Buffets vs. Family-Style Sit-Down Dining at Walt Disney World | Episode 89

[00:00:00] Speaker A: Hello there Mouse Ears Universe. Thank you for joining us here on the Mouse Ears podcast. Your go to source for all things travel, but mostly Disney. Sponsored by Fairy Tale journeys travel. Whether you're a first time visitor or a pro at the parks, we're here to bring you the latest news, insider secrets and fun stories from the happiest and most magical places on earth. Make sure you give us a like and a follow on whichever platform you are listening to or watching us. And don't forget to check out MouseHeartsBlog.com where we dive even deeper into Disney trip tips, trip planning and all the park magic in one location. Today's episode we are discussing the differences between family style and buffets at the Walt Disney World parks in Orlando, Florida. So join us as we unlock the magic, the thrills and the unforgettable experiences you don't want to miss. And make sure you have some food because this episode where we go buffets versus family style. Let's go make it hungry. And the magic starts right now. And take two with the intro. Hello, welcome Mouse Ears Universe. I am one of your, one of our hosts, Brooks. And with me tonight we have. Guys, what's going on? I see different scenery. Kelton, are you not in San Fran? [00:01:43] Speaker B: We are not going to talk about the hotel with the worst wifi that I have seen. I did the test run, it was 0.79 megabytes per second. [00:01:55] Speaker A: I mean that, that is like, that. [00:01:57] Speaker B: Is like 1995, that's like 1989 type of Internet speed right there. [00:02:04] Speaker A: I mean that's, that is the computer that like takes up three whole rooms. Like, I don't know if you, if you've seen like hidden figures with that IBM machine. [00:02:14] Speaker B: Oh, Brooks, you. You may have. You may have actually, because so being 1991 born, I wasn't there yet. But you could, you could have played Oregon Trail on that sucker. I mean with the black screen and the green person. [00:02:28] Speaker A: Walking Morgan Trail was my jam. With the huge floppy disk. Yes. Not even the. [00:02:34] Speaker B: The three quarter floppy. The paper. [00:02:36] Speaker A: Yes. Yes. [00:02:37] Speaker B: Ass. Oh, Steph, you weren't here yet. It's okay. [00:02:40] Speaker A: CT Walker going to the computer lab. The computer lab. It was not named after me. Brooks Walker, Connecticut. Walker Academic Magnet School in Augusta, Georgia. Go Wildcats. [00:02:54] Speaker B: Shout out. Time is it. [00:02:57] Speaker A: It's now. [00:02:58] Speaker B: Yeah, that's right. [00:02:59] Speaker A: Time to celebrate this episode. And with us is not just Kelton and I. We have the face of the podcast back. Steph, Steph, how are you doing? [00:03:12] Speaker C: Ways for me to answer that. I'm Doing great. [00:03:15] Speaker B: So that's a good way to answer. [00:03:17] Speaker A: Stupendous. That's. [00:03:19] Speaker C: Thank you. [00:03:21] Speaker A: So, but tonight or today, whenever you're listening to us, I mean, we're recording this a couple of days after we initially tried to record this. [00:03:34] Speaker B: Oh, it was horrible. [00:03:35] Speaker A: Yeah, we. And we tried. We tried. [00:03:39] Speaker C: We did. [00:03:40] Speaker B: But hotel, Wi fi, hotspot, WI fi. It just wasn't working. [00:03:44] Speaker A: I over. I mean, over the phone connection with the app, we tried everything. [00:03:52] Speaker B: Everything. [00:03:54] Speaker A: So other than Kelton checking out and trying to go to a cafe somewhere. [00:04:00] Speaker B: Well, even the Starbucks was in the lobby. Well, that's the same WI Fi. That's not going to help me there. [00:04:04] Speaker A: That is true. [00:04:07] Speaker B: I almost dialed into AOL at that point. Probably faster. [00:04:12] Speaker A: Yep, you've got mail. Such a great movie. Anyway, so we are not here to talk about crappy Wi Fi or any of that sort. We are here to talk about family style versus buffets at Walt Disney World parks. But before we get into our topic, we have a returning segment. We have the new news. Who's taking it? [00:04:40] Speaker B: That would be me. [00:04:41] Speaker A: All right, Kelton, take it away. [00:04:44] Speaker B: Thank you, Brooks. So, a very exciting thing. Disney announced an excited 2026 Walt Disney World deal where kids ages 3 to 9 can dine for free with a dining plan when you book a qualifying Disney resort hotel package. Making family meals at the parks incredibly budget friendly, these packages combined with your resort stay, park tickets and dining plan into one very convenient bundle, offering a seamless and magical vacation experience with significant savings for the family. Y'all know we love talk about food. Y'all know we love the dining plan here. Something to definitely take a look at. [00:05:33] Speaker A: Is this something that you could sink your teeth into? [00:05:35] Speaker B: Well, very much so. But, Brooks, that's all I got here from the new news desk. Back over to you. What? [00:05:42] Speaker A: Thank you, Kelton, for the new news. Tell me, y'all. Let us know if you missed the new news segments. Christian, Brooks Warner has been taking a sabbatical here for a while, but if you want him to come back, we can get him in a training program. [00:06:03] Speaker C: But I miss new news. I like new news. [00:06:06] Speaker A: So. But before we get into our topic, we have one of our favorite segments as well. We have our trivia. And Steph, I think you're taking the trivia question tonight or today, whenever. [00:06:23] Speaker C: Well, for today's trivia question, which is brought to you by Fairytale Journeys Travel. Next time you want to book a Disney cruise, let the agents at Fairy Tale Journeys Travel take care of all the details for a Stress free experience at no extra cost to you. When you book with them, not only do you get expert advice, but you can also receive up to $1,000 of onboard credit. This offer is exclusive to bookings made with Fairy Tale Journeys Travel. So contact them today and let them know that the podcast sent you and enjoy a magical Disney cruise getaway. Now our trivia. How many family style and buffet options are there on Walt Disney World property? And yes, we already know there's a lot of places to eat because goodness knows we love to eat at Disney. So do you know? Do you not know? If you don't know, just stick around. And if you do know, still stick around. We'll tell you at the end. Back to you, Brooks. [00:07:23] Speaker A: I mean, we do love to eat here on the Master's podcast. Get our for Jenny to get our Veggie veggie fruit. Fruit veggie veggie fruit. Throw back. Yep. To the kitchen Cabare. But our episode of we're talking about Food. So grab your forks, grab your plates. We're digging into buffets versus family style. Sit down Dining at Walt Disney World. [00:08:00] Speaker C: Pro tip. Get your chips ready. [00:08:02] Speaker B: I never thought this would actually be like a whole episode until you start doing the research. Oh, like I never thought of it this way. [00:08:15] Speaker A: But yeah, there, I mean there are so many options. There are. Stay tuned to the end of the episode to find out the answer. This many options for the we're not going to give away the answers. So it's between 1 and 30. So we'll just narrow it down there so people can whole numbers only. We're not going to go into the number of pies or anything. [00:08:42] Speaker B: 3.14159. [00:08:45] Speaker A: I mean, listen brainiac, I don't. [00:08:48] Speaker B: That's all I got. [00:08:48] Speaker A: Yeah, but I mean there are just so many options. But it's, we're here to give you, you know, the tips insiders scoops. Here are the mouse ears podcast Pro tip. Do not sleep on the food at Walt Disney World. [00:09:06] Speaker B: Nope. [00:09:07] Speaker A: No. You know, it's, you think a lot of people, they think of Walt Disney World. They think of, you know, riding the rides, all the characters. And you know, some people, they've, it's like, you know, am I able to grab a decent meal? Like, well, I've planned whole trips around the food. Like I plan on what I'm doing that day based on what I'm going to eat. If I'm eating a heavy breakfast meal, well, I'm having a light morning. If I'm planning on having A, you know, a nice sit down dinner. You know, I plan on doing my heavy lifting with the rides in the morning. So that way I'm not completely tuckered out for that meal at night. But it don't sleep on the food. We have talked about. [00:10:02] Speaker C: There are places, there are places to eat. Bad. That's why you listen to people like us. We'll guide you because we like to eat and we'll go to different places and try everything that we can. [00:10:14] Speaker B: Yes. [00:10:15] Speaker C: But yeah, don't sleep on it because. [00:10:17] Speaker A: We will take, yeah, we will take that burden on trying the restaurants for. [00:10:22] Speaker C: You because there might be some bad places, but there are a lot of fantastic places to eat. [00:10:28] Speaker A: I mean, I could, I think I can probably maybe count on one hand bad meals or experiences. [00:10:34] Speaker B: Are we counting the Mama Melrose Steak in September? [00:10:38] Speaker A: I don't, not completely. Because there were good coffee. Yeah. I mean, great. [00:10:45] Speaker C: I feel like most of, of the questionable locations and tend to be in Disney Springs because it's very touristy. That's my opinion. I think there's, there's select few places at Disney Springs that I actually enjoy and recommend to my clients. I don't just go to any place at Disney Springs personally. [00:11:03] Speaker B: Well, and that's also tough because 99 of the restaurants, they are not run by Disney to begin with. I mean, I think if people are talking like, you know, quote unquote crappy food, I think of like your, and don't hate me, but like your cosmic rays, your, you know, that quick service type of crappy food. [00:11:27] Speaker A: Hey, don't. [00:11:27] Speaker B: It's still good. It's still. [00:11:28] Speaker A: The chicken tendies at cosmic rays are incredible. [00:11:31] Speaker C: I'm saying people don't want like, just like a burger and pizza during their trip. [00:11:37] Speaker B: It's still good. [00:11:38] Speaker A: I do. [00:11:39] Speaker B: But, but, but when the stuff we're going to dive into here is going to blow cosmic rays out of the water like a firework in the, in happily ever after. Just out of the tube into the sky. [00:11:56] Speaker C: Out of the tube in the sky. I love it. [00:11:59] Speaker B: Put that on the sticker, Mike. [00:12:01] Speaker A: Butterflies in the sky. I can fly dry. [00:12:06] Speaker B: Take a look. [00:12:08] Speaker A: It's in a book. [00:12:10] Speaker B: Reading Rainbow. Where's our older millennial generation? [00:12:15] Speaker A: Come on, Steph, did you know? Do you remember reading Rainbow? [00:12:20] Speaker B: It sounds very familiar. [00:12:22] Speaker C: It sounds very familiar. But I can't tell you for certain. I'm pretty sure I did. [00:12:28] Speaker B: But you know what? Just, just a, like give us a thumbs, thumbs up. Reading Rainbow. [00:12:34] Speaker A: But. So you may be asking yourself, what is the difference between a Buffet. And a family style buffet, if you don't know what that is, basically they fix a bunch of food, they set it up in different stations, and you grab a plate and you go around and you pick what you want. Family style. It's almost like they bring the buffet to you, they bring the food to you, and you just say when. And if you forget to say when, all of a sudden you're going to have a bunch of food on your plate. [00:13:15] Speaker B: They keep coming with it. [00:13:18] Speaker A: They do. But both of them have their advantages. And we're going to talk about it in this episode. We're going to talk about our favorite ones for family style. Definitely there's one that I think every time we've talked about restaurants at Walt Disney, I have mentioned this one restaurant every single time. And I'm going to talk about it. [00:13:45] Speaker B: Yeah. So, okay, let's start with family style. So, yeah, so scroll on down here in the document. [00:13:53] Speaker A: Kelton, throwing a curveball here. So again, family style. So I mean, it's. Think about if you, like when you have a family meal, like, the food comes to you, you have that grandmother that just says, you know, have some more. Tell me when it's like, oh, no, I'm good. It's like you tell me when. [00:14:16] Speaker B: I was thinking the same thing. So you imagine so. No. So you bring up, so family style. The best way to describe it is you not having to get up from the table to go get your own meal, which could be good, could be bad. And I don't really. I mean, I think there's pluses and minuses to both buffet and family style. But so, but Brooks, you were talking about, you know, your favorite family style restaurant. I mean, I, I think we know where you're leading to, but I mean. [00:14:53] Speaker A: It'S literally just in the name. It's ohana. And ohana means family. Family ohana means family style. So, oh, the noodles, the pot stickers, chef's kiss. But then you have the main course with the meat, the shrimp, man, I'm hungry now. And the atmosphere, too, especially if you go at night and you hit it just right when the fireworks are going off and they pump the music into the restaurant, you have a view so magical. [00:15:40] Speaker B: But it really is. [00:15:42] Speaker C: Well, how about doing, you know, family style ohana breakfast where you're sitting down, you're enjoying your meal, and then you have characters that come and swing by and take their picture with you and, you know, interact and create for a completely different and still very enjoyable experience. For the record, ohana Only has characters during breakfast, not lunch or dinner. Very, very popular. Delicious. [00:16:09] Speaker B: I mean, so that's a good point, because now you don't have to potentially miss that character interaction when you're going up to get that second, third, or even fourth portion of your meal. Because like we said, everything comes right to you. You need some Pog juice. Boom. They're right there pouring your Pog juice. Just right there for. And the next thing we know, Stitch is coming over to give you a big old hug and want some of your Pog juice. Because who doesn't want Pog juice? [00:16:44] Speaker C: Me. I don't like Pog juice, but Michael will drink my Pog juice. I want the coffee. The Kona Cafe or the Kona. Sorry, the Kona Coffee. [00:16:54] Speaker A: As Elise would say. Both. [00:16:56] Speaker C: Both. [00:16:58] Speaker B: And don't stop, don't stop. Keep it coming. I love the waffles at Ohana's. And I know we can get waffles at almost every place that serves breakfast on property, but there's just something about the waffles at Ohanas for me. [00:17:19] Speaker A: We're going to talk about, when we talk about buffets, there's a certain waffle that they've just started. I think the last few times had started going that they started offering. That is a complete game changer. But we'll talk about that when we get to buffets. But yeah, the Ohana is just amazing. But then if you, if you're in, you don't have to go to the resorts or anything. They have all these options also in the parks. For instance, you in Magic Kingdom and you're in and you decide, hey, I want. I'm craving Thanksgiving, a Thanksgiving style meal. Just hop on over to Liberty Tree Tavern. And I have seen some people vote this as some of the, like, best food that you can get anywhere in the parks. [00:18:22] Speaker B: This is one of my favorites. I've got two favorites on the list. There's something about the. So the Mac and cheese here is extraordinary. The potatoes, mashed potatoes, excellent. The turkey is moist. I mean, you can't get anything. How is that moist? Trigger warning. [00:18:50] Speaker A: We need to put a trigger warning before you say that. [00:18:52] Speaker B: Very, very good. It is. [00:18:56] Speaker A: And it's completely, it's honestly completely different to almost any other meal that you can get. [00:19:02] Speaker B: It's the only place that you can have Thanksgiving in July. [00:19:06] Speaker C: Garden Grill. [00:19:07] Speaker B: You can have Garden. [00:19:09] Speaker C: Garden Grill. Because I haven't had Liberty Tree, but I've eaten Garden Grill. And I was very, very, very, very reluctant because I don't like Thanksgiving food. I don't. Sorry. Yeah, there's like very select dishes. Like, I'm a sides person. I like the sides for Thanksgiving. I'm not really. So, you know the idea of like turkey. No, I've always. I'm used. So anyways, I finally went to Garden Grill restaurant. This. This with. When we went to the FTJ summit. When I tell you it was like a life altering moment in my life where I was very nervous. I was like, man, am I really gonna drop $60 right now for dinner and not enjoy it? [00:19:55] Speaker A: I was nervous. [00:19:57] Speaker C: Yes. If that was from something, I did not pick up on it. [00:20:00] Speaker B: I'm sorry. [00:20:01] Speaker A: Modern family. Sorry. [00:20:03] Speaker C: No, it's all good. So I was very, very nervous. I remember texting Michael. I'm like, I have to have dinner and we're all together. Not, you know, but I'm really nervous about the $60. What if I don't like it? I'm not like a fan of Thanksgiving food. Boy, oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. Was I wrong. That was unbelievably good. Could listen. For as long as I've been going to Disney, never, ever, ever would I have ever gone to Garden Grill had I not been with my girlfriends and pushed to go, basically. [00:20:39] Speaker A: Wow. [00:20:40] Speaker C: I'm so happy. I'm so happy. I can't wait to go back again. Yes. The turkey is succulent. It is the best turkey I've ever had in my life. [00:20:54] Speaker A: I mean, if the turkey was sweatpants, they would have juicy on the back of them in bright sequins. [00:21:02] Speaker B: What? Two in the gym. Oh, my gosh. [00:21:07] Speaker C: Brilliant. I. [00:21:09] Speaker B: Hold on. Yes, hold on, hold on. Yeah. 2003 called. [00:21:16] Speaker C: Okay, so yes, Liberty Tree Tavern and Garden Girl are both family style Thanksgiving food. But like, what you think Thanksgiving is completely discarded. Disney has perfected it. And you will never think of Thanksgiving food the same way after trying. I mean, their Mac and cheese has their. Instead of goldfish, they've got goldfish things going on. [00:21:42] Speaker B: So good, so good. [00:21:45] Speaker C: It's fantastic. It's so good, so good, so good. Well, now the big difference is the desserts. [00:21:54] Speaker B: Oh, yeah. [00:21:54] Speaker A: Oh, yeah. [00:21:55] Speaker C: You get an app. Oh, my gosh. One of the best apple crumble pies thing with vanilla ice cream. You could possibly get a garden grill. Like, I'm salivating. I have to like, actually swallow because I'm salivating. And then you go to Liberty Tree Tavern and they've got the toffee. What is it? The toffee bread. [00:22:15] Speaker B: So good. [00:22:15] Speaker A: And we didn't even talk about the Banana pudding and the bread pudding at Ohana. [00:22:20] Speaker B: Stop. [00:22:21] Speaker C: Oh, no. I'm unwell and hungry again. I want dessert so bad. So bad. All right, I have goosebumps. Let's continue on. [00:22:30] Speaker B: We can move on to Whispering Forest. It's one of my other favorites. [00:22:34] Speaker C: Whispering Canyon Cafe. [00:22:35] Speaker B: That's what I meant. Yeah. Whispering Forest. That's the dang street I live on. Sorry. Whispering Canyon. Wow. Okay. It's late on a Saturday night here. We are exhausted. So here's the difference. With Whispering Canyon at Wilderness Lodge, you got to be careful. You got to be very careful. First off, God forbid, don't ask for ketchup, because then you'll have 37 ketchup bottles at your table. Okay? And if you think I'm joking, I'm not. Try it. Ask your waiter or waitress for ketchup, and you will see what happens on the other side. [00:23:16] Speaker A: Now, I want to. [00:23:17] Speaker B: If you finish your drink too quickly, I have a picture on my Facebook profile of my head next to a Mason jar the size of my tumbler here, filled with soda because I downed mine way too quick. I have seen. [00:23:36] Speaker A: See, I love it. [00:23:38] Speaker B: I have seen a picture. I want to say it may have been a mixing bowl that one of them came out with, with ice water in it. For somebody. The stuff that they do, it's just that style. But if you haven't experienced it, I suggest you do. And the food is excellent. [00:24:02] Speaker A: I think you're going to find a lot of the theme when we talk about either the buffet or the style. The food is going to be pretty good. [00:24:10] Speaker B: Either way. It does not matter. [00:24:12] Speaker A: So. And this one is not a. It's not Thanksgiving. But I mean, they. [00:24:22] Speaker B: That's Western theme. [00:24:24] Speaker A: Yeah, Western theme. That's. They just have so many. I mean, I'm looking at the food now. [00:24:30] Speaker B: I'm pulling it up, too, because now I want to know. [00:24:33] Speaker A: Oh, ooh, ribs, pulled pork. [00:24:36] Speaker B: Come on. That's everything we have in Texas. Like, I'm about ready to bust out the smoker right now and, you know, do a pork shoulder for the next 16 hours. [00:24:46] Speaker A: Now, do you have the camping rocking chair to sit next there next to it? [00:24:52] Speaker B: I do not. I have the same camping chair from 2013 when I purchased it from Walmart. [00:24:59] Speaker A: I. I just got one of those rocking camping chairs. It is amazing. Now I have to fight Kelsey over it every time we sit outside with Ellie. [00:25:09] Speaker B: So with West Spring Canyon. So you get to kind of pick. At least for the. For the dinner portion, you get to pick. So you have your Traditional with which is more of brisket ribs, pulled pork, you know, seasoned chicken. They call it citrus herb chicken and some sausage. Or you could go with the pig is what they call it, which is your pork belly. Barbecue pork ribs, slow smoked pulled pork, piggy wings, which I'm not sure what those are. Western style sausage and mashed potatoes, corn and green beans. You know, all the good stuff. Or if you're feeling frisky, go land and sea here with some salmon, some chicken, some spicy plant based sausage, charred portobello and some cauliflower, potatoes, carrots, green beans. Or if you're into, you know, if you're a plant based type of person, you got some barbecue jackfruit, some spicy sausage, not really sausage, mustard glazed, beefless tips. Beefless, I guess. Let's see some roasted potatoes. Oh, oven roasted carrots. Like, let's go. I'm so hungry right now for that. That is good. [00:26:38] Speaker A: Yeah, it really is. And then one other option that you can go to, you have multiple. [00:26:46] Speaker C: I got a whole list. [00:26:47] Speaker A: Oh, okay. [00:26:47] Speaker C: That's not. Yeah, I got one. [00:26:49] Speaker B: Sorry. [00:26:49] Speaker A: Oh, you're good. So on the list that we have, just for examples, we have Hollywood and Vine over there at Hollywood Studios. [00:26:58] Speaker B: For breakfast only. [00:27:00] Speaker A: For breakfast only. And it's. I am looking. You have biscuits and gravy, a salmon and bagel casserole, and a brioche French toast with bananas foster sauce. Yes, please. Yes, please. I want all of it. [00:27:23] Speaker C: That sounds so good. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You know, the best part is you don't have to cook. So what's cooking all this for you? Cleaning all your dishes? [00:27:33] Speaker B: Bringing it to take my money. Take my money. [00:27:37] Speaker A: Now, I was going to say I, I, I enjoy cooking the cleaning up part. No, thank you. [00:27:46] Speaker C: You know what I've never done and I really should do, I need to go to one of these places and be like, listen, listen, Linda, I want the, I want the dessert first. Bring me all the desserts first. I want to start there and then I'll see what salty foods are gonna fill in the gaps. Because I always, I'm so freaking full by the end. And I'm like fighting for dear life in the seams of my pants. And I'm just like, I need, I need to continue, I need to continue. This is too good to stop. I need to go in once and just be like, we're gonna flip flop this bad boy. Okay, Bring me the dessert first. And then, and then, and then we'll talk. [00:28:28] Speaker B: Okay. [00:28:28] Speaker C: And then we'll talk right after I. [00:28:29] Speaker B: Have my Banana pudding. We will talk. [00:28:31] Speaker C: Okay, All I'm saying, banana pudding. Yes, yes, yes. [00:28:38] Speaker A: And then, and then it's like, okay, now that we've sat, now that we've warmed up my body to what it's about to experience. Yes, let's bring it on. [00:28:50] Speaker B: That's right. I want a full half rack of ribs. Okay, Give me that pulled pork. Yes, I will take some beef. You know, beef tips over there for this meal. [00:29:00] Speaker A: Like Kobayashi for the, for the hot dog eating contest I've been preparing. So I remember the first time ever going to Ohana, learning about the endless pot stickers. We were watching the Brookhart Project, Peter and Sarah, friends of the podcast. Peter had just tried to see how many pot stickers he could have in one sitting. And I was like, I think I can beat this. And I prepared myself and like just, I have a picture of myself like with a plate full of pot stickers at home preparing, just wide eyed, like, am I really about to do this? And I did and I loved it and went there and I was just like, I've been waiting all my life for this. Keep it coming. [00:29:59] Speaker C: Oh, that's too great. [00:30:00] Speaker B: So that is sounds about right. [00:30:05] Speaker A: I think, I think the, I think the record is like 20 something pot stickers. [00:30:10] Speaker B: So really I think what we're saying here is that if you're going to bring your appetite, bring your appetite, but also probably dine early and then go back to the room to take a nap. Just, you know what, don't even make it a park day to Disney Springs. Maybe you do this on, you know, like your check in day after you've already hit the water park, you know, type of thing. Because you get the water parks for free on check in day for 20, 25. So why not hit the water park, right? Well then you're already down there, you know, at that point just take a bus on over to the Polynesian, hang out at Ohana's for dinner, watch Happily ever after. If not from the restaurant, go down to the beat. Or you might have to waddle and roll down to the beach at that point. [00:31:02] Speaker A: Let's go. Get away. [00:31:03] Speaker B: That's right. Finish off with happily ever after and then get back on the bus and go back to the hotel. I'm telling, I think that sounds like the best. [00:31:13] Speaker C: Or you can rally and go to Trader Sam's. [00:31:16] Speaker B: Well, I'm rallying to go to Trader Sam's. [00:31:19] Speaker A: I, I would just, I would just say don't switch those up and do ohanas. And then the water Parks do not do that. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. [00:31:30] Speaker C: Better decision can be made. [00:31:33] Speaker B: You heard it here. Water park then. Ohanas. [00:31:36] Speaker A: Yes. [00:31:37] Speaker B: Just because you won't get to enjoy the water park at that point. [00:31:40] Speaker C: It's funny. So anyways, the other few family style restaurants that we haven't mentioned yet, and I'm going to stick with the theme of barbecue that Kelton was just talking about. [00:31:52] Speaker B: Let's do it. [00:31:53] Speaker C: That is Roundup Rodeo barbecue at Hollywood Studios. [00:31:57] Speaker B: I've heard great things. [00:31:58] Speaker C: Yes. Every time I mention Roundup Rodeo barbecue to Michael, he's like, Woody's? I'm like, sure, it's not Woody's, but he's like. But he just pictures the big Woody statues like Woody's. Yeah. He's like, oh, I want to go back so bad. They have these jalapeno cornbread thing. Yeah. For. For appetizers. For appetizers. And he is obsessed. He's obsessed. It's unhealthy. The actual restaurant is fantastic. It can be a little over stimulating, but it's also incredibly fun because the entire restaurant is themed different toys, board games, the works. I mean, you literally feel like you have somersaulted right into Andy's toy box. And it is fantastic because even, even the cast members are interacting with you are doing different skits and such throughout your dining experience. But the food is fantastic. You have barbecue food. I mean, hence the name. You got chicken, you got ribs, you've got brisket, you've got sausage. I honestly can't remember everything but a lot of delicious foods. I definitely recommend Roundup Rodeo at Hollywood Studios, especially if you have littles. So that is a family style, more American barbecue style then another American style barbecue style is talking about Fort Wilderness, y'all. [00:33:38] Speaker B: If you haven't been, go ahead. If you haven't been to it. Oh, man. [00:33:42] Speaker C: Poop dee doo. Musical review. [00:33:45] Speaker B: Holy smokes. [00:33:47] Speaker C: Please continue, Kelton. [00:33:49] Speaker B: So first off, there is some alcohol included. If you're over the age of 21, which is always great, but the food is endless. The show is even better than the food. But there is one thing that tops that entire experience and that is the strawberry shortcake that comes out at the end, y'all. It is so gosh darn good that it'll make you sick. And I promise you it'll make you sick. [00:34:21] Speaker C: I would go only and solely for the strawberry shortcake. This is one of those places where I would go for dessert first. [00:34:29] Speaker B: It was so, so good. Plus you Know the show, very interactive. They'll come out into, you know, the dining hall there. The food kind of western barbecue themed with ribs, pulled pork, chicken fried chicken. It is so good. [00:34:50] Speaker C: Creamy coleslaw goodness. You know what's so fantastic about these things? They bring it to you. Well, yes, but you do not need a park reservation or a ticket to be able to experience Hoopty Doo Revue. This two hour dining experience. It's a whole experience. You don't need a frickin ticket. Like extravaganza. People who are people who are staying multiple days at Walt Disney World and are looking to do something different and fun and you maybe have like a one day break in between. Yeah, you have Disney Springs. Cool, cool. Why not go to Hoop Dee Doo? Why not something different? So anyways, that's Hoop Dee Doo. Then we've got Sebastian's Bistro over at Caribbean Beach Resort on the Skyliner. This is more of like a Latin cuisine style restaurant. It is family style. They bring you food. I actually ate here a few years ago and I did enjoy it. I was pleasantly surprised. I guess I didn't really have any expectations. It was kind of like a it's late, we're hungry, we need someplace to eat. Oh look, there's reservation available for Sebastian's Bistro. Went there. It was pretty good. They had the food there is a little bit more out of the ordinary. Therefore I'm not gonna say that it's the best place for children. But they had some delicious. I think it was like pulled pork that I had there. Oh my goodness. Oh, it was okay. They have oven roasted citrus chicken, slow cooked moho pork which was unbelievable. Grilled chili, rubbed beef and, and sustainable baked fish. I don't remember the fish being anything worthwhile. And then they have cilantro rice and beans, plantains and roasted seasonal vegetables. Again, not really a place for kids. I would say. Yeah, I'd say it's more for adults. Like the dishes are very particular, not basic by any means. But the best thing by far, bar none was the appetizer. When they brought a buttery like house made bread roll with guava or caramelized onion jam. You had the option like they brought you both. I, there was a point where I was like, you know what, I don't want any more of the food. It's a little bit too. And I like food, I like being adventurous. But it was like, nah, just bring, bring, bring back the bread. Bring back the bread. [00:37:36] Speaker A: Okay. I have to ask though, how was the coconut pineapple bread pudding at the end. [00:37:41] Speaker C: Oh, that was excellent. [00:37:42] Speaker A: Yeah, that sounds, that sounds incredible with. [00:37:46] Speaker C: That was excellent. [00:37:47] Speaker A: The caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. [00:37:49] Speaker C: It was, it was good. It was good. Yeah. It's just a little bit different. It's not like your go to traditional and I like different. But yeah, I'm glad I tried it. Would I go again? Maybe. But it would be like one of those situations where like I, I just, I need someplace to eat. And last on the list for family style is. And sorry if I'm saying this wrong. Akishas Royal Banquet hall at Epcot in the Norway Pavilion. This is actually a very, very popular. [00:38:22] Speaker B: Oh yeah. [00:38:24] Speaker C: Restaurant because it is a character dining experience with all the Disney princesses. So it is specifically during breakfast. It is very popular just because the lunch and dinner meals do have, you know, nods to the Norwegian culture, which can be a little bit out of the box. But of course they still have other items that are kid friendly and whatnot. So the breakfast at Akrisha's royal banquet, you can't go wrong. You're gonna have your traditional breakfast. You're gonna have your experience with your princesses. You know, children love it. Adults. [00:39:07] Speaker A: Yeah, that's. [00:39:07] Speaker C: Love it. [00:39:08] Speaker A: That's one that every time we, we try to get for Ellie and we, that's one we haven't been able to get yet. [00:39:17] Speaker C: The time will come because that one very, very recommended. But yeah, so that would be what I would conclude as the list of family style restaurants at Walt Disney World. If I'm missing any, let me know. [00:39:34] Speaker A: Yeah, but you know, we've talked about family style and how, you know, how great it is. The fact that you could just, it's, it's like the, like getting a soda. In most restaurants, endless refills, you just keep, keep it coming. And if, if you've had a long day, you don't. And you're just like, I just want to sit here. Like, if, if you want to be lazy. If you want to be lazy, it's just like, just bring all the food to me. Go to a family style meal. [00:40:12] Speaker C: Yeah, pretty much. [00:40:15] Speaker A: But pretty much. Now we're going to the other side of this battle royale for the buffets. [00:40:26] Speaker B: Let's do it. [00:40:27] Speaker A: Yeah. Now, buffets, you're going, you're going to have to do a little more work yourself. You're going to have to get up and actually fix your plate. [00:40:36] Speaker C: God forbid. [00:40:38] Speaker A: I know, I know. Well, I mean, if you're, if you're used to family style, you're like, what is this? It's like the self checkout at the grocery store. It's like, do I really have to do this myself? [00:40:51] Speaker C: I didn't know the difference between the two for a while because I just never really like family style. The name just never clicked in my head. It's still all you can eat. And the names just kind of. If you're not familiar, you're just like, what? What is this? Yeah, people know buffet, but family style, people don't always have a grasp on it. So, you know, it is interesting if you really don't know what family style is. And all of a sudden, they're bringing you food to the table endlessly, and you're like. And it's not. [00:41:22] Speaker A: It's like, listen, you don't have to do that. I'll get up and get it myself. [00:41:25] Speaker C: Right? [00:41:26] Speaker A: Like. But nay, nay, no, here's the. [00:41:31] Speaker C: Here's the other big difference is with a buffet, you have, like, this pretty extensive spread. You have a lot more options. Basically, the family style, you don't have a lot of options. You've got a couple. Couple appetizers. Excuse me. You have several different proteins with a few sides, and then you've got one or two desserts. So you're not really having, like, this entire plethora of food. You know it. There is a menu. You're just basically gonna try it all, and what you like, you'll keep. You'll keep asking for more. So, you know buffet style, you're like, disney offers a lot of food. A lot, like multiple rows of food for a buffet. [00:42:21] Speaker B: So. [00:42:22] Speaker C: So if you're like me, you're like, I don't know what I want when I'm going through the line for the very first time. And my first plate is like a cacophony of different things. And it's like this. None of this makes sense, but it's happening. And then you go back the second time, you're like, well, I still don't know what I want. But then you start to eat with your eyes, if you know that expression. Like, well, I really like this. I want more of this. And then you start to go into very, very quick. [00:42:49] Speaker A: You go in with the game plan. Yeah. [00:42:52] Speaker C: Decline. I mean, you are just like, oh, my gosh, I really want more of xyz, but my pants are no longer fitting. And then breakfast. [00:43:03] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:43:03] Speaker C: I will have on my leggings and my stretchy pants. God help us. I mean, buffets are not for the faint of heart, and I love them. [00:43:13] Speaker A: Do you remember that. That Thanksgiving episode of Friends where Joey's trying to eat the entire turkey and he goes and grabs, like, the maternity pants, I think from Rachel or something. He grabs the maternity pants. He's like, I don't know why I'm wearing denim. They don't breathe. [00:43:36] Speaker C: Facts. [00:43:37] Speaker B: So I will say, when it comes to buffets, I am that one weird person that is walking up and down the buffet line without a plate. Just. Yes, just looking. Because I want to see. Because, you know, I don't like. It's weird. I don't like making decisions, like, in line. I also don't want to hold up other hungry people as I'm trying to decide, ooh, do I want this type of rice or do I want that type of rice? I'm gonna make the decision. While I'm creepily looking over your shoulder at the herb seasoned chicken, or as. [00:44:15] Speaker A: You'Re walking to your table, you catch a glimpse and it's like, okay, Kelsey, go ahead. I'm gonna get a game plan here. [00:44:27] Speaker B: Usually my first item of food is either some sort of a side, potentially cornbread, or I just go to the kids section because they always have chicken. You know, not chicken nuggets, but corn dog nuggets. I usually start with corn dog nuggets and some ketchup. Just a couple. So then I can, like, really graze while you walk. You gotta hydrate. I munch on that as I'm going, oh, he is cutting, like, you know, beef over there. Oh, yes. I'm gonna have some of that safran rib. [00:45:00] Speaker C: The. [00:45:00] Speaker B: Yes, that is PR rib. That would go great with this rice and this sauce over here. Oh, my goodness. [00:45:06] Speaker A: I would keep them so far apart. Put them together, people. Listen, we're going. We're going to come back later. I'm going to help you. [00:45:14] Speaker B: We're going to redesign. We're going to redesign Crystal palace floor here. Okay? Everything needs to be together. You know what? Let's just make it family style with everything. [00:45:26] Speaker A: So are we going to start with Crystal palace first? [00:45:29] Speaker C: We good? [00:45:30] Speaker A: So Crystal Palace. I have only eaten at Crystal palace for breakfast. But and this is what I was alluding to, if you remember earlier in this episode, there's a certain item, menu, menu item that they have now at Crystal palace and I think at a few other breakfast buffets, but I first saw that Crystal Palace. Okay, but it is a game changer. [00:45:59] Speaker B: Stop teasing us, Brooks. Tell us. [00:46:02] Speaker A: Churro Mickey waffles. [00:46:04] Speaker C: Yeah, I still haven't had it yet. Oh, so mad. [00:46:07] Speaker A: And they have a chocolate dipping sauce with it. Too. It is incredible. [00:46:12] Speaker C: Who has the recipe for this? Because I want to make it at home. I've been waiting for way too long. And I, I, I have not been lucky yet. Not at Disney World and not on a Disney cruise. I, oh, I'm, my body's been ready. [00:46:28] Speaker A: I, I remember seeing him when we were making a play for Ellie and I'm like, are you serious? [00:46:33] Speaker B: I will be back for you. Just wait. [00:46:36] Speaker A: Oh, I would be. Oh, no. I, I loaded up the plate and I was just like, here's some for you and here's some for you. [00:46:42] Speaker B: One for me, one for me. Two for you, two for me. [00:46:46] Speaker C: For me, I would. [00:46:49] Speaker A: One from Mr. Z. Gosh, I'm so hungry. [00:46:53] Speaker C: Guys. [00:46:53] Speaker A: Guys. Yes. [00:46:57] Speaker B: Oh, my gosh, I love it. [00:46:59] Speaker A: Digging up hole. [00:47:02] Speaker B: Tired of the scrap hole. [00:47:03] Speaker A: Well, that's just gosh darn bad. [00:47:08] Speaker B: A Disney classic. [00:47:09] Speaker A: Yes. Oh, but it and Crystal Palace. I, I would, I'll just say that Crystal palace holds a special place in my heart because I remember first time ever going in 2004. [00:47:26] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:47:26] Speaker A: With my mom and it was, you know, Pooh and friends were still there in 2004. And I still, I still have a picture. You know, bless my brother for downloading all the pictures that we have from our Disney trip and put, he put them in a shared album on Facebook that I downloaded to my phone. But we have pictures from that 2004 trip in, like doing the conga line with Pooh and the friends and oh, they did not have the churro waffles then, but they do have them now, so it's just, it gets better with time. So I will say, though, Ellie was not the biggest fan of the characters the last time we went, so. But since then, she has become a massive Winnie the Pooh fan. So maybe next time we go, oh, Ellie and I have matching, I have a Hundred Acre Wood shirt and she has a matching dress. It's the only father, daughter matching clothes that we have. [00:48:46] Speaker C: Well, one, I love it. Two, when's your next Disney trip? And three, I thought you were going to say matching Roosevelt's. [00:48:54] Speaker A: No, I still haven't gotten Elliot Roosevelt's yet one day. [00:49:00] Speaker C: But other things that you can eat at Crystal palace, they've got fantastic shrimp cocktail. It's delicious. They also, I think they have, like. Was it, was it prime rib they cut for dinner? [00:49:18] Speaker B: Yes. [00:49:18] Speaker C: Oh, my gosh. I couldn't believe when I saw that entire spread. Maybe it's not hysterical, but I just wasn't expecting it, frankly. Was very diverse. They have pastas They've got your meats, they've got your kidney food. You've got a whole ice cream bar. You've got seafood, you've got. Then you had some, like, random sides. I mean, I went, was it 20, 21? So it was like, right after Covid, and they still hadn't brought back the characters. And it was one of the first, like, buffets that I had gone to at Disney after Covid. And I was like, oh, my God, this is amazing. I was very happy at the time. And. And they also had. So when I went. They had stone crab claws. They had crab claws when I went, yeah. Oh, my gosh, I. That was amazing. I was trying to remember what was it that I ate that I was, like, obsessed with. It was that it was the stone crabs. Yeah, I don't think they have that anymore. But they do have the churro waffles, which I haven't had yet. [00:50:31] Speaker B: They have the stone crab on the Disney cruise line because I was shocked to see it there. [00:50:37] Speaker C: Yes, they do. [00:50:39] Speaker A: Pleasantly surprised. [00:50:42] Speaker B: So the next one is a big staple for Casey and her family. And we were there in December, and the entire. Her entire family, including her grandparents, who have been going to Disney since they were young. And that is Chef Mickey's up there in the California Grill on the fourth floor. Of course, you know, you have the entire gang as their Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald and Goofy as they go around. Its character dining. But even the food is still my own. The only thing I don't like about it is how far I have to walk to the buffet line. That's the only downside, you know, for me, they got the pog juice, they got my coffee. It. It is just. It's so good. [00:51:43] Speaker C: And not to mention that Mickey and friends have, like, the cute little chef outfits and their little, cute little dance that they do. Yeah. People, I want you to realize maybe we haven't emphasized it enough, but when you do, like, a character dining, it's not just the characters just walking around. You're going to take their picture. There actually are moments throughout each meal that they have, like, a dance or they have something else that is interactive. It's fun, it's cute. Sometimes the kids get involved, sometimes you're just watching. But it's more than just, hey, I'm eating. I'm going to stop what I'm eating to take a picture, whatever. And the, the, the hostess, they always tell you too, like, oh, yes, you absolutely will have enough time. They're, you know, they'll be there soon. Or they'll be there in a little bit, whatever. Like, you will not be leaving without seeing all these characters if you don't want to. No one's kicking you out. [00:52:39] Speaker B: No. But so to counter what I had said, Mickey actually does not walk around anymore. You meet Mickey at the end where you get your picture taken. So it is just the four of them, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto that walk through. You meet Mickey at the end. But it's still a great. It's a great buffet. A little on the expensive side, you know, weigh your options there, but still a awesome buffet with great food, especially for dinner. [00:53:11] Speaker A: And it's one of them for dinner. And I think. And I think when I was. When we were researching this episode, I was trying to look at where was, like, the first buffet or character dining. And at the. It was at. And it was at the contemporary that the first character dining. [00:53:37] Speaker B: Was that up on, like in the California. [00:53:41] Speaker A: No, it was. Oh, man. It was Cococino Cove or something like that. [00:53:46] Speaker B: Okay. [00:53:47] Speaker A: I probably mispronounced or something. But it was back in the 70s. [00:53:52] Speaker B: Man. Right when it opened. [00:53:55] Speaker A: Yep. They. They had. And they. And then. Well, it was the first consistent one. The first one was at Disney. Was at the Disney Springs area. They had breakfast with Santa. And then later they decided, oh, which I think it was that boat right where they said, we're just going to have it year round. I believe I could be wrong. I've been wrong once or twice in my life. [00:54:24] Speaker B: Never wrong, just mistaken. [00:54:26] Speaker A: Yes. But as we're moving on, another buffet that I want to talk about, that I think we've done a couple. I think Kelsey and I have done it actually a couple of times now. Tusker House. [00:54:43] Speaker B: Oh, yeah. [00:54:44] Speaker A: Animal Kingdom is my favorite breakfast. Incredible. Incredible. [00:54:52] Speaker C: My absolute favorite breakfast place. Hands down. [00:54:56] Speaker A: Barnard. Yeah, that. And then. And one thing I kind of like about the Tusker House, a lot of buffets I've done have been breakfast buffets. Because we're trying to do the character meet and greets. And I would say with Tusker House, they have a little bit of different options. You have your staples with your Mickey waffles and your eggs and your breakfast tots and the bacon sausage that a lot of these places have. But with it being Animal Kingdom, they throw in a little something extra. You may have a little piece of salmon with your breakfast. That is chef's kiss. [00:55:43] Speaker C: How about. They have. I remember when I went. They had, like, their pastries and bread section. They had bread that was. For lack of a better Term dyed. So the bread was actually a sunset, like the safari sunset. [00:56:04] Speaker A: Yep. [00:56:04] Speaker C: Yeah. Insane. Like it's so all the little details that they think about, like making the bread a scene from the movie. Sliced white bread is no longer sliced white bread. It is now not a Disney superior. Yes. Amazing. And you've got Simba waffles. So, you know, at Ohana, we didn't talk about it, they have Stitch waffles. You've got Mickey waffles and other places. Here you have Simba waffles. Fantastic. I love it. [00:56:39] Speaker A: The French toast, good. The French toast as well was good. [00:56:42] Speaker C: They have a few African inspired selections too. For breakfast. That obviously is more prevalent for lunch and dinner. Again, if you're not an adventurous eater, suggest doing breakfast so you have your staples, so to speak. Tusker House. Fantastic. I mean, the outfits are just to die for. The dancing and the, the fun atmosphere. No, it's just. [00:57:10] Speaker A: Yeah, I'll say that one has been our favorite breakfast buffet that we've had. It's the second best breakfast I've had on property. Number one is still Topolinos, the steak and eggs. Incredible. Anyway, man, I'm hungry. [00:57:36] Speaker C: Seriously. Seriously. [00:57:39] Speaker A: So, but there's, so there's. There's a ton of other options for buffets. I mean, I think everybody kind of. [00:57:51] Speaker B: Knows what a buffet is, you know, is at that point. [00:57:55] Speaker A: But so, but what's amazing is the different. I. You have the staples of really almost any buffet, but then you have the different, like the different spins on what they can do. Like, I mean, let's talk about Boma Cape May. Okay, let's talk about. Let's do Cape May. [00:58:16] Speaker C: Well, we can talk beauma, because that one's pretty quick. I listen, I love boma. You love boma. We all love Boma. Boma is like, it's like your go to buffet place. Fantastic. Just fantastic. African inspired located. Animal Kingdom Lodge. Pog juice. [00:58:33] Speaker B: Food quality is excellent. [00:58:35] Speaker C: Yes, fantastic. Absolutely. And it's a very large location, so it does house a lot of people. It is a lot easier to find reservations there. And since it's also located at a hotel, you know, it fluctuates with the price, with the, with the. How busy it is. All right, but Boma, fantastic. Similar to Tusker House in the cuisine. But you don't have, you don't have the Lion King bread. You do have Simba waffles, though, for breakfast. Okay, Cape May Cafe. We need to discuss this. This is incredible. I mean, if you are into seafood. [00:59:19] Speaker A: Yes. [00:59:20] Speaker C: Go to Cape May Cafe. Go to Cape May Cafe. There is only character dining at Cape May Cafe, and this is located at Beach Club Resort. For breakfast, they do have characters. And Minnie is there, which there. I've mentioned it before. There aren't too many locations where Minnie is around. This is one of them. Just a very cute, underrated restaurant to do your character dining. Very underrated, in my personal opinion. Seafood there. Wow. Guys, don't sleep on it. And I'm not talking about just like a crab leg situation. I'm talking you've got food, like, actual prepared meals, and you've got, you know, your basics, like cocktail shrimp. Right. You have a lot of integration of seafood in everything. I mean, there are some options that aren't seafood, obviously, but, like, you don't feel like you're not eating quality. And for seafood is very important as a Florida, as a Floridian, like, you know, you can tell if you have seafood often what's fresh and what's not. It is very common for us to go to a restaurant and Michael, be like, where did this fish come from? And then, you know, and you can tell when something's just not fresh. Wow. Kate May Cafe. And I, you know, Jen's not on this episode with us today, but if she was here, she would say, shout out to Chef tj. I hope. I hope it's Chef tj. Jen, I'm so sorry if it's not like, even she's raved. Raved about the chef at this location. So. And you know what? I honestly, if, you know, Disney, you know, they're probably going to want to take care of the food that goes into you, make sure that you're eating quality so that no one gets sick. Yay, safety. But that's just the truth. So don't sleep on Cape May Cafe, especially if you're a seafood person. Don't get afraid of a seafood buffet because it can sound a little, like, worrisome. Yes, it's good. It is very good. I promise I've eaten there, and I can be picky with that. It's fantastic. Okay. [01:01:43] Speaker B: I will say we do have a cast member friend that she will not do buffets or family style because she doesn't feel like you get your money's worth. The one place she will eat is Cape May, so obviously that. That tells you something. [01:02:01] Speaker A: Yes, please. [01:02:02] Speaker C: That's. That's good. All right, so two more places that are buffet to just kind of go over real quick. The first one, Brooks, you went there recently. 1800 Park Fair. Do you have anything to say. [01:02:20] Speaker A: I mean it. It was good. It was a little bit of different characters that you would mean in that one because like they had Jasmine and some other fun ones. [01:02:35] Speaker C: Cinderella. I think it's Cinderella. Tiana. Is it Aladdin? Yeah, Cinderella. [01:02:44] Speaker A: Okay. [01:02:46] Speaker C: What they have on Disney's site is Aladdin, Cinderella, Mirabelle, Princess Tiana. And they'll switch out some. [01:02:54] Speaker A: Well, Aladdin as Prince Ali. [01:02:56] Speaker C: Prince Ali, yeah. [01:02:57] Speaker B: Yeah. [01:02:58] Speaker A: Fabulous. Strongest ten regular men. Sorry. But it's one thing to me that was. That I had never had was the Grand Floridian strawberry soup. So got to have a little bit of that with my breakfast. I will say that it's. I don't remember other than the strawberry soup. I don't remember it being any. Having any other different things than some of the other breakfast buffets. But I do remember it being good. It is a smaller room as well. So. So you don't have you. It is like you sometimes can feel a little cramped in there. But it's very nice and we had a fabulous meal. [01:03:58] Speaker C: I'll mention this itty bitty teeny little tip or not tip, but nugget of information I guess at. What is this? What are we talking about? [01:04:16] Speaker A: 1900. [01:04:17] Speaker C: Sorry, the name always kind of like throws me off. I want to say Park Fair. 19, whatever. It doesn't matter. At this restaurant they actually have a turn of the century organ from France named Big Bera that has been at the Disney's grand floridian Resort since 1988. [01:04:37] Speaker B: And I think it's only been played like a handful of times since then. It does not get played often. [01:04:43] Speaker C: So you know, Grand Floridian has it all. Even a character dining. [01:04:47] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:04:48] Speaker C: So you know, character dining. The five. All right. Lastly but certainly not least is the Beer Garten restaurant. I've never eaten here. [01:05:01] Speaker B: We have. [01:05:02] Speaker C: Please enlighten us. [01:05:05] Speaker B: Kind of different food. You know, being German based, I've had it for lunch and for dinner and I haven't have not done the breakfast for it. But this goes along a lot with. We'll see. There you go. That's. Well that makes sense because the world showcase opens up at 11. Breakfast is gone, we're on lunch. So that all makes sense now at that point. But it's a lot like hoop to do review with the show that they have. And it's cute, it's funny, you'll have a great time. But talking about food wise, Beer Garden kind of goes. Follows a little bit of Oktoberfest you got with the authentic cuisine. Like I said this show, it's really good with your basic, the food groups, from different sausages to your schnitzel and the apple strudel. And it's just Bavarian pretzel. Yes, that's delicious. And it, I mean it'll have, it'll have you going back for more and more at that point. Really, really good food. [01:06:18] Speaker C: Sounds like they did German cuisine justice then. [01:06:22] Speaker B: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. [01:06:25] Speaker C: See what you did there? Wonderful. [01:06:28] Speaker A: If, if you don't, if you, I mean with the German, if with the German food. If you don't like sausage, just say nine and go somewhere else. [01:06:37] Speaker B: Nein, sure. [01:06:42] Speaker C: If you say so. [01:06:46] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:06:46] Speaker B: God, I have somebody who speaks German. Like, oh my God, did he really just say that? That's kid friendly. [01:06:54] Speaker C: Okay, so, so to start wrapping up, we did go through an extensive list. I probably. I bet you didn't know how many. [01:07:03] Speaker A: Were you paying attention? [01:07:04] Speaker C: And family state. Yeah. [01:07:06] Speaker A: Were you counting with us? [01:07:07] Speaker C: So you're probably asking yourself with all these options, where should I eat? What is good for children? What isn't good for children? What should I go with my partner? Well, I told you what, you shouldn't go with your children. That's Sebastian's Bistro. Sorry. [01:07:24] Speaker A: Unless your kid likes seafood. [01:07:26] Speaker C: It's Latin. It's not really. [01:07:27] Speaker B: There's like one. [01:07:28] Speaker C: Yeah, yeah. Well, either way, you're good either way. If you have picky eaters, you might want to head towards a buffet. Buffet will have an option for everyone and have more option. [01:07:45] Speaker B: Get those core dog nuggets or the chicken tendies. Chicken tendies. [01:07:51] Speaker C: If you're trying to be adventurous but also want the experience of an all you can eat, definitely head to a family style. However, there are lots of family style food that are, you know, authentic American barbecued classics where everyone can eat and be happy. Shout out to Garden Grill, Liberty Tree Tavern and Horseshoe Diamond. So and those are just a few. Now this isn't all the food you can eat at Disney. They do have a la carte, you know, order from the menu, regular Joe Schmo restaurants, and then you've got your quick services. Right? So food galore. I mean you can go to Disney and not have to do rides and enjoy your park day just by eating food and trying different things and going to a show. Or do what Kelton does and get some corn dog nuggets and people watch and food watch to decide what it is that you're gonna eat. [01:08:53] Speaker B: Sometimes as you're standing there at the end of the buffet line eating your coon dog nuggets you have to look. Sir, Sir. What is that? What did you order? [01:09:02] Speaker A: Mm. Oh, I've. [01:09:05] Speaker C: All of it. [01:09:06] Speaker A: I do it all the time. Like, in a restaurant. [01:09:08] Speaker C: All of it. [01:09:08] Speaker A: What? What was that? [01:09:09] Speaker B: What is. Hold on. What is that? [01:09:12] Speaker A: What is that? Was that on the menu? Did I. Did I miss that? [01:09:17] Speaker B: It's like you're. You're at Chili's going, why is that sizzling over there? [01:09:23] Speaker C: Yes. I'm so glad I'm not the only one. [01:09:25] Speaker A: What is this? Fajitas. What is that? [01:09:29] Speaker B: Vegetas. What? Vegetas. What are vegetas? Never heard of such a thing. Vegetas. [01:09:38] Speaker C: Gosh, I'm so. [01:09:39] Speaker A: Listen, I'll have a. To a toe. [01:09:43] Speaker B: Oh, my gosh. Wrap it up before we, like. [01:09:46] Speaker C: I. Oh, gosh. I was just gonna end up saying, if Jen was here, she would also want you all to know that if you have any kind of allergies or dietary restrictions, do not feel intimidated by a buffet or family style. When you have a kitchen, when you have a good chef, they will take care of you. [01:10:07] Speaker A: Yes. [01:10:08] Speaker C: So there is always going to be something for you to be able to enjoy. Hopefully. And I say hopefully in the sense, you know, that hopefully you'll enjoy the food, not that they won't be able to accommodate you. But like I said, Disney always does such a phenomenal job. Jen is a true testament. If you have any questions, you know, you can always reach out to her. But she's in at many, if not most of the restaurants on property and has plenty of feedback if you do have any kind of restrictions of any sort with your diet. Just all things to consider. When you go and choose what restaurants you want to eat at, you really, really can't go wrong. You'll definitely find some fantastic options. So do you guys have a favorite buffet or family style? [01:11:00] Speaker A: I think I talked about my favorite family style is Bar None Ohana Buffet. Like, for one singular item, the churro. [01:11:13] Speaker B: Waffles definitely ranks supreme. [01:11:17] Speaker A: Oh, yeah. [01:11:18] Speaker B: Oh, yeah. [01:11:20] Speaker A: I mean, Mickey, waffles are great, but until you try. Once you try Cheerio Waffle. Like, you don't want a regular waffle. You're just like, why isn't everything just dipped in this churro seasoning? Like, seriously, everything. But for the variety, I would say Tusker House. For me, personally, Alton. [01:11:50] Speaker B: Whispering. Whispering. Well, not Whispering Forest. Oh, my God. Whispering Canyon over at Wilderness Lodge. [01:11:56] Speaker C: Steph, I love me Tusker House. I love me Tusker House. Yeah. And it's like, you know, choosing between children. I mean, food Everybody has a favorite. [01:12:10] Speaker A: Yeah. [01:12:11] Speaker C: But Tusker House. Oh, man. It's just everything. Everything's fantastic there. Food, environment, environment and food. [01:12:21] Speaker B: And there are some that we didn't touch on that I know that are still out because we did not go over this blank number that you're about to find out of restaurants. [01:12:30] Speaker A: Well, I think we. We briefly mention them. Like there's. [01:12:34] Speaker B: We mentioned everything. [01:12:35] Speaker A: Yeah. Okay. [01:12:37] Speaker B: We did do them all. We just talked about a lot. [01:12:39] Speaker A: Yeah. I mean, we went into more details on some than others. Yeah, I mean, I'm. I really want to try Cape May now. [01:12:50] Speaker C: It's fantastic. It really, really is. So. And I. I was skeptical. Again, seafood buffet in one. One sentence. No, it was good. It was good. Yeah. And what I did is I went to Cape May on a non park day and then I walked it off. Going over. Go. No, I was gonna say going over to Boardwalk. [01:13:14] Speaker B: Oh, yeah, yeah. [01:13:15] Speaker C: And then going to Jelly Rolls. [01:13:17] Speaker B: Or do that anymore. [01:13:18] Speaker C: No, over to Atlantic Dancehall. Just burn it off. You don't need a park ticket. [01:13:26] Speaker A: But. But going back to our trivia question way back when, Steph, do you want to give everyone the answer? [01:13:36] Speaker C: How many family style and buffet options are there on Walt Disney World property? 27. Close 17. [01:13:46] Speaker B: That is quite a few when you think about it. [01:13:49] Speaker C: That's a lot. [01:13:50] Speaker A: And again, that's. Yeah, that's not all the restaurants. That's just that offer buffet or family style. [01:13:57] Speaker C: I can't believe it's that many. Yeah, seems like a lot. [01:14:01] Speaker A: You. So you have options. So. Yeah. [01:14:08] Speaker C: And on that note. Yeah, on that note. Left us starving. [01:14:13] Speaker A: Well, folks, that just about does it. For this week's episode of the Mousears podcast, don't forget to join our Mousears podcast Facebook group and follow us on TikTok X and Instagram to stay up to date for all things travel, but mostly Disney. And if you're interested in having a Fairy Tale Journeys agent book your next trip, visit fairytale journeys.com and let them know that the podcast sent you. Lastly, if you enjoy are weekly episodes of the Mouse Ears podcast, which if you're part of the Mouse Ears universe, you better like the episodes or else why are you even here? We still like you. Anyway, we would love for you. Yes, please. We would love for you to leave us a review wherever you listen to or watch us until the next episode. Thanks, everyone, for bon appetit. Bye. [01:15:08] Speaker B: Bye. [01:15:09] Speaker C: Bye. [01:15:09] Speaker A: Someone going to hit stop.