Did we survive 11 days of DxDP? Upd 3/24 California Grill

[almburr]

We love the DxDP! love trying new things.

 

[CandiceH]

We just did ten days of deluxe dining plan it and it was NOT too much food for us. We ate what we wanted and stopped when we were full. Skipped dessert a couple times, and I did not gain any weight. You want a way to use up those snack credits??? The french bakery in epcot. We spent around twenty credits there. Delicious! Only a few items are not considered snacks and it was so much fun to go there a few times and just get everything you wanted and not worry about it. I think we used all our snack credits.

We are spoiled, we will do the Deluxe plan every time now. Although next time we will have later breakfasts, skip lunch and do more signature dining for dinner, filling in with snack credits during the day.

We never felt sick, gorged or overly full. I never felt bad about leaving food on my plate or skipping dessert if I did not want it. It will be better next time because DD will be ten and won't be stuck with the kids menus.

 

[debrapagliasotti]

Can't wait to hear more!!!

Another update coming this afternoon Waiting on darn Photobucket

Joining in for the fun!

Welcome

Thanks for the honest review of Coral Reef. Sorry about the chicken dish. I haven't heard great things about it, and never order it. Usually I like to stick with the seafood or steak. The Chocolate Wave is the best dessert though!

I will definately be honest in the reviews. No sense in sugar coating anything DD wasnt in the mood for steak or fish, so she was hoping the chicken would be a good choice, unfortunately it wasnt.

Chocolate wave was super delish though!!

I'm in, we are doing double deluxe in Sept for 7 nights, there will be 5 of us so I can't wait to see how you did it with so much food.

Welcome DxDP can be fun and not overwhelming if you plan it out well I think. Enjoy all the variety and options!

I'm here too! It's great to see a mostly positive review of Coral Reef, and I can't wait to read more (even if I don't have time to comment often ).

Welcome Mr DonaldDoleWhip So nice to have you following along. I read just this morning in Emmysmommy's TR that you were extremely busy this semester in school, so I understand if you dont get a chance to comment too often.

Subscribing! I'm debating upgrading to the DxDP for our trip in December '13 and I just can't decide! Hopefully this helps me make up my mind

Welcome! WDW in December, how I wish we were going back then! Ya know, I say to try it once and see how you feel about DxDP -- especially if you can eat at more signature restraunts than we were able to. Regardless, I hope my reviews are helpful.

We love the DxDP! love trying new things.

The variety was great...for sure!

We just did ten days of deluxe dining plan it and it was NOT too much food for us. We ate what we wanted and stopped when we were full. Skipped dessert a couple times, and I did not gain any weight. You want a way to use up those snack credits??? The french bakery in epcot. We spent around twenty credits there. Delicious! Only a few items are not considered snacks and it was so much fun to go there a few times and just get everything you wanted and not worry about it. I think we used all our snack credits.

We are spoiled, we will do the Deluxe plan every time now. Although next time we will have later breakfasts, skip lunch and do more signature dining for dinner, filling in with snack credits during the day.

We never felt sick, gorged or overly full. I never felt bad about leaving food on my plate or skipping dessert if I did not want it. It will be better next time because DD will be ten and won't be stuck with the kids menus.

I'm glad you had a good experience with DxDP I agree with the idea of later breakfast, skipping lunch and doing more signature dinners and filling in with snack credits. If it would have been DH & I that would have certainly been more of a possibility, but having kids that cringed at the sight or some of the signature restraunt menus, it just wasnt meant to be this time around.

I would be willing to do DxDP again, if it were DH & I traveling alone -- so, one day

 

[debrapagliasotti]

I am going to break up the snacks by every few days and cover them that way.

On the night of MVMCP we enjoyed the "complimentary" cookies and hot chocolate. We had a few of the chocolate chip and a few snickerdoodle throughout the night. They were so soft and chewy.

We also had 3 popcorn during the Once Upon A Christmas Time parade.

On Dec 19 at Epcot, we had the following snacks.

Bo and I both had a Altemunster Draft (Germany pretzel wagon) as well as a soft pretzel to share, plus 1 more pretzel for the little boys to share. How can you go wrong with a beer and a soft pretzel combo?? Now, if only beer could be a snack credit...2 beers OOP.

Hunter & Harper then decided they also wanted a pretzel, so we picked up 2 for them before leaving Germany.

 

[lovingeire]

Bo and I both had a Altemunster Draft (Germany pretzel wagon) as well as a soft pretzel to share, plus 1 more pretzel for the little boys to share. How can you go wrong with a beer and a soft pretzel combo??

Wait, you got beer with snack credits? We love the pretzels in Germany, but Lord knows DH would love a beer too! (Can't say I wouldn't mind one as well!)

 

[debrapagliasotti]

On December 20 we had an 8am (pre-park opening) ADR for Hollywood & Vine.

Now, I know this is not the highest quality breakfast one can find on WDW property, but it was pre-park opening...and we wanted to get Hunter into JTA as well as get FP for TSM, but mostly because Jaxon & Evan enjoy those characters.

Speaking of which, in case anyone is wondering, the current characters are Jake, Handy Manny, Oso & June.

We were allowed into HS about 750am. We took a couple pictures and headed over to check in at the podium. We were seated just a couple minutes past 8am.

Our server came over and told us the characters would be there in just a moment so we should wait to go to the buffet. She took our drink orders and as she was walking away, Jake approached our table.

After he left we headed up to the buffet. There are 2 sides, however they only had 1 side open...and there was a crazy line!!!

About the time I was halfway through the line, they opened the other side.

I apologize for no buffet pictures, but there were quite a few people and I could see Oso quickly approaching our table.

Menu taken from Allears.net

Seasonal fruit
Freshly baked pastries
Assorted yogurts
Breakfast Meats
Scrambled Eggs and Frittata
Mickey Waffles with assorted toppings
Oven Roasted Potatoes
Sausage Gravy and Biscuits.

Children's options available

Here is a picture of my one plate that I had.

The fritatta was -- well -- it didnt have a very good taste. I dont know what it was about it really, but I only took 2 bites of it and moved along with the other items on my plate.

The danish was nice, the croissant was fluffy, fruit was nice and fresh and the Mickey waffles...perfection as always! Bacon, limp as always

I also had a small bowl of strawberry yogurt that Evan ended up eating.

We finished up our meal quickly (luckily we were given our check with our drinks ) and headed on our way.

Total cost before automatic 18% gratuity $136.26 - 6 dining credits used

 

[debrapagliasotti]

Wait, you got beer with snack credits? We love the pretzels in Germany, but Lord knows DH would love a beer too! (Can't say I wouldn't mind one as well!)

OH, yikes, no! We paid OOP for the beer, forgot to mention that. Went back and edited

 

[lovingeire]

OH, yikes, no! We paid OOP for the beer, forgot to mention that. Went back and edited

Thanks for the heads up! Won't the husband be disappointed...not that it would stop us from getting beer, he just thought he'd get more of it!

 

[debrapagliasotti]

Thanks for the heads up! Won't the husband be disappointed...not that it would stop us from getting beer, he just thought he'd get more of it!

Oh goodness, sorry for the confusion!

We paid OOP for a few drinks while at Epcot, the others dont make an appearance until a little later on. We also paid OOP for a few drinks at dinners, and I will include those when I get to the appropriate dining locations.

 

[debrapagliasotti]

We had a lunch ADR booked for Sci Fi at 1235p, but when Bo signed up Hunter for JTA on this morning, he was told to be at the check in location by 1pm. He didnt realize he could ask for another JTA time, so we just decided to cancel our Sci Fi ADR.

Eventually we ended up getting Nachos for lunch and using some snack credits.

5 nachos with cheese & 5 waters

​

 

[debrapagliasotti]

Tonight we headed over to Epcot for dinner at Via Napoli. We had an 830pm ADR and had to wait a few minutes before being seated.

Adam was our waiter and was very sweet.

For our appetizers, Harper & I ordered Calamari Fritti corn-crusted rings served with spicy tomato sauce. These were delicious! Nice crispy batter and the calamari was just the right amount of chewy Shorly after Adam brought this out, he came back and checked to make sure the sauce wasnt too spicy for Harper (it wasn't)

Bo ordered Salame e Provolone dry cured sausage, imported provolone cheese. He said this was good. I didnt try any as I do not care for that meat.

Hunter ordered Tortellini in Brodo beef tortellini in broth. He liked the tortellini, but he wasnt crazy about the broth. He ate it all anyways, so I guess it wasnt that bad.

Jaxon & Evan both had fruit cocktail. They ate it all. The fruit appeared to be nice and fresh.

For entrees we all ordered different pizzas.

I ordered Prosciutto E Melone Pizza - white pizza, fontina, mozzarella, prosciutto, canteloupe, arugula. We make a similar version of this at home, and I must say that our version was inspired by Via Napoli's version. I did pick off the arugula after I took the picture as I dont like the bitterness of arugula. The prosciutto was long, thin strips and the canteloupe was sliced thin. All in all the pizza was good, but dare I say...I like my version better

Bo ordered Carciofi Pizza - white pizza, artichoke, fontina, mozzarella, truffle oil. He said this was amazing! Somehow I did not ever try a bite , but he said he would definately order this pizza again.

Hunter ordered Piccante Pizza - Italian spicy sausage, tomato, mozzarella. He enjoyed this quite a bit. He liked the spicy sausage. He did not finish all of this, but that was only because he was getting full.

Harper ordered Pepperoni Pizza - pepperoni, tomato, mozzarella. I was worried about Harper and this pizza because they do tend to brown the crust more here at VN than what she normally prefers, but she very much enjoyed this pizza.

Jaxon & Evan both had Pizza Margarita. They ate some of this and quickly started getting full and tired.

For dessert, we shared Coppa di Brutti Ma Buoni “Ugly But Good” Amarena cherry & vanilla gelato sundae. YUMMY!!! This is so good!! Bo also ordered a coffee at this time.

Jaxon had fallen asleep at the table, but Evan had a chocolate gelato, but I do not have a picture of that.

Drinks were 2 iced teas, 2 Sprites, 2 milks. Total before 18% automatic gratuity $204.48 - 6 TS credits used

We absolutely loved Via Napoli. I wouldnt hesitate to come back here again.

Our waiter was charming. His mother was actually in town visiting from Italy and happened to be sitting at the table right next to us. She and Adam talked to my husband about Italy and where their families were from. Adam and his family were from Southern Italy, where my husbands family is from a small town in Northern Italy.

 

[almburr]

I love your report! I am so ready to go back. Everything looks so good.

 

[seasidespences]

On December 20 we had an 8am (pre-park opening) ADR for Hollywood & Vine.

Now, I know this is not the highest quality breakfast one can find on WDW property, but it was pre-park opening...and we wanted to get Hunter into JTA as well as get FP for TSM, but mostly because Jaxon & Evan enjoy those characters.


How did it work out for the JTA and FP for TSM? I see you got a spot for 1p JTA but how we're the lines for this and the TSM FP when you finished breakfast??

 

[seasidespences]

Sorry...just realized I messed up my question above and accidentally combined it with part of your post...either way...I'd be interested about the line to sign up for JTA after your breakfast. Thanks!

 

[Emteach]

Loving the Food Porn so far, making me hungry lol! We also went to H&V but for lunch (which was pretty good) but also found it quite crowded (even lost my brother (6) who got confused and went the opposite side of the restaurant since they look so similar lol.

Via looks great as well, on our last trip that restaurant just didnt make the cut (looking at those yummy pizzas I think it should have)

 

[debrapagliasotti]

I love your report! I am so ready to go back. Everything looks so good.

Thank you I look forward to our next trip too! Disney food is addictive!!

How did it work out for the JTA and FP for TSM? I see you got a spot for 1p JTA but how we're the lines for this and the TSM FP when you finished breakfast??

Sorry...just realized I messed up my question above and accidentally combined it with part of your post...either way...I'd be interested about the line to sign up for JTA after your breakfast. Thanks!

Our waitress brought our check when she brought out our drinks (we were going to ask her to do this, but she beat us to it ). From there we just kept an eye on the crowds outside the window. Once we started seeing people about 845am we headed out. Bo took Hunter & the little boys over to Sounds Dangerous for JTA sign ups, while Harper & I went to pick up TSM FP. We walked and our FP return time was 1040am and the standby line was about 20 min at that point. We headed back over to where hubby and I agreed to meet and he was not there, so Harper and I got some pictures with Chip & Dale and Goofy while waiting. There were a good number of people in line in front of them for sign up (they limit the show to 15 kids I think??) We had to be back there about 20-30 min before the show started and he was in the 120pm show.

Hope that helps!

Loving the Food Porn so far, making me hungry lol! We also went to H&V but for lunch (which was pretty good) but also found it quite crowded (even lost my brother (6) who got confused and went the opposite side of the restaurant since they look so similar lol.

Via looks great as well, on our last trip that restaurant just didnt make the cut (looking at those yummy pizzas I think it should have)

Thank you! Glad I could help with the Food Porn!

I am dying tonight because my husband is out of town and eating at Shula's Steak House -- meanwhile, I had French bread pizza

Via was delish! Highly recommended!!

 

[sydneysmom]

I absolutely loved your Via Napoli review! That's one we're trying for the first time this June. We're each of the pizzas a TS credit, or if not, how do the charge you on the dining plan? I'm so excited to eat there now!

 

[debrapagliasotti]

I absolutely loved your Via Napoli review! That's one we're trying for the first time this June. We're each of the pizzas a TS credit, or if not, how do the charge you on the dining plan? I'm so excited to eat there now!

OOOH, I hope you love Via Napoli as much as we do!

We all ordered the individual pizzas and they were all considered a TS credit with the dining plan.

Since we had DxDP the appetizers were also included. We did not pay OOP for anything on this meal.

 

[sydneysmom]

OOOH, I hope you love Via Napoli as much as we do!

We all ordered the individual pizzas and they were all considered a TS credit with the dining plan.

Since we had DxDP the appetizers were also included. We did not pay OOP for anything on this meal.

WOW!!!! that is amazing! We're going to be on DxDP too... I had no idea how that worked at Via Napoli on the dining plan... that's great though, everyone can order an individual pizza and share (or not!) The pizzas looked so good too! I almost drooled on my computer screen over the calamari. I think that's going to be exactly what I'm getting for an app!

I can't wait to read more!!

 

[debrapagliasotti]

WOW!!!! that is amazing! We're going to be on DxDP too... I had no idea how that worked at Via Napoli on the dining plan... that's great though, everyone can order an individual pizza and share (or not!) The pizzas looked so good too! I almost drooled on my computer screen over the calamari. I think that's going to be exactly what I'm getting for an app!

I can't wait to read more!!

We didnt do a very good job of sharing at this meal...I think we were all pretty hungry after our cheese nachos snack at HS.

The calamari was definately a winner!!