8 Nights of Dining in WDW for F&W

[homeboycartel]

Ok, I am starting this from my wonderful room this morning at SSR. We arrived last evening for 8 nights of F&W joy. Here is the group: me, homeboycartel, the self-proclaimed Disney Addict, DW, Jennifer M. (There are two Jenns in the party), our DS, 4 1/2 and 2 1/2, and our friends/co-workers, Brandon and Jenn D. with their DS-4 1/2 and DD-2 1/2.

I will pretty much try if not devour anything that does not have mayonnaise or mustard upon, near, or inside it. DW (Jenn M.) loves her comfort foods, especially pastas and mashed potatoes. DS-4 1/2 rarely eats and if he does it is cheese pizza, eggs, chicken nuggets, celery/carrots, or fruit. DS-2 1/2 is just like dad and will take down pretty much anything and everything when hungry, but also shares his mother's pasta and hamburger lusts. Brandon loves steak and grilled meats in general and will not eat fast food except In-N-Out burgers. Jennifer D. will eat anything that is not from Under the Sea, and is especially fond of chicken sandwiches. Their children both eat pretty much anything and have no real food likes or dislikes.

Over our 8 nights, we will be reviewing the following restaurants and others: CRT, HDDR, Backyard BBQ, Le Cellier, San Angel Inn, Turf Club, 1900, WCC, Chef Mickey's, Chef's, Tutto Italia, Mama's, and Y&Y. I will do my best to post photographs, but I've never posted w/ photos, so we will see how it works. .

I will try and continue the updates as our week here "Home" unfolds, but with 8 and 4 little ones, I make no promises!

I hope you enjoy our review!

 

[MickeyNicki]

Yay a live report! I cannot wait to hear all about it! We will be there in 5 days and I cannot wait!!

 

[suzimar57]

bring on the live report!!

 

[John's Mom]

Count me in!

 

[jeminni]

Im in, I'm in

 

[TigerKat]

Love live reports....I'm so excited!!!!!

 

[keelyhealthnut]

Fun! Can't wait for the reviews!

 

[homeboycartel]

Well, in all of my wonderous and meticulous packing and planning for this journey I overlooked one crucial item for my review: my usb cable for my camera!

So, here is my review thus far without pictures. I will update upon my return to California next week with my pics.

Our first night, we ate at Turf Club at SSR. I have not found too many reviews of the place and did not know really what to expect. It is supposed to be modeled, I understand, after upscale golf course clubhouses, or something. I dunno I am not a golfer. It was a dark and noisy atmosphere. We are a group of 8. We arrived at 7:45 for our 7:50 ADR. We checked in and were told that a large group of 14 was nearly done and once they were finished, they clear and bus the table, so we could have it. One can only conclude that there is but a limited number of tables available to accomodate such a large group of people. A bit odd considering 12 person Grand Villas are on property!

Any way, we were seated around 8:05, and our server quickly seated us and took a card to determine what plan we were on. We ordered drinks, milkshakes were an option with refills, by request only , for children and/or adults along with the normal fare. As we were on the DDXP, we each ordered an appetizer, however the children's dishes were handled strangely. There were 2 "plated" kids meals of the equivalent of Beefaroni with mozzarella cheese and grilled chicken sticks, as well as two other options. Now this is wear it got weird: the other choices were nuggets and hot dogs, which were listed w/ a side dish and a choice of chicken noodle soup or salad. At the bottom of the menu, it read that fries may be substituted by request for the side and appetizer. We did for our kids as DS-4 1/2 ate nuggets and fries and DS-2 1/2 ate a cheeseburger and fries. Upgrading to fries lost the appetizer... We also got bread, which was very good a white dough with pineapple and coconut in it, which the server said was their unique recipe, but I swear I have had before and my mind tells me either in WDW elsewhere or in Duke's/Kimo's in Malibu/Maui.

Oh well, my kids do not really eat any way. The nuggets, fries, and burger were all pretty standard fare here in WDW. I ordered the NY strip w/ the crab and mustard seed topping and the crab cake appetizers, DW ordered a pasta dish w/ chicken, veggies, and a olive oil sauce along with the onion rings, Jenn D. ordered the untopped NY strip steak with a salad, Brandon ordered the lamb chops with calamari, and their DS ordered the nuggets with the chicken noodle soup and whatever the pre-determined, non-french-fry side was to be.

The crab cakes were okay, the flavor was very, very good, but the texture was very fried. I like mine lighter and there were deep fried as much as the onion rings and nuggets. The calamari too was cooked well done, but was very good with a peppery dry rub or sprinkle coated upon the batter. The salad was a salad: nothin moving or rotten and we call it a success . The onion rings were interesting and came with 3 dipping sauces, which our server named twice, but I cannot say. They were a mustardy, ranchy, and thousand islandy sauce, but I recall asking if that was what they were to be but hushed as if I had just insulted his grandmother or stepped upon his cat by saying that .

My steak was cooked well and the topping was divine. However, the meat was tough and did not appear to be of the highest grade. They dressed it up well, but take of the glass slipper and Cinderella is still a maid to some... The pasta was ok, my DW loved it, but I found it a bit olivey flavored and cheesy for my palate. The lamb chops were absolutely exquisite. I love lamb, and I would come back here just to get them again. A strong recommendation from me if you like lamb or want to try. They were small lamb shanks grilled and separated out and could be eaten like satay skewers or short ribs.

For dessert, the choices were limited to a cake the server mentioned took 12-20 minutes to cook thrice (methinks in a hurry to leave he was), apple pie a la mode, and fresh berries. For the kids, it was a fruit cup or a build your own sundae. DW and I went for the berries, DS-2 1/2 and our friend's DS selected the sundaes, both our friends picked the apple pie, and my finicky DS-4 1/2 picked, of course, the fruit cup. The berries were very ripe and juicy, but not too sweet as they were predominantly summer berries and we are now in the fall. I did not try the apple pie, but both our friends enjoyed it. The fruit cup was melons and grapes, one would think that they throw some berries in for the kids.

Overall, Turf Club was good, as I am a DVCer w/ SSR as "Home," I will definitely be back, but after sampling the food, it will be out of want and not need/convenience.

Today was CRT and HDDR. I will post my next update Monday night about those fine eateries!

 

[frdeb1999]

Great start....looking forward to the rest!

 

[homeboycartel]

Ok, this is my first attempt at photo pasting, so I apologize for any errors.

Our friends had a USB photo cable with them I'm using to upload photos via my PSP for publishing.

Here are the photos from the Turf Club:

This is the kids' chicken noodle soup. The kids' cheeseburger:

The crab cakes:

The bread:

The fried calamari:

Onion rings:

Kids' Chicken Nuggets:

Pasta with chicken, veggies, and some olive oil sauce:

My NY Steak w/ crab topping:

A plain NY Steak from across the table:

The truly MAGNIFICENT Lamb Chops

Here are some desserts:

Berries with berries in a bowl

Apple Pie a la Mode

A Millionaire's Margarita

Tomorrow I will post my review with pics for CRT and review only of HDDR

 

[engle]

Again, a mixed review of Turf Club. I too call SSR "home" so I will try it eventually!!!

 

[homeboycartel]

Ok, so my live trip report completely fell apart! I tried thrice to post day two while still at WDW, but everytime I hit submit, it would kick me back to the internet logon page

After three failed attempts to post the next day, I said to Universal with it and figuered I'd wait until I got home.

Now that I have the whole trip to reflect upon, I have to say the valleys of the economy are affecting WDW everywhere. No where is it advertised a park is open late on its magic hours night. No where within the late opened or early opened park can you find out what attractions are open without walking around to see for yourself. There are less lifeguards at the resort pools. And the worst for me, all the F&W booths closed precisely at 9pm, even when the park was open for extended hours until 12am or later. I asked a cast member and was flat out told it was due to cut hours for the CMs and that they have been tasked with getting everything closed once Illuminations starts. Furthermore, the only stores open during the late hours are the large stores, i.e. Emporium and MouseGears.

Anyway, let me fall off my soap box for a moment and get back to my dining review.

Ok, day two was CRT and HDDR. This was all of our's first journey to the CRT utopia and our family's second trip to the HDDR, but the DuPrey's first.

Breakfast was a combination of room foods, i.e. horded Quick milk, energy/crap/diet bars, Lucky Charms, etc. and QS at CBR. Now, why are you eating QS @ CBR when you are staying at SSR? Is the OPR food court just that damn good and Artist's Pallette that bad?

Nope, we were taking the 4 year old DS to the pirate cruise from 9-11 at CBR that morning. After we dropped off the 4 year olds, the remaining 6 of us went inside and got some various QS breakfast meals. DW and I both got the croissant sandwiches and DS 2 1/2 the kid's platter. The sandwiches were OK, a bit dry and cold as if they'd been out awhile, and I tried part of the kids platter and felt similarly. In fact, the bacon was very limp and soggy. In our rushing to get the kids to the boat, I forgot to snap any photos of the QS breakfast . The DuPreys all got two of the Adult Platters of eggs, bacon, sausage, a waffle, and a biscuit. It was simply double portions of the kid's meal with the same staleness issues as the kids were fed.

Lunch was CRT. This meal was all of our first journeys to the Royal Suite restaurant inside the castle. We arrived at 223 for our 220 ADR. By 230, we were in line to get our photo ops with Cinderlla herself. The line inside was long, but it moved very fast. The foyer is absolutely beautiful and majestic. I have always been lukewarm in my zest for trying this restaurant, but I was moved by its beauty and elegance. The line moves fast and within 10 minutes and after bathroom/diaper change breaks for all 4 kids and the mommies, we were ready to see that slipper lovin princess. DS 2 1/2 was awestruck, but frightened, which fortold his feelings towards the characters and princesses for the week. My DS 4 1/2 got a solo shot w/ Cinderella and they gave an extra 4x6 shot of him getting his 1st princess smooch! I did not take photos myself, so I have no links of the photos w/ the characters except at the tables.

Anyway, food is what matters and makes my family's world go around! The appetizer for lunch was a pre plated dish advertised as a sampling of flavors. It was, to say the least, strange. In fact, I asked the CM what all was there and she did not even know. It was kind of like an antipasto plate with a twist of other items: there was salami, provolone, some pickled veggies, and roummade type of spread, with some bread. My picture did not come out of this interesting dish. Overall, it was ok, there was a lot of flavors that were unidentifiable but good

Brandon and I ordered the pork loin with couscous in a cabarnet (methinks) sauce. It was quite good.

A very flavorful sauce that the couscous absorbed and complimented well. The kids ordered hot dogs or chicken nuggets with the ubiquitous chicken noodle soup

The hot dog and nuggets were brought out before the adult meals as the kids were all starving and were devoured before photos could be snagged. DW ordered some sort of pasta dish with cheese, chicken, and veggies.

She liked the dish and said it was flavorful and filled her tummy. Jenn D. ordered the ham, turkey, and muenster foccacia sandwich.

She ended up opening the sandwich up and eating the innards and leaving the bread as she said it was a bit hard and thick for her tastes. For dessert, Brandon and I chose the Pistachio Rice Pudding ,a true rarity in the world of Crem Brulees and Bread Puddings,

The pudding was FANTASTIC it was SERIOUSLY the best dessert I had on the trip except, of course, for the Mickey Sandwiches . Our wives both selected some sort of Chocolate Buckle with a dollap of vanilla ice cream on top.

I did not try it, but they said it was the texture of a brownie, but was like a cookie batter swirled with brownie batter. They both said it was interesting, but good. The kids all got the CRT Royal Sundae

which was vanilla bean ice cream w/ fudge sauce, sprinkles, and whipped cream. 2 had cherries, but one did not. Cherries were not offered as an option so either two were given in error or one ommitted in error

CRT was a wonderful experience. They stopped seating guests at 3 and we were one of the last they seated for lunch. When the princesses came around, we got a lot of time and photos with them that was a wonderfull experience for the kids that was more so than our other character meals during the week. Plus, the room was thinning out quickly, and we were able to walk around the room and check out the views from the various angles of windows throughout the room. Next time, I want pre-park opening breakfast reservations, but lunch was good and a late lunch time, is a strong recommendation from me for future planners to consider.

Dinner was HDDR. I did not take any photos as the menu does not vary and has been posted to death on these boards. We were in Cat 3 seating as part of the DDXP. We were on adjacent tables of 6. DS-4 1/2 and I shared a table with a lovely family of 4 from Georgia (the state, not the Russian clay pigeon). We arrived just in time for our 715 reservation and missed the family photo op Dinner was excellent and we all gorged ourselves... except, of course Mr. Fickletummy, DS-4 1/2. I ate my entire dish of beans and bucket of ribs and salad. I tried and tried to get DS to eat/try ANYTHING. Our wonderful server, Debbee, tried in her motherly tones to get hm to eat... All we got was smirks and gagging. Finally, I told him that he'd go hungry and we're enjoying the show, so he will need to wait until it is over and we're back at SSR to eat. He pouted a bit, but then began to watch the show and all 4 kids LOVED and danced/enjoyed the show. Moments later, Debbee returned with a plate of french fries and macaroni and cheese. DS was delighted and began to stuff his face like the rest of us had. Debbee did not need to do this, but hit a home run with our family. I gave her an extra $25 tip in addition to the included gratuity as we were touched by her magic and caring soul. The Strawberry Shortcake was very tasty and topped the pitcher and a half of beer and the rest of the food well.

HDDR and CRT are now automatics for our family as long as the DDXP is avail for our usage. I highly recommend both for any one looking for wonderful and magical experiences to share with their families.

Tomorrow's review is DHS and 50's PT/Mama Melrose in the rain!

 

[pirateguy]

Keep them coming.

 

[homeboycartel]

Our first full park day of the trip was a journey to the DHS. This trip was all of our maiden voyage there since its rechristening as the DHS from MGM

Breakfast, as usual, was the bars, mini muffins, milk, coffee, and Lucky Charms in the room, before heading out around 8. Our intentions were to make the 7am bus for the extra magic opening at 8am, but alas, getting 8 people up, ready, and out did not happen

We got to DHS around 830 and went inside straight to the Voyage of the Little Mermaid ride, for my Ariel-lusting 2 year old. After a morning of rides, shows, and lines (I waited 40 minutes in line for Toy Story Mania Fastpasses), we made our way to lunch @ 1110 for our ADR at 50's PT.

This meal was our first time there as well. On prior trips, we'd tried BD, H&V (Character Breakfast), and the Commissary with significant disappointment.

This time we found a meal to satisfy our gluttonous bellies!

The decor was amazing: I felt transported to my old house in Chicago from 30 years ago, which my parents had still decorated from 30s years prior. It was very warm and comforting throughout the room and the bar was very well-stocked. Brandon and I ordered drinks, a beer for I and Maker's Mark w/ sprite for him, while we waited. 5 minutes later, our server led us back to our seat in the back. I loved how you can see a TV from every seat. I liked the loop of shows, but wished they had 50's commercials playing as well and, perhaps, some cartoons/kids shows beyond that of the MMClub.

For drinks, all ordered the usual juice, soda, milk, and iced tea, except me. I ordered a Root Beer Float. Now I am pooh shaped and drink diet soda like a recovering heroine addict at the methadone clinic after a holiday. I decided WTH, I am on vacation in the world, it was GOOD and worth it.

For appetizers, I ordered the crabcake

It was VERY GOOD, in fact, the best crab cake I have ever eaten. The sauce was very mild and understated and the cake was fried perfectly. DW went with the onion rings

, which were very light and flavorful, the kids all went, again, with the so-good-it-is-in-all-WDW-restaurants Chicken Noodle Soup

, which was, SURPRISE SURPRISE the same taste as it was the two prior days , the DuPreys selected the salad,

, which was the standard fare w/ a flavorful dressing, so they said.

Brandon ordered the fried chicken w/ green beans and mashed potatoes

which he said was very tender but the seasoning was not the best. Our wives both picked the Uncle Eric's Chicken Sandwich, which was a BBQ chicken sandwich w/ cheese and bacon, I believe

which was good and tasty. I went w/ the meatloaf after hearing such rave reviews of it here on the DIS I was a bit disappointed, however. The sauce was very good as was the loaf, however it was a bit cool as if it had been sitting awhile. I, of course in my pigginess, devoured the whole thing except some of the mashed potatoes, but was a tad disappointed.

The kids each got the chicken nuggets w/ fries and gobbled them up with furious hunger

The desserts were all good and all half-eaten at best as our bellies were full! I had the Smores

, and the kids the fruit cocktail

Now don't think the kids were jobbed out of a good dessert, they picked the fruit remarkably over the sundae, and helped themselves to our ice cream and marshmellows before we left.

Overall, this was a great meal, and we'd definitely come back again there next time. The 1st time I've said that about a DHS/MGM/Whatever restaurant.

 

[homeboycartel]

Had to break the review into two posts as I had too many images. Here is dinner.

Dinner, was the Fantasmic Dining Experience at Mama Melrose. Now, we were very full at lunch and w/ the Fantasmic reservation system, had lunch reservations at 350. It was too soon to truly enjoy the restaurant, especially as DS-2 1/2 passed out right after the rains came

and was on my chest for the duration of the afternoon and dinner. He was joined in his slumber by the DuPrey's DD midway through the appetizers and she slept layed out across two seats at the table.

We were seated about 5-10 minutes after arrival for our ADR, just enough time for potty and not enough time for kids to get wild. The restaurant is very cute and is fashioned well after West Coast/LA Italian restaurants. It was very familiar feeling to us being from the Left Coast. With a notable exception: none of us could recall eating at an Italian restaurant, wherein they did not provide bread to eat and nosh on while awaiting your drinks and meal. It was an option as an appetizer, but not an automatic.

Accordingly, I selected the Artisan Breads and Spreads

, which was a good variety of Italian breads and spreads as the title would imply , Our DWs picked their interpretation of a Caprese Salad w/ whole mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar

Combining the two appetizers created a very good assemblage of breads with dips/toppings Brandon ordered the calamari

, which was HORRIBLE. It was mushy and gross as if it was cooked and left out for an hour. We each ate a piece and sent it back for another Caprese salad. I do not recall what the two awake children ate for appetizers. Methinks, we changed it up and had salad w/ ranch instead of soup, but I have no visual evidence either way.

For the main course, I ate the best meal of the week: Wood-Grilled Chicken

it was chicken in a cheesy cream sauce w/ artichokes and other veggies with pasta. Very, VERY, Verrrry GOOD I recommend it, if only I had more room in the tank to enjoy it

DW ordered the Chicken Parmigiana w/ spaghetti

which was very flavorful and well cooked. The DuPreys went with the steak. Brandon w/ the gorgonzola butter

and Jenn D. w/out it

Brandon also substituted something for the polenta, but I cannot recall what.

The awake children must not have eaten anything as I have no photos, but I recall cheese pizza or something.

For dessert, I had the Hazelnut Cheesecake

, which was okay, a bit heavy but a good flavor, DW ordered an adult sized child's sundae as she did not like any of the adult dessert offerings

, Brandon ordered the Crema Limone and a capuccino for the biscotti

and Jenn D. the Chocolate Truffle Cake

Overall, Mama Melrose, was pretty good and had the best meal of the trip for me. The other adults were not as impressed with their meals, but all liked them a lot. I would definitely return for the Fantasmic Package, but would book a character breakfast and no lunch between next time to fully enjoy the fine food here.

Next review will be Epcot, Day 1 w/ San Angel Inn and La Cellier

 

[MapleGirl]

Thank you for the review and pics of Mama Melrose. DH and I are planning on going there in September for the Fantasmic Dinner. We've never been, so it was great to see your pics! Can't wait. Maybe we'll try the chicken.