Here's what a little PIXIE DUST can do ....... a dining review+pics COMPLETED!!!!!

[dizneeat]

Thanks so much for taking the time to post the reviews and photo's. I just can't wait to head down again and enjoy it all.

It's nice to have you here! I hope that when you get to WDW you'll have as good a time as we had!

30 days?!?!

I have so enjoyed your previous reviews so can't wait for this round! Marking my place and looking forward to coming back and reading it all!

It's wonderful that you joined our foodquest! Hope you won't be disappointed!

Always love your reviews - thank you for taking the time!

I am so glad you like my reviews - I love doing them!

 

[dizneeat]

Still day 8, Aug 22

and another snack at Sunshine Seasons

Right after we had finished our taste of Mexican Food, Mary Ellen and Joe called to tell us that they had arrived at Epcot. We met up with them and Vinny, Susan and Olivia at Sunshine Seasons.

We all went in different directions and Tom and I were not sure what to get, since we were still full from our Mexican food. So we decided that we would just snack on something.

Tom got the Sushi - the Full Moon Combo - it was nice and fresh, but it was like any pre-packaged sushi.

I love the Strawberry shortcake they serve, but wanted to be adventurous for a change. So this is what I got.

I think it is called the Asian chocolate cake. Well, it was just your regular chocolate cake, nothing to write home about, it actually stuck to the fork.

We paid OOP for the sushi and drinks and used a snack credit for the cake!

Was the DDP worth it?
Paid for DDP (2 people, 2 nights) $ 160,-
Left over amount paid $ 37,30
Sunshine Seasons: $ 4,30
$ 37,30 - $ 4,30 = $ 33,-

Next up - the Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream

 

[dizneeat]

......... and still day 8, Aug 22

The Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream

We spent the morning in Epcot, riding a few rides and having a fun day. We finally left Epcot via the International Gateway and walked over to the Beach Club and Beaches and Cream. Since there were 7 in our group we did not hold much hope to be seated together, but Joe asked and we were told it would be about an hour's wait and they would try their best so we could sit at tables that were close together. So Joe held on to the beeper and we went to explore the resorts. Vinny and family had never been and they enjoyed the tour. After about 40 minutes the beeper went off and we went back to Beaches and Cream.
We were seated at two round tables that had been pushed together. Mary Ellen, Joe, Tom and I always have a Kitchen Sink at the beginning of our vacation together, so there was NO question what we would get. Since we have never been able to finish one, we were glad when Vinny, Susan and Olivia decided to join us for one.

Here it is - in all it's glory, the famous Kitchen Sink - Eight Scoops of Ice Cream served with all the Toppings in the house and a whole can of Whipped Cream! What else can I say? It is just fun to have one with the server announcing it and the quest of what you might end up with this time!

Susan "digging in".

And finally - no, we were not able to finish it - it is just too much!

Next up - dinner at the Wave

 

[dizneeat]

......... and yet again day 8, Aug 22

Dinner at The Wave

We spent the rest of the afternoon in Epcot. In the evening Tom and I drove over to the Contemporary, while the rest of our "gang" used the Monorail. We could not believe that we actually made it there faster than they did.

We signed in and were told to wait in one of the lounges. Within 15 minutes we were seated in one of the booths.

Tom and I ordered Diet Cokes again and decided to share a starter.

We got the Lump Crab Cake Pan-seared with Napa Cabbage Slaw and Ginger Tartar Sauce. This was quite a big Crab Cake and it was full of crab meat, very well seasoned and moist. The slaw was a nice change from the usual coleslaw and the Tartar Sauce went so well with the crabcake. There was nothing left on our plate.

We ALL decided on the same main course, the Grilled Beef Tenderloin Cabernet Jus, White Bean Mash, and Locally Grown Teardrop Tomatoes. Oh, boy, can you say heaven on earth? Melt in your mouth, cooked to perfection beef, which was very well accompanied by the white bean mash and the Cabernet Jus. The tomatoes were sweet and ripe and yummy.

Needless to say that we needed some hot drinks to go with desserts. Tom decided on an Espresso.

I needed to have the best tea at WDW, the Lavender Earl Grey! Oh my, I just love that tea!

And here come desserts!

Here's my plate of bliss! A Sweet Ending to Your Celebration . . . Creamy Indulgence, Cheesecake with Raspberry Coulis, Coconut Panna Cotta with Passion Fruit Drizzle, Chocolate-Passion Fruit Mousse with Pecan-Olive Brittle

Cheesecake with Raspberry Coulis Even though this is quite heavy cheesecake, it goes so well with the slightly tart raspberry coulis. And since it is a small portion you can easily enjoy it.

Coconut Panna Cotta with Passion Fruit Drizzle Very light and creamy panna cotta, which goes so well with the fruit drizzle! Yum!

Chocolate-Passion Fruit Mousse with Pecan-Olive Brittle Being a chocolate lover this really is for me. The mousse is not too sweet and there is just a tiny bit of brittle to go with it - very enjoyable.

Tom opted for the Decadent Flavors, Blueberry Compote with Yogurt Gelato, Lemon Cornbread with Vanilla Panna Cotta, Chocolate Mousse with Salted Caramel Sauce

Blueberry Compote with Yogurt Gelato I am not a big fan of either blueberries or yoghurt gelato, so I did not taste it, but Tom said that this was very light and yummy.

Lemon Cornbread with Vanilla Panna Cotta I did try it, but this is just a bit much for me. The taste is nice but I find the cornbread a bit heavy. Tom loved it though!

Chocolate Mousse with Salted Caramel Sauce This is much more up my street. Very light mousse and the sauce goes surprisingly well with it. Even though it's rich, it really helps the chocolate taste! Tom was stuffed, so I had to sacrifice myself for most of it!

After our dinner we drove back to CBR to show off our Pirate Rooms to Vinny and family, who stayed at Pop! I guess I can say they were impressed!

Was the DDP worth it?
Paid for DDP (2 people, 2 nights) $ 160,-
Left over amount paid $ 33,-
The Wave: $ 83,40 (plus starter and hot drinks OOP)
$ 33 - $ 83,40 = $ 50,40 saved!

Next up - Breakfast at Wolfgang Puck's Express

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

ooooh, I just love The Wave. Your meal looks fantastic!

 

[disney_princess_85]

Those pirate rooms are great! Thanks for the continuing reviews. We ate at The Wave but we didn't enjoy it as much as you did, unfortunately. I'm hoping to get my own report up and running by the weekend, so you'll get to see my opinion!

 

[MickeyNicki]

Ah we have hit the Disney food mother load! I love the beef foccaccia thing from WPE and the pizza looks awesome...I really miss that place, have not been there in a while.

Your Pirate rooms are awesome! Might have to book a stay there soon but I really want to try and get in the Nemo rooms too.

That blueberry sundae from Ghiradelli's looks to die for! We have never been there but I think we should try it!

Oh the Wave, how do I love thee? That place is just soooo awesome, I hope you guys enjoyed it as much as we do...

So whats next? Need...More...Food....Porn!

 

[KatMark]

NOTE TO SELF: Do not read Karin's dining reviews when hungry (under the weather and have no appetitie). I am drooling over the pictures of the Wave. After seeing your review and Nicki's, The Wave is on the list next year for sure.

 

[dizneeat]

ooooh, I just love The Wave. Your meal looks fantastic!

The Wave is one of our new favourites, we have always had yummy food there! And the tea ..........

Those pirate rooms are great! Thanks for the continuing reviews. We ate at The Wave but we didn't enjoy it as much as you did, unfortunately. I'm hoping to get my own report up and running by the weekend, so you'll get to see my opinion!

Yes, the Pirate Rooms are fun! They put lots of attention to detail in it and we really enjoyed our stay there.
Sorry about the disappointment at The Wave. I can't wait for your trip/dining report!

Ah we have hit the Disney food mother load! I love the beef foccaccia thing from WPE and the pizza looks awesome...I really miss that place, have not been there in a while.

Your Pirate rooms are awesome! Might have to book a stay there soon but I really want to try and get in the Nemo rooms too.

That blueberry sundae from Ghiradelli's looks to die for! We have never been there but I think we should try it!

Oh the Wave, how do I love thee? That place is just soooo awesome, I hope you guys enjoyed it as much as we do...

So whats next? Need...More...Food....Porn!

Nicki, you know me and WPE , but that food really is so good. We didn't go there often enough, but got very familiar with the servers, - we got to a point where they even reserved tables for us when they saw us in line,

I LOVE those Pirate Rooms! Even IF the beds give you nasty bruises when you bump into them! But as I mentioned before - the attention to detail is amazing, even the carpet looks like a wooden floor!

You have never been to Ghirardelli's?? Not even to pick up a free chocolate sample? Their sundaes are yum yum! Something you HAVE TO fit in in December!

NOTE TO SELF: Do not read Karin's dining reviews when hungry (under the weather and have no appetitie). I am drooling over the pictures of the Wave. After seeing your review and Nicki's, The Wave is on the list next year for sure.

You need to try the Wave! We only had yummy food there and boy, do I love that tea!!

 

[onelilspark]

Everything looks so good!!

 

[momsoftwins]

I am so on board for this food porn!!! Count me in! And great reviews and pic thus far!! Keep up the good work!

 

[dizneeat]

Everything looks so good!!

We so enjoyed this vacation and the food!!!!!!!

I am so on board for this food porn!!! Count me in! And great reviews and pic thus far!! Keep up the good work!

I am so happy to have you on board! There's LOADS more yummy food to come! We ate a lot in those 30 days!

 

[dizneeat]

Day 9, Aug 23

Breakfast at Wolfgang Puck's Express

We were up early that day, since we were going on our first Disney cruise and we were all so excited.
By 8.30 we were ready to head to the car and drive to DTD for a pre-cruise breakfast at Wolfgang Puck's Express. They open at 9am and we arrived about 5 minutes after that and there were already a few people in line ahead of us.
We got to the same cashier we had had two days before and she actually remembered us. I explained to her that I only had one CS credit left and wanted to pay cash for the second breakfast. That was the moment she leaned over and asked if we had any snack credits left. Yes, we did! I told her that I had three left and she asked us if we wanted her to add those three snack credits up to use towards the second breakfast. We were stunned!!! That nice cashier then just said that they don't usually did that, but that they COULD do it for special customers!
So that day had started with some more pixie dust - no need to buy more lollies and stuff with leftover snack credits - instead we got a yummy breakfast with it!!!

So on to the food!
We both ordered a bottle of Orange Juice and Tom had some coffee, while I ordered some hot Earl Grey tea. They have really good quality tea, so I always look forward to it.

I love their Applewood Smoked Bacon Pizza - scrambled eggs, Niman Ranch Bacon, mozzarella, cheddar cheese and Ranch Dressing. It is just such a tasty treat and the Ranch Dressing brings it all together. What a start into the day.

Tom had Wolfgang's Breakfast Pocket - Scrambled eggs, peppers, Niman Ranch Bacon, onions, mushrooms, mozzarella and cheddar cheese baked into Wolfgang's pizza dough. He has loved this dish since the first time he had it and it really is yummy!

Was the DDP worth it?
Paid for DDP (2 people, 2 nights) $ 160,-
Amount already saved $ 50,40
Wolfgang Puck's Express: 30,80
$ 50,40 + 30,80 = $ 81,20 saved!

So, WAS the DDP worth it? We paid $ 160,- for it and would have spent 241,20 (within 2 days) - so it was definitely worth it!!

Next up - lunch at the Disney Wonder's Beach Blanket Buffet

 

[dizneeat]

Still day 9, Aug 23

Lunch at Beach Blanket Buffet (Disney Wonder)

After breakfast we were ready for our cruise adventure. We picked up our stuff from our hotel room and started our hour long drive to Port Canaveral. About half an hour into our drive the skies ahead of us started to get grey, then dark grey and then VERY dark grey and a heavy downpour set in! It was so heavy we weren't even able to read overhead signs and voila, we went right past the ship!!!
Once we figured out we had driven too far, we turned around and our next quest was to find the cruise ship in rain so heavy not even the GPS was working any more.
After about half an hour's search we finally caught sight of the Wonder and by then I was pretty much in doubt if doing a cruise was the right thing.

We finally got to hand our luggage to cruise line staff and parked the car and headed for the security check and check in. We were lucky there weren't many foreigners checking in, so nearly no wait for us.

After having our photos taken we entered the ship and it was stunning! We ran into a few of our fellow "Tagrel" cruisers and they told us to hurry and have lunch at Parrot Cay.
Well, Parrot Cay was full and we headed up to deck 9 to the Beach Blanket Buffet, and were surprised as it was literally empty. We both picked up a tray and a plate and went through the line. Unfortunately I did not even remember to take photos of the buffet itself, so there are only photos of our plates.

Here goes ............

Tom's plate - veggies, peel and eat shrimp and cocktail sauce, roasted potatoes, pasta salad, coleslaw, sweet and sour pork and a piece of bread - can't remember the name

Foccacchia bread and a dinner roll. The Foccacchia was delicious and Tom went back to get seconds for both of us.

My plate - sweet and sour pork, nice taste, but the meat was as tough as old boots - yuck, I tried one piece and left the rest. Peel and eat shrimp - they were cold and a bit tough, but quite okay once you dipped them into the cocktail sauce. Roasted potatoes and veggies - the potatoes were nice, well cooked, roasted and seasoned and the veggies were raw, crunchy and nice dipped into the cocktail sauce and salad dressing. Green leaves with yoghurt dressing - that's what I am missing most - green leaves with a light dressing like vinaigrette. Well, they did not offer vinaigrette, but the yoghurt dressing was tart and not as heavy as the other sauces. Fried fish with "some" sauce. Batter dipped fried fish, crispy on the outside and moist and yummy fish - I did not like the sauce it came with, it was too sweet.

We both got a "Bahama Mama" - the welcome drink on board.

And off we went to the dessert buffet

My plate - chocolate cake - now this was very nice moist cake and the filling and icing was delicious. Then there was some choux pastry "thingy", which was filled with vanilla cream and glaced with chocolate - oh yum! I also tried some peach cobbler (pudding?), which was wonderful and it was even more mouthwatering with the vanilla sauce.

Tom had the same peach cobbler and choux pastry and he tried a banana tart with cream on top. He ate it all, so it must have been good.

Once we had finished dinner we went downstairs to our cabin. A little later Mary Ellen and Joe arrived and while they had lunch Tom and I unpacked.

 

[jeminni]

Karin.

I've never had breakfast at WPE before but after reading your reviews and seeing the yummy looking pictures you posted, I will be trying that on my next trip.

 

[DaveInTN]

WOW!! I just now stumbled upon this thread and have been catching up. My wife is wondering why I'm sitting in my chair moaning and smacking my lips! Well, she was wondering until I shared some of your delicious pics with her. And until now, I didn't even know pics could be delicious!! Keep it coming!

 

[KatMark]

Oooh...all of your latest posts look super yummy. The breakfast at WPE and the cruise food. I need to go have a cookie or two so my tummy stops grumbling.

 

[dizneeat]

Karin.

I've never had breakfast at WPE before but after reading your reviews and seeing the yummy looking pictures you posted, I will be trying that on my next trip.

You will be glad you did! I just LOVE breakfast there and reading your thread I guess you enjoy a decent cup of tea as much as I do - they DO have nice tea! Wait for the Cornflakes French Toast I had there after the cruise - oh boy!

WOW!! I just now stumbled upon this thread and have been catching up. My wife is wondering why I'm sitting in my chair moaning and smacking my lips! Well, she was wondering until I shared some of your delicious pics with her. And until now, I didn't even know pics could be delicious!! Keep it coming!

So happy to have you here and especially since you seem to enjoy the disneyliscious photos!
There is LOTS more to come, so stay tuned!

Oooh...all of your latest posts look super yummy. The breakfast at WPE and the cruise food. I need to go have a cookie or two so my tummy stops grumbling.

Kathy, get another cookie, more yummy food coming right up!

 

[dizneeat]

......... and still day 9, Aug 23

Dinner at Triton's

It was soon time for the Lifeboat Drill and we were so prepared for it! Tom and Mary Ellen even tried a little dance.

During the lifeboat drill Joe made friends with a CM, who later told us that he worked at Palo, the adults only restaurant and should we dine there, we should definitely ask for him.

After the lifeboat drill we went back to our cabin, stowed away the lifejackets and went to the Sail Away Party. Since we had had a lot of "liquid sunshine" (we would call it rain) according to cruise director Christian the party took place in the lobby. Such a fun event!

After the party we went back to our staterooms, had a little break and then headed to the Walt Disney Theater to view the Golden Mickeys.

Here are a few impressions:

The show takes about an hour and it is STUNNING!! We both really loved it. By now it was time to get changed and get ready for dinner.

We met our fellow Tagrel cruisers in the dining room and our servers Miguel and Ferenc introduced themselves.

Tom and I ordered Diet Cokes (what else) and we both got a Cosmopolitan L'Orange, Grey Goose L'Orange, Grand Marnier, Cranberry Juice, dash of lime juice. It was a bit strong for my taste, but still very yummy.

For our starter we both ordered the Applewood Smoked Bacon and Wild Mushroom Tart with Creamy Leeks. Boy, that was delicious! The crust was flaky and the filling was soft and light, not too overpowering in the bacon flavour - just plain to die for!

For my main course I ordered "Triton's" Seared Sea Bass with a Mushroom Herb Risotto, Sweet Onion Marmalade, and garnished with a Potato Crisp. To be honest I was VERY happy with that dish! The risotto was creamy and had a good mushroom taste, the sea bass was lightly seasoned and moist.

Tom had the Three-Cheese Lobster Macaroni, Lobster Meat, Gruyère, and Cheddar Cheese Sauce tossed with Tubular Pasta and topped with a Parmesan Wafer. I tried a little bit and it was really delicious. Lots of lobster mixed into a surprisingly light cheese sauce. What a yummy start to our cruise.

Next up were the desserts. And since we were so delighted by the starters and main courses, we really had high hopes.

Tom ordered the Grand Marnier Soufflé with Vanilla Sauce. Well, it was more like a heavy muffin with Vanilla Sauce. Nowhere near a souffle and you could still taste the cornflour they had used. You could see it was no souffle when the waiter put the spoon in and poured the Vanilla Sauce - it did NOT sink in a bit! So I was really anxious to try my dessert.

I wanted to try Triton's Sweet Temptations, A Trio of Crème Brûlée, Chocolate Mousse and Praline Petite Choux.

I started out trying the Praline Petite Choux first. And I did not like it. It tasted like a piece of stale doughnut, like it had been sitting on that plate for quite some time. The glaze was very sugary and overly sweet. Disappointment!

Next was the Creme Brulee. If you have read my previous reviews you know that I adore a good creme brulee! So I put my spoon in and ......... yuck! The creme brulee was curdled! I was not a happy bunny!

On to the third part of my dessert.

Well, that was not all that bad. It reminded me of a mousse you can buy pre-packaged here, but at least there was one edable dessert out of the three.

After dinner we returned to our staterooms, Tom and I got changed and we made the first of our 5 fish extender rounds. Yip, we got 5 rounds of little presents for our group! And this was one of the most fun things we have ever done, taking part in the fish extender "experience". Every time we would come back to the room there would be another little gift in our FE! I'll post a photo of the whole loot when we come to the end of the cruise.

Next up - breakfast at Parrot Cay

 

[dizneeat]

Yippie - this is my 1000th post!!

Day 10, Aug 24
Breakfast at Parrot Cay

Another day with an early start. We had booked an excursion in Nassau, which was to start at 10am and we wanted to have breakfast before that.

So we decided to go to Parrot Cay for breakfast. They were half empty by the time we arrived and we were led to a nice table near the back of the restaurant. Our server brought some coffee, tea and juice and we were on the way to the buffet.

My first plate - there is some fruit, a small piece of salmon, some ham and cheese, cucumber slices and a piece of toast

Tom's first plate - about the same as I had, just that he chose a bagel over the toast

My second plate - some hash, breakfast potatoes, scrambled eggs, bacon, an "English muffin" which tasted and looked like a crumpet to me and a bit of Fritatta

Tom's second plate - about the same as I had again, just a bit more and I can see that he added some sausage as well.

I am not a big fan of buffets, I'd much rather have my food arranged nicely on a plate and served to me.

We met up with Mary Ellen and Joe and went on the Nassau sightseeing tour.

After the tour we went back on board and had some lunch. Tom had a cheeseburger and I had chicken fingers and fries. Unfortunately we BOTH forgot our cameras, so there are no photos - but to be very honest - take any burger or chicken tender photo you see in the park and that is it - same thing!

We enjoyed the afternoon on board and were looking forward to dinner at Palo!

Next up - dinner at Palo