A Christmas Dining Extravaganza

[tyandskyesmom]

Animation Courtyard Snack Cart and Starring Rolls

We had stopped earlier in Animation Courtyard for a bottle of water, Coke, and a Sprite...total was $9.25 or three snack credits.


After our Mermaid viewing we stopped at Starring Rolls for a snack.

We got a Cinnamon Bun...

And a Butterfinger Cupcake...

And a bottle of water.

The cinnamon roll was fine, Tyler hasn't met one he didn't like. To me, it needed more icing! The cupcake, however, was delicious! Me and Cary both ate it and Skye had a little and we were stuffed!

The total was approximately $12.50 or three snack credits.

 

[dnllmz]

That cupcake looks soooo good.

 

[tyandskyesmom]

Mama Melrose

We arrived at Mama Melrose at 2:35pm for our 2:45pm ADR and were told they were running about ten minutes behind.

We were seated at 2:48pm. We were seated in the back section where we have always been seated.

Our server was Ronald. He brought our rolls and olive oil for dipping.

The kids don't use the oil but the rolls were really good alone. They were soft and warm with a slightly crunchy outside. He took our drink orders and brought our Fantasmic voucher.

For an appetizer, Cary ordered the Vegetarian Minestrone - with ditalini pasta...which for some reason I cannt find the pic of...if I do I'll edit. He said it was a very good soup.

I had the Carne D' Italia Flatbread - with pepperoni, house-made sausage, pancetta, and spicy marinara sauce...

It was really good and not as spicy as I feared! Cary shared it with me.

Bot the kids each had Carne D' Italia Flatbread - with pepperoni, house-made sausage, pancetta, and spicy marinara sauce with just pepperoni.

They were devoured so I expect the liked it. Tyler ate his and some of Skyler's!

For an entrée Cary had Spaghetti or Penne Pasta ... with choice of meatballs or chicken and choice of marinara or four-cheese sauce, garnished with Pecorino Romano Cheese and Parsley that he chose spaghetti

with chicken and marinara.

He was happy with it!

I had Charred Strip Steak...with five-cheese baked macaroni with pancetta, aged balsamic-shallot butter, and Chianti Wine Reduction

It was really good. Everything compliments each other and while you can tell it's not the same cut of beef you get at California Grill, it is a good meal!

Tyler had his favorite...and it must be considering it isn't a steak...Oven Baked Chicken alla Parmigiana - Breaded chicken breast with marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella over spaghetti.

And, of course, he licked the plate clean!

Skyler went with Spaghetti or Penne Pasta ... with choice of meatballs or chicken and choice of marinara or four-cheese sauce, garnished with Pecorino Romano Cheese and Parsley that she chose penne with chicken (on the side) and four cheese sauce.

She ate all the pasta and most of the chicken, dipped in the sauce...but they couldn't come out that way??? She's weird!

For dessert they now bring out a sampler platter for Fantasmic package diners. We asked if that was mandatory as we don't like tiramisu. She said "Nope, what would you like?". So I had Traditional Cannoli - house-made creamy cannoli filling with a hint of citrus and dusted with cocoa powder

Yummy!

Skyler and Cary got the Cheesecake - no sugar added cheesecake with strawberry sauce topped with whipped cream.

Which they loved.

And Tyler got something I though was the Amarettini cheesecake but I don't see it on the menu so I am not sure?

And that did not go to waste either!

We actually spent a long time eating here too. It was 5:03pm when we left. Our drinks were filled the whole time we were there. We were given the option of changing things without a blink of an eye. And we had out Fantasmic tickets in hand. We were leaving there very happy. We have only ever had one bad meal here and that was on our first trip when Tyler was 2 and my mother was with me and his father. So, it could have been that my mother was there???It was a rough trip to tell you the truth! LOL...but since then we have come to Mama Melrose every time and love it. It is our go-to for Fantasmic. We enjoy it more than Brown Derby

TOTAL = $191.66 ... TOTAL FOOD = $3062.73
USED 4 CREDITS ... USED 71 MEAL CREDITS

 

[dnllmz]

You have me considering Mama Melrose. Just when I thought I had my ADRs planned out. Lol

 

[SunnieRN]

More fantastic reviews!!! I must say Mama Melrose looked really yummy! I've eaten there once and had a flatbread that was great!

Off topic, but have you tried waking your shirt in the washer with oxy clean added. I will do that for about 2-4 hours, then add the soap and the rest of the clothes and wash normally.

I'm sorry about your 'Ohana breakfast. I am also a drinker while I eat. I can drink a glass of tea before the server leaves the table lol.

 

[tyandskyesmom]

Ohana

At 9:23pm we checked in for our dinner at Ohana...so close to an hour after arriving at the Poly. We were not allowed to check in any earlier. We were told they were running about 30 minutes behind...but a woman with a 9:10pm ADR was told it would be at least another 10 minutes for her so I wasn't holding out much hope. The seating area was all packed...no where to sit. No where to stand. So we went down stairs.

We were getting tired but it would not have been bad if we were not waiting for our ADR well past it. I know, I know, I was warned by everyone here about a late ADR at Ohana. And I didn't listen. I should have. We had never been to Ohana for dinner and we were all really excited but that was dwindling away quickly.

At 10:01 we were seated. Our Cousin was Cathy. She was very nice, busy, and apologetic. She brought our drinks and told us they had no bread...WHAT!?!?!? Oh well. No bread for us.

She did bring the Mixed Greens Salad - with a Lilikoi dressing with our drinks and sauces.

Cary and I liked the salad but the Tyler doesn't eat dressed salads and Skyler has recently graduated to dressed salads but is cautious of them. I believe she picked on it a little but not enough to say she ate any.

And our Pork Dumplings...tossed in a garlic ginger sauce, Honey Coriander Chicken Wings, Noodles...Tossed in a Teriyaki Sauce, and Stir Fried Vegetables. This plate was probably the one I liked the best! Ty and Cary dug the wings. Skye and I, the dumplings. Skyler the broccoli. I enjoyed the whole plate.

I don't have any pictures of the meats brought around. We all had a couple of "chunks" of Szechuan Sirloin Steak - Prepared over an oak fire, served on skewers, a piece of Sweet and Sour Chicken, and a couple of Spicy Grilled Peel and Eat Shrimp on the first go round. That was the only time we saw anyone around with skewers. None of our other food was even offered to be replenished...and we couldn't even ask because no one came around until Cathy brought dessert and a birthday surprise.

Ohaha Bread Pudding...served a la mode with Bananas, vanilla ice cream and Caramel Sauce. Which everyone grabbed some ice cream but I had most of it to myself...again no more was offered.

One for Cary and one for Tyler. They was almost brownie like with a buttercream frosting with M&Ms on top. They were tasty. Cary dipped his in the caramel from the bread pudding. They also did a celebration song and made them get up and go to where the entertainment was (which we were no where near so couldn't see) to be recognized.

Cathy was nice enough but very busy and we hardly saw her. The food was good, not great warrenting the praise Ohana gets on here. Service was just plain non existant. Things were dropped off in short succession and then nothing. I don't even thing we had drink refills...maybe once.

We were done by 11pm. D-O-N-E! We finally flagged someone down to get Cathy and our check so we could leave. Would we return??? HHHmmm...maybe. But with some very tough stipulations. First, I would only book one of the first seatings. Second, it would be on a non-special day. I am chalking this first bad experience to a couple of things...the time of our ADR, the day of our ADR, being tired, waiting over an hour to be seated, busy staff, eh seating...a lot of small issues adding up to a bad experience. Was it the worst? Nope! Was the food we were able to get good? Yep. Was the service friendly? Yep. Efficient? Nope. And I do think since they notoriously, historically, and on a regular basis run very behind the later it gets, they need more lobby seating because that was a PITA! And we definitely did not get our money's worth of food!

So someday, we will probably venture back to Ohana. At this point neither breakfast nor dinner is on my short list to run to...but I can see us giving it another try in the future.


TOTAL = $170.36 ... TOTAL FOOD = $3233.09
USED 4 CREDITS ... USED 75 MEAL CREDITS

 

[tyandskyesmom]

Akershus

So Cary and Skyler had arrived to check into Akershus for our 8am ADR at 8:24am and were told to come back when Tyler arrived and we'd be seated. I slowly, painfully arrived a bit later and the Tyler. We were taken in around 8:40am. First we saw Belle!

And then we were seated. We were in a half booth along the wall/windows that look out into the courtyard.

We started getting food and were well on our way before the princesses started coming around. Getting up and down hurt and I was afraid of being bumped so I was cautious when going to the cold bar.

Princess Aurora/Briar Rose/Sleeping beauty was the first to come around.

Then Cinderella...

Then Scareiel...I mean Ariel...

Who let her leave the dressing room with her make-up like that!?!?!?

And our waitress took a pic of us together...

I don't have any food pictures...We were still getting used to not having a camera that could take close up pictures. There was the cold bar with yogurt, fruit, muenster cheese, smoked salmon, bagels, cream cheese, muffins, cinnamon rolls, danishes, etc. Then they bring around a family style platter of scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, potatoes, and biscuits. It was all really good and plenty. Our server, Sara, was very good and came by multiple times to see if we needed more of anything. It was not crowded in or around Akershus. We were here for about 50 minutes.


Akershus is someplace we have been for all meals. I know a lot of people are afraid of it because the menu seems odd for meals other than breakfast. We have found they are actually not that scary. We were never here before it was a princess meal and when they were more of a traditional restaurant not set up the way it is now. On the dining plan, we always seem to make it here...usually for breakfast because there are other places we prefer but if the star aligned and we decided this fit our lives at the time, we wouldn't hesitate. On our out of pocket list, I don't know that it would make the cut but not because it isn't a beautiful building with princesses in it with good food, just because there are so many other places that are a better value that we prefer out of pocket.

TOTAL = $191.66 ... TOTAL FOOD = $3424.75
USED 4 CREDITS ... USED 79 MEAL CREDITS

 

[ckmiles]

Really enjoying your reviews! Looking forward to seeing more food!

 

[tyandskyesmom]

Tutto Italia

We had a 2pm ADR at Tutto Italia. This is one place we found on our very first deluxe dining trip and have come back every time. We all love it. When Skye was little she called it "Little Knee" and it stuck...so we had lunch at little knee.

We checked in about five minutes early and were seated on time. Pretty close to center of the room. Tutto Italia is a beautiful restaurant.

Our server was Salvatore. He was fine. I find them rather hard to understand and quick speaking most of the time here. But for those of us simple folk who are not familiar on a regular basis with it, it makes things a little uncomfortable. But we get by.

We decided to only order three meals here. For appetizers Cary ordered the Minestrone con Tubetti - Spring vegetables, pancetta, pasta...

It was a lighter, more brothy soup that at Mama Melrose. He really enjoyed it.

Then For our other two appetizers we decided on the Grande Antipasto Misto - a generous platter of appetizers and specialties served family-style; serves two...

It actually served our whole table! There was a lot of food here. The kids snagged the fresh mozzarella and the salami and peperoni. I was left with prosciutto, olives, grains, garlics, you know, things they won't even try. We put a pretty good dent in the plate.

For food, Cary ordered the Lasagna alla Bolognese - Traditional preparation from Emilia Romagna with beef sauce, bechamel, Parmesan

He loved it but it was huge and filling. Tyler tried it (he's a lasagna freak lately!) and he liked it too. I think he left a little bit on the plate that he just couldn't finish!

The kids ordered the Spaghetti - Beef and veal meatballs, pomodoro sauce...

I don't think they have ever ordered anything else here...they are creatures of habit! I had to talk Tyler into sharing but there is always plenty!

I had the Pollo al Forno - Roasted chicken, rosemary, lemon, root vegetables...

The kids both helped with some of this. It was very good. I would definitely order this again!

And somewhere along the line Darth Tyler came to visit...

And his little sister, Darth Skyler.

For desserts we ordered three to share...

Vaniglia Gelati...

Raspberry Sorbetti...

And something I cannot find on the menu but it is listed on my receipt as Bacio al Cioccolato...

I don't know exactly what it was but it was good.

The gelati and sorbetti were very good and well flavored, cold and creamy. The Bacio al Cioccolato was the topper for it all.

Our drinks and water glasses were filled regularly by multiple servers. We never sat for long without something being refilled. They had no problem with us splitting three meals between the four of us. And we didn't even order four drinks! Skyler is a water drinker so she was happy with her water. Here and there I hear about people being told they cannot split here (as well as Via Napoli) but we have not had any problems. And the food is large portions so if you have a small person or a person with a small appetite, you can share here easily!

During dinner Cary went to use the rest room and had to rescue an elderly gentleman who had fallen in his stall. He was embarrassed and didn't want his family to know. Cary said it was awkward but what can you do??? We wondered why he was gone so long. He said the man looked ok by the time he left him in the bathroom...so I hope that held true!

We were actually here only a bit under an hour. It was not very crowded while we were in here and I never noticed anyone waiting to be seated. Service is friendly, if not a bit hard to understand...but no one seemed to have a problem repeating or clarifying things for us.

We love Tutto Italia. On the dining plan, it is a great option. I am cheap though so I don't know how much I'd value it out of pocket. However, we probably would not have gotten any appetizers out of pocket and most likely no dessert (as neither of them jump out at us to eat, especially with the World Showcase right outside) so maybe just drinks and entrees would work. But the food is good and the servings are large and in my house pasta is always a winner so maybe!

We will be back, I am sure. Tutto Italia is on my short list for Epcot!

TOTAL = $165.61 ... TOTAL FOOD = $3590.36
USED 3 CREDITS ... USED 82 MEAL CREDITS

 

[tyandskyesmom]

We stopped in the Karamell-Kuche for a snack...

The huge turtle looking thing was awesome! I ate most of it.

The Caramel Popcorn was sticky and mushed together and chewy. We ate a little of it but I think most of it went in the garbage before we left for home.

I did not write down a price but we used two snack credits.

 

[Klinger13]

Just wanted to say I am really enjoying your dining report. I just love all the detailed reviews & pictures of the food and the family!

 

[Candycane83]

Sad about your review for Ohana. We plan to try this on our next trip and hope for better service. I'm hoping if we reserve earlier it'll be better. Love your reviews especially for Akershus and Tutto Italia. I didn't consider Akershus until I read a few reviews including yours. It's not something I initially considered. thank you!

 

[SunnieRN]

I get so hungry reading about seeing all that grumpiness!!!

Loved your pictures from Askerhaus!! How fun!!! I must be losing it, but I don't remember reading how you got hurt? I hope you felt better as the day went on.

Loved Darth Tyler and Skyler! How are the meatballs at Tutto's? They looked really tasty!

Boo to sticky, muscled, chewy caramel corn. I love the stuff and buy it every trip. In fact I bring a zip lock to Epcot as I know I'm going to buy it lol. If I got mushed/chewy stuff I would be really disappointed.

 

[Sydney2977]

Tutto Italia sounds great- we may try that if we don't go during F&W or F&G (we seem to snack around the world instead of actually sitting down to a meal). That lasagna looks amazing! And I'd make a meal out of the antipasto appetizer, well that and some gelato!

Karamell Kuche is a must do for us too. Sorry your caramel corn was mushy- fortunately we've never had that issue.

 

[tyandskyesmom]

Hmmmm...it wont't let me quite so here goes without...here's the post form my trip report about my fall...

So after dinner we walked out to a waiting monorail to Magic Kingdom.

And this is where it gets bad.

So it's approximately 11:15pm on Christmas Eve. We've had a great day at Hollywood Studios. We did a lot. We were full and tired. Maybe too tired.

We get off the monorail and down from the platform. As we are walking over the legacy tiles towards the bus stops...this tile to be exact...

Catastrophe hit! Actually, it was me hitting something...the ground. The tile was sticking up and wobbly and I tripped over it and went down, fast and hard jamming my camera that was around my neck into the tip of my sternum and smashing my lens...my regular lens that I use all the time. I was immediately in tears. Cary and Tyler were ahead of Skye and I so they didn't actually see it happen but Skyler did and to people behind me. They stopped to help and Skye called to the boys. At the same time the Cast Member manning the walk way came over to assist. I sat there a minute not being able to catch my breath and in immense pain and shock! When I could finally roll up and sit and catch my breath Cary was there. Skye was upset. Cary was upset. Tyler was confused and worried. Eventually there were CMs all over me and the tile was removed easily and rope put up around it. They also were looking around it for other loose ones. One of the CMs said they know these tiles are loose and are trying to come up with a solution without removing them. They wanted me to go to the ER but I did not want to. So they insisted that Reedy Creek Ambulance come and check me out. I tried to refuse but they said they would check my vitals at least and make sure I didn't cause any additional damage. My right palm, tip of my sternum, and right ribs were painful but I knew even if there were breaks, which I did not believe there was because while it hurt I was able to move and get up by myself without additional pain, there really isn't anything they could do for broken ribs. I was, at this point up and sitting on a bench...with EVERYONE STARING AT ME and my entourage while walking by. I finally agreed to the ambulance and while waiting for them I had to repeat what happened about five times. Then some little guy in a fancy outfit came by and as "consolation" for losing my regular lens (meaning loss of a lot of pictures for just over another week of vacation) he kept saying he'd comp me a photo pass. I kept telling him I have an annual pass so I already have that and unless he's getting me a photo pass photographer to follow us around for the next week or so and film everything we do, photo pass is not a substitute for my personal camera. But it didn't appear he heard me the multiple times I said it. He also provided me with my claim info and said they would replace my lens. Sounded fair to me (although I now get a call from my adjustor about every two months who leaves a message then I have to call back and leave a message) so I'm not holding out hope. My family and anyone else who I told said I should have gotten my trip paid for. I don't think it was that drastic...but my camera and all the pictures I lost in the following week would have been sufficient...would be nice to have a new lens before July! Eventually Reedy Creek arrived and basically told me if I refuse to go the hospital there was nothing they can do for me. I told them the CMs said they'd check vitals and such and he said nope. So I signed the release and they left. In the mean time they had called for a van to come take up home. The big wigs (as big as they get working at almost midnight on Christmas Eve) left and one girl waited with us to make sure the van got us ok. The van was driven by an older lady who was very nice. We climbed in, and that was difficult! Skyler sat next to me and started crying. I staryed crying. Cary started getting mad...cause that's what he does. And Tyler was quiet. Everyone was very helpful. For the most part, I hurt. But it was not the end of the world. The worst part was the camera! I knew I'd heal and I promised if it got worse I'd call the front desk and be taken to the ER by a Disney vehicle. I didn't want me recovering or sitting in an ER all night to hinder our vacation we had all waited for for so long. I was very thankful for the van though. A ride on a bus that I might have had to stand and be jarred around on didn't sound like fun. She got us back to Caribbean Beach quickly but gently. She was nice and tried to talk and take the edge off. She got Skye laughing. She pulled right up to our sidewalk and got the step stool out for me. Everyone carried all the stuff we had with us and the kids ran ahead to ge the door open for me. I was slow moving and knew it would feel worse by morning.

The meat balls at Tutto Italia are very good! The kids wouldn't eat them (although Tyler has recently discovered a love of meatball sandwiches so now might be a different story) but Cary and I did. They are much better than the pile of mush called a meatball that we have gotten form Wolfgang Puck's Express before!

Good, I was hoping the mushy, sticky caramel corn was a fluke...I have read so many good reports on it. Maybe we'll give it another try.

I don't know what happened at Ohana for breakfast, in the past service has been wonderful but yes, I do think an earlier ADR might be better for dinner. In fact, if/when we return for dinner some day I don't think I will do it unless I can get one of the first seatings. I was very disappointed in Ohana this time around.

 

[Sydney2977]

Awww, I'm so sorry to hear about your fall! I thought when you said you got to Christmas Day breakfast late you might have just felt sick. I hope you're all healed up now and don't have any lasting effects. I would have been like you- more devastated about the loss of the camera than my own injuries. I may have had to take a trip to a store and buy a new camera, and then sent WDW the bill!

In regards to the caramel corn, DH always asks for them to make it right then which they are happy to do. He's like a little kid watching them make it too.

 

[dnllmz]

I'm sorry about your fall. Sounds awful! I hope you get a new lens soon.

 

[pumba]

we were at Ohana two weeks ago and had a 5:30pm reservation...the meat and shrimp kept on coming...we were so full.........i wonder if they were running out of food at the time you were there...Cathy was our wait person too..and she was a hoot...hope that you feel better from your fall..hugs..thanks so much for your great reviews...I also had the same meal at Mama melrose..the strip steak and five cheese mac and cheese...delicious...

 

[MissKIA]

Wow what a terrible thing to happen on Christmas Eve, especially while on vacation! I'm glad you weren't seriously injured though. Hopefully the do something about those loose tiles!

 

[vicwishes]

Thank you for your absolutely wonderful dining reviews. You have a lovely family and it looks like you have a lot of fun together. So very sorry about your fall and I hope you are mended and well and planning your next trip!