WDW Dining The Plaza Restaurant- A Hidden Gem? - Walt Disney Boards - Message Boards & Forum Discussing The Genius Of Walter Elias Disney!

**DisneyNutMary** · #1 (**permalink**) 02-27-2009, 08:14 PM

It's been a few years since I have eaten this meal I am about to write about, but I loved everything about it.

Tucked away off to the side at the end of Main Street, this charming spot is often missed. It is nestled behind the Main Street Ice Cream Parlor. And can be overlooked as the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station looms before you and draws your eye. But for those in the know, the Plaza is a rare treat.

I made the ADR based on the idea that we would probably eat a big lunch, and have mainly dessert at this meal. Our trip was in the end of August, when the heat of the day often wilts us by early evening, and we find ourselves wanting a light dinner, and a cooling ice cream treat. What we have come to know as a normally slow time of year, with ADR's easy to get and restaurants relatively uncrowded... then Free Dining happened!!! It was the first or second year of this phenomenon that we had this meal.

We checked in at the podium about 10 minutes early, but the Plaza was overbooked, thanks to free dining. So we took a seat at the lovely umbrella'd tables outside. We had a long wait... and had to re-check a few times to make sure we were still in line for a table. We also witnessed a few "squeaky wheel" types get seated before us, though we clearly saw and heard them check-in later, for later ADR times. This was not a good start, and by the time we were called, we were annoyed, cranky and very hungry.

We were escorted into this charming restaurant, that looked like an old fashioned ice cream parlor, with a long counter running along one wall, and white metal tables and chairs that completed the feeling of stepping back in time and into the corner ice cream parlor.
Our table was in the first of two rooms, near a window that afforded a view of the Castle. Our server was sweet, and very attentive. She immediately made us forget the long wait... she was an older lady who made me feel like my mom or grandma was serving me, and she treated us like a relative would... with care and concern.

The menu is limited to sandwiches. At first, I worried about the limited menu, because my husband is far from the free thinking, flexible guy he thinks he is- and he likes traditional dinner foods at dinner.... and sandwiches are most definitely lunch in his world. He made a face, more of a smirk, really, when he opened the menu. But then he figured he better not mess with me at this point- as I had been so good at holding my barbed tongue when the people who were rude and flaunting their sense of entitlement were seated before us. Something funny happened to both groups during this meal.... oddly enough, they were just getting their entrees when we were getting dessert, so in the end, they waited longer to eat than we did anyway.

Anyway (stop me if I wander off on a tangent again) Jimmy ordered a Reuben with potato chips, I ordered the Grilled Chicken Sandwich, which at that time came with German Potato Salad, and the kids got a cheeseburger and grilled chicken strips, both with fries.
The food came out quickly, and let me just say... WOW! I was so impressed with the taste and quality. I had never eaten German Potato Salad, and if I thought no one would see, I would have picked up the bowl and licked it clean. And the chicken sandwich was delish! The chicken was hot, the ham was nestled beneath swiss cheese that was perfectly melted, and not gloppy, like cheese that sits under a hot light gets... so I know it went straight from grill to table post haste.
Jimmy loved his Reuben so much, he wouldn't even let me try it... he said I could have a bite in a minute, then proceeded to inhale the sandwich like a freakin hoover!
Bobby, well, a cheeseburger is a cheeseburger, and he was in paradise. Tommy is my picky eater, he barely touched his chicken, but we're used to it, and chose not to aruge.... we pick the food battles carefully. If you've seen him you'd know he is not going to waste away from malnutrition... he's not really overweight, he's just a bit, ummm, fluffy.

Then the time had come... the time we were anticipating... DESSERT!!!

Tommy chose cookies and milk, and I chose the Mickeylodeon sundae from the kids menu.... I just had to have my Mickey and eat him too. Jimmy played it predictably with a Hot Fudge Sundae and Bobby (gag) requested (gag) Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream with Caramel Sauce (gag). Not a combination I would choose, but the kid loved it, and not caring what anyone though, actually did lick the bowl.

To say I loved the meal and the atmosphere would be a big understatement. I dream about that meal. If I had twins they would be named Plaza and Restaurant.
I can't wait to make my way back to this little gem off the beaten path of Main Street USA. And next time, I will be sampling my own Rueben, and making fork marks in my husband's hand if it dares to approach my plate.

**go2WDW** · #2 (**permalink**) 02-27-2009, 09:18 PM

This is a place that we've had to skip a couple of times when we planned to eat there. After reading your review, I'll have to try harder to keep it on the schedule next time!

**Oh Pooh** · #3 (**permalink**) 02-28-2009, 02:44 AM

Mary, I love the plaza & it fast & good food. Sometimes you can walk up & get a seat !

PixieMom · #4 (**permalink**) 03-05-2009, 09:13 AM

The plaza is great! We ate there on the last trip, and we loved it.

mickeypal · #5 (**permalink**) 03-06-2009, 07:58 PM

I've never eaten here. Sounds great and will have to put it on my to-do list for next visit.

**Oh Pooh** · #6 (**permalink**) 03-07-2009, 01:12 AM

You should really try it Phyllis it is great especially the ice cream !

**DisneyNutMary** · #7 (**permalink**) 03-07-2009, 07:22 AM

Phyllis, definitely give it a try. Even though the menu is limited, the ice cream choices are far from unlimited, and it is just a charming little place with a great view of the castle if you are seated by a window

DisneySchoe · #8 (**permalink**) 03-07-2009, 02:37 PM

This is my mother's favorite place in all of Walt Disney World to eat... so we go here every trip!
It is a little out of the way, so not too many people know about it.