Bring on the stretchy pants, it's a pre-deluxe dining trip report May 2010!!

[vettegirl]

[COLOR="Blue"]Hello all, my name is Lori, love traveling to Disney. My DH and I will be traveling to the world, thanks again to the Military Salute and I have decided to take on the Deluxe Dining Plan. My Dh thinks I am nuts LOL, he is like not Disney again!! Hahaha, just can't help myself and yes he will have fun. However my reason for the deluxe plan is so we can try some of the sig restaurants, neither of us have been to one. I can't wait!! So here is the line up ladies and gentleman!!

May 18th
arrive at the CSR (DH hasn't been there, so excited for him to see it)

Lunch-split something for Pepper Market or use a couple of snack credits

Dinner-7:35 ressie for Narcoossees (Can't wait to try the lobster)

May 19th
Breakfast-8:30 Tusker House (DH loves Donald Duck and the reviews were great for this place)

No Lunch

Dinner-6:30 Yachtsman Steakhouse (Love me some protein , can't wait to try one of their steaks)

May 20th

Lunch-12:30 Biergarten (Our fav, love German food, and German beer)

Dinner-7:35 Cali Grill (Love sushi and can't wait to see the view)

May 21

Lunch-11:40 50's PT (Another fav from last year, best pot roast ever)

Dinner-7:05 Ohana (My favorite restaurant on the planet, their shrimp are to die for)

May 22
Lunch 11:30 Le Cellier (Never been, can't wait to see what the big deal is)

-we will either have 1 or 2 credits left, will get something to go from CS in WS more than likely for dinner, as we are heading to Siesta Key after lunch. Can you believe the only place I have been to in Florida is WDW, can't wait to see the rest of the state

If anyone has any input on the above please let me know what your favs or not so favs are. [/COLOR]

 

[vettegirl]

Here are a few indulgences from prior trips

Pineapple Mojito at the Tambu Lounge in the beautiful Poly

Yorkshire Fish and Chips in Epcot UK

Ohana Shrimp

Blue Bayou DL Pirate Cookie Boat in 2007

Another Fav Biergarten Loves It!!

 

[goldielocksraj]

Yea, looking forward to your reviews! Hubby and I are going in December and doing DxDDP, so I figure by the time your report is done . . . it'll be time for mine!

And good choice on seeing more of FL! I'm a native Floridian and I (used to) take a lot of the beauty for granted, but it really is worth seeing. Siesta Key and really the whole Sarasota area is a great place to start! I grew up in Sarasota/Bradenton area, so although I am EXREMELY biased, it is a very popular area, both locals and tourists.

 

[vettegirl]

Yea, looking forward to your reviews! Hubby and I are going in December and doing DxDDP, so I figure by the time your report is done . . . it'll be time for mine!

And good choice on seeing more of FL! I'm a native Floridian and I (used to) take a lot of the beauty for granted, but it really is worth seeing. Siesta Key and really the whole Sarasota area is a great place to start! I grew up in Sarasota/Bradenton area, so although I am EXREMELY biased, it is a very popular area, both locals and tourists.

December would be a great time to go to DW. We were at DL in early December and it was so beautiful. Hey do you have any hotel recommendations for Siesta Key, I having a tough time deciding on a place.

 

[vettegirl]

So we are going to have 16 snack credits Oh my what to use them on. I love Disney popcorn, fudge, churros, dole whips, and cotton candy. Oh my diet is out the window for this trip. I am sure we will be taking a lot of items with us when we check out. Oh, want to try the school bread in Norway too!! Any other suggestions?

 

[vettegirl]

Did our GAD volunteering yesterday, what a great experience. We plan on upgrading to the 4 day military salute ticket. Can't wait for my first meal in 1 month 1 week and 3 days

 

[KatMark]

I'm so glad you are doing a food review. Mark and I LOVE Biergarten too.

 

[Debbie Jean]

So we are going to have 16 snack credits Oh my what to use them on. I love Disney popcorn, fudge, churros, dole whips, and cotton candy. Oh my diet is out the window for this trip. I am sure we will be taking a lot of items with us when we check out. Oh, want to try the school bread in Norway too!! Any other suggestions?

We love deluxe dining especially the siggies You should be right on time with your California Grill ressie to catch Wishes, too

My only suggestions would be that you bring along some stretchy shorts or capris and maybe a mu mu or two since it's apt to be too hot in May for those pants!

 

[vettegirl]

We love deluxe dining especially the siggies You should be right on time with your California Grill ressie to catch Wishes, too

My only suggestions would be that you bring along some stretchy shorts or capris and maybe a mu mu or two since it's apt to be too hot in May for those pants!

I love it stretchy shorts or a mu mu I know we were there last May and it was hot hot hot. Being from Texas though I guess I am use to it.

 

[BriarRosie]

Hi Lori from Lori.

I want to tell you that there's really no big deal about Le Cellier other than getting a steak in a theme park for 1 TS credit. That's what all the fuss is about. I think the food is ok, nothing extraordinary. I just thought you might want to keep the expectations in the middle of the road.

I had Yachtsman food in December in the lounge next to it. Everything but the steak was really good. The steak was ok, but I was not thrilled by the quality of the filet. I will have to give the place a second chance to wow me on the meat.

California Grill has a small selection of sushi choices. They don't have a typical Japanese restaurant menu. Mostly specialty rolls or combinations. It's high quality, so I would recommend any of it.

 

[NEV2OLD4DIS]

I just noticed that you are looking for recommendations for places to stay on Siesta Key. We have combined most of our trips to WDW with a trip to Siesta Key, but love, love Siesta Key as a vacation of its own! This summer we are going just to WDW, but I am seriously missing going to the key.

I'm not sure how inclusive you want your stay to be at Siesta Key, but we have always enjoyed our stay at Siesta Sands on the Beach. It is right on the beach, as in there are only steps to the ocean in front of you. We have been there when the ocean was right at the retaining wall during high tide (1987) to having a nice stretch of the whitest, softest sand to enjoy during the past 12 years. The accommodations consist of individually owned condo, with a bathroom, kitchen, family room, bedroom, and a FL room that has a dining table and daybed. Nothing upscale, but we love being right on the beach. Each unit has it's own outside table with umbrella and chairs.

There isn't a pool or jacuzzi, but being from the cool ocean zone of New England, we only want the warm ocean! There aren't any restaurants on site, but just a short stroll will bring you into Siesta Village where there are nice little restaurants and bars, or a short drive will bring you a huge variety. The village has great afternoon happy hours too! I think the website is siestasands.com. We have made some wonderful friends on the patio, and need to stop writing now before I change my mind about going to Disney!

We love Ohana's and enjoyed 50's PT, but we haven't tried your other choices. Have a great trip, and I'll be wishing I was you at Siesta Key!

 

[vettegirl]

I just noticed that you are looking for recommendations for places to stay on Siesta Key. We have combined most of our trips to WDW with a trip to Siesta Key, but love, love Siesta Key as a vacation of its own! This summer we are going just to WDW, but I am seriously missing going to the key.

I'm not sure how inclusive you want your stay to be at Siesta Key, but we have always enjoyed our stay at Siesta Sands on the Beach. It is right on the beach, as in there are only steps to the ocean in front of you. We have been there when the ocean was right at the retaining wall during high tide (1987) to having a nice stretch of the whitest, softest sand to enjoy during the past 12 years. The accommodations consist of individually owned condo, with a bathroom, kitchen, family room, bedroom, and a FL room that has a dining table and daybed. Nothing upscale, but we love being right on the beach. Each unit has it's own outside table with umbrella and chairs. \

Thank you for the condo recommendation I am checking it out right now. The location looks amazing there!

There isn't a pool or jacuzzi, but being from the cool ocean zone of New England, we only want the warm ocean! There aren't any restaurants on site, but just a short stroll will bring you into Siesta Village where there are nice little restaurants and bars, or a short drive will bring you a huge variety. The village has great afternoon happy hours too! I think the website is siestasands.com. We have made some wonderful friends on the patio, and need to stop writing now before I change my mind about going to Disney!

We love Ohana's and enjoyed 50's PT, but we haven't tried your other choices. Have a great trip, and I'll be wishing I was you at Siesta Key!

Thank you for the condo recommendation, I am checking it out right now!

 

[vettegirl]

More delicious treats from past trips!

My favorite Grey Goose Slushie in France

Canadian Cheddar Soup F&W Festival
Very good but too rich

Pepper Market-CSR Breakfast Omlette

 

[KatMark]

I have never had one of those Grey Goose Slushie...definitely on the "to try" list in September.

 

[vettegirl]

I have never had one of those Grey Goose Slushie...definitely on the "to try" list in September.

I normally have one each trip. It's good, but at 9 bucks a pop they can get expensive!

 

[liz827]

I thought I posted, but I guess it didn't go through. Anyway, I had the Grey Goose Slushie in my list to try, but it looks so small for $9!

 

[vettegirl]

I thought I posted, but I guess it didn't go through. Anyway, I had the Grey Goose Slushie in my list to try, but it looks so small for $9!

It's tiny for the price, but still good.

 

[liz827]

I'm sure that it's amazing and that I'd probably want another, lol

 

[beautyqueen]

Hi Lori, can't wait to hear all about your trip! We are doing DxDDP in Aug/Sept and it is our first trip so I can't wait to hear what you think of all the 2TS meals. Also if your in PA anytime I always have Grey Goose in my freezer ready to go so stop on in.

 

[vettegirl]

I just booked Bice at at the Portonio Resort at Universal. I was able to get a $25 gift cert from restaurant.com, just need to buy 2 entrees. I would have done it any other way because $25 for pasta is insane! My friend from Cali will be joing us on Saturday to go to the beach for a few days then Universal for one day. Oh, by the way I decided to stay in Clearwater instead of Siesta Key, hope I didn't make a mistake. I booked the Sandpearl Inn, very excited about this hotel.