8 days of Dlx Dining means 20 ADRs and lots of food *New 4/21 Tutto Italia

[janloz]

fab reviews, thanks

Welcome!

I'm enjoying your review! I should know better than to read food reviews late at night though. I keep raiding the Christmas Cookies!

Thanks, I have the same problem when reading food reviews on DIS.

Great reviews so far - got to agree about the puffed french toast at CP, it's outstandingly good

I found the recipe online yesterday. Here is the link: http://www.magicalmountain.net/WDWRecipesDetail.asp?RecipeID=41
I might try it this weekend. YUMMY!

 

[janloz]

Akerhaus Princess Storybook Breakfast12/1: I had booked it for 8:30am but at the time didn't realize that it was the first ADR of the day. We were on the bus from POP at 7:45am and arrived at Epcot around 8am. At the turnstiles, there is a sign for early breakfasts (Princess and Cape May) and tours to enter. The CM has a list of all of the ADRs prior to park opening and if you are not on the list you can't get in. So we are the first people in Epcot for the day. The plan was to take some pictures in an empty Epcot while making our way to Norway. Here are the pics on the way showing no one was in the park before us except CMs:

We arrived in Norway at 8:15am

As you enter Norway, Akerhaus is on the right in the pics. See how empty it is?!?! We actually arrived before they put out the podium to check in or the ropes to line up. On the left, they had the small room of gift shop open just in case you didn't have the perfect princess dress or accessories for your girl. We were the first to check in and then the first ones in. This is inside the door.

We actually got inside just as Belle was being escorted to the Photopass area. We were brought over to the area and DD had her photo taken and I was too slow to get one with our camera. Then we were escorted to our table which was in the dining room on the left as we entered the restuarant (Last table under the windows.) and the hostess told us that this was a great table since the princesses would enter from the door next to us. The waitress arrived and took our drink order and then told us to help ourselves to the cold buffet and she would bring hot items shortly. There were various melons, strawberries, pineapple available. Pastries, bagels, salmon, cinnamon rolls. They were all very good but I wish they had more selections for the kids, simple donuts would have been nice. Once we returned to the table, the waitress brought platter with scrambled eggs (a little too salty for my liking), sausage, bacon and cheesy potatoes (wow, were they good). We didn't realize until it was about time to leave that they would bring Mickey Waffles if you asked. The photopass assistant bought over the photo package with Belle (1 8x10 and 4 4x6 prints) which was included in the price. About 8:45am, the princesses started to come out, we were the 3rd table they visited.

 

[janloz]

By 9:05am, all the princesses had visited and the food was done. So we asked for the check. The total was $50.05 for DD and I but luckily we just used 2TS. Just as an aside, until this point, all of our meals we had 6+ people which meant that the tip was automatically added to the bill. So we gave the signed paperwork to the waitress and she notices that there is no cash tip but there was also no place to add one so she mentions that tip is not included. I was glad she mentioned it since I did not want to slight her but not happy I had to use cash for it instead of being able to put it on room charge. Luckily, I had some cash on me.

By the time we left, it was insane in there. Every table was full and the line was out the door and it was only 9:15am. So I would highly recommend the 8:30am time slot. On the way out, DD didn't want to wear the costume for the rest of the day in Epcot so we stopped in the ladies room to change clothes and put the dress in a space bag which I then brought to store in one of the lockers near the entrance to Epcot so I didn't have to carry around the rest of the day. As we left, another first:

Notice the change of clothes.


The ratings:

Food: 1/2 (we weren't there for the food, it was the princesses)
Service:
Atmosphere:
Value: I only give it this rating since the photopass picture is included in price.

Update: I found our receipt, our waitress was Camilla.

I decided when planning this trip that we would not make the boys attend the princess breakfast due to DS11 aversion to CRT last time and I was EXTREMELY glad I did. There were literally 100's of little princesses running around and it was VERY loud with many of them crying.

We have now eaten breakfast at both Cinderella breakfast in Castle and here and would definitely recommend if paying OOP or have regular dining plan this breakfast since it is less costly or 1TS. If you have the deluxe dining, I would say try to get the castle. Both have the photos included but CRT is 2TS. If we get the deluxe next time, we will try to get CRT before park opening.

Also when I stopped at the photo center to rent the locker, I had them add the photo to my photopass card.

Up next, boy's breakfast at WCC....

 

[distherapy]

I'm loving your reviews!

Akershus was really loud when we were there too - including a child crying in the foyer like I have honestly never heard a child cry. Still makes me tense thinking about it!

 

[wdw1972]

I'm loving your reviews!

Akershus was really loud when we were there too - including a child crying in the foyer like I have honestly never heard a child cry. Still makes me tense thinking about it!

I'm loving the reviews, too! What's up with all the crying kids at the princess breakfast??? Perhaps people with kids who will cry at a restaurant should wait a few years until the kid is old enough to act right in public. I think dragging the little girls to these breakfasts is too much stress for them on top of all the other changes in their routine that week. The parents say the meal is for the little girl, but if they were honest they'd have to admit they're dragging her there for THEM

 

[janloz]

I'm loving your reviews!

Akershus was really loud when we were there too - including a child crying in the foyer like I have honestly never heard a child cry. Still makes me tense thinking about it!

I'm loving the reviews, too! What's up with all the crying kids at the princess breakfast??? Perhaps people with kids who will cry at a restaurant should wait a few years until the kid is old enough to act right in public. I think dragging the little girls to these breakfasts is too much stress for them on top of all the other changes in their routine that week. The parents say the meal is for the little girl, but if they were honest they'd have to admit they're dragging her there for THEM

The table across from us had a baby that was probably about a year old all dressed in full princess costume and everytime the princesses came out the whole family would take pictures of her (They had about 20 people in their group). The poor girl had no idea what was going on and was absolutely miserable.

When my mom took DD7 to 1900 Park Fare, she wore a sweater set that had the castle on it in gold glitter and cardigan with fur collar. My daughter didn't want to wear her costume again so I didn't force her and she was much happier. My mom said she was probably one of only 5 girls in the whole room not in full costume. Along the same line,while waiting for her reservation, we noticed that the Photopass was set up in front of the GF christmas tree so we got in line. There was a family in front of us with 3 kids probably DD7, DS4, DD2 all dressed up in velvet dress and short/vest it was almost 8pm so you can imagine how good natured the kids were at that point. The 2 older kids posed nicely but the DD2 wanted no part of it so the mom tried to get her to cooperate but she wouldn't. The mom kept saying "she will calm down in a minute" finally after 5 minutes the photographer politely asked her to come back later since there were others waiting in line. I couldn't believe it when she got upset and stomped away.

 

[princessesx2]

We had this breakfast in July and it was great. First ADR of the day...first seated ( first table right next to the door where the princesses came out)...then by 8:50 we were outside waiting for hubby and grandpa to settle the tip/bill (a pain the whole trip as 2a 1c(+ 1under3) on one card and 2a on other ..all on DXDP) Mary Poppins was right there looking a the lagoon and talking to a cm. The girls went rightup..Mary was awesome..asking about their outfits (matching princess halters Nana made) and asking about breakfast...she spent a good 15 min talking, signing and taking pictures! I was very impressed with many of the face characters (head characters too) they never rushed my girls. I was very happy.
I am loving your trip report and food report. I feel like I am living my trip again! We are planning out next and I hope to get to go the same time frame you were there but in 2 yrs.! Keep up the awesome discriptions!

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

I was very impressed with many of the face characters (head characters too) they never rushed my girls. I was very happy.

We had great experiences with the face characters as well. Well, with all the characters really. But something similar happened to us with Aladdin as what happened with you and Mary. We got to him just as WS was opening up. He spent a long time chatting with us.

 

[tksbaskets]

Very nice dining reviews! Thank you for sharing. We actually canceled our Tony's reservations for next week because we hadn't heard good things. I'm glad your experience was positive. Waiting for more....

 

[janloz]

We had this breakfast in July and it was great. First ADR of the day...first seated ( first table right next to the door where the princesses came out)...then by 8:50 we were outside waiting for hubby and grandpa to settle the tip/bill (a pain the whole trip as 2a 1c(+ 1under3) on one card and 2a on other ..all on DXDP) Mary Poppins was right there looking a the lagoon and talking to a cm. The girls went rightup..Mary was awesome..asking about their outfits (matching princess halters Nana made) and asking about breakfast...she spent a good 15 min talking, signing and taking pictures! I was very impressed with many of the face characters (head characters too) they never rushed my girls. I was very happy.
I am loving your trip report and food report. I feel like I am living my trip again! We are planning out next and I hope to get to go the same time frame you were there but in 2 yrs.! Keep up the awesome discriptions!

I was impressed how much time the princesses spent with her, they didn't rush but actually took the time to talk with her. We found having 4 different cards for 7 ad/1 child was a real hassle as well. At Tutto Italia, it took almost 30 minutes to get our checks. Especially at the buffets, we would ask for our check as soon as the CM brought the drinks since we knew it would take forever.

Thanks for the comments on the reviews, I really enjoy sharing with all of you since I gained so much info from others DR before my trip. We will probably be back to Disney in 2010, I am trying to get DH to commit to dates already.

We had great experiences with the face characters as well. Well, with all the characters really. But something similar happened to us with Aladdin as what happened with you and Mary. We got to him just as WS was opening up. He spent a long time chatting with us.

We also had great experiences with the characters this trip, since most of the restuarants were not that busy when we got there, they spent extra time with the kids. Even the characters in the parks were great.

Very nice dining reviews! Thank you for sharing. We actually canceled our Tony's reservations for next week because we hadn't heard good things. I'm glad your experience was positive. Waiting for more....

We were pleasantly surprised with Tony's. If we have a smaller group next time, I would like to try Plaza Restaurant or maybe CP for lunch. We'll see, I have to get DH to commit to next trip.

 

[Lexxiefern]

Thank you for sharing your dining report! I have enjoyed it so far

Gotta agree about the french toast puffs at crystal palace, yummy!

 

[goodmorningirl]

Great job again with Akershus. I took my mom there and it was very loud, but we did have a fabulous time. How nice to meet Mary outside also

 

[29apr00]

Akershus is definately worth a mention as a Princess Meal. 2TS just too see Cinderella is crazy!

Yummy cheesy potatoes!! Great reviews so far!

 

[Poohbug]

Hi I just started reading your review today and it is great.
I absolutely adore the picture of your daughter in front of the Epcot ball. If I had any daughters, I would steal that pose to get a pic like that.

Our LeCellier days are over for a while, so I like to read reviews of others enjoying it. Our last visit was stressful with three crabby kids, so we are taking a break until they are older.

 

[janloz]

Thank you for sharing your dining report! I have enjoyed it so far

Gotta agree about the french toast puffs at crystal palace, yummy!

Welcome! They are sinfully good.

Great job again with Akershus. I took my mom there and it was very loud, but we did have a fabulous time. How nice to meet Mary outside also

Hi!

Akershus is definately worth a mention as a Princess Meal. 2TS just too see Cinderella is crazy!

Yummy cheesy potatoes!! Great reviews so far!

I only think CRT is only worth it to be inside the castle. If we were doing deluxe dining and had extra TS credits to use, I would go there with the girls again. Of course, DS wouldn't want to go again. My mom makes cheesy potatoes just like those, we will be having them for Christmas. So sinful.

Hi I just started reading your review today and it is great.
I absolutely adore the picture of your daughter in front of the Epcot ball. If I had any daughters, I would steal that pose to get a pic like that.

Our LeCellier days are over for a while, so I like to read reviews of others enjoying it. Our last visit was stressful with three crabby kids, so we are taking a break until they are older.

Hi and Welcome. Thanks, there are more pics in my TR of her posing that morning. all the way.

Luckily, our kids are old enough (11 and almost 8) that they behaved very well in Le Cellier and Calf Grill. We will definitely return there next time.

 

[janloz]

Whispering Canyon Cafe in Wilderness Lodge 12/1 The boys went to WCC while the girls went to Akerhaus. They took the bus from POP to MK and the bus actually dropped them off at the stop next to the one for WL so they just waited there and took the bus to WL. The WL was all decked out in holiday decorations:

Apparently, they had to wait for a few minutes

Once seated, they had Doc Willis for CM. It looks like it was pretty busy in there:

DH had the breakfast skillet which includes: Scrambled Eggs, Red Bliss Potatoes with Sauteed Onions, Bacon and Sausage, Buttermilk Biscuits, Sausage Gravy, and Waffles , coffee and OJ
Mark had French Toast and Milk.

This is Mark's review of their food since I was not there. He said that the FT was great, he really enjoyed it. The Skillet was enough for 2 people, they asked for more bacon which is Mark's favorite. There were plenty of antics and they had a great time.

He also used the jelly packets to make a pyramid.

They rolled out of WCC and onto the bus to Epcot.

They cost would have been $29.02 but they used 2 TS. Plus left tip for CM.

Ratings:

Food:
Service: Mark said the service was slow.
Atmosphere: 1/2
Value: 1/2

Mark said he would definitely return here for breakfast but not plan a lunch for that day since there was a lot of food.

Up next Coral Reef for lunch and a lot of surprises.......

 

[Couturier]

Hi Jan! I am glad to finally make it over to your review!

We are doing the Princess Bfast and Tony's and I was wondering about choosing both of them and you made me feel a bit better about it! LOL

Okay, What is next?????

Dana

 

[janloz]

Hi Jan! I am glad to finally make it over to your review!

We are doing the Princess Bfast and Tony's and I was wondering about choosing both of them and you made me feel a bit better about it! LOL

Okay, What is next?????

Dana

Hey, I was wondering where you were?

We really enjoyed both of them, we actually liked most of the TS places, CS was mostly awful.

Up next Coral Reef and some birthday surprises.

 

[janloz]

Coral Reef-Lunch 12/1 I checked in at Coral Reef and made sure that surprises I had arranged with Debbi were in place and they were. I got the pager and was told it would be a few minutes (the waiting area was already full) so I went outside to meet up with the others. About 10 minutes later as pager went off, my MIL finally met up with us.

We followed the hostess down to the first level of the restuarant right across from the aquarium:

and then our CM Leah passed out the personalized menus:

All the adults got this one. They were a big hit but I don't think the rest of the group realized how much time I had spent working with Debbi to get these.

Here are some pics from our table:

This guy was hanging out the whole time we had lunch.

We had 2 tables next to each other with space between which made it feel like we weren't sitting together and hard to hear eachother.

Since most of the group wasn't that hungry due to the big breakfasts, we ordered:

Dave: Sea & Land App, Shrimp Caesar Salad, Wave Dessert
Me: Shrimp Cocktail, Shrimp Caesar Salad, Wave Dessert w/o cherries
Mark: Cheese Pizza from kids menu (didn't like adult choices), fries and wave w/o cherries
Sarah: Tink light up drink, Cheese Pizza, fries and make your own sundae

We enjoyed the apps, especially the sauce for the shrimp cocktail. The kids mostly ate the warm bread. The salads were very good but the kids didn't care for the pizza and mostly ate the fries. Yum, fries and pizza for lunch. I knew from reading many reviews not to get the cherries on the Wave since they are in liquor and that turned out to be the right decision.

I liked the special attention they gave to Mark's bday. Simple but special.

About this time, the kids and MIL/FIL were getting ansy to leave not knowing another surprise was coming. Leah went to check and said it would be another 10 minutes or so. Debbi actually came down and said they were working on it and they would coming shortly. Then suddenly we see:

Then the banner floats away:

One more shot, sorry they are blurry.

 

[janloz]

The total would have been $121.20 with OOP of $22.84 for tip and Light up TInk, I left Leah an extra $15 for helping with the bday surprise. 4TS credit on Dxl dining well spent.

Ratings:

Food: 1/2
Service:
Atmosphere: 1/2
Value: 1/2 (on dining plan, if OOP not so much.)
Birthday surprise: priceless

We have now eaten at CR twice last time for dinner and this time for lunch. I probably would take a break and experience some of the other dining places in Epcot on our next trip.

Also, I recently read that they will not be doing the personalized menus or diver signs in 2009. I am really glad I was able to get them for Mark and everyone else.

Up next....Teppan Edo and someone in our group gets very sick Was it the food or something else??????