun atmosphere for kids and adults.  Wraps and burgers are moderately priced and taste good.  Service is generally better than other Rainforest locations.  You can enter through the gift shop and take a look around the restaurant without eating.

Disadvantages: Extremely noisy.  Expensive for what equates to basically TGI Friday’s quality food.  Not on the Dining Plan.  Young children may be frightened by the loud noises.  Rainforest Café is located at the front of the Animal Kingdom, which means it may be a long walk from the back of the Park.  You’ll want to plan accordingly.

Value: Average.  People will tell you the Rainforest Café is overpriced, but you’re paying for the animatronics as much as the food.  Sure, it’s basically Applebee’s with robot animals, but kids will love it and most adults enjoy the fun as well.  A half pound burger with bacon for $14 or so isn’t out of this world expensive, either.  The quality of the ingredients on the more expensive specialty items doesn’t justify the high prices.

Reputation: If you don’t have a Rainforest Café near you and aren’t on the Dining Plan then this may be a great choice, especially for those with kids who will appreciate the surroundings.  If you have a Rainforest nearby then you might want to save this for a later date as there is plenty of other fun stuff going on at Disney World to keep kids occupied.  Rainforest’s food is generally average at best, especially once you start ordering specialty items like the paella or crab cakes.  I would stick to the burgers and wraps, both for cost effectiveness and meal quality.  Also, take into consideration that the T-Rex restaurant at Downtown Disney is owned by the same company and is more unique and themed even more extravagantly.

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T-Rex Table Service Dining Review at Downtown Disney

by josh on March 12, 2010

Food Type: American – A great variety of burgers, salads, sandwiches, seafood, steaks, chicken, and pasta

Dining Plan: NO

Cost:  Appetizers: $9-$18.  Entrée: $12-$30.  Lunch and Dinner Menu are the same.

Setting: The T-Rex is a newer restaurant opened by the same company that operates the Rainforest Café franchise.  Instead of the jungle theme, the T-Rex features life-size animatronic dinosaurs, meteor showers, and lots of color-changing lights and sounds.  The theming is more exciting than the Rainforest Café and there is also a play area for children to learn about dinosaurs and dig for prehistoric fossils.  Unlike the Rainforest Café, which has 25 locations nationwide, the T-Rex only has locations in Orlando and Missouri.

Advantages: Fantastic atmosphere both kids and adults can enjoy.  The menu features a wide variety of choices.  Basic burgers and sandwiches are large, moderately priced, and taste good.  The play area for children is fun and slightly educational.  You can walk around the restaurant without sitting down for a meal.

Disadvantages: T-Rex is probably the loudest restaurant at Disney and possibly the world.  The dinosaurs are constantly making noises and the “meteor shower” can be deafening.  Food is expensive and I would recommend sticking to the burgers and sandwiches, as the steaks and seafood are nothing to write home about.  T-Rex can also be scary for young children, to the point where they may want to leave.

Value: Average.  T-Rex is a restaurant for those who want to enjoy a fun atmosphere and pay a premium for it.  “Foodies” or those looking for a high quality meal should dine elsewhere or lower their expectations to TGI Friday’s level.

Reputation: T-Rex has a fantastic atmosphere and it’s obvious that the owners expanded on the best ideas from the Rainforest Café chain.  The food is better than the Rainforest Café, but still on par with TGI Friday’s or Applebee’s.  Service is usually fine, but won’t be on par with the fancier restaurants at Disney.  The other downside is that the dinosaurs, lights, and sounds may scare young children to the point where they want to leave the restaurant.  If your child is of the more fearful variety, I would recommend checking out the restaurant quickly before committing to a meal.  You can enter from the gift shop and mosey through.  Overall, I would recommend the T-Rex to anyone who wants to experience what T-Rex has to offer – an outstandingly themed dinosaur restaurant with above average food and service.  If you’re trying to decide between the T-Rex and the Rainforest Café, I would choose the T-Rex because there aren’t as many locations, the food is better, and there’s more to see and do.

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