Michelle Brandel
Google
I chose Hollywood & Vine to celebrate my birthday and to enjoy some character dining on birthday weekend, and it turned out to be a great choice. The characters were dressed in their Halloween costumes, and each one came by our table not once but twice. They were so sweet and engaging, adding joy to the experience.
The buffet had a lot of variety. The standout for me personally was the mushroom risotto — rich, full of flavor. I also really enjoyed the cheesy cauliflower, sautéed garlic green beans, and peel-and-eat shrimp. The large shrimp where perfectly cleaned but shells left. I had tap water to keep hydrated and avoid excess sugary drinks (not my favorite taste, so I’d recommend another drink if you’re sensitive to that) but ended the meal with a hot cup of chamomile tea. Our server, Crystal, brought two tea bags, honey, and fresh lemon without having to ask; all was appreciated and more than adequate. It was a thoughtful touch, though I noticed they didn’t provide a stirrer.
Dessert isn’t usually my thing, but I tried the strawberry tres leche cake since a fresh batch had just come out. I was the first to scoop a small sliver, and the strawberry sprinkled topping gave it a fun flavor and texture. The soft serve, on the other hand, was icy rather than creamy, so I couldn’t enjoy and discarded.
Service overall was very good. Crystal was kind, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed. The only real disappointment was that when we were seated, the hostess asked if we were celebrating anything. She noted my birthday on the ticket, but it was never mentioned again — not even a small “happy birthday.” A little acknowledgment would have been nice especially considering this was the reason for the splurge, but it didn’t ruin the experience - just would have been the icing on the cake to top off the birthday dinner experience.
Total cost for two people, including a 20% tip, was $145.97. Eeek — definitely on the pricey side — but since it was a birthday meal and a special experience, I was okay with it.
All in all, I was very satisfied. The character interactions were wonderful, the food had some standout dishes, and the service and overall vibe was pleasant. Not a foodie destination, but perfect for a fun, memorable Disney experience.