Jen & Rob's Not-So-Scary Deluxe Dining Report UPDATE 10/23 - Breakfast at 'Ohana

[TheNewMrsB]

Hi, everyone!

I've practically been sitting on my hands to keep myself from starting a pre-dining report too far out. As in, I wanted to start one two months ago. But now that we're less than two weeks away I figured why not? So here I am!

Quick background on us:

Me: I like food. Probably too much. To the point where I have a blog which used to be dedicated mostly to food/cooking, though I've branched out some. I wasn't bitten by the Disney bug until a few years ago.
DH: Disney fanatic from a very, very young age. It's all his fault that I love Disney the way I do now. Also known as Guitarob around these parts and can usually be found over at the Poly FAQ thread.

Dates of our trip: 9/17 - 9/22
Resort: Polynesian, Club Level, Theme Park View
Dining Plan: Deluxe

ADRs:

Monday 9/17
Breakfast - Kona Cafe
Dinner - 'Ohana

Tuesday 9/18
Dinner - Artist Point

Wednesday 9/19
Breakfast - 'Ohana
Dinner - California Grill

Thursday 9/20
Dinner - Yachtsman Steakhouse

Friday 9/21
Dinner - Narcoossee's

Any empty breakfast slots will either be spent at Kona (cuz that's how we roll) or in the lounge at the Poly.

As you can see, we don't normally schedule lunches. If we're hungry we'll grab a snack from the lounge, since we normally spend our afternoons by the pool.

We've also enjoyed lunching on snack credits at Boulangerie Patisserie and I know we'll be doing that again this year (with some Grey Goose slushies to wash it down, perhaps?).

I think that when it comes to food this trip will be interesting because while we were big, big eaters at one time, we just don't have it like we used to. Which is not entirely a bad thing, believe me! So I find myself wondering if we'll be able to throw down like we did back in the day. I mean, seriously - check out Guitarob's recounting of our trip to California Grill in 2010 if you need evidence of this. I'll wait.

See what I mean? Excellent meal but whoa, Nellie.

A big reason why I've had to cut back is the fact that I have been diagnosed with IBD (ulcerative colitis, to be exact) and after five hospital stays in the past year, three of which occurred this summer alone...well, things just aren't the same as they used to be. While I've recently started a new treatment which is already helping me feel much better, (1) I still need to be careful of what I eat and how much, and (2) there are times when I just don't have the appetite I used to.

But hey, I've lost at least 50 lbs in the past year, so...it's not all bad.

PS while we're on the topic, can we all just send up some positive vibes that I get through this trip feeling well and with a good amount of energy? Kthanxbye.

So while I dream of spicy kazan rolls and bananas foster bread pudding and of course tonga toast...I need to put the fork down and be sensible and not lick the plates clean. It's a slight bummer but then again, when I think about how sluggish those meals made me feel...it's worthwhile.

You can read Guitarob's report of our 2010 trip here - he includes photos from all of our meals (you'd think all we did was eat...and you wouldn't be too far off the mark!). I started a dining report but then I saw something shiny and got distracted. You can find that here.

I plan to talk about our past experiences at each restaurant - I hope you follow along with my ramblings as the big day approaches!

 

[jerseytinkerbell]

I'm in! Looks like a great lineup! Club Level at Poly sounds like a dream come true.

YS, CG and Kona are three of my favs, so I can't wait to read all about those in particular.

Sorry to hear that you've been sick, but here's hoping for a little Disney magic for you that you make it through the trip feeling great.

Have an extra Grey Goose slushie for me too!

 

[TheNewMrsB]

Let me tell you a little story. A sordid tale of intrigue which turned to love which soon became obsession.

A tale of Tonga Toast.

See, I'd heard tell of the legendary Tonga Toast prior to my first visit in 2008. I'd been visiting these boards for a little while prior to my wedding, at my fiance's suggestion (or maybe he just mentioned them in passing, I don't know). It was neat because I hadn't been to WDW in something like 20 years and there was a lot I had to learn. Plus it helped me get in the spirit of things for our honeymoon.

Fast forward to the day after our wedding. I had gotten, what, an hour of fitful sleep prior to boarding the plane and felt kinda sick by the time we landed. Then we arrived and were told our room wouldn't be ready until after 3:00 - and it was probably around 10:30. So I immediately passed out in the lounge at the Polynesian (no shame in my game).

Hey, post-wedding Mickey Mouse excitement is one thing - but this bride was exhausted!

Eventually my new husband woke me and said "Want to go to Kona and see if we can get you some Tonga Toast?".

And this bride was suddenly not so exhausted. So we went. And we ate. And it was good. And then we went back to the lounge and I went back to sleep.

I like to remember that day as the first day of my married life and the first time I ate Tonga Toast. Talk about a revelation. A tear may have been shed.

Since then it's become our tradition to arrive in the morning, check in and head straight to Kona. I kinda stress out over getting there before it's too late to order breakfast.

What can I say? I like TT to be the first thing that passes my lips after we arrive. Sue me.

Of course, a girl can't live on Tonga Toast alone. She'd wind up diabetic. And extremely large and probably toothless from all the sugar.

Another favorite is, of course, the Macadamia Nut Pancakes.

They're just so special, aren't they? I can't quite put my finger on what makes them so darn good! I'll have to keep eating them til I figure it out. For scientific purposes, you know.

DH likes the Big Kahuna.

I've never tried this but he normally orders either this or the pancakes.

Of course we haaaave to drink lilikoi juice. It's the nectar of the gods, I swear.

How'd that mimosa get in the picture? Oh, right - that's a first day tradition, too. Might as well get started early, right?

Aside: I've heard tales of mimosas made with the lilikoi juice instead of orange juice. Has anyone ever had this? Did it change your life as I'm sure it would change mine?

Okay. This. I have to say, after all the hoopla surrounding the pressed pot, I figured I'd be writing songs about the fabulousness and swearing to name my first child after it.

I was mistaken. It was just coffee. Which is a good thing because "Pressed Pot" is an awkward name for a child.

As I said in the first post, we'll most likely be eating the majority of our breakfasts here. The way our credits work out, we'll have three credits left over after our dinners and one breakfast at 'Ohana. So it looks like one breakfast will be eaten in the lounge at the Poly and the rest? Kona!

If the day ever comes when we don't stay at the Polynesian for one reason or another, we'd have to stay at a monorail resort. Otherwise I don't know what I'd do without Kona being in such close proximity!

 

[jabead]

Excited to see that you will be doing a DR, TheNewMrsB! I had you on my list (see my signature for link), but didn't know any of your trip details. I'll go take care of that now and post the link to this report.

How wonderful that you are staying at Polynesian - CL and with a TPV! While it doesn't pertain directly to Disney Dining, I hope you will include some pics and details about this experience with your dining reviews. The Polynesian is my second favorite resort, and would be my favorite if it were located in the Epcot resort area. But then again, you wouldn't be able to see the Castle and watch the fireworks from the beach, so I guess maybe that wouldn't be such a good idea for it to relocate.

You have also chosen to dine at my three favorite Signature restaurants...California Grill, Yachtsman Steakhouse, and Artist Point. I hope you enjoy your meals there!

 

[TheNewMrsB]

I'm in! Looks like a great lineup! Club Level at Poly sounds like a dream come true.

YS, CG and Kona are three of my favs, so I can't wait to read all about those in particular.

Sorry to hear that you've been sick, but here's hoping for a little Disney magic for you that you make it through the trip feeling great.

Have an extra Grey Goose slushie for me too!

CL really is fantastic and we're very lucky to be able to book it - it was sort of a last minute splurge, we originally booked without it, but DH added it on after the fact. He wanted to surprise me but he's terrible at keeping secrets. Especially when they pertain to Disney!

Thanks for the kind wishes! And yes, I'll definitely have a slushie in your honor.

 

[TheNewMrsB]

Excited to see that you will be doing a DR, TheNewMrsB! I had you on my list (see my signature for link), but didn't know any of your trip details. I'll go take care of that now and post the link to this report.

How wonderful that you are staying at Polynesian - CL and with a TPV! While it doesn't pertain directly to Disney Dining, I hope you will include some pics and details about this experience with your dining reviews. The Polynesian is my second favorite resort, and would be my favorite if it were located in the Epcot resort area. But then again, you wouldn't be able to see the Castle and watch the fireworks from the beach, so I guess maybe that wouldn't be such a good idea for it to relocate.

You have also chosen to dine at my three favorite Signature restaurants...California Grill, Yachtsman Steakhouse, and Artist Point. I hope you enjoy your meals there!

Thank you for adding the report to your list!

I'm pretty sure they're our three favorite Signatures as well - Narcoossee's being the fourth. I have to say I'm a little bummed that we don't have it scheduled this time around but there's something to be said for trying something new, right? And I've heard great things about Sanaa - plus it'll be a good excuse to visit the animals.

I'll definitely be sharing Poly photos/impressions too. DH takes such great pictures, I love showing them off! And I know I joked in my 2nd post about having to stay at the Poly in order to be close to Kona, but in all honesty I'd miss the heck out of the castle - especially when it's lit up at night. I know the word "magical" gets thrown around a lot when it comes to WDW, but it's the only word I can think of that comes close.

 

[Judgey Judgerson]

Just joining in...my mouth is watering over your Kona breakfast pics...i never knrew I needed those pancakes so badly...must. happen. soon.

 

[CraigInPA]

What makes those macadamia nut pancakes so special is the Disney-magic butter on top. I have it from an expert that it's actually good for you. In fact, you should always ask for seconds.

 

[TheNewMrsB]

Just joining in...my mouth is watering over your Kona breakfast pics...i never knrew I needed those pancakes so badly...must. happen. soon.

Thanks for joining! And seriously, I'm not even kidding, those pancakes are to die for. So fluffy and wonderful. Of course I literally just at this very moment remembered that nuts are a no-no for me now...hmm...wonder if their regular pancakes are as good? I can't imagine that they'd be too different? Guess I'll have to find out!

What makes those macadamia nut pancakes so special is the Disney-magic butter on top. I have it from an expert that it's actually good for you. In fact, you should always ask for seconds.

You = GENIUS!

 

[MickeyNicki]

Count me in!

 

[DebbyLof428]

Joining in Mrs. B. We are checking in the day you are checking out of CL - sorry to miss you.

 

[guitarob]

Thanks for joining! And seriously, I'm not even kidding, those pancakes are to die for. So fluffy and wonderful. Of course I literally just at this very moment remembered that nuts are a no-no for me now...hmm...wonder if their regular pancakes are as good? I can't imagine that they'd be too different? Guess I'll have to find out.

The plain pancakes are pretty good too. They're what comes with the Big Kahuna, they just put the pineapples on top and the macadamia butter on the side. The ACTUAL Macadamia Nut Pancakes have the nuts in the batter.

I know way too much about this subject... Moving on...

I'm going to be eating with you, and I can't wait to read more about it!!

 

[TheNewMrsB]

The plain pancakes are pretty good too. They're what comes with the Big Kahuna, they just put the pineapples on top and the macadamia butter on the side. The ACTUAL Macadamia Nut Pancakes have the nuts in the batter.

I know way too much about this subject... Moving on...

I'm going to be eating with you, and I can't wait to read more about it!!

Yes, dear, I knoooow the nuts are IN the batter. Hence my despair, because the nuts add so much to the pancakes.

I'm shooting you a "disdain" look from across the room as I type this.

 

[TheNewMrsB]

Count me in!

Thanks for joining!

 

[TheNewMrsB]

Joining in Mrs. B. We are checking in the day you are checking out of CL - sorry to miss you.

We'll be hanging around the lounge in the afternoon (not leaving til 6) so be careful. I might spot you and force you to let me secretly sleep in your tub or balcony or wherever there's an extra bit of space.

 

[deenbrad]

Joining in!

 

[TheNewMrsB]

Joining in!

Welcome - and thanks!

 

[Tink_Or_Belle]

we are there the 19-25th and are eating breakfast at Kona one of those days...maybe I'll be in the background of your photos somewhere

 

[TheNewMrsB]

So guess what?

No sooner do I start a pre-dining report than things get all changed up.

I love it when the first thing my husband tells me in the morning is "I have good news and bad news".

The good news is that he got us into 'Ohana on 9/20. The bad news? The ADR is for 9:35.

We swore after our 9:00 meal that we'd never eat like that at such a late hour again. And yet here we are and believe you me, we are taking that time. Because I want that bread pudding, people.

So things have been changed up a bit, and I'll change the first post to reflect that. We'll have lunch at Chefs de France that afternoon (since we're eating so late, it makes sense to have an actual lunch to tide us over) and dinner that night at 'Ohana.

After some thought, we figured we'd switch out Sanaa on Monday for Yachtsman (since that's what we originally had scheduled for Thursday night) since while we'd love to try something new...we're really gonna miss Yachtsman. But the only time currently available is 8:40, and that's too late for us - we want to catch EMH at the Studios that night. So we'll keep checking and see what happens.

Now? I'm dreaming of some yummy noodles and potstickers...

 

[TheNewMrsB]

we are there the 19-25th and are eating breakfast at Kona one of those days...maybe I'll be in the background of your photos somewhere

I'll post them here and we'll see if we can find you!