(More than)A FIVE years of Trips! -- TR Started! Day One - updated 6/10

[magicallyDisney001]

Everything looks great so far! I could never plan where or when exactly I would go out to eat; I always just wing it Looking forward to seeing the rest!

 

[Dizneydaz]

For a quick lunch at DLR I would like to suggest White Water Snacks at GC just outside of DCA. I've seen posts about it a lot lately and finally we checked it out. We've now eaten there 3 or 4 times. Personally, I like the french dip and the chili dog (chili on the side, please).

It's the GC food court and they have some great choices, reasonably priced, and just a few steps from DCA (go thru guest gate fron DCA to GC. When we've been there is hasn't been crowded. Plus keep your eye out for one of the DLR cats.

Can't wait to read more.

 

[blabbermouth]

I know my fiance would really like ESPN too... but I will let him discover it on his own. We can always grab a beer and nachos or something, but I think there are other places I'd rather go for a meal. But it's not his birthday, so that's a bit different.

 

[kaoden39]

You know we ate at ESPN in 2005 and it was an enjoyable meal. I didn't feel like sports were over powering in there.

 

[DizNee Luver]

You know we ate at ESPN in 2005 and it was an enjoyable meal. I didn't feel like sports were over powering in there.

Guess you didn't go into the men's bathroom........they have tv screens above each urinal & one in each stall door!!! Of course I got this info from my boys....I didn't personally go in to see it myself!!!

But, yes the food was delicious!!!

 

[hurleysweety]

For a quick lunch at DLR I would like to suggest White Water Snacks at GC just outside of DCA. I've seen posts about it a lot lately and finally we checked it out. We've now eaten there 3 or 4 times. Personally, I like the french dip and the chili dog (chili on the side, please).

It's the GC food court and they have some great choices, reasonably priced, and just a few steps from DCA (go thru guest gate fron DCA to GC. When we've been there is hasn't been crowded. Plus keep your eye out for one of the DLR cats.

Can't wait to read more.

Yes! Another good review of White Water Snacks! I can't wait to eat there and hopefully the hubs is impressed too.

I know my fiance would really like ESPN too... but I will let him discover it on his own. We can always grab a beer and nachos or something, but I think there are other places I'd rather go for a meal. But it's not his birthday, so that's a bit different.

Well I let DH pick the place he wanted to go and he picked that - also we missed it the last couple times we've been in the vicinity of one on a trip. Not my favorite restaurant cuz I miss the Disney feel when I walk inside it. I'd be picking the Blue Bayou if it was my bday. But ESPN does have a fun and laid back atmosphere and a great place to catch a break though- hopefully DH will like it!!

You know we ate at ESPN in 2005 and it was an enjoyable meal. I didn't feel like sports were over powering in there.

From what I remember, the sports weren't too bad - I'm used to sports bars and grills and the like, so I would definitely agree here! Its not like your on set of sports center (thank goodness, I get that enough already!)

Guess you didn't go into the men's bathroom........they have tv screens above each urinal & one in each stall door!!! Of course I got this info from my boys....I didn't personally go in to see it myself!!!

But, yes the food was delicious!!!

YES! There are tv's in the woman's bathroom and on my last family vacation I took pictures of them in there - yup - beginning of the obsessions at Disney started on that trip. You know you've gone overboard when you take pictures in the bathroom.

 

[Sarah84]

Guess you didn't go into the men's bathroom........they have tv screens above each urinal & one in each stall door!!! Of course I got this info from my boys....I didn't personally go in to see it myself!!!

But, yes the food was delicious!!!

how great do they sound.

Glad theres many others who love reading menus to decide where to eat months in advance, my DBF thinks im nuts

 

[blabbermouth]

YES! There are tv's in the woman's bathroom and on my last family vacation I took pictures of them in there - yup - beginning of the obsessions at Disney started on that trip. You know you've gone overboard when you take pictures in the bathroom.

Well at least they're fair! There's a local chain restaurant here where the mensroom has tvs... but does the women's? Nope!

 

[hurleysweety]

FOOD PORN WARNING (and grease warning too!!!)

So I was sitting here on my day off and enjoying resting, watching tv and then got pretty hungry. I googled "Monte Cristo" and to my surprise I had literally hundreds of recipes to choose from...and thus my version of cheese Monte Cristo arrived...

First, I took some flour, baking powder, and salt and sifted it together and then mixed it with one egg and water. Then I took two pieces of bread, spread one side with dijon mustard and sprinkled the other side with a handful of shredded monterey jack and cheddar cheese (I would have added ham if I had it!). I then carefully dipped the bread in the thick batter and then placed in a frying pan which was preheated and coated with canola oil. Waited until it was crispy and light brown on each side and then turned it down and waited for a bit for the cheese to melt...mmm...check it out!

Then I got some strawberry preserves, added a little water to thin it out to make it great for dipping. And finally I sprinkled some powdered sugar on top. YUMMMMM! Its already gone... And I already want more!

 

[DizNee Luver]

FOOD PORN WARNING (and grease warning too!!!)

So I was sitting here on my day off and enjoying resting, watching tv and then got pretty hungry. I googled "Monte Cristo" and to my surprise I had literally hundreds of recipes to choose from...and thus my version of cheese Monte Cristo arrived...

First, I took some flour, baking powder, and salt and sifted it together and then mixed it with one egg and water. Then I took two pieces of bread, spread one side with dijon mustard and sprinkled the other side with a handful of shredded monterey jack and cheddar cheese (I would have added ham if I had it!). I then carefully dipped the bread in the thick batter and then placed in a frying pan which was preheated and coated with canola oil. Waited until it was crispy and light brown on each side and then turned it down and waited for a bit for the cheese to melt...mmm...check it out!

Then I got some strawberry preserves, added a little water to thin it out to make it great for dipping. And finally I sprinkled some powdered sugar on top. YUMMMMM! Its already gone... And I already want more!

Looks great!!! We found a recipe for the Monte Cristo & the Gumbo & made both....delicious!!!! Just forgot to take pics.......

 

[kaoden39]

Yum that looks wonderful.

 

[blabbermouth]

Wow! That looks really good!! It might be even a bit less greasy than the "real thing". Nice work... what's on the menu next?

 

[disney-inspired]

Okay, so I'm getting really excited about our trip now. I keep checking out the menus on allears.net and scoping out the new food pictures on the Disneyland dining thread and man do I get sooo hungry. DH pretty much thinks I'm nuts for trying to plan what I would like to eat in 40 days at 6:30 for dinner... But oh well, I'll still try to plan. I'm not really sure how I am supposed to guess when I'll be hungry, or if I'll be in the park, or resting in the room around lunch time. Or if I'll want to sit and enjoy a nice relaxing table service restaurant, or a quick bite between rides. Oh man...I am a planner and that is apparent...but to plan each meal - that must be some kind of special gift! I feel so clueless as to what food will sound good and how much I'll want to spend. I know one thing so I will share the ONE meal plan we actually have and must do while in DLR on this trip.

Thursday
Breakfast - at home
Lunch - eating on the go, either from home or fast food
Dinner - McDonalds or Taco Bell - or something quick

Friday
Breakfast - room
Lunch - ?
Dinner - ESPN Zone to celebrate DH's birthday (surrounded by sports, sports, and food)

Saturday
Breakfast - room
Lunch - ?
Dinner - ?

Sunday
Breakfast - room
Lunch - on the road

I'd suggest going to the ESPN zone website and making reservations as well as becoming an MVP where you get perks for being a member - and it's free!

 

[hurleysweety]

Looks great!!! We found a recipe for the Monte Cristo & the Gumbo & made both....delicious!!!! Just forgot to take pics.......

Thanks! I almost forgot to take the second pic, I was so ready to eat it!

Yum that looks wonderful.

Thank you!

Wow! That looks really good!! It might be even a bit less greasy than the "real thing". Nice work... what's on the menu next?

Thanks! Its put me in a Disney chef mood. Well... I'm hoping to make that loaded baked potato soup I keep hearing so much about. Either that or replicating the cookie boat...

I'd suggest going to the ESPN zone website and making reservations as well as becoming an MVP where you get perks for being a member - and it's free!

OOh! Yes I love being members of restaurant's clubs/newsletters/thingmajigs. Thanks!

 

[hurleysweety]

So, yesterday I celebrated my birthday with my parents since they'll be out of town on my actual Bday (Friday the 17th) and then another some 6 days after that. Where will they be? Paris..yes, I know, it really sucks to be me and my sister right now. But its a business trip - well a business rewards trip type deal. They did so many sales blah blah - who cares, I don't get to go. BUT, yay for them, the trips dates (which were predetermined by the company many moons ago) include their anniversary. And the trip schedule calls for a dinner cruise on that particular night. Wow - anniversary in Paris! 24 years and a romantic city! I only hope I can do that someday - of course the Disney version. Okay, enough of the Paris talk. So, my parents gave me a $50 gift card and then my mom explained that she was sorry it was not a Disney one. Oh well, it will be used for DIsney anyway!

So now the dilema. My immediate reaction was, "BLUE BAYOU!" But then I thought about it some more. In May of 2007 I raved on and on to my parents (last family trip to DL) about how we should go to BB, and how great it was and how good the food was and the atmosphere. I was so excited when they agreed and we all went to eat as a nice dinner on one of the 4 nights we were there (Other nightly dinners included Jazz Kitchen and the Tortilla Jo's (or whatever the sit down Mexican place is in downtown Disney) and some offsite place, maybe?. Anyway, the food was mediocore, it took us at least 25 minutes before we were seated. And we were seated near the back of the restaurant - and my parents couldn't order wine. They knew this going in, but it only added to their dissatisfaction. However, they knew that they were making me happy, so they put up with it and smiled. I could tell they weren't thrilled with the menu or prices (through they are steakhouse regulars), however we did eat all of our food and got the cookie boat desert if I remember right. It was fun, mostly because I wasn't paying, but I'm not sure if I would do it again. I loved the atmosphere so much, but would it be worth the $60+ bill for two entrees? Or do we split, knowing DH will still be hungry? Oh my...well...I know it would be different with my DH, but the menu prices would keep him talking all night long - he is definitely a frugal "eater-outer".

So I thought about using the $50 towards Cafe Orleans, or a a downtown Disney restaurant or a Resort dinner (storytellers or the like). Maybe a character meal? Or I know I could totally take the $50 and use it on two scrumptious counter service meals for DH and I. Oh I'm just perplexed. Its my $50 and I'll use it how I please...now someone please tell me how I please?

 

[kaoden39]

So, yesterday I celebrated my birthday with my parents since they'll be out of town on my actual Bday (Friday the 17th) and then another some 6 days after that. Where will they be? Paris..yes, I know, it really sucks to be me and my sister right now. But its a business trip - well a business rewards trip type deal. They did so many sales blah blah - who cares, I don't get to go. BUT, yay for them, the trips dates (which were predetermined by the company many moons ago) include their anniversary. And the trip schedule calls for a dinner cruise on that particular night. Wow - anniversary in Paris! 24 years and a romantic city! I only hope I can do that someday - of course the Disney version. Okay, enough of the Paris talk. So, my parents gave me a $50 gift card and then my mom explained that she was sorry it was not a Disney one. Oh well, it will be used for DIsney anyway!

So now the dilema. My immediate reaction was, "BLUE BAYOU!" But then I thought about it some more. In May of 2007 I raved on and on to my parents (last family trip to DL) about how we should go to BB, and how great it was and how good the food was and the atmosphere. I was so excited when they agreed and we all went to eat as a nice dinner on one of the 4 nights we were there (Other nightly dinners included Jazz Kitchen and the Tortilla Jo's (or whatever the sit down Mexican place is in downtown Disney) and some offsite place, maybe?. Anyway, the food was mediocore, it took us at least 25 minutes before we were seated. And we were seated near the back of the restaurant - and my parents couldn't order wine. They knew this going in, but it only added to their dissatisfaction. However, they knew that they were making me happy, so they put up with it and smiled. I could tell they weren't thrilled with the menu or prices (through they are steakhouse regulars), however we did eat all of our food and got the cookie boat desert if I remember right. It was fun, mostly because I wasn't paying, but I'm not sure if I would do it again. I loved the atmosphere so much, but would it be worth the $60+ bill for two entrees? Or do we split, knowing DH will still be hungry? Oh my...well...I know it would be different with my DH, but the menu prices would keep him talking all night long - he is definitely a frugal "eater-outer".

So I thought about using the $50 towards Cafe Orleans, or a a downtown Disney restaurant or a Resort dinner (storytellers or the like). Maybe a character meal? Or I know I could totally take the $50 and use it on two scrumptious counter service meals for DH and I. Oh I'm just perplexed. Its my $50 and I'll use it how I please...now someone please tell me how I please?

I've heard great things about the Napa Rose. It is expensive but everybody says wonderful things about it. Everyone talks about how romantic they think the Blue Bayou is and I am inclined to disagree because you get in there and there is invariably a baby crying.

 

[DizNee Luver]

Blue Bayou is definately expensive!! They've upped their split plate charge to $12!!!!!
We like Cafe Orleans which tends to carry the same style food. You can sit inside or outside & the service was very good.

DTD has some great restaurants with varying prices. We've had dinner at House of Blues, Rainforest Cafe & ESPN Zone. I've heard great reviews on the Jazz Kitchen.

In the resort hotels you have choices of Steakhouse 55 (spendy), Hook's Pointe (more seafood choices-a bit spendy), Napa Rose (very spendy), Storyteller's Cafe (average priced).

There are also a ton of restaurants close to DL.....so you have tons of options!!!

Good luck deciding.....I think you're going to need it!

 

[hurleysweety]

I've heard great things about the Napa Rose. It is expensive but everybody says wonderful things about it. Everyone talks about how romantic they think the Blue Bayou is and I am inclined to disagree because you get in there and there is invariably a baby crying.

I totally agree with the baby crying! I feel like I can hear it now...
Napa Rose might be nice one night - yum!

Blue Bayou is definately expensive!! They've upped their split plate charge to $12!!!!!
We like Cafe Orleans which tends to carry the same style food. You can sit inside or outside & the service was very good.

DTD has some great restaurants with varying prices. We've had dinner at House of Blues, Rainforest Cafe & ESPN Zone. I've heard great reviews on the Jazz Kitchen.

In the resort hotels you have choices of Steakhouse 55 (spendy), Hook's Pointe (more seafood choices-a bit spendy), Napa Rose (very spendy), Storyteller's Cafe (average priced).

There are also a ton of restaurants close to DL.....so you have tons of options!!!

Good luck deciding.....I think you're going to need it!

Thanks for the info! I've been to Jazz Kitchen and House of Blues - but wasn't paying either time and was a bit younger so my tastes have changed a bit. Plus, I usually find myself looking at the price before I look at what kind of food they serve! Ha!

 

[kaoden39]

Also Anaheim Gardewnwalk I think it is called has a lot of places to eat. And it seems like it might be kind of a fun place to walk around too.
http://www.anaheimgardenwalk.com/

 

[hurleysweety]

So I'm making a grand master list of all the food I want to eat in DLR - because what other priorities could I have to do today other than update my trip report with things that I may eat in the next year...

House of Blues
Dinner Menu
Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip - served warm, with Roasted Salsa and Sour Cream. $9.50
BBQ Chicken Pizza - with Mozzarella and Smoked Gouda Cheeses, BBQ Sauce, Red Onion and Cilantro. $13.00


ESPN Zone
Cajun Chicken Sandwich - Grilled with cajun seasoning, red bell peppers, onions, and pepper jack cheese, served on a toasted bun with chipotle mayonnaise. $13.99
Southwest Chicken Salad - Spring lettuce mix, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, bowtie pasta, and corn salsa tossed in a chipotle vinaigrette dressing, topped with a cajun chicken breast. $13.99

La Brea Cafe - Lunch/Dinner?
Turkey Bacon - Oven Roasted Turkey, Apple Wood Smoked Bacon and Provolone Cheese. Served on La Brea Bakery Country White Sourdough. $13.95

La Brea Cafe - Breakfast
Open Faced Egg Sandwich - Soft-scrambled eggs, sauteed spinach, and Feta cheese on La Brea Country White Sourdough bread. $12.50

Naples
Cacciatore Del Pollo - Chicken cacciatore, mushrooms, bell peppers, tomatoes, crispy polent cakes. $18.95
Pizza Pancetta E Ananas - Roasted fresh pineapple, crispy pancetta, tomato sauce and mozzarella. $16.95

Napolini
Pepperoni - pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. $4.75

Rainforest Cafe
Leaping Lizard Lettuce Wraps (A feeding frenzy! At least two can share!) - Crisp lettuce leaves with lime-grilled chicken, marinated vegetables, carrots, rice noodles and roasted peanuts. $12.99
Caribbean Coconut Shrimp - A taste of the islands! Tender shrimp skewered and rolled in fresh coconut and fried to a golden brown, served with mango sauce. $18.99
Margarilla - The Rainforest Cafe house specialty featuring Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila and orange sherbert. $6.99

Ralph Brennan's Creole Cafe
The Original Beignets - Order of four, french style donuts dusted with powdered sugar. Made fresh throughout the day! Small (4) $4.59

Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen
Dinner Menu
Creole Onion Soup - Caramelized sweet onions in a savory broth garnished with croutons and Parmesan cheese. $7.95
Paneed Chicken Bercy - Pan-fried parmesan and herb breaded chicken breast, topped with artichoke hearts, portobello mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes. Served with andouille grits and a roasted shallot white wine sauce. $19.50
Crawfish Mashed Potatoes $4.95
Creme Brulee Sampler - A sweet sampling of our Grand Marnier, cafe au lait and vanilla ginger creme brulee. $7.95

Tortilla Jo's
Shrimp and Avocado Enchiladas - Three chipotle- marinated shrimp and avocado enchiladas topped with salsa verde, queso fresco and roasted black bean salsa. $18.95
Apple Pie Chimichanga - Flour tortilla filled with apple cinnamon mix and deep fried a golden brown. Topped with a cinnamon chocolate sauce and served with vanilla ice cream $7.25

Uva Bar and Cafe
Nothing

GRAND total = $210.74 YIKES! (of course I am dreaming and wouldn't eat all that food in one visit to most of these restaurants!!)