rcyannacci
<font color="purple">A Feminist Princess...tiaras
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2000
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The next installment from our trip (12/11-12/17) My hubby (Bender) and I traveled with another couple (Shannon and Stephan)
(Days 1 & 2 are here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=700048 )
Monday: MK
Breakfast: Cinderella's Royal Table (PS at 8:50)
Im not sure I would have done this on my own, but Shannon had heard about eating with the princesses so I looked into booking one of these breakfasts. I followed all the directions on these boards and made a PS no problem!
I loved being able to walk into MK before the crowds. It was our first day at the MK so it was hard to walk down Main Street quickly and see all the X-mas decorations, but we resolved to come back and do some shopping later.
We were immediately sent upstairs and seated. The coffee they serve is better than the usual Nescafe (yuk) we had at the resort. Started with fruit and an assortment of rolls before they brought the pre-plated breakfast. I so much preferred this to the normal breakfast buffets. The food was fresh and seems to be of a better quality. On each plate was some scrambled eggs, two sausage links (really good, not the typical Jimmy Dean variety), some strips of bacon, some really excellent cheesy potatoes, and a small piece of French toast with blueberry topping. It was a big plate and nobody asked for second.
Shannon and I were wearing our princess t-shirts and, even though we were 4 adults, we received plenty of attention from the princesses. Many of them asked if our Princes were doing a good job (they were) and offered to take pictures with us. Many of the little girls had beautiful dresses on and we had the most fun watching them with the characters. And, since it was in the morning, everyone was well rested and on their best behavior.
I can see why the reservation is a killer to book because the room in the castle is fairly small, but really nice with the tall windows that look over Fantasyland. I thought I might feel guilty taking the reservation over another family, but I was really glad we did it so now Ill know what to expect when we have kids of our own. For a little girl, I cant imagine anything better!
Snack:
Bender had his first turkey leg while we waited for the parade. It was really hot and he could barely hold it for the first 15 minutes! But it was pretty good, if a little fatty. I had popcorn, Stephan and Shannon had pretzels, but we all tried not to eat too much in anticipation of our looming dinner
Dinner: Hoop Dee Doo (7:15 show)
This show/dinner was a must-do for Bender! I grew up going to this show with my parents and I still really love it. I keep thinking that Ill get tired of it, but it hasnt happened yet. If anything, this last performance was one of the better ones weve attended!
All 4 of us are theatre people (Shannon and I are in school together for performance studies/history, Bender is a technician, and Stephan is a writer) and we all thought the performer were in top form. Weve seen the show before when the actors seem tired or bored with the material, but this cast was fresh and working together. The actor playing Six-Bits was particularly good, working improvisationally during some sections and challenging some of the other performers to keep a straight face. The women particularly had great voices and really belted out the songs.
The premise for the show, pioneer players traveling by wagon from hall is hall, is fairly accurate in terms of theatre history. As are the character types they play- traditional melodrama and variety entertainment personas- the ingénue, the dance-hall girl, the brazen cowgirl, the gallant cowboy, the gambler, and the comic relief clown figure. My guess is that they rotate some of the best performers to this show, since it is a continual favorite among guests. Some people label this show corny, but I think it is really well done, appealing to all different types of audiences without pandering to them. That, in my experience, is fairly rare.
Now to the food excellent, as always. Not fancy, by any means, but quality. The meal is served family style and starts with a salad and fresh bread with honey butter (I always eat one more slice of this than I think I will). The boys had beer and Shannon and I had the sangria- our server brought small pitchers to the table so we were assured a good time! Drinking sangria out of a mason jar is just something to be experienced!
The fried chicken is the best on property. Stephan had lots of chicken since he doesnt eat ribs. The rest of us chowed down (the only way to describe our attack) on the ribs. They had lots of sweet bbq sauce and were extremely tender. Corn and bbq beans came as a side, but I think most of us concentrated on the chicken and ribs. We could only make a small dent in the bowl of strawberry shortcake they brought at the end, but it was good also.
I know this meal is an expensive one, but with entertainment thrown in, I never feel like Im overpaying. Its more experience than meal, and its become one of those Disney traditions for us. Ill still firmly recommend this meal to anyone visiting WDW.
Tuesday: AK and Epcot
Lunch: Tusker House
It was a little too chilly to eat outside this day, so we opted for the Tusker House over the Flame Tree BBQ this day. I think Tusker House is probably the best of the counter service restaurants in the parks. Bender and Shannon had the grilled salmon lunch with green beans and rice on the side, Stephan had the fried chicken sandwich and fries, and I got the turkey wrap with grapes and a side of corn chowder (I was trying to be good after gorging on ribs and chicken the night before). Both Bender and Shannon raved about the salmon and I ate a few of their green beans (not as crispy as I would have liked, but not bad for counter service.) Stephan said the sandwich was excellent. The turkey wrap was only so-so- the lettuce they wrapped it with was a bit on the soggy side. The chowder was really tasty, though, and the grapes were sweet and fresh. Shannon had some chocolate cake at the end, which I took a bit of- very moist, very chocolaty.
Snack- Germany at Epcot
After AK closed, we went to Epcot for the Candlelight Processional. Since our dinner at Rose and Crown was still a few hours off, we decided to stop in Germany for a snack (Bender wanted a pretzel). They had set a holiday kiosk along the walkway and we got a cup of goulash soup with spatzel (like little dumplings) and pretzel to share. The goulash was SO GOOD! It had a tomato base and chunks of beef and veggies. It was really cold outside and this just hit the spot. (It was so good, in fact, that we got the same thing the next day when we returned to Epcot!) Looking for a good goulash recipe now, just in case anyone here has one.
Dinner: Rose and Crown (CP pkg, PS at 8:00)
One a previous trip, Bender and I had booked a dinner package at Rose and Crown for Lord of the Dance, so we wanted to do this again. As I sat freezing during the Candlelight Processional, however, I wondered about how wise this was since the patio is the largest section of this restaurant. Luckily, they had closed in the patio and placed heaters out there so everyone was warm. We were seated inside, which would have upset me mildly in good weather but was a relief this night.
The package includes appetizer, main course, dessert, and non-alcoholic drinks. I started with the grilled scallops which were sweet, tender, and wonderful. Shannon had the grilled prawns (also excellent- we traded with each other). Stephan had the fruit and cheese plate, and Bender had the lamb and barley soup (again, really cold outside). I love this soup! I might get it for lunch next time we are there.
For the main course, Bender and I had the steak and prawns. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium and was very tender. It came with 3 fried shrimp- excellent, fried in a tempura batter (same as the fish, I think), green beans (have I mentioned how much I love green beans, especially crispy ones? These are my substitute French fries, when I can get them), and mashed potatoes. Its one of the pricier meals, but a deal in conjunction with the CP package. Stephan had the fish and chips, served with green peas and Shannon had the bangers and mash (they both wanted to eat traditional English pub food and thought everything was great. I tend to think Bender and I got the better deal in terms of price.)
Even though we were stuffed, we all ordered dessert (quickly so we could watch Illuminations from the heated balcony). I had the Baileys Irish crème brulee- this is the first time Ive ordered crème brulee and it wont be the last- so good! Loved the crisp sugar topping and the creamy consistency. Shannon and Bender got the chocolate Drambuie trifle- I had a bite and it was also pretty good. Stephan had the warm apple crumble and it looked amazing!
Great meal! I love this place for both lunch and dinner. Weve traveled to London before and the food here is very comparable (if a mite more expensive). The servers here, in my experience, are among the best in WDW. Very friendly, but more genuine than put on (like Aloha, cousins!). Well keep coming here each trip also.
Last installment forthcoming will include Spoodles, Boatwrights, Liberty Tree Tavern, and a jaunt to the Earl of Sandwich!
(link to Days 5,6 &7: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=700659 )
(Days 1 & 2 are here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=700048 )
Monday: MK
Breakfast: Cinderella's Royal Table (PS at 8:50)
Im not sure I would have done this on my own, but Shannon had heard about eating with the princesses so I looked into booking one of these breakfasts. I followed all the directions on these boards and made a PS no problem!
I loved being able to walk into MK before the crowds. It was our first day at the MK so it was hard to walk down Main Street quickly and see all the X-mas decorations, but we resolved to come back and do some shopping later.
We were immediately sent upstairs and seated. The coffee they serve is better than the usual Nescafe (yuk) we had at the resort. Started with fruit and an assortment of rolls before they brought the pre-plated breakfast. I so much preferred this to the normal breakfast buffets. The food was fresh and seems to be of a better quality. On each plate was some scrambled eggs, two sausage links (really good, not the typical Jimmy Dean variety), some strips of bacon, some really excellent cheesy potatoes, and a small piece of French toast with blueberry topping. It was a big plate and nobody asked for second.
Shannon and I were wearing our princess t-shirts and, even though we were 4 adults, we received plenty of attention from the princesses. Many of them asked if our Princes were doing a good job (they were) and offered to take pictures with us. Many of the little girls had beautiful dresses on and we had the most fun watching them with the characters. And, since it was in the morning, everyone was well rested and on their best behavior.
I can see why the reservation is a killer to book because the room in the castle is fairly small, but really nice with the tall windows that look over Fantasyland. I thought I might feel guilty taking the reservation over another family, but I was really glad we did it so now Ill know what to expect when we have kids of our own. For a little girl, I cant imagine anything better!
Snack:
Bender had his first turkey leg while we waited for the parade. It was really hot and he could barely hold it for the first 15 minutes! But it was pretty good, if a little fatty. I had popcorn, Stephan and Shannon had pretzels, but we all tried not to eat too much in anticipation of our looming dinner
Dinner: Hoop Dee Doo (7:15 show)
This show/dinner was a must-do for Bender! I grew up going to this show with my parents and I still really love it. I keep thinking that Ill get tired of it, but it hasnt happened yet. If anything, this last performance was one of the better ones weve attended!
All 4 of us are theatre people (Shannon and I are in school together for performance studies/history, Bender is a technician, and Stephan is a writer) and we all thought the performer were in top form. Weve seen the show before when the actors seem tired or bored with the material, but this cast was fresh and working together. The actor playing Six-Bits was particularly good, working improvisationally during some sections and challenging some of the other performers to keep a straight face. The women particularly had great voices and really belted out the songs.
The premise for the show, pioneer players traveling by wagon from hall is hall, is fairly accurate in terms of theatre history. As are the character types they play- traditional melodrama and variety entertainment personas- the ingénue, the dance-hall girl, the brazen cowgirl, the gallant cowboy, the gambler, and the comic relief clown figure. My guess is that they rotate some of the best performers to this show, since it is a continual favorite among guests. Some people label this show corny, but I think it is really well done, appealing to all different types of audiences without pandering to them. That, in my experience, is fairly rare.
Now to the food excellent, as always. Not fancy, by any means, but quality. The meal is served family style and starts with a salad and fresh bread with honey butter (I always eat one more slice of this than I think I will). The boys had beer and Shannon and I had the sangria- our server brought small pitchers to the table so we were assured a good time! Drinking sangria out of a mason jar is just something to be experienced!
The fried chicken is the best on property. Stephan had lots of chicken since he doesnt eat ribs. The rest of us chowed down (the only way to describe our attack) on the ribs. They had lots of sweet bbq sauce and were extremely tender. Corn and bbq beans came as a side, but I think most of us concentrated on the chicken and ribs. We could only make a small dent in the bowl of strawberry shortcake they brought at the end, but it was good also.
I know this meal is an expensive one, but with entertainment thrown in, I never feel like Im overpaying. Its more experience than meal, and its become one of those Disney traditions for us. Ill still firmly recommend this meal to anyone visiting WDW.
Tuesday: AK and Epcot
Lunch: Tusker House
It was a little too chilly to eat outside this day, so we opted for the Tusker House over the Flame Tree BBQ this day. I think Tusker House is probably the best of the counter service restaurants in the parks. Bender and Shannon had the grilled salmon lunch with green beans and rice on the side, Stephan had the fried chicken sandwich and fries, and I got the turkey wrap with grapes and a side of corn chowder (I was trying to be good after gorging on ribs and chicken the night before). Both Bender and Shannon raved about the salmon and I ate a few of their green beans (not as crispy as I would have liked, but not bad for counter service.) Stephan said the sandwich was excellent. The turkey wrap was only so-so- the lettuce they wrapped it with was a bit on the soggy side. The chowder was really tasty, though, and the grapes were sweet and fresh. Shannon had some chocolate cake at the end, which I took a bit of- very moist, very chocolaty.
Snack- Germany at Epcot
After AK closed, we went to Epcot for the Candlelight Processional. Since our dinner at Rose and Crown was still a few hours off, we decided to stop in Germany for a snack (Bender wanted a pretzel). They had set a holiday kiosk along the walkway and we got a cup of goulash soup with spatzel (like little dumplings) and pretzel to share. The goulash was SO GOOD! It had a tomato base and chunks of beef and veggies. It was really cold outside and this just hit the spot. (It was so good, in fact, that we got the same thing the next day when we returned to Epcot!) Looking for a good goulash recipe now, just in case anyone here has one.
Dinner: Rose and Crown (CP pkg, PS at 8:00)
One a previous trip, Bender and I had booked a dinner package at Rose and Crown for Lord of the Dance, so we wanted to do this again. As I sat freezing during the Candlelight Processional, however, I wondered about how wise this was since the patio is the largest section of this restaurant. Luckily, they had closed in the patio and placed heaters out there so everyone was warm. We were seated inside, which would have upset me mildly in good weather but was a relief this night.
The package includes appetizer, main course, dessert, and non-alcoholic drinks. I started with the grilled scallops which were sweet, tender, and wonderful. Shannon had the grilled prawns (also excellent- we traded with each other). Stephan had the fruit and cheese plate, and Bender had the lamb and barley soup (again, really cold outside). I love this soup! I might get it for lunch next time we are there.
For the main course, Bender and I had the steak and prawns. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium and was very tender. It came with 3 fried shrimp- excellent, fried in a tempura batter (same as the fish, I think), green beans (have I mentioned how much I love green beans, especially crispy ones? These are my substitute French fries, when I can get them), and mashed potatoes. Its one of the pricier meals, but a deal in conjunction with the CP package. Stephan had the fish and chips, served with green peas and Shannon had the bangers and mash (they both wanted to eat traditional English pub food and thought everything was great. I tend to think Bender and I got the better deal in terms of price.)
Even though we were stuffed, we all ordered dessert (quickly so we could watch Illuminations from the heated balcony). I had the Baileys Irish crème brulee- this is the first time Ive ordered crème brulee and it wont be the last- so good! Loved the crisp sugar topping and the creamy consistency. Shannon and Bender got the chocolate Drambuie trifle- I had a bite and it was also pretty good. Stephan had the warm apple crumble and it looked amazing!
Great meal! I love this place for both lunch and dinner. Weve traveled to London before and the food here is very comparable (if a mite more expensive). The servers here, in my experience, are among the best in WDW. Very friendly, but more genuine than put on (like Aloha, cousins!). Well keep coming here each trip also.
Last installment forthcoming will include Spoodles, Boatwrights, Liberty Tree Tavern, and a jaunt to the Earl of Sandwich!
(link to Days 5,6 &7: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=700659 )
For once, it was lucky to get inside!!
