WS Table Service

La Hacienda de San Angel

by josh on October 7, 2010

La Hacienda de San Angel

Food Type: Mexican

Dining Plan: 1 Table Service

Tables in Wonderland: Yes

Cost:  Appetizers range in price from $7-$13; entrées are $24 to $27 and there are two platters intended to be shared by two people that are $50 each; Desserts are $6-$8.  Margaritas are $12-$13 and shots of tequila cost between $7-$18.  The full dinner menu is available here and the full drink menu is available here.

How La Hacienda Works: La Hacienda opened at Epcot in September of 2010 alongside the World Showcase Lagoon in the Mexico Pavilion.  From 11am to around 3pm, the air-conditioned seating area is open to those who purchase food from the adjacent La Cantina de San Angel counter service.  La Hacienda opens as a dedicated sit-down restaurant at 4pm.  After 4pm, La Cantina counter service guests are invited to sit in the dedicated La Cantina patio area that seats about 150 people.

Setting: Like its sister restaurant, San Angel Inn, La Hacienda de San Angel is a beautiful restaurant.  Unlike San Angel Inn, which sits underneath “perpetual twilight,” La Hacienda features vibrant colors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and views of the World Showcase Lagoon.  Each room in the restaurant is modeled after a different section of a hacienda (estate) – you might find yourself dining in the artist’s studio, family room, or grand salon.  Just walking through the restaurant to your table is a visually stimulating experience and one that is certain to get you excited about the meal ahead.

Advantages: La Hacienda’s single biggest advantage is the possibility of a fantastic Illuminations view.  The restaurant sits directly on the Lagoon and has one of the best vantage points to enjoy the evening fireworks and laser show, especially if loud noises are likely to startle youngsters (or adults).  The windows keep most of the loud noises out, while still offering outstanding visuals.  During Illuminations, the lights in the restaurant are turned down and the Illuminations soundtrack is played inside the restaurant just like you would hear outside.

La Hacienda’s margaritas are mixed well with interesting and unique flavors.  Menu items are presented beautifully, with careful attention to detail and gorgeous colors.  Appetizers are flavorful and inspired.  Service is attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly.  Kids’ menu includes chicken tacos, beef tacos, and nachos – all of which appeal to kids and are a nice change of pace from fried chicken nuggets (which are also available if your kids are so inclined).

Disadvantages: La Hacienda has a limited menu, with only six appetizers, five entrées, and four dessert choices.  Even the margarita menu is limited with only six options that will set you back at least $12 each.  Portions are small.  The churro dessert consists of about four bites of churro and a few sips of a so-so hot chocolate for $8.  While “sensible” portion sizes aren’t necessarily bad, the high prices don’t reflect the lack of food.

Value: Relatively low as far as the food is concerned.  One appetizer, two entrées, and one dessert would set you back about $70.  Add two margaritas, tax, and tip, and you’re looking at a $120 meal for two people.  The food quality, flavors, and selection are not up to par, considering the above-average prices for an Epcot restaurant.  However, the restaurant does offer additional value if you can get a reservation around 8pm in order to stay and enjoy Illuminations.

Reputation: La Hacienda de San Angel is owned and operated by San Angel Inn LLC, which is in turn managed by Palmas Services LLC.  This same company also operates the San Angel Inn and La Cantina de San Angel inside of the Mexico Pavilion and Maya Grill, Café Rix, and Pepper Market at the Coronado Springs Moderate Resort.  All of these restaurants are generally considered to be overpriced with marginal food quality, and La Hacienda de San Angel seems like it will continue that tradition.  While San Angel Inn has improved substantially over the last two years and it appears that La Hacienda is sincere in trying to offer an experience that includes food to match the amazing view of Illuminations, they are simply not there yet.  They need to add five or six additional entrées, including one or two that are less than $20.  In addition, the kitchen needs to pay as much attention to seasoning and preparation as they do to the presentation.

If you’ve eaten at most of the other Epcot restaurants and you’re looking for something different,  La Hacienda de San Angel isn’t a bad choice if you can get a reservation that will include viewing Illuminations.  It certainly isn’t a terrible restaurant, but there are plenty of better options if you haven’t eaten at other Epcot restaurants.  In addition, I don’t think La Hacienda de San Angel offers enough value to recommend it without an Illuminations viewing.  The restaurant is beautiful, but it isn’t strikingly novel in the same way that San Angel Inn is, overlooking the Three Caballeros boat ride and sitting underneath the volcano.

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Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

by josh on March 16, 2010

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Food Type: Norwegian, American.

How It Works:  Akershus is a little different than other buffets.  For the all-you-care-to-eat breakfast, the hot items will be brought to the table by a waiter and served family style.  You may also enjoy the “cold bar” that features a variety of pastries, yogurts, and fruit    For lunch and dinner, there is a cold bar with appetizers, bread, sliced meats, and a variety of other chilled foods.  You may go to the cold bar as often as you like.  Instead of a family style meal, lunch and dinner features a set menu where you will choose the entrée and a waiter will bring it to the table.  Dessert is served family style with several options.

Dining Plan: One Table Service

Cost:

Breakfast: $32.99 for adults, $19.99 for children    8:00AM-11:10AM

Lunch: $35.99 for adults, $21.99 for children    11:40AM-2:50PM

Dinner: $39.99 for adults, $22.99 for children      4:20PM-8:40PM

Setting: The restaurant is a beautifully themed 14th century Scandinavian castle.  High-beamed ceilings, leaded-glass windows, and archways compliment the white stone interior.  Each meal features four to five princesses.  Belle, Ariel, Jasmine, and Snow White are usually present and Cinderella and Mulan make special appearances as well.

Imaging Package:  A photographer will take a picture of your party with Belle before you are seated.  Note that Belle does not also visit tables.  Akershus is one of the only character meals where the picture will be presented to you for “free.”  The same imaging package would cost about $30 at Tusker House and other similar character buffets.

Advantages: The imaging package is a nice bonus and most pictures turn out well.  The breakfast buffet offers a wide variety of fantastic entrées and sides, including the potato casserole which is exceptional.  Character interaction is as good as or better than Cinderella’s Royal Table and the price is about $20 less per person.  Breakfast is the stand out meal with better food and a wider variety of options.  The cold bar at lunch and dinner offers a nice selection of Norwegian staples along with plenty of options that cater to the Americanized palette.

Disadvantages: It is expensive and reservations are almost always required.  The lunch and dinner entrees are hit or miss quality wise and may not be appealing to those with limited palettes.  The restaurant is always busy and tables are close together.

Value: It depends on your situation, expectations, and what you’re looking for in the meal.  If you want the pictures and the princess interaction then this is an excellent value, especially on the Dining Plan.  If you’re just here for the food then you could probably do better elsewhere, both in terms of quality and price.

Reputation: Akershus is highly rated, especially for a buffet style meal.  The character interaction is excellent and this is one of the only opportunities to meet five princesses so easily.  Akershus is recommended for breakfast in particular.  If you can get a reservation before the Park opens in the morning then you will also be admitted into Epcot before the official rope drop, allowing pictures throughout Future World, Mexico, and Norway with few people around.  If you’d like to experience breakfast after visiting the major attractions, make a reservation around 10:45am.  Overall, Akershus is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a character meal featuring the Disney princesses.

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Biergarten

by josh on March 16, 2010

Biergarten

Food Type: German

Dining Plan: One Table Service

Cost:  Lunch: $21.99 for adults, $11.99 for children

Dinner: $32.99 for adults, $15.99 for children

Setting:   Biergarten is set in a Bavarian village during Oktoberfest and is complete with stage, dance floor, and live music.   Biergarten features a 25 minute long show that occurs throughout the day.  The schedule should be as follows, but is subject to change:

Shows begin at1:15, 2:15, 3:15, 4:45, 5:55, 7:00, and 8:05pm

You’ll want a reservation about 30 minutes before the start time.  This way you can be sure that you’ll be seated and have an opportunity to hit the buffet before the music starts.  You’re welcome to enjoy the show even if you’ve finished eating.

Advantages: The price includes the meal and entertainment.  For lunch, you’re looking at a $22 meal that basically includes a fountain beverage, appetizer, entree, and dessert, which is a fantastic value.  There are plenty of options for picky eaters and the more adventurous alike (roasted chicken, bratwurst, spaetzel, macaroni and cheese, several salads, fruit, pretzel bread etc.).  Food is better than most buffets.  The German band is fun and kids and adults can enjoy dancing along.

Disadvantages: Tables seat 8 and if your party is smaller then you will be seated with others (which may or may not be bad depending on who it is).  Dinner only adds a couple of items for the $11 additional cost.

Value: Above average.  Biergarten features an excellent variety of food and a fun show.  Out of pocket, lunch makes the most sense because the menu is basically the same as dinner.  On the Disney Dining Plan, dinner is a better choice.  The additional entrées at dinner don’t justify the extra $11 for most people, though it may be more convenient.

Reputation: Biergarten is a must do for a lot of returning Disney guests.  Don’t be frightened by what might appear to be “weird” food.  There is something for everyone here and it’s likely you’ll be surprised with what you end up liking.  Plus, there’s plenty of delicious pretzel bread and dessert just in case.  The potential downside is that you will be seated with others unless you have a party for 8.  Overall, Biergarten is recommended  to anyone looking for an entertaining buffet meal with slightly more adventurous food.

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Bistro de Paris

by josh on March 16, 2010

Bistro de Paris is currently closed for a refurbishment that should be wrapped up December 3rd.

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Les Chefs de France

by josh on March 16, 2010

Les Chefs de France

Food Type: French

Dining Plan: 1 Table Service

Cost:  Lunch appetizers are $7-$14 and entrées are $14-$24.  Desserts come in at $9 each.  There is a three course fixed price menu for $24.  Dinner appetizers are $7-$15 and entrées are $19-$35.  There is also a three course fixed price menu for $40.

Setting: One floor beneath Le Bistro is this elegantly themed French “Brasserie.”  The atmosphere is relaxed and more casual than Le Bistro upstairs.

Advantages: You can order the fixed price menu on the Dining Plan, which includes an appetizer, entrée, and dessert.  Chef Remy (of Ratatouille fame) makes appearances Monday – Saturday beginning at 12:30pm 1:40pm, 2:50pm, and 5:20pm.  The relaxed atmosphere and lower prices are more appealing to families compared to upstairs Bistro de Paris.   The fixed price lunch menu offers a nice variety of food at a reasonable price.  Hot baguettes are served throughout the meal and the desserts are wonderful.

Disadvantages: The tables at Les Chefs are right on top of each other and it gets noisy and crowded.  The children’s menu leaves something to be desired.  Service is usually slow (French).

Value: The $24 fixed price lunch is a good value out of pocket.  On the Dining Plan, the $40 fixed price dinner is also very good.  With entrees for both meals as “cheap” as $14 – $20, you can get out of Les Chefs for less money than most other Disney restaurants.

Reputation: Chefs de France is a solid table service option.  Lunch is moderately priced and dinner on the Dining Plan is a good value.  The restaurant is themed well and the food is usually good.  Seeing Remy at lunch is an added bonus.  If you’re dining in the evening, try to get a table near the window to view the fireworks during illuminations, though the view isn’t great.

 

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Le Cellier

by josh on March 16, 2010

Food Type: Canadian – Steak, mostly

Dining Plan: As of March 1st 2011, lunch is now one table service credit and dinner is now two table service credits.  Beginning January 1 2013, both lunch and dinner will be two table service meals.

Cost:  Lunch appetizers are $5-$18 and entrées are $15-$32.  There’s a fixed price lunch menu for $28.99.  Dinner appetizers cost $9-$16 and Entrées cost $25-$45.

Setting: Le Cellier is housed inside of a dark, dark cellar hidden away underneath the Hotel Frontenac.  If this wasn’t the most popular restaurant at Epcot, you probably wouldn’t know it’s there.

Advantages: Le Cellier offers a wide variety of quality meats, including filet mignon, prime rib, New York strip, chicken breast, pork chop, scallops, and veal.  Pretzel bread and cheese soup are among the most recommended dishes at Disney.  Food is prepared to order and executed consistently well.  Service is attentive and servers are knowledgeable about the menu.  Kids menu includes a smaller portion of the cheese soup, steak, and ice cream.  One of the best beer lists you’ll find at Disney.

Disadvantages: Now that Le Cellier is a “signature dining experience,” prices have risen, but quality remains the same.  Appetizers are overpriced out of pocket.  Restaurant is dark and not necessarily inviting.  It’s still difficult to get a reservation.

Value: Above average.  Le Cellier’s prices have risen, but they are still in line with general Disney pricing.  That is, entrees are about $10 “overpriced,” compared to what you would pay at a similar restaurant in the “real world.”  This would be an expensive meal out of pocket, but it’s also one of the highest quality meals at Disney, both in terms of food quality and service.

Reputation:  Le Cellier was once the most coveted dining reservation on Disney property, but the price increase and switch to a “signature dining experience” has lessened its popularity.  It’s still one of the better meals in any theme park in the world, but it’s difficult to justify a $42 8oz steak or $9 cup of cheddar cheese soup.  I would shy toward a lunch reservation and then perhaps a dinner reservation on a subsequent trip if you love it.

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Nine Dragons Restaurant

by josh on March 16, 2010

Food Type: Chinese

Dining Plan: 1 Table Service

Cost:  Lunch appetizers cost $6-$12 and entrées cost $13-$22.  There is a two course (soup and entrée) fixed price meal available for $19 per person.  Dinner appetizers are $6-$12 and entrées are $16-$26.  There is a three course (soup, entrée, dessert) fixed price meal available for $24 per person.

Setting: Inside of the Chinese Pavilion at Epcot is a wonderfully themed Chinese restaurant.  Nine Dragons is one of the larger restaurants at Epcot and it was renovated in September 2008.  It now features a beautiful glass mural of two dragons chasing a glowing pearl, rosewood wall panels, and is lighted by traditional Chinese lanterns.

Advantages: Nine Dragons is large and it’s likely that you can get a reservation when other restaurants are booked.  It’s also one of the easiest walkups in the theme parks.  The menu features entrées similar to most American Chinese restaurants and also includes several more traditional entrées like the Five-Spiced Fish.  The restaurant is beautifully themed and a lot of attention is spent on the presentation of the food.  The atmosphere is relaxed and service is attentive.  Finally, the Kids’ Menu includes interesting items like Pot Stickers, Sweet and Sour Chicken, and Ginger Ice Cream.

Disadvantages: The entrées are expensive and portions will be smaller than your local Chinese takeout.  The Peking Duck entrée is long gone.

Value: Average.  The entrées are $5-$10 more than they would be at a local Chinese restaurant, but the quality of the food and presentation is probably higher.  Nine Dragons is priced in line with other Disney restaurants so nothing should be shocking.  The $19 lunch is a good value out of pocket.

Reputation: This used to be one of the least recommended restaurants on property, but since the September 2008 renovation it has improved immensely.  If you’ve eaten here in the past and hated it, you might give it another chance, especially if getting a reservation elsewhere is proving to be difficult.  Food tastes fresh, service is attentive, and the restaurant is beautiful.  Both Japanese restaurants are better, but if you’re looking for something a little different, Nine Dragons is in no way a poor decision.

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Restaurant Marrakesh

by josh on March 16, 2010

 

Food Type: Moroccan

Dining Plan: 1 Table Service.  The Sampler Platters have an extra $5 surcharge.

Cost:  Lunch appetizers: $6-$16, entrées: $15-$28.  Dinner appetizers: $7-$14, Entrées: $21-$43.

Setting: Marrakesh is a beautifully themed Moroccan palace.  If it weren’t for all the kids, shorts, and Mickey ears you’d probably think you were really in Morocco.  There is a belly dancer and Moroccan band for your entertainment as well.  The band plays for about 15 minutes and the belly dancer performs for about 10 minutes.  The show should start at 12:50, 1:50, 2:50, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00 and 8:10pm.  I would recommend a reservation about 30 minutes before the start of the show so you can be sure you are seated and have a chance to order before the show starts.

Advantages: Staff is friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about the menu.  The entertainment is a nice bonus and its short duration will give you an opportunity to chat as well as enjoy a little bit of Morocco.  This is an opportunity to try something a little “different,” although the food is still catered to “American” tastes and sensibilities.  I would recommend the refreshing Moroccan Mint Tea as your beverage.

Disadvantages: Another expensive meal that can be noisy and has tables close together.  The belly dancer is only out for a short time and not all views are great.  The menu may not appeal to all guests, especially children too old for the children’s menu, but not old enough to appreciate different tastes. The menu is limited on the Dining Plan.  The kids menu doesn’t have any interesting entrées.

Value: Average.  Marrakesh can get expensive, especially once you start considering the various $35+ platters and the $42 per person feast.  I would recommend sharing a platter to experience a variety of Moroccan flavors economically.

Reputation: Marrakesh is not as popular as it should be because many people find the perceived exoticness of Moroccan food unappealing.  This is unfortunate because Marrakesh is suited to American tastes and many of the entrées are simply marinated meats in traditional sauces.  If you’ve tried a few of the other “safer” Epcot restaurants I would recommend giving this one a try.  On the other hand, the Moroccan counter service is also excellent and an even better value on the Dining Plan, as you can easily get a $20 meal for one quick service credit.  Overall, Marrakesh is on my list of top five Epcot restaurants, but it’s probably on the lower end of that list.

Overall Rank on The Best Epcot Sit Down Restaurants: 13th out of 15

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Rose and Crown Pub Restaurant Review at Disney’s Epcot

by josh on March 16, 2010

Wondering how Rose & Crown stacks up against the other Epcot Table Service Restaurants? Check out The Best Epcot Sit Down Restaurants for a comparison of all 15 Epcot restaurants in a variety of categories including Most Unique Menu, Best Value on the Disney Dining Plan, Best Value Out of Pocket, Best Atmosphere, Best Food, and Best Overall Restaurant.

Food Type: British

Dining Plan: 1 Table Service.

Cost:  Lunch appetizers: $6-$13, entrées: $11-$16.  Dinner appetizers: $4-$13, Entrées: $16-$25.

Setting: Located in the United Kingdom Pavilion, Rose and Crown is modeled after a traditional British pub.  As you might expect, there is a lot of shiny wood and alcohol.  The restaurant also houses a bar where you can order beer and drinks.  Ideally, you want to sit outside on the patio during Illuminations as this is one of the best and most comfortable places to view the fireworks.  If Illuminations is scheduled for 9pm then you’ll want a reservation around 7:45-8PM to make sure you get seated.  If you do get seated inside, tell your waiter that you would like to step outside to the viewing area for Illuminations and they should be able to time your meal so your food isn’t sitting cold while you’re outside.

Advantages: This is one of the more consistent options at Disney both in terms of food quality and service.  Most everything is good, from the bangers and mash, to the pot pie, to the fish and chips, to the sticky toffee pudding for dessert.  Beer and alcohol are abundantly available.  Prices are relatively inexpensive.  A solid sandwich at lunch is around $12 and most entrées are under $20 for dinner.  The opportunity to sit outside and enjoy a Guinness and a Shepherd’s Pie during Illuminations can’t be beat.

Disadvantages: Officially, the Rose and Crown will not guarantee a patio seat and you have to take the table they offer.  My recommendation would be to tell the person checking you in that you would like to sit on the patio and will wait as long as it takes.  In practice, this usually works since many people aren’t even aware that patio seating is available.  The menu is somewhat limited and changes more often than others.  We miss several past entrées and desserts.

Value: Above average to excellent.  This is one of the cheaper sit-down restaurants at Epcot.   A $12 sandwich at Rose and Crown beats an $8 bacon double cheeseburger at counter service for lunch by a long shot.  Those looking to “maximize” the Dining Plan can also get the $25 steak and fish combo at dinner.  Although it’s cheaper than other restaurants, I don’t think affordability should be held against it on the Dining Plan.

Reputation: The Rose & Crown is a great spot for lunch or dinner, on or off the Dining Plan.  If you can get a table on the patio during Illuminations then this is probably the best meal at Epcot.  There is also indoor air-conditioned seating on hot or rainy days or during lunch.  The bar is a convenient and fun way to pop inside and enjoy a beer with other like-minded adults.  I recommend the Rose and Crown to anyone.  It’s a great meal and if you can get outside on the patio for Illuminations it is truly magical.

Overall Rank on The Best Epcot Sit Down Restaurants: 1st out of 15

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San Angel Inn Restaurant Review at Disney’s Epcot Mexico Pavilion

by josh on March 16, 2010

Wondering how San Angel Inn stacks up against the other Epcot Table Service Restaurants? Check out The Best Epcot Sit Down Restaurants for a comparison of all 15 Epcot restaurants in a variety of categories including Most Unique Menu, Best Value on the Disney Dining Plan, Best Value Out of Pocket, Best Atmosphere, Best Food, and Best Overall Restaurant.

Food Type: Mexican

Dining Plan: 1 Table Service.

Cost:  Lunch appetizers are $7-$11 and entrées cost $17-$22.  Dinner Appetizers are $6-$11 and entrées cost $24-$33.   Margaritas are $10-$13.

Setting: The San Angel has one of the best settings at Disney World.  According to Disney, “San Angel Inn simmers with romance under perpetual twilight where Mayan ruins lend an ancient ambience.”  The restaurant is styled like a traditional Hacienda and is located inside of the Mexican Pavilion right on the same water that the boat cruise is on.  The restaurant is raised off the water giving you plenty of privacy and offers a great view of the boats and Mayan temple.

Advantages: The setting can’t be beat.  The chips and guacamole are now freshly made and delicious.  There are several interesting meal choices for children, including a quesadilla and flautas.  It’s cool and dark, making it a pleasant retreat after a hot day in the sun.  The menu has been expanded to include entrées people will be more familiar with, including burritos and enchiladas to go along with the more traditional Mexican recipes.

Disadvantages: Margaritas and entrées are expensive.  The tables are close together and not all of them have the best view of the water.  Some people refuse to return here after having had a poor meal in the past.

Value: Below average to average.  This restaurant is expensive, especially for a type of food that is generally much cheaper.  That being said, the food is much higher quality fare than your typical $8 burrito platter.  The presentation is also top-notch.

Reputation: San Angel Inn used to have one of the worst reputations of any restaurant at Disney World.  Luckily, it has improved immensely over the past year.  The chips and guacamole are now freshly made and the food is prepared with much more care and consistency.  Make sure you ask to sit near the water and if they try to sit you next to the bathrooms, politely ask to be seated elsewhere.  If you have had a bad meal here in the past, I would recommend giving it another chance, especially if you are on the Dining Plan.

Overall Rank on The Best Epcot Sit Down Restaurants: 14th out of 15

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