I thought I'd stop by with an update on how it went. We both loved it and found it worth every penny. Our Imagineer is an Art Director and a huge Disney fan herself. She seemed like someone who geeks out over the same things all of us here do. At one point she mentioned Joe Rhode and she seemed a bit starstruck (the rest of us starstruck by proxy). She said he's just like you'd imagine him to be and one of her favorite things is when she has to present with him.
Our waiter was also a wealth of knowledge and had many interesting stories and tips. The other guests at the meal were very friendly and respectful. My husband (who I was worried about) walked away highly impressed at the experience and wouldn't mind doing it again down the road.
The food was incredible. I'd never eaten at the Brown Derby and I can say with certainty we will be going back. It's funny that when planning meals my husband nixed all of the signature suggestions because he felt too out of place, that they were too fancy. He did comment that this was probably the fanciest meal he'd ever had, but he loved it so much that I'm sure I can get him to branch out a bit next time.
I'm adding a few pictures of the meal in case anyone is curious.
There is a 'guest book' in the lobby where artists who dine at The Brown Derby can leave a note/drawing. This was the FIRST thing we geeked out over: An Inside Out sketch by Pete Docter himself!
First course was a delicious tomato soup. Even my husband who doesn't like tomato soup loved it and talked about it days later. I've been searching fruitlessly for the recipe. I may have to write to Disney for this one.
Next was the famous Cobb Salad. I'd already mixed it up before I remembered to take the picture. SO good.
I chose the filet as my entree and it was perfectly cooked, so flavorful. I just realized my angle you can barely see the potatoes but there was a generous portion underneath the filet.
My husband got the grouper with lobster and devoured it. This is the meal that in the future I will look back and credit for opening his horizons to the Signature Dining options at Disney.
And dessert! Mousse, creme brulee and grapefruit cake. I'm not a fan of grapefruit so the cake, I fear, was a bit lost on me. The waiter mentioned his wife modified the recipe to use oranges so THAT I may have to try.
And a copy of our personalized menu (which I just realized didn't flip sideways like I edited it to do...hmm...)
They sent us off with a couple recipe cards.
And our souvenir plate! Now to get the little easels so we can display them.
In what comes as a surprise to exactly no one I highly recommend every Disney Park Nerd try this experience at least once.
