.jpg)
There are some restaurants that, over the years, have gained
a reputation for not being up to the same standard of decent food found
elsewhere around Walt Disney World. Amongst those who visit often, the mere suggestion
of dining at these locations can often result in mocking and ridicule. One such
location, Pinocchio Village Haus, has held on to this title for many years, which
is precisely the reason I decided to dine there a few months back.
.jpg)
Let’s start off with the setting first. There is a corner of
my heart that is extremely fond of the artwork and story scrolls that decorate
the walls of Pinocchio Village Haus. The Pinocchio figure, holding a mug and a
piece of cake against a cornucopia of fresh fruits and vegetables, is a great
way to welcome guests to the ordering area. Oh, and the restaurant’s view of
the it’s a small world queue is one of the best quick service views on
property.
There has been a lot of work put in around property to
upgrade menus with new items, specifically dishes that are healthier. In the case
of the menu at Pinocchio Village Haus this includes a salad and a selection of
flatbreads. We opted for the Caprese Flatbread, a flatbread with a base of
tomato sauce, sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic
vinaigrette. It was better than some of the healthier options shopped around by
fast food restaurants, but not as good as some of the other flatbreads served
at quick service locations around Walt Disney World. The mere fact that it utilizes
fresh tomatoes and basil makes it a winner in my book.
Pinocchio Village Haus has been holding to the Italian
eatery identity for quite some time now, so we also opted for one of their
staples, the Meatball Sub Sandwich. A toasted bun is filled with marinara,
meatballs, and topped with bubbling cheese. The meatballs are not the giant
sized pieces you get with most subs, instead they are small, bite-sized
options, which makes for an easier sandwich to eat with less mess. It is a utilitarian
sub, but on par with many of the angus burgers found all around property.
For so long we have derided Pinocchio Village Haus as a less
than appealing option for dining in the Magic Kingdom. Oh sure, we all miss
their unique Figaro Fries, but other than that the Fantasyland staple has not
been a required stop on the Walt Disney World foodie trail. While I wouldn’t go
as far as to say it rivals the lunch at Be Our Guest, the Village Haus’ menu
has pulled itself up to being on par with many of the quick service locations
inside the Magic Kingdom. Feel free to stop by and give it another chance,
because it has earned the opportunity.
Posts
2 comments:
I get ridiculously happy when I see "meatball sandwich" on any menu. Good to hear the Haus version is at least average! :)
I still have to try the new & improved menu at DL's Village Haus. In the bad old days, I remember staring at my half-eaten meal and thinking, "how is it even possible to create a chili-burger that tastes like nothing at all?" It was seriously like eating chewy, musty air.
From decades ago I remember that Pinocchio's was the only place we could afford to eat lunch at Disneyland. It gave us a chance to sit down and eat which was quite welcome after standing in lines for rides. Because back then...it was all about the rides :)
Post a Comment