7 nights of Disney dining with Yacht Club Concierge level (UPDATED 2/24)

[GoBirds]

Maybe, but those 2 NJ (cause they aren't really in NY despite their names) teams are my least favorite teams in all of football, so it wouldn't have stung quite so much if your Eagles had actually survived the playoffs.

Agreed about the NJ teams! And I was kidding when I said the Eagles could've beaten the Pats ... the Pats smoked the Eagles in the regular season.

really enjoying your reviews. can't wait to read more.

Thanks very much!

Did you skip dessert at Jiko?

Yes. We were on the regular dining plan, and we paid for this meal out of pocket. After the late lunch at Pizzafari and the appetizers at Yacht Club, we were all stuffed. And since were didn't use the dining plan for this meal and therefore dessert wasn't "included," we passed. Thanks for reading the reviews!

 

[GoBirds]

After our day at the Boardwalk and the pool, we headed over to the beautiful Grand Floridian ....

to eat at Narcoossee's ....

Narcoossee's is an octogonal building along the Seven Seas Lagoon. Windows surround the building giving diners inside a spectacular view of the lagoon, Magic Kingdom, the Contemporary and the Poly. There is also a walkway encircling the outside of the building where you can enjoy this atmosphere while waiting for your table:

It's also a nice quiet spot to walk outside for a few minutes with a "restless" child. Narcoossee's is primarily a seafood restaurant, but they also serve a nice steak and other non-seafood items. It is also the only place at Disney World where you can get a whole lobster. Upon being seated, fresh bread and butter sprinkled with sea salt are brought to your table:

I've found that the "butter and sea salt" thing is almost universal at Disney signature restaurants (though Jiko provides a tamarind-spiced butter instead). It's one of those little things that make Disney restaurants unique; the sea salt sprinkled atop the butter definitely provides at interesting kick.

For our appetizers, DW ordered the calamari:

This comes mixed with olives and hot peppers and is served atop a cross between a tomato puree and a marinara sauce. The calamari, by itself, was just average-quality calamari that you could get at many restaurants around the country, but the preparation with olives, peppers and the sauce was different and tasty. I ate probably half of it and enjoyed it very much.

For my appetizer, I ordered the crab cake:

I liked it, but DW (who often orders crab cake as an appetizer when we eat out and who is a bit of a crab cake connoisseur) thought it was bland.

For her entree, DW ordered the filet, which is served atop a mushroom risotto, a bordelaise-type sauce and with a side of green beans:

While she enjoyed it, it is not as good of a steak as you can get at Yachtsman or California Grill. Here's a shot of the filet after she cut into it, so you can see how it was cooked (if you remember, she likes her steaks super-rare):

For my entree, I ordered (drum roll please) the $65!!! lobster:

Now, I love lobster and had been looking forward to this for a while. And it was about what I remembered and expected. The whole lobster comes with melted butter, broccolini and a pasta casserole with cherry tomatoes. This was very good, but I must say, it's a lot better if you use a dining plan. Narcoossee's is a signature restaurant, so each diner must use two table service credits, but that is still a very good bargain to get a $65 entree taken off your bill. When you pay out-of-pocket (as we mistakenly did for this meal), the price tag seems a little steep for what you get. So while I recommend this entree, use your dining plan!!!

Now, one VERY IMPORTANT point about the melted butter. Narcoossee's serves clarified melted butter with the lobster. Clarified butter is where the "fat" (i.e., the tasty salty white stuff that floats to the top when you melt butter) is skimmed off. This time, I made sure to ask for regular (i.e., non-clarified) butter. Perhaps it's less healthy, but regular melted butter comes with all of the chunky, salty goodness. Believe me, this makes a huge difference in the taste of your food.

The other items on the plate (the broccolini and the pasta casserole) were fine, especially the pasta casserole. Here's a shot of the pasta casserole after I ate some of it so you can see its preparation better:

DS7 got the kid's sirloin and DS4 got the kid's baked fish. Both kids' entrees are served with mashed potatoes and green beans:

They ate like champs! Overall, we always enjoy our time at Narcoossee's. While we think there are better signature restaurants at Disney, the food is certainly above-average, and if you use the dining plan, ordering the lobster is a great value for your dining credits. Plus, with the exception of California Grill, I don't think you can beat the great view that the restaurant offers.

Since we weren't using a dining plan for this and we had tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, we skipped dessert here and headed to Magic Kingdom for a great night filled with milk and Christmas cookies!

Next up ... lunch at Backlot Express and afternoon snacks around Epcot's World Showcase!!!

 

[kelleigh1]

So far, Narcoossee's is the only signature that we have tried, (we went to Le Cellier before they upgraded it) so it holds a special place for us.

Being from New England, I've eaten my fare share of lobster, probably more in 1 year than most people eat in their lifetime. I will say that if you order lobster here, 99% of the time, it will not be broken down like that. You will make a nice big mess of yourself, the table, any dining companions and perhaps those sitting at nearby tables. But it is worth it. I prefer to eat mine at home, while completely covered in towels, because then I can tear it apart and not let any speck of meat get away from me. Anyway...I thought the Narcoossee's "Whole Maine Lobster" was pretty darn good for being cooked and served in Florida. Lobster is easy to overcook, but it was perfect!

And the walk from the GF to Narcoossee's...breathtaking! It just made it feel even that much more special of an evening.

 

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

I *love* your dining report.

 

[Pinkgirl]

Did you complain about the steak at Narcoossee? There was defo no moo there.

 

[TexasErin]

Enjoying your reviews!

 

[devonsmommy]

Loving your reviews...thanks!
From a fellow Pennsylvanian!

 

[dakcp2001]

Totally enjoying your reviews!!

 

[GoBirds]

So far, Narcoossee's is the only signature that we have tried, (we went to Le Cellier before they upgraded it) so it holds a special place for us.

Being from New England, I've eaten my fare share of lobster, probably more in 1 year than most people eat in their lifetime. I will say that if you order lobster here, 99% of the time, it will not be broken down like that. You will make a nice big mess of yourself, the table, any dining companions and perhaps those sitting at nearby tables. But it is worth it. I prefer to eat mine at home, while completely covered in towels, because then I can tear it apart and not let any speck of meat get away from me. Anyway...I thought the Narcoossee's "Whole Maine Lobster" was pretty darn good for being cooked and served in Florida. Lobster is easy to overcook, but it was perfect!

And the walk from the GF to Narcoossee's...breathtaking! It just made it feel even that much more special of an evening.

The first two times we ate at Narcoossee's (2009 and 2010), the lobster came completely intact, but this time, it was broken apart. I agree with you ... it's a lot more fun to eat when you have to break it apart and really dig in yourself. It makes the food so much more satisfying. But despite being broken apart, this lobster was still very good. And if a New Englander thinks it's good lobster, it must be!

 

[GoBirds]

Did you complain about the steak at Narcoossee? There was defo no moo there.

No we didn't complain. We normally don't say anything unless something is REALLY bad. The steak was still tasty enough. And besides, I don't think DW has ever gotten her steak as rare as she wants it at any restaurant. Sometimes she complains that beef carpaccio is too well done!

 

[GoBirds]

I *love* your dining report.

Enjoying your reviews!

Loving your reviews...thanks!
From a fellow Pennsylvanian!

Totally enjoying your reviews!!

Thanks very much!

 

[gardengirl628]

Loving your reviews! Thanks so much for sharing your experiences.

 

[GoBirds]

For our next day at the World, we got up and took a stroll to Hollywood Studios. This is one of the great things about staying at the Yacht Club (or the Beach Club or Boardwalk for that matter). There is a very scenic and convenient walkway connecting Epcot (at the World Showcase turnstiles), the Resorts and Boardwalk area, and Hollywood Studios. From the Yacht Club, Epcot is a 5-minute walk, and Hollywood Studios is a 15-minute walk in the other direction. It's very relaxing as you walk along the waterway which the boats take to transport visitors between Epcot and the Studios.

So, after a morning in the Studios, we decided on a quick service lunch. The kids really like Toy Story Pizza Planet, but since we had pizza the last two days (see Pizzafari and Boardwalk Pizza Window), and since we just finished riding the refurbished Star Tours (AWESOME!), we decided to eat at Backlot Express (right next to Star Tours).

I know, I know ... if you've been diligently reading my reports, I previously said that we ate at ABC Commissary. Oops! We actually ate at ABC Commissary on our previous trip, and I guess I sometimes get my quick service restaurants messed up. Sorry. So, we ate at BACKLOT EXPRESS (not, I repeat, not, ABC Commissary). By the way, DW has been reading my reports, and she didn't correct me. Can I blame her?

Backlot Express is very convenient (as I said, located right next to Star Tours). The air-conditioned interior has the feel of a .. well ... "backlot" of a studio. On cooler days, there is also a nice patio area to sit outside and enjoy your food while watching Darth Vader at the Jedi Training Academy. It is a relatively standard counter service Disney restaurant, serving burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, fries, a veggie sandwich, and the like. There is also a full condiment bar. And if you're in the mood, they serve beer and wine as well.

For a quick service credit, you get a sandwich, a side (fries or salad for adults, fries or fruit for kids), a non-alcoholic drink, and a dessert (chocolate cake or cheesecake for adults, or a cookie for kids). It's pretty standard, average Disney quick service fare. Nothing that will totally stand out, but decent food to fill up the family in the middle of the day.

I ordered a good old-fashioned burger and fries:

A good solid burger. Very fresh tasting, both the burger itself, and the toppings. The lettuce was crisp, the tomato red and juicy. The fries tasted fresh-cut as well. No frozen mass-produced tastes that might be common at a lesser theme park. And a very large portion to boot. Ashamed to say, I couldn't finish it.

DW had the veggie melt. Zucchini, mushrooms, red pepper, cheese, lettuce and tomato on a warm whole grain bread. She enjoyed this. And keeping with her healthy veggie lunch, she ordered french fries as her side.

DS7 and DS4 each had a hot dog and fries (sorry .. no pics). They ate it too fast.

DW and I each got the cheesecake for dessert:

So after a nice lunch, we spent a few more hours in the Studios, and then we took our favorite stroll back through the resort area and headed to my favorite place in all of Disney World ... Epcot's World Showcase!!!

I cannot express just how much I love this place. Seriously, if the World Showcase closed down tomorrow, DW probably wouldn't ever be able to get me back to Disney World. Eleven countries. Eleven cuisines to savor, in all forms ... snacks, quick service meals, table sevice meals, signature restaurants, and ... um ... well ... alcohol.

Our next Disney World vacation is scheduled for early October 2012, and we did this for one reason and one reason only ... can anyone say Food & Wine Festival??!! I've never been, and let me just say that walking aroung my favorite place, defiling myself with dozens of small plates from dozens of countries is an idea nothing short of euphoric to me. But don't get me wrong, I only go to Disney World because the kids like it so much.

So, back to this trip. As we arrived at the World Showcase, the conversation between DW and I went something like this:

Me: So, what should we sample first?

DW: I dunno, sushi in Japan?

Me: Or smoked salmon in Norway?

DW: How about a big soft pretzel in Germany?

Me: Tacos in Mexico?

DW and I together and in sync: Ok great, alcohol!!

So, we sat at an outdoor table in France, the kids enjoyed watching two very tame ducks that were strolling by the serene atmosphere (or pelicans, or cranes, I don't really care), and DW and I enjoyed ... wait for it ... wait for it ... the Grey Goose Slushee at the French Pavilion!!!!

And here's where we sat out and enjoyed our drinks and a little bird-watching:

Next we headed to Germany ...

... and the kids and I enjoyed a big, soft pretzel:

Now, this was pretty good, but I've gotta say, being from Philly (we invented the soft pretzel), I have very high standards. And why do people look at me cross-eyed when I ask for it with mustard??!! Who doesn't eat a soft pretzel with mustard?? Anyone??

While the kids and I shared the pretzel, DW and I shared an Oktoberfest to accompany the pretzel:

Next was Norway ...

... where DS4 got himself a big bag of gummy bears (I think they're called "Norwegian gummy bears" here ). DS7 was too full from the pretzel.

Then it was off to Mexico ...

... where you have to get a Dos Equis This is because it's served with a tiny cup with sea salt aroung the rim and a lime in the center:

Here's how we drank it: We squeezed the lime in the beer, and then you take a little of the salt in your mouth and then sip the beer. The other way is to lick the salt, sip the beer, then suck on the lime ... but I think that procedure is more for tequila. And for those of you tsk-tsk-ing us right now, please remember three things: (1) We're on vacation; (2) We're staying at the Yacht Club, so it's a 5-minute walk back to our room (no driving whatsoever); and (3) I already have a mother.

Next, it was back to Germany for our ADR at Biergarten. Yes, that includes big mugs of beer. And dancing for the kids, which makes it one of their (and our) favorite restaurants in the World!

Next up ... dinner at Biergarten!!!

 

[chocolateMinnie]

still enjoying your reviews - nice to see something other than burgers at DHS and to hear how short the walk is from BC to DHS. We have walked from EPCOT to BC to do a little research for this year and boardwalk but never walked to DHS. Do you head towards the Swan and Dolphin?

You're going to love eating and drinking around theF&W - we really missed the festival the only time we went outside of October. It's become a huge part of our trip.

Can't wait for the rest.

 

[TigerKat]

You are going to LOVE Food & Wine fest time!!!! We tried it for the first time in '08 and are hooked. So hooked, we bought into DVC and have gone every year since!

 

[iloveeeyore]

Now we are on a quest to find that grassy spot in France where you enjoyed your slushies and watched the birds! I can't say that we have ever noticed that spot!

Looking forward to Biergarten!

 

[kelleigh1]

Great pictures from WS. I can see why you want to go back for F&W. I'm hoping you can get that trip report up and posted before we head off to YC/F&W on Oct. 27th.

Oh, and ME - I don't put mustard on my pretzels.

 

[disfencer]

I'm really enjoying your reviews--I like how you describe the atmosphere of the restaurant before talking about the food!

I have to agree that spending evenings in World Showcase is the best Disney has to offer.

Also, I had NO IDEA the Mexico pavilion serves Dos Equis with the adorable tiny lime cup. Best. thing. ever.

Keep up the good work!

 

[TigerKat]

Now we are on a quest to find that grassy spot in France where you enjoyed your slushies and watched the birds! I can't say that we have ever noticed that spot!

Looking forward to Biergarten!

We've never seen that spot before either! Gotta look for it next week!

 

[GoBirds]

still enjoying your reviews - nice to see something other than burgers at DHS and to hear how short the walk is from BC to DHS. We have walked from EPCOT to BC to do a little research for this year and boardwalk but never walked to DHS. Do you head towards the Swan and Dolphin?

When you leave Epcot, make the left over the bridge toward the Boardwalk (instead of staying straight toward Beach Club). Follow the Boardwalk all the way around until you almost get to the "Dance Hall." Then follow the walkway behind the Boardwalk as if you're heading toward the Swan and Dolphin and you'll see signs pointing you toward Hollywood Studios.

Thanks for enjoying the reviews!