A Princess Birthday Surprise at POR w/ Royal Room Included...TRex for Lunch

[RGirl]

Heather!!!! I can't believe you are 10 pages into a TR and I just found it! Okay, well, that might have something to do with the fact that I have struggled a lot with time to do ANYTHING the last, well, many months! But I have found it now!

Loved seeing the pics and hearing about the Royal Room. I still feel a little sad about changing our reservation for next month, but I know I made the right choice for convenience, the need to get back to the resort midday with the heat/humidity, and just love of the area!

Can't believe how big all the kids have gotten. Jesse, especially, looks so much more groan up. *sigh* Why do they have to do that so quickly???

Excited to read more!!

 

[hstrickland]

Heather!!!! I can't believe you are 10 pages into a TR and I just found it! Okay, well, that might have something to do with the fact that I have struggled a lot with time to do ANYTHING the last, well, many months! But I have found it now!

Oh my heavens! Is that you, Roni??? You made it! I so get the busy factor. Heck....it took me an entire year to finish one TR

Loved seeing the pics and hearing about the Royal Room. I still feel a little sad about changing our reservation for next month, but I know I made the right choice for convenience, the need to get back to the resort midday with the heat/humidity, and just love of the area!

Ok...so refresh my memory. Where are y'all staying now? BWV again?

Can't believe how big all the kids have gotten. Jesse, especially, looks so much more groan up. *sigh* Why do they have to do that so quickly???

Isn't it the truth!? Kinda sad to see our kids get bigger. When Faith and Jesse told me that Mickey Mouse Clubhouse was for babies, I almost cried!

Excited to read more!!

And no worries....this TR won't take an entire year. I MUST be finished before school starts back

 

[sjs314]

Heather We loved our meal at BOG, in fact we will be eating dinner there again this November, the food was good and the atmosphere was Grand!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Wow! How cool that three of you got to be in the show with Belle! What a bummer about losing the Photopass pictures. But you have the memory and your pictures are great!

Stephen did a terrific job with the camera! Hopefully stalkerazzi does not become his career path.

The details in New Fantasyland are just amazing. I cannot wait to explore.

Anxiously awaiting your opinions and experience with Be Our Guest. I'm heading down for just three days at the end of the month and was debating on trying it but am thinking that because the trip is so short we may not want to deal with the line...

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Great update! Ariel sucking in her stomach is funny, I don't blame her, I do that all the time! Can't wait for BOG info, seeing we MISSED IT on our trip!!!

 

[Sue M]

And no worries....this TR won't take an entire year. I MUST be finished before school starts back

there's THAT word again I thought we had an agreement

 

[hstrickland]

Heather We loved our meal at BOG, in fact we will be eating dinner there again this November, the food was good and the atmosphere was Grand!

Good to hear. I REALLY want to try it for dinner, and probably will just to ease my curiosity.

Wow! How cool that three of you got to be in the show with Belle! What a bummer about losing the Photopass pictures. But you have the memory and your pictures are great!

Seriously...I still can't believe I lost the darn card. Makes me sick when I think about it

Stephen did a terrific job with the camera! Hopefully stalkerazzi does not become his career path.

No kidding!

The details in New Fantasyland are just amazing. I cannot wait to explore.

Anxiously awaiting your opinions and experience with Be Our Guest. I'm heading down for just three days at the end of the month and was debating on trying it but am thinking that because the trip is so short we may not want to deal with the line...

Review coming up tonight (that's if my computer cooperates - time to buy another one )

Great update! Ariel sucking in her stomach is funny, I don't blame her, I do that all the time! Can't wait for BOG info, seeing we MISSED IT on our trip!!!

Better plan another trip so you can try again. Just write it off as a business trip and expenses...you are a TA, right??? First hand experience is a must

there's THAT word again I thought we had an agreement

I know, I know ....can't believe I reminded myself! All too soon!

 

[hstrickland]

Day 2
Be Our Guest
Lunch Review Part 1








Sorry about the shadows on the picture looks kinda creepy




*Lunch is served between 11:00am 2:00pm

*Guest may start lining up around 10:30am



We (Faith and I ) were getting a bit antsy about lunch at BOG. I was afraid that the line was going to be WAY too long since I didnt head over earlier, and this is the only place she wanted to eat. Erin (DisneyDoc) told me not to worry if you see a line that extends over the bridge and winds back around out into Fantasyland it will not take long to get everyone seated once the doors open. Well guess what&..the line did just that!!! And it looked extremely intimidating.









Fortunately it wasnt hot or we would have melted. I would definitely have to rethink this decision if it was 100 degrees outside.








Ill go ahead and warn you I made lots of scenic shots. Lucky for you, most of which I wont bore you with. Once again, Stephen wasnt happy with me because I renounced his rights to the camera. I can already foresee into the future.... got to get this kid a camera for the next vacation








I will say that the kids were getting a bit bored while we stood in line and started doing their usual bickering back and forth...not quietly, either. The couple in front of us was very pleasant and polite. But they kept turning around giving us a sympathy smile. Trying to lighten the mood, I jokingly asked them if they wanted my kids to join them for lunch. They laughed and said We left ours at home for this trip&think well pass and they laughed (thank goodness)











These next couple of pictures are a bit odd, but I thought these gargoyles were almost cute.....as my grandma use to say, "so ugly till they're cute!"










Our wait in line wasnt that bad&maybe around 30 minutes from the time we got in line at 10:45am. There will be a CM at the entrance that will allow a few people in at a time.







Once we were actually in the castle, I caught a glimpse of the Ball Room&









You will be directed through the Armor Hallway where six suits of armor stand along the wall. If you listen closely, youll be able to hear an occasional whisper from these metal figures....this kept Jesse occupied for a while














Continued to next post




​

 

[hstrickland]

Continued from previous post....

Be Our Guest
Lunch Review Part 2





In the Beasts Parlor, lunch orders will be placed at five terminals - touch-screen/automated terminals. You will be able to customize your orders. For special dietary requests and cash orders, cashiers will also be available. You'll be given a beeper in the shape of a rose that you carry to your table. Once your order is placed, youll sit down and your order will be delivered to you on REAL tableware ....not plastic!











And just some FYI - Disney is presently (I think) testing a Fast Pass system for BOG during lunch hours. Its my understanding that not everybody has this option. Youre chosen by Disney Cast Members.



The kids wanted to sit in the West Wing, so thats where we headed. When you enter the wing, you will find a darker and more shadowy atmosphere. The glass bell jar containing the enchanted rose slowly drops petals as time runs out for the Beast.








Over the fireplace you will find a portrait of the prince that is slashed by the Beasts claws. When lightning flashes, the image in the portrait transforms from prince to Beast. Very cool!!!!








It was a bit hard to get photographs in this room because of the low lighting. Check out the guy in the left of the picture - it cracks me up







So, lets talk about the food at BOG. Heres a link to a sample menu from Allears.net.



Adult Menu

Kid's Menu





I had the Croque Monsieur - Grilled sandwich of carved ham, gruyere cheese, and bechamel with Pommes Frites. This was pretty good. not great, but good.







Bill had the Grilled Steak Sandwich - with garlic butter spread and pommes frites. We werent impressed. Not that it was bad, but it was just a sandwich and nothing I would order again.






The kids ate a carved turkey sandwich on multi-grain bread with sweet potato wedges and peach applesauce. Again, it was pretty good, but nothing special.







In hindsight, we should have made the kids split an entrée because they only ate half of what was on their plates.



After we finished eating, I ventured around a bit to see what all the hype was about.



The Ballroom expresses Beauty and the Beast perfectly with a 20-foot ceiling with fluffy clouds and cherubs At the far end of the room, you will see 18-foot-tall arched windows where special effects create a light snowfall through the sky.






The Rose Gallery features a large centerpiece that is almost 7 feet tall. Belle and the Beast are slowly dancing round and round. Paintings and tapestries decorate the walls and carved roses are featured throughout the room.


















On my way out of the Rose Gallery, I stopped one of the waiters and asked if I could get a picture of his adorable cart....I'm sure he's had stranger request







and more of these





And finally, our lunch at BOG had come to a close. As we traveled outside, I got one more shot of the very ornate statues that adorn the restaurant.







My final thoughts about Be Our Guest


The Positives

*Absolutely beautiful and delightful atmosphere for a quick service

*The restaurant totally immerses you in Beauty and the Beast I almost felt like I stepped into the film

*Cast members were very helpful and polite

*Waiting in line wasnt too bad it moved very quickly




The Negatives

*While the food wasnt bad, it was just ok&nothing to rave about (be reminded, though, that we only ate sandwiches)




So ... would I go back for lunch???? Maybe kinda feel like weve been there done that. Would I recommend Disney Fans to try BOG for lunch??? Most definitely!!! Do I want to try dinner at BOG???? ABSOLUTELY!!!!! We totally enjoyed our experience for lunch, and were totally glad we waited in line.





This is a link to a quick video tour of BOG that I found on the Disney Food Blog

Be Our Guest Video Tour







Up next - Magic Kingdom moments and dinner at Tonys Town Square






​

 

[Pinkocto]

Thanks for the review, the restaurant looks amazing. Ive only seen the ballroom in a walk through type of thing so it was great to see the rest.

Definitely sounds like Stephen needs his own camera for next trip.

 

[jennyjinx3]

We ate here for dinner in May, and we loved the whole experience. Only thing worth mentioning was that the kids portions were a little small as all my DD's finished them super quick! Lovely place though!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on BoG. They definitely mirror what I've heard "around"... amazing atmosphere but just so-so food, at least where lunch is concerned. I think for this upcoming whirlwind trip where our time is very limited I will pass on lunch there but have a dinner booked in October. Can't wait to see it all. Totally know what you mean on the gargoyles being so ugly they're almost cute.

Did it live up to Faith's expectations? It certainly looks immersive! And I could see Jesse wandering off to chat with the suits of armor again.

You definitely have a shutter bug on your hands. Stephen is great with the camera!

 

[hstrickland]

MAJOR computer problems came my way Luckily WishIWasFishin stepped in and saved the day Thought I was going to have to buy another laptop! It's all cleaned up now and will hopefully function long enough for me to finish the TR

Thanks for the review, the restaurant looks amazing. Ive only seen the ballroom in a walk through type of thing so it was great to see the rest.

Definitely sounds like Stephen needs his own camera for next trip.

Think we're going to have to buy him one. I thought about getting him a point-n-shoot type, but not sure he will like that type. Who knows?!

We ate here for dinner in May, and we loved the whole experience. Only thing worth mentioning was that the kids portions were a little small as all my DD's finished them super quick! Lovely place though!

We (I ) definitely want to try it for dinner...probably a whole different experience. The desserts look beautiful, too. Not sure how they taste, but they look heavenly!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on BoG. They definitely mirror what I've heard "around"... amazing atmosphere but just so-so food, at least where lunch is concerned. I think for this upcoming whirlwind trip where our time is very limited I will pass on lunch there but have a dinner booked in October. Can't wait to see it all. Totally know what you mean on the gargoyles being so ugly they're almost cute.

I think you're doing the right thing....I would pass, too, especially since you have a ressie in October. The food was a bit disappointing...thought it would have been better.

Did it live up to Faith's expectations? It certainly looks immersive! And I could see Jesse wandering off to chat with the suits of armor again.

She LOVED it!!! I think it was a bit overwhelming at first because there is so much to look at. And since she knows the movie and characters like the back of her hand, she was totally enthralled in the entire experience. The suits of armor are really cool....because at first you don't realize they make any noise. One is snoring, and it will kind of catch you off guard....and yes....lots of entertainment for Jesse

You definitely have a shutter bug on your hands. Stephen is great with the camera!

I hope so.... it would make his grandfather and me very happy

 

[FancyNancy]

I had the braised pork over mashed potatoes with veggies and it was phenominal. My daughter got the Mickey turkey meatloaf and she didn't like it. I ended up giving her some of my pork which she loved and I ate her meatloaf which I didn't think was half bad. My mother got the Quiche and loved hers as well.
I did strike up a conversation with the table next to us and they all had gotten the carved turkey sandwich and didn't care for theirs at all.

 

[DisneyDoc5]

30 minutes is still a long wait for table service, especially if it's just ok food, but I'm glad you did it. I can't believe how busy it was for you guys at the park, strange! The food looked a little blah, how about a spring of parsley or something! I think the dinner food is getting overall better reviews. But it's a must and we will try it!

Glad your computer is better! We had a busy beach day yesterday, I will catch up with you soon. Back to 'work'!

 

[CaliTex]

I am so glad I found this TR! We are staying at POR this December, bringing our two oldest grandchildren on this trip. Turning 8 at Disney DGS, and almost 4 year old DGD. I really appreciate your insight and reviews! And I am loving your pics! Your family is looks lovely, and your daughter is a doll. The pics of her as Snow WHite are awesome. (I have a DGD named Hope. All we need now is a Grace.) This is kind of a "bonus" trip for us, and so I was a little worried about staying at a moderate, sorta spoiled by the Deluxes.

Now I am considering upgrading to a royal room!

Going back to reading...

 

[Sue M]

We had lunch there in January too. Lol, I got lots of pics of those gargoyles too! Lots of photo ops there! We sat by the snow windows.
I had the Ahi Tuna salad, which was very good. Ashley had the ham & cheese sandwich too.

 

[hstrickland]

I had the braised pork over mashed potatoes with veggies and it was phenominal. My daughter got the Mickey turkey meatloaf and she didn't like it. I ended up giving her some of my pork which she loved and I ate her meatloaf which I didn't think was half bad. My mother got the Quiche and loved hers as well.
I did strike up a conversation with the table next to us and they all had gotten the carved turkey sandwich and didn't care for theirs at all.

Braised pork sounds promising or quiche. Can't say that turkey meatloaf sounds very tasty

30 minutes is still a long wait for table service, especially if it's just ok food, but I'm glad you did it. I can't believe how busy it was for you guys at the park, strange! The food looked a little blah, how about a spring of parsley or something! I think the dinner food is getting overall better reviews. But it's a must and we will try it!

Yeah...ya got to try it at least once just so you can go insdie and wander around. Don't think they will let you in unless you're eating. My sandwich was MUCH better than Bill's. His almost looked like pressed meat.

Glad your computer is better! We had a busy beach day yesterday, I will catch up with you soon. Back to 'work'!

Knock on wood, I hope the computer last at least another semester Hope you had a good 'work' day! Still raining here off and on.

I am so glad I found this TR! We are staying at POR this December, bringing our two oldest grandchildren on this trip. Turning 8 at Disney DGS, and almost 4 year old DGD. I really appreciate your insight and reviews! And I am loving your pics! Your family is looks lovely, and your daughter is a doll. The pics of her as Snow WHite are awesome. (I have a DGD named Hope. All we need now is a Grace.) This is kind of a "bonus" trip for us, and so I was a little worried about staying at a moderate, sorta spoiled by the Deluxes.

Now I am considering upgrading to a royal room!

Going back to reading...

Hi there! Thanks for all your kind words. So glad you joined in! And would you believe my mother's name is Hope?!

Know what you mean about the deluxes - we were a bit worried, too. If you're use to a deluxe and this is only a bonus trip and not your "big" one, you'll be fine. Your granddaughters would absolutely love the Royal Room!! It's precious, really, and a great location within the resort. I wish we would have had more time to experience the pool and some of the other things. POR is a beautiful area as well as POFQ.

We had lunch there in January too. Lol, I got lots of pics of those gargoyles too! Lots of photo ops there! We sat by the snow windows.
I had the Ahi Tuna salad, which was very good. Ashley had the ham & cheese sandwich too.

Did y'all have a preference for table location or did you just choose a seat? The kids wanted the "really dark room" so that's what we did. I would like to sit in your location.

 

[Sue M]

We walked around and chose a seat. Next time I want to try the dark room! Lol

 

[chattadisser]

Ack…I’ve gotten behind again!

Too funny about asking Ariel why she was sucking in her stomach! Can you imagine having to suck in your stomach all day at work? Maybe Stephen can use his stalker photography skills to be a private investigator…of course, that would probably not involve cute young girls. I like how he apparently pulled it off very nonchalantly.

I love the commentary about loud kids and bickering. I remember being on the opposite end and thinking “I’ll never be one of THOSE people when I have kids”…um, yeah you are. I just avoid eye contact with others at those moments! Even well behaved children bicker…especially when it comes to their siblings.

It’s funny, Addison wants to eat at BOG and the rest of us are just…eeh. We have a reservation for an early dinner in October but honestly, nothing there really excites me and I feel like the girls eat so little, that I would rather spend the money elsewhere. But then I want to see inside! Decisions!

Thanks for the review and the great pictures!

Christine