Dining around the World (or how to keep a 4.5-year old and a pregnant woman happy)

[JLS]

Hello!

I have been posting on these boards since 2000 but this is my first attempt at a lengthy dining review (I have done short ones of individual places before). Under the "better late than never" theory, I am finally getting around to posting the dining reviews that I so carefully wrote every night at the hotel (I got back home to the real world, had my second child and just got overwhelmed).

A bit about us and our trip:

We are DVC members at Beach Club Villas, which is where we stayed on this trip (plus our arrival night at Buena Vista Suites). We travel to WDW generally 2 out of every 3 years. I am in my 30s and I am the trip planner in the family. My husband, Paul, enjoys are trips and generally goes with the flow. My older son, Adrian, was 4.5 at the time of this trip and is a huge and enthusiastic eater. I was pregnant during this trip and felt great. We had the regular DDP. We live in California and are adventurous eaters. We love to spend time in the parks but we enjoy downtime and swimming at Storm Along Bay just as much.

Here are the places that I will review (will put each place in a separate post to make it easier)

T-Rex at Downtown Disney (dinner)
Donald's Safari (Breakfast)
Boma (dinner)
Sunshine Seasons (lunch)
Teppan Edo (dinner)
Beach Club Marketplace / Hurricane Hannas (lunch)
Wolfgang Puck Express Westside (dinner)
Crystal Palace (dinner)
Pepper Market (lunch)
Gasparilla Grille (breakfast)
Captain Cook's (lunch)
Cape May Cafe (dinner)
Sanaa (lunch)
AND a snack review (compilation of everything we had)

I hope you enjoy the reviews and that they are helpful to your planning. In a nod to Pooh's Honey Pot, whose dining reviews I really enjoy here, I will use the "__/10" system to rate everything.

**DISCLAIMER: I have references to specific prices but the prices have gone up at some places since we were there so they may be a bit lower than what you will find now, but hopefully close enough to get the "flavor" of my references.

 

[Disneyfreak616]

I'm in! Ooohhh and I'm first!!! Can't wait for your reviews!

 

[JLS]

When we arrived at T-Rex at around 7 we saw a huge crowd of people. Outside of restaurant and just inside the lobby was a madhouse. The outside was mobbed with people trying to get tables and no clear signage directing people with reservations to go to a certain area. Fortunately we had a reservation. We went to the back of a very long line leading up to the outside podium to check in, but fortunately Paul went to the front and checked, and we were given a reservation slip and moved to another line. We were seated within 5 minutes after that.

Inside of restaurant was very cool, with different rooms including a coral reef and an ice cave. I did not realize that there would be audioanimatronic dinosaurs all over the place. Adrian, my son, enjoyed that, but the meteor showers and noise made him nervous.

We skipped appetizers because we heard portions were huge. Paul ordered ½ slab of ribs ($21.99). He reported that the ribs were pretty good, better than he expected. Waffle fries had decent flavor but were served a bit cold. Grilled vegetables were OK, “typical restaurant fare.” Overall 6/10.

I ordered the blackened mahi mahi tacos ($17.99). Fish was fine and overall dish flavor was OK but it was not served with nearly enough salsa and only very little of the TRex avocado cream sauce. The meal was decent overall (6.5), but very overpriced for $17.99 (you only got 2 tacos, rice and black beans).

Our waitress was very friendly and we got quick service, but we had to cancel the side salad and soup because they came out after our entrée was served and we did not want them at that point. They were very nice about that.

Adrian had the “slider” (just a small burger, not multiple sliders) with the cinnamon apples and the baked beans on the side ($6.99). That did not include a drink so it was an extra $1.99 for apple juice. Again, overpriced, but expected.

Overall our bill was $65.00 with tip. I give the overall experience a 7/10. I am glad we tried TRex for the experience for my son, but unless he begs to go back again, I don’t see us making a point to return. Kind of a “been there, done that” experience.

 

[JLS]

We at ADRs for 10:15 and were seated within 5 minutes of check in. Our hostess was very friendly and we had excellent service from our waiter, including offering to take pictures and getting my son involved in the Jambo dance with Mickey. They line everyone up for the photo package photo session, which they then bring to your table. We declined it because the 8X10 and wallets were $30, which seemed excessive.

Decent variety of food including African specialties. The best thing Paul and I ate was the corned beef hash which was served in almost a pie form. The bobotie was also very good (almost like an African curried quiche). The traditional quiche was only OK. Excellent coffee, tasted much better than the usual Disney stuff, and they pour the special “jungle juice” (orange, guava and passion fruit) for anyone who wants it. I was a bit disappointed in the breads. There was a nice variety, including chocolate, orange banana, some African types, small cinnamon rolls, biscuits and croissants, but nothing was particularly good. All seemed slightly dried out.

Character interaction was pretty good, with Mickey, Donald, Daisy and Goofy there. But I wish the 4 characters had not come to the tables right on top of each other. That was the same for every table that I observed in 2 sections. The characters came so fast on each others’ heels that my son was still trying to interact with one when the other was there wanting to the do the picture, and there was little time to recover. But seeing the characters was really exciting for my son and they were cute in their interaction with him.

Our total bill, before tip, was $64.58. We used 3 TS dining credits. Overall I give food a 6.5/10, but the experience for our family was a 9/10, thanks to the characters, great drinks, atmosphere and service. I would do this breakfast again if we were looking for a character meal, but it is not a must do.

 

[msmith1026]

Subbing! Can't wait to read your reviews!

 

[MickeyNicki]

Count me in

 

[peanut520]

Can wait to read more! We are dining at a lot of the same restaurants when we go in sept.

 

[JLS]

Dinner at Boma is a must-do for us and is one of the meals we look forward to on every visit. We went on a Monday night with ADRs at 7. We were pleasantly surprised that it seemed much less of a madhouse than usual. Only a handful of people were waiting at check in and we were seated right away, despite being almost 30 minutes early for our reservation.

The food was fabulous as usual and service was excellent. Boma is our favorite restaurant at WDW. The best item was the Coconut Curry Seafood Stew (Paul was able to “mine” the mussels out of the pot). Delicious. 10/10. We both had 2 bowls. There were many other good soups, including butternut squash (although it was a bit lukewarm), lamb stew and chicken curry stew. The meats were excellent, including a shaved sirloin, roasted pork, and delicious tamarind salmon that I wish I had more room to eat (only had a small piece). Loved the mustard yogurt sauce with the falafel.

Desserts were the only thing to disappoint me this time around. The zebra domes are my favorite and were true to form – amazing! But my other favorite, the Cocomisu, was not served and they completely changed the chocolate moose crunch to a little chocolate parfait thing that must have had an “off” batch because the consistency was completely wrong. I didn’t really love any of the desserts besides the zebra domes, although Paul liked the cheesecake and the flan.

Our bill was $89.76 before tip and we used 3 TS dining credits. Overall I would rate this a 9/10. It would have been a 10, but for some disappointing desserts this time. Boma will continue to be a must do for our family on future trips.

 

[JLS]

After an early morning doing the major attractions in Future World, we decided to have lunch at Sunshine Seasons, which I fondly remembered from our last visit as being really good and an excellent value on the DDP. And I had been dreaming of the strawberry shortcake!!

Unfortunately because of a very cranky Adrian, we hurried a bit through the line and decided to just get everything from one pod (the Asian pod) in order to make things easier. Paul and I each got the 2 item combination with the ginger beef and Thai chicken. I got the broccoli and noodle side, Paul got the noodles and vegetables. The child’s entrée was a smaller portion of the chicken with rice and vegetables.

I am sad to report that I was very disappointed in the food this time. It was way too salty and just did not taste very good. It was $1 Chinese/mini mall quality (actually I have had better at dollar places). 4/10 would be generous. For our desserts I got my favorite Strawberry Shortcake, which was delicious. We also got an excellent rice crispy treat (ate later in the room). Paul’s dessert selection was dubious given all of the better options. He choose the blondie brownie, which I thought was tasteless. But overall I give desserts 9/10. Great selection.

Our total bill was $50.68 and we used 3 CS credits. I note that there was some confusion by Paul and the cashier as to what was included on the DDP. Apparently the child’s entrée was not supposed to come with a dessert but they ended up giving it to us anyway. The cashier told Paul that he would have to use an “adult” CS credit, apparently not realizing that they are pooled, and also our cards read 2 Adults, 1 Child, so we should not have been allowed 3 adult meals (note, we did not get 3 adult meals, only 2 plus a bakery dessert. Paul was not trying to get away with something, but was confused himself (he is not the dining planner in the family).

Overall Sunshine Seasons was not as fabulous as I recall it being when it first opened. I felt like they have narrowed their options, but that could be me mis-remembering. Anyway, I did not like the Asian food and should have selected something else. But the bakery is still fabulous and I would go there anytime to get desserts or breakfast bakery items. I would give the non-Asian food items another chance. Regular food: 4/10, Bakery: 9.5/10. Overall: 7/10. Good value and lots of air-conditioned seating.

 

[bluejasmine]

Yea the asian food at SS is the one thing I can say I dont like as well, very mallish type food!

I loved the mahi mahi tacos, I got three tacos last yr, b/c I remember eating two and leaving one. I had them sub the purple cabbage for cheese and loved them! Food is a bit expensive tho but we love this place and go every yr.

Cant wait to hear more!

 

[JLS]

We have gone to Teppan Edo on our last 4 trips. On this trip we visited on a Monday night. We were seated within 3 minutes of checking in for a 7:30 reservation. They took time explaining to everyone what was and was not included on the DDP. Since the DDP became popular they have made everything here a la carte, so there is no longer a salad or soup included with each entree (you not have to pay extra for it unless you are on the DxDDP).

Our chef made a big effort to entertain everyone and put on a true show. She was very good, even though I am there for the food and don’t personally care if the chef gets really into things like the onion volcano.

The food met my expectations from years past. Tasty sauces, good noodles, vegetables, shrimp and chicken. I had the steak and shrimp combo and I thought it was a bit tough. I liked the chicken and shrimp better. Good side salad (that we paid for), but a bit pricey at $5.95 given that it is just greens and tomato. Edame portion was rather small ($4.50), but tasted fine.

Our total bill before tip was $103.47 ($12.00 or so were extra charges for a salad and edamame). Overall I give this place an 8.5/10. Excellent service, fun experience, good food, and good value on DDP. We will be back. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone, and it is a good value on the DDP.

 

[JLS]

After a fun morning of swimming at Stormalong Bay, we decided to use our CS credits on lunch at the Beach Club. We picked up a kids' meal at Hurricane Hannah's at the pool. He got a grilled cheese lunch, complete with sand pail and shovel and a cookie. Good deal and nice to have the sand toys. Side Note: Although I did not eat there for this meal, the sandwiches from Hurricane Hannahs all are pretty good and I would not hesitate to use a CS credit here.

I went to the Marketplace (inside the Beach Club) to get lunch for Paul and me because I wanted a fresh salad. I was thrilled with the made-to-order salad. It had everything I would want on a salad – nice selection, including chicken, cranberries, two cheeses, sunflower seeds, etc. Dressing options were raspberry vinaigrette, ranch and Ceasar. They toss it for you and put it into a to-go container and it is HUGE. Paul got a hot roast beef and brie sandwich. The food here is very fresh and tasty. We refilled our mugs with soda to drink with lunch so we were able to pick up 2 water bottles as our CS drinks to use at the parks later. We also got gelato (cookies and cream and lemon) for dessert. Gelato is not the best I have ever had and the selection is somewhat lacking, but it was pretty tasty.

Overall our lunch tab for the 3 of us would have been $32.43 + $6.92 (kid meal). I was very pleased with this lunch – exactly what I wanted. We visited the Marketplace for two other meals and it did not disappoint. For our second visit we ordered the made-to-order salad and the ham and cheddar sandwich for Paul, and the turkey sandwich kids meal with two sides (grapes and applesauce) for Adrian.

I rate the Beach Club Marketplace a 9.5/10. One of the best uses of a CS credit anywhere. The only two drawbacks are that there is not a wide selection of options and the place tends to get MOBBED around 9:30 p.m. after people walk back from Epcot and flood the place for late dinner and dessert requests. I recommend avoiding that time of night if possible (its fine if you just need to refill your mug or buy merchandise, but the food counter is a long line).

 

[JLS]

We attended the 6 p.m. Cirque Du Soleil – fabulous! We had an exhausted child after the show, so we took him back to the room and then Paul went back to the Westside to get takeout from WPE. I had heard so much on these boards about WPE and what a great CS choice it was and the menu looked great. Well, it turns out that the “real” WPE with better selection is at the Downtown Disney Marketplace, not the Westside (by Cirque), but we did not know that at the time. The Westside menu is more limited, basically pizza and a few sandwiches and salads. Dessert options are only key lime pie and carrot cake, and they do not give bottled drinks even with To Go orders. It took 25 minutes for them to prepare our takeout, with basically nobody else waiting. We ordered a 4 cheese pesto pizza and a spicy chicken pizza. Neither pizza was anything special. Not horrible, but bland and significantly below the quality of places like California Pizza Kitchen. Chicken pizza had very few pieces of chicken. 6/10 is probably generous. Dessert was 1 key lime pie and 1 carrot cake. Key Lime Pie was pretty good, carrot cake just OK.

Our total bill for 2 adult meals would have been $39.00 (2 CS credits). Overall I give it a 5/10. I would not return to the Westside WPE, although it was good "value" on the plan in terms of dollars it would have cost us to buy what we got. On our upcoming trip I plan to try WPE at the Marketplace because I continue to hear good things about it.

 

[princessallegra]

Great reviews so far!

 

[Busy Busy]

Great report, and you're speedy too!

We will be eating at a lot of the same places as you on our trip in Sept/Oct, so it's great to see such good reviews! Thanks.

 

[matkensgirl2000]

Mmmm!!! I'm excited to read your dining review. We'll be staying at BC in 3 weeks and I was wondering how the food was at Hurricane Hanna's and BC Marketplace were. We'll also be eating at a lot of the same TS places. I'm excited to hear about CP dinner. This will be our first time.

 

[irishsharon]

Can anyone go to Hurricane Hannahs or is it just for resort guests,just wondering if it was in or outside the pool area.My boys love grilled cheese and not to many places especially CS offer it.Loving your reviews

 

[BebopBaloo]

Great reviews! I also love the Coconut Curry Seafood Stew at Boma! I love it so much I could swim in it!