The jabead Family went to Disney World! 3/23-3/30/13 COMPLETE

[smile4stamps]

Aww man Barb... I didn't have LTT on my dining list for May and now you are making me reconsider!

Too many choices!!

 

[KyWildcatGirl01]

We did LTT on our Honeymoon in 09 and Loved it!! I was trying to do places we haven't been on this trip or I would have booked it this time!! P.S. That cake looks amazing & would LOVE to have some right now!

 

[jabead]

Joining the parade!

Parade, I like that! It is a parade...of Disney food. Now that's my kind of parade!!!

Barb, I am finally here!!

I'm so behind with everyone's TRs and DRs but am slowly catching up

Firstly, yay for Wilderness Lodge! This is our absolute fave resort

We have eaten at WCC for lunch once before and it was awesome and although we had a lovely evening at AP, I do remember everything being a little high on salt.

As we are staying at the Lodge in December we will probably go to both again!

LTT is on our list of potential lunch spots so it's great to see another good review. I simply HAVE to try the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake!

Looking forward to reading more of your fab reviews

Welcome back, Linda! Your love of the Wilderness Lodge definitely influenced my decision to stay there again. We all really enjoyed our stay and I'm now trying to decide if I want to stay there or back at my favorite Epcot resort, the Boardwalk, for my December trip. I know how beautiful the WL will be in December, all decked out for the holidays, but I love the Epcot resort area and being able to walk to my favorite park. Decisions, decisions.

But anyway, speaking of the December trip, I should put together a list of possible locations for DISmeet meals and start a chain mail out to everyone...I know of 7 DISers from the Dining Review board that will (or possibly will) be there at that time and might be interested in doing some meals together. I mean, it seems kind of mandatory that our meetings involve Disney food...oh, and maybe some adult beverages too.

Boo to your AP experiences continuing to fail to impress your family members! I think I may be the only person in the world who thinks that portion of soup was more than enough? I split it with my husband in November and we were both more than satisfied. I have no idea how I would finish the entire bowl... let alone the previous bowl!

And oh my word... your meal at LTT was perfection!! Isn't the Colony Salad divine? I don't know why it is so exceptional but I seriously think about every time I order a salad back home . And the OOTC is so good when it is done right. So good that it is almost wrong .

I probably would have thought nothing about the soup portion if I hadn't known that the soup bowls had previously been much larger for the same price. But other than the apps (salty soup and boring salad), I would say the rest of our meal was a success. I don't think I'll have a problem with getting my family to dine at AP again in the future.


And I definitely know what you mean about now comparing all salads to the LTT's Colony salad. Since returning home, I've had similar-type salads from Wendy's and Panera, and both paled in comparison to the Colony.

Aww man Barb... I didn't have LTT on my dining list for May and now you are making me reconsider!

Too many choices!!

Sorry Paula! Can't wait to see what you do end up choosing.

We did LTT on our Honeymoon in 09 and Loved it!! I was trying to do places we haven't been on this trip or I would have booked it this time!! P.S. That cake looks amazing & would LOVE to have some right now!

Oh, from your ticker it looks like you are going to be at Disney World very, very soon. How exciting! Have a great trip!!!

 

[Linda67]

Welcome back, Linda! Your love of the Wilderness Lodge definitely influenced my decision to stay there again. We all really enjoyed our stay and I'm now trying to decide if I want to stay there or back at my favorite Epcot resort, the Boardwalk, for my December trip. I know how beautiful the WL will be in December, all decked out for the holidays, but I love the Epcot resort area and being able to walk to my favorite park. Decisions, decisions.

But anyway, speaking of the December trip, I should put together a list of possible locations for DISmeet meals and start a chain mail out to everyone...I know of 7 DISers from the Dining Review board that will (or possibly will) be there at that time and might be interested in doing some meals together. I mean, it seems kind of mandatory that our meetings involve Disney food...oh, and maybe some adult beverages too.
:

7 DISers in December - that's awesome!!!
Who's going?
We need to start a pre-trip thread
I can see a grey goose slushie meet for sure

 

[wilma-bride]

7 DISers in December - that's awesome!!!
Who's going?
We need to start a pre-trip thread
I can see a grey goose slushie meet for sure

 

[emmebear]

I'm headed back to school as I'm trying to reach my goal of ARNP. I have summer & fall classes in addition to my 40 hour work week. Looks like my finals are dec 8-12. depending on my grades, I may or may not make it. but if I'm taking no prisoners and kicking some butt, we will be there Friday evening-Sunday early afternoon. Fingers crossed!!

 

[rachel09985]

Salad looks delicious! I love sweet and savory salads! Also love the throwback pic. I didn't know it used to be a character meal.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

I am a very firm "maybe" for December! I really want to come but a lot is going to depend on if and when I find a job!

 

[jabead]

7 DISers in December - that's awesome!!!
Who's going?
We need to start a pre-trip thread
I can see a grey goose slushie meet for sure

Here are 3 of the 7 possibles...

I'm headed back to school as I'm trying to reach my goal of ARNP. I have summer & fall classes in addition to my 40 hour work week. Looks like my finals are dec 8-12. depending on my grades, I may or may not make it. but if I'm taking no prisoners and kicking some butt, we will be there Friday evening-Sunday early afternoon. Fingers crossed!!

Salad looks delicious! I love sweet and savory salads! Also love the throwback pic. I didn't know it used to be a character meal.

I am a very firm "maybe" for December! I really want to come but a lot is going to depend on if and when I find a job!

And then there is you, me, Brenda & Emily. But unfortunately, from the sad face that Joh posted, it looks like she is a no go.

 

[emmysmommy]

Seriously, I have snoozed before during the Hall of Presidents show. It is just so relaxing... and dark...

As for your LTT review - yay that you loved it! Glad that you hit a home run with both your salad and the amazing dessert. Now you are officially in the ooey gooey toffee cake fan club!

And then there is you, me, Brenda & Emily. But unfortunately, from the sad face that Joh posted, it looks like she is a no go.

Unfortunately, Joh will be at WDW before all of us at the end of F&W.

Barb, Em and I are staying at BWI in December. Stay there!

 

[Linda67]

December is going to be awesome!!

We are booked in at the Villas @ Wilderness Lodge but are totally up for meets

If there are enough of us, perhaps we should have an official DIS Dining Boards Event ...... Illuminations Cruise perhaps??

 

[jabead]

As for your LTT review - yay that you loved it! Glad that you hit a home run with both your salad and the amazing dessert. Now you are officially in the ooey gooey toffee cake fan club!

Yep, sign me up! I believe the club oath is recited while holding a spoon in one hand and a fork in the other, doesn't it?

Unfortunately, Joh will be at WDW before all of us at the end of F&W.

Oh, that is very sad news, very sad indeed.

Barb, Em and I are staying at BWI in December. Stay there!

December is going to be awesome!!

We are booked in at the Villas @ Wilderness Lodge but are totally up for meets

Oh man, one of you staying at the BWI and the other at the WL...my decision just got more difficult. Hmmm, do you think a split stay for a 4 or 5 night trip would be crazy?

If there are enough of us, perhaps we should have an official DIS Dining Boards Event ...... Illuminations Cruise perhaps??

Oh, I like that idea! Maybe we should start a list of ideas for DISmeets to pass around? Then we can put together an itinerary (like at a convention) and people can pick and choose which events they would like to attend. Any volunteers to get this going?

Do I need to bring out my recruitment cheerleaders?

 

[seasidespences]

Loving your review...and that ooey gooey cake from LTT looks so good!!! It's the sole reason I have booked an LTT lunch on our upcoming trip!!!

Can't wait to read more!!

 

[Linda67]

Oh, I like that idea! Maybe we should start a list of ideas for DISmeets to pass around? Then we can put together an itinerary (like at a convention) and people can pick and choose which events they would like to attend. Any volunteers to get this going?

Do I need to bring out my recruitment cheerleaders?

This sound fab!
Let me do some investigating as to what options are available for groups as well as some simple meet ideas
Very exciting !!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

It's been a few weeks since my last Dis check-in, but I just skimmed your first couple of reviews from WL. Loved reading about Territory Lounge and Artist Point! I wish I could be enjoying the cedar plank salmon, black truffle ravioli, or berry cobbler right now. It's great that everyone had a better AP experience overall this time (even if your courses were less enjoyable than they've previously been ).

And with that, it's time to start studying again.

 

[deenbrad]

Do I need to bring out my recruitment cheerleaders?

You could very easily recruit me if only Brad had vacation time! But I guess I should just be glad he has a job!!

 

[Smiling Cheshire Cat]

So glad you enjoyed two of my favorite things to eat at LTT- Colony Salad and Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake.

Wish they would bring the characters back in their Colonial outfits.

 

[jabead]

Loving your review...and that ooey gooey cake from LTT looks so good!!! It's the sole reason I have booked an LTT lunch on our upcoming trip!!!

Can't wait to read more!!

Thanks seasidespences and I hope you enjoy your lunch at Liberty Tree!

This sound fab!
Let me do some investigating as to what options are available for groups as well as some simple meet ideas
Very exciting !!

I know, I'm getting very excited about this trip already and it's more than 7 months away. Without my family around to count calories, $$$, or to refuse to get up early to have sit-down breakfasts...well the possibilities are just endless!!!

It's been a few weeks since my last Dis check-in, but I just skimmed your first couple of reviews from WL. Loved reading about Territory Lounge and Artist Point! I wish I could be enjoying the cedar plank salmon, black truffle ravioli, or berry cobbler right now. It's great that everyone had a better AP experience overall this time (even if your courses were less enjoyable than they've previously been ).

And with that, it's time to start studying again.

Thanks so much for stopping by during your study break, Donald. Having a daughter in college (with just one week left of classes before final exams), I know how busy you probably are right now. So...

Good Luck with your Finals!!! ​

And hopefully we might see you around here more this summer and maybe even see another DonaldDoleWhip DR sometime in the near future??? It's been a very long dry spell since August and I so miss your reviews. Don't get me wrong, while I loved having you do some reporting on the Live Thread in January, it just wasn't quite the same as a full DDW Dining Report.

You could very easily recruit me if only Brad had vacation time! But I guess I should just be glad he has a job!!

Hi Denise! I didn't know that Brad got a job...that's awesome!!!

So glad you enjoyed two of my favorite things to eat at LTT- Colony Salad and Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake.

Wish they would bring the characters back in their Colonial outfits.

Funny you should mention that, Rachel. 'Cause your pic of the Colony salad was the first I received and posted on the Live Thread. I remember thinking, "Hmm...that looks and sounds really good."


And yes, I loved the colonial garb and miss it too!



Now I'm going to work on finishing my review of the GVL tea and getting it posted, so please stay tuned. But I must warn you though that last night was my son's Prom. And as the parents of a Junior, my DH and I got to help host the After-Prom party at the school from 11:30 until 4:00 a.m. Consequently, my head is a little fuzzy today so please keep this in mind when reading my next review.

Oh, and since I was just going through the pictures which I took last night on my phone, I couldn't resist the urge to share just one with you.

My son & his girlfriend​

Needless to say, the sight of my baby boy in his first tuxedo brought tears to my eyes. I'm so sappy when it comes to things like this.

 

[jabead]

My last installment ended with our early lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern. Since we had already checked off everything on our Magic Kingdom list, we decided it was then time to head back to Wilderness Lodge for an afternoon nap. As we were walking down Main Street to make our exit, my family took note of how crowded the park had become while we were inside LTT having our lunch. I know this because on the bus back to our resort they actually thanked me for making them get up early that morning in order to avoid the massive crowds that had now descended upon Magic Kingdom. Oh, and though we didn't yet know it, they actually owed me a double-dose of gratitude for our early arrival (which then allowed for our early exit), because the sea of people we had just seen on Main Street would soon be replaced by a sea of water...

Picture borrowed from Vicki's (GoofySon'sMom) Dining Report
(If you haven't yet read this installment of her report, which I will title "Hang on to your balloons!!!" , be sure to do so. Here is the LINK.)
​

Meanwhile, we were happily napping in our room at the Wilderness Lodge and with our drapes closed, were completely oblivious to the storm which was developing. My phone alarm went off 15 min. before we needed to leave for our tea (DH had agreed to drive us to the Grand Floridian). DD and I had just enough time to change clothes and then the three of us were out our door and on our way out to the parking lot to retrieve our car. However, upon reaching the lobby we stopped dead in our tracks when we saw what was happening outside. This was not the usual quick and light rainstorm that we have experienced many times during our trips to Florida. You know, the kind where you pull out your umbrella and continue on your merry way and then before you know it, the sun is shining again. No this was the "Mighty winds a'blowing, sideways deluge" kind of rain that no umbrella could possibly protect you from.

The kind where you end up looking something like this...

(The picture Vicki sent to Rachel that afternoon for the Live Thread)
​

So needless to say, I made a quick about face and headed directly to the Guest Services desk to change our reservation to another day. I then soon discovered that there were no other available times that would work with our schedule. While I was breaking the bad news to DD, the Guest Services CM called over a manager to see if there was anything that could be done to remedy our situation. We were then pleasantly surprised when the manager handed us a voucher for a complimentary cab ride over to the Grand Floridian and promised to call over and let them know that we were on our way. And so, with the help of a little pixie dust, we arrived for our tea 45 minutes late, but more importantly we arrived DRY!






But let me back up just a bit to explain the reason behind this dining choice. Having afternoon tea at the Garden View Lounge has long been a tradition for my DD and me. Our first time was in Nov. 2007 and we were celebrating my DD's 18th birthday.

My very happy DD donning the birthday tiara she was given by our server.



From that time on we were hooked and have included a mother/daughter tea in our plans during every Disney World trip since.



And so, this was our 6th time having Afternoon Tea at the...


​

Here are some pictures of the menu we were presented...



















Since we had already had our lunch, we decided not to have the "Grand Tea" or "Buckingham Palace" like we normally do.
Instead we ordered from the a la carte menu...








We each started with a pot of tea and a plate of tea sandwiches...






For our tea, we both chose our favorite, which is one of the Garden View Lounge's Signature Blends...










Princess Breakfast Tea for Two







Of course, when sipping tea in a lovely and sophisticated place like the Garden View, it is mandatory to raise your pinkie.





And here is a picture of the tea sandwiches...




5 Assorted Tea Sandwiches - Pear & Gorgonzola, Curried Chicken Salad, Salmon Salad, Egg Salad and Cucumber & Watercress - Our Rating 4/5
(and as a bonus you receive a delicious little sweet onion tart)


These were all very good, just as they have always been, except for the salmon one. It has replaced the Shrimp Salad in the assortment, and it was not a good change. My DD described the flavor of the salmon as being "like a barn smells." Now I'm not entirely sure what she meant by this, but I can tell you that this sandwich smelled and tasted very fishy. Next time, we will definitely be requesting a substitute, which for me will be my favorite...the Pear & Gorgonzola.






For our second and final course, we shared one a la carte order of the Freshly Baked Scones...




Our Rating - 5/5


We each received a plate with one scone and two small bowls, one with a scoop of Devonshire Cream and the other filled with Strawberry Preserves. While you are given a choice of Strawberry Preserves or Lemon Curd, we have always chosen the preserves. However, after hearing from emmebear and Rachel on the Live Thread that the lemon curd is heavenly here, I think next time I'm going to give it a try. But regardless of which second topping you choose, you can't really go wrong here once you have generously slathered that Devonshire Cream on your scone. The preserves or lemon curd are just "icing on the cake".


We were too full for the strawberries & whipped cream, English Trifle, or assorted pastries which are usually part of the next course. So I will finish this review with another picture of my DD...




No tiara this time, but still looking very happy!


And with that, here ends another Mother/Daughter Tea at the Garden View, which was Practically Perfect in Every Way.
​

ETA: Although the Garden View Tea is not part of the DDP and as far as I know does not offer any other discounts (like AP or DVC), it does accept Tables in Wonderland for a 20% discount.




Next up: Dinner for one from Roaring Forks

 

[jedijill]

Wow at the rain! I got into a storm like that in October 2011...It was nuts!

I love GF tea! It's a tradition now for me too. The lemon curd is absolutely divine. Apparently it's the GF Head pastry chef's family recipe. I could eat a bucket of it.

Jill in CO