|
|||||||||
| Register | Chat | Reviews | News | BLOG | DISer Photos | FAQ | Calendar | Search | Today's Posts | Mark Forums Read |
| DIS Home | Theme Parks | Resorts | Dining | Photos | Planning | Tickets | Events | Transportation | Discounts |
![]() |
|
|
Thread Tools | Rate Thread | Display Modes |
|
|
#1 |
|
Girls of the Woo Hooty: Riddlers Gone Bad
I'm gettin' trippy about my race Well, I was channeling YOU Jack, the fairly good person to unwind to Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Twixt here and there. . .
Posts: 1,326
|
Had ADRs. Did Eat. . .Well! Part III - The Finale
For those of you late to the party, you can catch my reviews of the following in earlier posts: Brown Derby, Le Cellier, & PSB. I'd give you a link, but I'm too darn lazy and hassled by a head cold that is currently kicking my bum. . .
Earlier, our daring family of eating machines had found themselves pitted against the likes of Hollywood, Canada, and Norway. Now, the true tests awaited. . . Day 4 (continued): Having enjoyed PSB earlier in the day, and having survived BBB, we continued the Princess for a Day theme and wound up at 1900 Park Fare (for those who are keeping score, my dinner check says FARE, not Fair, Faire, nor Fairie). We had not eaten here before, and we almost didn't this time. Though the BBB was an overall fun experience for our 5-yr old daughter, it was a hectic place despite our ressie. In short, we left DTD at 5:35 heading for VWL to shower and change before driving to the Grand Floridian. Oh, yeah. We made it. . .6:08 to be exact for 6:10 ADR. For the uninitiated, when they say parking is available across the street, they mean ACROSS THE @$!# STREET! I dropped off my party and had to hoof it back to 1900, which was no mean feat given that I had been my 5-yr old's favorite ride the past four days, what she liked to call the "Daddy Express." You know, kid on shoulders, straddling your neck, weighing you down like an albatross who needed to be on Weight Watchers. I was 6' 1" to start the trip; I'm now 5' 5" tall. Again, my James Joycean tendency for stream-of-consciousness thinking. My apologies. Back to 1900. I dashed to the restaurant to find my dear, lovely wife yelling, "Hurry up!" Aargh! As if I had been strolling down the nature trail at VWL. I guess she missed the sweat streaming down my brow like a snow-fed stream during break up in Alaska. Anyway, our lovely daughter was dressed like Snow White after the BBB, and guess who was waiting for her at the entrance to 1900? Yep, Snowie herself. It was a very sweet moment, and I have pics to prove it! We were seated immediately, greeted by our server less than a minute later, and hitting the buffet line two minutes after that. Okay, the wife and another guest with us did that. . .DD5 and I were left waiting since the mice (Suzy and Perla?) were milling nearby, as was Cindy herself. I finally got to the buffet about 15 minutes later.But, what a treat it was! The salads, the soups, the side dishes, and the main courses were all very delectable. I feasted on the portobello ravioli, the made-in-front-of-your-eyes alfredo with shrimp and fresh asparagus, the prime rib (actually mostly medium rare and not charbroiled to leather), the spring rolls, the chicken curry w/couscous, the salmon, and the list goes on and on. This is what a great buffet should be about. The youngster had her own kid's buffet bar, though she it was hard for her to eat since she was waxing poetic about how if you gave Suzy (or Perla for that matter) a cheddar Goldfish they'd be friends for life. Young Miss Snow was a bit too shy to dance with Prince Charming, and he gets an "A" for his dedication to spending time at every table, dancing with anyone who asked (and a few who didn't). Back to the food. It was superb. Okay, we were starved from having had only a PB&J since about noon, but the food truly was excellent. Once I'd had my fill of the main food bar, I switched my focus to the dessert bar. My wife, temptress that she is, had actually gotten the bread pudding topped by bananas foster--yeah, she roasted those 'nanas right on top of the pudding! She's a seductress, I'm telling you. We sampled lots of desserts, but the most notable beyond the Fostered 'nanas and bread pudding was the strawberry cheesecake tart and the key lime tart. Both were very good (though I will brag that my key lime pie is still the best I've ever had!). Further, our service at 1900 was topnotch--attentive but not too pushy. In total, I have to give the place high marks. 1900 PF: Day 5: Okay, this is the ADR we live for, we plan for, from the very start of our decision to go back to WDW. . .Artist Point (key the violinist, the pianist, the chorus. . . ). Yes, we make AP our last meal every year, and the past two years we've gotten wiser. Though our young daughter is well-behaved, she does get bored in nicer restaurants. Thus, we discovered what a good deal the Cubs' Den is at WL. We make a ressie for her there followed by one for us 15 minutes later at AP. We showed up just slightly early for our 6 p.m. ADR, requested a window seat if one was available, and waited a whopping two minutes to be seated. . .at a window. Being in no hurry, we leisurely decided upon our wine choice. It was hard to turn down the three-wine flight (and they also offer a four-wine flight, as well) but we saw a syrah we liked--Rock Block from Oregon, a 2001 vintage if I remember correctly. Not only does AP have a great wine list, but they know how to present the wine and serve it. You don't get a cheapo wine glass. . .no, siree, you get a classic giant red wine goblet, about half the size of my Pilot's gas tank. The wine is well-pedigreed and didn't disappoint: full of berry notes with a hint of spice and pepper. The finish was long, yet subtle. What a seductive wine this was. I'm glad my wife isn't easily turned jealous. Though we love our dear daughter, it is such a pleasure to take our time at a meal just talking, walking out on the balcony to catch the geyser (twice!), and reflecting on how grand a vacation this had been.In case you haven't been, AP isn't cheap, but it is so worth the price of admission for us. She chose the Chef's Selection which entitled her to a bowl of the dreamiest soup at WDW, the Smoky Portobello with chive oil, a salad (she opted for the field greens with roasted beets, bleu cheese, and a blackberry vinaigrette), the Buffalo Sirloin (medium rare, natch) on a bed of sweet potato gratin w/a sweet onion jam, and the Coffee Two Ways. I was all set to do the Cedar Plank Salmon or the Pan Seared Scallops, but my caveman mentality wouldn't let me do it. I had the Buffalo, too, for the nth time in a row (medium rare. . .anything more cooked is a sacrilege). Before that, I had the best appetizer I've ever had at the World--Duck Confit with pear slices, baby greens, apple cider dressing, and duck prosciutto. I swear, it is nearly a meal in itself. The duck serving is huge for an appetizer (a whole leg and part of a thigh). Talk about luxurious. . .oh. . .my. . .gosh. The syrah was an excellent choice to pair with it, too. For my dessert, I had the only other viable option, the Berry Cobbler. Excellent down to the last creamy, berrylicious bite. And for those of you who covet a good cup o' joe while at WDW, AP's French press coffee is about as good as it gets. We inhaled the first pot, and had to have another pot to finish off our desserts. In case you can't tell, we really liked the food. And the service? Impeccable. Gracious. Attentive. Timely. Friendly. Helpful. Artful. What really amazed us, however, was that the restaurant wasn't busy on this Thursday night. By 8 p.m., I counted seven empty tables. That number increased to 11 by the time we left a half hour later. Frankly, I'm glad to see that AP is still a relatively undiscovered gem. I hope it stays that way. It doesn't hurt that it is located at a quiet resort or that it is a costly signature restaurant. We love it. We feel as though it is our sanctuary among the masses. As good as the other places were, AP still delivered more thrills and great memories than the others combined. It is our romantic, adult-oriented, fine dining experience while on site. And so it shall be. Oh, but I doubt any of you would like it. I highly recommend that you seek out other places to dine. . .please? AP: Well, that's it. My views on the dining options we chose. We weren't disappointed in a single one. My wish to each of you is that you find your own magic at Disney whether it be dining or spending time with your loved ones. If you have any questions about areas I didn't cover, don't hesitate to ask. Good eats!
|
|
|
|
|
|
#2 |
|
Enjoyed reading your reviews ~ Thanx for sharing.
|
|
|
|
|
| Sponsored Links | |
|
|
#3 |
|
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Glen Rock Pa.
Posts: 11,489
|
Enjoyed the reviews!!
Just curious about any "view" from a window seat at AP--what can you see??
__________________
1'st Disney experience-- Movie "Peter Pan", 1953, Naval Air Station Theatre, Pensacola Florida.
WDW first meal-Papeete Bay Verandah, Sept. 1975 Victoria and Alberts first dinner Sept. 1988 Vacation Club since 1992 Next trip--May 1, 2010 at BLT!! |
|
|
|
|
|
#4 |
|
Once again I loved your reviews, your sense of humor and your lust for life. Your family is very lucky to have you!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5 |
|
DIS Veteran
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Broomall, PA
Posts: 1,635
|
Loved your reviews. Thank you!!!
__________________
1972 Offsite, 1978 Offsite, 1980 Dutch Inn, 1989 Comfort Inn, 1990 CBR, 1993 Peabody, 1996 AllStar Sports, 1997 Dixie Landings, 2000 Holiday Inn Family Suites, 2001 Marriott World Center, 2004 Pop Century, 2005 Pop Century, 2006 Pop Century Aug & Dec, 2007 Pop Century Aug & CSR Dec., 2008 WL & POFQ Aug. & AS Sports Dec., 2009 Pop Aug., Pop Oct & CBR Dec.
![]() |
|
|
|
|
|
#6 |
|
WL Veteran
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Hope Mills, NC
Posts: 342
|
You, sir, are a poet! I have loved reading about your dining experiences. Your descriptions make them all sound so yummy!! And if you haven't written a trip report yet, you so should -- I would love to read about your adventures!
Great report!
__________________
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Wilderness Lodge January 2003 Wilderness Lodge August 2006 w/free dining!! ![]() |
|
|
|
|
|
#7 |
|
I call DH The STREAK!!
Sorry honey, no world series tonight, Poo Watch 2006 is going on! Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: 2nd star to the right...
Posts: 5,839
|
Thanks for the reviews!!!!! We loved 1900 Park Fare dinner, one of the nicest buffets.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#8 |
|
Has lots of magic to share with others!
Is Test Track Ever NOT Broken? Kyan will never love me Wanted Dead or Dead: The thief who stole my Mickey antenna topper Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Hopewell, NJ
Posts: 5,206
|
Thanks so much for the excellent and entertaining reviews...especially Artist Point. We will be dining there for the first time with our best friends in October and are really looking forward to it.
__________________
I'd rather pay The Mouse than a shrink. 1984 Offsite. 1997 & '98 Port Orleans. 1999 Disneyland. 2000 Port Orleans. 2002 Poly. 2003 & '04 CBR. 2005 POFQ & CBR. 2006 CSR. 2008 CBR & Poly. 2009 Poly |
|
|
|
|
|
#9 |
|
DIS Veteran
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: MA
Posts: 2,630
|
Fantastic reviews, I thoroughlly enjoyed reading them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#10 | |
|
Girls of the Woo Hooty: Riddlers Gone Bad
I'm gettin' trippy about my race Well, I was channeling YOU Jack, the fairly good person to unwind to Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Twixt here and there. . .
Posts: 1,326
|
Quote:
We could also see the geyser erupt which we did twice. The second time, during dessert, we took our cups of French press coffee out onto the balcony and watched the eruption. By that time, there were only two tables near us with any patrons, so we weren't feeling rushed to leave. It was a grand moment with the excellent coffee, the trees, the lake in the background, the spewing geyser, and a few errant rain drops from overhead clouds. We were very nearly transported back to Alaska where we lived a few years ago. A signature moment at a signature dining establishment. Thanks for the compliment since I know you are quite the dining expert.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#11 |
|
Magic is everywhere if you know where to look...
Is left-handed in a right-handed world WL VET I'm not used to being the tag fairy 911 dispatcher Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Encinitas, California
Posts: 4,695
|
Thanks for the excellent reviews. We will be trying 1900 Park Fare for the first time next trip, so I really enjoyed reading about your experience there.
__________________
Kaycee
![]() May 2007 Disneyland ~ April 2007 California Adventure ~ December 2005 The Swan ~ May 2005 The Swan ~ December 2004 The Swan ~ June 2004 Coronado Springs Resort ~ June 2003 Coronado Springs Resort ~ December 2002 Wilderness Lodge ~ June 2001 The Dolphin ~ 1984 three visits while living in Orlando ~ March 1972 Ft Wilderness Campground |
|
|
|
|
|
#12 |
|
Why get all excited about something as silly as a fake celebrity? Or getting a tag?
Jello is not meant to be chunky Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Texas
Posts: 14,828
|
OOh, I have loved reading your reviews! I think we may need to work in dinner at 1900. I had it on there, then changed it for Concourse. May have to change it back.
__________________
1982 & 1990 ~ trips as a child
1997 ~ Caribbean Beach 2002 ~ Vacation Home 2003 ~ Stayed with Family 2004 ~ Port Orleans Riverside 2006 ~ Pop Century & Disney's Vero Beach 2007 ~ Wilderness Lodge & Yacht Club 2008 ~ Carnival Cruise & All Star Music 2009 ~ All Star Sports & Downtown Hotel 2009 ~ All Star Music, Comfort Inn & Boardwalk Villas ![]() |
|
|
|
|
|
#13 |
|
DIS Veteran
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: South Florida
Posts: 1,893
|
Thanks for the great reviews. I also love AP and think it is an undiscovered gem. I was suprised at how quiet it was when we ate there twice last year.
__________________
Me
DH DS 1 Dog Visit I Love Teddies Your largest teddy and real bear resource, including reviews and pictures of Disney Teddy Bear and Doll Weekends Upcoming trip: Nov 2009 POFQ Recent trips: Jan/Feb 2009 BWI for DS' 1st Trip ~ Dec. 2007 BC & GF ~ Sep. 2007 POFQ ~ May 15-21, 2007 at BC & Ft. Wilderness Cabin ~ May 17-21, 2006 at BWI & GF ~ POFQ Jan. 24-25, 2006 ~ Stayed at AKL, BC, BWI, CBR, CSR, CR, Ft. Wilderness Cabins, GF, Poly, POFQ, POR, WL and YC. Visited Disneyland CA and Disneyland Paris. |
|
|
|
|
|
#14 |
|
DIS Veteran
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Keswick U.K
Posts: 805
|
Thankyou for the wonderfully written reviews
|
|
|
|
|
|
#15 |
|
Earning My Ears
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 41
|
That blue cheese and beet salad with blackberry vinaigrette at AP is just my type of salad and the duck appetizer sounds really amazing!
Methinks it may be time for us to make a return visit. Thanks for the great reports. |
|
|
|
![]() |
| Bookmarks |
| Thread Tools | |
| Display Modes | Rate This Thread |
|
|