Break out the bubbly and warn the waiters...she's coming back!

[Happydog]

HEY!! GREAT ADRs SO far!!!!! Awesome choices!! I can't wait to hear more!!
I'll check in!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, you have some very yummy ADRs!!! You are going to have such a blast down there at the end of September!!!

 

[kschafer]

I must say, I think CG looks good, but Narcoosee's looks AMAZING! I think even if you don't get CG, you won't be disappointed.

Very cool you got almost everything you wanted

 

[TarzansKat]

Thank you so much for posting that update! I was getting a little nervous, not really understanding how the online system worked exactly, and you explained it beautifully. My ADR window is coming up, and I'm so excited! And hey, you never know, something for Cali Grill could open up for you.

 

[ILuvCrush]

yay!! the ADR's are made!!

What's up with Sanaa??? Thought it was still sorta a DISer/DVC 'secret' I'm sure it was something kooky...and we will be able to get it....

if nothing else...maybe on Tuesday i'll be able to try booking it thru DVC directly never know what kind of rabbit they may be able to pull outta their hats

paula

 

[DisneyDeeva]

Congrats on your awesome ADR lineup. You had asked about Narcoossees...

I've eaten at both Narcoossees and CG several times over the past few years. Personally, I prefer Narcoossees. I always get Surf & Turf (substituting scallops for the lobster). And, the Almond Crusted Cheesecake is TO DIE FOR! As an added bonus, the view of Wishes is much better from the waterfront. I hate watching Wishes from high up - it throws the perspective completely off. When I do CG, I usually go early - before it gets crowded.

As a side note, my window opens tomorrow, looks like we may be running into each other a couple times if I get the dates and times I'm looking for.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Congrats on getting your adrs! We ate at Narcossee's last month and loved it! The crab cakes and the steak & lobster were all delicious!

Thanks! I think I remember seeing your Narcossee's pics on Caitlin's dining report- if not then I'm confused and looking forward to them! But any and all photos/reviews I've heard about the place have been good. It's supposed to be romantic... now I'm dining with Jen for her birthday dinner without husbands/beaus so I'm not so sure we need any romance!

HEY!! GREAT ADRs SO far!!!!! Awesome choices!! I can't wait to hear more!!
I'll check in!

You are on your way to WDW today! So jealous. But so excited that you will be checking in from time to time to give us a peek at the magic. Safe travels.

Oh, you have some very yummy ADRs!!! You are going to have such a blast down there at the end of September!!!

Yes, we are. You should come too!

I must say, I think CG looks good, but Narcoosee's looks AMAZING! I think even if you don't get CG, you won't be disappointed.

Very cool you got almost everything you wanted

Oddly enough, Narcossee's is the only menu I haven't stalked. Have to go do that now...

Thank you so much for posting that update! I was getting a little nervous, not really understanding how the online system worked exactly, and you explained it beautifully. My ADR window is coming up, and I'm so excited! And hey, you never know, something for Cali Grill could open up for you.

You are welcome! Yes, much easier than I feared. I really liked it, actually! And LOVE that I can look them up myself on line with the confirmation #'s right there and not worry about whether I wrote it down correctly.

yay!! the ADR's are made!!

What's up with Sanaa??? Thought it was still sorta a DISer/DVC 'secret' I'm sure it was something kooky...and we will be able to get it....

if nothing else...maybe on Tuesday i'll be able to try booking it thru DVC directly never know what kind of rabbit they may be able to pull outta their hats

paula

Not sure on Sanaa. Maybe it just isn't working right in the system. I'll be happy with Jiko too so I'm not worried at all. Can't wait to get back to the lodge!

Congrats on your awesome ADR lineup. You had asked about Narcoossees...

I've eaten at both Narcoossees and CG several times over the past few years. Personally, I prefer Narcoossees. I always get Surf & Turf (substituting scallops for the lobster). And, the Almond Crusted Cheesecake is TO DIE FOR! As an added bonus, the view of Wishes is much better from the waterfront. I hate watching Wishes from high up - it throws the perspective completely off. When I do CG, I usually go early - before it gets crowded.

As a side note, my window opens tomorrow, looks like we may be running into each other a couple times if I get the dates and times I'm looking for.

Thanks! It will be fun to bump into eachother over the course of the week!

Interesting thought on the Wishes view. Well, I'm feeling much better about Narcossee's if that's where we go. Hopefully Jen is too. But I'll still keep an eye on Cali Grill.

Good luck tomorrow with your ADRs. What are you hoping for?

-------------

Even though I'd already decided that Le Cellier wouldn't be in the rotation this time as I'd be dining at Yachtsman, I still thought I'd at least see if I could get a ressie there. Nope. No dinners except the day I would be leaving (in the afternoon!). Only 1 lunch was available and that was the day we already had our big Chefs de France plans. It continues to be very popular. As, apparently, is California Grill.

To think that at 6am, 90 days out of a 10 day trip there are literally only 2 openings for ADRs at Le Cellier is astonishing. And only 1 opening for CG!

One podcast I was listening to (can't remember which one) discussed a rumor that the system might be revised such that guests at deluxe hotels get priority. Now as a deluxe snob that sounds great (so long as I'm fortunate enough to indulge my snobbery) but I can't imagine most people will be excited about that. And what about DVC? Who knows... probably just a rumor.

 

[brookelizabeth]

on the ADRs!! I've read really good reivews of the online system. It actually surprises me considering how poor their websites are! BUT, I'm glad! I will be attempting for our few that we are planning in December.

I hope you are able to snag that CG. I imagine if you keep checking back you will get it eventually.

One podcast I was listening to (can't remember which one) discussed a rumor that the system might be revised such that guests at deluxe hotels get priority. Now as a deluxe snob that sound great (so long as I'm fortunate enough to indulge my snobbery) but I can't imagine most people will be excited about that. And what about DVC? Who knows... probably just a rumor.

I read about this on the Dining boards, and also they chatted about it breifly on the DIS Podcast. I wrote Disney an email a while ago about it and they finally replied the other day just asking me to call them...which I still haven't done. I want the REAL scoop. One woman, who is a TiW holder was denied LeCellier when she reserved it with her TiW card, but could get it by reserving without the card. That makes NO sense and is really frustrating to people who have PAID for a discount card. All the chatter about Deluxes being given priority wasn't ever confirmed on the threads, so I'll be asking about that when I do call Disney too. I think it's very wrong. The chatter on the threads was saying DVC would be toward the BOTTOM of the list since many of the restaurants give a discount to DVC members. I really hope it's all just a rumor... I don't think anyone staying at a Value, or an TiW holder should recieve less priority!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

on the ADRs!! I've read really good reivews of the online system. It actually surprises me considering how poor their websites are! BUT, I'm glad! I will be attempting for our few that we are planning in December.

I hope you are able to snag that CG. I imagine if you keep checking back you will get it eventually.

Thanks! Although now all these positive remarks for Narcoossee's are giving me pause!

I read about this on the Dining boards, and also they chatted about it breifly on the DIS Podcast. I wrote Disney an email a while ago about it and they finally replied the other day just asking me to call them...which I still haven't done. I want the REAL scoop. One woman, who is a TiW holder was denied LeCellier when she reserved it with her TiW card, but could get it by reserving without the card. That makes NO sense and is really frustrating to people who have PAID for a discount card. All the chatter about Deluxes being given priority wasn't ever confirmed on the threads, so I'll be asking about that when I do call Disney too. I think it's very wrong. The chatter on the threads was saying DVC would be toward the BOTTOM of the list since many of the restaurants give a discount to DVC members. I really hope it's all just a rumor... I don't think anyone staying at a Value, or an TiW holder should recieve less priority!

Interesting. I have the TIW card too but they didn't ask about that anywhere while booking my ADRs either online or by phone. I usually only present that when the check comes.

I can't believe they would put DVC at the bottom of the list?! How does that make any sense! Please let us know if you talk to Disney and get any scoop.

 

[DisneyDeeva]

Interesting thought on the Wishes view. Well, I'm feeling much better about Narcossee's if that's where we go. Hopefully Jen is too. But I'll still keep an eye on Cali Grill.

Good luck tomorrow with your ADRs. What are you hoping for?[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

I'm just making my list for tomorrow's call...

Boma and Cinderella's Royal Table for breakfasts. (I’m resigned to enduring CRT only because I have vowed to eat at every single Signature Restaurant on this trip)

Lunches at Sanaa, The Wave, Kona Café, Coral Reef, Nine Dragons (I'm curious about the changes since the rehab - reviews have been pretty favorable), 50's Prime Time Café, Chefs de France

High Tea at the Garden View Lounge before MNSSHP on 10/6 (it's a tradition)

And finally, dinners at Tusker House, Jiko, Narcoossees, California Grill, Tutto Italia, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Brown Derby, 1900 Park Faire, Artist Point, Rose & Crown, Flying Fish and Citricos

I’m also going to be keeping my eye on what happens with Spoodles (aka Kouzzina). When the F&W booking window opens on 8/11, I'll be trying for PFTS, Sweet Sunday and a Luncheon with Paula Deen.

As you can probably tell, I love my food and drink!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I'm just making my list for tomorrow's call...

Boma and Cinderella's Royal Table for breakfasts. (I’m resigned to enduring CRT only because I have vowed to eat at every single Signature Restaurant on this trip)

Lunches at Sanaa, The Wave, Kona Café, Coral Reef, Nine Dragons (I'm curious about the changes since the rehab - reviews have been pretty favorable), 50's Prime Time Café, Chefs de France

High Tea at the Garden View Lounge before MNSSHP on 10/6 (it's a tradition)

And finally, dinners at Tusker House, Jiko, Narcoossees, California Grill, Tutto Italia, Yachtsman Steakhouse, Brown Derby, 1900 Park Faire, Artist Point, Rose & Crown, Flying Fish and Citricos

I’m also going to be keeping my eye on what happens with Spoodles (aka Kouzzina). When the F&W booking window opens on 8/11, I'll be trying for PFTS, Sweet Sunday and a Luncheon with Paula Deen.

As you can probably tell, I love my food and drink!

Oh my! That all sounds so great! Every signature dining experience on this trip?!

I heard the Deens might be there while we're there but I haven't seen it "in writing." Is there a schedule out somewhere? Can you share a link?

Well I'm looking forward to meeting you at the Adventurer's Club dinner (or beforehand for a little tequila ) and hope to bump into you many times over the course of the trip! I'm getting so excited!!

 

[ILuvCrush]

The chatter on the threads was saying DVC would be toward the BOTTOM of the list since many of the restaurants give a discount to DVC members. I really hope it's all just a rumor... I don't think anyone staying at a Value, or an TiW holder should recieve less priority!

If my $24K DVC investment results in me being at the BOTTOM of the list... I must say I will be thoroughly TICKED


but I'm beginning to think that it doesn't suprise me.... They have our $$ already... why would they care if we are PO'd

Paula

 

[DisneyDeeva]

Oh my! That all sounds so great! Every signature dining experience on this trip?!

I heard the Deens might be there while we're there but I haven't seen it "in writing." Is there a schedule out somewhere? Can you share a link?

Well I'm looking forward to meeting you at the Adventurer's Club dinner (or beforehand for a little tequila ) and hope to bump into you many times over the course of the trip! I'm getting so excited!!

While it hasn't be "officially" announced, I've been following the F&W thread and the info in these links looks like it comes from a pretty reliable source:

http://www.examiner.com/x-8506-Walt...od-and-Wine-Festival-update--Other-Highlights

http://www.examiner.com/x-8506-Walt...ecialty-programs--Celebrating-Friends--Family

I'm getting excited - there are going to be a lot of DISers down there at the same time. I'll have to get my LGMH ready!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

If my $24K DVC investment results in me being at the BOTTOM of the list... I must say I will be thoroughly TICKED


but I'm beginning to think that it doesn't suprise me.... They have our $$ already... why would they care if we are PO'd

Paula

It certainly seems like there should be some DVC perks! I hope that piece is just a rumor.

But even so... I still want to buy DVC.

While it hasn't be "officially" announced, I've been following the F&W thread and the info in these links looks like it comes from a pretty reliable source:

http://www.examiner.com/x-8506-Walt...od-and-Wine-Festival-update--Other-Highlights

http://www.examiner.com/x-8506-Walt...ecialty-programs--Celebrating-Friends--Family

I'm getting excited - there are going to be a lot of DISers down there at the same time. I'll have to get my LGMH ready!

Thanks for the links. I would love to see the Deens as well. That is on my "maybe" list. I think those events are hard to get, aren't they? 8/11 is marked on my calendar.


I can't wait for F&W!!

 

[DisneyDeeva]

Some of the events are very hard to get into. The past two years in a row, I've missed out on the Sweet Sunday I wanted. But, I suspect that, even if I can't get int the main luncheon, there may be a book signing or cooking demo at the Festival Center. Fingers crossed!

 

[oybolshoi]

Just a comment on DVC dining discounts ... there are some but they are primarily for lunch and many of them are at the same places that offer AAA discounts. There are no signature dining discounts for DVC members so the argument that we DVC members would be at the bottom of the dining pecking order, so to speak, because of the discounts we receive does not hold water.

Member perks are actually not that great, imho.

I think it would be very difficult for WDW to implement any kind of tiered dining system aside from what they likely already have in place (concierge, CMs, Disney executives) simply because they would be shooting themselves in the foot in regard to the dining plan which is making them a lot of money.

One of the reasons that the F&W pairings during the festival have been so ruthlessly paired back is that they don't want to hold back tables for 30 guests one day per week for F&W when the demand at places like Coral Reef and Le Cellier is so strong. The most popular world showcase restaurants no longer offer the F&W pairings because it didn't make Disney the money that constant table turnover does. It's a shame because they were nice events that didn't cost too much (all things considered) and offered people a chance to sample restaurants that they might not otherwise dine at. Jay and I would never eat at Le Cellier on vacation (better steakhouses on property if we're craving cow flesh) but we did do a F&W pairing there that was very good. Same for Coral Reef - great F&W pairing but we'd never eat an actual meal there because there are so many places that offer much better seafood for close to the same price.

Still ... take the good with the bad.

I kinda went off on a weird tangent there ... it's the medication I'm on; sorry.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Hi there, I'm late, mind if I crash the party?

 

[oybolshoi]

Some of the events are very hard to get into. The past two years in a row, I've missed out on the Sweet Sunday I wanted. But, I suspect that, even if I can't get int the main luncheon, there may be a book signing or cooking demo at the Festival Center. Fingers crossed!

We wacked out foodies are on phone calling at 6AM sharp to nab those F&W events. What are your dates and what events are you thinking of trying for?

 

[DisneyDeeva]

We wacked out foodies are on phone calling at 6AM sharp to nab those F&W events. What are your dates and what events are you thinking of trying for?

This year, I'm gonna be the before ya'll (9/24 - 10/10). So I figure I have a fair shot. LOL! I'm actually kinda glad they might be charging a nominal amount for the food demos and wine tastings - weeds out the riff raff...not unlike myself I'm hoping they have tweeked the setup in the Festival Center. Didn't like that at all. I really missed The Odyssey.

 

[oybolshoi]

This year, I'm gonna be the before ya'll (9/24 - 10/10). So I figure I have a fair shot. LOL! I'm actually kinda glad they might be charging a nominal amount for the food demos and wine tastings - weeds out the riff raff...not unlike myself I'm hoping they have tweeked the setup in the Festival Center. Didn't like that at all. I really missed The Odyssey.

I miss the events at the Odyssey, too, but I doubt they'll hold anything there. No chance for an event after-sell, know what I mean?

Too bad our dates won't overlap; we're going to have a heck of a birthday cake party on the night of the 17th ... or so it seems right now.

I do think the San Angel pairing sounds kind of interesting ... we'll probably try for that one just to dine someplace new.