I am not sure what I was expecting coming back here. River Belle was exceedingly terrible before. Yes, it has improved since, but that was a very low bar to clear. Last time we ate at this restaurant, it was so bad that none of us wanted to stay at Disneyland after. And while we still remained at the park after our latest dinner, I don't think any us were happy with what we ate.
First and foremost, everything we ordered that night had that dry sheen that comes from sitting under a heat lamp for an extended period of time. Our food had been cooked, plated, and then sat long enough for all the sauces to congeal and set into place before being brought to our table. It was extremely obvious and a bit gross, especially considering that it felt like we waited a bit too long for our food after ordering.
I opted for the Impossible Meatloaf. The protein itself was fine, with a nice texture and taste. But the tomato glaze suffered from that lengthy wait under the lamp, causing it to become thin to the point where the whole entree was dry. And the tomatoes that were part of the 'roasted vegetables' side brought an unwelcome acidity and sourness to my dinner.
My wife had the Chicken Pot Pie Soup which suffered the most from that heat lamp. You could see where the crumpled biscuit on top sat upon the dried dome of her soup, unable to break through and sink into the liquid. She ate her meal with her typical shoulder shrug and accompanying, 'meh'.
Our son ordered the Blackened Fish, a dish he's been ordering whenever we eat anywhere at the park. This iteration he found to be dried out, flakey, and probably the worst version of fish he's had in about half a dozen places we've eaten at Disneyland. He did like the chips, though.
And our daughter had the Kids' Menu Mac & Cheese which looked and tasted like it was formulated for a juvenile detention center. She ate very little of it and stuck to her orange, milk, and candy we brought with us.
Also on the table was the Pork Chop, which my mother was very much looking forward to, but she ended up eating less than half of. It had been cooked to the point where the protein had broken down to almost mush. The sear on the outside couldn't save it, the texture was just too off-putting.
In the end, River Belle Terrace was almost as disappointing as it had been the first time we came here. This place is, without a doubt, one of the worst restaurants to eat at here in Disneyland. There really needs to be a top to bottom refurbishment or the horrible decor, slow service, and god-awful menu. River Belle sits on prime New Orleans Square real estate next to Blue Bayou and Cafe Orleans; there is no excuse for how tacky and disgusting it is here.
Disneyland, I implore you to tear River Belle down and start from scratch.
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And for the Disneyland Reviews List:
Taste - Or the Overall Flavor: *
It's really bad. Overcooked food, pre-plating and heat lamps, odd sides, all of it comes together to make a sub-par meal. Nothing we've ever eaten here has really been worthwhile.
Convenience - Of the Seating & Service Options: * * * * (and a half)
Even on busy days, River Belle usually has a few open spots to sit. And the outside patio is very open with plenty of seating. With a raised view of the Rivers of America, there are actually quite a few nice options if you're looking for a good place to rest and enjoy lunch ... just make sure that lunch is one you brought with you from home.
Value - Will you walk away satisfied?: *
Every place in Disneyland is relatively over priced; the trick is to find food that will make you not want a snack two hours later, despite what you pay. Typically, paying around $15 per person is what you should expect, but still have a filling meal.
Costs here top out between $25-$30 a person on average. At other more expensive spots at the Magic Kingdom, that usually gets you enough food to share with a loved one. The only spare food you'll get here is what you bag up to take home to your dog. In no way is River Belle worth the cost.
Kid Factor - Is there entertainment for the young ones?: * * (and a half)
River Belle Terrace lies at the nexus between Adventureland, Frontierland, and New Orleans Square. There is no in-house entertainment and Disney characters generally stick towards the center of their designated lands. You might catch the occasional Barber Shop quartet or Pirate walking by, but that will be about it.
What this place does have, however, is a great view of the Rivers of America. Aside from the spectacular scenery, the passing Mark Twain steamboat, and the Columbia, you can also watch Fantasmic if the show is playing. Not the best choices to keep your young ones entertained, but it's not the worst either. read more