So many dining options are available to you when you visit Florida, and it goes without saying, that Disney come up trumps every time in my family’s book!!
Having visited a few of our favourite places on our recent trip, we decided, following a recommendation from a number of friends and indeed on the Orlando Discussion Forum, we decided to visit the Hollywood and Vine restaurant with the priority seating option for the Fantasmic show at Hollywood Studios!!!
Well, what a treat indeed!! Our only regret was that we had gone into the park a little late the day we decided to go to Fantasmic, and so booked our meal time at about 15:00, and the slot we really wanted was 17:30, but that had already gone, and the only time to suit us they could do, was 18:10, this would just allow us to get to our Fantasmic show for 19:00 ( show started at 19:30!!) We could have waited and chosen the dinner package option another day, but on this occasion we decided to take the slot, thinking we had plenty of time!! I am so glad we did!! It was absolutely “Fantastemic!”.
There is no doubt, that we cut it fine on this particular occasion, but we were set on going there to eat and see the show too, so we went for it, but would recommend that to really appreciate the glorious food and service on offer, be sure to allow yourselves more time! We will undoubtedly go again, with or without the priority seating , because the food was fit for a movie star…a BIG Movie Star at that!!
The choice was mind blowing, you can check the selections available on the menu board just outside the restaurant, this was a real plus for my group, they can be fussy eaters. The board also gives you the price per head., so you can budget before you decide too! I expect cost may change, but in October 2005 , 3 adult meals and refillable soft drinks came to $82!! The eat as much as you like buffet style serving, was extremely well presented, and with two fussy eaters in my group, we were spoilt for choice! There were choices from Seafood, salad, Beef and chicken joints carved as you chose it, Turkey Hotpot, sausages, various types of potatoes (including , Roast with herbs, yum!), Seafood pasta.
The children’s choices were the usual suspects (Macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets and such), but that said, I think the self service desert bar, was quite delicious!! The ice cream factory, and Mickey Biscuits being very popular!!
I have to say, a personal favourite was the Pineapple upside-down cake, and I will be returning in 2006 for more!!