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Hello everyone,
We recently dined at Artist Point for the first time to try the (relatively) new Storybook Dining with Snow White at Wilderness Lodge.
Wilderness Lodge is located on the southern shore of Bay Lake, southeast of the Magic Kingdom. You can get to Wilderness Lodge by bus from Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, or boat from the Magic Kingdom.
The restaurant is just off of the main lobby, to the northwest side of the building. Because of the way that Wilderness Lodge is built, although the restaurant is on the main/"ground" level, there are some pretty good views out towards Bay Lake.
The menu is a set price format, and you choose from a selection of set items. The cost is $55 per adult, plus tax and tip. Annual Passholders can get 10% off, making the the price $49.50, plus tax and tip. No drinks are included, and are at an additional cost.
The restaurant has a fresh modern feel to it, while at the same time being nicely themed to an enchanted forest that seemingly has never not been there.
The tables have a fun setup with a tree/plant serving stand, apple-red napkins, and apple shaped character autograph cards.
The menu is designed as though it is an old storybook, which is a fun idea.
As I have pointed out many times here on the blog, Jon and I are vegetarian, and in the past have come up against some struggles at Disney parks when trying to find suitable options. Sometimes it doesn't come down to finding something - it's a matter of it being decent enough to constitute a meal for the price that we are being charged (which more often than not is the same or more than what those eating meat are paying).
We asked our server about any vegetarian options, and I'll be honest, she wasn't very helpful to start. She pointed out the one singular gnocchi option on the menu, and when I asked if there were any "hidden" menu items (as there often are at Disney restaurants - you usually have to speak to the chef), she basically brushed us off. I asked if we could speak to a chef and she seemed reluctant, but after some back and forward, she finally went to get someone. Low and behold, when the chef came to our table, suddenly there were options aplenty! The chef was extremely helpful and accommodating, and guided us through the entire menu with alternatives for pretty much everything. I am glad I asked because we in theory could have just left it with the server at the start and ended up paying the same set menu price as everyone else for something I felt was inferior, when all we had to do was ask.
I know that some people may find it confrontational, and some people may not want to talk to a chef about their dietary choices and requirements, but I really don't think being vegetarian is something that should be penalised. I genuinely felt that the option given to us by the server was insufficient, and since the meal is expensive (and the same set price regardless of whether you have the most extravagant meat option, or the simple gnocchi), I wanted to get the best value. I don't think that is unreasonable.
Anyway, we ended up with some pretty decent food, and I would recommend anyone with any kind of dietary need insist they speak to the chef because it certainly made it much more worth it.
Characters in attendance are Snow White, Grumpy, Dopey, and The Queen.
Snow White:
Grumpy:
Dopey:
When The Queen arrives, the lighting around the restaurant changes, and there is an announcement. It's a nice touch.
It should be noted that The Queen does not come to your table - she appears at a set location in the middle of the restaurant, which in itself isn't a bad idea, but the setup is a little awkward. When I say in the middle of the restaurant, it really is in the middle, which means that guests, servers, and the other characters sometimes have to battle through a mob of people who are waiting for The Queen, in order to get through. I feel perhaps there should be some numbered system or a pager or something when it is your turn to meet The Queen, as the lines seemed to be long at times.
Some fun shots of the characters interacting:
Despite our initial blip with a reluctant server, we really enjoyed the experience here. However, when you factor in tax and tip, the meal came to well over $120 for the two of us (and drinks aren't even included in that), even after AP discount, which is pretty expensive. At that price point I expected better service from our server.
Have a great day everyone,
Dan.
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