It is sad to say that this icon at World Showcase for more than 20 years is slated to close by August 31, 2007. The Patina restaurant Group will take over with Chef Joachim Splichal at the helm. So with its passing only months away, I'll share my experiences on this wonderful taste of Italy.

Let us start with the décor. The restaurant is modeled after Alfredo de Lelio's in Rome. The waiting area and dining hall are reminiscent of an Italian villa, with paintings and ornate lighting fixtures, tiles, fountains and statues. The dining area is large with many tables, my only complaint is that they are very close together; you are almost bumping elbows with other guests. On the walls around the room are beautiful murals depicting scenes from Italy, patios, courtyards and even a quartet of troubadours performing. There is dark wood everywhere and low lighting making it romantic, yet gloomy at the same time. When it is busy, which it usually is, the noise level becomes annoying, since the next guest is only inches away. We have found that lunchtime is sometimes much quieter.

Next is the service. All of our experiences were positive, Disney servers are always prompt, polite, and many will joke with you. No change here at Alfredos. Of course, when it is hectic and busy, especially during summer and holiday times, your server will sometimes forget to bring something or other, but overall, no complaints.

Now for the menu… Alfredo's is famous for the invention of Fettuccini Alfredo by Alfredo di Lelio; his decedents creating the restaurant in Rome in his honor. It specializes in Southern Italian cuisine. Its lunch and dinner menus are very close and it offers a children's menu. As with most Italian restaurants, Pasta and salads are staples. A fine Antipasto with fresh cheeses and meats was one of my favorite starters. Calamari and a sampling of the famous Fettuccini Alfredo are also offered. Their Pasta E Fagioloi, a pasta bean soup was superb, hot, and thick. Also on the menu are Sirloin Steak, Lamb, Veal, roasted Chicken, and a dish I have had on several occasions, Salsicce E. All' Uccelletto. This trio of Italian sausages (Spicy), Fennel and wild Boar, which is served on top of Tuscan White beans and spicy tomato sauce. They offer a sampler platter of pastas, and my Wife's favorite, Chicken Parmesan, which is served with a huge piece of chicken, lightly battered with a nice side of pasta. Try the famous Signature dish, the Fettuccini Alfredo, which is second to none. Beverages include fine Italian wines, sparkling wines and water, diet and regular soda, margaritas and hot chocolate.

Complaints, yes a few. There have been times I thought the food was rushed out, it was lukewarm. It was as if the turnover rate were more important than quality. However, this was usually during the busiest times and overall we were pleased with the food and service. The noise level can become annoying because of the close proximity of the tables, but lunchtime seems a little quieter. One thing, the portions are not the biggest (Except for the chicken Parmesan) and I always ordered extra bread, which was happily given. And why give a review of an eatery that will close its doors in a few months? Because is has been a mainstay since it's opening in 1982. Because it is a perennial favorite of thousands of guests and because I have many fond memories of the place. And because I am hoping that the review may help people realize that there is little time left to say: "Yes, we dined at Alfredos Too!" So if you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World, make reservations for a piece of history at Alfredos before it is gone forever.