Most Overpriced Restaurants at Disney World
I was reading social media the other day and noticed a hostile Disney debate.
The wild part was the hostility didn’t exist between the posters. Oh, no. They collectively focused their rage on a Walt Disney World restaurant.
After I read the complaints, I got it. Honestly, I’m conflicted about that place, too.
Disney
So, let’s do this. Let’s discuss the most overpriced restaurants at Disney World.
As always, this is just one person’s opinion. Please direct all torches and pitchforks at me.
Photo: Disney
Also, please understand that this conversation is much more nuanced than, “Here are the priciest meals.”
Space 220
Space 220
Let’s start with the one that triggered this column. It’s the source of the hostility.
Fans were complaining that Space 220 has changed its menu policy.
Until recently, each meal included an appetizer and an entrée for a set price.
It was a prix fixe two-course lunch menu or a three-course dinner menu. At dinner, Space 220 still works the same. These complaints focused solely on lunch.
As of last month, Space 220 now offers a two-course lunch: an entrée and a dessert.
Carrot Cake – Space 220
People didn’t like the change as a value proposition, and they’re right.
Desserts cost less to create than appetizers as a rule, and it’s an appetizer economy now.
Space 220 – Elevator
Patina Group has been going through some stuff, especially at Disney World.
So, I guess we shouldn’t be surprised that the company is reconsidering some business tactics. Still, I found Space 220’s pricing difficult to justify before this change.
Now, I must agree with the angry social media venters that the restaurant is just plain overpriced.
Space 220
However, the criticism speaks to a second issue with determining good value.
If you’re like me and love NASA and space travel, the meal experience may justify the process.
In fact, let’s just get right to that thought process…
Coral Reef Restaurant
Coral Reef
When you dine at EPCOT’s Coral Reef, you’re facing the same debate.
No one could ever diminish the quality of the meal experience.Guests face one of the world’s largest saltwater tanks. It’s one giant aquarium.
During the meal, we can watch the fish live out their lives in this setting.
Photo: Disney Daily Dime
As I’ve previously mentioned, I’ve even befriended a manta ray at this restaurant.
Whenever I sit near the glass, my friend comes over and sits with me for a while.
This has happened more than five times, which tells me that…well, the manta ray really likes that spot.
Obviously, I love eating at Coral Reef. That’s not the problem here. No, the issue doesn’t occur until the check arrives, at which point I remember the truth.
Disney has priced the restaurant based on the experience, not necessarily the food.
The company does this at all its dining locations, making guests pay more for superior experiences.
I don’t mind the practice as much at places like Akershus, Chef Mickey’s, and Be Our Guest.
At those restaurants, I feel like I’m getting my money’s worth…but not Coral Reef.
Tony’s Town Square
Lady and the Tramp Statue – Tony’s
Along those lines, Tony’s Town Square wins with theming AND location.
The premise here is that it’s a restaurant based on Lady and the Tramp. You can purchase Spaghetti & Meatballs here and nuzzle your food to a loved one.
Whenever you want to make a big impression on a date, it’s hard to top that.
Tony’s Town Square Restaurant
Just as importantly, Tony’s Town Square is literally the first restaurant you walk past at Magic Kingdom.
This place has anchored Main Street, USA, since 1971, though it changed its name once.
That’s how long guests have been able to recreate Lady and the Tramp.
The movie even plays on the television in the restaurant’s lobby. Nowadays, that Spaghetti & Meatballs dinner costs $29, and it’s one of the cheapest entrées.
Tony’s menu
You’re simply never going to get your money’s worth here due to the location and theme.
Disney has baked those assets into the prices, wrecking Tony’s Town Square as a value proposition.
Garden Grill
At breakfast, Chip ‘n’ Dale Harvest Feast costs $49 per adult.
For lunch and dinner, you’ll pay $62 each for a thoroughly mediocre meal. Once again, Disney has adjusted the rates to account for the experience.
In this case, you’re dining at a character meal hosted by Chip ‘n’ Dale.
Mickey Mouse also visits your table, and he’s dressed in an adorable farmer outfit.
I have some wonderful pictures of Mickey in this costume…and that’s enough for me.
Mickey
We haven’t eaten here since the 2010s. In fact, we passed on the option just last month.
I love everything about character meals, as I recently explained in another article.
Garden Grill
Still, the pricing on this one simply doesn’t justify what’s included in the meal.
You can check the menu before deciding whether you disagree with me.
Personally, I’m not spending $62 on a turkey dinner.
I think I could get a Thanksgiving turkey for that price.
The Hollywood Brown Derby
To Disney’s credit, only four restaurants immediately popped in my head.
I had to think for a moment before settling on a fifth addition to round out the list. Once I put some thought into the matter, I quickly realized the final answer, though.
We recently walked by The Hollywood Brown Derby at least 12 times in a single day.
Hat lights at Hollywood Brown Derby
The Fab 50 gold statues in the area caused my MagicBand+ to vibrate every time.
So, I definitely noticed every time I did so, but at no point did I ever think about eating here.
As a former movie website operator, I love the storied history of The Hollywood Brown Derby.
This very real restaurant is where the deals got done on many classic Hollywood films.
Studio bosses would eat here, wine and dine celebrities, and finalize contracts.
Disney brought back the concept straight down to the eatery’s iconic Cobb Salad. If this restaurant offered better food at a reasonable price, I’d eat here sometimes.
Photo Credit: https://www.glutenfreedairyfreewdw.com/brown-derby-lunchdinner-table-service-hollywood-studios/
I don’t because Disney slotted this one into the Signature Dining category. Having dined at several of the other restaurants in this group, The Hollywood Brown Derby falls far short.
Most of the entrees here cost more than $50. And that’s not the fascinating part.
When was the last time you heard someone praise The Hollywood Brown Derby?
I mean, Flying Fish receives glowing reviews, as do Narcoossee’s and Citricos. The Hollywood Brown Derby is like the elevated version of Tony’s Town Square.
You’re paying more for the location than the meal. That’s the breathing definition of overpriced.
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Feature Photo: Disney
