‘Ohana has done it again!

Five months ago, the Polynesian Resort’s “meat-fest” bested quite a cast of competitors to become the All in WDW Readers’ Favorite Buffet/Family Style Restaurant. Now, in our most controversial poll to date, it has been crowned “champion” one more time – our Favorite Monorail Loop Restaurant.

Is ‘Ohana the best restaurant in Walt Disney World?  I think most of us – the fans that participated in this week’s voting – would agree that there are better restaurants in Mickey’s World.  Or, in Orlando, Or, in your own home town.  For example, I can tell you for a fact that our favorite restaurant of all restaurants is actually in Atlanta.

When it comes to California Grill and Victoria & Albert’s, they are undoubtedly better restaurants.  That’s why they are counted amongst Disney’s collection of Signature establishments.  And, when it comes to Kona, one of our Facebook friends said it best … “Kona is only in the final because it gets ‘Ohana’s overflow and has become the choice for those who don’t like the prices and volume of food at ‘Ohana.”  I have to admit that we, too, have fallen into that category.

But, having said all of this, how can any of us doubt that ‘Ohana is a – or the – favorite of WDW fans far-and-wide?  We can’t.  I mean, I’m sure that somewhere along the way, we’ve all tried to schedule an ADR (Advanced Dining Reservation) only to be turned away by a full house of guests.  Yes, the Poly’s flagship food-festival earns this “title” as well as the one it earned back in December.

Congratulations, ‘Ohana … you are a two-time champ!

Cheers, everyone! We’re halfway through the work week!  Yay!

Hello, Tambu!

Our favorite bar!

Time for the “meat fest”!

One thing I admitted to when we started this “tourney” the day before yesterday is that this poll was a big “basket of fruit” – comparing apples to oranges to Georgia peaches. Or, more specifically, forcing us to choose between character meals, family-style “meat-fests”, and high-price signature restaurants.

However, from the outset, I felt that, from amongst that vast diversity of choices, there were several very strong contenders for the title. Outside of the four finalists, I thought that the fun and frivolity of Whispering Canyon Cafe … or the marquee appeal of Artist Point and Narcoossee’s had a chance.  But, I really thought that the popularity of Disney’s beloved characters would carry Chef Mickey’s into the finale.

For me, Kona Cafe is the shock. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I love their pan-Asian noodles, but I wasn’t expecting such a strong showing. I mean, you can barely find a seat at Chef Mickey’s.  You can walk up to Kona – pretty much any time – and get a table.

Having said that, the other three members of the Final Four come as no surprise. I think we’re all anxious to see California Grill reborn from the ashes, ‘Ohana is an overwhelming fan favorite, and, well, I’m glad to see Victoria & Albert’s make the last round. If it hadn’t, V&A fans far-and-wide might have torn All in WDW down in revolt!  Ha-ha.

This is all for fun, folks.  VOTE!  Which of these four establishments will become our Favorite Monorail Loop Restaurant?

Yes, the All in WDW family did devour this Cali Grill sushi feast. We can’t wait for the restaurant to re-open!

Holy smokes! It was the “Great Victoria & Albert’s Controversy of 2013″ over on Facebook yesterday! That took me a little by surprise.

While those of you who visit us from Reddit and Twitter were peacefully voting away, some of our good friends from within the “Lines (Touring Plans) group” on Facebook expressed astonishment that the Grand Floridian’s (and, dare I say WDW’s) flagship restaurant, Victoria & Albert’s, was struggling to keep up with Kona Cafe’s vote totals.

Like me, if you’ve been to Victoria & Albert’s, I’m sure you can understand their bewilderment.  It is undoubtedly one of (if not) the most-acclaimed dining experience on property.  But, like any other popularity contest, it isn’t always “the best” that wins.  It is the “favorite”.  Let’s face it, not every American Idol winner was that year’s best singer.  They were the most popular.

Having said that, Victoria & Albert’s lives to fight another day … er, another round.  They just barely held off The Wave to follow Kona Cafe into the Elite Eight!  For you Victoria & Albert’s fans out there … vote, vote, vote!  It’s the only way to push WDW’s prized jewel of cuisine into the finale!

Remember, folks, as we move on, the choices don’t get any more pleasant, and, more important, the groupings don’t get any easier to make.  This time, I paired them so that no restaurant competes against the same restaurant they faced in Round 1.  Please don’t “shoot the messenger”!  Ha-ha!

Vote, vote, vote!  It is Round 2!  The Top 2 from each group move forward to the final vote!

Since we’re sticking around the monorail loop, I thought it would be a really great idea to stop at one of Disney’s fine “eateries” for dinner. Or, breakfast. Or, lunch. Or, whatever you prefer.

Really, it doesn’t matter. All in WDW has a world-wide reach – now, with people from 71 countries having stopped by for a visit. It has to be dinner somewhere!

You can’t really appreciate just how many Table Service options there are on “the loop” until you try to build them into a tourney-poll. There are loads! Geez, I even had to exclude a few. Did you know that you can order food at Tambu Lounge, for example?

I’m going to warn you now … if you ask me, none of these choices are easy. In other words, this should be a fun but very unpredictable “competition”.

Nonetheless, have at it, folks! VOTE! Let’s crown the All in WDW Readers’ Favorite Monorail-Loop Table Service Restaurant!