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T-Rex & Rainforest Cafes – Paying for Just the Food?
I’ve read and watched lots of people give reviews of Walt Disney World restaurants. Some are good while others are negative. And that’s fine – I don’t expect everyone to like every restaurant, that’s not normal. However there are always two restaurant ‘reviews’ that stick out to me: Rainforest Cafe at Animal Kingdom & Downtown Disney, and T-REX Cafe at Downtown Disney.
Why do these reviews stick out? Simply because in every review, these restaurants get rated somewhat poorly because of two reasons: the price is too expensive, and the food quality isn’t that good. Sure this is totally true (even though T-Rex’s quesadillas are really good) – but I don’t think the food is all you’re paying for at these two dining spots.
I think you’re also paying for the theming experience. Think about it. Would you pay the same amount for a park ticket to Magic Kingdom as it is now even if no rides were themed and all attractions were simply put in a row and inside cement buildings? I wouldn’t.
If these two restaurants had no theming to them, the experience would be dull. No matter how good the food, if there’s no decorations, you’re bored. The food may not be exceptional at these two places, but I think the extraordinary theming work done here completely makes up for it.
Sure other dining places around the World are themed, but these two top everything as far as theming goes. Nothing compares (maybe other than San Angel Inn).
What do you think? I want to know if you think the price at these two places includes theming or not. Also, is the food really that bad? How’s the theming in your opinion? Let me know in the comments!
Rosa Owens, 
Carlos, and 6 others are discussing. 
wdw4christians 8:21 pm on January 13, 2010 Permalink |
It really is all about the theming. We took our girls to the Rainforest Cafe this last summer and they had wonderful time. The food might not be amazing but it’s good and the setting is amazing.
Matt 6:59 am on January 14, 2010 Permalink |
I agree. It’s a great place for any kids. I see some walk in and their jaw just drops. =)
Glenn 6:17 pm on January 14, 2010 Permalink |
I love these restaurants! The food isn’t great, but it isn’t bad either. Critics feel the need to be critical, thats their job. If they said the same thing about everywhere, they wouldn’t have a job.
I like the rainforest ribs – nice. The experience you get from these two is worth twice the food.
Talking about poor downtown eateries, Planet Hollywood is not good at all! The other two are jewels in comparison!
Matt 6:33 pm on January 14, 2010 Permalink |
Well I didn’t mean critics, simply people visiting the parks – fans or not. I love the restaurants, too!
You should try the T-Rex quesadillas – they’re incredible.
Never been to Planet Hollywood, and I guess I won’t be going any time soon. Thanks for the heads up!
Thanks for sharing, Glenn. Appreciate it! =)
AJ 7:42 pm on January 19, 2010 Permalink |
I went to t-rex for the first time on the last trip, and I have to say, I hope I was paying for something other than the food
It wasn’t bad food, but it was pricy. The rooms were cool to explore, to be sure!
Great article topic — very interesting to hear others’ thoughts about the “entertainment restaurants.”
Matt 7:59 pm on January 19, 2010 Permalink |
Haha agreed, AJ.
The food is not at all bad, just fairly expensive for the quality you get.
The rooms are the best part! Thanks for reading, glad you enjoyed the discussion.
Disney Food Round-Up: January 24, 2010 | the disney food blog 1:57 am on January 24, 2010 Permalink |
[...] Speaking of Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex, WDW Central wonders if the entertainment justifies the expense. [...]
Brad 10:51 pm on January 24, 2010 Permalink |
We made Rainforest a yearly must-do for years at Disneyland. You said it perfectly Mtt, when you said the food quality isn’t good for the price. You also were dead on though, when you point out the theming value. The first trip, I never really paid much attention to the price… we were all having way too much fun getting caught up in the whole show. But I have to say, after 6 years of Rainforest, I am paying more attention to the check more than the show. It is great, but IMO it loses its luster after a couple years. Now it’s just overpriced mediocre food to me. Defnitely worht it the first time…. hands down.
Matt 3:46 pm on January 25, 2010 Permalink |
It is worth the price the first time, but you’re right in saying after a few years it becomes an unnecessary expense.
Thanks for sharing Brad!
Angie 11:33 am on January 25, 2010 Permalink |
I agree that you are paying for the theming.. I just think that, unless maybe you have children who are absolutely in love with it, there’s no reason to pay for that theming more than once. I also find the quality of the servers can be very hit and miss. Our one T-Rex experience was horrible and our second Rain Forest visit left a lot to be desired. The first visit was a lot more fun though, getting to see it all for the first time.
Matt 3:42 pm on January 25, 2010 Permalink |
Angie I completely agree. Since these two restaurants aren’t owned by Disney, I find that the quality in servers isn’t as good as you would expect. Nor is the food. You’re right – the first time you go it’s thrilling!
Thanks for sharing.
Carlos 11:50 pm on January 25, 2010 Permalink |
You don;t have to eat at T-Rex to see the rooms. Just walk in, either tell the host/hostess that you want to look at the menu and look around, or just walk around to look.
This works best at off times – not at normal meal times.
After looking at T-rex, go to Earl of Sandwich for a great low cost meal.
Matt 10:15 am on January 26, 2010 Permalink |
Good tip Carlos! I have done this before…just forgot to mention it. And plus you’re free to take pictures without buying a meal too.
Thanks for mentioning that. =)
Rosa Owens 2:32 pm on April 20, 2010 Permalink |
I love Rainforest Cafe, and food is pretty good, it all depends on what you order even though I have eaten at a few Rainforest Cafes and loved every minute of course inclues the ambiance and the gift shop is good, find the sale items. I will try T-Rex when we return in October for my grandson I am sure will love it!
Matt 5:37 am on April 21, 2010 Permalink |
I agree the food is pretty good, Rosa. Definitely try T-Rex! Get the quesadillas – they’re really great.