Only 3 Pound Weight Gain? A DxDP Review upd 2/9 Yachtsman and Final Thoughts

[creativeamanda]

That morning, we got up bright and squirrely to check into Coronado Springs.

This of course would be the first day on the DxDP, and as usual, I try out the first credits right there at the resort in order to prevent problems later.

So, we grabbed our refillable mugs and Sweetie had:

Chocolate Chip Muffin. Okay. Standard Disney muffin fare. Not great. Not terrible

I had:

A cinnamon roll. Pretty cold and not tasty at all. I should have stuck with a muffin.

This is the problem with Cafe Rix--there is no seating. Since it is the only grab and go place at CSR, it's a little irritating. We sat over at the neighboring bar, the Rix Lounge. It was okay in the morning, but I would have been uncomfortable being there with my 13 year old daughter any other time.

For Cafe Rix:
Our reviews:
Service: 2--The castmembers just were not friendly or helpful
Atmosphere: 2--way too crowded and no seating. It was uncomfortable.
Food Quality: 2--Standard fare
Value: 1--There are better uses of Snack Credits at Disney
Overall: 1.75 WOAH!

After a disappointing breakfast, a lost KTTW card, and tromping through the Magic Kingdom, we hoped CRT would be better.

We had very late breakfast reservations and as we were finishing, the place was clearing. They, however, did not rush us out. For those of you not familiar, you have your picture taken with Cinderella downstairs, then are called upstairs for your meal. Breakfast is now preplated, whereas it was in the past family style I believe. This was our first trip.

You start off with breads and pastries:

These were better than what we wasted snack credits on at the resort. The biscuits and marmalade were particularly yummy.

I had the lobster and crab crepes

This would have been much, much better if the fish had been fresher. It was sort of fishy in smell, and therefore not great. Not bad, just not great

Sweetie had the All-American:

Sausage, eggs, bacon, and potatoes. She liked it, but was not happy with the lemon on the potatoes. I ate them.

All in all, Breakfast was not great. Not bad, but not great. You definitely come to CRT for the experience, and that's it. I did appreciate that we were not rushed out. Of course, our server was pretty slow, and kept us there longer than we really wanted to be, as well.


Our reviews:
Service: 3--Okay, we waited a long time for our check, which was a bit annoying.
Atmosphere: 4--the only reason this warrants a 4 and not a 5 is because of the better atmosphere we experienced later in the week.
Food Quality: 3--again, just okay
Value: 2--This is an expensive price for a breakfast. Even with the pictures, eating in the castle, and the characters, who were great, $40 is for breakfast is too much and not really great use of 2 TS credits.
Overall: 3

 

[Lauralooneyfordisney]

I can't wait to hear more. Good start.

 

[partyof2]

Being kept waiting for the check is a really pet hate of mine. I'm ashamed to admit I don't have much patience!

I can't believe the amount of pastries they give you at CRT for just two people. I'm not crazy about carbs for breakfast (ridiculous I know as most breakfast foods = carbs) so I'd be lucky if I could even finish one.

I'm enjoying your review so far. I'm very excited to read about your Deluxe dining adventures.

 

[creativeamanda]

I can't wait to hear more. Good start.

Thanks!

Being kept waiting for the check is a really pet hate of mine. I'm ashamed to admit I don't have much patience!

I can't believe the amount of pastries they give you at CRT for just two people. I'm not crazy about carbs for breakfast (ridiculous I know as most breakfast foods = carbs) so I'd be lucky if I could even finish one.

I'm enjoying your review so far. I'm very excited to read about your Deluxe dining adventures.

I'm not a big carb eater for breakfast, either. I prefer protein.

 

[creativeamanda]

I have to say this first of all: I love Narcoossee's. This was the redemption meal for Yachtsman in December 2009. I had hyped up this reservation for my daughter and was hoping beyond hope that it would be a better experience than Cinderella's Royal Table.

We were seated very close to our ADR time. We were one of a few people waiting for the restaurant to open and we were not next to the window, but at an upper level next to the railing. What I can say about Narcoossee's is that regardless of where you sit, the view is great.

But onto the food.

The server took our appetizer orders and brought them back to us.

Sweetie got:

Crab cakes with sweet potato salad. She liked the crab cakes, but not the salad. I was not surprised.

I got:

Mussels. These were in a tomato broth and were slap-your-grandma good. I love seafood and these were absolutely the best mussels I have ever had.

After this, we went on to our entres:

Sweetie's:

Filet Mignon. This was heavenly. She let me have a bite and I absolutely loved it. She was not able to each too much, but from what she did eat, she really liked.

Mine:

Whole Maine lobster. I ate almost every mouthful of this one. I absolutely thought is was great.

Although we barely had enough room, we ordered dessert. Sweetie had:

Flourless chocolate cake. She loves cake and was not disappointed.

Being a southerner and loving pecan pie, I went with

The pecan tart. This was delicious and I ate every mouth full even though I was already stuffed!

Our ratings for Narcoossee's
Service: 5--our server was attentive and even took our picture
Atmosphere: 4--it would have been nice to be closer to the window, but this is still not the best of the week
Food Quality: 4.75--the potato salad was not great, but everything else was
Value: 5--If this were oop, this would be a lower rating, but Narcoossee's is a good use of 2 TS credits.
Overall: 4.69

Narcoossee's had been getting bad reviews before we went, and I admit I was concerned, but I'm glad we went there. Sweetie now understands the concept of Disney dining and talks about Narcoossee's often.

Later on that night, I did use one snack credit at Auntie Gravities for this:

Mocha float. Great use of ice cream and flavored ice coffee, let me tell you!

Coming up. . .Le Cellier

 

[amandaw]

Sorry CRT wasn't the best. I have yet to eat there. I'd like to eat there just because it's in the castle. But the price & lackluster sounding food keep me from booking it. Maybe one day I'll just do it.

Narcoosee's sounds fantastic! That is one of the signatures at the top of my "must try" list.

 

[creativeamanda]

Sorry CRT wasn't the best. I have yet to eat there. I'd like to eat there just because it's in the castle. But the price & lackluster sounding food keep me from booking it. Maybe one day I'll just do it.

Narcoosee's sounds fantastic! That is one of the signatures at the top of my "must try" list.

At least I can say I've done it, but I have one more little girl to try it with. Perhaps on her 13th birthday trip. . .Anywho, Narccoossee's really is a great experience. I've eaten there twice and both times I have really enjoyed my meal.

 

[creativeamanda]

Breakfast this morning was a chocolate chip muffin at Sunshine Seasons that we split. We had an early lunch reservation at Le Cellier and did not want to ruin it:

Lunch this day was at Le Cellier and I will go ahead and apologize that the pictures were so bad that the only viewable picture was of the bread there. We were there for the opening of the restaurant that day, and so we were able to hear them sing O Canada. THis has been one of our favorites at Disney, but now that I understand that it will be 2 table service credits even for lunch, I just don't see us returning unless we do have the DxDP. And then there are places that are Signatures that are just better places.

Anyhow, lunch started with the bread.

This is different than in years past. Now the only thing kind of in the sticks is the pretzel bread. This is still my favorite.

On to appetizers. Sweetie got a cup of Cheddar Cheese soup, which we kind of split. It was yummy! I got the tomato stack, which was also delicious.

For our entres, Sweetie got the NY Strip. She liked it, but thought the meat was cooked a little too much for her liking. I got the Mushroom filet, cooked to order, and it was delicious! I loved it.

For dessert, Sweetie got the chocolate mousse. She likes it, but was really full by this time. I got the seasonal sorbet, which was light and refreshing.

Again, Le Cellier was good, but this time is probably out last here with the changes to the dining plan.

Our ratings for Le Cellier:
Service: 4--she was good, pretty attentive
Atmosphere: 3--there was a very noisy family beside us who were all arguing about their day. This is one of the times I think that some kids who are so spoiled really need to go without what they want sometimes. This parent, like many, gave in, much to my chagrin.
Food Quality: 4--still not the best of the week
Value: 2--this is based on Le Cellier becoming 2 TS for lunch, which is just not worth it.
Overall: 3.25

 

[amandaw]

Lunch at Le Cellier sounds really good. I tried the Mushroom Filet during F&W and it was very good. I'm glad I was able to try it there because I don't see us eating there anytime soon. Just doesn't seem like it should be 2 TS credits...especially for lunch.

 

[creativeamanda]

Lunch at Le Cellier sounds really good. I tried the Mushroom Filet during F&W and it was very good. I'm glad I was able to try it there because I don't see us eating there anytime soon. Just doesn't seem like it should be 2 TS credits...especially for lunch.

I am sure they will change the lunch menu to match the dinner one, but it's just too rich for my taste.

That mushroom filet is quite delectable, though. . .

 

[creativeamanda]

This evening, Sweetie and I had a Dismeet, and we split dinner at Sunshine Seasons.

Porkchop with Mashed Potatoes and stewed tomatoes

I love a good porkchop. This was actually nor dry, as I expected it would be. The mashed potatoes were good, as well as the tomatoes. Sweetie did not eat the tomatoes, which should have been on the porkchop, and I only got a little taste of the potatoes. But I did have this:

Cucumber and tomato salad. This was light and refreshing. We used snack credit for it.

Sweetie's dessert:

Chocolate cake. I had a taste and it was good indeed.

Me?

Creme brulee, which is not as good as the one at Chefs de France, but it hit the spot.

Our ratings for Sunshine Seasons:
Service: 2--I think they use the college students for Sunshine Seasons, and I think they are all disenchanted with this part of the job.
Atmosphere: 2--Sunshine Seasons used to be great, but lately, there seems to be trash everywhere and I am not happy about that
Food Quality: 3--good for a CS location
Value: 3
Overall: 2.5

Later on in the day, I had a couple of *ahem* adult drinks. (The kids call them Mommy Coca Cola.)

Grey goose slush from France

Lime Patron Margarita from the Margarita stand in Mexico. I discovered this as my favorite stand in Epcot!

 

[jecskc]

I just love me a Grey Goose sluhsie !!

 

[creativeamanda]

I just love me a Grey Goose sluhsie !!

Me, too! I think I probably had two this trip, though I only took a picture of one of them.

 

[amandaw]

The porkchop and tomato/cucumbers from Sunshine Seasons all look good. It's been a while since we've eaten there but I am considering doing a lunch there during a possible trip next December.

I have heard so many good things about the Grey Goose slushies but have yet to try one for myself.

 

[creativeamanda]

The porkchop and tomato/cucumbers from Sunshine Seasons all look good. It's been a while since we've eaten there but I am considering doing a lunch there during a possible trip next December.

I have heard so many good things about the Grey Goose slushies but have yet to try one for myself.

I like the location of Sunshine Seasons, but I think this coming trip I need to venture out more.

You haven't tried a Grey Goose Slushie?

Truthfully, it is not high in alcohol content at all. Just the idea is great.

 

[creativeamanda]

Breakfast that morning was at Boma before we headed out to Animal Kingdom. In December of 2009, I proclaimed this the best breakfast buffet in all of Walt Disney World. Would I feel the same?

Boma is basically set up in pods. It has an open air market feel, yet at the same time, it is still inside the main building of Animal Kingdom Lodge.

We were seated very soon after we checked in. Our reservation was for 7:35 and were were seated at about 7:30am. After we got our drinks, we headed to the buffet.

My plate:

Clockwise from the top: Scrambled eggs with goat cheese, breakfast potatoes, strawberry, sticky bun, grilled tomato, and ham.

All of this was good, although the eggs were not as good as I remembered.

Sweetie's plate:

Chocolate chip muffin, ham, scrambled eggs with goat cheese, and breakfast potatoes.

It must have been good, because she got a second plate of everything.

Now, this probably peppered my thoughts of Boma this time, but our server left our drinks empty for a long time. IMO, ESPECIALLY at a buffet, this is completely unacceptable. This is the only location where I did not round the 18% tip up to the next dollar. I left very frustrated indeed.

Our ratings for Sunshine Seasons:
Service: 1--Yet again, it is unacceptable to leave drinks empty especially at a buffet.
Atmosphere: 4--I love the open air feel
Food Quality: 3--not as good as I remembered
Value: 3--good for oop, not good use of a TS credit
Overall: 2.75

 

[amandaw]

I've heard very good things about breakfast at Boma. Sorry it wasn't good as your last trip though. I agree - there's no reason for a server to leave drinks empty at a buffet.

You haven't tried a Grey Goose Slushie?

Truthfully, it is not high in alcohol content at all. Just the idea is great.

I think I've been afraid to try them in case they were very strong and just tasted of alcohol. But, I may have to give them a whirl if we get back to Disney next December.

 

[creativeamanda]

I've heard very good things about breakfast at Boma. Sorry it wasn't good as your last trip though. I agree - there's no reason for a server to leave drinks empty at a buffet.



I think I've been afraid to try them in case they were very strong and just tasted of alcohol. But, I may have to give them a whirl if we get back to Disney next December.

Try the slushie. I promise they are not strong in the alcohol department.

I hope the next time I go to BOma it will be a better situation. Of course, the next time is for dinner.

 

[creativeamanda]

We had not had anything to eat that day waiting for dinner at California Grill. We went over to the Contemporary to shop a great bit early. We were also hungry, so we split this at the Contempo Cafe:

Peanut butter Cupcake.

Inside of said cupcake

Delicioso! We sat at on the terrace area over the monorail and enjoyed our time. Soon, it was time to sign in at California Grill. The best thing about CG is the view:

To the right

To the left

A Happy Sweetie

A little sunburnt me


Dinner started with bread and salted butter:

This was really good.

Sweetie had her normal Coke, while I had a Pinot Grigio and water:

Yum. I had two glasses.

Sweetie's cheese only flatbread. It was really good, I had a taste.

I had the Spicy Kazan Roll.

Oh, my goodness. Heaven on a plate. This was the best sushi I have ever had and I think will ever have again.

Sweetie's entre:

Broiled Founder. This was very light. Delicious, as well.

I head the Pork Tenderloin with Cheese Polenta. This was hands down the best dish of the trip.

When it came time for dessert, I had

Really, really good coffee, which we all know is difficult to get on Disney property

Sweetie's Dessert:

Chocolate Valrhona Cake (very, very, very good, and rich)

Mine: blueberry tart with lemon sorbet.

Of course, the scary part is the bill at the end. . .

Overall, this was the best meal of the trip, and I wish they were open for my February trip.

Our ratings:
Service: 5--very attentive, but not overly so server.
Atmosphere: 5--Beautiful view. Tables were not too close together, and that happens a lot at Disney
Food Quality: 5--Excellent
Value: 5--Great use of 2TS, but I'd gladly pay the oop cost, which was $200+ with tip
Overall: 5

 

[amandaw]

California Grill sounds like a very nice meal indeed!

I'm thinking we are going to do a date night on our December trip. If both have availabilities, would you choose California Grill or Narcoossee's?