That enthusiasm quickly faded as soon as we found out that Via Napoli was going to be Italy's second sit-down restaurant. After the Disney restaurant's grand opening in late 2010, we began to hear grumblings about Via Napoli's overpriced (and often over-baked) pizza. The price for an individual pizza averages $15-$17. We've resisted the idea of trying it out anyway and splurging because we simply couldn't justify spending that much money on pizza.
Our decision not to splurge on Via Napoli was also based on our many past experiences at L’ Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante (now closed and replaced in 2007 by Tutto Italia). We were just never that impressed and always felt that the wait staff was less than friendly. To be fair, neither Via Napoli or Tutto Italia is related to Alfredo. Nevertheless, our many visits to Alfredo over the years tainted our desire to explore other Epcot Italy restaurants. That all said...
Recently, Via Napoli introduced exactly what we were hoping for... pizza by the slice at Epcot Italy. Finally, we can sample real Italian pizza (at least we thought) at a more affordable price. Two options were available: cheese pizza slice for $4.50 or a pepperoni slice for $5.25. We shared a slice of pepperoni:
Like many counter service items we order from Disney, our Epcot Italy slice of pizza was cold. It most definitely was not hot. The pizza to crust ratio favored the crust a little more that I would have preferred. My husband, on the other hand, liked the chewiness of the crust. Overall, I felt the pizza slice was small. The pepperoni was extremely mild (I like mine spicy). Seating is outdoors only and sparse. All of the tables were taken so we grabbed a concrete bench.
The pizza we received at the window is NOT the same as the brick oven pizza inside. Overall, I'm glad I spent just five bucks on a pizza slice to share. Pizza by the slice was also temporarily offered around New Year's - cheese only and for a higher price per slice (we didn't get a slice at that time). Unfortunately for Via Napoli, I won't be making plans to eat indoors any time soon. I wanted to sample the "inside" pizza as a way to decide if I should make reservations for this restaurant.
I understand the pizza window is again temporary (at least for now) and will close by end of May or so. I may give them one more try, but based on the slices I saw other guests walk away with, I don't have high hopes for a better pizza experience.