Disney World’s “Worst Restaurant” Is Not So Bad.
There are a lot of “storylines” in Walt Disney World dining that were established years ago and persist today despite being questionable, at best, and downright untrue, at worst. The greatness of Le Cellier and ‘Ohana. The difficulty of scoring ADRs for Cinderella’s Royal Table. How the Disney Dining Plan has ruined the ambitiousness of menus.
One we are guilty of perpetuating is the terribleness of Electric Umbrella. For years, we made it the butt of jokes. In our defense, it’s an easy target. Also, we have teased more recently that it’s not as bad as it once was. Well, today is the day for a full defense of Electric Umbrella, as a couple of new menu items have reinforced its upward trajectory and further convinced us that it’s getting an undeserved bum rap.
Before this goes off the rails as a redemption story, we want to be very clear that this is still Electric Umbrella we’re talking about. It’s not suddenly the champion of Walt Disney World counter service restaurants, nor is it “good” in the traditional sense of the word. However, in the landscape of Epcot’s dining scene, Electric Umbrella’s stock is rising.
Admittedly, part of this is due to Sunshine Seasons’ stock falling. In fact, our last couple of times at Sunshine Seasons have been huge disappointments, and that’s not counting the instances we’ve walked in and immediately left because an ordering bay or two was inexplicably closed. (Something that is, sadly, happening more and more there.)
Sunshine Seasons has tweaked its menu a couple of times in the last several months, and by “tweak” we mean “eliminate several ambitious items and replace them with fewer things, and items that are of lesser quality.” The bland BBQ sandwich and “Almost Pizza” deep dish are the worst offenders, and some of the worst entrees I’ve ever had at Walt Disney World.
But the slow fall from grace of Sunshine Seasons is a different story for a different blog post. We’re here to talk about the slow ascension of Electric Umbrella, which as been (fairly) maligned for years as one of, if not the, worst restaurants at Walt Disney World. At this point, I’d take Electric Umbrella over Sunshine Seasons.
Let’s start by taking a look at the two newest items to the menu at Electric Umbrella, both of which debuted this week…
This is the Chicken Prosciutto Mozzarella Sandwich topped with a sun-dried tomato aioli sauce and served with fries.
The chicken on this sandwich is tender and flavorful, and doesn’t taste overcooked or like it’s been sitting around under a heat lamp all day. I could do without the prosciutto, which doesn’t add any flavor to speak of, but does add an odd texture.
The mozzarella provides a bit of depth and flavor to enhance the chicken, but could probably do a tad more. It’s the creamy aioli that ends up being the highlight, enhancing the other flavors while never being too heavy.
As we frequently do at Sunshine Seasons, our ‘hack’ here is to request a side contained for the aioli, which is perfect for dipping the fries. They gave us a huge container of the stuff.
In the famous words of Walt Disney, “it’s kind of fun to do the impossible…and dip your fries into a soup bowl of aioli.” Walt dreamed of a place kids and parents could have fun dipping fries together, and it’s nice to see Electric Umbrella is finally realizing his dream.
Overall, this is a good-but-not-great sandwich that comes across as “healthy enough” while still having the kind of indulgent flavors I enjoy in theme park food. I’d recommend it, but it’s not my favorite item on the menu.
The second new item is the Cookie Crunch Brownie.
Normally, Walt Disney World brownies are one-note, hard, and dry. This was a different story, with discernible layers and a variety of textures. It’s dense and perhaps a bit too rich, but we enjoyed the dessert. It still would be pretty far from our top choice of desserts in Epcot (Sunshine Seasons still shines in that regard, as do the World Showcase bakeries), but it was better than expected.
My favorite item on the Electric Umbrella menu is currently the Brisket Sandwich: “Slow-cooked Smoked Beef Brisket Marinated in Au Jus on top a Toasted Roll covered with Homemade Beer Cheese and served with French Fries.”
This is pure guilty pleasure territory, but I feel it’s not totally phoned in with cheap meat and plastic cheese. Instead, you get juicy (albeit sometimes overly-fatty) brisket, a quality roll that can hold up under the weight of the meat and au jus sauce, and nice beer cheese. It’s not the pinnacle of Walt Disney World’s culinary scene, but it’s delicious and more effort is put into it than you’d expect.
At the other end of the spectrum, Electric Umbrella is currently one of Sarah’s favorite spots at Epcot thanks to the Vegetable Quinoa Salad: “Cauliflower, Carrots, Cabbage, Cucumbers, Tomatoes and Edamame drizzled with Agave Lime Dressing.”
Although quinoa is my long-time nemesis, this salad is undeniably ambitious. It’s a far cry from the ‘iceberg lettuce and maybe a tomato or two’ salads of yesteryear at Walt Disney World, and the variety of veggies is nicely punctuated by that zesty citrus flavor of the agave lime dressing. I’d never voluntarily order this, but if I’m feeling guilty after a week’s worth of brisket sandwich-esque choices, it’s a very strong change of pace. Healthy, filling, tasty, and relatively inexpensive.
If you want another healthy option, but something with meat, the Energy Salad with Roasted Chicken isn’t too shabby, either. More ambitious than the typical Walt Disney World salad, but not as good as the option above in our opinion.
About the only criticism I have for Electric Umbrella’s current menu is that the Mojo Pulled Pork Burger is a slight step backwards as compared to the French Dip Burger, which was a true hidden gem. However, even the new burger is a decent option, with toppings that mask the normal (bad) Walt Disney World burger patty.
If you’re skeptical of all this praise, that’s very fair. Many of you have probably been burned by Electric Umbrella in the past. It’s prominent location and mesmerizing neon have beckoned unassuming guests for years. And if you unwittingly ordered something bland and boring here before venturing back to World Showcase to find a cornucopia of diverse dining options, you might’ve felt tricked.
Also, this is not the opening salvo for some breathless tribute to Electric Umbrella when its closure and reimagining as a new counter service restaurant is inevitably announced in a few months. It’s safe to say Electric Umbrella’s, at least in the restaurant’s current form, demise is coming within the next year or so.
(Update: Walt Disney World has announced its closure, but not when it will close. We anticipate Electric Umbrella lasting through this holiday season and closing in early 2020 for roughly a year. This building will not be demolish as part of the Epcot overhaul, but we anticipate a new name and restaurant concept coming out of renovation. Stay tuned!)
To that, I say both bring it on and good riddance. I do enjoy people watching from the upper level of Electric Umbrella (when it’s open) and sitting outside on a cool night under the warm glow of the neon lights while watching Fountain of Nations. I’ll miss both of those things about Electric Umbrella, as well as its current menu.
I’m also a realist who recognizes that Electric Umbrella is over a decade overdue for a wholesale makeover, and its current atmosphere is best described as “dead mall from the 1990s.” That second level could easily be converted to retail space housing Sam Goody, KB Toys, and Waldenbooks.
There are some aspects of Electric Umbrella for which I have a sentimental or nostalgic attachment, but my overall attitude to the restaurant is tear it to the ground and start over. In my years of visiting Epcot, I don’t ever remember a time when Electric Umbrella promoted the optimism or ideals of EPCOT, and I won’t mourn its loss as if it did.
However, in the here and now, Electric Umbrella has a deceptively good menu that operates in extremes: ambitious healthy items and unambitious but delicious guilty pleasures. If you’re craving either of those and want to dine in the delightful atmosphere of an abandoned shopping mall designed in 1994, Electric Umbrella is just the place for you!
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Your Thoughts
Have you dined at Electric Umbrella recently? Was it better than you expected, or are we crazy for giving it any praise? Anything you like or dislike here? What about the fall from grace of Sunshine Seasons? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
We always eat here and actually like it! Excited to try the new menu options.
My in-laws raved about the Liberty Inn for lunch last month, specifically the Southern Fried Chicken and the Barbecue Pork sandwiches. That would be an interesting comparison … to read, especially if Sunshine Seasons re-ups its selection in more crowded months.
I love Sunny Eclipse but Cosmic Ray’s has consistently had a wider selection of worse food. I’d only rank Electric Umbrella “worst in WDW” if you’re considering all of the options; the Magic Kingdom (and once upon a time Hollywood Studios) have worse counter service restaurants across the board so they may not stick out as much.
Even the worst restaurant at WDW is still pretty good, by virtue of it being at WDW.
Someone above beat me to the punch: Cosmoc Ray’s gets my vote for worst food at WDW. Hands down. Not even close.
During our trip in 2012 or 2013, we were waiting in the (insane) line at the brand-new-just-opened-the-day-before Merida meet and greet. We had a kid who would have been crushed to know we could have seen Merida and didnt do so. We were all in on waiting, regardless of the line. Nearly two hours later (!!!) we were all pretty thirsty. The only thing (a) close and (b) not being refurbed was CRC. I ran over there and grabbed some drinks without any commentary. I gave my 12 year old (at the time) a Sprite. He took a couple sips and said, “you were right, Daddy. They really ARE awful. They can’t even get Sprite right.” I took a sip. It was almost pure carbonated water with a very subtle hint of Sprite. For years he had heard my lifetime of horror stories about that place. I hadn’t realized he had filed that info away.
I get that drinks are NOT a barometer of goodness for a restaurant, but the anecdote is pretty fitting. My thoughts about CRC and Electric Umbrella are the same: it’s where people who don’t know any better eat when they should have just walked a wee bit further …
Believe it or not, my worst meal ever at WDW was Jan’19 at Tiffins! Mushy and dry fish, raw green beans and forgettable ( regrettable) what ever else! I had a 7:15pm reservation, arrived to an empty dining room and still the food was awful and expensive, I had GREAT meals during this same trip (10 days) @ Brown Derby, Flying Fish, Tutto Italia, San Angel, Kona Cafe, and Yak & Yeti.
In January, I ate at Sunshine Seasons for the first time after hearing for years how great it was on podcasts. It was by far the worst food I’ve had at Disney World. Never again. Also wasn’t impressed by Columbia Harbour House. Quick service options are so much better at Disneyland. Even the Mickey Beignets are better in California.
When nothing else in Epcot feels much like EPCOT Center to me anymore, Electric Umbrella still does – so maybe there’s a positive to its 90s mall vibe? Even though I’ve been going to Epcot since its EPCOT Center days, I only just “ate” there for the first time last summer. My 4 year old wanted a burger and fries, and my husband and I needed a break. So we got him a burger, got ourselves some drinks, and sat in the outdoor area in the shade, watching the fountain. It was actually really pleasant, and I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again while my kids are small and picky eaters. A crappy kids meal and fountain soda is the same anywhere. Might as well do it while soaking up what’s left of the EPCOT Center atmosphere 🙂
Cosmic Ray’s is my worst restaurant meal in DW. Dried out burger, cold fries and a very long wait. I will not eat there again. 50’s Dining last summer was a huge disappointment. Food was lackluster and good service/fun server was not at our table. Again-will not eat there again.
Tom
My question is… How does one become a Disney blogger and how do you afford all of these trips? Is this your full time job? If so do you need an assistant to carry your luggage? You have my dream job. Yes I’m serious how do you get started in this business?
Electric Umbrella was never good, but for all out worst possible food go to Pinocchio VIllage Haus. UGH!!
I agree with you regarding Pinocchio.. Worse pizza/flat bread ever. I didn’t mind Electric Umbrella, Sunshine seasons or Cosmic Ray’s last time I ate at either of these, but it has been a few year. Cosmic Ray had a great chicken sandwich and I split black beans, chicken and yellow rice with my son from Sunshine Seasons. All were very good.
Every time I have gone to Epcot, I have eaten in Electric Umbrella and in Sunshine Seasons. I love those places. Actually, I never thought the Electric Umbrella was considered the worst restaurant in Disney World until I started to read this blog. The last time I went it was on Summer 2015. So it may have changed a lot after that date.
I like the Electric Umbrella because of the size of the meals, they are a good size and the price is reasonable. They hamburger taste like every hamburger in the world.
On the other hand the Sunshine Seasons, I like the variety of the menu. This summer I will compare again both and I will let you know my comments.
It’s not just this blog–you’ll find Electric Umbrella on many ‘worst of’ lists, often in the #1 slot.
As for the ‘hamburger tasting like every hamburger in the world’, I think that’s sentiment with which most Americans would disagree. We’re passionate about our burgers, and it’s one of the few foods the United States does far better than anywhere else.
USA! USA! USA!
Normally I agree with you, but this time I can’t. The best burger I have ever has was an “Aussie Burger with The Lot” in Cairns, Australia back in 1986. It’s been over 33 years, but thinking of that burger still makes my mouth water.
I don’t mind the Electric Umbrella, probably because my kids have always loved it. They like bland and boring–they’re kids! Now that they’re becoming teenagers, I’ve been able to convince them to try more items in the World Showcase–especially during festivals. But I know when the Umbrella closes, my youngest will cry. And, she’s 14…
First trip to Disney a few years back and I refused to eat at Electric Umbrella with all of the other options available to us. This was the tail end of a week long trip and the kids just wanted burgers. I went by myself to UK pavilion and got fish and chips from Yorkshire County Fish Shop. Trucked it all the way back to Electric Umbrella with 2 plates of fish and chips (and 2 drinks – because dining plan). 92 degrees and about 500% humidity. Had at least 10 people ask me where I got the fish and chips from!
From that experience I have 2 additional positives to add to your review of Electric Umbrella: It’s air conditioned indoors with plenty of seating AND has free refills on drinks!
We ate there in 2014 and I thought it was decent. I think I got a salad and that was something different than the regular hot dogs, hamburgers, etc at the other fast services we ate at. We are going again in May and I will probably choose something different. And thanks for the heads up on Sunshine Seasons. I will pass it up as well.
my biggest comment of note are the jabs at sunshine seasons… yikes, we always eat there due to the fantastic rotisserie chicken and pork options that have always been outstanding. i hope they are still there in september! if not, electric umbrella might be our backup (did i just type that out loud?!)
You’re in luck, because the trio of options at the Grill Shop at Sunshine Seasons are still there, and still generally good (I’ve had mixed success with the pork lion being too dry). It’s the other stations that are the problems.
L, I was going to say the same! We have an upcoming trip and planned to make our usual stop at the grill/rotisserie station. While I’m glad to hear those options are still decent, it makes me sad to hear overall things are headed the wrong direction. We haven’t been to the World in 2 years and Sunshine Seasons was always one of our favorite counter service locations.
whew, good to know. but yes, sad when somewhere that has always been heads above everywhere else is rolling downhill apparently very quickly.
My experience: Ohana (dinner)= Awful
Ohana (breakfast) = Great
Chef Mickeys (dinner) = Horrible food great character experience
Columbia Harbour House = Horrible food
Casey’s Corner = Nothing to write home about
So this all begs the question: what, then, takes over the mantle of Worst Restaurant in Disney World? Or are you saying Sunshine Seasons has fallen *so* far from grace that it now takes that title?
No, it’s definitely not Sunshine Seasons.
I’d probably have to think about that for a bit, but my first instinct is Restaurantosaurus. On the upside, that has interesting decor, so perhaps not? Maybe Casey’s Corner? Possibly Lotus Blossom Cafe? It’s arguably no better than frozen food from Trader Joe’s, but at least it’s doing something different.
on the plus for restaurantosaurus, the kids get a little extra with their kid’s meal, which i’m pretty sure is the only place on property that does this, right? says nothing about food quality, but as a parent, anything the kid’s get makes their day, even if it’s a sand pail.
Wow! So glad this is America where different opinions are allowed! My family has been to WDW 4 times in 6 years and Electric Umbrella, Columbia Harbour House and Pinocchio’s Village Haus are among our fave quick service restaurants. We hit CHH multiple times each trip. Love their fish. To us, it’s just as good as the fish in the UK at Epcot.
I get that Electric Umbrella is improving, which is great. But, unless you’re not heading outside of Future World at all, I just don’t get why you wouldn’t eat somewhere at the World Showcase instead. There are so many great options there.
We’ve found that a lot of people don’t arrive in World Showcase until mid-afternoon, which means they’re typically eating *somewhere* in Future World for lunch.
Electric Umbrella is my favorite lunch spot… to eat my packed lunch whilst watching the fountain! Delicious and a lot cheaper. I hope they keep the outdoor seating.
Could not agree more about Sunshine Seasons! That was an every trip stop for our family, when we were just there in March the deep dish pizza was the worst thing I’ve ever eaten in Disney World!
I’ve had some pretty bad pizza at Toy Story Pizza Planet and PizzeRizzo, but that deep dish at Sunshine Seasons surpasses even those for ‘worst of’ Walt Disney World!
I for one have always loved the Electric Umbrella. Not for the food but for the memories that I shared with my 8 year old son (now 31) for many years. The hot dog that he put his own mustard on that was enough for four hot dogs. Silly but a memory just the same. Now my wife has been a hater of this restaurant since 1994 and I am not sure that will ever change. To each their own,