What do you mean "No Dining Plan"? Review with Pics

[PrincessTrisha]

Hi all.

I was at the World October 24th to October 31st. This was the first trip since February 2005 where we did NOT have some form of dining plan. For the way we eat, the DDP (or in June the DxDP) really does meet our needs. We like to sit down and eat in the cool of a restaurant at least once a day. We tend to share at counter service meals. And we all love our sweets. So why no DDP this time? Well, there are several reasons.....

1. Leftover tickets. We have tickets left from a previous trip so buying even a 1 day ticket for each of us (4 adults) would have added $320 to the cost of the trip. And since we'll probably go back to using the DDP in the future....well, we won't really need those tickets will we?

2. Off site activities. 2 of the 4 of us were spending the day at Discovery Cove and another day at Seaworld. We also planned to spend a day shopping offsite (we had a vehicle so it made it easy).

3. My mom is still recovering from a stroke and severe illness which followed it. She did great on the trip but I was unsure of her stamina. I didn't want too much that was "use or lose" for her on the trip - that would include dining credits.

4. For the first time ever, we stayed Club Level (at the CR - Atrium Club). I knew it already included breakfast, snacks and drinks so I wasn't sure if we'd want or need lots of big meals.

5. Cake - I wanted to order a cake for my Dad with the chocolate monorail on top. With a 10 inch cake in the room, would we really need or want dessert at every meal?

6. Wishes Dessert Party - same as above. I figured, you never know if they'll continue to offer it. If this is our only chance to do it, I didn't want to pass it up.

So, I did a room only and paid out of pocket for our food. Would I do it this way again? Well, I guess you'll just have to wait and see........:hippie:

Cast of Characters (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34338503&postcount=2)
On to the Food...Pop Century (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34338638&postcount=3)
Whispering Canyon Cafe (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34354795&postcount=11)
Club Lounge Desserts and Breakfast (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34421843&postcount=15)
Food & Wine Festival Part 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34432798&postcount=18)
Food & Wine Festival Part 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34503038&postcount=20)
Contempo Cafe (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34503213&postcount=21)
Ohana (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34503650&postcount=23)
Tony's Town Square (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34564595&postcount=30)
Wishes Dessert Party (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34575703&postcount=33)
Grand Floridian Cafe lunch (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34575908&postcount=34)
Grand Floridian Cafe Dinner & Room Service (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34577421&postcount=35)

[PrincessTrisha]

So this trip there were 4 adults:

Me (Trisha - the Princess part is optional). I am 35 and have 3 trips to WDW planned this year. This was number 2. I do all of the planning and the paying. I am obsessed but I'm okay with that. Other people smoke or drink, I "do disney". There's not much I don't like (except meatloaf, well cooked beef, hot dogs and fatty pork).

My Mom (Connie). She's 56 and recovering from some pretty bad stuff. She's doing great though (compared to a few months ago) and has learned to walk again (I'm more proud than I could every express with words). She has a hard time selecting food but will eat just about whatever is ordered for her. She doesn't do spicy and can't do Kiwi fruit, crab or calamari (allergies).

My Dad (Bill). He's 60 (61 in a couple of days). He's a good guy. Very traditional. I think the hardest part for him about these trips is letting me pay. He's always trying to pay for stuff anyways so I always make sure to have my hand out for the bill as soon as the server is at the table. He's a meat and potato kind of guy but has gotten a little more adventurous over the past few years (about 3 years ago, he tried bagels and now loves them).

Josee (my mom's care worker - well, she's become a friend of the family). She's never been to WDW. She's always wanted to swim with the dolphins so I took her to discovery cove. She'll eat just about anything but the cost of food (even though I was paying) concerned her and towards the end of the week, she stopped coming to dinner with us and just ate the food in the club lounge.

[PrincessTrisha]

So we arrived Saturday October 24th. We were staying 1 night at Pop Century before checking into the CR Atrium Club.

We arrived around 6:30pm and were pretty tired from the drive down. We also had a little laundry to do so we decided to just eat at the food court while my Dad did the laundry. My mom was pretty tired so she asked if we could just bring her back something.

My Dad got the parmasean chicken with the penne with white sauce (he asked if he could sub mac and cheese but was told no). He ate it, it was good. That was all. (sorry no pic since he went off to do the laundry).

Josee ordered the kid's pizza with grapes and a chocolate chip cookie with a bottle of water.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09114.jpg?t=1258292830

She ate it. It was good. She ordered the kid's pizza because she said it looked to be the right size. She was confused at first about the sides and the guy serving her wasn't very helpful. I told her she could pick any two sides but don't get the jello or the applesauce cause she won't like them. The cookie she saved for later and it was pretty moist. The kid's waters are the small Dasani bottles. She was happy since she doesn't drink pop.

I ordered two entrees and my mom and I shared them.

The first was the kid's macaroni and cheese (with grapes and carrots which I saved for the next day).
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09115.jpg?t=1258293082

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09118.jpg?t=1258293329

This was a pretty big serving. I've seen it before in the little micky plates but this was on the same size plate as the adult dinners were served on. I don't know if it's the standard size serving, but if you're craving mac n cheese and are at Pop, even as an adult, you'll be full. It was rich and creamy - no boxed junk here! It was very cheesy and good when it was warm but congealed hard when it cooled (I had saved a couple of bites for my Dad but it was cold when he returned with the laundry.

The second entree to share was the Vegetable Lasagna.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09116.jpg?t=1258293260

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09117.jpg?t=1258293293

It came with salad and a breadstick. The lasagna was good - medium sized chunks of vegetables, enough cheese to stick it together, noodles were soft but not mushy and the sauce had a nice garlic undertone. My only real criticism is that they put the hot lasagna on top of the cold salad so half the salad was warm and wilted. :confused3

While I may not have been impressed with the hotel, the food was good. Not gourmet by any standards but good, tasty, warm food. And dinner for 4..... was less than $40.

[GoofySon'sMom]

Great start! Can't wait for the rest!

[Christine9125]

I am in

[OurDogCisco]

Excited to read more!

[natalielongstaff]

count me in :thumbsup2

[pinkxray]

great reviews so far, keep them coming!

[KatMark]

I'm here for more Disney food porn.

[PrincessTrisha]

Great start! Can't wait for the rest!

Next installment coming up!

I am in

Glad to have ya!

Excited to read more!

Thanks for the encouragement.

count me in :thumbsup2

You're counted! Welcome aboard!

great reviews so far, keep them coming!

I'll happily ablige.

I'm here for more Disney food porn.

Food porn coming up!

[PrincessTrisha]

After checking out of Pop Century, we were headed to the ocean so we decided on a little Bob Evans (no pics cause I only take pictures of food at WDW). I have to say, if you're looking for some good, cheap eats - try them. They have a pretty extensive menu and over 30 items priced at $5.99 or less. And if you've never tried an Arnold Palmer (made with sweet tea of course), you don't know what you're missing!

Anyways, our next Disney meal was at the Wilderness Lodge. I know that the Whispering Canyon Cafe gets mixed reviews but I was looking for some place that serves ribs and would show my mom's caregiver Josee "a little slice of Disney style".

So we arrived for our 6:40pm ADR and were seated promptly. Our table wasn't the best since we were seated by the kitchen entrance but our server more than made up for it - We were graced by Heada Lettuce who was the right mix of fun, frolic and great service.

To start with my mom, dad and I ordered diet cokes and Josee ordered water.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09175.jpg?t=1258397593

Josee almost had a fit when Heada threw the straws at us but my mom quickly explained that it was normal and this was meant to be a "fun" place.

My mom, dad and I all ordered the skillet All You Care To Enjoy $26.99 per person Smoked Pork Ribs, Pulled Pork, Oven-roasted Chicken, Beef Brisket, Mashed Potatoes, Cowboy Beans, and Corn on the Cob Mixed Greens Salad with Apple Vinaigrette, Coleslaw, and Fresh-baked Cornbread. Josee gave way to sticker shock and stated she wasn't really hungry and ordered the Barbecue Pork Spring Rolls - Barbecue Pulled Pork, Cheddar, Herbs, and Barbecue-Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce $9.99

Salad
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09178.jpg?t=1258398012

Cornbread
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09179.jpg?t=1258398059

Heada brought out 4 plates for the salad (including Josee) which I thought was very nice of her. The salad itself was good - fresh and crisp. The dressing really tasty - a little tangy but kind of sweet. My Dad (who is a ranch, ranch, ranch kind of guy) ate some of it as well which surprised me. Of course, everyone stopped after one plate not wanting to be too full when the good stuff came. :rotfl:

Josee's spring rolls came:
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09180.jpg?t=1258398219

I have to admit I thought, "that's all for $10! They are two small, skinny rolls." The plate they are served on is a side plate - the same size they gave us for our salad. Josee said they tasted good but all I could think is, "for another $8 or $9 you could have gotten a full meal", especially since I was paying. :hippie:

Anyways.....

They put down our skillet
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09181.jpg?t=1258398463

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There was good and not so good in the skillet.

Good (actually kind of great):

Mashed Potatoes
Pulled Pork
Brisket
Corn on the Cob (rolling around in buttery goodness)
Pitcher of BBQ Sauce (I would like to pretend that I am a rib and roll around in a vat of this stuff).

Okay:

Ribs (I only had two ribs) They were kind of dry - really needed the extra sauce. The second batch were better and meatier. Of course, the rest of the ribs got eaten so maybe it was only the 1 rack that wasn't so great?

Not so good:
Beans
Chicken (it was cooked and everything - the seasoning is just "off" and not well flavoured).

We got more pulled pork, brisket and mashed potatoes (didn't need more corn since my mom is missing a couple of teeth and my dad has dentures so all three pieces were mine, mine, mine).

The aftermath:
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09186.jpg?t=1258398917

Josee had picked off the skillet after she ate her two spring rolls and though Heada pointed it out that "we'd let her knaw on a few bones" there were no other comments made (nor any extra charges).

There was loads of fun throughout the meal - most of which we made Josee partake it - asking for ketchup (and then delivering it to another table), pony ride, singing Happy Birthday to another table. We also saw the jail being passed around and a few other tricks. It was boisterous and enjoyable.

We didn't order dessert since we would be able to enjoy some of the club offerings and I knew the cake would be delivered as well.

The bill came to just over $100 for the 3 meals, 1 appetizer and 3 sodas.

We left full and it was a great restaurant to start off the trip with to get us into the mood for silly fun.

[lizzyb]

Great reviews soo far!

[natalielongstaff]

ooh i do love that Skillet :)

[PrincessTrisha]

Great reviews soo far!

ooh i do love that Skillet :)

Thanks for joining in.

I really enjoyed the skillet this time.

[PrincessTrisha]

So after dinner we did stop by the club lounge to check out the desserts. They had a good selection for both adults and kids.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09190.jpg?t=1258832509

There were little cakes and tarts, assorted cookies and uncrustables.

Breakfast was good - bagels, fruit, pastries

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They had little containers of plain cream cheese, little jars of jam and the little cups of peanut butter. It was kind of like breakfast at home except someone else did most of the work (slicing the bagels, cutting up the fruit, opening the packages). It provided us a good start to the day but I did miss what I call "vacation breakfast" - either a big hearty, hot breakfast or leftover dinner from the night before (mmmm, morning steak).

The lounge was occassionally quite crowded but there always seemed to be plenty of food out.

Desserts on a different night:

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09228.jpg?t=1258833033

the little chocolate mousse cups with the cookie crumbs and the gummy worm were really good - it certainly wasn't "kiddie pudding" but real chocolate mousse - rich, thick and chocolate-y.

The cupcakes were cute but pretty tasteless. The other cakes were good and just the right size - a bit or two so you could enjoy a number of treats.

[mickey916]

Thanks for this report! We're going sans DDP for our next trip and I'm a little unsure if we'll regret that...but like you, I've got my reasons I don't think it works this time (I'm interested in hearing your ultimate conclusion however). Love the pictures of the skillet as well as the current pricing, very helpful as we're definitely doing WCC and planning on getting the skillet!

[PrincessTrisha]

Thanks for this report! We're going sans DDP for our next trip and I'm a little unsure if we'll regret that...but like you, I've got my reasons I don't think it works this time (I'm interested in hearing your ultimate conclusion however). Love the pictures of the skillet as well as the current pricing, very helpful as we're definitely doing WCC and planning on getting the skillet!

For me it was a tough call and really - it ended up coming down to the tickets. My Dad and I still have 2 days left on our tickets and my mom's got 3 and I've still got 1 more 1 day ticket. For my December trip I get another 1 day ticket and I only plan on hitting the parks for 1 or 2 days (cause of the TSM party at night and then I'm probably going to do the Xmas party so those are all special ticket events).

If I didn't need to buy tickets, the DDP would be a no brainer every trip (except where I was considering the DXDP).

[PrincessTrisha]

After breakfast at the lounge we headed to Epcot and got there just after rope drop (about 9:15am). We were able to get everything done in Future World pretty quickly and at 11am were on our way to the World Showcase to start sampling at the Food and Wine Festival.

It was great to have a group of 4 adults because it meant we could sample more items.

First up was the Perogie and Kielbosa - it was tasty and a decent portion. My step grandfather was Polish so this stuff isn't exotic to us but we don't have it very often anymore so it was a nice treat.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09206.jpg?t=1258923357

From the same booth was the Braised Pork Shank with Cabbage. It wasn't very good - there was lots of cabbage and some potato but also a lot of water and grease. The pork was little tiny bits. It was disappointing.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09207.jpg?t=1258923506

From Spain we tried all 3 food samples - the snapper, the creme Catalana and the taste of Spain. All 3 were worthy of tasting. The snapper was very tender, and the meats, cheese and olives from Spain were quality pieces. The creme was like a brulee without the crusty topping and had a pleasant taste. They were out of the Tomato bread that come with the "Tasting" and I just got it without it - they were telling people 5 minutes before there was more bread but 15 minutes later I heard them tell someone that they were still waiting on the Tomato bread.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09209.jpg?t=1258923640

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From Australia we tried both the Seared Barramundi and Grilled Lamb Chop. The lamb was okay but the fish was out of this world good.

It was a this point that we met this nice local Floridian couple sitting on a bench. This turned out to be very fortunate because we later had an issue with my mom in the bathroom trying to get her back into her wheelchair and these two wonderful people jumped in and helped us. They were truly our guardian angels that day.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09215.jpg?t=1258924015

My Dad is fussier than the rest of us so when I realized that Italy was coming up, I knew we needed a couple of samples from there so there was something he would really enjoy. We got an order of the meatballs and the canneloni. The little breadsticks in the meatballs were hard but everything else was good.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09217.jpg?t=1258924255

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09218.jpg?t=1258924337

Next up was France - Escargot, chocolate creme brulee and the short ribs with mashed potatoes (which my Dad keeps referring to as the "meat pie"). All three were exceptional with the short ribs being my Dad's number 1 pick for the best of the festival.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09219.jpg?t=1258924389

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To be continued.....

[Havana]

Love your reviews so far! You made me decide to go to WC in December! We have been hearing such mixed reviews, it looks like you had a nice experience there. Your pictures are GREAT!

[PrincessTrisha]

Next up was New Zealand. We tried both the Seared Sea Scallop and the lamb Slider. The sea scallop was good - nicely cooked, firm yet soft. I enjoyed the lamb slider but the rest of the group found it too spicy to enjoy.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09222.jpg?t=1259522374

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My favourite booth of the whole festival was Ireland. Everything here was a real winner. The Fisherman's pie was loaded with seafood covered with creamy mashed and lots of cheese. The cheese plate was quite large for the price and had 3 outstanding cheeses with some dark rye bread and chutney. It was a great snack plate. And last but not least - the Bailey's Lava Cake - OMG! They really need to start serving this somewhere. It was the most outstanding Lava cake I've ever had - rich, chocolately, gooey and the sauce - if I died in a vat of it, I'd have died happy.

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We were so stuffed from our munching around the world that we didn't eat dinner - just snacked at the lounge. While I love the F&W Festival, I'm kind of glad it's not like that all the time. We spent just over $100 just tasting stuff (we did get 4 drinks - two non alcoholic and two alcoholic) but I wouldn't want to do that all the time. I was surprised at the end of the day when all I had left in my pocket from $120 was a few ones.

[PrincessTrisha]

The next day my Dad and Josee went to Discovery Cove so there food was covered. My mom and I just planned on hanging around the hotel or maybe taking the monorail to one of the other resorts.

After our little incident in Epcot though, my mom was a little stiff and sore so we decided to just hang out at the hotel. I grabbed breakfast for the two of us from the lounge. It was the same as the day before, bagels, fruit and a couple of pastries.

For lunch I went down to the Contempo Cafe and got two meals for us to share. I had a difficult time deciding because there were a number of tasty sounding entrees.

I finally settled on the Steakhouse Salad - marinated beef, mixed greens shaved red onions, goat cheese, and vine-ripe tomatoes with mustard dressing and the Smoked Turkey Sandwich - topped with Brie, apples, apple butter and arugala on Challah bread. The sandwich came with homemade potato chips.

If they weren't served on paper and plastic, I'd say these were table service quality.

The steak salad:

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09229.jpg?t=1259523052

It was loaded with tender pieces of beef (well done but not tough or chewy), large blobs of feta cheese (it was real feta and very fresh - like the feta my Greek friend gets), fresh lettuce and veggies and it was a very large serving. It came with the dressing on it but the dressing was perfect - I often find that people are either heavy handed or light on the dressing but the person who prepared this had it just right.

I really enjoyed this and would order it again - but only if they were out of our other lunch item.....

The turkey sandwich

Side view:
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09230.jpg?t=1259523755

Top view:
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09231.jpg?t=1259523788

This is by far one of the top 3 sandwiches I have ever eaten (believe it or not 2 of my current top 3 sandwiches of all time were discovered on this trip). The turkey and apple and brie just kind of melted together (not literally - figuratively) to create one wonderful soft, crispy, melty taste sensation. The arugala and the apple butter added just the right contrast to the bulk of the sandwich. The bread was able to hold up and didn't break apart or go soggy. I also liked how it was just lightly toasted - the edges were crispy but it wasn't crummy (as in leaving behind a bunch of crumbs). The chips were handmade and salted - very tasty and a nice side dish (better than fries and I am generally hesitant about any form of pasta or veggie side salad because of vinegar content).

My mom and I shared both of these entrees and were stuffed to the gills. We had put half the sandwich in the fridge but about an hour later, we got it out and finished it off. It was too good to risk it going uneaten.

If we had been on the dining plan, there were lots of good looking desserts in the bakery case but instead I grabbed some cookies and rice krispie treats from the Club lounge for an afternoon treat.

I walked down to the restaurant with $20 (and my key to the world card just in case) and walked back to the room with a tray of food and pocket change.

[PrincessTrisha]

Love your reviews so far! You made me decide to go to WC in December! We have been hearing such mixed reviews, it looks like you had a nice experience there. Your pictures are GREAT!

I think if you know that it's not gourmet food - and with the skillet, you'll like some but maybe not all, WCC can be a very enjoyable experience. Hope you have a great trip in December.

[PrincessTrisha]

So our general experience the last couple of times at Ohana had been great food, lousy service. It held to that this time as well.

Our pager went off but there was some mix up and they sat someone else at our table. We waited and waited and waited again (standing near the podium because they took our pager) and then they couldn't find our ticket and finally they found our ticket and took up to a big round table that seats 7 or 8 people (we were 4) but that was okay.

We got two loaves of bread and our drinks:

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09232.jpg?t=1259525560

This was the first night of Ohana serving the new lemonade (I think it's pomegrante?).

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09233.jpg?t=1259525810

Then our server brought the salad. Normally they just put the bowl down but this guy went around and insisted on putting some on our plates.

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Next he brought the sauces and the platter with the wings and wontons (they came together in one - I've never seen that before).

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09236.jpg?t=1259525981

We've always enjoyed the wings but this was the first time with the wontons (before we had the old shrimp wontons which were little bundles and then the wonton chips the last two times). We enjoyed both of these which was a good thing since this was the last of the food we got for quite a while.

We waited and waited and waited. They brought the platter of the noodles and veggies to other tables but we never saw our server (nor did anyone else bring them to us). The table next to us was finishing up so they were done with the meat and the other tables around us were just seated so they weren't there yet so no one brought us any. When our server finally showed up, we asked for our noodles, veggies, and meats. He asked "Oh, more veggies and noodles" and it took me 5 tries to get through to him that no one had given us a first set!

After this though, things picked up and we got our sides and then all 4 meats came rapidly to the table. The pork, turkey and beef were all good and juicy. I hear the shrimp were good but my mom ended up with mine.

My mom only has the use of only one of her hands - the other one is folded against her body. I was trying to explain to the guy with the skewer to put her shrimp on my plate and he wouldn't - he just kept saying, when you want more, I can come back. I tried to tell him, her shrimp, for her, I'm peeling them, please put them on my plate and I'll peel them and put them on her plate. He wouldn't. Finally I said, "She can only use one of her hands - now I need to pick up her plate, slide her shrimp onto mine and peel them because she can't do it herself". He said, "oh, sorry then" and walked away. After peeling them (both hers and mine, I just ended up giving them all to her since the beef was a little pink and she likes hers fully cooked).

anyways - picks of the meal

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09237.jpg?t=1259526001

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09238.jpg?t=1259526513

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09239.jpg?t=1259526535

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09240.jpg?t=1259526561

The server also brought us all the yellow Lei's. I think he was trying to recover his tip (which he did) after getting off to such as weird and then slow start.

The meal was our most expensive of the week at around $130 (pre tip).

[MickeyNicki]

That turkey sandwich looks fantastic! I wish we stopped over there for lunch one day on our last trip!

I have to tell ya, your CL offerings look much better than the ones we had at the Poly last week.

[PrincessTrisha]

That turkey sandwich looks fantastic! I wish we stopped over there for lunch one day on our last trip!

I have to tell ya, your CL offerings look much better than the ones we had at the Poly last week.

The turkey sandwich is well worth the trip to the contemporary.

Funny enough, your pictures have me wanting to try the Poly CL. At least the soda is in a fridge (it's on the counter at the CR) and a whole plate of pineapple is like a dream come true for me. The one thing I will say looked better at the CR was the morning fruit tray - from your pics of the Poly, it seemed it was the Disney traditional melon, melon, grape combo whereas the CR had actual sliced fruits and a better variety. The IPO at the CR was awful but the CM's in the lounge were great (ending up fixing what IPO messed up) and when the Espresso / Cappacino machine was still broken on our 2nd night, the CM asked my Dad how many Cappacinos we wanted (2) and went down to the coffee place in the lobby and got us two (no charge). Unfortunately, without the good coffee maker, it was nescafe for a few days in the morning at the lounge (bleech).

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Thanks for posting those pictures.

[msce2]

I'm glad we weren't the only ones who had that experience at Ohana's. The only difference we had was we were seated at a table for 7, but we were a part of 9. I couldn't even push my chair up to the table. :lmao:

It looks like your family had a great trip!

[klacey1]

Subscribing! I really want to hear what you thought of the Wishes Dessert Party! I really hope this becomes a permanent thing adn they offer it on our next trip!

[PrincessTrisha]

Thanks for posting those pictures.

You're welcome. Contempo Cafe is one of the hidden gems of counter service.

I'm glad we weren't the only ones who had that experience at Ohana's. The only difference we had was we were seated at a table for 7, but we were a part of 9. I couldn't even push my chair up to the table. :lmao:

It looks like your family had a great trip!

Too bad about the too small table - us being at the super big table, we had tons of elbow room!

Subscribing! I really want to hear what you thought of the Wishes Dessert Party! I really hope this becomes a permanent thing adn they offer it on our next trip!

Coming up shortly.

[PrincessTrisha]

During our Magic Kingdom day I booked lunch at Tony's Town Square to give us a break (after lunch Dad and Josee would stay in the park and I would take my mom back to the room for a rest).

My mom wasn't really hungry and Josee didn't think she could finish a whole meal so they decided to share a Chicken Parm and my Dad decided on the same thing. There was a pile of spagetti and a huge chicken breast, crispy breaded and then smothered with sauce and cheese. For $16.99 it was what I consider a good deal at Disney. It was a large portion of tasty food that was cooked properly.

My mom and Josee finished their shared lunch but I ended up taking some of my Dad's back with me to the hotel because it was too much for him to finish. The only downside was the bread that came with it - it was far too crispy and hard to be enjoyed.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09253.jpg?t=1259965927

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09254.jpg?t=1259966207

Since we weren't on the DDP, I enjoyed a luxury I normally can't. I ordered two appetizers for my lunch.

First was the seasonal soup - this was a creamy pumpkin soup. It was very good - if you enjoy squash, you would enjoy this soup. It was served warm but not steaming hot. It was thick and creamy and very filling (even though it didn't look like a huge serving).

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09255.jpg?t=1259966267

The second thing I ordered was the zuchini sticks. I was expecting what I've gotten in other restaurants - small chopped up pieces of breaded zuchini but these were so much better. They were a 1/4 of a zuchini cut lengthwise and then thickly breaded and fried. They were so good - crisp and thick and you could actually taste the vegetable inside. There were 4 on the plate - I had 2 and a half, my mom had half and my dad had half of one, and Josee had a half of one as well. Everyone was impressed. Even another server stopped by to exclaim "those are the biggest zuchini sticks I've ever seen!"

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09256.jpg?t=1259966385

Everyone was very full after lunch so we didn't get any desserts. Of course everyone was aware that there would be a plethora of sweets available tonight as we were going to the dessert party.

[mickey916]

We must have similar tastes. We're booked for WCC, Ohana and Tony's in April. So glad you've given all of them positive reviews. The chicken parm and zucchini sticks look yummy!

[PrincessTrisha]

We must have similar tastes. We're booked for WCC, Ohana and Tony's in April. So glad you've given all of them positive reviews. The chicken parm and zucchini sticks look yummy!

Tony's gets a lot of so so reviews but we've had some really nice meals there. Of course, I've never understood going to a restaurant and ordering spagetti and meatballs (which people seem to do here) because it's a simple dish I regularly make myself at home. The chicken parm however, mmmm, mmmm, good.

[PrincessTrisha]

I had an ADR for the Plaza for before the dessert party (so we could have dinner before our sweets) but no one was really that hungry so we just had some snacks at the lounge (I love uncrustables - peanut butter, grape jelly sealed together in a round disk of white bread - it really brings be back to my childhood).

Anyways, we had to return to the park because I had paid for the wishes dessert party. In hindsight, for us, it probably wasn't necessary this trip. We had a MK view room on the 12th floor of the Contemporary and the club lounge which served desserts 8-10pm (Wishes was either at 9 or 9:30 all week) so in essence, we already had kind of the same thing at the hotel.

But, I thought it might be our only chance to experience it and it was one more thing I could do to make this trip special so I ponied up the $25 a person and booked.

Our table was second row back facing Main Street. We could see some of the parade (enough for me at least since I've seen it up close before.) We did end up going up to the railing to watch Wishes because the overhang and pillars blocked at least half of our view.

On to the desserts:

Plate #1:

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09257.jpg?t=1260103900

2 Tirimisu and a creme brulee. My dad loves tirimisu so he had no problems eating both of these and my mom is a big fan of creme brulee. This was a pistashio one - tasty but I thought it could use may a little more nuttiness.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09258.jpg?t=1260104275

a donut hole, 2 chocolate covered strawberries, pineapple, a banana tart and a chocolate peanut butter tart. The banana tart and the chocolate peanut butter tart were outstanding - both of the fruit items were ripe and fresh and I have no idea how the donut hole was (my Dad got it and ate it).

Now these were the two plates my dad got for him and my mom. In my house I am known as an expert packer. One time we were driving home from the beach club and had so much luggage to pack into the car (with 4 people since I brought my cousin that time) that the guys at the valet stand had a bet that all of our luggage wouldn't fit. Ha, I won. I can pack twice as much into a space as anyone else. Hence, my plate:

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09259.jpg?t=1260104618

A cannoli (okay but the pastry was a little hard), tirimisu, cheesecake (not good - didn't really taste like cheesecake), chocolate covered strawberries, mango shooter, raspberry shooter (these were....different.... we kind of liked them but not enough to finish one ourselves - we shared the two I got), a chocolate peanut butter tart and (not shown under the back strawberry) is a chocolate cheesecake cup (again didn't taste like cheesecake) and on top is a white and dark chocolate truffle (very good - obviously fresh made not mass produced manufactored).

We had water, some kind of red lemonade and later coffee.

After the fireworks, the place cleared out pretty fast and they were not encouraging people to stay (they cleared the food during the fireworks). I hung around for a bit despite that because I can't deal with the big crowds after leaving the fireworks (one of the reasons we usually either skip the fireworks in the park and watch from alternative spots or we watch from the front of the park to make a quick exit).

Overall it was a nice experience and watching the fireworks from up close without having to deal with the crowds was nice. The dessert were good but few were outstanding or even great. There was a nice selection so I think even picky dessert eaters could find something they enjoy. That being said, I'm not sure I'd do it again unless it was some kind of celebration trip or was able to do a walk up (where I didn't have to preplan but actually felt like eating copious amounts of desserts).

[PrincessTrisha]

My mom and I had an ADR for the Grand Floridian Tea room Thursday afternoon but decided instead to go to the Cafe for lunch.

We had been out shopping in the morning and my Dad dropped us off at the hotel around 1pm so we needed to wait an hour and half for our tea reservation. We were sitting in the lobby and I asked my mom if she would be offended if I ordered something cold at tea instead of hot tea because I was feeling hot and wasn't in the mood for tea (or coffee). She said we didn't even have to go to the tea if I wasn't "feeling it" (I had been in a very bad mood all morning and she knew it and was trying to make me feel better - I have a great mom). So I suggested the Grand Floridian Cafe for lunch instead.

No ADR but that wasn't a problem - we were seated right away next to a table who were just finishing up - here are some pictures of the rest of the restaurant:

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09261.jpg?t=1260105170

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09262.jpg?t=1260105939

We decided to order two different meals and then split them so we could each enjoy some of the others meal. Our server brought us an extra plate so we could do that.

The first thing we ordered was the Cobb Salad. My mom loves blue cheese (I like it) so this is something she like to order to get her fresh blue cheese fix. I asked if we could leave the Avacodo off (since my mom doesn't like it and I could take it or leave it) and our server offered that we could double any other item on the salad to replace it - so double blue cheese it was!

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09263.jpg?t=1260106410

It was nicely chopped but minced (like I've found the Cobb salad at the Brown Derby to be - I enjoyed this one much more) and all of the ingredients were absolutely fresh. The dressing came in a pitcher on the side (along with one of those crispy bread things again) so we could control how much was put on.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09265.jpg?t=1260106587

The other entree we ordered was the Grand Sandwich (Open-faced hot Turkey, Ham, Bacon and Tomato, with a rich Boursin Cheese Sauce and Fried Onion Straws). When I suggested this my mom gave me a look (:confused:) - she'd being eyeing the fresh fish of the day but I explained that it had gotten some good reviews on "the boards" and I'd like to try it. Trust the boards, I said. They are usually right........

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09264.jpg?t=1260106608

And in this case, they were spot on! This was the clear winner of the two entrees. It's like nothing I've ever had anywhere else and it was fantastic! I wouldn't have thought to serve the meats warm with tomato and then smothered with the cheese sauce but this was so good. It is definately a "fork and knife" sandwich (and we didn't eat the top layer of the bread - just the bottom layer). The onion straws are a favourite of my mom's and went very well with the sandwich to add just a little crunch to the cheesy, soft, smushy goodness of the rest of the sandwich. This is my number #1 favourite sandwich in the entire world right now. There is nothing better served between two slices of bread.

Despite being pleasantly full, we decided on a little sweetness. I really like the mini desserts at the GFC because I find them just enough. I ordered the key lime pie and my mom ordered the cheesecake and we each ate half of each one and then switched. They were both sweet and tasted as they should.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09266.jpg?t=1260107087

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09267.jpg?t=1260107113

This was one of the stand out meals of the trip - unexpected and delicious.

My dad love the GFC and was so jealous when he found out that mom and I had gone there for lunch that he went there for dinner (and my mom happily returned with him while I stayed at the room and ordered my favourite thing - room service).

[PrincessTrisha]

So my Mom and Dad decided to go to the Grand Floridian Cafe for dinner (I'd made an ADR when planning our trip) but I wasn't in the mood to go out so I stayed in and ordered room service.

I sent the camera with my parents so here is what they got:

Diet Coke and raspberry lemonade.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09275.jpg?t=1260117464

Rolls and butter (my Dad loves butter)

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09276.jpg?t=1260117508

My Dad ordered the Grand Floridian Burger - he's not a fan of lobster but I am so he ate the burger, sauce and asparagus but brought the lobster back for me (which I ate the next day) it was very good - better than the lobster tail I had at Narcossee's a few trips ago. It was cooked nicely, and firm not chewy.

My Dad said the burger was very good. The little tomato salad was okay but he ended up asking for a side of mashed potatoes (which they didn't charge him for).

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09277.jpg?t=1260117537

the burger deconstructed:
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09279.jpg?t=1260117682

Close up of the lobster

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09280.jpg?t=1260117707

My mom ordered the roasted half chicken. She said this was very good and a big serving (my Dad helped her finish it) and the potatoes were tasty and roasted with herbs.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/MostlyWDWOct09278.jpg?t=1260117746

My room service dinner.

I ordered French onion soup to start. It's a favourite of mine but I only order it when I'm out (I don't make it at home). This was full of onions, covered with tons of gooey melted cheese and very hot.

(with flash)
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/JoseesPictures2044.jpg?t=1260117912

(without flash)
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/JoseesPictures2047.jpg?t=1260117935

For my entree I ordered the durbin spiced chicken but subbed mashed potatoes. This was a really great meal. The potatoes were incredible and the chicken was outstanding. If you like a little Indian spice you'd like this. It's not something I eat at home (I'm the only one who likes Indian spices) I was stuffed after finishing this but couldn't stop eating it because it was just that good.

(with flash)
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/JoseesPictures2045.jpg?t=1260117966

(without flash)
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e15/BillConnie/Oct%2009%20WDW%20Pictures/JoseesPictures2046.jpg?t=1260118102

It was also served with rolls and butter.

I just have to say - I :lovestruc:lovestruc:lovestruc room service.

[Linda67]

Another great review, thanks for sharing