Diet? What diet? A countdown: 18 TS restaurants on TIW card...#1 on pg. 18!

[mcrabeck]

All caught up with your reviews- they were a lot of fun! Can't wait to see which restaurants come in on top!!

 

[bangzoom6877]

Honestly, any way is fine with me. I'd do whatever is easiest for you. I just like reading the opinions and looking at the pictures. Plus, I know that I wouldn't take the time to go back and try to figure it out by process of elimination so it'd still be a surprise for me - I had totally forgotten that you posted a list of all your restaurants.

Are you going to do a ranking or any sort of review for any counter service restaurants or snacks?

Yes, I will be doing a review of CS locations as well! I wanted to finish the TS reviews first. Unfortunately, I don't have any snack or CS pics though, sorry.

All caught up with your reviews- they were a lot of fun! Can't wait to see which restaurants come in on top!!

Thank you!!

 

[bangzoom6877]

Hi everyone! I've been busy the last couple of days, cleaning, doing laundry, cooking, keeping the house in order. You know, all the things I look forward to NOT having to do on vacation!!

Can't remember if I told you all yet...but Marriott sent me a certificate for a free night! This was because before this summer on our drive down to FL, it had been 2 years since we stayed at one of their hotels. So, apparently, since we stayed 2 nights between July and September, they sent me a certificate to my Marriott Rewards account for a free night...so we decided to go to Lancaster, PA for one night over Columbus Day weekend!!! We stay over that Saturday night, this way we can leave early in the morning, have the whole day there, and have Sunday there too, without having to go back to work until that Tuesday! My sister and parents were planning to go there for that night, so we decided to join them. We were just going to go down for the day that Sunday for Dutch Wonderland for the kids, but since the hotel is free, we get to stay over!! We're not telling the boys...gonna surprise them by just putting them into the car and taking them! We'll start with Hershey's Chocolate World when we get there, have lunch around there, then go to the hotel to check in, and go shopping. The next day we will all go to Dutch Wonderland!

OK...so, on to my next review! And coming in at #4 is...

50s PRIME TIME CAFE!!!

We absolutely loved this place!!! From the food, to the service, to the atmosphere, to the fun...it was everything we expected and then some!!

We went here on July 19, 2010, for lunch. It had been an EMH-morning at DHS, so of course we were there from before 8am. I got FPs for Toy Story Mania, we went on Toy Story Mania, went to Muppet Vision 3-D, went on the Great Movie Ride when the park officially opened, went to the Little Mermaid show, and went back on Toy Story Mania! We had an ADR for lunch at 11:35am. We got to 50s PT at 11:30 and we were seated within 10 minutes.

This place really feels like you are in someone's house in the 1950s...from the wallpaper, to the 1950s black & white TVs, to even the little knick-knacks on the shelves, it really felt like we stepped back in time!

Our server was wonderful. DH pointed out to the server that he had taken off his Goofy hat when he came inside because he had good manners (I knew he was doomed! ). I turned to the server and told him I was a bad girl and left my Tinkerbell Mickey ears on...he said, "Oh that's OK, you're a princess and princesses can do what they want!" Yeah, right...read on!

I decided to order the stacked sandwich, with ham (you can get either ham or smoked turkey). This comes on multi-grain bread and you get a choice of fries, onion rings, or small caesar salad. I got the small caesar salad (though I was tempted by the onion rings...but I figured I would be somewhat good!). This sandwich was delicious! I was starving when we got to this place, so I forgot to take a picture right away. I did take one though, after I had eaten all of the salad and most of the sandwich. Here it is:

I couldn't finish all the ham, they give you so much!! It was very good, perfect for a nice light lunch (bit VERY big!!!).

DH decided to go with comfort food here. He was torn between the pot roast and the chicken pot pie. I informed him that I had cooked the pot roast recipe from 50s PT before, for dinner a few times. He remembered after I reminded him! He decided to go with the chicken pot pie since we never eat that at home. I tasted a bite and it was outstanding! He loved it and finished it all! Here's a pic:

DH got a PB & J shake to drink. The server asked if he wanted it made with chocolate or vanilla ice cream, but he recommended chocolate so DH went with that. I tasted it, and it was like heaven!! Definitely try this if you are a chocolate & PB fan!! I had Diet Vanilla Coke, same as I drank at Sci-Fi. Loved it!

DH decided he also wanted to try dessert here. He ordered the smores. I was pretty full, but I managed to have a couple of bites. Yes, I just had to force myself! The smores were delicious, and here's a pic to make you drool!

I had added DS5's Pre-K graduation to all our ADRs that were just the 4 of us. Our server acknowledged it and my son was very happy!! He brought out a cupcake for him and made a big deal over him!!

As terrific as the food was here, the best part of this meal was how entertaining it was! We literally laughed our sides off during this meal! At the beginning of the meal, our server noticed that both DH and a lady from a nearby table both had their elbows on the table. So, all of a sudden, he and the people at another nearby table screamed at the top of their lungs, "SHAME ON YOU, GET YOUR ELBOWS OFF THE TABLE!" The server sent DH and the lady from the other table to the archway between the 2 rooms, and made them stand with their noses against the wall! Here's a pic:

The boys found it very funny that their daddy got in trouble at the table! We were all laughing so hard! DH thought it was great!

OK, as if that wasn't enough...we're in the middle of eating lunch and I was talking to DH...as I was chewing. Terrible, I know, but come on now, we all do it without thinking! The server comes over to me and says..."Excuse me Mom...but why are you talking with your mouth full?" Then he discovered that a woman at the table across from us was doing the same thing and he said to me, "You have a partner in crime. That's it...both of you now, stand up!" We stand up, and he says, "Now both of you since 'I'm a Little Teapot' right now!!" And there was another server walking by, who was very much "in character" who helped him out in humiliating us! We started singing but we were singing very low, and not really together, and they both stopped us. They made us do it again, louder! It was so funny!! My boys really loved this and walked around the rest of the day saying it was fun watching Mommy & Daddy get in trouble at lunch! Here's a pic, I am the one on the right:

And there you have it! I recommend 50s PT to anyone who loves to laugh, have a great time and enjoys great food!! A whole lot of fun and we will definitely be back! I want to bring my parents to this place!!

 

[hill6]

Love, love, love your review. I got in trouble for having my elbows on the table last year at 50s PT too.

Can't wait to read the rest of your reviews.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Fantastic reviews! I love the idea of doing them in countdown format and can't wait to hear what your top 3 were!!

Your boys are ADORABLE. Too cute that they wanted their food photographed too for the reviews!

Great to hear a favorable review of San Angel Inn. I loved it when I went last year too but it seems like it has a negative reputation here on the boards.

I appreciate your perspective on WW and how you approach a vacation. Very helpful!

 

[TruBlu]

Great reviews! We are trying 50's PT for the first time in Dec. I'm going to make sure I use my best manners!!!

 

[bangzoom6877]

Love, love, love your review. I got in trouble for having my elbows on the table last year at 50s PT too.

Can't wait to read the rest of your reviews.

I knew about the antics here from reading about 50s PT on the boards, but it's funnier when you don't expect it and when you're not trying. We had a blast and laughed so hard!

Fantastic reviews! I love the idea of doing them in countdown format and can't wait to hear what your top 3 were!!

Your boys are ADORABLE. Too cute that they wanted their food photographed too for the reviews!

Great to hear a favorable review of San Angel Inn. I loved it when I went last year too but it seems like it has a negative reputation here on the boards.

I appreciate your perspective on WW and how you approach a vacation. Very helpful!

Thanks for the compliments about my boys!

Yes, we enjoyed San Angel very much. It does have a negative reputation here, and I don't know why. It must have to do with people's expectations, in my opinion.

Great reviews! We are trying 50's PT for the first time in Dec. I'm going to make sure I use my best manners!!!

It's funny, even when I try not to make a spectacle of myself at places like this, it never fails...I thought for sure that when DH got in trouble, that was it. Then I had to sing "I'm a Little Teapot". Not that I mind it, I'm a total ham! I just wasn't expecting it, and this all happened as I was trying desperately to keep my elbows off the table!

 

[JerseyJanice]

I don't how I missed this review earlier, but I found it last night. What a delightful thread to read!

As a long-time Honeymooners fan, I always liked your username. You and your family are adorable. Thanks for posting your wonderful reviews and photos.

 

[bangzoom6877]

I don't how I missed this review earlier, but I found it last night. What a delightful thread to read!

As a long-time Honeymooners fan, I always liked your username. You and your family are adorable. Thanks for posting your wonderful reviews and photos.

Thank you!!

I have always been a HUGE Honeymooners fan too!! My dad used to record them on the VCR (it was on late at night) when my sister and I were little, and we quickly became addicted! I wish they would have shown clips at 50s PT...oh well. A few years back, DH got my the DVD set of the classic 39 episodes! I don't think a whole lot of people "get" my username!

Glad you're enjoying my reviews!

 

[Leota]

It sounds like you had a really good CM at 50's. We've only been there once & ours wasn't very playful. I would like to try it again someday, esp. next time we take our Grandkids. I thinnk they would get a kick out of that.

I can't wait to see your Top 3. I haven't gone back & looked at your list to do the process of elimination, so it'll be a surprise.

 

[JerseyJanice]

My boss in my first job out of college always did the "Bang Zoom" thing to us. It was funny and it's a great memory now.

I'm looking forward to reading your final countdown. I agree with most of your reviews. We find the food at breakfast in 1900 Park Fare to be really great and different. Loved Sci Fi and San Angel Inn too. When/if you go back to SAI, I recommend ordering the white chocolate mousse dessert. It's to-die-for!

 

[bangzoom6877]

My boss in my first job out of college always did the "Bang Zoom" thing to us. It was funny and it's a great memory now.

I'm looking forward to reading your final countdown. I agree with most of your reviews. We find the food at breakfast in 1900 Park Fare to be really great and different. Loved Sci Fi and San Angel Inn too. When/if you go back to SAI, I recommend ordering the white chocolate mousse dessert. It's to-die-for!

about your first boss! That's too funny!

The dessert sounds great at SAI, but after that margarita, I don't think there was any way I could do a dessert right away! I will consider it next time though.

 

[bangzoom6877]

Hi everyone! I can't believe I'm down to my top 3 reviews already!! I have been so psyched for these 3 the whole time, I couldn't wait to get to them!!

It was very difficult to rank these next 3 in an order for this countdown. I had to look at every tiny little detail and it was still hard! So, here goes, the beginning of the end of my reviews (don't worry...there will be other things later, like CS comments, snack comments, price comments, etc.! )......

And coming in at #3 is.....

KONA CAFE DINNER!!!

We had dinner at Kona Cafe on July 21, 2010. We had gone to MK that day, an hour before park opening, for the early Crystal Palace breakfast. I didn't eat much that day for lunch (shared a kids' meal with DH from a CS...more on that later!), since I had eaten so much at breakfast! I did manage to squeeze a Dole Whip in during the early afternoon though!

After MK, we went back to the villa in the afternoon to rest and relax. I was exhausted, but I needed to shower and finish up some laundry (we were leaving 2 days after this to come home), so I managed to get that done. By the time it was done, I had about 30 minutes to lie down before we had to go to dinner. I began to doze off about 10 minutes before we had to leave. I didn't feel that great when we left, up until we got to the Polynesian. When I don't feel well, I tend to get nervous and anxious, and overreact. When we got to the Poly, I told DH I didn't feel well and I had a headache. He told me it was just from being so tired. He reminded me that I had been drinking tons of water, so it was not dehydration (I knew it wasn't that, but he thought I was worried about that). We checked in at Kona at about 5:15 for our 5:30 ADR, and we were seated within 10 minutes. Once we sat down, I started to feel better...I had calmed myself down so the anxiety was gone, and I felt much better.

Our waitress was Mel, and she was from Honolulu, Hawai'i! She was truly wonderful. She was very knowledgeable about the menu, very nice to the boys, and just a very sweet and wonderful server. I wanted something on the lighter side for this meal, since I hadn't been feeling so great. A salad came to mind...something light and fresh. I decided to order the coconut almond chicken, since it comes with a salad that has strawberries and pineapple in it, with a honey lime dressing. Sounded perfect! When Mel came to take our order, I told her what I wanted and she informed me that it is just the chicken and a salad and I said that's perfect. And, it sure was! This was a delicious, wonderful entree. I ate all of the salad and about 3/4 of the chicken. FYI...remember last week, there was a dinner I was making from a Disney recipe but I wouldn't tell you because I hadn't yet reviewed the restaurant? This was the dish!! And it came out very good when I made it too, I must say! This was truly an amazing entree, and here's a pic!

After we ordered our entrees, Mel brought us the bread. This was the best bread we had the entire trip! YES, it was BETTER than the pretzel breadsticks at Le Cellier! It was a sweet tasting bread, and it was served with macadamia-honey butter. What a great taste combination! DH thought it was delicious too. The kids were not that into it...YAY, more for us! It was a nice size round loaf, and we ate the whole thing!!

DH was torn between getting the shrimp and scallops entree, and the tuna oscar. He asked my opinion. I told him the tuna oscar looked more interesting, that shrimp and scallops are something he can eat anytime. He concurred and ordered the tuna oscar. Mel said they recommend it served rare, as it is sushi-grade tuna. DH prefers his tuna this way so he was a happy camper. It is seared (rare for DH!), served with lump crab tempura, wasabi hollandaise and fried green tomatoes. DH loved everything about this dish, and finished the whole thing. I tasted it (of course! ), and it was truly delicious! I would definitely order this myself! Here's a pic:

I must say, this was my first time trying fried green tomatoes, and they were delicious! A very nice taste to them!!

At this point, I felt fine...no headache at all! I probably just needed to eat, since I hadn't eaten too much between breakfast and dinner, and this was 8 days into the trip so I was used to eating a lot throughout the day at this point.

DH wanted to try dessert here, since he was so impressed at how delicious the dinner was. The original plan was to skip dessert at Kona and go to Captain Cook's to get...what else?....more Dole Whips! But, the banana chocolate creme brulee just looked too good (to both of us) to pass up. DH also wanted to try the 100% Kona coffee in the pressed pot (for 2). The last time (and only time) we had pure Kona coffee was 3 years ago after my sister went to Hawaii and brought some back for us! I don't normally drink caffeinated coffee in the evening (tends to keep me up at night), but DH convinced me. He was going to order it anyway and Mel offered to give him a to-go cup for the leftover coffee he didn't drink at the restaurant. By the time it came, it looked so good and I said to Mel, "I'll try some of that too please!" Well, I was so glad I did! This was by far, the best coffee I have ever had in my life! DH agreed! Then again, we said the same thing when we had pure Kona coffee 3 years ago for the first time!

The banana chocolate creme brulee was so good! It had a thin layer of chocolate at the bottom, then a generous layer of banana creme brulee custard, topped with half a banana, then lots of caramelized sugar on top (even on top of the banana), giving this a perfect crisp sweet finish! It was so good I forgot to take a picture, sorry! But, we loved it and we really felt like this:

After Kona, we decided to walk around the Poly a little. It is such a beautiful resort, I see why so many people rave about staying here! We decided that on our next trip, we will spend a day doing this: go to Kona for breakfast, hop to the Poly pool for the rest of the morning (we can pool hop as DVC members, to most of the other Disney resorts, Poly being one of them!), go to Capt. Cook's for lunch (CS at the Poly) and DH and I will get Dole Whips there! Then, we can go back to BWV and relax and rest until dinner!

This was an outstanding dinner. We would like to go to Kona on our next trip for BOTH breakfast and dinner. I only have one problem...Tonga Toast or Macadamia Pineapple pancakes? Ahh, everyone should have such problems!

And there you have it...this is a restaurant I feel everyone MUST go to at least once! Everything was delicious, even the bread was so good!! Service was fantastic, the Poly is beautiful, and we just loved this place!

 

[Leota]

I love visiting the Poly. I try to go every trip. I think your idea of spending the day there sounds like a great idea. I wish I could do that (not DVC members, so no hopping for me) I'm not sure how we're fitting the Poly into this trip as we have no meals planned there, but maybe we'll stop by Tambu Lounge just to soak up some of the atmosphere.

Both of your entrees look delicious & the Creme Brulee sounds divine!

 

[bangzoom6877]

I love visiting the Poly. I try to go every trip. I think your idea of spending the day there sounds like a great idea. I wish I could do that (not DVC members, so no hopping for me) I'm not sure how we're fitting the Poly into this trip as we have no meals planned there, but maybe we'll stop by Tambu Lounge just to soak up some of the atmosphere.

Both of your entrees look delicious & the Creme Brulee sounds divine!

That's a great idea, to visit the lounge at the Poly! Sounds like a very relaxing evening!

You could also stop into Captain Cook's for a CS meal, if you have the time! They serve tonga toast for breakfast too! I thought of doing that on our next trip for breakfast instead of Kona, but I NEED that Kona coffee!!

 

[TruBlu]

After I told DH about the tuna oscar he decided we should pay for Sci-Fi and add an ADR for Kona. Yay!!!

 

[Linda67]

Just caught up after a hectic couple of days

It looks like you had a blast at 50s and boy does you dinner at Kona look good

I really want to try breakfast at Kona but DH isn't much of a breakfast guy so I might have to settle for Tonga Toast at Captain Cooks

 

[Leota]

That's a great idea, to visit the lounge at the Poly! Sounds like a very relaxing evening!

You could also stop into Captain Cook's for a CS meal, if you have the time! They serve tonga toast for breakfast too! I thought of doing that on our next trip for breakfast instead of Kona, but I NEED that Kona coffee!!

I never thought of stopping by Capt Cooks! That'd be a great breakfast for our MK day.

 

[bangzoom6877]

After I told DH about the tuna oscar he decided we should pay for Sci-Fi and add an ADR for Kona. Yay!!!

Yay!! You will love Kona! Definitely splurge and get the Kona coffee...totally worth it, oh so delicious!

Just caught up after a hectic couple of days

It looks like you had a blast at 50s and boy does you dinner at Kona look good

I really want to try breakfast at Kona but DH isn't much of a breakfast guy so I might have to settle for Tonga Toast at Captain Cooks

Hey, at least you still get to enjoy some tonga toast!

I never thought of stopping by Capt Cooks! That'd be a great breakfast for our MK day.

Yay!! You get to have Tonga Toast on your MK day! They open real early too, I think like 6:30am! So if you are trying to make it to rope drop, you can definitely do this!

 

[DW2010]

Great 50's Prime Time review. I think it's one of those restaurants that you have to be a good sport about. My dad and step-mom went and, although I consider my dad a very easy going guy who acts like a child himself , he did not really like 50's. I just think it was too much for him...lol.