Disney Dining Review; Trail’s End
I had never stepped foot in the Fort Wilderness Campground at any point during the 25-plus years that I have been going to Walt Disney World. In fact, I had never seen anymore than the sign on the side of the road. But I have recently become an avid listener of the WDW Today Podcast, and Mike Scopa has mentioned on more than one episode that people who’ve never tried the Trail’s End buffet should do. So this past trip, I did just that.
Believe me when I tell you that my confidence level was initially very low. We took the boat from the Magic Kingdom that runs to the Contemporary and Wilderness Lodge as well. It was jammed full of people, of the very loud and teenaged variety, and it seemed they were all going to the Wilderness Lodge. Could these people all be going to Scopa’s beloved Trail’s End? Could even half of them be going? I have never been much of a buffet line lover, and the thought of standing in a massive and loud line to spoon some cold peas was not high on my list of things to do while on vacation.
We made it to the campground and walked our way to the main building. I was happy to discover that all these folks were not here for the buffet, as we were the only two heading in that direction. As I walked in I noticed a bar in a virtually empty area of the building, termed Crockett’s Tavern, which had a television on. It was NFL playoff time, so we asked to eat at the bar. Great decision!
The place had a nice, authentic feel. It is well themed, but not over-the-top campy. It is a nice tribute to Davy Crockett, one of Walt Disney’s most successful franchises ever. The food also fits well into the theme. Chicken and biscuits, mashed potatoes, barbeque ribs are all on the buffet and each one is literally better than the next. I tried nearly everything I could, and my wife had a plate piled to the point where the bartender couldn’t see her behind the stack of cornbread. Oh, and let me just say the cornbread is outstanding! There’s also a nice apple cobbler-type dessert that you must try.
I don’t think I am overstating this when I say that the Trail’s End represents the best value, the best bang for the buck, I have ever received at a Wlat Disney World restaurant. The food is good, so good you simply shovel it in, and the price, especially at lunch, is very reasonable. It may be off the beaten path a bit, but hey…it’s Trail’s End.
Matt said,
February 5, 2007 @ 4:32 am
I ate at Trails End this past December at Mousefest and it was great. First, the price is the #1 reason to go here because it’s dirt cheap (relatively speaking of course) to eat here. The selection of food isn’t the widest but it is good food. Also, it’s at Fort Wilderness so it’s a small hike to get there but I’d recommend it.
And you’re right about the cornbread Dave. I put it on my plate as a last minute decision to give it a bite but found myself going back to grab a few more.
David said,
February 5, 2007 @ 1:14 pm
I have your man Scopa to thank for this one. Not too long ago, he made a very quick comment on WDW Today about how you should never pass this place up. I had never been, and probably would never have even thought about it, but Scopa simply gushed about it.
Len said,
February 16, 2007 @ 6:15 pm
Trails End has a doughnut buffet for breakfast. Clearly, western civilization continues to advance. If you can get past the transportation, Trail’s End is fabulous.
David said,
February 16, 2007 @ 6:36 pm
So western civilization advances in doughnut but not in transportation??? The future is indeed bright my friends! We are finally blazing the paths to happiness…
Mike said,
February 16, 2007 @ 11:30 pm
I am so there. Donuts zippe a dee doo dah!
Mouse Extra said,
April 13, 2007 @ 6:15 pm
[...] the Magic Kingdom. It is open until 10pm and Spectromagic runs at 9pm. We’ll probably go to Trail’s End for dinner, my wife’s favorite place and a good way to make it up to her for the [...]