Recap: Wednesday March 11
Enjoyed 3 meals: 1 at Paradise Pier Hotel & 2 at
Disneyland
Rides: Buzz Lightyear, Star Tours, IASW, Finding Nemo, Space Mtn, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mtn, Jungle Cruise, BTMRR, Autopia, POTC, Pooh & the Train
Extras: Pixie Hollow & met up with friend for lunch!
LILO-N-STITCH CHARACTER BREAKFAST DINING REVIEW:
This is an all-you-can-eat buffet (or order off the menu) with characters at the PCH Grill at the Paradise Pier Hotel. You check-in & are lead into the restaurant to meet the character at the photo op spot. The photographer will bring a photo package to your table during your meal available for purchase 29.95. You are seated, the waiter/waitress will get your drink order & they you can head up to the buffet. It is a smaller buffet (compared to Goofy's Kitchen) with a selection of fresh fruit, pastries, pancakes, waffles, banana's foster french toast, breakfast meats, salmon, eggs, made-to-order omelets, etc. Lilo & Stitch make frequent visits to the table & play with everyone in your party. They also taught the kids the hula & played "Island Hopping" which is like musical chairs but no one gets eliminated. Lilo & Stitch participate during these which adds to the fun. $27.25/Adult $14.86/Child
We loved this meal. It is a smaller character meal & buffet but that adds to it's charm. The only characters going table to table, while we were there, were Lilo & Stitch but they stopped at our table at least 5 different times. The kids were laughing & smiling thru-out this meal. We saw Daisy Duck (which you don't see out very often) at the photo op area & were able to get autographs & then Minnie Mouse came out to replace her....so we went up & saw her as well. Even with the lack of characters, we never missed it because the interaction with the 2 main characters was so good & often, we really didn't notice the lack of characters. We will definately be doing this one again.
HUNGRY BEAR RESTAURANT DINING REVIEW:
This is a walk-up order counter where you'll wait for them to fill your order. The seating is a large covered outdoor setting. There are 2 stories of seating. They have burgers, chicken fried chicken sandwiches, veggie burgers, turkey club sandwich, salad, funnel cakes, ice cream treats & standard drink selections. They do have a kids menu.
Cheeseburger w/fries or grapes $7.59
Bacon Cheeseburger w/fries or grapes $8.59
Country Fried Chicken Sandwich w/fries or grapes $7.69
Kid Meals: Chicken Nugget w/fries or grapes & drink $5.99
Kid Meals: Power Pack Meal: Yogurt, String Cheese, Apple Slices, Fish Crackers & Drink $5.99
This restaurant is up in Critter Country on the Rivers of America. The location is beautiful & the good food is a bonus! They have 2 stories of outdoor seating. We love to sit downstairs, near the water, so we can watch the boats go by & feed the ducks. The burgers are juicy & the chicken sandwich was flavorful. I like having the option of grapes instead of fries. This is a great place to escape the heat & crowds & just relax.
BLUE BAYOU DINING REVIEW:
This is a popular sit down restaurant. PS is highly recommended. The seating is indoors & is part of the "setting the mood" for the POTC as they begin their journey. The lighting is dark with fireflys & bayou noises. This is an expensive meal so be prepared. You check-in & are asked to sit in the waiting area. A host/hostess will call you & take you to your table. Your waiter/waitress will come & get your drink orders (non-alcoholic). The waitstaff will bring you warm rolls w/butter. You place your order & take in the scenery & the boats floating by. The meal is served & you enjoy yourself!
They have a couple appetizers: Shrimp Remoulade & Crab Cakes
Entrees include: Beef Short Ribs, Seafood Jambalaya, King Crab Legs, Prime Rib, Filet Mignon, Mahi-Mahi, Tesora Island Chicken, Portobello Mushroom w/couscous, Pork Chops & Cajun-Spiced Salmon.
Dessert choices: Trio of Creme Brulee, Key Lime Pie & Cookie Boat
Crab Cake Appetizer $11.99
Cajun-Spiced Salmon $29.99
**Split Plate Charge** $5.00
Cookie Boat $8.99
We enjoyed this dinner from start to finish. We never splurged on meals prior to this trip, but this was definately a good one to do that on. The crab cakes were very good...hot & crispy & the mango salsa really added to this dish. The salmon was delicious!! Just the right amount of spice. It was balanced well with potatoes & white asparagus & broccoli. We did the split plate & were both served a starter of gumbo (or you can have salad) & then each given a full plate of the entree. We couldn't believe that was a split serving! We had large portions that were quite filling. We did the famous Cookie Boat for dessert. It is a chocolate chip cookie baked into a boat shaped cookie bar. It was topped with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream & then drizzled with chocolate & caramel. They top it off with a mast & pirate sail made of pastiage. (it is edible, but it's flavorless & will probably break your teeth) We really wish we could have afforded to include our kids in this meal, as we think they would have enjoyed the food & experience. I know we did!!