Everything's Better When Someone Else Cooks - DxDDP for 7 nights

[rocadonismom]

Welcome to my Deluxe Dining Review. Like so many other Dissers, I have read tons of reports that other travelers have posted. I have critiqued menus, made ADR's, changed ADR's, agonized over my decisions and changed some ADR's AGAIN. Since we leave in about 36 hours, I think it's time to be at peace with the decisions made and roll with the punches. I wanted to post my review here, since this site was so helpful in my decision making process.

First the "Cast of Characters"
Me - The uber-planner, 32. I am a cafe manager/cook for a country club. We're just stating to get ready for the busy season where I will cook, run around like a chicken, guide my lovely bunch of (mostly teenaged) staff members and generally try to keep my head above water while managing five on site cafes. I don't really classify myself as a picky eater but, there are several things that I don't eat the are in many meals (and it drives the Chef that I work under insane!). The biggest thing is that I do not eat seafood, at all.

My DBF - A EMT with our local ambulance corp, 40. Sadly, not a fan of Disney. He is going along but, is not all that excited. :confused: Grew up in the Caribbean and loves seafood (which he doesn't get at home unless he cooks it himself). Also, likes to try all sorts of different things. Has no clue where we're eating.

In the next post, I'll list our ADR's. Since we both have non-traditional jobs (meaning regular daytime hours, Monday thru Friday), we are used to eating at odd times. This came in very handy when making ADR's. I started about 30 days ago and only missed out on Le Cellier (although didn't try for CRT).

If there are any questions, suggestions, recommendations, etc. let me know. I'd love to hear from everyone.

[msce2]

Have a great trip!!! Can't wait to read about your adventures in deluxe dining!!

[rocadonismom]

After much deliberation with myself, this is what I came up with...

MONDAY (arrival day)
L - The Plaza 2:00 PAGE 3, POST 37
D - 'Ohana 8:25 (hope to be able to see Wishes)

TUESDAY (Magic Kingdom)
B - Crystal Palace 9:10
L - Liberty Tree Tavern 2:45
D - Spoodles 9:05

WEDNESDAY (Epcot)
L - Chefs de France 1:30 (due to Remy)
D - Spirit of Aloha 8:00 (level 2 seating)

THURSDAY (Animal Kingdom)
B - Boma 9:15
L - Tusker House 4:00
Going to see Cirque de Soliel
D - Planet Hollywood 11:00 (but after lots of dismal reviews lately am going to try to change this to Raglan Road tomorrow)

FRIDAY (Epcot)
B - Cape May Cafe 9:05
I think we're gonig to try Fantasia Gardens here
L - Biergarten 2:00 (DBF's one smidgen of input)
D - Teppan Edo 8:45

SATURDAY (Epcot)
B - Chef Mickey 10:10
L - San Angel Inn 4:00
D - Flying Fish Cafe 9:30

SUNDAY (Disney MGM (Sorry, can't help it))
L - Sci-Fi Drive In 1:40
D - Jiko 8:45

MONDAY (DTD, then home)
L - Wolfgang Puck Cafe 12:00

[TigerKat]

Signing on........:woohoo:

[TigerKat]

oops....double post!

[loralie]

Have a great trip. Where are you staying? Can't wait to read the rest.

Loralie

[dizneeat]

I am in!!! Hope you have a wonderful trip!!! :goodvibes

[MickeyNicki]

I'm in! Have a fantastic trip!

[luckytobeme88]

Absolutely love how you spaced your meal time! :goodvibes

[MinnieMom]

Have a great trip! We'll be there at the same time!

[wdwfanatic316]

Can't wait for the reviews! Have a wonderful trip!

BTW, it sounds like we have several things in common! I don't eat seafood and my DH is not into DW :scared1:

One word of advice- if you have your heart set on Le Cellier- keep trying! I think I called 10 times for our trip in Nov. and finally was able to get an ADR for lunch for 5! :yay: You just never know!

[GoofySon'sMom]

I'm in! Can't wait for the reviews ... have a great trip! :goodvibes

[skellingtonfreak]

Your list looks great! I hope you have a great trip!

[wilma-bride]

Have a great trip - can't wait for the reviews. You've got a couple of my favourites in there too :)

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Welcome to my Deluxe Dining Review. Like so many other Dissers, I have read tons of reports that other travelers have posted. I have critiqued menus, made ADR's, changed ADR's, agonized over my decisions and changed some ADR's AGAIN. Since we leave in about 36 hours, I think it's time to be at peace with the decisions made and roll with the punches. I wanted to post my review here, since this site was so helpful in my decision making process.

First the "Cast of Characters"
Me - The uber-planner, 32. I am a cafe manager/cook for a country club. We're just stating to get ready for the busy season where I will cook, run around like a chicken, guide my lovely bunch of (mostly teenaged) staff members and generally try to keep my head above water while managing five on site cafes. I don't really classify myself as a picky eater but, there are several things that I don't eat the are in many meals (and it drives the Chef that I work under insane!). The biggest thing is that I do not eat seafood, at all.

My DBF - A EMT with our local ambulance corp, 40. Sadly, not a fan of Disney. He is going along but, is not all that excited. :confused: Grew up in the Caribbean and loves seafood (which he doesn't get at home unless he cooks it himself). Also, likes to try all sorts of different things. Has no clue where we're eating.

In the next post, I'll list our ADR's. Since we both have non-traditional jobs (meaning regular daytime hours, Monday thru Friday), we are used to eating at odd times. This came in very handy when making ADR's. I started about 30 days ago and only missed out on Le Cellier (although didn't try for CRT).

If there are any questions, suggestions, recommendations, etc. let me know. I'd love to hear from everyone.

I'm in! Yum!

[anewmac]

im in!

[rocadonismom]

Hi everyone! Just got in last night (actually very early this morning). We had an incredible week of dining. I can truthfully say that the Deluxe Dining was very worth it to us.

I will be downloading my pictures tomorrow and then will start my dining reports right away. I'll try to get them all posted as quickly as possible.

Thanks to everyone who is reading along. I hope I don't disappoint!

[pipermae]

I'm in! popcorn::

[Tinkalink]

Hello!:goodvibes Count me in!

[Uncle Remus]

Oh yeah, I'm in. popcorn::

[jakenjess]

Looking forward to your reviews!:goodvibes

[gardengirl628]

can't wait to read your reviews! glad you had a good trip!

[Lynn5700]

Hi! I'm in! can't wait to read your reviews.

[wilma-bride]

I'm ready :)

[Pinky166]

Looking forward to reading your reviews. :thumbsup2

[sandym718]

Love your title, so very true!! And I don't like seafood either - I'm in!

[dancemomnj]

Looking forward to your reviews! :)

[Carys]

Jumping on in to subscribe to this thread - we have 10 days of deluxe dining come September and I love reading about how other people have found the DDXP!

[binkytell]

waiting patiently too.

i dont know how you guys do the deluxe dp, we done 14 days
basic last year an have same again in august and omg i was
stuffed for weeks after coming home :crazy2:

[kimgof]

popcorn::

[rocadonismom]

Okay, I hate to admit when I can't figure something out.

However, here I sit with my notes, receipts and photos saved to both my computer and Snapfish, and I can't figure out how to post a picture. I'd love to get underway with this dining review - if only someone could help me post a photo.

I see that you are supposed to enter the entire url with the img and /img and I've done that but, when I hit preview I can't see anything. Is there a step that I'm missing?

Sorry to keep everyone waiting!

[disneyquilter]

Hmmm...not sure. I use Photobucket and I just cut and paste the URL into my TRs :confused3 Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

I am totally on board for your Dining Report though :goodvibes

[wdwfanatic316]

I'm definitely no expert, but here are instructions I copied from a Grey Goose slushie thread:


You're welcome, but simple instructions...

you right click the image you want to post, highlight properties & copy, when you go to post, look at the tools on top of the message box, click the little yellow postcard with the mountains (delete http:// because it's already under properties that you just highlighted) & paste.

Or you could just put "image properties" ...it works either way.

If you right click on the image below & look at properties...you'll see what I mean! You can preview post to see if it works.

http://www.klwines.com/images/skus/1030528x.jpg

Sorry a bit :offtopic: but for those that have never had Rose Regale in Italy, stop in the wine shop there & try a glass if you like the sweet bubbly stuff. It is really delicious & they offer dark chocolate to go with it. I find the chocolate makes the wine taste bitter, but I'll never pretend my tastes are refined. ;)

Hopefully this helps! :goodvibes

[Lynn5700]

Yeah Rosa Regale is the BESt wine EVER lol!!!

[frdeb1999]

Looking forward to your reviews! And I'd deffinately be NO help on giving instructions on how to post pics! Hope you figure it out. :)

[Melody L]

We have 10 days of DxDP in July. Can't wait to hear your reviews!

[rocadonismom]

We finally arrived at our beautiful room after very little sleep, no food, and eight hours of driving, waiting in airports, flying, waiting in airports, riding on the magic express and checking into our resort. Needless to say, we were tired and hungry. I was determined to wait for our lunch reservation (after all, what's another two hours at that point) but, Javi was hungry. I pulled out the trusty snack list and headed to the food court at Port Orleans Riverside.

For one snack credit, I was able to get this order of breadsticks.
http://images2d.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp53682%3Enu%3D3383%3E956%3E4%3C7%3EWS NRCG%3D323%3A82994248%3Anu0mrj

They were actually quite large, with a 4oz cup of bubbly, hot marinara sauce. The bread itself was crisp and crunchy without being overly hard and was lightly brushed with garlic butter and some parsley and oregano.I forgot to write on the receipt but, I think the price, after tax would have been 4.31. I also grabbed our refillable mugs at this time and filled them with light lemonade.

Afterour snack and a very quick doze, it was time to really start our vacation! We headed off to the Magic Kingdom and The Plaza for lunch.

http://images2c.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp53648%3Enu%3D3383%3E956%3E4%3C7%3EWS NRCG%3D323%3A82994248%3Cnu0mrj

I had never been here (actually, with the exception of the Biergarten, I've never been to any restaurant that we visited on this trip) and was looking forward to a good meal. From the descriptions, Ithought that this restaurant was right on Main Street; it's actually set off to the side by Tomorrowland, and overlooks a little lake. Very pretty setting. We were about two minutes late for our ADR, and waited about five minutes to be seated in the glassed in back room. The tables are kind of close together but, not uncomfortable. It looked like all the tables in the back room were half bench tables.

Our server was Nancy from Orlando, and she was wonderful. We never once asked for a refill but, our glasses were never empty. I love that about a waitress because I am usually really thirsty. There are no real appetizers at The Plaza, but you do have your choice of soup (today's choices were Tomato Bisque or Vegetarian Chili) or salad (dressing choices were Ranch, 1000 Island or Vinaigrette).

Javi had the Vegetarian Chili
http://images2d.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp53678%3Enu%3D3383%3E956%3E4%3C7%3EWS NRCG%3D323%3A829942494nu0mrj

However, he quickly discovered that it contained black olives and would not eat another bite. I had a few spoonfuls (for research purposes - couldn't leave our readers hanging). It contained red beans, carrots, corn, tomatoes, and black olives. There was a thick tomato taste but, no real chili taste. Not even a little bit of a kick so, if you're afraid of spice, no worries here.

I had the salad with Vinaigrette.
http://images2d.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp53677%3Enu%3D3383%3E956%3E4%3C7%3EWS NRCG%3D323%3A829937%3C65nu0mrj

I was very good. The salad was very basic, lettuce, shredded carrots, croutons and two little grape tomatoes. Everything was fresh and crisp. Although the waitress didn't mention it, I'm pretty sure the dressing was a Strawberry Vinaigrette. Good flavor and it didn't overpower the salad at all.

For the meal Javi picked the cheesesteak (no peppers) with fries
http://images2c.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp53656%3Enu%3D3383%3E956%3E4%3C7%3EWS NRCG%3D323%3A829937%3C66nu0mrj
That was a big sandwich. There was alot of meat on it, grilled onions, mushrooms and lots of gooey cheese. The fries were a thick cut. He gave me the very descriptive word of "good" when I asked how it was. (This was the description I was given for most of the food that he had)

I had the turkey sandwich with homemade chips instead of the German potato salad and no mayo.
http://images2d.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp53688%3Enu%3D3383%3E956%3E4%3C7%3EWS NRCG%3D323%3A829942495nu0mrj
This sandwich was great. The bread was multi-grain with whole seeds and oatmeal on the crust. It was very lightly toasted and then filled with smoked turkey (I would say about 3 oz), crisp leaf lettuce, thick slices of tomato and crisp bacon. I added some yellow mustard from the condiment plate and was set. The homemade chips were very crispy and I was surprised to find that they were not greasy at all, I did add just a little salt to them though.

For the grand finale, we each had a dessert. After all, we're in Disney, it's included and I personally LOVE dessert (Javi not so much)

I had the brownie sundae and was allowed to sub chocolate ice cream for the vanillahttp://images2c.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp53657%3Enu%3D3383%3E956%3E4%3C7%3EWS NRCG%3D323%3A829937%3C67nu0mrj
When Nancy brought it out, there was a birthday candle in it but, thankfully no one sang. This thing was HUGE. It was a whole brownie cit into two triangles with three scoops of ice cream, whipped cream and a cherry. The brownies were warm and soft and so chocolately. I gave it may best but, left about half of it uneatten.

Javi choose the vanilla milkshake (and he'll be :sad2: if he finds out I posted his picture - oh well, told you I needed a pic before you ate anything!)
http://images2d.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp53674%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E739%3E6%3A9%3E 232%3B73979%3A48%3Bot1lsi
Again, it was huge. They bring out the steel tumbler that it's mixed in and it filled the glass twice.

Total cost for this meal (with tax and a 3% service charge)would have been $50.73. I had my first mild panic when I looked at the receipt and saw that we were down to 36 deluxe credits (we had 42 to start). However, this was because I had picked up the tickets for the luau. It was a great start to the vacation. The Plaza earns :):):):).5 (out of a possible five)

[rocadonismom]

I'm definitely no expert, but here are instructions I copied from a Grey Goose slushie thread:




Hopefully this helps! :goodvibes

Thank you so much for the instructions! I couldn't believe how easy it was. Seriously, I sat here for an hour last night trying to figure it out.

[rocadonismom]

Absolutely love how you spaced your meal time! :goodvibes

Thanks! It worked out really well for us, but we are used to eating late.

It was great being in the parks when most people were eating lunch, we experienced some shorter lines. Then we didn't miss out on park time because most of the parks were getting ready to close when we were eating. However, we did miss out on some of the fireworks show which I was sad about but, I have seen them before (just not recently).

Another great thing was that for some of our really late lunches, we actually ordered off the dinner menu so, more choices.

[wdwfanatic316]

Thank you so much for the instructions! I couldn't believe how easy it was. Seriously, I sat here for an hour last night trying to figure it out.

You're welcome! :thumbsup2 Glad it worked!

Thanks for a great review of The Plaza! It's one of the restaurants I'm deciding between for our Oct. trip. So many choices, so little time...

[Lynn5700]

Oh I love the Plaza!!! I had that sandwich before. So good!!

[natalielongstaff]

the food at the plaza looked great :thumbsup2

[disneyquilter]

The Plaza is going on my ADR list for lunch on my Aug/Sept trip. :thumbsup2

Everything looked so good compared to my dreary little roast beef sandwich I am having right now. ;)

Can't wait till your next installment!!

[PrincessTrisha]

Ummmm ..... 3% service charge - did they explain what that was for?

[TigerKat]

We fell in love with The Plaza last November! We had awesome club sandwiches...:cloud9:

[rocadonismom]

Ummmm ..... 3% service charge - did they explain what that was for?

In all truthfulness, I didn't notice it until I started typing up the review. The 3% service charge was not on the original bill that was brought to the table. It was however, on the final copy that you take with you. Either way, it was covered by the dining plan because the only charge on the room was the money we had left for tip.

[Uncle Remus]

http://images2c.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp53656%3Enu%3D3383%3E956%3E4%3C7%3EWS NRCG%3D323%3A829937%3C66nu0mrj

I want that cheese steak. :love:

[Carys]

Glad to see the reviews have been kicked off, that sundae looked huge, I think I'd ask for one half of the brownie to be left out and given separately to go after looking at that (delicious) picture :)

[kimgof]

Great reviews! It's kinda hard to tell fromt he picture, but on the cheesesteak, was the meat thinly sliced or thick? I prefer my cheesesteak with a thin sliced meat but I know some places use a thicker cut. Just wondering for future reference. Thanks.:goodvibes

[msce2]

Your first meal looked AMAZING!!!! Can't wait to find out how the rest of your dining adventures went. popcorn::

[pipermae]

YUM! That bread looks so yummy! Great job so far! I can't wait to read more!

[tink1957]

:thumbsup2Great start, that cheese steak & desert looked yummy! Can't wait to read the rest.popcorn::

[iluvpluto27]

Great start! We're dining at The Plaza for the first time on our next trip, and that Brownie Sundae looks gorgeous!

[medicgirl911]

Just finding your review and excited to jump on board!!! Especially when I read you DF is an EMT...I worked as an EMT for 7 years before I went to nursing school and now work as an ER nurse.

[Smiling Cheshire Cat]

I'm living vicariously through your review. Wish I would have tried the Plaza our last trip. Looks great!

[KEMdisney]

Great first review! We are going in June and eating at some of the places you ate at. Looking forward to the rest!

[jpmom97]

Enjoying so far! That cheesesteak looks really yummy!