Well, I’ll say one thing for us … when it comes to Downtown Disney, we know what we like.
Clearly, our hearts lie with Ireland! And, the word “landslide” doesn’t even start to describe Raglan Road’s victory.
Master Chef Kevin Dundon’s authentic Irish pub retains its crown! It is the All in WDW Readers’ Favorite Downtown Disney Table Service!
You know, when an attraction, resort, or dining establishment wins one of All in WDW’s polls, I usually congratulate it with some glowing comments or an honorary pictorial … or, both!
Today, in Raglan’s case, I’m going to have to break with that “tradition” a bit. What? Really?
Late last year, when the pub won this tourney the first time, I said, “Raglan is one place that Mrs. All in WDW and I have missed, so far, and, evidently, that is a mistake that we’ll have to remedy in the very near future. Trust me, we’ll take your advice!”
We did … at the best time of the year (we thought).
In search of a quick beer and a snack, we stopped in this past March during St. Patrick’s Week!
Reception was pleasant enough. It was a bit before Noon, and, right then, ADRs weren’t a necessity.
The restaurant was yet-to-be filled.
But, we were drawn to Raglan’s patio!
We were hoping to sit at their outdoor bar. The hostess invited us to grab a seat! As you can see, there was plenty of room. But, within minutes, two other parties joined us.
This is where our disappointment began. Have you ever gone into a restaurant and sat forever waiting for someone to stop by to provide you with service? Uh, yeah. That’s what happened to us that day.
In fairness, it was early in their business day … but, in our defense, we were told we could sit and be served at the bar.
We even stopped a server or two as they walked past from patio tables to restaurant entrance and asked if they could bring us a beverage. Alas, they claimed they weren’t allowed. We had to wait for a bartender. Who we could see lurking around behind the indoor bar!
No luck! As a result, here’s my beer …
OK. So that’s where my beer should have been. It was pretty frustrating and very disappointing. Especially since everyone else seemed to be having fun in the sun!
After about 20 minutes, we gave up. The other two parties at the bar looked like they were bound to stick around, but we hit the gift shop and decided our “lunch” would have to come from somewhere down the Sassagoula River.
It’s too bad, too, as we were looking forward to trying Raglan’s fare. I think we both had our eyes set on a serving of genuine fish & chips!
Has our opinion of Raglan Road been soured forever? I don’t think so. Every restaurant has a “bad day”. I’m not sure if we’ll run back for another “go” in the immediate future, however.
Having said that, given the pub’s popularity, I, at least, would still like to dine there. As we’ve run our polls over the last two years, few restaurants have dominated their competition as thoroughly as has Raglan. If it’s that good, I have to try it!
