**DDP 10 Days, 11 ADRs, First F&W Festival **-- Updated 10/8

[apainterxx44]

So I know Pre-Dining Reviews aren't the most exciting but I have 16 more days till we pack up the car so I need to pass the time.

Intro:
Our trip starts on Tuesday Sept 23rd when we make the 15 hour drive to POP Century, my tried and true favorite value resort. We will be staying with free DDP until Oct. 4th. We will be attending MNSSHP and my very first food and wine festival!

Weird goal this year is to be honest/vocal about things when they go wrong during meals. Since I guess I'm still considered 'young' when we go to meals in wdw, or anywhere really I feel like we tend to get looked over like we aren't going to complain. I've never complained, sent food back, etc. I was a waitress for years and worked in a disney restaurant however, I never say anything when things go wrong. I'm not going to look for problems but I'm also not going to let slow service, bad meals, etc go unrecognized. We paid a lot of money to have a good time on this trip and with so many negative reviews I've seen lately I feel like it'll be good to give honest feedback and recognize great outstanding service as well!

My name is Amanda. I'm from Delaware County PA, right outside of Philly. I've been going to Disney since I was four and I worked at Mama Melrose on my DCP in 2009. Since then I've found a great job as a Claim Rep for an insurance company and I live with my boyfriend of 5 years. I don't eat seafood but I will try anything once.

My boyfriend is Roy. He is a little on the picky side and doesn't like things that are too spicy or have thick cream sauce/mayo on them. This will be his third trip to WDW he went last year with me and before that he went when he was 7. I'm trying to make him into a Disney nerd like me! He also is obsessed with le fous brew he told me he wants one everytime he passes Gaston's Tavern.



ADRs:

Sept 24th -- *Raglan Road, late dinner after our long drive. Hopefully after we've had a nap.

Sept 25th -- Early Lunch at BOG FP+
Dinner at LTT.

Sept 26th -- Lunch at *Toyko Dining, new addition instead of Teppan Edo
Epcot After Hours Wind Down at *Spice Road Table

Sept 27th -- Dinner at 50s Prime Time Cafe

Sept 28th -- Lunch at Yak & Yeti

Sept 29th -- Breakfast at Kona Cafe
*Food and Wine Festival all day!

Sept 30th -- Lunch Tony's Town Square -- hoping to get on the porch for FoF. Fingers crossed!

Oct 1st -- Sci Fi Dine In Lunch
*Late night dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse

Oct 2nd -- *BOG dinner before MNSSHP

Oct 3rd -- O'hana -- got my reservation on Monday!!

*- first time experience

Snacks I hope to try for the first time
Sleepy Hollow Sweet & Spicy Waffle Sandwich
Carrot Cake Cookie
Dole whip with Rum
Specialty Cupcakes
Waffle Fries from MK.
Kakigori from Kabuki Cafe



Hope everyone is as excited as we are to follow along!

 

[Vernie822]

Yay! Following along. My boyfriend and I leave Saturday for our trip. Trying to convert him into a Disney addict too hahaha. We're from PA as well, but we live in Erie.

 

[apainterxx44]

Yay! Following along. My boyfriend and I leave Saturday for our trip. Trying to convert him into a Disney addict too hahaha. We're from PA as well, but we live in Erie.

Have a great time! When Roy agreed to a longer trip I felt accomplished that he didn't mind being in Disney almost twice as long as last year

 

[apainterxx44]

I saw this on fallenangel_727's Pre DR and I thought it was a great idea to go through the ADRs I picked.

First up, Raglan Road.

I've never been here before and last year we slept through our reservation. We drove 15 hours, checked in at POP at 12pm and were supposed to relax until late at night but Roy was too excited to sleep! We went to DtD it got too hot and then we were right back to the room in a few hours

We then overslept right through our Raglan reservation.

So this year we plan on making the ADR and trying this bread pudding everyone is talking about!

For me I'm most looking forward to the bread pudding and having my first taste of Disney Food

Roy is most looking forward to the shepard's pie he has been dreaming about it since I showed him a photo on disboards.

Will this ADR live up to our expectations???

 

[apainterxx44]

On our first park day we will be having an early Lunch at BOG using FP+. We did this last year on our last day and really didn't like our meal. We blame it on what we choose.

I had the quinoa salad, it was dry and the salad was oily. The lemon cupcake was very good though.

Roy had the Braised Pork (Coq Au Vin Style) and he actually hated it. He could only take a bite before thinking that he made the wrong decision. We had to pick our meals out so far in advance we didn't know what we would be in the mood for.

This time we both picked sandwhichs and are hoping for a better experience.

Be Our Guest Restaurant
2 Guests on Thursday, September 25, 2014
Please arrive between 10:50AM - 11:20AM

My Meal:

Carved Turkey Sandwich
Lemon Meringue Cupcake

Roy's Meal:

Carved Prime Chuck Roast Beef Sandwich*
Pommes Frites, Remove Horseradish Sauce
The Master's Cupcake

 

[fallen_angel727]

I'm joining in!! I LOVE dining reports, of any kind!

We were actually supposed to be checking into POP (in 18 days) but DH surprised me with an upgrade to AKL

Love your choices, I'm still hoping to get an early lunch at Yak & Yeti on our check in day...but nothings opened up yet

I sure hope Roy is more helpful with what he's looking forward to than Aaron is lol

 

[apainterxx44]

I'm joining in!! I LOVE dining reports, of any kind!

We were actually supposed to be checking into POP (in 18 days) but DH surprised me with an upgrade to AKL

Love your choices, I'm still hoping to get an early lunch at Yak & Yeti on our check in day...but nothings opened up yet

I sure hope Roy is more helpful with what he's looking forward to than Aaron is lol

I love all kinds of dining reports too! I feel like I've read everyone on disboards so I'm excited for a lot of the fall/winter ones!

That is an AMAZING upgrade! Can't wait to see pics.

Y&Y is a must do for us especially after our great meal last year, hope you can get an ADR. I'm checking every second for an 'Ohana.

 

[apainterxx44]

Our third ADR and actually first TS in the parks is Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner. It has become sort of a tradition to go every trip as our first parks meal. Last year we had great service and food. After our first day of craming as many rides into the first half of the day it was nice to relax and enjoy ourselves. Especially all you care to eat Thanksgiving.

I'm most looking forward to the great atmosphere, and I know roy's looking forward to the big mug of iced tea!

 

[apainterxx44]

Our 4th ADR is our Epcot day and I'm so excited to have found this hidden gem. Roy has no part in the planning I usually ask him a question and he says he liked the meal or can't remember. When I asked him what country he wanted to eat at this year he quickly responded with Japan. We spent a ton of time in the Japan pavalion and Roy spoke with a lot of the CMs. He had a great time.

I booked my ADR for Teppan Edo and was settled until the other day when Roy said he couldnt wait to have sushi in Disney. I quickly reviewed the menu and noticed that it was all hibachi grill prepared food, which is what I was looking forward too.

I randomly saw Toyko Dining listed and didn't even think it was a restaurant it doesn't sound like a name for a special event. I read reviews and the menu and saw that it was mainly a sushi bar. My friend who goes to Toyko twice a year says this looks a lot more authentic to the places to dine in the city than Teppan Edo. Needless to say I am SO excited to try this place out as it has gotten many positive reviews and appears to usually be a walk up.

 

[apainterxx44]

This reservation was made sort of on a whim. Roy does not drink alcohol so I know the $35/person won't be justified however, we ran out of time last year to complete Epcot so I wanted to make an effort to make sure we planned on going a few times, around four trips to Epcot are planned this trip.

Spice Road Table was not open last September when we went so I'm excited to try it for the first time. I love the local Tapas Bars in the area and since it's late night we won't be starving so this is a great way to end our night. Roy also has never seen illuminations so I hope to catch them as well.


Just for those who don't know..



Spice Road Table Wind Down Offering

May include Lamb Sliders, Chicken Rolls, or Moroccan Sausages paired with a White or Red Wine Flight

 

[apainterxx44]

We're back! We just got in around 5am this morning after a long 15 hour drive, including a ton of DC traffic

We ate a TON of food and have a lot to say about each meal. We had good service, bad service and overall great food. This trip had a mix of weather as well it started out not too hot, rainy and then ended super super HOT.

So let's get to it. On travel day I was in the ER for what I think was my first ever anxiety attack. I just started a new job that I don't feel 100% comfortable with and with the trip coming up + 16 hour drive I think I needed a breather. After the doctor told me nothing was wrong with my chest/heart I felt a lot better and we left the house around midnight.

At around 3pm we pulled up to POP, we got lake view and near transportation HOWEVER we had a connecting room with a really loud family. I know they were just having fun with their kids so I tried to not let it bother me. But, I could hear them talking so I felt like I had to whisper just to have a conversation.

We were wide awake ...

I had to force Roy awake and we headed to DtD for our first ever Raglan Road experience! We waited around 10 minutes for our ADR, the crowded lobby was very awkward and I was just hoping inside wasn't as congested.

We were sat in a cute booth/table combo that is popular among the two people parties. I faced the dancers but Roys back was to the dancers so I felt bad making him keep turn his neck to see what I was seeing.

he obviously loved the dancers.

I loved the bread and oil that was served, Roy doesn't like sweet/savory combos so he stuck to just eating a piece of the bread plain. He wasn't a fan of the soda bread.

Roy had the special that night a Lobster risotto, scallops with a bisque poured on it. He really loved it. The waitress didn't tell us about the special until we were just about to place our order so we were happy that she told us.

I had Braised Be. Beef – Braised beef with horseradish mashed potatoes, roasted carrots & parsnips. IT WAS AMAZING! The beef melted in your mouth, the mashed potatoes were creamy and tangy.

We were stuffed but still wanted to have the world famous bread pudding.

We barely made a dent in it but it was delicious and worth the taste. This will definitely be a first night tradition.

 

[Vernie822]

Ohh my your food looks amazing! I wanted to go there on our last trip but we didn't fit it in - I think my mom and aunt will love it so I'm planning that for our girls trip in March!

We had the same problem with a family next to us @ CSR. Every morning when they woke up and turned their TV on, we could hear everything. And every night we could hear everything! Such a pain, but you're right it was a family with their kids so it wasn't worth saying anything! Can't wait to hear more about your trip!

 

[apainterxx44]

Ohh my your food looks amazing! I wanted to go there on our last trip but we didn't fit it in - I think my mom and aunt will love it so I'm planning that for our girls trip in March!

We had the same problem with a family next to us @ CSR. Every morning when they woke up and turned their TV on, we could hear everything. And every night we could hear everything! Such a pain, but you're right it was a family with their kids so it wasn't worth saying anything! Can't wait to hear more about your trip!

Thanks, we had planned to go last year but then were too tired and ended up canceling it. This year almost had the same fate but I was determined to try it! SO glad we did.

Yeah the parents were just hyping up their kids alot and making them yell. It was fine because it wasn't like 2am or anything I really felt bad because we are early risers and I was afraid at 530am we were being too loud.

 

[apainterxx44]

This day we ate so much, obviously.

Roy was ready to go for our first parks day...

I warned Roy that we had an early lunch but he still felt the need to eat two uncrustables... what a breakfast

I just picked something real quick, a blueberry muffin.
It was normal, not freshly baked, very crumby and with gelled blueberries but I was not complaining. Just happy to be in Disney


I can't handle how busy the POP food court is at all times.

This day especially someone was in line, a man about mid-30s was rushing infront of everyone. He jumped in line infront of my boyfriend, was rushing the cast member, threw his mb against the scanner about 20x before it was actually time to pay. Then he forgot his pin, he started screaming saying his parents must have changed it. He then began to yell the F word not at the CM but it made everyone awkward. He hovered behind the register calling his parents I guess.

 

[apainterxx44]

Today we had early, 10:50-11:15 AM lunch at BOG using FP+. I had already pre-ordered so we knew what we would be getting. We showed up exactly at 10:50AM and were quickly walked to the front entrance. Once inside the CM directed us to the long line that was almost out the door after asking us if we pre-ordered. I thought it was odd that we were sent into the kiosk line but I kept on in the line that was not even moving a little bit.

While we were waiting I was doing my best to not get involved on what was going on behind me but I kept hearing "pre order?" "YES" "ok go over there" in the non existent line. I'm really not that impatient, even in Disney, but I just could not understand what was going on. Some guy behind me said "she just said if you pre ordered to go into that line" no sooner did I take a step back the CM said " I DIDNT TELL YOU TO GO HERE I SAID THE OTHER LINE" after being completely taken back by how blunt she was I just went back to the long line

She then came over to me and said "i'm sorry about that go to this line" ..............................

ANYWAY on to the food. Last year we ate at BOG lunch FP+ and were not fans. However we chose weird things and were definitely willing to give it another chance!

I got the carved turkey sandwich..

It was really good! I liked how thick the bread was it reminded me of home, also I was not expecting the turkey to be real carved turkey and warm! The argula was a nice touch!

I have not had a french fry since November so I was waiting until this very moment to try the pomme fries and they were also really good!

Roy had the roast beef with no horseradish sauce and thought it was a major improvement over last years beef dish. No pictures


For Dessert I had the lemon meringue

and Roy had the Master's cupcake.. he loved it... A LOT

 

[larslovesyou]

Loving your report!

We had a similar experience waiting at BOG. The lines didn't make any sense! And of course we were in the line that wasn't moving.

 

[apainterxx44]

Loving your report!

We had a similar experience waiting at BOG. The lines didn't make any sense! And of course we were in the line that wasn't moving.

Thank you!
I know it was really weird and I didn't get why we had to wait in line to make our selections when we already did? whatever lunch was great lol

 

[vettegirl]

Enjoying the reviews. The BOG lunch looks quite good. I cannot wait to try the grey stuff cupcake in December

 

[apainterxx44]

Enjoying the reviews. The BOG lunch looks quite good. I cannot wait to try the grey stuff cupcake in December

My boyfriend really loved it he got it at both lunch and dinner at the castle!

 

[apainterxx44]

This is such a short update

So we weren't very hungry when we got to LTT but we know we NEEDED to eat. We love Liberty Tree Tavern it is one of our favorites. Roy said next year he only wants to eat here for the entire trip

Anyway it is all you care to eat thanksgiving feast.

We both got unsweetened iced teas, we love the mugs!

First to start you off they bring out bread thats regular dinner rolls and corn bread. This was ok, again we weren't very hungry so we tried not bother with bread.

Then we had the feast!

This did not disappoint! The turkey was soo good, and the steak is the definite winner which I think is surprising since it's a Thanksgiving style place.

For dessert we each took a bite of the delicious johnny appleseed cakewith crasins and vanilla ice cream. We loved all the sides and didn't get any extras unfortunately. We were happy with what we had and would be returning ASAP! (next trip)