Living in Disney means FOOD! My Disney Fine Dining Adventure: UPDATE The Wave

[LizzieinDisney]

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Yay!!!!! It's my Friday!!!! Which means I have time to sit down and do another dining review. For those of you who don't know, Disney schedules are crazy, and rarely are my weekends on the weekend. But enough of that and on to the food!

This wonderful walkway that leads the way to Olivia's!​

Last week, a good friend and I had the chance to try Olivia's Cafe in the Old Key West resort. The atmosphere of this place is wonderful. It truly feels like you are coming home. You step through the front door of Olivia's, and you are surrounded by pictures of DVC members having an amazing time at Disney. I felt like I was admiring someone's refrigerator door.

PS: Sorry for the terrible pictures, it was a rough camera day. Usually, things don't turn out this bad! ​

And just like I always learn a lot about a person from a refrigerator, you learn a lot about Olivia's from their wall. Mainly, the fact that to them, you are family.

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The quaint little restaurant is an eclectic jumble of mismatched chairs, strong wooden tables, and small details that make you feel like you are back at a country restaurant in small town America. Look for the rack of newspapers!

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As you sit down, your server will bring by coloring pages and crayons for the little kids and the big kids too! We were a party of adults only and still gladly accepted our coloring supplies! Each table is equipped with it's own selection of crayons.

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Now, on to the good stuff, the food! Oh. My. Goodness. I am still dreaming about the Banana Bread French Toast! Light and fluffy, this toast didn't even need the rum sauce. A thick rum sauce is included with the toast. Because I don't particularly enjoy the taste of rum, I got my sauce in a little dish on the side. And while it was okay, I much preferred the toast on it's own.

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It was very sweet in its own right! I also slathered it with whipped cream, because what is french toast without whipped cream? Included in the meal was sausage or hash browns. There is no breakfast meat I love more than sausage! Overall, my meal was incredible. The bread was light and fluffy, perfectly good, and with the right amount of sweetness. The meat had a great taste, nicely spiced and well cooked.

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My dining partner got biscuits and gravy. The gravy was thick, but not too salty. I had several bites of hers, and it was yummy! She declared it good, but not quite as wonderful as true southern biscuits and gravy.

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We finished off our meal completely content and very full! Olivia's is a great place to celebrate a birthday or special occasion. I think we sang Happy Birthday at least 4 times during our meal, and also cheered and clapped for an engagement and an anniversary.

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If you are looking for a quiet breakfast, this isn't it. But if you want somewhere to feel at home, where you are surrounded by family pictures and amazing food, then give Olivia's a try on your next trip!

I threw in this picture just for fun, because I liked it ​

 

[LizzieinDisney]

The Grand Floridian Cafe is one of those places that is under appreciated in the Disney food regime. Rarely do you need an ADR and the experience is lovely! If you are looking for somewhere to do a lovely afternoon meal, but don't want the hustle and bustle of quick service, jump on the monorail and try The Grand Floridian Cafe!

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For me, anything in the Grand Floridian is going to be elegant, and the Cafe is no exception. Everything here makes you feel as if you have been transported back to the Victorian era. The warm floral wallpaper, the white wooden chairs, and the red rose on every table reminded me of a ballroom.

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I half expected a prince and princess to come waltzing down the middle of the restaurant. However, don't feel like you can't wear your shorts and t-shirts here. It is a great break from a long day at the Magic Kingdom, and you won't feel out of place in your tourist finery!

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We were seated immediately at a lovely round table overlooking the grounds of the resort. The lace draperies were pulled back, allowing us to be washed in the soft sunlight.

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We had a wonderful server who was very attentive to all our needs. Her meal recommendations allowed us to have an incredible meal! We decided to forego starters this time, as I knew a dessert would be waiting on the horizon.

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After scouring the menu, I knew there was only one consensus for this meal: The Grand Sandwich! This sandwich had the most heavenly white cheese sauce to accompany it.

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Our waitress suggested having extra sauce on the side, and I am glad she did. I easily could have drank a cup of that sauce, forget about having it on the sandwich.

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Crispy onion straws topped the monstrous pile of meat, cheese, bread, and sauce. This was one sandwich I would be eating with a fork and knife. The bread was toasted and crunchy, working perfectly with the creamy sauce and meats. Overall, this sandwich was amazing. It was a huge portion of food, I couldn't finish the whole thing.

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Next up was dessert, and of course, there is nothing better than the dessert sampler! We split this between three people and I felt it was the perfect finish to a meal. Granted, I could always go for more lemon cheesecake, but after that massive sandwich, this was a good amount.

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The sampler included a solid chocolate Mickey, a lemon cheesecake, boston creme pie, key lime tart, and berry almond tart. The lemon cheesecake and berry almond tart topped my list.

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I really enjoyed the chocolate crust on the key lime tart, I would never have considered those two together, but it worked really well!

The Key Lime Tart​

The boston creme pie was good, but I would have enjoyed a double portion of the lemon cheesecake instead.

The Boston Creme Pie and Berry Almond Tart​

The cheesecake was creamy and fluffy, with the perfect amount of lemon without overdoing it.

The Lemon Cheesecake​

Overall, our meal at the Grand Floridian Cafe was a wonderful afternoon. Next time you want an elegant table service meal without an ADR, head over to the Grand Floridian Cafe. Get the Grand Sandwich with extra sauce on the side. You won't regret it!

Our dining group in front of the Cafe​

 

[tluvstink]

Great reviews! We tried GFC for the first time a few years ago and loved it! I can't wait to go back


Terri

 

[LizzieinDisney]

Great reviews! We tried GFC for the first time a few years ago and loved it! I can't wait to go back


Terri

Thanks for joining in! I loved it too, but sadly, so many people don't give it a chance. It is a lovely spot!

 

[DLFan123]

What a great idea. Love your reviews so far. That banana bread French toast looks divine!

 

[LizzieinDisney]

What a great idea. Love your reviews so far. That banana bread French toast looks divine!

Oh my goodness, it was! Divine is the perfect word I can't wait to go back! Thanks for joining it, it's great to have you!

 

[Mom2Stitch]

Awesome reviews so far, thank you Sanaa looks amazing, we might have to try it on our trip in September.

Also wanted to say I read your blog and love your enthusiasm for Disney, thank you

 

[momabbate]

I live to eat, and hope to eat at as many places as I can. Can't wait to hear your reviews. I am currently working on ADRs for 2014 trip.

 

[Tinker12]

My family LOVES Trails End Buffet. Thank you for posting the photos! They are wonderful!

 

[LizzieinDisney]

Awesome reviews so far, thank you Sanaa looks amazing, we might have to try it on our trip in September.

Also wanted to say I read your blog and love your enthusiasm for Disney, thank you

Aw, thank you! I really love working for the Mouse, life isn't always magical, but I wouldn't want to be anywhere else! If you get the chance on your next trip, please give Sanaa a try. You won't regret it! Thanks for stopping in, it is great to hear from you.

I live to eat, and hope to eat at as many places as I can. Can't wait to hear your reviews. I am currently working on ADRs for 2014 trip.

Me too Yay!!!!! Upcoming trips are so exciting. I usually only manage to plan my meals a week in advance, and even that is fun! I can only imagine the excitement that builds with having 180 days to look forward to food. Thanks for joining in!

My family LOVES Trails End Buffet. Thank you for posting the photos! They are wonderful!

I LOVE Trails End too! Aw, thanks for the compliment. You are so sweet! I'm glad to find another person who loves Trails End. Thanks for joining the food party!

 

[LizzieinDisney]

When I think back through all the fun and exciting dining opportunities I have had lately, none stand out as clearly as Be Our Guest. Maybe it's because Beauty And The Beast just started playing on my Pandora, but I think it's because it was a truly magical experience.

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I was never lucky enough to actually score a reservation for BOG, besides one that was six months in advance. By the time I actually started checking, that meant November.

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I really didn't want to wait that long, so I thought about testing my luck and trying a walk up. Perhaps it was my over-the-top-excitement, Disney charm, or simply that someone cancelled, but regardless of the reason, we made it in!

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We entered the restaurant around 9:30 pm. As we walked down the stone bridge, I could hardly believe we were actually entering the Beast's castle.

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We paused on the threshold as our hostess gallantly asked us to "Be Our Guest!" before pulling open the double doors and opening up a fantasy.

The West Wing​

This place is truly amazing. I know you have probably read 500,000,000,000 reviews on the subject, but let me tell you: there is nothing like seeing it in person. The towering ballroom windows, the thundering lighting from the West Wing, and of course, the Master himself transport you directly into the film.

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We were freaking out, and totally excited about everything. The rose napkins were especially wonderful! Our server was excellent, and she kept our excitement continuing. She even let us keep our menus! Mine is currently sitting on my dresser.

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Now, on to the food! Unlike several people, I found the food to be quite delicious. The meal started with French Onion Soup. The cheese was thick and stringy, but the soup fell somewhat flat for me. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't as yummy as I was hoping.

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The bread service, on the other hand, started the meal off perfectly. The bread was warm and crispy on the outside, but soft in the middle.

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Next up was the entrees! I was looking to try something unique, so I went for the Ratatouille. It was so yummy! It is a vegetarian dish, with quinoa and roasted vegetables, topped with a fried leaf, but I honestly can't remember which one

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It was thick, hearty, and filling! But more than that, I found it positively yummy! The flavors burst in my mouth, dancing like Belle and the Beast. I ate every bit of it and enjoyed it immensely.

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My dining partner got the salmon and potatoes. Again, I really enjoyed her dish. The salmon was moist and tender, the potatoes beautifully seasoned. Overall, we both really enjoyed our meals!

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We decided to forego dessert this time, but a few days later, I went back to BOG and picked up a cupcake so I could at least have something to write about!

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The cupcake was moist and the meringue spongy. The lemon curd filling was heavenly. My only real complaint is the size! This cupcake isn't the normal, replace-a-meal, type of cupcakes at Disney. It is smaller and more suited to a dessert, but it is also the same price as the ginormous cupcakes.

The Grey Stuff is a cookies-and-cream mousse with candied beads.​

The desserts at lunch are the same at dinner, with one exception: the Grey Stuff. Now, normally this decadent dessert is saved for special celebrations. I think our enthusiasm may have been contagious, because our lovely server, Kimberly, brought us some anyway, even though the only thing we were celebrating was getting into Be Our Guest!

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Also, Kimberly, if you ever come across this, please know how fantastic a Cast Member you are. You made our night magical!

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We finished off our night by meeting the Beast. Perhaps one of the most magical experiences of my entire Disney career to date occurred here. As the Beast was preparing to depart the ballroom for his bedchambers, I had the chance to walk arm-in-arm with him through the empty restaurant. We wandered the empty ballroom before he departed with a little bow. For me, that made my night!

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Overall, my Be Our Guest experience was incredibly magical. Lunch a few days later just felt rushed and busy. I didn't get the personal, magical feeling we had at dinner. The food was yummy, but not the most incredible food ever. However, the atmosphere more than made up for it! I loved this place and would go back in a heartbeat!

 

[Eeyore's Wife]

Lizzie,

You are my long lost sister! Could not have said it better myself. I am so happy you get to be there at Disney. Keep em coming.

 

[Melanie B]

This is such a wonderful report. Thank you for sharing your experience

 

[momabbate]

I think you have moved BOG to the top of my list. The Layered Ratatouille sounds delish. Can't wait to see where you eat next!

 

[LizzieinDisney]

Lizzie,

You are my long lost sister! Could not have said it better myself. I am so happy you get to be there at Disney. Keep em coming.

Thanks! Sometimes, I walk into Magic Kingdom unable to believe I actually live here. Don't worry, there are plenty more reports to come! Have a great afternoon!

This is such a wonderful report. Thank you for sharing your experience

Of course! I know I am incredibly blessed to be living here, so it makes me excited to have the opportunity to share those experiences with you!

I think you have moved BOG to the top of my list. The Layered Ratatouille sounds delish. Can't wait to see where you eat next!

Yes! If you can get a reservation, please go! I know some people have been very unhappy with the food, but I loved it. Maybe I'm just not picky enough... Tomorrow, we are trying somewhere a little off the beaten track by heading to Captains Grille at Yacht and Beach. I'm excited to try something new!

 

[Wills Mom]

Love your reviews so far! Your BOG meal and experience just sound amazing Can't wait to read about your next Disney culinary adventure!

 

[Cavners5]

We are also in the planning stages for 10/2015!!!! I know, early but one can never be too prepared for a party of 10...love your posts, can't wait for the next one

 

[LizzieinDisney]

Warning: this post will make you run to your freezer for the nearest gallon of ice cream. You have been warned. Proceed at your own risk.

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When we are talking about restaurants that aren't often populated, Whispering Canyon Cafe comes to mind. I know many people head here for dinner, but we decided to break tradition and check it out for lunch. That might just have been one of the best life decisions I have made recently

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If you know anything about me, you know that I love ice cream. I mean LOVE it. Like, I could probably eat four Mickey bars in a day, no questions asked (Confession: one day, I did eat three but, that's because they were free at a Cast Party!). So, for me, I knew there would be no better place than Whispering Canyon, because THEY HAVE BOTTOMLESS MILKSHAKES. Oh. My. Goodness.

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This quaint spot is inside the lobby of the Wilderness Lodge. If you have ever been to Yellowstone National Park, take the Old Faithful Lodge and transport it to Disney. Viola! You have the Wilderness Lodge. With soaring oak beams, colorful Native American designs, and rustic furniture, you will promise you have just been transported to the Redwood Forest of yesterday.

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If you have time while waiting for your reservation, wander the lobby. There is a river that runs through it!

The view from the lobby. The river feeds into the pool.​

Once your name is called, you enter a magical world of bottomless milkshakes, crazy antics, and yummy food! The restaurant is, of course, cowboys and indians themed. It reminded me of the perfect fort I would have loved to play in as a child. Like something out of my little girl Western dreams.

Seriously, I love the theming here.​

Looking over the menu, I knew there was only thing I absolutely-positivily-will-die-if-I-don't-get-it: BOTTOMLESS MILKSHAKES! I started off with vanilla, which was perfectly creamy and delightful. Just as my daddy used to make them on a hot Sunday afternoon. This was the perfect beginning to my meal.

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After downing half my milkshake, I knew that if I was going to keep some room for any more, my meal would have to be light. Therefore, I rustled up a kids menu and went for the catch of the day: salmon! Tip: There is no taboo on adults ordering kids meals as long as you are paying OOP. If you love milkshakes as much as I do, I recommend ordering a kid's meal at WCC. Know why? MORE ROOM FOR MILKSHAKES!

You know what else is really awesome about kids meals? They come on Mickey plates! And, your drink is included


Everything is in Mason Jars, adding to the Old West feel.​

The salmon was yummy. It was tender and fell apart nicely. Not the best salmon in the world, but for a Disney kids meal, I thought it fit the bill nicely. Besides, I could enjoy my third and fourth milkshake while my friends were still trying to eat their meals. For their food, all three of them tried the pulled pork sandwich. I tried a bite, and it was very good. The pulled pork had plenty of barbecue sauce! It came with coleslaw and french fries.

The Pulled Pork Sandwich


And just because you can never have too many milkshake pictures, here are a few more! This is the chocolate milkshake and the strawberry milkshake
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My dining buddy had her heart set on chocolate cake, so she tried it. It was incredible. If I didn't just have three milkshakes, I would have gotten some myself! It was a thick, moist, cake with a heavenly ganache.

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Because we were there at lunch, the antics were not nearly as crazy as I had heard. There were only about three other tables with diners, so the restaurant was fairly empty. We had an incredible server who happened to be awarded one of this year's Legacy Badges. He did an excellent job, but no crazy antics. Until we asked for ketchup...

If you want one ketchup bottle, you might as well have 27!​

Of course, as soon as someone else asked for ketchup, we were the lucky Pony Express who got to deliver it. But hey, it is all part of the fun!

Just as freebie, aren't these salt and pepper shakers adorable?​

Overall, we had an amazing time at WCC. Yes, it was very quiet, so we didn't get to enjoy the antics. But the food was yummy, and the milkshakes would have given an good Pony Express rider a run for his money. Oh, I'm dreaming about them now...I might have to make a trip to WCC this week...

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If you are at Magic Kingdom and looking for a good spot for lunch, don't hesitate to try Whispering Canyon Cafe. It is a just a quick boat ride to the home of bottomless milkshakes!

 

[LizzieinDisney]

Love your reviews so far! Your BOG meal and experience just sound amazing Can't wait to read about your next Disney culinary adventure!

Thanks! It truly was. One of my favorite Disney meals to date, but Sanaa is a close second! Funny story, I actually had the designer of Sanaa at my store the other day! You can tell I am a true foodie, because that made my day Sort of like a celebrity sighting for me.... Thanks for commenting, it's great to hear from you!

We are also in the planning stages for 10/2015!!!! I know, early but one can never be too prepared for a party of 10...love your posts, can't wait for the next one

You are right, it is NEVER too early to plan! I planned my trip to Europe for four years, so I totally get it. Yay for big groups in Disney!!!!! That will be so fun. Thanks for dropping in, good to hear from you! Have SO much fun planning your trip!

 

[chocolateMinnie]

Thanks for the tip about ordering kids meals - I always feel uncomfortable about what is and isn't allowed (oop) and would often love to order just an app and drink at lunch or a kids meal and drink. Great to know this is considered ok.