Emmysdaddy Joins the Damsels to Dine, Even with Princesses: Em started PDR see link

[deenbrad]

Nice photo of the straw:

The straw heard about Tracy's famous sausage and photobombed hoping for a future!!

 

[jerseytinkerbell]

Thanks so much for the Dessert Party review! I have really been on the fence about this one and you definitely helped sway me in the right direction. While all those desserts LOOK amazing, I tend to be disappointed by buffet desserts and from your review it seems like that would be the case at the Dessert Party. I'd rather by $25 worth of treats at Main Street Bakery and camp out for a good fireworks spot at MK.

Also, how cute are you and your hubby?! That picture of the two of you with the castle in the background is adorable. It's so great to see such a happy couple!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Ha! You can keep your prawn heads but I will take bleu cheese goodness any day!

If you haven't been to 50's PT in so long did you order off the kids menu last time?? Actually, there are so many other superior options at WDW I can see where this place would not be on your must do list.

I think I was 12 during my last meal at Prime Time, so I was just old enough for the adults menu (since back then, the kids menu was for kids 11 and under). I remember ordering the chicken caesar salad and the s'mores for dessert. Is the dessert menu still displayed through a viewfinder? I always thought that was cool

As for the Dessert Party, I've never been, and I don't really plan on trying it. The desserts look mass-produced, which is off-putting IMO. I'm glad the viewing area was fantastic, though.

 

[smile4stamps]

Thanks for the review of the dessert party!! If we were not doing the F&W 3D Dessert Party I would consider this one! I think its a good idea but the actual reviews of the desserts have not been that great. My #1 thing I would go for it the Chocolate covered strawberries so to hear they weren't great is disappointing!!

 

[jmm476]

Thanks for the dessert party review. It's a shame, the desserts look like they should be so delicious! My parents wanted to book it last year for our big family trip and I kind of talked them out of it. I'm glad I did, because I don't think I've ever seen a glowing review for the party.

It would be nice to have a reserved spot for the fireworks though. Oh wait, the new Fast Pass takes care of that.

 

[debrapagliasotti]

In light of new info I've recently received, I've taken HBD out of the running.

Oh no!! What is this about HBD?? I just recently switched up some ADRs and booked us there departure day for lunch.

 

[KatMark]

Brenda, I've been thinking of doing the Dessert Party off and on the last couple of years as my husband is the KING OF DESSERTS (or anything sweet for that matter).

But after reading a couple of recent reviews and now yours, I think we'll continue to skip it. I can't see paying $25 for something that does not at least stand out.

I'm glad it was a great view, and you saw Tinkerbelle fly over.

 

[Linda67]

Yet another top notch review Brenda

We enjoyed the dessert party when we did it but I hear what you are saying - I think once is enough

I felt that the desserts looked a lot better than they tasted (although the chocolate covered strawberries we had were delicious)

Great photos of you all

 

[Roma]

The dessert party has just never really appealed to me . Maybe it's because I have to go to so many "reception" type functions for my job that all serve the same mass-produced, Sams or Costco looking desserts and as a result I have about had it with dry brownies, cookies, and rice krispy treats! It is my DH's job to stop me from eating that stuff when we are at buffets/pot lucks because they are NEVER as good as when I make them at home and it's basically a waste. Same goes for chips... why load up on potato chips at a special event where there are so many foods you normally never get?

At least your pictures turned out great .

 

[ksromack]

Thanks so much for the Dessert Party review! I have really been on the fence about this one and you definitely helped sway me in the right direction. While all those desserts LOOK amazing, I tend to be disappointed by buffet desserts and from your review it seems like that would be the case at the Dessert Party. I'd rather by $25 worth of treats at Main Street Bakery and camp out for a good fireworks spot at MK.

Also, how cute are you and your hubby?! That picture of the two of you with the castle in the background is adorable. It's so great to see such a happy couple!

I'm going to agree that for $50 I could buy a lot of cupcake treats....but I already made the reservation and I think I'm going to keep it. I'm pretty sure I won't be happy unless I put on at least 10 pounds during this trip. I think it is more about the location and the fact that I won't have to camp out for a prime viewing location for Wishes. I'll still read reviews.....and I still may cancel. I have 2 months to decide.

Brenda, I love the picture of you and your hubby! Did the Photopass Photographer take that picture? Is there a line to have the PP take your picture with the castle in the background?

Loving your reviews, btw!

 

[Alysa]

Wishes Dessert Party at MK
I am not sure if I would book the dessert party again. Overall, the desserts were a disappointment since only a couple of things were better than just ok. I wasn’t looking for gourmet dining but I had hoped with so many options that I would find more desserts that were better than those that come wrapped in cellophane.

On a positive note, the viewing area was fantastic and we really enjoyed the un-crowded vista to watch the shows. So lesson learned, if I want to give Disney $25 next time to have an unobstructed view of the fireworks and ignore the desserts, I am free to do so!! [However, I will likely grab a cannoli and a key lime tart anyway!]

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I am sorry that the desserts were not as good as you would have liked. I don't know if it is just that I am super pregnant and had an apple for dessert tonight but the photos make it look like the best dessert table I have ever seen. ​

 

[disnut1149]

Brenda, I've been thinking of doing the Dessert Party off and on the last couple of years as my husband is the KING OF DESSERTS (or anything sweet for that matter).

But after reading a couple of recent reviews and now yours, I think we'll continue to skip it. I can't see paying $25 for something that does not at least stand out.

I'm glad it was a great view, and you saw Tinkerbelle fly over.

Hi KatMark,
I think you should still try the dessert party. I've been to it twice and loved it. I would do it again!! It's worth it for the experience of having a seat to relax in during the fireworks, while eating some really delicious desserts. Some are definitely better than others. I loved the chocolate mousse, cannollis, tiramisu and the chocolate covered strawberries. Our strawberries weren't sour at all. I guess it depends what time of year you're there. I wish I could be there now.
Joan

 

[francis6306]

I think that the Dessert Party was a WONDERFUL idea on the part of MK. I mean, they have this unused space, so they might as well do something with it! That being said, I don't want to spend that kind of money on the event just yet!! I just can't fork over the money when I don't know how my girls are going to do that late. I have them on a pretty good bedtime schedule, and while Cortlyn can stay up past her bedtime, I just don't know how well she will behave, you know? I WANT to at least TRY to do the Party though… not this trip though… Of course, I'd be prepared for not-so-wonderful pickings, but I want that VIEW!

Aaaaand there we go with booking "one more trip!" They do it to us EVERYTIME!

 

[emmysmommy]

I love the idea of requesting a great server by name--do you know how to request him ahead of time? I have a YS res for Feb--should I call the restaurant or just go through dining reservations?

Your wishes dessert party pics are fabulous--thank you so much for sharing!

Thanks for reading! Ricardo at YSH gave me his card. It says thanks for your visit and has his contact information. He asked that we email him so that he can accomodate us with his schedule - meaning, he would even switch days off if possible to serve us. I asked for his schedule so that he would not need to go off schedule so next time I book I will email him. PM me if you want his information and I would be glad to share.

Love the DP update! It's so sad that the desserts are underwhelming. That seems to be a consistent review. I wonder why or if/how they will fix it.

There are a lot of choices so no doubt everyone should find something that pleases them. For me, there just were not enough things that I tried that wowed me. Nothing spectacular I suppose but it was definitely a great experience.

Thanks for the input!!!!

I loved your pics from the dessert party. We are planning to do it again next year even though, like you, we found we were shelling out for the location more-so than the food (I liked what I tried but there's no way I could eat close to $30 worth of desserts even if they were ahhhhmazing!). I'm okay with that though!

I really wanted a bite of everything and even though the desserts are small, there's just too many to do that! You have a good attitude about it - go for the experience rather than the food.

Best review I have ever seen of the Dessert Party, Brenda! Excellent job with the pics of all the sweet treats! Oh, and the picture of you and Michael was just as sweet as the desserts.

Thanks Barb!! Awwww... we do like each other... still!

Thank you for the review of the wishes dessert party, Brenda. It is something I wanted to do for my DD for her first time visit to WDW.

Thanks Rosey! That would be a fabolous 1st trip experience for your DD!

Great review! I felt the exact same way about the Dessert Party. None of the desserts bowled me over, some were pretty good and some were meh. And I'm right there with Michael on the mango shooters. I've heard great things but they aren't my cup of tea (or shot glass of mango stuff). Honestly I'm glad that we gave it a shot to see what it was all about and we had a nice time but I don't think we'd do it again. And I"m jealous because they didn't have cannoli when we were there!

I love all of your photos! You and Michael are so cute!

Hi Tracy! They must rotate around the options because I wanted some donut holes and they didn't have them. I didn't try the mango shooter so I will hold my judgement for now!

Thanks for the compliment....

The straw heard about Tracy's famous sausage and photobombed hoping for a future!!

Hi Denise! That's funny!!!

Thanks so much for the Dessert Party review! I have really been on the fence about this one and you definitely helped sway me in the right direction. While all those desserts LOOK amazing, I tend to be disappointed by buffet desserts and from your review it seems like that would be the case at the Dessert Party. I'd rather by $25 worth of treats at Main Street Bakery and camp out for a good fireworks spot at MK.

Also, how cute are you and your hubby?! That picture of the two of you with the castle in the background is adorable. It's so great to see such a happy couple!

Hi there! It was still a good experience even if the desserts weren't wonderful but heck, your alternative sound great!

It's hard not to be a happy couple at WDW with a magical castle in the background and a plate of sweet treats at the table.

I think I was 12 during my last meal at Prime Time, so I was just old enough for the adults menu (since back then, the kids menu was for kids 11 and under). I remember ordering the chicken caesar salad and the s'mores for dessert. Is the dessert menu still displayed through a viewfinder? I always thought that was cool

As for the Dessert Party, I've never been, and I don't really plan on trying it. The desserts look mass-produced, which is off-putting IMO. I'm glad the viewing area was fantastic, though.

Hi DDW! I saw reviews with the viewfinders too... I wonder when they stopped doing that?

That's it!! They are mass produced - that's a good way to describe them. I hate to be so critical since they were not horrid but I was expecting more I suppose. I actually removed one commentary I was going to add about the quality but realized my opinion had already been made.... I didn't need to belabor the point.

Thanks for the review of the dessert party!! If we were not doing the F&W 3D Dessert Party I would consider this one! I think its a good idea but the actual reviews of the desserts have not been that great. My #1 thing I would go for it the Chocolate covered strawberries so to hear they weren't great is disappointing!!

I will be anxious to read your 3D Dessert Party Paula! Along with all of your other dining experiences!! I would have had more of the chocolate covered strawberries but I think the one that I had was not ripe enough. I'm sure that is not the usual.

Thanks for the dessert party review. It's a shame, the desserts look like they should be so delicious! My parents wanted to book it last year for our big family trip and I kind of talked them out of it. I'm glad I did, because I don't think I've ever seen a glowing review for the party.

It would be nice to have a reserved spot for the fireworks though. Oh wait, the new Fast Pass takes care of that.

You are right, it is a nice reserved spot for the fireworks as well as the Magic, Memories and You show. But you are right, the new advance reservations FP for the fireworks show would be a great alternative.

Oh no!! What is this about HBD?? I just recently switched up some ADRs and booked us there departure day for lunch.

Hang in there Debra... that tale will be coming up shortly! I'm still a HBD fan!

Brenda, I've been thinking of doing the Dessert Party off and on the last couple of years as my husband is the KING OF DESSERTS (or anything sweet for that matter).

But after reading a couple of recent reviews and now yours, I think we'll continue to skip it. I can't see paying $25 for something that does not at least stand out.

I'm glad it was a great view, and you saw Tinkerbelle fly over.

Hi Kathy! I hope the engagement party was wonderful! (I still have some catching up to do but will be by shortly.)

My memory will fade as far as how the desserts tasted but I think I will remember how spectacular the view was and the photopass photographer and the kind CM who serviced the area. Likely we will do it again some day.

Yet another top notch review Brenda

We enjoyed the dessert party when we did it but I hear what you are saying - I think once is enough

I felt that the desserts looked a lot better than they tasted (although the chocolate covered strawberries we had were delicious)

Great photos of you all

Thanks Linda! I think I had a bum strawberry! I would definitely have those again if we went back. And yes, that is a great way to put it, the desserts looked better than they tasted. If I went by looks alone, I would have needed a cart to lug my plates over to our table!

The dessert party has just never really appealed to me . Maybe it's because I have to go to so many "reception" type functions for my job that all serve the same mass-produced, Sams or Costco looking desserts and as a result I have about had it with dry brownies, cookies, and rice krispy treats! It is my DH's job to stop me from eating that stuff when we are at buffets/pot lucks because they are NEVER as good as when I make them at home and it's basically a waste. Same goes for chips... why load up on potato chips at a special event where there are so many foods you normally never get?

At least your pictures turned out great .

Hi Roma! I know what you mean about they look better than they taste. If I didn't waste so much of my appetite on the brownies and other more ordinary desserts I should make room for the more unique options. Ha! chips.... that's so true!! And all the crudite trays as well... I can have a carrot stick and celery anytime!

I'm going to agree that for $50 I could buy a lot of cupcake treats....but I already made the reservation and I think I'm going to keep it. I'm pretty sure I won't be happy unless I put on at least 10 pounds during this trip. I think it is more about the location and the fact that I won't have to camp out for a prime viewing location for Wishes. I'll still read reviews.....and I still may cancel. I have 2 months to decide.

Brenda, I love the picture of you and your hubby! Did the Photopass Photographer take that picture? Is there a line to have the PP take your picture with the castle in the background?

Loving your reviews, btw!

Keep the reservation and let me know what you thought!!! You are exactly right - it is more about the experience for me!

Yes, the photopass guy took the photo. He was set up at that location all night so there was never really a line except at the very beginning. You could go anytime and get photos done. We sent two different times. No one would go with me a 3rd time to have a silly photo taken with mango shooters!

I am sorry that the desserts were not as good as you would have liked. I don't know if it is just that I am super pregnant and had an apple for dessert tonight but the photos make it look like the best dessert table I have ever seen.

Hi Alysa. Ha! Not sure if you are influenced by your current state but they do look pretty awesome!

Wishing you all the best for your final days until Robert makes his grand entrance!

I think that the Dessert Party was a WONDERFUL idea on the part of MK. I mean, they have this unused space, so they might as well do something with it! That being said, I don't want to spend that kind of money on the event just yet!! I just can't fork over the money when I don't know how my girls are going to do that late. I have them on a pretty good bedtime schedule, and while Cortlyn can stay up past her bedtime, I just don't know how well she will behave, you know? I WANT to at least TRY to do the Party though… not this trip though… Of course, I'd be prepared for not-so-wonderful pickings, but I want that VIEW!

Aaaaand there we go with booking "one more trip!" They do it to us EVERYTIME!

Good point Christen... about not knowing how the girls would do that late. And then to feed them a bunch of sugar late at night... what a combo!!! Save that for another trip!! Yes... one more trip is my mantra as well.

 

[emmysmommy]

Kona Cafe Breakfast

This was the breakfast that I had looked forward to for the last 154 days!!! Kona Café is unrivaled as my favorite breakfast joint at WDW. Typically Kona Café is our first official breakfast of our WDW vacation but we waited to dine here until we had switched hotels from BW to BLT since it is so easy to get there on the monorail from CR. We had an 8:15am ADR and were checked in and seated without delay. Our table was by the rail at the very front of the restaurant across from the hostess desk.

Em and I didn't need to even look at the menu since we were here for only one thing each!!! And since the menu is not too extensive it wasn't difficult for Michael to decide.

Our server took our drink and food orders at the same time... we didn't want to have any delays in satisfying our taste buds!!! Michael ordered the ham & cheese omelet with wheat toast instead of a biscuit. Em wanted the Tonga Toast with fruit instead of sausage or bacon and of course, I ordered the pancakes. One note of clarification is needed for my meal. I did not order the Pineapple Macadamia Nut pancakes. I opted this time to choose the regular pancakes and have the pineapple/macadamia nut butter on the side. The last time I had the macadamia nut pancakes they were good but I was getting really tired of the toasted macadamia nut flavor half way through. This time I wanted to try a variation of this dish without the predominance of the nuts IN the pancakes. I have to say that I much preferred this option. Like Em, I opted to skip the breakfast meat and requested a scrambled egg on the side.

Menu:

Condiments:

I was taking photos and messing around while we were awaiting our food when I heard someone ask if I was Emmysmommy? Well, I usually answer to Brenda or Trouble but in my spare time I’m Emmysmommy. Insert Dismeet #4 here! I had the pleasure of meeting Neil who recognized me from the DisBoards. He was walking by after eating breakfast at ‘Ohana with his family and said hi. (I don’t recall his username but I thought it was FreezeOne but now I can’t find anyone with that name on the Boards. )

DisMeet #4

Em at Kona - I like this photo and it's my review so I'm including it!!1

That was a nice surprise although Michael had a few questions regarding why strangers were walking up to me and introducing themselves!!!

Breakfast arrived and after a round of photos of the food I noticed something that didn’t quite look right. My pancakes had blueberries – which may have been a good combo with the pineapple macadamia nut butter topping but not exactly what I ordered.

Oops! Blueberry pancakes!

We got the attention of our server who retrieved my plate and exclaimed “idiots” when we told her that I had the wrong order. Harsh!! Kinda seemed like a very un-Disney reaction! When she brought my pancakes a few minutes later she fessed up and said that she entered the order incorrectly into the computer. Hmmm… perhaps she needed a hug?

Ham and Cheese Omelet with home-fried potatoes and toast instead of a biscuit: $10.99​

The omelet had a lot of melted cheese on top but the eggs were light and fluffy. Michael actually liked the potatoes (I’m not a fan so I was curious to see his positive reaction) but didn’t touch his toast.

Tonga Toast; banana stuffed French toast rolled in cinnamon sugar served with strawberry compote with a side of fruit: $12.99

With strawberry sauce:

As for this special treat, Em is a huge Tonga Toast fan so it didn’t disappoint – especially topped with the strawberry compote. Em was a little disappointed that she hadn’t asked what type of fresh fruit was served since she is not a melon fan.

Pancakes with pineapple sauce and macadamia nut butter with a scrambled egg instead of breakfast meat: $8.99

I was thoroughly satisfied with my pancakes!! They could not have been more perfect other than perhaps another dose of pineapple sauce smeared on them. The scrambled egg was perfectly cooked – not too runny and not too dry.

Our server presented us with Anniversary cupcakes at the end of the meal. How very nice! We were stuffed so there was no chance we were going to eat them so she brought us a to-go container. Unfortunately, these did not get eaten.

The bill was $43.80 which included the 18% gratuity and $8.49 in TiW savings.

Jabead’s List of 18 had - #4: Eat your whole order of Pineapple Macadamia Nut Pancakes. Ok, although I didn’t succeed at this one Barb gave me a pass and is giving me credit for my valiant effort!

Here's the photo that I texted Barb to show my attempt to satisfy this item. I don't usually like to include half eaten food in my reviews but this was part of my "challenge":

Another fabulous Kona Cafe breakfast experience. This place will continue to be a "must do" restaurant at WDW!!!

Next Up: Tony's Townsquare lunch

 

[smile4stamps]

I'm glad you all enjoyed your Kona breakfasts! I'm still undecided between Tonga Toast and Pancakes!! (Even those blueberry ones looked really good!!!)

We will have to see what the mood strikes us for that day! (I've heard rumors of Pumpkin Pancakes for fall!! Those might become an option as well!!)

 

[jabead]

Yep, 1 point for your effort with the pancakes and another point for your Dis meet with pic...bringing your total to 22
Good job!

 

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

I loved your Kona breakfast and love your task list. That kind of things adds a nice cohesion to a DR.

 

[Smiling Cheshire Cat]

I second your opinion about the Wishes Dessert Party. Great view, so-so desserts. Miniature desserts don't seem that hard to make so I'm not sure why Disney couldn't make this a better event.

The pineapple macadamia nut pancakes are my favorites too. And I like mine just like you do, a plain pancake with the topping. I usually order the Big Kahuna because the rest of my family doesn't mind to finish off my meat and potatoes and I can eat the smaller pancake portion on that platter.

Didn't know you could easily substitute fruit or eggs for the meat sides. Thanks for the tip, Brenda!

 

[vettegirl]

Great review of Kona! I have not eaten breakfast there, but man those pancakes look good. I can't wait to hear what you thought of Tonys!!