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

[khaleesi]

That French toast sounds amazing! Hope you're having a great trip!!

 

[JulieODC]

I could totally go for that French toast right now!!

Hope you are having a fabulous trip --- looking forward to hearing about it when you return!

 

[wdwluvrs]

Brenda siting here reading in 14 degrees know why you chose the cold snap to go to the warmest place in the world.. trying to keep up on all your reports and now a third one to look forward to reading .. dreams do come true

I'll be back to finish up this Dining Review when we get back from WDW after 12/15.

I don't think I've mentioned our dining plans for this next trip so to give a brief preview.... This is a Disers dining extravaganza! I will be meeting up with several Disers to eat and play during the Holiday season at WDW. This is a first for Emily and me so we are really looking forward to the next week.

There will only be one new restaurant for me and Em - Rose & Crown. All others are repeats of old favorites. I'm looking forward to dining at California Grill for the first time since the refurb, going back to Citricos since we skipped it last trip, and of course two other favorite steakhouses at WDW - Shula's and YSH.

I will post a link to the dining review that I will be doing with my Diser friends once I return. Most everyone on the Dining Boards knows Barb's live dining thread though.

Take care and have a great week!

​

 

[OurDogCisco]

Have a fabulous trip. We just got back and Christmas at WDW is our favorite time to visit

 

[Roma]

Have the best trip ever, Brenda!! Eat a Scotch egg for me

 

[KBrown88]

Yay! Looking forward to reading the rest of his report and hopefully another one when you get back!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Day 10: Sunday August 25, 2013 - Grand Floridian Café Breakfast​

Breakfast at Grand Floridian Café has been in our dining line up for the last 6 trips. I think the appeal for us is having a relaxing, non-character centric dining experience at a beautiful resort. Obviously the food is pretty great as well.
.....
Anyone who has read my dining reviews for oh say the last 2 times will know that once I find something I like I’m not easily swayed to order something new and different. In this case, the French toast is fabulous so I stick with it.
...
There’s just something so wonderfully delicious about the French toast. I see it in my near future again!
​

The restaurant looks totally empty!

I like to order my favorites, too. French toast used to be my "go to" breakfast choice. It is much tastier than pancakes.

[I'll be back to finish up this Dining Review when we get back from WDW after 12/15. ​

You did a lot of updating while we were in WDW. I hope you had a great time. It looks like you got really lucky with the weather. I'm sorry that we couldn't have been one of the Dismeets.

 

[KatMark]

Seriously, I go on vacation and you become a madwoman with the updates?

Love the sweets you posted pictures of and could go for several of them right now.

Mary had the Buffalo Chicken at Sci Fi when we were there last week and really enjoyed it.

We've never eaten at Cinderella's (the boys would nevr go there when they were little...said it was "for girls.").

I really need to get Grand Floridian Cafe for breakfast on my list for September.

Hope you are enjoying the rest of your trip. I'm glad we at least got to give each other a hug while we were there.

 

[scottny]

What did you do to those nice people who moved? LOL.
Only ate at Sci-Fi once but would go back. Maybe when I reach goal and can eat what I want and maintain.
Nice view from your table at CRT.
Ewww! The dessert sounded terrible.
Loved your reaction to the dessert.
Can’t wait to hear more and the next trips food.
Great meeting you both last week.

 

[emmysmommy]

That vanilla laced French toast sounds like something I'm going to need to try to make some day. Yum! Breakfast looks wonderful all around, but how weird that you can mess up the potatoes so badly. Glad it didn't ruin the meal!
And again, have a fabulous trip!!
Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Try it Wendy! I didn't pass it up this trip either. Those potatoes were passed up though. Ick.

Thanks!

Have a super fab trip! Can't wait to hear all about it. Christmas at Disney is still on my "to do" list.

Thank you! This was the first time we had traveled to WDW during Christmas. It was all that I expected it to be. Thank you for reading and commenting!!

I am always late to the party (at least in terms of commenting on things!) and I just wanted to let you know how much I love reading your DR and TR's. Have a wonderful trip!

No worries. You are never too late to join. There's still plenty to share so I hope you enjoy it.

Ooh that French Toast looks yummy although I can never understand why you guys serve savoury with sweet

Have a fabulous trip

Hi Jo! I thought of you when I met someone who works with the mom's panel. You will always be remembered as the lucky lass who actually slept in the castle!

Thanks for the well wishes.

Wow, your view of Wishes at CRT is incredible! That might sway me into trying dinner there on a future trip.

Have a great time in Disney! This is such a great time of year to be there. Looking forward to reading all about it!

Hi Jeri! Dinner was definitely the better experience between the two meals we have tried. Not that the fireworks had any weight in that decision!

Thanks! We had a great time.

First off, have a great trip! I'm sad I won't be there to see all of the DISers that are there right now.

I love the GFC. I haven't had breakfast there, but dinner a few times, and I find it quite enjoyable. I agree, it's a non-character centric dining experience. The restaurant is lovely.

I am very similar to you when it comes to food. When I find something that I really like, I stick with it and it's not easy to sway me. I'm not picky at all, but when I like something, dangit I like something!

Hi Dani! Awwww we would have pulled up a chair for you at any of our dining experiences. Although you make me laugh so much that it may be hard to eat with you around.

The only time that I tend to change up what I order is when they revise the menu and I have to pick something new. However, let's be honest... if they got rid of the French toast at GFC I probably wouldn't have a reason to dine there again. Count me as another dining repeater.

All caught up! I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. And enjoy your trip!!!

Sci-Fi always looks like a lot of fun. We really need to try it one day. I mean, there's nothing wrong with a decent burger and fries in an awesome setting!

We are HUGE CRT fans - for the princesses, of course. I'm glad you girls had fun there too.

The GFC looks like a really nice choice that I have never considered. The food looks tasty, and it sounds like you regularly have a great experience there. Adding to list…….

Thank you Roni! The movie clips are entertaining for sure at Sci Fi but I wouldn't declare the food the best in the land!

CRT is definitely for princess fans young and old alike. I happen to love the wand and wishing star ceremony myself.

If you want a great non character, non princess meal in a nice setting try GFC. Fresh roses at every table are a nice touch.

 

[emmysmommy]

All caught up!! I may not remember everything but I'm going to try. (I know, memory issues & I'm nowhere near old yet. Hehe.) anyway!

The sci if looks so fun. I saw that turkey sandwich on the menu...sold! I love how odd it seems. And of course, you can't beat seeing Uncle Walt on the big screen!

Dinner at cinderella's still looks like it's the best. While I wish it was princess meet & greet free, because I love the sense of romance of being in the castle, but I do love visiting with my girls so... That wish ceremony is so fun, you just can't deny joining in. I will never forget experiencing it with my cousins. They closed their eyes and wished so hard...tears! I'm glad you guys had fun with the wands.

I was shocked to not see a mickey waffle at breakfast but when I read the description of the French toast, I understood. Looks & sounds sooooo good. I thank you for doing these and testing out foods for your fellow picky people. Robert looks so fun! You are so cool Brenda! Cast members as your friends!! I aspire to be that cool one day.

Have fun on your December trip!!! I hope you can find pumpkin bread in Starbucks! xoxo

Thanks Jennifer! You did great at remembering all those comments!

My suggestion for the CRT dining experience is that they do tend to come around when you are eating and if they all congregate together your food gets cold. I would rather have a separate meet/greet area where you can go after or before you eat. I stop short of suggesting signs on the table like at Bubba Gump where you can say Stop or Run. It just wouldn't be the same.

Oh my gosh! I forgot about your pumpkin bread suggestion but you will be happy to know that I totally scored some and thoroughly enjoyed it! I even have a photo to prove it.

It is certainly about who you know sometimes....

Brenda, have you ever done the dining plan with AP? just wondering because i am debating to get the TIW card or the dining plan for our next trip.

Since becoming AP holders we have not done the dining plan. TiW is far, far, far better for us. We tend to dine almost exclusively at TS restaurants so the 20% discount is pretty decent. That and we sometimes only order appetizers or split entrees so it gives us more flexibility.

Your mileage may vary depending on what and where you prefer to dine.

So funny - Glad I could provide some inspiration!

Any idea where she got it? The cut and color are great. It really pops in pictures - enjoy!

Thank you once again!! I didn't get around to wearing it but Em told me to keep it anyway. So generous of her! I think she got it at Forever21.

I'm going to the GFC for the first time Sunday, and if my sister doesn't order that french toast, I'll have to. It looks delicious!

I hope you have a delightful trip!

Oh my you were in town when we were there! So did you order the French toast and if so did you like it? We made it there yet again and indeed I stayed true to my French toast order.

That French toast sounds amazing! Hope you're having a great trip!!

It really is. Oh so gooooood! thanks khaleesi.

I could totally go for that French toast right now!!

Hope you are having a fabulous trip --- looking forward to hearing about it when you return!

Thanks Julie - we had a great trip. I just discovered your TR and subscribed. What an adorable little one you have! I also saw your live dining updates as well. Too bad about your CA Grill experience.

Brenda siting here reading in 14 degrees know why you chose the cold snap to go to the warmest place in the world.. trying to keep up on all your reports and now a third one to look forward to reading .. dreams do come true

Ha ha! You know it. Even CA was "cold" with highs in the 50's when we were in FL. Someone posted on FB the "Hate Florida day" it was a map of the country with cold temps throughout with a hot pocket in Central Florida. Nice!

Have a fabulous trip. We just got back and Christmas at WDW is our favorite time to visit

Thank you! It is now my favorite time to visit as well. Not sure why it took us so long to go in December.

Have the best trip ever, Brenda!! Eat a Scotch egg for me

Thanks Roma! What a coincidence. I tried a Scotch egg for the first time and I have to say that it was really good.

Yay! Looking forward to reading the rest of his report and hopefully another one when you get back!

Hi there and Thank You! It looks like I will have a simultaneous DR since this won't wrap up before me and my Dis dining pals do a joint dining review. It is the grand finale of the Live Dining Thread - Take 3 here.

The restaurant looks totally empty!

I like to order my favorites, too. French toast used to be my "go to" breakfast choice. It is much tastier than pancakes.

You did a lot of updating while we were in WDW. I hope you had a great time. It looks like you got really lucky with the weather. I'm sorry that we couldn't have been one of the Dismeets.

It definitely would have been great to meet you at any of our Dis Dining events.

We were so lucky with the temps in the 80s in December. I was skeptical when I saw the forecasts before we left but it was beautiful.

Seriously, I go on vacation and you become a madwoman with the updates?

Love the sweets you posted pictures of and could go for several of them right now.

Mary had the Buffalo Chicken at Sci Fi when we were there last week and really enjoyed it.

We've never eaten at Cinderella's (the boys would nevr go there when they were little...said it was "for girls.").

I really need to get Grand Floridian Cafe for breakfast on my list for September.

Hope you are enjoying the rest of your trip. I'm glad we at least got to give each other a hug while we were there.

Hi Kathy!! I have to get this one wrapped up since I'm doing a joint dining review so I need to kick this into high gear.

I'm so glad that we had a chance to say hi briefly as well. I know your 2014 dates so we may cross paths again. (This time hopefully with Michael.)

Put GFC breakfast on your list. I don't think you would be disappointed.

What did you do to those nice people who moved? LOL.
Only ate at Sci-Fi once but would go back. Maybe when I reach goal and can eat what I want and maintain.
Nice view from your table at CRT.
Ewww! The dessert sounded terrible.
Loved your reaction to the dessert.
Can’t wait to hear more and the next trips food.
Great meeting you both last week.

Ha ha!! We didn't say anything to them - honest. At least I don't think they overheard the comment about their big heads in the way of my photos of the screen. j/k.

I'm glad that I was able to warn people about the dessert at CRT! Obviously it wasn't for my tastes. At least the cupcake was great.

It was great to meet you as well Scott. Maybe another time I can sit down and buy you a drink.

 

[emmysmommy]

Day 10: Sunday August 25, 2013 – Le Cellier Lunch​

When Le Cellier became a signature restaurant for lunch we took a break and didn’t return until this trip. The break had nothing to do with dining credits since we have not had a dining plan since our first trip. However, when they became a Signature they ditched the smaller filet at $27.99 for the larger portion for $44. Seriously? I could barely finish the smaller filet as it was so going to a larger potion and charging $16 more essentially eliminated this as a choice since I think it would be completely wasted. So now that you know what I didn’t order…. Let’s move on.

We had a 1:30 lunch reservation but were actually ready to eat an hour before that time. We decided to check in and see if they could accommodate an earlier seating which they did no problem. (In fact, there were many empty tables so perhaps others feel the same as me??)

Lorin, from Ottawa, was our adorable server. We’ve consistently had stellar service at Le Cellier. In fact, when I think of awesome servers I think of the ones we’ve had at Le Cellier. Perhaps those Canadians are just a friendly bunch.

Drink orders taken and the bread request noted as pretzel bread only please, we were off to a good start.

Photo note: I didn't feel like popping off the flash since I felt conspicuous in the dead center of the room (HM reference there) so I kept the camera on a dummy setting that had no flash. Therefore, the photos are rather dark and make the food appear less appetizing that it really was.

Menu:

Em was in the mood for a veggie option so ordered the Ricotta Cavatelli Pasta while I on the other hand went with an old favorite, the Canadian Cheddar Cheese soup and a new item, the “Waterkist” HeirloomTomato.

Amazing Pretzel Bread:

Restaurant photos:

I have to say that Em’s pasta dish looked really good and judging by her reaction it didn’t disappoint. The same can be said of the cheddar soup which I adore! It is rich and oh so delicious! The tangy cheddar and the Moosehead beer with the smoky bacon combine to make this the best soup on Disney property IMHO. I have the recipe that was given to me a couple years ago but honestly I don’t want to make this on my own and disturb the perfect image that this conjures up for me. I’m sure mine would not turn out like Le Cellier’s.

Ricotta Cavatelli Pasta: Asparagus, chanterelle mushrooms, English peas, tomato pesto, and parmesan ($26.00)

Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup: with Moosehead beer and “Nueske’s” Applewood-Smoked Bacon ($9)​

The tomato salad was another story…I was not a fan. Mostly because the two kinds of tomatoes with quarter size mozzarella just wasn’t worth $12. Also, I despise aspic and this had gelatinous cubes of this flubbery stuff that they tried to fool me by calling it “gelee”. I suppose on the plus side I had a good dose of Vitamins C and A.

“Waterkist” Heirloom Tomato: House-made mozzarella, tomato gelee, lavash, micro basil, and Minus 8 vinegar ($12)

Between courses I wanted to take a photo of the empty room behind Em so I told her to lean over a little. Uh, she was still in the photo so I said a little more. Bam! She fell out of her chair. What a horrid mother I was because I paused a moment to ask if she was ok before I stifled a giggle. I knew it was terribly embarrassing and it was all I could do to hold in the laughter! It was too much to hold in and I busted out laughing. I felt so bad. Em reacted well but yeah, mother of the year!

You’re in my photo:

You’re still in my photo:

Much better! Why are you on the ground?

Moving on to dessert. I used to order their maple crème brulee every trip; however, this time I was too full to be tempted by that awesome dessert. Em ordered the kid’s ice cream sundae.

Dessert Menu:

Kid’s Ice-Cream Sundae with chocolate syrup ($6)

While Em ate the ice-cream I took photos of the colorful vases in the dining room.

I liked ordering a couple appetizers as a meal which completely satisfied me while not spending $44 for an entrée. It’s the point! On the other hand, the fact that a bowl of pasta was $26 is rather crazy. Using TiW, we saved $11.80.

Photo with Lorin.

We did not dine here last week but perhaps we’ll return sometime in 2014.

Next Up: Kona Café dinner
A bonus Contempo Café cupcake update first!

​

 

[Wood Nymph]

Your story about Em falling out of her chair was very funny.

The kid's sundae looks huge! The prices look awfully high for a lunch menu. Is the menu the same for dinner?

 

[sunnysideup3]

I don't think I ever realized the bacon in the soup was Nueske's! It's become so popular around the US, and it's this somewhat small business based out of a tiny town in Northern Wisconsin, near where I'm originally from. They have a great little shop of different kinds of smoked meats and cheese (obviously, it's Wisconsin! )

I'm amazed at how empty Le Cellier was! When we went in December 2012 it was packed, but what was when lunch was still 1 credit, right before the switch.

Now I'm hungry for the soup and pretzel rolls.....

 

[DisneyJo]

Hi Jo! I thought of you when I met someone who works with the mom's panel. You will always be remembered as the lucky lass who actually slept in the castle!

Oooh who'd you meet?

I would have been laughing too at my DD falling off the chair, especially when I kind of caused it

I wouldn't have been laughing at those prices though

We used to love Le Cellier but after having a couple of tough steaks there we won't be returning!

 

[JulieODC]

Oh no! Poor Em! (Funny though - and I would have laughed too!)

We like Le Cellier, but the prices make it a whole lot less appealing these days...

 

[Couchy]

Wil loves the soup.... and I love dipping the pretzel bread in the soup... yum

 

[scottny]

LOL. I knew there was something there. J/K
Maybe you can. As of this Saturday I can drink again. WOO-HOO
I love the cheddar cheese soup. I just made it last night for Vinny for his birthday.
LOL she fell out of the chair. Okay sorry not funny but really it is.
Le Cellier is a place we visit every other visit.

 

[Miss Potts]

Le Cellier... Yummmmmmmm!

Our first experience there (6-7 years ago) was on the DDP. We have since gone on almost every trip paying OOP with TiW discount. Last Feb we went for lunch and really felt the prices were just a bit much, because like you... We really didn't want that much more food. I liked the lunch sizes! Oh well.. I understand supply and demand.

That soup though is our family favorite... my DH uses the recipe from the F&W cookbook and it's wonderful!!! And also healthy... At least that's what I tell myself!

I actually was at a holiday covered dish party last night and someone brought cheddar cheese ale soup with pretzel bread. I was so excited for it... But sadly wasn't the same. It's my own fault... Silly me to not remember that everyone doesn't cook with Disney cookbooks!!!

 

[francis6306]

I am finally caught up over here on this DR! So far behind& Dec has been a BUSY month! All the food looks amazing. You make me want to scrap everything I have done and rebook!

I would like to try Sci-Fi! I think Corey would love it, but I'm worried my girls wouldn't really appreciate the dark and some of the movie clips might upset them.

Dinner at CRT looks amazing. I'd LOVE to watch Wishes from there! Your pictures of the fireworks are amazing.

I always wanted to go to Le Cellier but I don't think we will ever go. Since learning that the Cheddar Soup is made with Bacon (and I can't eat pork without getting REALLY sick) along with the high prices& It's just not winning any points for making my "must-do" list.