3 Generations! 2 Resorts! 10 Days! DxDp! 3000 Pictures! - Saying Good-Bye!

[WDWKOOK]

How was the Sushi? The only time I order it at WDW is at the Kona Islans Sushi Bar in the Polynesian which I think is very good, however I have had others telling me the California Grill Sushi is even better.

Just speaking for ourselves, that's our favorite item there. We love their sushi and always order it.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Just speaking for ourselves, that's our favorite item there. We love their sushi and always order it.

I suggest to my family going there and trying to sit at their Sushi Bar, however they are not sure if it's worth it since it's more expensive.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I suggest to my family going there and trying to sit at their Sushi Bar, however they are not sure if it's worth it since it's more expensive.

If you only want sushi, then I think your best bet is what you already do - go to the Kona Island Sushi Bar or stay at the Poly/CL and they serve Sushi every Monday night in the lounge. We also LOVE Tokyo Dining's sushi. Have you tried it?

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

If you only want sushi, then I think your best bet is what you already do - go to the Kona Island Sushi Bar or stay at the Poly/CL and they serve Sushi every Monday night in the lounge. We also LOVE Tokyo Dining's sushi. Have you tried it?

Well no matter what we always plan to eat at the Kona Island Sushi Bar this coming August/September.

They also had Sushi back in December 2007 when we stayed Club Level over there and it was also on a Monday back then.

No we haven't had the Sushi from Tokyo Dining.

 

[hstrickland]

That has got to be the cutest kids' dessert. So clever! I might have to order that myself...

It was adorable!!! At first the kids did not want to order it because it sounded weird, but the waitress winked her eye and said "order it...they'll like it".

I really liked the overhead perspective of the 4th floor observation deck. Boy, is it crowded. I think I might know now where all that litter might have come from

After dad made this shot, I quickly realized where the trash and cigarette butts came from...I probably won't be making any trips to the 4th floor for a Wishes viewing...too many other great spots to watch from.

Thanks for getting me excited about our first dinner back in the World. How was the service? While I love the view and menu there, the service has been hit or miss for us. The "everyone-is-tired-and-full" photos are so cute!

Last year, we had great service, but didn't have the best view...all the way on the other side away from the castle...not that the view would be described as bad at all...just not the 'castle'. The service this time was great...nothing to complain about. She wasn't overly friendly, but was timely and cordial.

Super yummo - I love fish and yours looked great! I totally agree with the Poly fireworks point of view - this was by far (along with the transportation convenience) the highlight of the Poly for us - Wishes and Hallowishes on the beach in our pj's!!! I brought glow sticks which the kids threw around while we would wait for the show to start.

The pj's is the best part!!! Maybe that's why I liked it so much! We love the Poly, but have you been reading some of the reviews lately? Makes me nervous to stay there again.


I added my cruise ticker today! Looking forward to the next update!

Aren't you excited!?? I've been reading lots on the Cruise thread...my kids are so thrilled that we're going...gonna be a long year

How was the Sushi? The only time I order it at WDW is at the Kona Islans Sushi Bar in the Polynesian which I think is very good, however I have had others telling me the California Grill Sushi is even better.

DH and I think Cali Grill is the best. We've had Kona's, and while it was really good, CG was better. I've had rolls at both places and prefer CG. DH swears by CG and says it's a must do for each trip...no ifs, ands or buts!

Heather

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

DH and I think Cali Grill is the best. We've had Kona's, and while it was really good, CG was better. I've had rolls at both places and prefer CG. DH swears by CG and says it's a must do for each trip...no ifs, ands or buts!

Heather

Thanks for that reply.

 

[hstrickland]

CRRF4L, she's right....if you are just going for sushi and nothing else, ya can't beat Kona's prices.

If you only want sushi, then I think your best bet is what you already do - go to the Kona Island Sushi Bar or stay at the Poly/CL and they serve Sushi every Monday night in the lounge. We also LOVE Tokyo Dining's sushi. Have you tried it?

Enjoy! Have a piece of sushi for me

 

[DisneyDoc5]

The pj's is the best part!!! Maybe that's why I liked it so much! We love the Poly, but have you been reading some of the reviews lately? Makes me nervous to stay there again.


I added my cruise ticker today! Looking forward to the next update!

Aren't you excited!?? I've been reading lots on the Cruise thread...my kids are so thrilled that we're going...gonna be a long year

Ya know, I haven't read reviews lately. Anything really interesting? Honestly, we loved many things about the Poly, enough to for sure want to return, but there were a few things that were cons for us: the pool, the room wasn't that clean, it's busy, etc. We are 'pool every afternoon' people, so that's why BC is such a good fit for us.

We are excited about the cruise, but I'm not spending as much time on the cruise boards yet, I will probably after this August's trip. Our kids are also super thrilled!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

CRRF4L, she's right....if you are just going for sushi and nothing else, ya can't beat Kona's prices.

That's very true.

 

[Yellowbellow]

MaHopi says it was Zellwood Corn Soup or Chowder with lobster - not sure but absolutely delicious. The entire meal was VERY good - noisy restaurant - but tasty food. The salmon was for Pop.
A little trivia - look at the pic of Jesse and the Crisped Rice Sushi (dessert) in the the background is a Hidden Mickey - you all will hear more about Hidden Mickeys later on Heather's TR - I think. Anyway the Hidden Mickey is on the camera strap - That is Pop taking a picture of his dessert. Now folks that camera strap was purchased at WDW in 1986 - so you can see why Heather is a Disney Dork -
I, too, find the 4th floor Observation Deck "industrial" and to say the least during Wishes crowded - gotta be a better location.

 

[RGirl]

Loved the Cali Grill review! Everything looked great, but I am so impressed by the kids' meals. How I wish more restaurants - both Disney and non-Disney - offered these kinds of kids' meals (basically smaller portions of good food instead of what has apparently become some kind of "standard" of nuggets, Mac&Cheese, and grilled American cheese sandwiches. Sorry for the rant - it is a pet peeve, I guess.

I see what you mean about the fireworks view. Still very fun though, I bet!

Looking forward to your CP review - we are having breakfast there for the first time in less than 4 months.

 

[amandaw]

All of the food looks delicious! Think I will add California Grill to my "Disney To Do List". That's the great thing about Disney - no matter how many times you go, you can always find something new to try!

 

[hstrickland]

Ya know, I haven't read reviews lately. Anything really interesting? Honestly, we loved many things about the Poly, enough to for sure want to return, but there were a few things that were cons for us: the pool, the room wasn't that clean, it's busy, etc. We are 'pool every afternoon' people, so that's why BC is such a good fit for us.

Nothing super interesting...the basic stuff that's been going on for a while...cleanliness of rooms, things not in working order, beat up furniture...sounds like the rooms need a refurb...who knows? If you are paying Disney top dollar, you should be getting the best.

We are excited about the cruise, but I'm not spending as much time on the cruise boards yet, I will probably after this August's trip. Our kids are also super thrilled!

Of course you're not!!! You still have a August trip to plan for!! After your upcoming trip, check out some of the TRs on the cruise thread...some really good ones with lots of pictures. My friend PrincessDis (aka...Lisa) told me not to be disappointed because there are lots of things that we won't be able to do...just too much to do and see in one trip. Guess that means I'll have to do another cruise!!

Loved the Cali Grill review! Everything looked great, but I am so impressed by the kids' meals. How I wish more restaurants - both Disney and non-Disney - offered these kinds of kids' meals (basically smaller portions of good food instead of what has apparently become some kind of "standard" of nuggets, Mac&Cheese, and grilled American cheese sandwiches. Sorry for the rant - it is a pet peeve, I guess.

I completely agree!! And what's really strange is that some WDW restaurants give the kids the same menu items, just smaller portions...while others only offer the dreaded nuggets, mac n cheese, etc. DS9 (now 10) wanted to order off of the adult menu so many times, but couldn't. He said he was tired of the basic kid's food. I reassured him that this would be the last trip that he would have to do this...of course that means more money for me and dear ol' dad

I see what you mean about the fireworks view. Still very fun though, I bet!

You see?! The fireworks are coming from the back of Disney...appearing like they are over the castle and Space Mountain...but still....awesome!!!! The music itself is beautiful. The words get me every time! DH and I find ourselves singing the song all the time, then start laughing....we silly, I know!

Looking forward to your CP review - we are having breakfast there for the first time in less than 4 months.

Hopefully I will get the post done today....karate and gymnastics keep me so busy, but DH is out of town so I won't feel guilty sitting on the computer when I should be spending time with him....I think I'll get it done

All of the food looks delicious! Think I will add California Grill to my "Disney To Do List". That's the great thing about Disney - no matter how many times you go, you can always find something new to try!

You should try it...at least once! And you are sooooo right...there is always something to do at WDW. Lots of people ask me why my family continues to go back every year..."it's just a theme park!" They have no clue! I have a list of new places we want to try....Flying Fish, Shula's, Kouzzina's, Cape May...would you like me to go on??!! DS4 keeps asking me when we're going back to Disney World...I just keep saying "not today"...bless his heart, he has no concept of time.

Heather

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Guess that means I'll have to do another cruise!!

For sure - I just hope the kids and I don't start a Disney Cruiseline obsession like the WDW obsession - hmmmmm, maybe DH will catch the Cruiseline bug - that would be nice!

 

[hstrickland]

For sure - I just hope the kids and I don't start a Disney Cruiseline obsession like the WDW obsession - hmmmmm, maybe DH will catch the Cruiseline bug - that would be nice!

Why not? What's one more Disney obsession!??! Our addictions could be much worse

 

[onelilspark]

Do you think they do fish or meat better?

 

[hstrickland]

Do you think they do fish or meat better?

Hmmmm....I would have to say the fish. The steaks are good, but not like the other steakhouses at WDW. Their sushi is the best at Disney IMO...and the presentation is absolutely beautiful. I can honestly say that everything I have ever had at CG was really good....steaks, flatbreads, fish, desserts. This place is definitely on our list of 'must dos' for every trip.

 

[hstrickland]

Crystal Palace Breakfast – Day 5
Hours 8:05-10:30am
8:05am Reservation​

It’s hard to believe that it is already day 5!!! Where does time go?! As I’ve said before, we aren’t big on buffets…however…I killed 2 birds with one stone with this ressie. First, we get into the MK early before it’s open, and second…we see 4 characters which keeps us from standing in those long lines!

Once again…the CR was so convenient to the MK. We walked over with no problems, no crowds, no waiting in lines. I believe we arrived at the gates around 7:45am, just in time to get in and be at the Crystal Palace by 8am. As you can see, there were plenty of people with the same idea as us…the streets weren’t completely empty like I’ve experienced in the past when getting in early.

When we arrived, there were tons of people waiting to check in…several of which had no ressies. The entire check-in process was a bit chaotic. The hostess didn’t seem to have it all together…not really sure what the deal was. They gave us a pager and said there would be a little wait.

So, we took the opportunity to get some more pictures…surprise, surprise! I’m still hoping to get that one good shot for a Christmas card…hasn’t happened, yet.

Finally the pager went off, and we ran for the door! I was hungry and was hoping to be done by 9am…have to get to Dumbo before the crowds hit!

We were seated in the very back of the restaurant, out of the way of all the traffic…kinda nice not being stuck in the middle of everything.

The characters were coming out as we were seated. Our waitress told us that once they went by, it would be an hour before they came back…well…not gonna miss any…don’t have time for that!

The characters were cute as ever and didn’t seem to be in a rush at all. I felt like we had plenty of time with each one.

Jesse loved Eeyore the best! He kept reaching for his tail and laughing…it made me a bit nervous because you never know what a 4 year old might do.

As usual for the character buffets (or at least the ones we have been to), music started playing and the characters grabbed the kids and started dancing around the restaurant…lots of fun for Faith and Jess….Stephen was a bystander but was smiling the entire time.

And finally….the Star of the show….

I completely forgot to make any pictures of the buffet! Hard to believe, right?! It was your basic buffet…not bad at all. There was a place to make your own omelet…DH said it was very good. This was nothing spectacular, but like I said earlier…I’m not big on buffets. The Crystal Palace has a beautiful Victorian theme…very airy and light

On the way out, I realized that the characters were made out of flowers in the entrance…very cool.

Well…it was time to rush to Fantasy Land!! As most of you know, if you have small children, you might want to hit this area first. And when I say first, I mean when the park opens! On our way over, we ran into the Fairy Godmother…and boy did she play the part! It amazes me how accurately these characters are portrayed by Disney employees.

When we arrived in Fantasy Land, Dumbo already had a 20 minute wait…holy cow!!! But…what do you do when the kids insist on riding one of the icons of Disney?! Honestly, I think this was probably one of the longest waits we had the entire week…seriously!

While in line, I saw this….

I thought this was funny…nobody waiting??? What in the world??!!!

In all honesty, I was kinda excited to ride this because I wanted to get pictures of the new Fantasy Land! My kids are super excited about the expansion!!!

How cool is this going to be when they finish?! The only downside…can you imagine the crowds that will go along with it??!!! When we finally got on the ride, I had my camera ready!

After Dumbo, we hit the rest of the attractions in Fantasy Land…Snow White, Peter Pan, It’s a Small World, the Carousel…we had all of this done by 10:15ish. Winnie the Pooh was down so no riding that. After a very full morning, it was time to head over to the Pirates League!!!! The crew is ready to hit Pirate mode!


Stay tuned…up next….the Pirates League!....4 transformations!!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Is it common that it takes the characters at Crystal Palace an hour to come back to your table? Unless it's a much bigger restaurant when I have been to Chef Mickey's a few times we were never told anything like that, because the characters kept coming back at perfect times without waiting forever.

 

[hstrickland]

Is it common that it takes the characters at Crystal Palace an hour to come back to your table? Unless it's a much bigger restaurant when I have been to Chef Mickey's a few times we were never told anything like that, because the characters kept coming back at perfect times without waiting forever.

Who knows?! I'm like you...I've never had anyone tell me that. And, we've been to quite a few character meals. I thought it was a bit strange. Guest would be out of luck if they sat down right after the characters passed their table...they would have to wait forever!