[KiKi]

Okay, what's your favorite restaurant to dine at before seeing Fantasmic?

I was thinking of Mama Melrose, but I just noticed that it only gets a 2 1/2 star in the Unofficial Guide.

Opinions please.

Thanks!

[lovemysons]

We were very pleased with Mama Melrose's. The service was excellent, and our meal was also very good.

[karliebug]

My vote would be Hollywood & Vine. It is the least expensive of the package options, it is an all you can eat buffet, there is something for everyone, including picky kids and a great selection of desserts.

[Cavey]

Are you getting the Fantasmic Dining package or just eating before the show?

If you check allearsnet.com you don't see rave reviews for any of those packages. Personally, I consider MGM dining to be the weakest of the parks in terms of quality. But I haven't eaten at the Brown Derby.

[bali]

After having consistently poor service at Mama Melrose (good food, when we actually received what we ordered), we just went back to Hollywood & Vine. It's good food, you know what you're getting, and it's cheap.

50's Prime Time Cafe is my favorite restaurant in MGM, so always ask if it's available on the package. Haven't eaten at Brown Derby either...

[mickeymotto]

Originally Posted by Cavey

Are you getting the Fantasmic Dining package or just eating before the show?

If you check allearsnet.com you don't see rave reviews for any of those packages. Personally, I consider MGM dining to be the weakest of the parks in terms of quality. But I haven't eaten at the Brown Derby.

I agree with MGM having the weakest of dining selections also. (With the exception of the Brown Derby, because we haven't tried it yet either.) We have even decided to have dinner after we leave the park next trip at a Resort Restaurant or even DTD.

We don't mind eating late though, cause we usually swim before bed and often stay up later than most.

[woohoo]

Brown Derby was overrated Over Priced (and we were on the silver dining plan) and under quality in my opinion. I have less in expectations this time around for Mama Melrose but my family loves italian so Im hopefull it will be fun and tasty!

[Soundgod]

We ate at Brown Derby in 2005 as part of the show/meal package and enjoyed it. Hollywood and Vine was OK too, but since they've created a character meal with characters I don't care about, I'm not sure when I'll return there.

[Cavey]

Here's a great option. Spoodles at the Boardwalk is my favorite WDW restaurant. I don't know your itinerary, but you can hop a boat launch from the front of MGM to the Boardwalk, eat dinner, and return. Just give yourselves ample time. If Fantasmic is at 7:00, I'd make my ADR's for 5:00 (or 8:00 and dine afterwards).

[hiner]

H&V was good. We ate there for the Fantasmic Dinner Package. We got an early sitting, 4:30 and headed to more attractions before going to see Fantasmic.

[KiKi]

Originally Posted by Cavey

Are you getting the Fantasmic Dining package or just eating before the show?

If you check allearsnet.com you don't see rave reviews for any of those packages. Personally, I consider MGM dining to be the weakest of the parks in terms of quality. But I haven't eaten at the Brown Derby.

We will be on the dining plan.

I just noticed that the Brown Derby is 2 dining credits - not sure it will be worth it for us.

[KiKi]

Originally Posted by Cavey

Here's a great option. Spoodles at the Boardwalk is my favorite WDW restaurant. I don't know your itinerary, but you can hop a boat launch from the front of MGM to the Boardwalk, eat dinner, and return. Just give yourselves ample time. If Fantasmic is at 7:00, I'd make my ADR's for 5:00 (or 8:00 and dine afterwards).

We're planning Spoodles for another night. I give you 100% credit for this one since I keep hearing you say how much you like it! Can't wait to try it.

[snow'sfriend]

I personally think MGM has great dining experiences, not the best food on property but still a great experience. I've eaten at all but Hollywood & Vine and it really depends on whose in your party. If you have younger kids I'd suggest the 50's Prime Time or the Sci-fi. Both have a great atmosphere and are really fun for a family. The Brown Derby was not one of my favorite personally, but still good. I wouldn't suggest this one for a family with kids, as it's more of a "fancier" restuarant. The only restuarant I didn't like in MGM (that I've been to) was Mama Melrose. The service wasn't great and neither was the food, but I think it's one I will have to try again though as many say it's wonderful. Hope this helps and enjoy Fantasmic!

[A Goofy Family]

Originally Posted by karliebug

My vote would be Hollywood & Vine. It is the least expensive of the package options, it is an all you can eat buffet, there is something for everyone, including picky kids and a great selection of desserts.

I totally agree with Karliebug! We always do H&V w/the Fantasmic show, but we usually have a huge party with us so we try to accommodate everyone's taste/appetite...everyone's always happy so that's why we return each trip.