Walt Disney World Resort continues to re-invent Downtown Disney (DTD) as a shopping and dining destination, with many new and planned additions– to Marketplace, West Side and now Hyperion Wharf – being outsourced (non-Disney) restaurants.
All these changes have led me to wonder about whether DTD dining is good enough to be the anchor of a Disney retail and restaurant experience. Similar to Allie’s question, “To Downtown Disney or Not,” I’ve started to ask myself, “Is it worth traveling to DTD to eat?”
Downtown Disney Restaurants
Downtown Disney dining options have many choices, although most of what is offered is a selection of American food geared toward families.
In terms of overall food quality, like those at the Disney theme parks and resorts, quality varies. Generally, the quick-service options at DTD are equal and often superior to their counterparts at the parks and resorts. DTD’s full-service restaurants, moderately priced, tend to be above average for the non-Disney chains and average for the Disney-run venues – with Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant being the true stand-out.
Like their Disney restaurant counterparts, DTD restaurants don’t tend to serve heavily spiced food and their portions tend to be generous. Prices are comparable with other on-Disney property options.
To Dine or Not to Dine at DTD – That is the Question…
I visit DTD on every trip – it’s a regular stop on travel days – and have my favorite DTD restaurants. I don’t feel my Disney vacation is complete until I have either had a quick nibble at Earl of Sandwich or Wolfgang Puck Express or enjoyed a casual meal and raised my glass at Raglan Road Irish Restaurant and Pub. Preferably followed by a sweet treat from Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop or Goofy’s Candy Co.
So I want to answer a firm Yes! Dine at DTD.
But it’s a more complicated question than that, isn’t it? At least if you’re not on a Disney trip with me, when it’s not complicated at all – we’re going! Whether or not you should visit DTD depends on your Walt Disney World (WDW) vacation details and your expectations. Here are some things to consider.
(Multiple) Reasons for visiting DTD: Generally, the more reasons you have for visiting DTD, the more it makes sense to dine at DTD. If you’re going to DTD for Cirque du Soleil, DisneyQuest, or just to shop, eating there becomes part of the overall experience. Some guests also like DTD dining instead of eating at their resorts, making it an evening out but still away from the parks (and lines).
Length of Stay: DTD is many guests’ choice for dining on a travel day – they’re a relaxing way to ease in and out the WDW atmosphere. Eating at DTD on longer trips, ones with a touring half-day or rest day, also offers a nice compromise between Disney and non-Disney. Shorter stays, or first-time visitors, might consider saving DTD for future trips.
Transportation/Resort Location: Traveling to DTD via car is more efficient, not to mention more convenient if you’ll be shopping, and the parking is free. Disney bus transportation is reliable but takes longer to get from place to place. For guests staying off-site without cars, a trip to DTD might not be worthwhile. For those on-site, there’s less of an issue.
Guests of Port Orleans French Quarter or Riverside can make an experience of getting to DTD, traveling via the resort’s relaxing boat ride. DTD is also a fairly quick trip for guests at the nearby Epcot-area resorts. Guests staying at Disney Values might also consider DTD, although a slightly longer trip, as DTD dining offers a non-park alternative to those resorts’ food courts. It’s a significantly longer bus ride from other Disney resorts.
Disney Dining Plan / Tables in Wonderland: Whether to eat at DTD isn’t as complicated for on-site guests using the Disney Dining Plan (DDP) or guests using the Tables in Wonderland (TIW) discount card. Many DTD restaurants participate in one or both programs.
Dining Expectations: DTD food, for the most part, isn’t a Disney experience – most restaurants aren’t owned and operated by Disney. That’s not to say there aren’t themed restaurants at DTD; there are plenty of them. They’re just not solely Disney ones. There are plenty of familiar chains serving family dining that is focused kids (e.g. Rainforest Café, T-Rex) as well as more adult but still family-friendly venues (e.g. Bongos, House of Blues, Planet Hollywood). Of course, some of these chain restaurants can be found in other areas, which potentially makes them somewhat less special or magical. On the other hand, the overall food quality of these restaurants are a notch higher than Disney-run ones in DTD.
Dine at Downtown Disney – That is the Answer
But while I can logically tell you eating at DTD is a personal decision, based on the specifics of your trip, I can’t help but recommend eating there at least once. Make a half-day of it, combined with some shopping or another DTD experience to give you a chance to experience DTD as a leisurely Disney experience. I recommend investigating Downtown Disney’s current list of restaurants and choose your favorite fare.
Or…simply take my advice and enjoy an evening at Raglan Road. Come for the food, stay for the entertainment, and enjoy the Guinness and whiskey. Maybe I’ll see you there.
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