A semi-4 generational trip 8/6-8/12

[WDWAurora]

We were up bright and early, just like most of our days. As we headed over to MGM, the sky was definitely looking less than great. By the time we had made it through the gates, waiting for RD, it was sprinkling. By the time the 4 of us split up to achieve our separate goals (Dad & me-TOT, DH & DS-FPs for TSM, and Grandmother-waiting at Brown Derby), it was pouring. After TOT, meeting some characters, checking out GMR, Disney Junior, and me finally going to get our FPs (DH got DS out of the rain instead), we headed over towards Star Tours and our lunch destination-Backlot Express. Now, it's important to note here that we rarely venture beyond ABC Commissary for our counter service meals at MGM. The counter service is just horrible at MGM! Well, DH was looking to break out of all of my routines on this trip, and the menu at ABC has changed and dropped most of our favorites, so...we made a switch.

This meal can be summarized pretty quickly. WORST meal and WORST service during our entire stay. Honestly, the service is probably what made the meal so bad for us. I took DS, who was in desperate need of a nap, and got our table, high chair, etc. ready. In the meantime, the others got in line and ordered. Then, they waited. Keep in mind, DH had ordered DS's milk, and he's definitely at the age where he requires milk to nap. I waited, and waited, and waited. There were like 10 CMs wandering around to clean, etc., but there was nothing to clean, because everybody was at the counter waiting for food. No one actually had any. While we were early (11:30ish), we weren't insanely early for lunch by any means. I don't know what the hold up was, but DS was getting extremely cranky, and it was definitely rubbing off!

DH ordered chicken fingers, and I ordered the veggie sandwich. Grandmother had the turkey sandwich, while my dad got the hot dog meal. I think we all had strawberry parfaits. My sandwich was actually fairly good. The bread tasted decent, and was kind of a nicer bread. It could have done with a few more veggies-it was a little sparse. DH's chicken fingers were pretty bad, even by counter service standards, as was Dad's hot dog. Grandmother thought her sandwich was fine, but we were all so stinking frustrated by the wait that it really ruined the experience.

The parfaits were pretty basic, but didn't taste like they were sugar free, which is stated on the menu. Also, I seem to remember this restaurant having a toppings bar like Pecos Bill & Cosmic Rays back in the day, but no more, although there was a decent selection of sauces. The one redeeming quality? You serve your own drink, which meant easy refills!

Now, sweet little DS had his nap as soon as he ate some lunch, and had a generally great afternoon. Unfortunately, he's a twice a day napper, but seemed to miss the memo on his second nap, which may have some influence on our upcoming experience at...

California Grill! Up next!

 

[WDWAurora]

CALIFORNIA GRILL!!!

Now, let me just start off by saying I was super excited about this. I have never been inside the Contemporary. My dad and grandmother had been there a few years ago to eat at a restaurant that used to be kind of across from Chef Mickey's, but I wasn't with them on that trip. I have, of course, heard amazing things about the food, as well. Now, DS had literally done fabulously at all of our meals so far, so I wasn't too stressed about taking him there, particularly with a reservation right at opening.

Well, I should have stressed, apparently. Since DS absolutely refused to nap in the afternoon, by the time we got to the restaurant, he was getting a little grumpy. We wandered around a little, but not much given his mood, prior to heading upstairs. Once up there, DH and I took DS out on one of the observation decks. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but the observation decks were basically just wide catwalks. Not really pretty. The views, on the other hand-AWESOME! DS wasn't really into it thanks to his grumpasaurusrex mood, but DH got some great pictures from up there.

We were quickly called to our table (after one false alarm). Our server was, just to get this out of the way, phenomenal. Now, DS's behavior was pretty bad. DH actually took him out for a long time (between getting our drinks and our food). I was absolutely stressed out by the way he was acting, as it is SO out of character. My stress level absolutely hindered my enjoyment of the meal, so just let me add that before I say anything negative. ANY negatives I may have had were likely the result of the stress of DS's behavior, because, overall, I would say the meal was very nice.

We were brought bread and salted butter quickly. It was delicious, although the crust of the bread was a little too crisp. Rather difficult to chew. Our server brought out goldfish crackers for DS, which went over pretty well (as did the crayon and kid's menu, although he did color on his face with the crayon, and the table cloth-normally I say no, but I didn't notice he had it in time). Dad, DH, and I all ordered the Oak Fired Filet of Beef, while my grandmother ordered the Cast Iron Seared Veal. The rest of us don't eat veal, and none of us eat sushi or seafood. I thought DH would order the pork, but he chose beef like the rest of us.

Now, I have to say, my steak was amazing at Le Cellier. I thought it would be nearly impossible to top. While I'm not sure this steak was better, it was AT LEAST as good as the Mushroom Filet. I really enjoyed the teriyaki barbecue sauce that came with it. It also came with a little bit of a green sauce that I did not really care for, but it didn't really have enough taste to bother me. It came with mashed potatoes and blue lake green beans. Now, I think saying that it came with the beans is a little silly, as I had exactly 4 beans on my plate (as did the other 2). I realize that at more exclusive restaurants portions tend to be a little different than at, say, your neighborhood Chili's or Olive Garden, but 4 beans? Just don't bother! I didn't really care for them, anyway, as my family grows a large garden (ok, my dad does. I just eat from it), and we eat a different variety of green beans. Blue lakes are not my style. They were seasoned nicely, it's just a texture thing, and totally a personal preference thing. The potatoes were delicious, and worked well with the steak and sauces. DS gobbled up more steak, just like he did the night before at WPC.

Grandmother's veal was fine. She rated it as not the best she had had, not the worst she had had. She did not feel that there was an appropriate amount of food on her plate, though we did with the filets.

Now, for dessert, we had discussed with our server that we may want to take it with us, as DS's behavior was just too unpredictable. We wanted to get out of there before he became a problem for others, as he was only bothering us at the time. She was great, because she went over the dessert menu with us well before our food came, outlining our options of desserts that could be taken to go. Very helpful! She also told us 2 options that were not on the menu-a cheese plate and chocolate cake. Grandmother opted for chocolate cake.

Dad and I ordered the bananas and caramel, while DH opted for the buckwheat crepes (without frozen yogurt). While I had wanted the creme brulee, clearly that couldn't be taken out, and I had been tempted by the bananas and caramel when reading the menu before our trip. Let me just say that the creme brulee would have been a mistake, as the bananas and caramel were AWESOME! Seriously delicious. It was a little like a grown up banana pudding, and I loved every last bite. DH's crepes were good, as well. DS enjoyed both back in the room. I'm not sure grandmother ever ate her cake, as she still had key lime pie from the night before.

I ended up taking DS out while desserts were being boxed up and bills were being settled. I hope they all tipped well, as our server was wonderful. She was very patient, and made sure to reassure DH that DS actually wasn't that bad (although I'm pretty sure she was just being nice). She said she frequently sees worse behavior and their parents don't seem bothered by it. Maybe we're just not used to it, and they are? He just doesn't normally act that way at all, and it was clearly nap related.

Anyway, overall, our food was excellent, and our service was absolutely wonderful. The restaurant decor and setting was not as exciting for me as it is for others. The observation deck was just ok. Again, some of these feelings may be clouded by stress about DS. I would say that I am unlikely to go back purely because I think there are other experiences I would enjoy more. I do not care for the decor overall at the Contemporary, and just think there are other places on property whose food I enjoy and would also just feel more comfortable. I guess I just feel like the Contemporary is a little too sterile. The view and monorail are awesome, but that's really it for me in terms of what I like (other than the food and our server, of course). Maybe that makes sense.

Up next: Our last day in the parks-ADR at Biergarten, will we keep it? Stay tuned.