11 days of DDP with pictures-Day 10, Narcoossee's Dinner added

[shovan]

Great Reviews! Great Pics! Thanks!

Can you see the fireworks from all the tables in CG? or do you need to make a special request?

 

[disnut1149]

Thanks for the great reviews. We loved 1900 Park Fare. We went there after BBB, and my DGD 3 1/2 was dressed as Cinderella. We'll go back there next summer. (Also love your pictures).

 

[Dizneydaz]

FYI- Raglan Road is on DDP for next year. Just spoke w/ a CM

That's great to hear! We loved it there.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Great Reviews! Great Pics! Thanks!

Can you see the fireworks from all the tables in CG? or do you need to make a special request?

We could see them from our table. This time I didn't request a window table. (and we got one) Last time I did, and got one. You can always ask, but there's no guarantee of course. If you don't get a window seat, they have a great observation deck for watching.

 

[mackeyapp]

Great Reviews!! Loved hearing about Cal Grill since DH and I have a special evening planned for JUST US. This will be our first trip as DVC owners and using the dining plan. Can't Wait!

 

[shovan]

Thanks! I'm having such a tough time making a decision! DH & I will have one night solo for our next trip. I can not make up my mind between, Calif Grill, Artist Point or Jiko! We haven't tried any of these yet & I want to do them all, but just can't!

 

[Dizneydaz]

Bumping this up so I will finish the rest of my reviews-stay tuned!

 

[Bibbidi]

I just came across your dining reviews because of your "bump" - your daughter is so cute! She looks like a really sweet girl. I appreciated your review of the Cali Grill since we haven't tried it before, but might this trip as part of our 10th anniversary (with our kids there though). Looking forward to the rest of your reviews.

 

[Disfan3]

thanks for the reviews!

looking forward to the rest!!

 

[PrincessTiff]

Great review, thanks!

 

[minniemee]

Thanks for the great reviews! It sounds like you had a great time!

 

[Dizneydaz]

Okay-I'm back!!! Sorry it's taken so long to return but continuing to organize a POP refrigerator swap takes up alot of my Disboard time.

Day 7 -Thurs. Sept. 15

I had made ADR for Liberty Tree Tavern from home for 5:55. (MNSSHP) We kept this one.

BREAKFAST-in room Same old things.

LUNCH
Blizzard Beach
Lottawatta Lodge

I got the Hot Dog Basket for myself and the cheese pizza (again!) for DD with 2 regular sodas (I forget to order large again .) My DM got the Cobb Salad with a large soda. She and I shared the hot dog and salad. The salad was surprisingly good-very fresh and tasty! I didn’t expect it to be so tasty. I would get the salad again. The hot dog was, well, a hot dog. DD loved her cheese pizza, again. This time we didn’t get tokens for our desserts, but were told just to show the receipt and they put a little tear in it when you use it.

A strange thing-to me-happened after DD and I sat down and were waiting for my DM. We saw Goofy standing not too far off and DD decided to get a picture with him (with some nudging from me). We left our food and sodas on the table for a few minutes and when we came back there was a women sitting there. I nicely told her that this was our table and she asked if she could share it (there were plenty of open tables around) I didn’t want to seem mean, so I said it was okay, as long as we had room for the 3 of us. My DM sat down a few minutes later and the women moved to a nearby table that her husband had found. Maybe they share tables in her country? I found it rather odd.

We stopped by Lottawatta Lodge on our way out-, to get our desserts. 2 Mickey Premium Bars, and DD had her favorite Itzakadoozie. The CM was right, the just put a little tear in your receipt after you pick up your dessert. We got to the car about 3:30 and headed back to POP for a little rest before MNSSHP. We planned on leaving earlier, but BB is just too much fun!


DD & Itza!

DDP cost 34.36 3 QS credits used.
(value $11 each credit)

DDP Remaining Tally
16TS 20 QS 22 SC
(How will we ever use all these credits? We have less than 4 days left!)

Service: Fine
Food quality: Surprisingly good salad.
Food quantity: Good
Décor: Outside-love to eat outside.
Noise level: none
Would return: Definitely.


DINNER

Magic Kingdom
Liberty Tree Tavern
MNSSHP 5:55 ADR
(Sorry for the lack of food pictures. What with eating and taking character pix, I just didn't have much of a chance )


Photopass took this using my camera-what's with my hair!

We entered the MK about 5:20. There was really no line, to speak of. Took a few PP pictures on Main Street. And arrived at LTT about 15 minutes, or so, before ADR.


DM & DD waiting to be seated-yes I made those shirts

For those who don't know - this is the Bill of Fare-at LTT

DECLARATION SALAD - Tossed Mixed Greens, served with our special Tavern Strawberry Vinaigrette Dressing

PATRIOT'S PLATTER - A generous serving of roasted turkey breast, carved beef, and smoked pork loin, with mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, herb bread stuffing, and Stouffer's Macaroni and Cheese.

DESSERT-Warm cherry cobbler with vanilla ice cream.

We were seated about 6 p.m. The meal was good, as usual. Not great food, but comforting, home-style. Except the mac n’ cheese-it’s just too mushy-DD won’t even touch it. The meats, salad, and mashed potatoes were very tasty. The characters came around at nice intervals (in costumes) .

Salad-I like this one, especially the dressing.

Chip came by and then our salad course was served.


DD & Minnie

Minnie was next, about 15 minutes later. Dale was next, about 9 minutes later. Then Pluto in 5 minutes.


Goofy came by 10 minutes later.


DD & Goofy

Chip returned for another visit in about 10 minutes. And Minnie came by again about 5 minutes later. DD and DM went outside while I waited for the bill. (Okay before you ask, how I knew how far apart the character came-no, I'm not that obsessive-I didn't write it down, my digital camera did it for me! )

I walked outside just before 7 p.m. and the announcement that MNSSHP was officially starting. Quick note-as I walked out a woman said “Are you a disboarder? I saw your shirt on the boards.” I said I was and had she seen a woman, and a girl ,wearing the same shirts? She pointed me in the right direction. That was my one, and only, disboarder sighting. And sorry, since I was in a hurry I didn’t even get her name. On to the Candy Hunt! For complete review of our MNSSHP experience see http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1231593

DDP cost $85.87 3 TS Used.
(value per credit $29, if only adults $35 per credit)


DDP Remaining Tally
13TS 20 QS 22 SC

Service: Good
Food quality: Good-comfort food.
Food quantity: Unlimited
Décor: Nice-but the CM were a little "stiff" (they were actually dead-thanks to HM attire and spooky makeup )
Noise level: fine-no problem
Would return: Yes.

Snack
Auntie Gravitys
Tomorrowland
10:22 p.m.

OK, like I pointed out above, we need to use up some of our Snack Credits. So, we stopped here and got 2 rootbeer floats (to share) I mean, I’m not crazy, use 3 credits for 3 people? Actually, we should have gotten 3 since DD ate one by herself. We decided we would stop for a caramel apple (or 2) on the way out.

DDP cost $7.50 2 SC used.
(value per credit, $3.75)

DDP Remaining Tally
13TS 20 QS 22 SC

Service: Fine-if a little slow
Food quality: Excellent floats
Food quantity: Okay
Décor: Sat outside, a little cold
Would return: Sure, why not?.

Snack-to go
Confectionary (on Main Street)
We picked up 2 caramel apples on the way out about 11:15 p.m. We ate them later in the trip, they were very good. : There was a woman in line before us using up her last snack credits, I think she had about 7-8 left and was leaving in the a.m. I believe she mostly got fudge. We used 2 SC.

DDP cost $8. Value per credit $4

DDP Remaining Tally
13TS 20 QS 18 SC

Service: Nice
Food quality: Delicious apples
Food quantity: Good
Would return: Definitely.


Next up, another delicious dinner at Kona Café!

 

[fenfur]

YAY, You remembered your dining review! I thought you had forgotten about it. But you remembered us

Was the 5:55 time good for dinner at LTT after a day at Blizzard Beach? I'm thinking this may be our MNSSHP plan for our trip. Although I was thinking a earlier dinner and less time at BB or TL.

I have a feeling that we may be running into each other a bit in Sept. '07, what with our vacations being very similiar and good taste in food.

 

[S.Poppins]

Great reviews! I want to try California Grill!

 

[cannp123165]

Thank You for the great reviews and pictures!!!

Caroline

 

[Dizneydaz]

Day 8 (Sept. 16-Saturday)
Non-park day. (Yes, that’s right, another one! Thanks mom! )
I had made ADRs from home for Sci Fi lunch and Rose & Crown Dinner-we cancelled both!

Breakfast
In Room

Lunch
With relatives at Mimi’s Café, somewhere in Florida. We drove about 20 minutes from Orlando to Mimi’s Café. It was located near a brand new, chi-chi-la-la, mall (The Millennium?) It felt like we were driving almost all the way back to WDW!

My DM made plans to visit, and have lunch with, her Aunt and Uncle, who live in Orlando. My DM uncle (87) was in Pearl Harbor during the attack and on the way back from the restaurant he told us the chilling story of what it was like, and what he went through. He was 22, at the time. Luckily he was uninjured. We spent about 4 hours visiting with them (it was a nice visist) and then we played in the pool after we got back.

So I had to cancel the original 2 ADRS and make one for Kona for dinner. I didn’t really care about Sci Fi, but I really wanted to try R&C and we had an ADR for 7:30-perfect timing to see Illuminations. Hopefully, we’ll be able to try R&C on our next trip. As my DM stated, we already watched Illuminations from a pretty good spot, in Canada, on day 5-darn it, if she wasn’t right ( I hate that when that happens. ) I had no problem getting ADR for Kona for about 8:40. No problem for us, since we don’t mind eating late. (Our stomachs were still on California time and we usually eat late at home anyway-about 6:30-7:00 p.m.). This restaurant continues to be one of our favorites, and getting in isn’t usually a problem. (Shh , don't tell everyone)

Dinner
Kona Café
Made ADR same day, about 8:40
(Sorry no pictures)

We were seated at the same table as the other night and were hoping for the same server. Maykel was excellent the other night. Unfortunately, Maykel was off, our server was Andrew. He was fine, just not as good as Maykel.

Last time at Kona, my DM and I shared a meal. This time my DM and I ordered our own meals, and we both shared with DD. The last time we ate here, DD didn’t really like her appetizers anyway.

My DM ordered Lump Crab Cakes (pan-seared lump crab cakes with Asian tartar and pineapple relish) for an appetizers, Shrimp and Scallops (panko breaded shrimp and pan seared scallops with sticky rice and ponzu, spicy guava-passion fruit and wasabi cream sauces) for dinner, and Chocolate Macadamia Nut Tart ( chocolate tart shell with chunks of macadamia nut and chocolate served with vanilla ice cream and caramel rum sauce) no ice cream (to go). She order a glass of Merlot (OOP).

I ordered the Sticky Wings (crispy wings in a garlic glaze with a tangy mustard drizzle and toasted sesame seeds) for an appetizer (DD really likes these too-they were her dinner!), Macadamia Mahi Mahi -(served with mushroom rice, sauteed bok choy, lime-butter sauce and crispy fried onions) for dinner, macadamia nut pie (also to-go) and ice tea. DD got a Sprite (counted as DM drink).


Sticky Wings! Okay, so this is a copy of the one from Day 2

The chicken wings were as good as always-finger licking good! DM enjoyed the crab cakes-she’s had them before and really likes them. Her Shrimp and scallops were also very good. My Mahi Mahi was okay-but even though many have raved about it, I wouldn’t order it again-it was okay-just not great, to me. We left about 10 p.m.

DDP cost $93.03 (plus extra tip) and 11.00 OOP for wine. 2 TS credits used.
(value per credit $47) one of the highest of entire trip, including Signature Restaurants, but that's not why we eat here. It's just good food, good atmosphere.


DDP Remaining Tally
11TS 17 QS 18 SC

Service: Good
Food quality: Good to Excellent
Food quantity: Good (sharable)
Décor: Nice
View: interior of Poly
Noise level: Not too bad
Would return: Yes

There was a POP pool party tonight at The hippy dippy pool. It started at 10:00 but we didn’t get there until about 11. Unfortunately any kids that were there had already left but fortunately , my DD loves to talk to adults so she had a wonderful time. We met several fellow disboarders and had a nice time. Thanks to Lisa for inviting us and giving us glow necklaces and thanks to Kelli for the Tinkerbell glitter. My DD especially enjoyed talking to you.

Next up POP food court, Tangierine Cafe, and Refreshment Port Epcot

 

[Dizneydaz]

YAY, You remembered your dining review! I thought you had forgotten about it. But you remembered us

Was the 5:55 time good for dinner at LTT after a day at Blizzard Beach? I'm thinking this may be our MNSSHP plan for our trip. Although I was thinking a earlier dinner and less time at BB or TL.

I have a feeling that we may be running into each other a bit in Sept. '07, what with our vacations being very similiar and good taste in food.

Yep, I'm back. That swap just takes alot of time. Hopefully, since we are basically all filled up except for a few weeks in July, I won't be spending so much time on it.

I wanted an earlier ADR at LTT, but wasn't able to get one. Actually the first time I called, I got an ADR for like, 4:05 p.m. I was concerned that if we couldn't enter for MNSSHP until 4, and didn't want to waste a park day ticket, that if it was really crowded we wouldn't be able to get there on time. I posted that concern on these boards and someone posted back that when she made ADRs for the same night (after I made mine) she was able to get 5:00 (or so) Apparently the CM I spoke to didn't look at the special events schedule and the time she gave me was the latest available for a regular day. It's surprising she missed this since I booked LTT during the same phone call when I bought our tix. Anyway, when I called back, and mentioned the special event, I was able to get 5:55, which was the earliest now open. If I go again, I would try to get, maybe, something like 5:30 or so. It worked out fine for us anyway, like I said, I walked out of LTT just as MNSSHP was starting. But, I would have liked to ride some rides before it started.

If I did it again, I would still go to TL or BB, but I would leave earlier so we could relax a little bit. Being from CA (like you) the staying up late doesn't bother us. We like it!

And yes, maybe we'll see you around WDW! Or who knows, maybe even DL. DD is finally going back to school tomorrow after her 6 week break. We were able to go a few times in January-it was great-low crowds!

 

[Dizneydaz]

Day 9
Sept. 17 Sunday

From home, I made an ADR at Kona for 6:25 p.m. We changed this one to Hollywood Brown Derby

Breakfast
Everything POP (food Court)
8:45 a.m.

This was our first breakfast using credits for QS. We did have beignets earlier in the trip but they're only a SC. My DM and I got the Waffle combo with bacon and 2 cranberry juices (bottles). DD got the French toast with bacon and an apple juice. We used our refillable cups for our breakfast beverages and saved the juices for later. DD really enjoyed the French toast. They put brown sugar on them, which she liked-a lot! Now when I make her French toast at home, I put brown sugar on it for her.


Loving that French Toast!

Total on DDP $25.60 3 QS credits used
value per credit $8.50

DDP Remaining Tally
13TS 17 QS 18 SC

Service: Self
Food quality: Pretty Good
Food quantity: Good
Décor: Good
Noise level: Not too bad
Would return: Yes

Snack
Epcot
Club Cool 11:10-11:20
DD wanted to get one of those special wrapped sodas (like her adult cousin got on our last trip). There was a slight problem getting it as the CM (earning her ears) wasn’t sure of how to actually put the wrapper on, and she didn’t know if the charge (50 cents) for the wrapper was on the DDP. I didn’t care if it was, or not. I told her I would pay OOP for it if it wasn’t included. At first she couldn’t get the wrapper to shrink, she forgot to turn the machine on. Then when she rang it up, it went through as a room charge. Another CM came over and said the wrappers weren’t on the plan. So he credited the room charge and then re-ran the DDP charge. Since it took so long to get everything done, he gave us the wrapper for free! That was very nice of him, I did expect to pay for it. : DDP $2.53 1 SC used.


DD holding Cool Soda-okay she normally doesn't have that goofy look!

DDP Remaining Tally
13TS 17 QS 17 SC

We now realize that there is absolutely no way we can use all or our TS and QS credits, ourselves, since we only have 6 meals left, including breakfasts, and we have a total of 20 credits, for meals. We have ADR for 1900 Park Fair on our last day-that’s 3 credits to use. We (mostly DM) decided we would eat at HBD tonight for dinner-she absolutely loves the Cobb Salad. She had it once before, at the original one in Hollywood and has had it several times in WDW. Also, based on the recommendation of some fellow diners, we decided to try Narcoossee’s for dinner on our last night. So, those 3 meals will take care of our remaining TS credits. But, that leaves 3 meals to use the remaining 17 QS credits-that’s 6 credits per meal. We decided to treat strangers to meals-we did it the last two times we had DDP, but only for snacks. I was looking forward to spreading a little magic -to unsuspecting guests. Also, we really needed to use some Snack Credits. I hadn’t been letting my DM use them for such mundane things, as bottled water. We had almost 2 full cases in our room-it just didn’t make sense-right? So now you see why we have some many SC left. Time to loosen those purse (credit) strings.

Lunch
Epcot
Tangierine Café and Refreshment Port


That's alot of food! Yummy too!

My DM and I wanted to try Tangierine Café this trip since we like lamb, and most of the reviews I’ve read here have been good. DD didn’t want to eat here so I told her would get her some McNuggets in a little while (okay-it was more like an hour and a half-but there’s so much to do, and see, between Morocco and the Canada-going eastward). My DM and I decided to share (I know, share-with all those credits left. What’s that about. We saw the size of the servings, and I had read that the meal was sharable, and we don’t like throwing away uneaten food, or eating too much and feeling stuffed the rest of the day. So, we shared Shawarma Platters (served with side of hummus, tabbouleh and Tangierine CousCous salad with fresh Moroccan bread.) Chicken & Lamb. It was very good -the lamb was better than the chicken. There was a lot of food, we didn’t even eat it all. The baklava (the only dessert available on DDP) was okay-I don’t really like baklava, too sweet for me. We didn’t eat more than a few bites. We got a Diet Coke, (and here comes one of those splurges ) we got another Diet Coke using a SC.

DDP cost $18.54 1QS, $2.09 SC.

Service: Self-Cafeteria style
Food quality: Very Good
Food quantity: Very Good-sharable
Décor: Good-we sat in a little room off to the side with a few tables
Noise level: Good-very quiet
Would return: Yes

DDP Remaining Tally
13TS 16 QS 16 SC

DD Lunch
EPCOT-Refreshment Port-between World Showcase Entrance and Canada
2:15

The menu here is very limited, but that was fine since all DD wanted was McNuggets (I swear she was going to turn into a McNugget!) The CM was very helpful and explained what we could pick from on DDP. Large or small McNuggets, large or small fries, large or small drink, and a McFlurry. I got her the 9 piece McNuggets, small fry (I knew she wouldn’t eat a large fry-even with our help), large Sprite, and Nestles Crunch McFlurry. I also ordered another large Diet Coke for DM and I to share-yup, that’s right, we splurged again-but heh, it was pretty hot! RP doesn’t have any tables to sit at, so while I was in line, my DM and DD grabbed a bench-in the shade. DD ate most of the McNuggets, none of the fries and we all shared the McFlurry. There was a friendly little squirrel that got a few fries too! Interesting little fact-the McNuggets here were 9 pieces, at Restaurantosarus their large was 10 pieces.

DDP cost about $13.50 1 QS and $2.55 1 SC

DDP Remaining Tally
13TS 15 QS 15 SC

Up next remainder of Day 9 and dinner at Holllywood Brown Derby

 

[dawgfan]

Thanks for the review.

 

[fivefordisney]

Wow! What a great review! Thanks for taking the time to report back to us!