Everyone has a place in the Disney Parks that they love, but have trouble explaining why. Maybe you are thrill junkie but love The Peoplemover. Maybe your travel style is rushed, but you always make time to sit on the rocking chairs in Liberty Square. Whatever it is, it’s special to you. For this foodie who prefers unique sit-down meals, it’s a quiet quick service in Hollywood Studios that holds my heart: ABC Commissary. Let me try to explain why.
As you approach the restaurant you feel like you really are on the backlot of a working studio. When you walk through the main entrance you are instantly greeted by palm trees growing right out of the marble; unexpected and cool. I don’t know why but this was always cool to me as a child. The restaurant is filled with TV memorabilia. This really adds to the experience. One of my favorite props is ABC’s “ Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” megaphone. I loved crying the happy tears to that show. Having the props displayed around really helps you feel like you are immersed in the TV making process. Almost like someone rested them down as they grabbed a bite to eat between takes… Well, placed them down in protective cases, but you get what I mean.
There are two large dining rooms, and I have never had trouble finding a seat in the thirty plus times I have been there. No hovering over people until they finish eating to steal their table. This large open seating area is why I think most people find it boring. The parks are so busy that I think it’s nice to find a quieter area to relax. Especially if you have a child who needs a calmer environment to concentrate on just eating. There is also seating outside, but this lady will always pick air-conditioning over the Florida sun. That sun can be worse than a hair dryer, turned on max, that’s been “tweaked ” by Tim the Tool Man Taylor from Home Improvement.
Now to the food, it is after all the star of the show. Appropriately the menu boards are TV screen monitors. Ordering is the typical quick service style. You line up on either side of a cast member and then continue to a counter to pick up your food. Simple. The menu items range from New York Strip Steak, all the way to Couscous Quinoa and Arugula Salad with Salmon. I sometimes hear people complain that once you pick up your food, it’s hard to leave the line. I have never had this issue. I just always politely ask if I can get by, and people are more than happy to let me pass. It’s very similar to most quick service locations across the park.
The last time we visited, my husband had the 1/3-pound Angus Bacon Cheeseburger with French fries. He thought it was juicier than the average Disney burger. It was your typical quick service food, but it came quick and didn’t taste like it had been under a food-lamp for hours.
I love fried shrimp. So I got excited when I saw they have a seafood platter. They had changed their menu since the previous time I had been there. I know it’s not exactly healthy, but if it’s on the menu I’ll order it. I was expecting a small quantity, but when it came, I was pleasantly surprised. It was so filling. The fish wasn’t overcooked, didn’t taste like it was in the freezer for years, and two kids could have easily shared one meal. Speaking of kids, for the little ones they had turkey sandwiches, cheeseburgers and chicken nuggets. I love a quick service place that serves options like Asian Salad with Chicken for adults, and nuggets for kids. More and more children are eating healthier, but it’s always nice to have the old faithful nuggets to fall back on when your child is being a picky eater. That being said, if your kids are into healthier options, they offer the fantastic power pack here. It includes yogurt, apple wedges, carrot sticks, goldfish crackers, apple-cinnamon snack bar and choice of water or milk. That’s a great mix of options. They even have Kosher meals available.
I often hear people say the atmosphere here is stale. There is no grand theming or sparkle to the place. I think these people are missing the point. The ABC Commissary is themed to look like a cafeteria on a television studio lot. That’s the entire point. I always hear guests saying that Hollywood Studios isn’t like a studio anymore, and then go in here just to say it’s too much like a working studio. That doesn’t make sense to me. I’m here to encourage you to give this place a chance. You come to the Studios to experience the film and TV; don’t skip one of the only food options that give you the real experience. The food is awesome, it’s fairly quiet, and no fierce stare down wars with another family over who is going to rush and take a table first. It’s supposed to be a relaxing lunch after all.
