Ten Days of Deluxe Dining and too many cupcakes to count!!

[shalecesjourney]

Hello all! DH and I took an adults only trip to WDW from May 10th to May 20th to celebrate his 26th birthday and my 30th birthday (his was the day we checked in, mine was the day we checked out)!!

We have done the deluxe dining plan in the past for shorter trips, but this was our first experience using it for 10 days. While we enjoyed all the meals, by day 4, we were stuffed and found ourselves forcing down food. In the future, for our longer trips, I think we'll opt for the regular dining plan.

So, here goes. Here's our list of restaurants:

Day 1: Whispering Canyon Cafe
Day 2: Pop Century Food Court, Rose & Crown, Artist Point
Day 3: Kona, POFQ Food Court, Jiko
Day 4: Chef Mickey's Breakfast, Chef Mickey's Dinner
Day 5: Boma, Wolfgang Puck, Flying Fish
Day 6: Captain's Grill, Coral Reef, Biergarten
Day 7: Crystal Palace, Liberty Tree Tavern, Crystal Palace
Day 8: Tusker House, Yak & Yeti, 50's Prime Time
Day 9: 1900 Park Fare, Le Cellier, Narcossee's
Day 10: Earl of Sandwich

 

[shalecesjourney]

Day One:

Whispering Canyon Cafe Dinner

This was our arrival day (and DH's 26th birthday)! We had been driving from NC all day and were so glad to finally be at WDW. We had an 8:05 dinner reservation at the Whispering Canyon Cafe. When we arrived and checked in, we were given a pager and we did end up waiting until about 8:20 to be seated.

As soon as we were seated, our waiter came over to take our drink order. Shortly after that he returned with our shakes and, in true WCC fashion, threw a handful of straws at us! We placed our orders for our appetizers and entrees. DH wanted to try the BBQ Pork Spring Rolls and the Country Pot Roast. I chose the Artichoke Dip and the Meatloaf.

The artichoke dip came with plenty of crisp bread for dipping and the dip, itself, was very rich and creamy.

The spring rolls were very tasty and the dipping sauce was delicious!

DH said the Pot Roast was extremely tender and well seasoned. The only thing he didn't care for were the pearl onions (there were a lot of them)!

The meatloaf was pretty interesting. I have never had meatloaf served this way before (little hamburger type patties atop thick pieces of bread). It wasn't my favorite in terms of texture, but the flavors were good. I did not like the seasoning on the vegetables, though.

I don't have pictures of our desserts (S'mores Cheesecake and Apple-Caramel Pie) because were so full, we decided to take them back to the room with us. However, they were both delicious!! We also received cupcakes for our birthday celebrations (the first of MANY)!

Overall, we had a good meal here. The atmosphere was great - we had a lot of fun interacting with our waiter and watching kids carry ketchup back and forth across the restraunt.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Happy belated birthday! I'm in!

Yours are the first pics of WCC that make me think I may go back there some day. We stayed at WL a few years ago and had dinner there. We had the skillet and decided then and there we would never go back! It was just 'blech' for us. We didn't mind breakfast but it is too out of the way if you aren't staying there.

May think about returning on a future trip ....

 

[shalecesjourney]

Day Two

Pop Century Food Court

During our trip last summer, we stayed at the Pop Century and DH became obsessed with the breakfast pizza. For this trip, we stayed at the Port Orleans French Quarter, which didn't have breakfast pizza, so DH requested that we swing by the Pop Century one morning to get some. We both ordered a pizza and DH had a tea and I had an apple juice. These pizzas are actually pretty good, although I picked off the bacon because it was a bit salty.

Rose and Crown

We had a 11:45 lunch reservation and showed up at 11:35 to check-in. We were handed a pager and decided to wait in the Pub (since it was cool in there and we could grab a drink)! When they called us to be seated, they walked us to a table outside. I didn't want outside seating, so we requested a table indoors. They informed us that we would have to wait an additional 20-30 minutes for a table indoors, which was fine for us since we didn't want to eat in the heat.

Once we were seated, DH decided he wanted to order the Imperial Sampler (it is, after all, an adults only trip)! He has now found a new obsession - Strongbow. It's not really a beer, it's actually a cider. It was delicious! We made a couple trips to the Rose and Crown Pub later in the day to pick up more Strongbow and we've started buying it here at home, too!

For appetizers, I ordered the Potato and Leek Soup. It was delicious!! The crispy potato sticks on top were perfect with the creaminess of the soup. I can't wait to go back and get itagain!

DH ordered the Scotch Egg. I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about it. I mean, a hard boiled egg, wrapped in sausage??? Well, I was wrong to doubt it. One bite and I was hooked! It was the perfect snack to go with a nice, cold glass of beer.

For my entree, I ordered the Shepard's Pie. This is a very rich dish (I was really happy that we ended up eating inside, because I am not sure I would have enjoyed eating this dish in the 90 degree heat). The lamb meat was cooked perfectly and it had just the right amount of potatoes.

By this time, we were stuffed, but we still had dessert coming! We both got cupcakes again for our birthday celebrations, but we only ate one or two bites of them. DH ordered the Sticky Toffee Pudding and I ordered the Chocolate Scotch Cake.

The toffee pudding was really yummy! It tasted like a Heath bar (one of my favorites).

The chocolate cake was OK; the cake part of it wasn't really anything special, but I loved the raspberry sauce on top.

Artist Point

We arrived at 7:50 for our 8:00 reservation and were seated at 7:55. It was a very quiet restraunt, and we were seated next to a window. DH inquired as to what types of non-alcoholic drinks we could get with the deluxe dining plan and our waiter listed many things, but we settled on Pina Coladas.

For appetizers, DH ordered the Smoky Portobello Soup. The soup was very flavorful and had a rich mushroom flavor. DH is not generally a huge fan of mushrooms, but he really liked this soup!

I ordered the Spring Pea Risotto with Crispy Pork Belly. I've never had pork belly before, but it was so good!! The crispy, saltiness of the pork went perfectly with the creamy risotto. I could eat this dish every single day - it was amazing!

For his entree, DH ordered the Veal Tomahawk Chop. This was one of his least favorite dishes of our entire trip. He said the meat was tender, but he was a bit underwhelmed with the dish.

I ordered the Cedar Plank Salmon. Let me start by saying that we are huge salmon lovers (I make salmon for dinner at least 3 nights per week). While the salmon, itself, had a nice flavor, it was a bit undercooked. Also, the vegetables were not very good and I really disliked the texture of the bacon-egg vinaigrette that was drizzled over the whole dish.

For dessert, we ordered the Artist Point Cobbler and the Strawberries and Cream. The cobbler was really good; I loved the fact that there were berries baked in the cobbler, as well as fresh berries on top. DH really liked the strawberries and cream.

Overall, this was our least favorite signature restaurant and I am not sure we will be back. While the appetizers and desserts were delicious, we were both unhappy with our entrees.

 

[dsnyrn]

Many of the same restaurants we will be trying on out Sept trip!! subscribing!!

 

[mefordis]

These reviews are great! I lOVE the big pictures! Can't wait to read more!!!

PS: I'm five years older than my husband, too!

 

[MickeyNicki]

Count me in! I took my DH for his birthday too...May 19-26...might have seen you there

 

[POOHS3]

Can't wait to hear and see your reviews. We have reservations at some of the same restaurants in August.

 

[butiflfeet]

Great start to your reviews! We've done the DxDDP for our last few trips too and you're right, by about the 4th day it becomes a challenge to keep up with all the food you get. For our trip in October we're not getting the dining plan at all so we're going from one extreme to another, I'm not sure how that will work out!

Sorry you're food at Artist Point wasn't stellar. They change the menu seasonally so maybe give it a try in the future sometime. When we were there in December I had the pork belly appetizer and it was served with a butternut squash risotto. It was to die for!

 

[jacksmom]

Great reviews!

 

[donnaf516]

Cant wait to read more

 

[librarygeek]

Great reviews! Your pictures are wonderful. We are trying some of the same places on our upcoming honeymoon, so I look forward to reading more!

 

[shalecesjourney]

Many of the same restaurants we will be trying on out Sept trip!! subscribing!!

Hope you guys have a great time on your trip!

These reviews are great! I lOVE the big pictures! Can't wait to read more!!!

PS: I'm five years older than my husband, too!

Thank you!

Count me in! I took my DH for his birthday too...May 19-26...might have seen you there

We really enjoyed going during May. The crowds weren't too bad and it wasn't too hot yet!

Can't wait to hear and see your reviews. We have reservations at some of the same restaurants in August.

Hope you guys have a wonderful time!

Great start to your reviews! We've done the DxDDP for our last few trips too and you're right, by about the 4th day it becomes a challenge to keep up with all the food you get. For our trip in October we're not getting the dining plan at all so we're going from one extreme to another, I'm not sure how that will work out!

Sorry you're food at Artist Point wasn't stellar. They change the menu seasonally so maybe give it a try in the future sometime. When we were there in December I had the pork belly appetizer and it was served with a butternut squash risotto. It was to die for!

That sounds really good!! I love butternut squash.

We're going again in October for 3 nights (for MNSSHP and F&W). We are thinking of doing the deluxe dining for that trip so that we have the snacks to use at F&W.

Great reviews!

Thank you!

Cant wait to read more

Thanks!

Great reviews! Your pictures are wonderful. We are trying some of the same places on our upcoming honeymoon, so I look forward to reading more!

Thank you!! Hope you have a magical honeymoon!

 

[shalecesjourney]

Day Three

Kona Cafe

Day three was an interesting day for us. It was day one for the D23 Great Disney Scavenger Hunt. We were the Toy Story Maniacs and had to be at EPCOT to check-in no later than 10am. We wanted to be there early, though, so that we would be close to the front of the line. So, we had 7:45 breakfast reservations at Kona.

DH ordered his all time favorite Disney food - The Samoan. He tried this dish for the first time during our trip last December and I think it was the thing he was most looking forward to for this trip. He loves the pulled pork in this dish and thinks that the pork, along with the hollandaise and poached egg make the perfect dish!

I ordered the Tonga Toast, which was absolutely delicious. When our plates came out and we started eating, the table next to us was ordering their food. Their waiter pointed out my Tonga Toast and asked them if they would also like a loaf of bread with their meal. DH tried mine and said it was good, but he was not a fan of the bananas that are in it. I disagree, though, and think the perfect way to start a day is with Tonga Toast drizzled with the yummy strawberry sauce!

Port Orleans French Quarter Food Court

After we finished our 4 hours at EPCOT for the scavenger hunt, we drove back to the hotel for a quick lunch at the Sassagoula Floatworks. After running around all morning, we were definately ready for a meal and were anxious to see what the Floatworks had to offer.

In college, I worked at Jason's Deli and one of the sandwiches we served was a Muffaletta. So, when I saw it on the menu here, I instantly knew what I would be having for lunch. I really liked the olive spread they put on the sandwich, but I had to remove more than half the meat, because it was making the sandwich extremely salty. The seasoning on the chips was good and not too salty! Along with my meal, I also got a Mickey crispy rice treat and a bottle of apple juice.

DH opted for the Pork Po'Boy. I think he must have been starving, because it was gone in under 5 minutes.

Jiko

By the end of the day, we were exhausted. We had completed 4 hours of hunting in EPCOT and then 3 hours in DHS. My feet were swollen, I had the infamous Disney rash all the way up to my knees, and I was seriousely concerned that I might actually fall asleep at the dinner table. However, as soon as we checked in at Jiko, I felt relaxed and the atmosphere was very soothing. We were a bit early for our 8:00 reservation, so after we checked in, we stepped outside and watched the flamingos for a little while. We were seated shortly before 8:00 in a quiet room with only about 8 tables in it.

For my appetizer, I ordered the BBQ Chicken Flatbread. One word - AMAZING! The BBQ sauce had such a great flavor - smoky, yet sweet. Then, there was the crisp from the jicama, which brought the whole dish together. Again, if I could have made a meal out of this, I would have gladly done so. Absolutely delicious!

DH ordered the Tibs Watt for his appetizer. The meat was extremely tender and he really enjoyed the peppadew-olive tapenade.

For his entree, DH ordered the Filet Mignon. He really liked the sauce (I think he wished there was more bread on the table so he could sop it up LOL), but wasn't a huge fan of the hominy "risotto."

I ordered the Grilled-Marinated Lamb Loin, which was extremely tender and very flavorful. The chickpeas with chorizo that were on the side, though, were super spicy and I couldn't eat more than a few bites.

Since we were both celebrating birthdays, our waiter brought us each an Amarula Creme Brulee. I've never had creme brulee with chocolate on the bottom, and I thought it made it even better!

Since we were on the deluxe dining plan, we still ordered regular desserts (although, this is close to the point where my stomach started screaming at me to stop eating). I ordered the Cheesecake and DH ordered something called One Last Cup, which we heard was just added to the menu in May. Both were very good and I really like the salted caramel that came with mine!

Cheescake

One Last Cup

Jiko is definately a new favorite for us and we can't wait to go back on our next trip!

 

[shalecesjourney]

Happy belated birthday! I'm in!

Yours are the first pics of WCC that make me think I may go back there some day. We stayed at WL a few years ago and had dinner there. We had the skillet and decided then and there we would never go back! It was just 'blech' for us. We didn't mind breakfast but it is too out of the way if you aren't staying there.

May think about returning on a future trip ....

Thanks! I would say give it another try. While the food wasn't extraordinary, we had a lot of fun there and enjoyed our meal.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Great reviews! So sorry that you didn't enjoy your Artist Point entrees. For me, AP is the best signature, and I've been to all of them within the past 6 months (with the exception of Yachtsman, which has always been our least favorite). Food is definitely a subjective thing - I had that salmon dish twice and enjoyed it both times, while Flying Fish's signature snapper was good but a bit too rich and heavy for me.

 

[teacher1717]

Great Reviews, can't wait to read the rest!!!

 

[Euphoria027]

Mmmm, your Jiko review brought back some good food memories for me. The boyfriend and I shared the BBQ chicken flatbread and I had the same cheesecake for dessert. Best meal of my life. Glad you enjoyed it!

 

[Koda Bear]

Great reviews so far! We are doing the DLX for the first time in Sept and staying at the POFQ again. We did the D23 hunt as well and started at Epcot and then went to DHS the first day as well. The hunt was great - just way too hot!!!

 

[ChrystalUnicorn]

Great reviews, love the pics!