Monday, June 11, 2012

Hollywood & Vine Buffet - Disney Hollywood Studios



We visited Star Wars Weekend at Disney Hollywood Studios last weekend.  While there we always try to discover somewhere new to eat and found ourselves in 1950's Hollywood.   This place has the bustle of the era and the food was quite good.  Reservations are definitely recommended which you can make at guest services or over your phone at 1-407-WDW-DINE.  We were seated promptly and our waiter, Jonathan, provided great service.  The bar which is probably over 60 feet long includes chicken, rice vegetables, salmon, and teriyaki chicken.  They also have macaroni with cheese that has large chunks of lobster in it.  I don't eat mac-n-cheese but this was awesome.

The place was clean, well-lighted, and very well organized.  The staff was pleasant and presented a nice, professional appearance without being stuffy.  The food was all good with a good salad and soup bar followed by the main dinner bar to include carved chicken breast and sirloin steak. We sat there through a horrific thunderstorm so we had no reason to leave and just filled up!

After several trips we settled on the dessert bar which contained ice cream and toppings, strawberry shortcake, cookies and small confections which I didn't eat so I can't remember what they were -but the kids loved it! Drinks are included in the price of your dinner which is $32.95 for adults and $24.95 for kids 3-9 years old.  It's a little expensive but being all you can eat it's worth it and really not too expensive for a restaurant in the parks. They always cost more.

If you have an annual pass they give you 10% off  your bill and with the Disney Dining Plan you get about 20% off. Just don't forget to mention it when you sit down.  They're supposed to ask you but we don't always get asked so be sure to tell them up front. The entire experience is great as always at the Disney restaurants.  I give the whole experience an "A" for price, service, and punctuality.  Variety could be a little better but it was good.  It's hard to please everybody, especially at these prices but they do a good job of giving you choices.  If you want to get lost in an era then this, like all the Disney restaurants immerses you in the moment but I expect no less from those who made the movies we all grew up on and continue to share with our kids.