THE WORST RESTAURANT AT DISNEY WORLD- Nine Dragons New Menu Review | Epcot

[@edwardL4038]

I'm definitely not a Nine Dragons apologist but did want to point out the menu items seem to be versions of traditional dishes. The stuffed crab claw was one of my favorite items that we'd usually have at weddings and banquets. The spongy texture is actually shrimp paste usually wrapped around the actual crab flesh and that texture is pretty accurate to my memory. It's usually plated with 8-10 on a plate that are meant to be shared however the plating here is unusual, though looks exactly like one at the St. Regis in Hong Kong which is likely what they're going for. The shrimp dumplings (har gow) also looks pretty standard and the texture is similar. They do sell these frozen at Costco so there's a good chance that's what these are. Pumpkin is a traditional asian ingredient but it's usually more of a kabocha squash/gourd rather than the orange halloween-y pumpkins. Finally, for the texture of the meat, it's likely been through a process called velveting that is a tenderizing process using baking soda and egg white. This is done to typically tougher, cheaper cuts of meat common in asian cooking to help make small cuts more tender at the expense of that kind of slimy texture. Alls to say, if it's not your thing that's totally fine but I did just want to say that it is at least related to some authentic Chinese dishes.

[@mc-qt2qd]

I need to react to some people's comments...I am Chinese, and all these foods are not our culture, our texture or our flavour...tbh, I never see a full onion come with any chinese food or any food in general

[@Ira88881]

I love Chinese food, and never in a million years would I eat it at Disney. There are so many great little Chinese restaurants in Florida (and most everywhere)…mom and pop places that know their stuff and put in the effort… That Disney is the LAST place I would eat Chinese food.

[@swampsagacity4685]

We usually eat here during hot summer months to get out of the midday heat. We have 2 cocktails each (one before and one after our meal), and split a pot stickers appetizer and a Happy Family dish since it is not deep fried or slathered with a sugary sauce. We always ask for a corner window table so we can simultaneously people watch and create a sound barrier.

[@OceanLove606]

Thank you for once again giving a very honest and funny food review. We love you !

[@barrythompson6936]

Refreshing to have a person who says what they think. Rather than those fawning Disney smarmy reviewers.

[@WallacesDisneyLife]

Kristen! I always agree with you, but this time I can't lol...every time we dine here, we love it....with all honestly never any issues at Nine Dragons.

[@ritasousa1584]

agreed, love this place

[@cindymitcheltree7961]

Thanks for always being honest! I have full trust in you!

[@nyrhkyfan]

Said it before and I’ll say it again. Really appreciate your honest & straight forward reviews, especially when paying such high prices for meals at the parks. You’re providing a very valuable service to many. Keep telling it “like it is” Kristen 👍👏😁

[@ParkorPlays]

One of my favorite restaurants at EPCOT is Shiki-Sai. The portions are on the smaller side but some of the best sushi I’ve ever had and the service is impeccable!

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

Shiki Sai is quite expensive, but I agree. Service is always super friendly & they have some amazing food!

[@hilarywinters2283]

You are the best!!! I'm working late and you are making me laugh 😂 thank you for being you!

[@lofu4639]

We eat here every visit because prices were the same as most Chinese restaurants anywhere. Went this past September, now it’s overpriced Disney prices but you get less food too! Too bad won’t ever go back!

[@brittanys2740]

Crab and Corn soup is pretty authentic to Chinese cuisine. My partner had it all his life growing up, his mom is from Taiwan so it is popular from her region. It looks like the menu is for more "Authentic" Chinese dishes, however they are also still modernized to meet American/foreigners tastes. Which is why it might not be good.

[@sarahcrowe8283]

'YEUCK! Lychee martini...bring me back to life!' had me laughing! Great video Kristen. Btw, crab and corn soup is a common Chinese restaurant menu item in the UK

[@randy8651]

100% Agree @WrightDownMainStreet I always avoid that restaurant at Epcot every time I go. That was the first restaurant we went to when I went to Epcot many moons ago and it ruined Epcot for me for a couple of years. So far you and I are almost on point with the foods. Thanks for another great honest review- Randy

[@kimberlykrach4943]

Thanks for doing the food reviews !! You have saved me a lot of $$. ❤❤❤❤

[@DonnaWard-vd1tt]

Kristen thanks for your review, I’ve never eaten here. It’s never been on my bucket list-so many other options in Epcot. Have a great weekend!!

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

Hey Donna! Far better restaurants in Epcot for sure

[@algernon5776]

Crab & Corn soup is a common Chinese offering

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

I must always miss it on the menu!

[@algernon5776]

@@wrightdownmainstreet not a common menu item in American Chinese restaurants. "REAL" Chinese restaurants have it.

[@May-iw3tf]

That is the correct sized martini glass. The other ones are in larger sizes and are kinda new to the martini market. Just saying.

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

I don’t think the video is doing justice just how tiny the glass was 😅😅

[@May-iw3tf]

@@wrightdownmainstreet love your videos. The best of all the wdw utubers and I like them all. I am a subscriber. Love from NYC.

[@Cali2FIorida]

I am in a huge minority here. I absolutely love nine dragons. Every time we go every month. I have to eat there. I love that place.!!!

[@florencedelvalle8145]

Kristen, let me start by saying that my family and I love Chinese food. We are from New York so we know good Chinese food. If you go to NY go to Wo Hop on 17 Mott Street in Chinatown , best food you won’t regret it. Now as for Nine Dragons, we ate there in the year 2000 and it was awful then. The waiter came over to us when he noticed we weren’t eating! He confessed to us that he was from China and that this was not authentic Chinese food. Even the white rice was bad! He was very apologetic and mostly embarrassed. It’s disappointing to see that things have not improved and even worse the prices have gone up. Our favorite places to eat are Teppan Edo in Japan, Fish and Chips in England , Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom. Steakhouse 71 at the Contemporary Resort is also very good. Thanks for your honest review.

[@syerega]

Spills on clothing that is oil based. Take baby powder and cover the stain. Really cover it. Let the shirt or clothing sit for a couple of days and then launder as you normally do. Promise no stain or oil spot. Works every time.

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

Good tip! Do I wet it first or just pour the baby powder on without any water?

[@syerega]

@@wrightdownmainstreet just pour it on. The powder will suck up the grease. No water needed.

[@JerseyHornet]

Crab and sweetcorn soup is standard in our Chinese restaurants in the U.K. it’s quite nice when done well.

[@danavirginia3785]

We ate at the fast food side one night. Really Horrible. Then went one day to the restaurant side when my cousin made reservations since there was no other reservations available, a telling sign. After she said where, I was like oh no. But maybe the restaurant side is better?. The food was ok, better than the fast food side. Nothing special. But I most likely would not go again. Blessings 🙏😎🐊🛺🇺🇸

[@GaddZZooks]

Crab claw thing looked more like a hush puppy.😂

[@bromine256]

Not understanding why this restaurant is still in business? Possibly repurpose it or change management?

[@DanTheMan1973]

We’ve had some very nice lunches there but that was 5 years ago or so with the old menu. Pricing for lunch used to be very reasonable. No way we would shell out $35 for an entree there now.

[@RyanNodal305]

I appreciate you doing a video like this. I ate there like 10-11 years ago and it wasn’t bad. Guess the food quality at Nine Dragons has just gone downhill. Also I do agree if a restaurant is bumping up their prices it better be good quality food.

[@GloriaHarris-y8x]

Hi! I do the same thing -- I select my tops based on what kind of food I'm going out for -- just in case, I spill. There's a Chinese Buffet where I live in Chico, CA. They have a corn and "crab" soup. Its mostly just a broth with a few kernels of corn and coins of imitation crab meat floating around in it. I still like it and get it when they have it.

[@tullycox6987]

That pumpkin puree is a broken sauce. You can see the liquid and fat separated.

[@RubySlippers03]

Kristen - Could not agree with you more about ND. We were just there mid Sept and were shocked at how the portion size dropped and the prices skyrocketed. I always get the honey chicken and before the portion filled a plate and now they serve in a bowl that had a huge rim and small center receptacle mid bowl (deceptive) and no more broccoli. We were very disappointed and doubt we will return. You cant keep making portions smaller and jack up prices and think guests will return? I guess you can but they lost us. There are other options at Epcot so will find a new favorite. Thanks for sharing.

[@Puzzler-qv2hn]

I never understand when people do not tell a restaurant directly when there is a food issue and/or ask for a replacement or refund of the atrocious food! While I understand about reviewing the food "as is" there is absolutely no reason why an entree, salad, soup, etc., after eating and realizing it's awful, can't be sent back to the kitchen!

[@thecoolestdad]

Kristen I appreciate your food reviews. Granted, you couldn't try everything on the menu, that would cost a hunk of money. I love Chinese food. But none of that menu appealed to me at all. My daughter and I ate at Lotus Blossom cafe last year. Typical fast food Chinese. It was fine. No problems with it. her and I could have gotten one order and split it. There was so much food on each plate that we threw away a good portion of both. I don't think I will ever desire to eat at the Nine Dragons. Especially after your review.

[@Foo007]

I live in an area with a very large Chinese population so we have several authentic Cantonese dim sum places - the crab claw is pretty typical in texture for that dish and shrimp and corn soup are common -

[@ericd1970]

That's what I'm curious about if they're actually serving true Chinese food and not American Chinese food. Unfortunately, I now have to go there and try it my next visit. Could be $100 mistake

[@margaretdow8723]

the look oh your face eating that shrimp omg I laughed so hard

[@IHeartDisney1]

Is it as bad as Lotus Blossom? I've always heard people rave over the egg rolls. Went a few years ago and the egg rolls literally tasted like the frozen ones I've gotten at Walmart before lol

[@vicdishiker]

Thank you for your review. I’ve eaten here twice. The first time, my simple noodle dish was fresh as I have food sensitivities and the dish was cooked specifically for me and the meal was good. The second time was late evening and the noodle dish must have been sitting for a while. It was old and disgusting. Never again.

[@MJD123]

That poor Lychee Martini: " Tiny but Mighty", " I just wish it was bigger"... 😅🤣🤣 But... yeah, I think this place can be a skip from now on, none of that looked good. 😐 The space is beautiful though, with so much potential! Maybe this could be the Orlando Din Tai Fung!

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

If Orlando got a DTF I would actually lose my mind. I feel like if one of the big restaurants/ spaces at Disney Springs ever closes that would be the best shot.

[@MDAdventures2024]

This looks like artificial coloring and it tastes like cleaning products! 😂😂😂❤❤ love how you keep it real, I love it

[@JUNIORPHX]

I’m here just to check in, did you get sick after this meal? All the food you had made me nervous 🫣

[@ChristinaConnelly-d7p]

That food looked nasty! & that big onion- who approved that?? Nine Dragons is BANNED based on that food 🤮

[@EllisBalzli]

Any Crab wonton raggoo and egg rolls

[@MatthewBoiselle]

Last time I was there (moons ago), I was served WAAAY too many Tsingtao brews...WHEW.🤣🤣🤣

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

Enough of them will make any food taste good 😂

[@MatthewBoiselle]

@@wrightdownmainstreet SOO TRUE!!🤣

[@ericd1970]

I am now curious about the texture of the beef. From someone who has traveled abroad and had some of the best Chinese food in the world, the texture of beef and pork is weird because they marinate it in baking soda and it comes out spongy. It's almost off-putting but when you eat it with chopsticks it's supposed to fall apart off the chopstick. Although, based on experience Chinese food and Epcot sucks😅

[@barbaramallon4318]

When I went in2019 it was good then but I haven’t been seen then

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

I think it’s changed a lot. The prices have surely gone up since then too!

[@deidrejordan2761]

Hi Kristen my family and I ate there years ago and the food turned us off eating at Epcot restaurants, it was so bad. Our local Chinese restaurant was less expensive and so much better! It’s a shame too because Chinese cuisine has influenced the food of so many cultures. That restaurant is a missed opportunity for Disney.

[@TK-ol6hj]

Thank you for the science project better your stomach than mine

[@melissalee333]

I tried that restaurant for the first time in April and was not impressed. It was very expensive basic Chinese food. It was edible but can’t say I will ever go back.

[@RaeHale-vm5vl]

Ugh. What a disappointment. You tried. The Lychee Martini was small but oh so beautiful, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the effort. 👍🏻

[@markherron1407]

Happy Birthday to Nine Dragons Restaurant and sorry you didn't like the food Blessings and HUGS! 👑💜

[@christinenapoli5106]

Sure ain’t Mama’s cooking!😊

[@TamaraJ1106]

Darling You!!

[@John_Locke_108]

Drinks and food aren't included with admission? Dang.

[@janices9375]

Omg. The look on the kid's face at the 10:50 mark says it all 😂 curious; when the seethe asks how was your food, what do say? Honestly that's alot of money to not to be able to enjoy something. Sad.

[@WhosPiper]

Hear me out on this one… nine dragons hasn’t been good since they took the character cavalcades away from roaming Epcot back in the early 2000’s

[@daisyann1053]

On the contrary, Nine Dragons is one of the better that Walt Disney

[@helloagainratface9622]

2 58 in the video! Old oil shows old food........

[@maretoner766]

Crab and corn soup....sounds like Campbell's slow-roast soup

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

That’s what I’m thinking 😅

[@Louismoxley]

Used to be good..The 5 spice fish and the spinach noodles with salt and pepper shrimp..but that dish you got last time looked awful

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

The salt & pepper shrimp is still on the menu board that they display outside the restaurant 😂

[@Louismoxley]

@@wrightdownmainstreet😂

[@barbaramallon4318]

Sorry that happened to you

[@allaboardblakestrainsandmore]

Both those apps sounded delicious from the menu description, but they looked bad, and apparently tasted bad, too. Disappointing.

[@16karatsoundsGainesvillefl]

I ate there about 2 03 times in my lifetime Kristen Kristen, I’m a New Yorker, the food in nine dragons restaurant at Epcot is horrible. The worst I ever had in my life. It’s not close to a real authentic Chinese.

[@valerie8401]

They should give you a refund when they see that you can't eat the food without you asking.

[@SabrinaStanley-l4i]

If there is somebody at Walt Disney that checks videos of people who do KZbin Disney videos I think they will see this and know you didn't like the food there. If they also check Food Review websites and see bad reviews then this place should be closed or get people in the restaurant that know what there doing Kristin.

[@jenniferlauri5512]

I wonder how many "Nine Dragon fans" are patrons of decent Chinese/Asian restaurants in their neck of the woods .Living in suburbia (outside of NYC) all my life, I have been fortunate to have eaten at some wonderful places. My friend who lives in Vermont "liked" the Nine Dragons food, but it is partly because she lives in a rural area. Epcot needs to step up and clean house, especially with its Asian restaurants. Great job with this review!

[@megmcguigan3857]

It's criminal how expensive those oil filled dishes cost. Insane.

[@deborahlester-vi5in]

You don’t seem to like anything!

[@NancyThomas.art-livres]

Hi! Everything you showed looks ok for me. It was beautifully presented and I’m pretty sure the texture would be ok. As they say, other culture, other texture, other flavours.

[@richardkelly7836]

Kristen, please save your money. Your talent need not be centered on the once and no longer great Disney.

[@The-epcot-nerd]

🤨

[@Suns_rae]

I appreciate this review as we have always wondered about Nine Dragons. We’ll give this one a pass. Thank you Kristen!

[@Automage45]

That food did not look good. It’s like they tried to make fast food gourmet

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

Panda Express is honestly so much better than Nine Dragons

[@Automage45]

@@wrightdownmainstreet that’s a statement. I would be embarrassed to serve that food

[@Debber0401]

The facial expressions after all those first bites are priceless! It’s too bad that something so pricey has to taste so bad!! Geez, how do you mess up a dessert!?! It takes a special kinda chef to hit it outta the nauseating ball park and this one did it!! Maybe they finished at the bottom of their class!!

[@annettehunter7741]

Maybe this is authentic Chinese food and your used to American Chinese food?

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

I’ve been to plenty of legit Chinese dim sum restaurants

[@Jen-Fo]

🧡🧡

[@marcusm5619]

Hmmmm...maybe get out of your Disney bubble and experience proper Chinese food that isn't Ding Tai Fung.

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

Thanks for the suggestion! I have!

[@Gillespie5150]

If a restaurant open every day, when are they cooking it then?

[@KristinaRuta]

Ohhh thank you for your review on Nine Dragons. Never been there but after your review… we will move on to more of your recommendations😊

[@tamara8349]

Wow, we really like this restaurant. Surprised to see this.

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

What do you order? 😅

[@tamara8349]

@@wrightdownmainstreet It's been a few years, but I think we mostly ordered chicken or duck dishes. And soup to start. The prices were lower like you said and we got a nice discount on top of it for DVC.

[@Michael1986443]

So the food is like Panda Express

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

Sadly, I would rather eat Panda Express

[@ashleyrusse8945]

Ia te there at the end of 2017. It still pisses me off while simultaneously grossing me out. I got a tofu dish. It was a ribbon of carrot, two ribbons of cabbage, weird green oil, and two small raw pieces of tofu as the entre. I refused to eat my dessert. I left for guacamole at San Angel, and a funnel cake.

[@LesleyH]

Eurghhhhhhhh.. taking one for the team Kristen. I remember how disgusting the last review was. You’re a frigging trooper K. 🫶🫶🫶

[@valerie8401]

Never good there.

[@robertcreigh7778]

That restaurant was a one and done for me. I normally enjoy eating at most WDW restaurants. This one, NOPE!

[@JulieYfeaturemom]

It's been historically awful since opening day. ☹️ Also I enjoyed this way too much! 😂

[@jkhegarty857]

Yes, you are right. Historically, more than one vlogger reported this restaurant offers pretty bad food. I'm interested in Kirsten's experience.

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

I wonder why they can’t get some actual good Chinese food in there. Imagine an amazing dim sum restaurant in Epcot 🙌🏼 that would be the dream

[@JulieYfeaturemom]

@@wrightdownmainstreet It's baffling! Such a beautiful restaurant in a great location. Thanks for gutting it out for us!

[@mary_russell25]

I don’t like anything about the China pavilion restaurants; I got a stomach bug from Lotus Blossom and I won’t ever go back there ever again! Nine Dragons is not good plus I’m beyond picky and I wouldn’t like any of that stuff

[@buttermilk132]

🤢

[@jkhegarty857]

Kristen, I hope my comments are not offensive. Apologies if they are. Here goes. Based on the look on your face after the morsel of food entering your mouth or first bite SAID IT ALL. I thought you were going to vomit! But you held your own & remained very composed. You behaved better than me. I know you don't like mayo, but that yellow pumpkin gelatanous liquid on the bottom of the plate reminded me of a specific "body fluid." I won't mention what kind of fluid to remain respectful. The beef "soup" looked somewhat decent. I have many Filipino friends & they make Uba desserts. I'm familiar with a more purple color 💜 vs. bright pink. Today was not your day. Or maybe 9 Dragons needs to rethink their menu, chef, and flavors. I live in NYC and frequent Chinatown restaurants. I have had very good meals in Chinatown. As WDW & EPCOT offer worldwide diversities, this restaurant does not compare to the other seated restaurant standards. I'm glad your lychee martini saved the day. I enjoy your videos & apologies if I have overstepped the line. 😬 I look forward to the next one!

[@barbhawkinson659]

None of that food looked good.

[@britslivinginspain]

Thats a no from us 😅 thanks for the heads up...

[@pantsrific]

Lai-chee not Lee-chi.

[@denniscaldwell8193]

OMG I was so sick watching you try to eat, the beef looked nasty. Then sip your child portion martini.

[@Ira88881]

I know you felt you had to try it (again), but it’s pretty much a certainty that Chinese food is going to stink at a place like Disney. Not only is it all processed stuff that gets shipped in and just heated, but… That’s not even a normal Chinese menu! There is zero reason they couldn’t have a normal menu, concentrate on making it taste good, and STILL charge those exorbitant prices. With VERY few exceptions, the food at WDW is horrible. You can always get much better stuff at much lower prices by LEAVING Disney.

[@youmarc11]

I never eat in Disney. I go out to Kissimmee and get something cheap. :)

[@JenniRae1125]

My thoughts are 🤮🤮

[@jenniferyip2417]

FYI…. It’s pronounced Lie-Chee not Lee-Chee.

[@MygirlsGJPB]

$35 for a bowl of soup?! That's crazy

[@patriciahunter1566]

What is really sad about this, is that if they just did the average American Chinese food buffet it would be better and more successful. Seriously, it would also be more family friendly.

[@chrisbutler9594]

I doubt it was the worst restaurant in Disney world..crystal palace is still standing

[@kristykimberly3614]

It truly is the worst restaurant. I don’t know how they get it so wrong.

[@brendancrowley9436]

Why do you look so excited when the food looks bad? It’s like you love to give bad reviews… just stop going to Disney world if you think everything is bad

[@wrightdownmainstreet]

I love to give honest reviews! Thanks for watching 🙏🏼

[@ashleysparks3609]

Did you not watch her last video…

[@ashleysparks3609]

Stop watching her videos if you don’t like her

[@JohnOwens-g8z]

Then how are we going to know what the food tastes like? OMG that’s the point of her reviews!

[@KristinaRuta]

My family and I travel to Disney often and appreciate honest food reviews. We appreciate Kristen’s opinions. She has suggested a lot of great places to try that we have never eaten at and we respect her opinion.