- Joined
- Dec 5, 2002
- Messages
- 769
There were 3 of us: DH, Myself, and DD who had just turned 10.
We eat out frequently at home and enjoy the dining aspect of the vacation. I expected to pay adult prices for DD and did everywhere. Since we were on the Land portion of a cruise all meals were paid for out of pocket. Many servers were confused that we were not on the dining plan A few seemed to have forgotten how to do a room charge.
We ate 2 major meals per day and did almost no snacking. I did have a Dole Whip and we did share popcorn 1 day.
We were celebrating mine and DH 20th wedding anniversary and DHs 42 birthday.
I know this is long but feel free to ask questions I have learned a lot reading reviews here on the DIS.
Day 1 Dec 22
Breakfast McDonalds at Dulles Airport
Lunch Alfredos We were seated promptly. DD was disappointed that there was no gnocchi on the menu (It was very good in August 2004). We split one fettuccini and chicken parmesan. The chicken was by far the better choice. The service was ok (not great) = the tables were very close together. We also shared a chocolate mouse and dessert sampler. (Food: B-; Service C)
Dinner Ohannas - I was a little worried about the menu change but the food was wonderful as always. The shrimp in the bowl was very good and the new potatoes were excellent. The sausage was so-so. Our server was very hit or miss we were seated near the kitchen door so I could catch people when we needed something. We were full by the time dessert came but I tried a few bites. I normally dont like bread pudding but this was yummy. DH and I each had a drink The Malibu Macaw and Tradewinds both were very good I didnt feel like a Lapu Lapu. (Food: B+; Service: C+ )
Day 2 Dec 23
Breakfast/Lunch Crystal Place - We had a granola bar in the room before heading to the MK. I had a 10:30 at Crystal Place as sort of a brunch. We arrive a few minutes early I was glad for the ADR no walk ins were being taken. We were seated in a few minutes. The buffet was fully stocked and fresh. We especially enjoyed the made to order omelets and chocolate chip pancakes. The service was excellent and so was the character interaction. DD was disappointed there was no peanut butter on the buffet our server brought her out a small dish of it when I asked. (Food: A-; Service: A)
Dinner Liberty Tree Tavern As usual the character interaction was excellent. We enjoyed the salad and bread. The main course was hit or miss the beef was very good the rest of the meats were nothing to write home about. The mashed potatoes were also very good. I personally dont care for their mac-n-cheese. Dessert was hot apple crisp with vanilla ice cream very good. The server was strange he was excellent in the beginning the kind of disappeared then was good again. I think he was trying to handle too many tables. (Food: B-; Service C+)
Day 3 Dec 24
Breakfast Muffins at the boardwalk bakery Chocolate Chip and Banana (yummy!). Enjoyed sitting outside on the boardwalk having breakfast
Lunch 50s PT café We each had the meatloaf it was fresh and tasted very good. Our server was excellent. This is not fine dining it is comfort food you need to expect that. The server said that Santa wasnt coming because he was in trouble we put in a good word for him with Mom as we left. (Food: B; Service A)
Dinner Hollywood Brown Derby Fantasmic We enjoyed an excellent meal even though the Fantasmic part did not work out. DH had french onion soup; filet migon; cheesecake. DD had filet migon and the kids sundae for dessert; I had the mixed field green salad, pork loin, and the Crème Brule. DH and I each had a wine flight. The food was excellent (our 2nd best meal at the World) and the service outstanding. Fantasmic didnt work out because we were given incorrect instructions about where to go for the second show normally they dont even offer the package for that show. We still secured a standby seat so it was a great way to end Christmas Eve. (Food:A; Service: A)
Day 4 Dec 25
Breakfast Princess Storybook in Akershus - This breakfast was just as we remembered it: Food ok; princesses terrific. We did notice that they no longer server the French toast sticks. The second skillet was much better than the first it was hotter and fresher. We only ordered it because we were out of bacon and potatoes. The cinnamon rolls on the table to start were good. Seeing Belle in her Gold gown was a first for DD. The picture not part of photopass was excellent. We will eat here again just for the princesses. (Food: B-; Service B-)
Lunch Quick Service in Japan DH had the curry; DD and I had the Beef/Chicken combo. The line was long but moved quickly. The logistics inside the order/pick-up area could use some improvement people kept running into each other. It was nice to sit in the back patio and relax a few minutes. The food was ok for counter service. We would eat there again if we were in Japan at lunch time. )Food: B; Service N/A)
Dinner Le Cellier Candle Light Processional - This was probably our best overall meal of the trip beating out HBD on the basis of the server- she was excellent. We had a great time talking to her and the person cleaning the nearby table. All three of us had Cheese Soup and Fillet Migon as the main course. For dessert DD had the moose from the kids menu. I love their maple crème Brule; DH had a piece of chocolate cake that was serious chocolate overload. We finished just as illuminations was starting we watch the fireworks while walking back to the Beach Club. DH almost left is wallet on the table but the server caught it. DH and I shared a bottle of zinfandel wine. (Food:A; Service: A)
Day 5 Dec 26
Breakfast Donalds Breakfastasouras Overall this was probably our least favorite of the character meals we did. They ran out of plates on the buffet line; the traffic flow was awkward; and the food just did not seem as freah. Our server was the best buffet server we had we did not want for juice, coffee, milk, or my diet coke! The character interaction was good and it is a chance to see Donald. I dont think we will do this one again but I could be convinced otherwise. (Food: C; Service A-)
Lunch Beach Club Marketplace - DH and DD each had a hot ham and cheese sandwich while I had a bowl of clam chowder. It was very good for a quick meal I think the chowder is the same as Cape May at night lots of clams. We had wanted with Hurricane Hannas by the pool (the lime was moving about 1 person every 5 min) or Beaches and Cream I was not surprised at the 45 minute wait. (Food: B; Service N/A)
Dinner - Chef Mickeys We were seated right by the kitchen door (this is almost a theme) and once again the server was so/so. DD and DH loved the Salmon on the buffet. The carved beef was ok but nothing to rave about. The broccoli was full of black olives which I personally dont care for. The mashed potatoes were more like potato soup than a side dish. They also had a hard time keeping the salad portion of the buffet stocked. Dessert was the high point for me! Characters were a lot of fun. Donald was only out for a few short minutes. (Food: B-; Service: C)
Day 6 Dec 27
Breakfast - Beach Club Market Place We wanted a quick hot breakfast. I miss the food court of the POFQ or Roaring Forks at WL for a quick hot breakfast this is our only complaint about the Beach Club. We had 2 ham and Egg Croissant and a Chocolate Chip Muffin (Just like the Boardwalk Bakery). The service was fast and the food hot. I had to eat standing up because there were no chairs. (Food:B; Service N/A)
Lunch - Big River Brewing Company on the Boardwalk (I think this is the correct name) - DD and DH had hamburgers and I had a chicken sandwich. DH and I both had a beer. Our server was friendly and the service was quick. The table was small for three people but we managed. The food was surprisingly good. We had expected to wait we walked in and had low expectations for the food I think the burgers were better than I remember from Beaches and Cream. Meals were served with chips not fries. (Food: B+; Service A- - this was the surprise of the trip)
Dinner Cinderella Dinner at 1900 Park Fare I like this dinner. You can see Cinderella, the prince, Fairy Godmother, and the two mice. Characters never seem rushed here. The food is also very good. I love the chilled strawberry soup, freshly made pasta, and the carving station. The one sad not is no min-corn dogs - dont laugh I loved them DD thought it was so funny. Our server was hot/cold but was handling numerous tables. (Food: B+; Service B-)
Day 7 Dec 28
Breakfast We grabbed granola bars DH had the Richard Petty Driving experience and DD and I wanted to do a few things in the MK.
Lunch CRT We had lunch in the Castle a few years ago when it was no characters. I was very disappointed in this experience. The people at the podium were rude Yes I know you are 100% full through Jan 2. Yes I have an ADR sure we can wait in this line that is so long it will not fit in the building to see Cinderella. Yes I hear my name but you said see Cinderella before you go upstairs. Once seated our server proceeded to drop off the appetizers he gave DD the kids selection. I told him that was fine but I expected to be charged the kids price he said 10 year olds prefer the kids selection but she would be charged as an adult. I said fine if you are charging her as an adult she can select from the adult menu. This clearly made him very angry since he already had things planned out. DD was charged as an adult everywhere except Hoop De Doo (I had paid 18 months ago so they said I did not need to pay to difference) but I expect that if I am paying adult prices she can select from the adult menu. We all had Major Domos Pie. The princesses were still almost Beat the Clock fashion. They moved very quickly with very little interaction. DD and I both had the kids dessert we dont care for blueberries or Lemon. DH enjoyed his blueberry dessert. (Food: B+; Service: D)
Dinner - Hoop De Doo Review - We had a center stage second row table (I had had the reservation for over 18 months). The picture before the meal did not work out. We were the next to last in line and it was hurry up and get going. Our waiter was very attentive. We enjoyed the salad and bread. They had small corn cobbettes instead of the succotash (a big improvement). The chicken and Ribs were hot and very enjoyable. DH and I had a few bites of Strawberry Shortcake (DD does not like strawberries). My only complaint is the baked beans could have used a little more baking- they were aldente. The Christmas show was a blast. Both out Anniversary and DH Birthday were noted. DD had so much fun playing her washboard. We will do this again. (Food: B; Service: A-; Show: A+)
Day 8: Dec 29 - Depart for the Disney Wonder DHs actual Birthday
Breakfast - Cape May - The food and service was very good. The donut buffet had a great selection I personally didnt eat from it but DD did. They sung Happy Birthday to my DH. The character interaction was much better than the last time we ate there. All the characters came by multiple times. I did notice only 1 of Chip or Dale on the floor at any one time. (Food: B+; Service: B+)
We eat out frequently at home and enjoy the dining aspect of the vacation. I expected to pay adult prices for DD and did everywhere. Since we were on the Land portion of a cruise all meals were paid for out of pocket. Many servers were confused that we were not on the dining plan A few seemed to have forgotten how to do a room charge.
We ate 2 major meals per day and did almost no snacking. I did have a Dole Whip and we did share popcorn 1 day.
We were celebrating mine and DH 20th wedding anniversary and DHs 42 birthday.
I know this is long but feel free to ask questions I have learned a lot reading reviews here on the DIS.
Day 1 Dec 22
Breakfast McDonalds at Dulles Airport
Lunch Alfredos We were seated promptly. DD was disappointed that there was no gnocchi on the menu (It was very good in August 2004). We split one fettuccini and chicken parmesan. The chicken was by far the better choice. The service was ok (not great) = the tables were very close together. We also shared a chocolate mouse and dessert sampler. (Food: B-; Service C)
Dinner Ohannas - I was a little worried about the menu change but the food was wonderful as always. The shrimp in the bowl was very good and the new potatoes were excellent. The sausage was so-so. Our server was very hit or miss we were seated near the kitchen door so I could catch people when we needed something. We were full by the time dessert came but I tried a few bites. I normally dont like bread pudding but this was yummy. DH and I each had a drink The Malibu Macaw and Tradewinds both were very good I didnt feel like a Lapu Lapu. (Food: B+; Service: C+ )
Day 2 Dec 23
Breakfast/Lunch Crystal Place - We had a granola bar in the room before heading to the MK. I had a 10:30 at Crystal Place as sort of a brunch. We arrive a few minutes early I was glad for the ADR no walk ins were being taken. We were seated in a few minutes. The buffet was fully stocked and fresh. We especially enjoyed the made to order omelets and chocolate chip pancakes. The service was excellent and so was the character interaction. DD was disappointed there was no peanut butter on the buffet our server brought her out a small dish of it when I asked. (Food: A-; Service: A)
Dinner Liberty Tree Tavern As usual the character interaction was excellent. We enjoyed the salad and bread. The main course was hit or miss the beef was very good the rest of the meats were nothing to write home about. The mashed potatoes were also very good. I personally dont care for their mac-n-cheese. Dessert was hot apple crisp with vanilla ice cream very good. The server was strange he was excellent in the beginning the kind of disappeared then was good again. I think he was trying to handle too many tables. (Food: B-; Service C+)
Day 3 Dec 24
Breakfast Muffins at the boardwalk bakery Chocolate Chip and Banana (yummy!). Enjoyed sitting outside on the boardwalk having breakfast
Lunch 50s PT café We each had the meatloaf it was fresh and tasted very good. Our server was excellent. This is not fine dining it is comfort food you need to expect that. The server said that Santa wasnt coming because he was in trouble we put in a good word for him with Mom as we left. (Food: B; Service A)
Dinner Hollywood Brown Derby Fantasmic We enjoyed an excellent meal even though the Fantasmic part did not work out. DH had french onion soup; filet migon; cheesecake. DD had filet migon and the kids sundae for dessert; I had the mixed field green salad, pork loin, and the Crème Brule. DH and I each had a wine flight. The food was excellent (our 2nd best meal at the World) and the service outstanding. Fantasmic didnt work out because we were given incorrect instructions about where to go for the second show normally they dont even offer the package for that show. We still secured a standby seat so it was a great way to end Christmas Eve. (Food:A; Service: A)
Day 4 Dec 25
Breakfast Princess Storybook in Akershus - This breakfast was just as we remembered it: Food ok; princesses terrific. We did notice that they no longer server the French toast sticks. The second skillet was much better than the first it was hotter and fresher. We only ordered it because we were out of bacon and potatoes. The cinnamon rolls on the table to start were good. Seeing Belle in her Gold gown was a first for DD. The picture not part of photopass was excellent. We will eat here again just for the princesses. (Food: B-; Service B-)
Lunch Quick Service in Japan DH had the curry; DD and I had the Beef/Chicken combo. The line was long but moved quickly. The logistics inside the order/pick-up area could use some improvement people kept running into each other. It was nice to sit in the back patio and relax a few minutes. The food was ok for counter service. We would eat there again if we were in Japan at lunch time. )Food: B; Service N/A)
Dinner Le Cellier Candle Light Processional - This was probably our best overall meal of the trip beating out HBD on the basis of the server- she was excellent. We had a great time talking to her and the person cleaning the nearby table. All three of us had Cheese Soup and Fillet Migon as the main course. For dessert DD had the moose from the kids menu. I love their maple crème Brule; DH had a piece of chocolate cake that was serious chocolate overload. We finished just as illuminations was starting we watch the fireworks while walking back to the Beach Club. DH almost left is wallet on the table but the server caught it. DH and I shared a bottle of zinfandel wine. (Food:A; Service: A)
Day 5 Dec 26
Breakfast Donalds Breakfastasouras Overall this was probably our least favorite of the character meals we did. They ran out of plates on the buffet line; the traffic flow was awkward; and the food just did not seem as freah. Our server was the best buffet server we had we did not want for juice, coffee, milk, or my diet coke! The character interaction was good and it is a chance to see Donald. I dont think we will do this one again but I could be convinced otherwise. (Food: C; Service A-)
Lunch Beach Club Marketplace - DH and DD each had a hot ham and cheese sandwich while I had a bowl of clam chowder. It was very good for a quick meal I think the chowder is the same as Cape May at night lots of clams. We had wanted with Hurricane Hannas by the pool (the lime was moving about 1 person every 5 min) or Beaches and Cream I was not surprised at the 45 minute wait. (Food: B; Service N/A)
Dinner - Chef Mickeys We were seated right by the kitchen door (this is almost a theme) and once again the server was so/so. DD and DH loved the Salmon on the buffet. The carved beef was ok but nothing to rave about. The broccoli was full of black olives which I personally dont care for. The mashed potatoes were more like potato soup than a side dish. They also had a hard time keeping the salad portion of the buffet stocked. Dessert was the high point for me! Characters were a lot of fun. Donald was only out for a few short minutes. (Food: B-; Service: C)
Day 6 Dec 27
Breakfast - Beach Club Market Place We wanted a quick hot breakfast. I miss the food court of the POFQ or Roaring Forks at WL for a quick hot breakfast this is our only complaint about the Beach Club. We had 2 ham and Egg Croissant and a Chocolate Chip Muffin (Just like the Boardwalk Bakery). The service was fast and the food hot. I had to eat standing up because there were no chairs. (Food:B; Service N/A)
Lunch - Big River Brewing Company on the Boardwalk (I think this is the correct name) - DD and DH had hamburgers and I had a chicken sandwich. DH and I both had a beer. Our server was friendly and the service was quick. The table was small for three people but we managed. The food was surprisingly good. We had expected to wait we walked in and had low expectations for the food I think the burgers were better than I remember from Beaches and Cream. Meals were served with chips not fries. (Food: B+; Service A- - this was the surprise of the trip)
Dinner Cinderella Dinner at 1900 Park Fare I like this dinner. You can see Cinderella, the prince, Fairy Godmother, and the two mice. Characters never seem rushed here. The food is also very good. I love the chilled strawberry soup, freshly made pasta, and the carving station. The one sad not is no min-corn dogs - dont laugh I loved them DD thought it was so funny. Our server was hot/cold but was handling numerous tables. (Food: B+; Service B-)
Day 7 Dec 28
Breakfast We grabbed granola bars DH had the Richard Petty Driving experience and DD and I wanted to do a few things in the MK.
Lunch CRT We had lunch in the Castle a few years ago when it was no characters. I was very disappointed in this experience. The people at the podium were rude Yes I know you are 100% full through Jan 2. Yes I have an ADR sure we can wait in this line that is so long it will not fit in the building to see Cinderella. Yes I hear my name but you said see Cinderella before you go upstairs. Once seated our server proceeded to drop off the appetizers he gave DD the kids selection. I told him that was fine but I expected to be charged the kids price he said 10 year olds prefer the kids selection but she would be charged as an adult. I said fine if you are charging her as an adult she can select from the adult menu. This clearly made him very angry since he already had things planned out. DD was charged as an adult everywhere except Hoop De Doo (I had paid 18 months ago so they said I did not need to pay to difference) but I expect that if I am paying adult prices she can select from the adult menu. We all had Major Domos Pie. The princesses were still almost Beat the Clock fashion. They moved very quickly with very little interaction. DD and I both had the kids dessert we dont care for blueberries or Lemon. DH enjoyed his blueberry dessert. (Food: B+; Service: D)
Dinner - Hoop De Doo Review - We had a center stage second row table (I had had the reservation for over 18 months). The picture before the meal did not work out. We were the next to last in line and it was hurry up and get going. Our waiter was very attentive. We enjoyed the salad and bread. They had small corn cobbettes instead of the succotash (a big improvement). The chicken and Ribs were hot and very enjoyable. DH and I had a few bites of Strawberry Shortcake (DD does not like strawberries). My only complaint is the baked beans could have used a little more baking- they were aldente. The Christmas show was a blast. Both out Anniversary and DH Birthday were noted. DD had so much fun playing her washboard. We will do this again. (Food: B; Service: A-; Show: A+)
Day 8: Dec 29 - Depart for the Disney Wonder DHs actual Birthday
Breakfast - Cape May - The food and service was very good. The donut buffet had a great selection I personally didnt eat from it but DD did. They sung Happy Birthday to my DH. The character interaction was much better than the last time we ate there. All the characters came by multiple times. I did notice only 1 of Chip or Dale on the floor at any one time. (Food: B+; Service: B+)
Now....I am thinking about that grapefruit cake, again. Yummy!
