My Favorite Meal at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has an underrated restaurant roster, and is an underappreciated food park among Walt Disney World fans. I’ve been saying this for years, and have backed this up by ranking DHS options highly on our various lists of the best places to eat at WDW.
It seems like most of you disagree. Disney’s Hollywood Studios often gets less love from fans than Magic Kingdom, which is arguably both the worst food park at Walt Disney World and the worst castle park from a culinary perspective (although Disneyland Paris says “hold my boulevardier” to that). For whatever reason, DHS has fewer fan-favorite restaurants than any other park at Walt Disney World.
Part of this could be because Disney’s Hollywood Studios excels at themed dining, with two of the Best Themed Restaurants at Walt Disney World in 50’s Prime Time Cafe or Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, that type of restaurant is polarizing among fans. Understandably, many guests visit restaurants for the food, as opposed to the atmosphere.
Other top picks include Minnie’s Seasonal Dine (one of our favorite character meals), Toy Story Roundup Rodeo BBQ, Oga’s Cantina, Brown Derby, and BaseLine Tap House. I’d hazard a guess that only one of those is viewed as underrated by a majority of fans, and that would be BaseLine Tap House. But by my count, there are a half-dozen different sit-down restaurants that are potentially worthwhile at Disney’s Hollywood Studios–and there’s something for everyone on that list above.
Then there’s the counter service restaurant roster, which includes the second-best in-park option on our list of the Top 20 Counter Service Restaurants at Walt Disney World. Now in fairness, we recently revisited Docking Bay 7, and found two of its most expensive entrees left a lot to be desired. Even so, there’s still Ronto Roasters in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land–two fan-favorites, albeit smaller scale options.
With all of that said, there’s one simple and straightforward counter service restaurant where I dine more than all of the other restaurants at Disney’s Hollywood Studios combined: ABC Commissary. Yes, really. My personal favorite at DHS is the ‘boring’ crowd-pleasing counter service spot at the front of the park.
I’ve mentioned ABC Commissary repeatedly in the last few years as my go-to restaurant while doing Lightning Lane and itinerary testing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As someone who doesn’t necessarily “need” to constantly revisit the stage shows at DHS, I often use ABC Commissary as my reprieve from the crowds–a nice place to decompress.
Far and away my favorite menu item at ABC Commissary is the Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Sourdough Bread toasted with Buffalo Chicken, Monterey, Provolone, Cheddar, and Cream Cheese served with a side of Buffalo Sauce and choice of side.
Traditionally, those sides have either been steak fries, arugula-farro salad, or apple slices. When I’m dining with Sarah, I order the salad as a “compromise” to offset the highly indulgent sandwich. But, “when the cat’s away, the mice will play” (I think that’s a Walt Disney quote), which is to say that I order the steak fries when dining solo.
Recently, I noticed that ABC Commissary had added Buffalo Fries as an upgrade (+$2.00) to the entree, so I decided to do some good ole fashioned investigative reporting. What you’re about to read is journalism at its finest, folks.
The Buffalo Fries feature ranch-seasoned french fries drizzled with buffalo-ranch sauce and blue cheese dressing.
This $2 upcharge is definitely not worth it.
It’s a pretty open and shut case–that’s enough journalism for today, everyone. We can pack it up and go home.
Don’t get me wrong, the fries are good. It’s not that I don’t recommend them from a taste perspective. It’s all about the value proposition. This is basically just a light layer of sauces applied very sparingly, as if they’re precious commodities and Disney has to carefully dole them out in thimble-sized portions. I’m not sure who could possibly think this is worth an extra $2.
For that amount, I expect fries that are downright slathered in sauce and, frankly, there should be cheese(s) in the conversation. Maybe even meat, or at least bacon bits (not sure that qualifies as meat in the technical sense). I believe we once fought a war about ‘loaded’ fries and settled this once and for all. Sauces alone are not a topping, they’re a complimentary condiment. The Florida legislature really needs to take up the issue–this is much more pressing than the whole RCID thing.
But if you’re sporting a “Most Expensive Day Ever” shirt and are looking to make it rain wherever you go at Walt Disney World, by all means, splurge on the Buffalo Fries. Sure, they’re not worth it–but clearly you don’t have the best financial literacy if you’re spending money to complain about not having money. At least these fries taste better than the shirt.
Since this blog is all about hard-hitting news, I tested an alternative hypothesis: that the steak fries would taste just as delicious when dipped in free sauces available at ABC Commissary.
My working theory was that the plain steak fries would taste equally delicious when dipped in Ken’s Steakhouse Buttermilk Ranch. After all, combining steak fries and steak house sauce (both of which are inexplicably meat-free) just made sense.
The results were conclusive: this double-steak duo tastes delicious, and costs $0 extra. Huge win for the frugal Walt Disney World guest! Recent research also suggests that a high percentage of Americans find ketchup to be a complementary condiment to french fries. Good news: ABC Commissary is also giving that sauce away.
As for the Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich, what else can be said that hasn’t already been said?
My thorough research once again conclusively proved, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this is one of the most delicious counter service entrees at Walt Disney World. This is one of my favorite guilty pleasures in all of Walt Disney World, as it is addictively delicious. It’s also a fantastic value for money at under $13 (with regular steak fries as opposed to the buffalo variety).
It’s a gloriously gooey creation, with the four flavors of cheese balancing nicely with and taming the buffalo chicken. The toasted bread provides nice texture, and the dipping sauce can add a bit of kick–but it’s still pretty mild overall and isn’t spicy in any way whatsoever. This is one of my favorite counter service comfort foods in all of Walt Disney World. An easy 10/10 entree.
I don’t know what they’re putting into this bad boy, beyond the medley of meat and cheese. It wouldn’t surprise me if it’s like the “Non-Fat Yogurt” episode of Seinfeld, and this puppy is being laced with some delicious additives or chemicals or something. (No complaints here–I eat enough “organic” food at home, my body can withstand a bit of additives for preservation.)
Then again, four varieties of cheese is probably explanation-enough, and it’s not as if anyone is pretending the Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is actually a health food. (Well, I have told Sarah that, but she didn’t buy it.)
The bottom line is that the Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich has become my go-to lunch at Disney’s Hollywood Studios while testing out Lightning Lane strategy or doing field testing. It’s easily one of my top 5 favorite meals in all of Walt Disney World. I’ve eaten it a lot since it was added to the menu ~5 years ago, and it still holds up. The portion hasn’t gotten materially smaller, corners haven’t been cut, and the price is still reasonable. Huge wins all around, and a sharp contrast to what’s happened with other entrees at Walt Disney World.
This Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is one of the few things I crave when I’m not at the parks, and something I’ll be ranting about decades about once it’s gone from the menu and long-forgotten by most fans. My explanation will never do it full justice–you’ve just gotta try it for yourself.
The Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich is reasonably priced, delicious and just incredibly satisfying to eat during a mid-afternoon break after running around the park all morning. I like to order it and grab a seat in the corner to cool down in the air-conditioning for a bit.
I’m also a big fan of ABC Commissary because it’s one of the few in-park restaurants at Walt Disney World with a self-service beverage station. Since I’m crashing here mid-afternoon after a long day (especially if arriving at the crack of dawn for Early Entry), I like to caffeinate up–and it can take several Cokes to put some pep back in my step, especially after that indulgent sandwich.
As for the restaurant itself, it’s absolutely nothing special, which is somewhat ironic–I’ve spilled a lot of digital ink praising the best-themed and fun restaurants at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but when it comes to my own culinary enjoyment, I eat at the most boring one in all of the park far more than anywhere else.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Have you eaten the glorious Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich? Ordered anything else at ABC Commissary lately? What was your experience like? Do you think that ABC Commissary is underrated, or think it’s justifiably ignored due to its boring theme and/or menu? Do you agree or disagree with our assessment? 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!
This review is golden. I haven’t been to ABC Comissary in quite some time.. putting this cheesy morsel on my list.
We ate at the ABC Commissary two trips ago based on your love of the Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese. It did not disappoint! Do I need this on every trip? No, but on a rainy or cold day (we’re usually there in December), it’s a great option. Last year we ultimately decided to sit outside at the Tap House because it was a beautiful sunny day, but this grilled cheese is definitely a contender moving forward. Another option for us is Rosie’s All American Salad. The flavor combination is fantastic, but the seating area isn’t my favorite.
Tom. I’ve followed you for years, but on one issue we diverge. my wife and I-from UK and veterans of visiting WDW – over many years visited thd Commissary yesterday and, in our opinion, we think this is arguably the worst eatery in the whole of WDW. my wife selected ghe buffalo sandwich and it was appalling. Two pieces if bread filled with some mushy like “baby” food with a few basic fries on the side. Just no substance to it. We compared wigh the meal we had at the Earl of Sandwich and they’re on a different planet by comparison and cheaper! I complained to Disney cast members and they promised to pass on our observations. We also could not understand why they had 4 barely used mobile pick up lines and only ONE personal ordering line responsible for all guests. My wife and I don’t have smartphones and in any case we prefer to order in person with a real server. Obviously Disney are moving towards everything being done on line. Big mistake Disney. Never lose the personal connection with your guests. Thanks for all your great articles. Bob
It is even more obvious to me that I couldn’t eat this sandwich – Thank you Robert Bufton.
Glad they found your ldl issue while you are younger and by treating it now should help keep you heart healthy in the future. I was not that fortunate I found mine was genetic when getting three heart stints at the age of 57. Am now 69 going on 70 and they want my ldl to be less than 50. I take Livalo and prequel and it stays around 40. Keep walking as you know that keeps your hdl up we want you to have that father daughter wedding dance with Megatron!
Tom, Is there anything plainer you recommend at ABC Commissary for someone who cannot eat spicy food? I used to love this place and look forward to the Chocolate Mousse for dessert. Not sure they have that anymore but I think there used to be a plain grilled chicken maybe? Anything you can suggest?
The Mediterranean salad it SO good. I recommend it, it is not spicy, and is a good salad.
thank you! I’ll take a look at the salad and see what’s in it. I’ll see if it can be enjoyed without salad dressing. Like I said, everything plain for me. I like many foods but plain.
The sandwich is so good that I make them at home. 😀
I’ve had a hard time deciding on restaurants at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I like ABC Commissary, but last time I tried to go there, the line was out the door, so I was discouraged from trying. I do like the Mediterranean Salad. The buffalo sandwich sounds like it might be worth trying on a return visit. I also liked the customizable salad at Pizzerizzo, but once when I came in the afternoon, discovered the restaurant had just closed for the day. What’s the deal with closing it long before the park closes? It’s hard to find a free table at those outdoor stands that include Rosie’s & Catalina Eddie’s, & I prefer eating inside, so those are usually off my list. It’s also hard to get a reservation at the themed restaurants. I remember one outing at HS I spent a lot of time wandering around aimlessly trying to figure out where I could eat. My go-to restaurant & meal at HS used to be a buffalo chicken sandwich at the semi-outdoors Studio Catering Co. near the Streets of America before all that was bulldozed, even though that, too, had little atmosphere. But sometimes a lack of atmosphere is atmosphere in itself somehow.
It can also be difficult finding a restaurant to match my mood at Magic Kingdom if I haven’t made a reservation & am not in the mood for my go-to counter service restaurant, Columbia Harbour House. I’ve also had difficulties figuring out where to eat at Animal Kingdom when I don’t have reservations for one of the nicer restaurants. Epcot has a great lineup of restaurants. I haven’t had problems with wandering around aimless & hungry there, & am less likely to ever have an “off'” day there in general like I’ve had at the other parks, mostly due to World Showcase being my favorite place in the world to be other than my room.
Sometimes theming & atmosphere will wow me enough to forget lackluster food. I enjoy the theming of 50’s Prime Time & Sci-Fi Dine-In even though I can have a hard time finding something suitable on the menu. And at Epcot, I absolutely love dining at San Angel Inn even though the Hacienda outside the pyramid is said to have better food. Dining in “perpetual twilight” in a village-like setting while watching the Gran Fiesta Tour boats glide by is the height of awesomeness for me, even though I’ve been disappointed in the menu ever since they got rid of mole poblano.
Although I hate being forced to do this and I way prefer ordering from a human, I highly recommend mobile order at ABC. You can place a mobile order hours in advance and then check in and they let you in when it’s ready. I also won’t eat at the outdoor stands in summer. The last time we went the thing that surprised me was being forced to wait outside ABC while waiting for mobile order. Although I really didn’t enjoy that as there was nowhere to sit left out there in the blazing sun, I did actually think it improved traffic flow inside and the ability for my party of six to find a table. Usually that’s much harder. Maybe they have changed the wait outside policy since 2022?
Tom you were in peak form with this one. The ‘fries vs shirt’ taste line was especially welcome.
Much like the Dolphin stumbled into “1990s Miami” as a theme, despite the attempts at Art Deco (even the “Beverages” sign!) I like to think of the ABC-C captures the ennui of a 1990s office park-like restaurant that was converted from a Golden Age of Hollywood commissary. So many artificial plants! (Again, the Imagineers probably didn’t think of that, but that’s still less levels of theming that was in Mama Melrose’s.)
There has almost always been an excellent item on the menu worth trying for the past 20+ years.
$0.02 on why those HS counter services restaurants are underrated: besides the two locations that value theme over cuisine, there’s two bars, a new restaurant, an expensive restaurant, and a location that used to be vastly inferior before Minnie took it over. (That being said, Minnie’s Seasonal Dine took over how many years ago? It’s been good almost as long as there hasn’t been a tour at the Studios!)
We like the 50’s Prime Time Cafe, although in November 2024 most of our family ate at “Toy Story Roundup Rodeo BBQ” and were VERY disappointed! The restaurant itself is very cute, but not one of us enjoyed the food. All 10 of us were in agreement, that we’d never eat there again. Two members decided to do 50’s Prime Time while we took the toddler to Woody’s Roundup and they really enjoyed their dinner at least.
Could you charm your way into an extra sauce “for the sandwich”, get a free cup of ranch dressing, and achieve “almost buffalo fries” for no extra charge?
The sandwich is SO good! We get it with the farro salad. Two orders split among the 4 of us is the perfect midday snack.
Huge missed opportunity to call ketchup a complimentary complementary condiment here.
Oh, how I wish they had this sandwich at Disneyland!!
We differ on our opinions on that sandwich, but the Commissary has HANDS DOWN the BEST french fries on property. I don’t know if we just always catch them straight out of the fryer, or if they just always make them to order, but never been disappointed. (Until I just jinxed it with this post.)
This place is the best. Somehow it’s total lack of character is so specific that it brings me as much or more enjoyment as a well themed restaurant. Their side of beans is the perfect kids meal for my toddler and shockingly good. I find the best Disney food is usually the sides. It’s also really big and really quiet off peak hours, very underated for the vibes.
I first heard about this sandwich from your review ~5 years ago and made a point to try it on my next trip. It has since become the meal I have eaten more than any other through all 4 parks and throughout WDW. I eat here at least once per trip, and often more than once. I have introduced multiple friends and family members to this sandwich. I agree…I would place it as my #1 counter service meal, and also one I crave when I’m at home. Thanks for your introduction years ago…I hope it never leaves the menu!! (And I also agree with the free beverage refills in this air conditioned reprieve from the park!)
Same here! (I think I read about it here before trying, but may have been the other way around – still will credit Tom though.) When our friends came with us to WDW last year, I also had to get my friend to try it – and agreement all around.
This is also one of my favorite meals at WDW, and probably my favorite quick service (quick top 3 – this, Satu’li Canteen bowl in Animal Kingdom, fish and chips from Yorkshire County in UK in Epcot). It’s reached the point where my wife knows we have to plan our Hollywood Studios day around me getting this at least once each trip.
I was hoping this was the picture you would put up! Since Hollywood studios has slim pickin’s we kind of stick with what we know. It’s always a ronto wrap for breakfast, the buffalo chicken grilled cheese for lunch and at some point the giant pretzel with beer cheese from Baseline taphouse. I hear enough about the totchos from Toy Story Land and the Cobb salad from HBD to break tradition on my next visit though! BTW, the buffalo chicken grilled cheese is pretty easy to recreate at home!
I’ve read your praise for ABC Commissary over the past few years, and have had mixed feelings. On one hand, I tend to agree with your reviews. But on the other hand, I’ve eaten at ABC Commissary twice in my life (separated by ~10 years) and they were the two worst meals I’ve had at WDW. So I’m scarred! But that sandwich does look really good.
go with the sandwich! It is the real deal! It is my “go to” meal in Hollywood Studios. I alternate between fries and salad (not your normal boring salad at all!) as my side. I also crave the sandwich when not at WDW. I’m salivating now! ha!