The not so live version of dining w/ Disers, in Castles & on Safari! The Wrap! 2/26

[dvc4life]

Wow does Shula's ever look delicious! I showed my DH your pictures and we may just have to give the place a try on our next Mom & Dad only trip!

 

[bigdave10000]

I have been looking forward to your review of Shula's. It is our favorite restaurant at WDW. Make sure to try the crab mac and cheese the next you are there. Sometimes my wife only orders that for her meal. BTW you can also sign up for the Swan Dolphin Dining Passport to earn rewards on top of your TIW discount.

David

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

All caught up, phew! What a wonderful meal at Monsieur Paul - bacon rolls! I want one! We haven't eaten there since it was Bistro and I'm anxious to try it out. Can't wait to read about your tour of the Dream Suite. I'm popping over to your TR now to see if we're there yet!!

 

[teekathepony]

Well I'm not a steak fan, but Shula's sounds like the kind of place I should take DH! Sounds like you guys had a great meal there. I'd go for the chocolate dessert Em had! Yumm!!

 

[Stew_Mouse]

Whoops accidentally posted twice - deleted!

 

[Stew_Mouse]

Loving your reviews! You've really got me craving those fries at the Plaza. I never think to eat there, I don't know why.

The level of involvement you have with the CMs at some of these places have really opened my eyes to what a dining experience can be like. I have been getting sort of tired of eating table service (I know, first world problem!!) because it just didn't seem worth the time and money, but the relationships you have formed with the people at these places makes me rethink how I've been eating out!

You are so funny, I am really entertained by your writing. Thanks for brightening my day!

 

[blessedmom4]

Shula's looks amazing!!! Lisa (and all of us) would love it.

As I count my blessings today I am so thankful to be able to include you!! Happy Thanksgiving to YOUR amazing family!!

​

 

[wdwluvrs]

we are enjoying reading your report we are planning a family visit to WDW in May and a number of the Restaurants are on out list so far we look forward to reading more .... Mike

I have to chuckle about your observation in regarding to your travel party not knowing that so much thought and planning can go into creating a dining itinerary alone. (My husband thought the same thing and I asked him how he would plan a trip with dining and he said just show up wherever/whenever... he so doesn't get it! )

To answer your question, for ME, I'm a control freak so no, I wouldn't just randomly pull places from a hat and go with that! Wish I could!

However, your suggestion gives everyone input for their choice and then fate decides the rest. Not a bad idea at all!



Hi Rachel! I agree. Picturing a flurry of activity once the food arrives and no one digs in until our photo shoot has concluded. It will be interesting.

Ha ha!! You're right, that is one less thing to worry about since we won't be posting a live review. We'll just have to coordinate between all the Disers contributing to the dining reviews. Should be fun!



Hi there Max! (I'm taking the liberty of shortening your name. )

We're flexible like that... can't upset me by cancelling my cruise. Not when there is a cocktail being offered.

If our cruise doesn't work out we'll have a lot of people to crowd around into a lounge. Watch out everyone!!

 

[emmysmommy]

Great updates and pics.

Shula's looked so good, maybe one day.

Thanks Scott! Maybe you could split a steak three ways with someone.

Wow does Shula's ever look delicious! I showed my DH your pictures and we may just have to give the place a try on our next Mom & Dad only trip!

It really was delish Chris! A great option for a "date night" for sure. And what football loving guy wouldn't want to go there. (Unless they are not a fan of Shula or the Dolphins in that case I get it! )

I have been looking forward to your review of Shula's. It is our favorite restaurant at WDW. Make sure to try the crab mac and cheese the next you are there. Sometimes my wife only orders that for her meal. BTW you can also sign up for the Swan Dolphin Dining Passport to earn rewards on top of your TIW discount.

David

Hi Big Dave! I'm glad you were hanging in there for that review. So you are saying that the crab mac & cheese is worth trying.

I had to look up the dining passport.. for a mere 1500 points I can have an autographed Don Shula football. With a stop at Bluezoo and another Shula's during our next trip I just may earn enough points for a free olive in my martini. All good to know! Thanks for sharing that.

All caught up, phew! What a wonderful meal at Monsieur Paul - bacon rolls! I want one! We haven't eaten there since it was Bistro and I'm anxious to try it out. Can't wait to read about your tour of the Dream Suite. I'm popping over to your TR now to see if we're there yet!!

Hi there! I'm glad to see you caught up!

Who would have thought bacon in a roll? I tried it and I can say that it was exceptional.

I've made it to day 6 of my TR so only 2 days (? how many updates) before that big post! Thanks for joining.

Well I'm not a steak fan, but Shula's sounds like the kind of place I should take DH! Sounds like you guys had a great meal there. I'd go for the chocolate dessert Em had! Yumm!!

Hi Wendy! That chocolate lava cake could be a meal in itself! Em liked it but not being a chocolate fan I would rather have another slice of bread.

Glad to see your TR started!

Whoops accidentally posted twice - deleted!

Done that myself a time or two!

Loving your reviews! You've really got me craving those fries at the Plaza. I never think to eat there, I don't know why.

The level of involvement you have with the CMs at some of these places have really opened my eyes to what a dining experience can be like. I have been getting sort of tired of eating table service (I know, first world problem!!) because it just didn't seem worth the time and money, but the relationships you have formed with the people at these places makes me rethink how I've been eating out!

You are so funny, I am really entertained by your writing. Thanks for brightening my day!

Why thank you so very much! Welcome and thanks for reading.

There's a magical power to those Plaza fries, I'm pretty certain of that.

There's something to be said about taking the time out of touring plans to sit down for a spell since we are generally lazy that works for us. I'm chatty by nature so I think the poor servers don't stand a chance. We tend to make friends and come back and see our favorites at WDW. However, there is also something wonderful about grabbing a turkey leg and munching on that as you walk through the park.

Shula's looks amazing!!! Lisa (and all of us) would love it.

As I count my blessings today I am so thankful to be able to include you!! Happy Thanksgiving to YOUR amazing family!!

​

Thank you so much Judy! You are awesome!

Wishing you and your precious family a wonderful Thanksgiving as well!

 

[emmysmommy]

we are enjoying reading your report we are planning a family visit to WDW in May and a number of the Restaurants are on out list so far we look forward to reading more .... Mike

Hi Mike! Glad to see you here on Thanksgiving Day! I'm glad you find this useful and/or interesting. What a great time of the year to go to WDW - before the summer heat and away from holiday crowds. (Unless you go during Memorial Day weekend then all bets are off for crowds.)

Hopefully there are more interesting reviews coming up!

 

[emmysmommy]

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends near and far! Celebrating this day for which I am grateful for family, friends, and the many blessings in life.

 

[wdwluvrs]

San Angle Inn This is defiantly on our list for Dinner ,,, one question what is a TiW card ??

 

[emmysmommy]

San Angle Inn This is defiantly on our list for Dinner ,,, one question what is a TiW card ??

TiW translates to Tables in Wonderland. It is a discount dining card that is offered to Annual Passholders and DVC owners. It provides a 20% discount for participating restaurants. Here's a link for more information.

When I cite my TiW savings I'm sharing the 20% that was reduced from the total cost of the meal. There is a automatic 18% gratuity added for Table Service restaurants.

 

[emmysmommy]

Day 9: Saturday August 24, 2013​

Seriously, don't mock this "dining update" It's all I have and I'm committed to bringing you all that we ate and experienced this trip. If you hang in there a few minutes we'll be moving on to our Sci-Fi lunch.

After having some solo time at DHS, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to stop at Sweet Spells for a breakfast treat. I was tempted for about 2 seconds to eat something healthy at Fairfax Fare but who am I kidding, I have no self-control when it comes to a certain delicious cookie.

There were plenty of other tempting choices…but in the end I stayed true to my favorite… The CARROT CAKE COOKIE. Sweet cream cheese frosting sandwiched between two moist delicious layers of carrot cake. Sooooo tasty! It’s huge but seeing as how this was technically a “meal” I was less inclined to nibble and save some for later. What a great way to start a day!

The Amazingly delicious carrot cake cookie:

All the Other choices:

Next Up: Sci-Fi Dine In lunch​

 

[emmysmommy]

Day 9: Saturday August 24, 2013 - Sci-Fi Dine In Lunch​

We had just come from a refreshing dip in the pool at YC, taken a boat to DHS during a downpour, donned our rain ponchos, and walked through puddles to get to lunch at Sci-Fi. And I ask myself, why when there are surely better places to eat without the effort??

Sci-Fi happens to be a restaurant that has been in our dining line up from our first trip and although I’m by no means a cheerleader for their food, there’s just something about the unique theming of this place. That, and it’s one of the few restaurants where you can see video clips of Walt Disney (50’s PT is the other that comes to mind) while you enjoy one of the places that is a legacy of this creative genius.

The theming is enough to bring me back and tolerate the mediocre food.

We checked in, were seated in the rear of our Disney car, and immediately the party seated in the two rows in front of us asked to be re-seated. I didn’t take it personal since they didn’t mention my name or look my way in annoyance. When they moved I asked if we could take up the front row. Sure, no problem.

Menu photos:

I wasn’t that hungry and Emily chose not to share anything since she had skipped breakfast (darn) so I ended up ordering the buffalo popcorn chicken from the appetizer section while Em chose the cheeseburger cooked to her liking with fries as her side (cucumber salad is the other option.) She also ordered a chocolate shake.

Chocolate Shake ($4.99)

Photos of restaurant and movie clips:

Mr. Disney himself!

One of our favorite short cartoons:

So here’s the thing about Sci-Fi food, it may not be exceptional but it surprised me this time since my expectations were set so low for my appetizer that I was pleasantly surprised that they were not only spicy (Yay) but delicious. A serious under-estimation on my part! After moving aside the celery sticks you could see the popcorn chicken below.

Spicy Buffalo Popcorn Chicken: Bleu cheese dressing and celery sticks ($8.99)​

My iphone photo that was taken for the live dining thread:

I have never been disappointed in the burger or fries here and I don’t believe Em was at all. She ended up giving me a few bites and I would have gladly eaten more.

Build Your Own Angus Chuck Burger: Flame broiled beef patty with choice of cheddar or Swiss cheese, crispy bacon, lettuce, vine-ripe tomato with French fries ($15.99)​

iphone photo from live dining thread with flash:

No dessert for us. Using our TiW card we saved $6.59.

Em's condensation graffiti:

Complimentary ice water - a nice touch on a hot day:

We don't have Sci-Fi in our dining rotation next trip which is a first. We'll be back I'm sure since I will surely miss seeing the 'Colossal 50 Foot Man' movie clip in the interim.

Up Next: Cinderella's Royal Table dinner

​

 

[emmysmommy]

Day 9: Saturday August 24, 2013 – Cinderella’s Royal Table Dinner​

We returned to the castle but this time it was to have dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Cinderella is kind enough to open her castle to not only us strangers but to some of her other princess pals. I sometimes wonder if Tiana and Merida get miffed because they are never invited. One can ponder that but we were here for our first dinner experience, having been breakfast guests several times in the last few years.

We had a rather late ADR of 9:15pm but it worked out perfectly with the timing of Wishes fireworks. When we arrived for check in the lobby area was packed but we didn’t have long to wait before we were called to proceed up the royal staircase to the dining hall.

Princess photo:

Our table was perfectly positioned front and center which couldn’t have been a better location for Wishes fireworks. Christopher was our server and had quite a flair for the dramatics. He was full of wit and charm and had a “may I serve m’lady” tone for everything.

View from our table:

Table

Wands

Bring your appetite for this place since it comes with your choice of appetizer, entrée, dessert and a beverage.

Here's your options:

For starters I chose the castle salad which couldn’t have had less flavor if it was just lettuce and cucumbers with a few walnuts. Oh wait, that’s mostly what it was. And when they say a hint of vinaigrette, they truly mean a hint… as in barely discernible.

Em chose the strawberry feta salad which was incredible. She felt sorry for me looking so sad over my pathetic salad I had abandoned that she let me have the rest of hers. It was obviously the clear winner between the two.

Castle Salad: Mixed greens, apples, cucumbers, and candied walnuts topped with shaved Romano cheese with a hint of herb vinaigrette

Strawberry and Feta Salad: Strawberries, feta, arugula, almonds and vinaigrette

For some reason the ever so ordinary dinner rolls were not delivered until I asked for a basket. They were truly unremarkable so if they forget to deliver rolls to your table you are not missing much.

For the mains, Em chose the tenderloin with potatoes while I ordered the chicken. Timing was a little off since the entrees arrived before we were done with our salads and coincided with Wishes starting. It’s a little pet peeve of mine but I kept my mouth shut since Em had handed off her salad to me and was ready for more food. Perhaps we were eating too slow and they needed to keep up the pace.

Em’s tenderloin doesn’t photograph as well as it actually looked and tasted. It was perfectly cooked and tender. I was a little skeptical of this option since the breakfast version of the filet isn’t so wonderful. However the bite that I had convinced me I had nothing to worry about. It was delicious.

Beef tenderloin with garlic scalloped potatoes, asparagus and tomato butter

The chicken was actually quite tasty. The mustard jus was very mild tasting so no strong mustard flavor present. I really liked the risotto which had a very cheesy flavor. As much as I liked this dish, again, Em’s was the winner between the two.

Hmmmm asparagus...

Oven Roasted Chicken Breast with farro wheat risotto, wild mushroom and leek ragout served with a stone-ground mustard jus

As noted, Wishes started right when our entrees were delivered. The house lights went down and the soundtrack played. It was a really great perspective of the fireworks directly above and to the sides. Here’s a few photos.

Once the show ended the Princesses were announced and circulated the room. We hugged and posed with Aurora, Jasmine, Ariel, and Snow White. We also had a wishing star ceremony and used our wands to participate in the show. Here's video of some wand silliness.

Aurora

Jasmine

Ariel

Snow White

Not a princess

CRT Continued in part 2


​

 

[emmysmommy]

Cinderella's Royal Table - Dinner Part 2​

We were excited to order dessert since there were so many great options. Em went with the Chef’s dessert trio. It contained a lemon meringue tart, tiramisu, and banana bread pudding with caramel pecan topping. So what did she think? It was just ok. Nothing spectacular.

I ordered the seasonal (peach) cheesecake. It arrived looking quite tasty with a cashew brittle garnish that made me think of a sailboat. Hmmmm … looks are very deceptive. I took one bite and didn’t like it and the second bite confirmed that I definitely didn’t like it. It tasted like canned mushed up peaches dumped on a plate with a gelatinous gooey cheesecake. Ick! You can’t say that I didn’t warn you to stay away from this one!

Seasonal (Peach) Cheesecake:​

Chef’s Dessert Trio: Lemon Meringue Tart, Tiramisu, and Banana Bread pudding with Caramel Pecan topping

Christopher was a doll and saw that we were not enjoying dessert and offered to bring us other options. I just wanted a celebration cupcake minus the celebration swag.

Em didn’t really care and said to surprise her so he delivered the “Clock Strikes Twelve” dessert. It was a white and dark chocolate creation with an artful display on the plate. Em offered me a bite since she was enjoying it so much. Here’s my reaction. A few bites of my cupcake was clearly supposed to get that chocolate taste out of my buds.

The Clock Strikes Twelve: White and Dark Chocolate in a tribute to when Cinderella loses her slipper.

Inside:

Here’s my opinion of the cupcake. Deeeeeelightful! I don’t need anything special, just a plain ole cupcake makes me happy.

Christopher gladly posed for photos with us after taking a photo of us at the table.

Since the meal is prepaid when booked we had no bill; however, I was asked to show my TiW card to ensure the discount that we had been given was valid. We saved just over $20 using Tables in Wonderland.

We actually had a wonderful dining experience despite some lackluster choices on my part. In fact, after this meal we decided that we prefer dinner to breakfast.

More restaurant photos:

While we were descending the royal staircase we had some fun with Cinderella’s window.

Empty reception hall

Coming up in my trip report you’ll see those wands and wishing stars in our possession find a new home with a couple little princesses.

Next Up: Grand Floridian Café Breakfast

​

 

[khaleesi]

You're certainly not going to hear any complaints from me for posting about your cookie... or for showing all those dessert pics. I LOVE the rice krispy treat turkey legs! So cute.

That buffalo popcorn chicken has me thisclose to adding an ADR for Sci-Fi! I wouldn't want to do a full meal, but an appetizer? Hmmmmm...

Being from, well, Buffalo I love everything Buffalo chicken flavored and have considered creating a new board on Pinterest JUST for buffalo chicken recipes! We have a restaurant here that makes the most delicious buffalo wing soup and I have a rocking recipe for buffalo chicken lasagna! I'm drooling!

I know your trip is coming up, so have a GREAT time!!!!!!

 

[natebenma]

Bonus Content: Not Previously Shared in the Live Dining Thread


Honestly, no idea!

Hot appetizers: Potstickers and some meat pastry with chili sauce - I believe. I can't swear by it.

See? Chili sauce at least:

​

Thanks once again for a fabulous review of YC Club Level offerings. Since I have never been to the YC lounge, I appreciate the great amount of detail in the pictures and descriptions (to the best of your ability)

So here is my rant- they used to have signs identifying the appetizers offered. That was really helpful on so many levels- for people who may have allergies and intolerances and for others who may be reporting about food.

I had to ask one of the CMs for a description of all of the appetizers.

I believe the tomato-like thing you have pictured is actually watermelon and feta with Balsamic vinegar. I tried some and it was good. Not great, but good.

 

[teekathepony]

Still haven't tried a carrot cake cookie. I really wanted to this past trip but we are never hungry in the parks! It looks so good! Some day I'm going to have to have it for breakfast.
Looks like you guys had a good meal at Sci Fi! The atmosphere in there is so cool. Glad you were pleasantly surprised with your food.
CRT! Excited about this one. I haven't been there since 2007, and never with DH. I want to bring him some day.
How cool to be able to watch a little of Wishes from inside the castle!! Too bad about your salad, that would have been my choice too, over the strawberry feta. Now I'll know if I do get there in the nearish future!
Both entrees look really tasty, I especially like the sound of your chicken.
Hmmm too bad the desserts weren't very good, but that's nice of Christopher to bring you another. Em's Clock Strikes Twelve looks really, really delicious. I think that's going on my "Some-Day-List"!