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

[Linda67]

Some of you may have noticed that the Live Thread was closed tonight. I have sent a PM to a couple of the moderators to inquire as to why it was closed but I suspect that since the thread just reached 250 pages long that that might be the maximum length for a thread here on the DIS. If so, I guess I will be forced to start a new thread, which is ok except at this point the thread is locked so I can't even transfer anything over (like the Table of Contents pages) or do any edits to the existing posts (like the April/May Game totals). UGH!

So anyway, please stay tuned while I figure out what's going on.

I think you are correct Barb; threads are automatically closed when they reach a certain number of pages
I'm sure the mods must have a way of you transferring stuff over in fact I'm sure I've seen that done before - fingers crossed but don't stress either way

 

[emmysmommy]

You are WAY too popular Barb! I'm sure the PMs will let you rescue some of your content on the live thread. (Can you PM Joh and see if she has some advice?)

 

[wilma-bride]

I thought felt my ears burning. Well, looky here, 3 of my favourite DISers in consecutive posts Good morning/evening lovely ladies.

Unfortunately, my moderating powers don't stretch to boards that I am not a moderator for so there isn't a whole lot I can do as far as unlocking the thread. I am just going to see if I can access any of the content to maybe PM it to Barb or something. If not, I am fairly sure that one fo the lovely moderators here on the Dining reviews board would be glad to help out.

Barb, if all else fails, you could just post a link to the previous thread in the new one.

ETA: No, sorry, I can't do anything with it at all. Barb, I hope the mods here can help you out since you do such a fab job with the live thread

 

[emmysmommy]

I thought felt my ears burning. Well, looky here, 3 of my favourite DISers in consecutive posts Good morning/evening lovely ladies.

Unfortunately, my moderating powers don't stretch to boards that I am not a moderator for so there isn't a whole lot I can do as far as unlocking the thread. I am just going to see if I can access any of the content to maybe PM it to Barb or something. If not, I am fairly sure that one fo the lovely moderators here on the Dining reviews board would be glad to help out.

Barb, if all else fails, you could just post a link to the previous thread in the new one.

ETA: No, sorry, I can't do anything with it at all. Barb, I hope the mods here can help you out since you do such a fab job with the live thread

Ha ha ha!!! Love the tone Joh, so funny!!!! I just PM'd you back and how coincidental that your ears were burning!!!

Happy Friday!

 

[jabead]

Now that things have settled down again on the Live Thread, I'll try to get back to writing the next installment of my Dining Report. Sorry for the delay.



Oh, and thanks Joh for trying to help me out.

 

[CaliBear]

Tea looks like fun, jabead! Dinner for one from Roaring Forks (yum)- what a sweet wife.

 

[jabead]

The jabead family has not been to Tony's Town Square Restaurant for a very long time, probably more than 10 years. I know that for a very short time when she was about 9, Tony's was my DD2's favorite Disney World restaurant. It was during this time that we dined here a few times. I don't really remember why we quit going there, but we did and Tony's has long been off the jabead family radar. However, a few weeks before this trip I came down with a horrendous case of Disney dining indecisiveness. My children were concerned, so concerned that they decided to stage an intervention. The two of them made me give them a list of the restaurants that I was still considering and then after looking at their online menus, they made the final decisions. One of these decisions was that we would have dinner at Tony's. Now this had been a recent addition to my list ... added on a whim after Brenda (emmysmommy) & Emily dined there. I really didn't think that Tony's was a strong contender to make the final cut, but the Disney dining gods (cleverly disguised as my children) thought otherwise.

And so it was that on this night, the three of us had dinner at...






After checking in we waited for quite awhile to be seated. But it was during this time that I received some great news. Vicki (GoofySon'sMom) and Andrew were on their way back to Magic Kingdom, so we would be able to meet after all. Consequently, I was in a great mood when we were finally seated at a table right next to this really cute couple...




​

Now the first thing that we all noticed was how loud the restaurant was. So loud that, much to my surprise, my teenage son not only noticed it but had the idea of downloading an app on his phone which measures noise levels. The results... on a scale of 1 - 100, the noise level at Tony's that night measured at nearly 90 dB. [Some of the examples which the app gave of noises that may be over the dangerous 90 dB level were gun blasts at close range and jet take-offs.] Yikes! I thanked my lucky stars that my DH was not present for this dinner. He absolutely despises noisy restaurants and I'm sure would have been very unhappy here...and believe me, he would not have suffered in silence.

Okay, let's move on to the food now, shall we?


Here are some menu pics...













And the rolls...







We decided to start by sharing this appetizer...





Zucchini Fries - Breaded seasoned Zucchini with creamy Sun-dried Tomato Dressing for dipping
Our Rating - 4/5

These were very good and probably would have been given a 5 rating if there had been just a few more fries. Eight zucchini fries were just not enough for 3 people to share, plus the fact that 8 is not easily divisible by 3. Do you know how difficult it is to split the last two fries into three equal portions? Because of course, no one was willing to forfeit their full share, not even me. There are many sacrifices which I willingly make for my children, but my 1/3 share of two delicious zucchini fries was not one of them.


And speaking of sacrifices, I stubbornly also refused to share an entree with my DD. When she asked, I reminded her that I was not her father and had made no such deals with her. Unhappily (and perhaps a little out of spite) she proceeded to order the same entree as me...




Cannelloni filled with a mixture of Ground Beef and Sausage, Mozzarella, and Ricotta served with Marinara and Alfredo Cream Sauce


So I really wanted to love this, mostly because I wanted to justify my unwillingness to share it with my DD. But sadly, I did not. I rated it a 3 at the time, but I really only gave it a 3 to save face. In all honesty I would probably have to agree with my daughter's rating of only a 2. In fact, when I inquired as to the name of their chef at Tony's, our server said he was a boy by the name of "Ardee".

Oh, I'm totally pulling your leg. It was definitely nowhere near as bad as that dreadful stuff that comes in a can. If I had to describe this dish in one word it would be, "BLAND". Nothing more, nothing less. But for me, when it comes to Italian food, BLAND is a dirty word.





So did my DS pick the winning entree of the night?

Here is what he chose...






Chicken Parmigiana - Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast with Marinara sauce topped with Melted Mozzarella over Spaghetti


The answer to that question would be...Nope. He also gave his entree a rating of 2, saying that while the chicken was okay, the pasta tasted really weird.

​

And so our usual dessert discussions then began.

DD said, "No way, you made me eat a whole entree by myself."

DS said, "I'm full." (and I'm sure he was because my bread-loving son had eaten at least three of our dinner rolls)


Now I LOVE creme brulee and had always wanted to try Tony's pistachio version, but between the deafening sound of jets taking off from the table next to ours (or perhaps it was just a screaming child ) and my anxiousness to meet up with Vicki, I caved and requested the check.



So I'd have to say that the Disney Dining gods played a not-so-nice trick on us that night. And you know what they say, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." But fool that I am, I will probably give Tony's another try

... in another 10 years or so

...when I forget again why it is that we don't dine there.


But to end on a positive note, at least I learned how to split two zucchini fries three ways!


And on an even more positive note, I did in fact have the honor of meeting this lovely lady from the DIS Dining Reviews Board at Magic Kingdom on this very night.

Vicki (GoofySon'sMom) & Yours Truly​

Next up: Breakfast at Kona Cafe

 

[emmysmommy]

Wow! I can see why this won't be on your radar for a return anytime soon. Blame your kids though... definitely! I remember those zucchini fries from your guessing game!

I loved our meal so perhaps my problem is that I overlook flavor for an attractive waiter... I must have been distracted!

I know it is noisy inside but honestly I don't remember it being that bad. Again, perhaps the distraction of our waiter!

But on a very positive note... It's AWESOME that you got to meet Vicki face-to-face! You are now officially in my "I've meet Diser Vicki Club"!

 

[Linda67]

So we are torn between a lunch ressie at Liberty Tree Tavern or Tony's Town Square and I think you may have just swayed me towards LTT

That said, if the waiter looks anything like Brenda is hinting at, that could still change

 

[lovegrumpy]

I wanna try Tonys but so many people say it is wroth it. My hubby is Italian so I think it well probably never be on the list.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

But on a very positive note... It's AWESOME that you got to meet Vicki face-to-face! You are now officially in my "I've meet Diser Vicki Club"!

Brenda, you are too funny! I hope to see all you lovely ladies in December for one big Barb-Brenda-Em-Linda-Rachel-Vicki Diser Club meet! (Forgive me if I forgot anyone!)

I am determined that Andrew and I are going back to Tony's in August. He is less than thrilled. I love the zucchini fries! Neither of us like the red sauce there so we will probably go for lunch when we can get a flatbread or a panini.

And I do love the pistacio creme brulee! I am sorry that your uncooperative family didn't allow you to try it, Barb!

 

[wilma-bride]

Haha Barb. Love the negotiations with your DD. I do the same negotiations with Daniel - but it is usually me trying to persuade him to share an entree with me.

Sorry Tony's was a disappointment but I can't say I'm surprised - it seems rare to see a positive review (in fact, Vicki's is the only one I think I've seen).

A positive end to your meal that you got to meet up with the lovely Vicki though - welcome to the 'I've met Vicki' club

 

[Smiling Cheshire Cat]

I really wished you could give Tony's a good endorsement. I want to try it again, but no one in my family is on board with this decision.

 

[Linda67]

I am determined that Andrew and I are going back to Tony's in August. He is less than thrilled. I love the zucchini fries! Neither of us like the red sauce there so we will probably go for lunch when we can get a flatbread or a panini.

Ah lunch, now there's an idea - I'm off to check the menu out right now

 

[rachel09985]

Bummer Tony's was bad. I have heard their red pasta dishes aren't great. I had pork tenderloin and it was decent.

 

[jabead]

I am enjoying reading along. I don't have a daughter to go to the GVL Tea, my DH and I come in May, maybe I can convince him to go along..doubtful

On our 25th Anniversary trip I talked my DH into doing the tea with me and I think he actually enjoyed it. So don't give up on the idea.

Too funny! Enjoying the reviews!

Thanks, Fran.

Mmm

More food from the Lodge

The carrot cake cupcake from there is yummy

I will PM you later with some December ideas but I am thinking I should set up a traditional English tea for all the ladies at GF

The great food that I had WL is one of reasons why I'm thinking of staying there again in December. But then the new Boardwalk Bakery is looking pretty good too.

I'll add a few ideas to your great list and get it back to you soon.

I have lurked for awhile in your threads and I am really enjoying your family one. WL is my dream place to stay someday and I love seeing all the on site resturants.

Thanks for reading along and I hope your dream comes true very soon...WL is a great resort!

My DD have been having tea at the GF annually since she was 3 years old. I have to dig up the pictures of her on our first trip there...
But we love it and she requests it every time we're in WDW. We are heading back this August and of course we have tea booked! Your review has made me want to try the scones and I am happy that it is possible to substitute the sandwiches if you don't like one. Thank you!
(Going to look for that picture, now...)

I'll look forward to seeing the pics from your tea in August.

I had it but I don't remember it tasting bad. It was my least favorite but it wasn't overpowering fishy smell, haha.

I guess maybe we just got a bad batch then. I'm just happy that it didn't make either of us sick.

Ladies tea in December, I have my pinkies manicured and ready for this!!!

My condolences for the Illinois loss but at least your DH has a nice wife who delivered dinner!!

Of course being English I have afternoon tea served from fine china every day
I think it sounds like this is the one event that is a must!

I love the idea of having tea with a proper English lady.

We tried one of those S'mores cupcakes last September, but thought it was just OK. So I am not sure if you were missing anything.

That makes me feel a little better. Thanks Susan!

Tea looks like fun, jabead! Dinner for one from Roaring Forks (yum)- what a sweet wife.

Thanks CaliBear! Although I must admit that I had an ulterior motive for offering to get him dinner. I really wanted to get menu pics etc. from Roaring Fork for my dining report. But that's our little secret!

 

[jabead]

I loved our meal so perhaps my problem is that I overlook flavor for an attractive waiter... I must have been distracted!

I know it is noisy inside but honestly I don't remember it being that bad. Again, perhaps the distraction of our waiter!

Ahh yes, if our waiter at Tony's had looked like our waiter at Via Napoli then maybe that cannelloni would have tasted a little less bland.

So we are torn between a lunch ressie at Liberty Tree Tavern or Tony's Town Square and I think you may have just swayed me towards LTT

That said, if the waiter looks anything like Brenda is hinting at, that could still change

I definitely recommend that you go to LTT for lunch and head to Via Napoli for the eye candy.

I wanna try Tonys but so many people say it is wroth it. My hubby is Italian so I think it well probably never be on the list.

If your husband is used to good Italian food then I'm guessing he would not like the food at Tony's.

Brenda, you are too funny! I hope to see all you lovely ladies in December for one big Barb-Brenda-Em-Linda-Rachel-Vicki Diser Club meet! (Forgive me if I forgot anyone!)

I am determined that Andrew and I are going back to Tony's in August. He is less than thrilled. I love the zucchini fries! Neither of us like the red sauce there so we will probably go for lunch when we can get a flatbread or a panini.

And I do love the pistacio creme brulee! I am sorry that your uncooperative family didn't allow you to try it, Barb!

If I ever do return to Tony's then maybe lunch would be the way to go! And I will definitely be getting the creme brulee next time.

Haha Barb. Love the negotiations with your DD. I do the same negotiations with Daniel - but it is usually me trying to persuade him to share an entree with me.

Sorry Tony's was a disappointment but I can't say I'm surprised - it seems rare to see a positive review (in fact, Vicki's is the only one I think I've seen).

A positive end to your meal that you got to meet up with the lovely Vicki though - welcome to the 'I've met Vicki' club

I am very happy to be a member. I just wish you could attend the club meeting in December.

I really wished you could give Tony's a good endorsement. I want to try it again, but no one in my family is on board with this decision.

Sorry Rachel, but if you should convince your family then maybe you could follow Vicki's idea of going there for lunch and trying something other than the pasta dishes with marinara sauce.

Bummer Tony's was bad. I have heard their red pasta dishes aren't great. I had pork tenderloin and it was decent.

Tony's was definitely one of the lowlights of our trip, but things will soon be looking up.

 

[jabead]

I'm going to now pose a riddle to all of you before posting my next review of our breakfast at Kona Cafe. Here it is:


What does Kona Cafe (my current favorite Disney restaurant for breakfast) and California Grill (my current favorite Signature restaurant) have in common?


(and the answer is not that they are both my favorites in their respective categories, that's way too easy. )


Mucho bonus points for anyone that somehow comes up with this one?

 

[wilma-bride]

Sushi

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Sushi

That was my first thought too.

I know Cali is being refurb'd but haven't heard anything like that for Kona.

Hmmmm.....