Best OOP Restaurants

[princesscharming]

I'm curious what restaurants you think are best for those paying OOP. I hear people say a certain restaurant was fine since they had the DDP, but "wouldn't go if we were paying OOP." What restaurants, if any, do you think are worth your dollar?

In my mind I'm thinking of two categories:
1. Park Restaurants
2. Other (DTD, resorts, etc.)

 

[JimmyV]

The best non-DDP restaurants are, for the most part, at the Swan/Dolphin.

Blue Zoo
Shula's
Il Mulino
Kimono's

Also, and somewhat obviously, Victoria & Albert's.
I also would put Wolfgang Puck (upstairs restaurant, not Cafe) on the list.

 

[abubu919]

I'm curious what restaurants you think are best for those paying OOP. I hear people say a certain restaurant was fine since they had the DDP, but "wouldn't go if we were paying OOP." What restaurants, if any, do you think are worth your dollar?

In my mind I'm thinking of two categories:
1. Park Restaurants
2. Other (DTD, resorts, etc.)

We alwyas pay OOP, and never use the Dining Plan and these are the ones we always seem to come back to.

Crystal Palace - Breakfast (Love the food and character interaction)
ESPN Club at the Boardwalk
Yachtsman Steakhouse - Yacht Club
Cape May Cafe - Breakfast (Beach Club)
Usually anywhere in Epcot, but we seem to go to Rose & Crown or Japan a good bit
These are just some of ours that we always go back to but I am sure there are more. It depends on how much we are willing to spend on a certain vacation. Hope this helps.

 

[POOHDRMR]

We have done dining plan a few times but usually pay oop and the ones we would go to either way are Kona,Tuskar house breakfast,Boma, Liberty tree tavern, Le Cellier,Yak and Yeti I like Ohana but dh can take or leave it,dd loves Sci fi so we go oop too for that-I might order diffferently oop like get app's instead of main course or app and main course but no dessert.I like having the choice instead of being on the plan and having to get dessert.But when they have free dining I don't mind so much

 

[Nadjalu]

No way would I ever think V&A's was worth paying OOP for. But that is just me.....
While I love my food, I don't think you need to pay that kind of money for 1 meal. (to each his own though)

The restaurants we love and would pay OOP for are:

Ohana, Whispering Canyon, Chef Mickey's and Crystal Palace. These are TS restaurants.

For CS places we would pick:

Pecos Bills (the taco salad only)
Starring Rolls, Cosmic Rays (rib/chicken combo)
Sunshine Seasons

 

[disneyred]

The best non-DDP restaurants are, for the most part, at the Swan/Dolphin.

Blue Zoo
Shula's
Il Mulino
Kimono's

Also, and somewhat obviously, Victoria & Albert's.
I also would put Wolfgang Puck (upstairs restaurant, not Cafe) on the list.

i checked the disney website and I see bookings for Wolfgang Puck cafe..
how do I differentiate the upstairs restaurant ?? its in the same place as the cafe , right ?? how do i book the upstairs online.

 

[LJD2143]

As a general rule of thumb when paying OOP, I pick restaurants that are not a Buffet, All-You-Can-Eat, or Signature Dining. They just cost more.

When not on the dining plan, we also are more apt to schedule a late lunch as our one TS for the day:
-ADRs are typically easier to get;
-Items on the menu are cheaper;
-It serves as both lunch and dinner, supplemented with Snacks on either end; and
-It provides a nice refreshing break in the middle/hottest part of the afternoon, leaving our evenings totally free for touring the Parks.

Examples are:
-Kona Cafe;
-Sci-Fi;
-Yak & Yeti;
-The Plaza;
-LeCellier; and
-Tonys Town Square.

 

[Pakey]

i checked the disney website and I see bookings for Wolfgang Puck cafe..
how do I differentiate the upstairs restaurant ?? its in the same place as the cafe , right ?? how do i book the upstairs online.

I don't think you can book upstairs online. We had the hotel concierge book it for us so I'm not sure. Yes, it is upstairs from the cafe.

We don't like the dining plan; we've done it a few times and neither the deluxe or regular plans work for us.

Meals we are are perfectly happy paying for OOP are Victoria & Alberts (a great deal for a 5 star restaurant, most are more expensive than this one), all of the Swan/Dolphin restaurants, Bistro de Paris, some of Disney's signatures (example: Brown Derby is a better deal to pay OOP than to burn 2 TS credits there).

We are an adult only group so we prefer to dine at the Swan/Dolphin since the atmosphere is more adult. We try to hit V&A every vacation as its one of the top 50 ranked restaurants in the US.

 

[JimmyV]

i checked the disney website and I see bookings for Wolfgang Puck cafe..
how do I differentiate the upstairs restaurant ?? its in the same place as the cafe , right ?? how do i book the upstairs online.

When you use the website, they lead you to the restaurant that serves both lunch and dinner. The upstairs restaurant only serves dinner, so it does not appear that you can book on line. To avoid confusion, either call WDW Dining and specify that you want the upstairs Dining Room, or call the restaurant directly. I got this from the Wolfgang Puck website:

Call 407.938.WOLF (9653)

Reservations are available for lunch in The Cafe from 11:30am - 4pm, and for dinner from 4pm - close.
Reservations are available in the upstairs Dining Room from 6pm - 10pm nightly.

 

[jedwards]

I love 50's Primetime Cafe in Hollywood Studios. I would eat there either way. Their Fried Chicken is to die for It is also reasonably priced !

 

[MyTwoPrincesses]

If I were paying OOP, of the restaurants I've tried so far, without qualms, I'd go to Sanaa, Kouzzina, La Hacienda de San Angel, Yak & Yeti in AK, Rose and Crown, Sci Fi (I've paid OOP there, actually), CRT (for the experience, not the food), and whatever other character meal my kids want to go to (limit 1 per child).

All either have very good food or an atmosphere that is worth the money. Also keep in mind that I'm from DC and the food costs are comparable to what we'd pay at restaurants around here anyway.

 

[jenny13]

I don't think you can book upstairs online. We had the hotel concierge book it for us so I'm not sure. Yes, it is upstairs from the cafe.

We don't like the dining plan; we've done it a few times and neither the deluxe or regular plans work for us.

Meals we are are perfectly happy paying for OOP are Victoria & Alberts (a great deal for a 5 star restaurant, most are more expensive than this one), all of the Swan/Dolphin restaurants, Bistro de Paris, some of Disney's signatures (example: Brown Derby is a better deal to pay OOP than to burn 2 TS credits there).

We are an adult only group so we prefer to dine at the Swan/Dolphin since the atmosphere is more adult. We try to hit V&A every vacation as its one of the top 50 ranked restaurants in the US.

While I enjoy V&A and agree it is well worth the money compared to most restaurants of its quality. I'm trying to figure out where you see that its rated in the top 50 restaurants. I've never seen it on any lists that I've looked at.

OP- the experience at V&A is well worth it if you don't have young children. I would also consider Brown Derby and Le Cellier both good oop restaurants. Neither worth 2ts credits on the dining plan. Wolfgang Pucks is also a great choice. We've always enjoyed the breakfast at Ohana also.

 

[princesscharming]

OP here. Oddly enough, we have eaten at V&A. Dh and I went to WDW for our HM, many moons ago. But we do have kids now, so it's not an option. Well I suppose we could get babysitting....but honestly, Dh liked his meal, but wasn't really interested in paying the $$ again.

But I do like the suggestions. Keep 'em coming. Also I know someone suggested some CS resaturants. I wasn't even thinking that. But if that's what you prefer OOP, I think that is important to hear too.

 

[docusmc1]

I really enjoy The Turf Club at SSR. Great food and the price is right. It is a hidden gem at WDW. After dinner we walk to DTD for dessert.

 

[Sawhiskey]

For my trip I have 10 credits and 12 reservations, so I am paying OOP on my sci fi dine in dinner and my kona cafe breakfast. have a good trip.

 

[Pakey]

While I enjoy V&A and agree it is well worth the money compared to most restaurants of its quality. I'm trying to figure out where you see that its rated in the top 50 restaurants. I've never seen it on any lists that I've looked at.

OP- the experience at V&A is well worth it if you don't have young children. I would also consider Brown Derby and Le Cellier both good oop restaurants. Neither worth 2ts credits on the dining plan. Wolfgang Pucks is also a great choice. We've always enjoyed the breakfast at Ohana also.

I take it back, there are 52 US restaurants who have AAA 5 Diamond ranking so I should have said top 52; they have made the list 10 years in a row. Mobile ranks it as a 4 star; there are only 23 5 stars above it, none located in Florida.

 

[melissapealo]

Have you tried any of the dinner shows in Orlando? Not sure if they are a possibility for you or not. We've been to the Arabian Nights, Pirates Dinner Adventure and Outta Control Magic Show. While the food wasn't great at any of them, the shows were fun. My children have always loved them and since our first show they ask to go to one every time we go to Orlando.

 

[Catie.Hiltz]

a breakfast buffet is usually a good bet-Crystal palace or chef mickeys or 1900 park fare-you get characters and great food for around $20 per adult!

 

[hughjulia]

I don't see it listed here yet, so I'll mention Via Napoli if you are getting pizza.

As a TS credit, I don't think it is that great a value. If you are getting pizza, I really think you are better off paying OOP. Now keep in mind this is more than you would pay for pizza at home, but less than you would pay for a typical TS credit meal.

Now in terms of value, Wolfgang Pucks Express is one of the best bangs for the buck at D World. It is counter service. However, they bring the food to you, and refill your drinks. For Disney food it is very reasonable. The quality is wonderful. If they had a Wolfgang Express at each of the parks, I would eat there everyday.

 

[PoohsFan1]

Any of the breakfast buffets are good for the money, especially the character ones. Sure they are standard breakfast fare but you are really not paying for that, instead you are paying for the character experience. With that we really enjoy Crystal Palace breakfast, Akershus breakfast, Cape May Cafe Breakfast, and 1900 Park Fare breakfast. Along with the breakfast, we find that The Plaza in MK is a really good deal if you were paying OOP. They have great soups and sandwiches and awesome ice cream desserts . I also agree that CS is a good bang for your buck and there are so many options to choose from if you want to go that route. Our favorites are Pecos Bills and Columbia Harbor House in MK, Flame Tree BBQ in AK, and Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavilion at Epcot. Hope this helps.