Dining Plan Reviews! 5/21-5/28

[Snoopygirl]

DH & I were on the dining plan for 7 days @ $499.98. We only ate the 2 meals/day. Mostly it was lunch and dinner and skipped breakfast. We had breakfast only 2 days.

One thing....I am so glad I found the DIS boards! If it wasn't for these boards, I would not have made my PS's (or AR's!!) and we wouldn't have experienced all the restaraunts we did. The parks were crowded and they had signs out that the sit-down places were full! They were turning people away everywhere we went.


5/21-- Sat. night (arrival day)

Beaches & Cream
Me--Roast Beef Sandwich 8.99
Iced Tea 2.19
No Way Jose Sundae 7.99
DH--Double Cheeseburger 8.99
Iced Tea 2.19
Banana Split 7.99

Total 38.34 plus tax & tip(forgot to write this one down)
Loved this place!!!!! The food was so good and the No Way Jose was awesome! I couldn't finish it, though. Definite must for the peanut butter lover!

5/22-- Sunday Lunch & Dinner

Toy Story Pizza Planet
Me--Meal Deal Cheese Pizza w/ Salad 7.49
Bottled Water 2.00
Choc. Chip Cookie 1.79
DH--Pepperoni Pizza 5.79
Coke 2.29
Mickey Rice Krispie 2.49

Total 22.83 w/ tax

The pizza wasn't too bad. Better than frozen. The desserts were good. Overall is was ok.

Mama Melrose's
Me--Caesar Salad 3.99
Penne Alla Vodka 16.99
Choc. Truffle Cake 5.49
Iced Tea 2.19
DH--Caprino 5.99
Chicken Parm. 15.99
Coffee Tarufo 6.99
Iced Tea 2.19

Total 74.48 w/ tax & tip
Loved this place too! My Penne Alla Vodka was sooo good. I had been waiting for this meal all day! The salad was delicious as well. My DH didn't like the Caprino too much but I told him not to order it. He had never had goat cheese before. I knew he wouldn't like it.

Total for the day 97.31

5/23 Monday Lunch & Dinner

Sunshine Season Food Fair
Me--Turkey Muffuletta 6.89
Butterfinger Cheesecake
Bottled Water 2.00
DH--Ham & Salami Sandwich 7.99
Soda 2.19
Key Lime Pie

Total 27.19 w/ tax
I didn't write down all the prices. This was a surprise.....the sandwiches were very good and they were big. The butterfinger cheesecake was yummy and my DH loved his key lime pie. We got there right at 11 (we were hungry and hadn't had breakfast) and it wasn't crowded. Plenty of seating. I would recommend this place.

Le Cellier Steakhouse
Me--Cheese Soup 4.99
7 oz. Filet 26.99
Iced Tea 2.19
Maple Creme Brulee 5.99
DH--Cheese Soup 4.99
New York Strip 26.99
Iced Tea 2.19
Canadian Club Cake 7.99

Total 97.36 w/tax & Tip
Loved this place! My filet was yummy and my DH loved his ny strip. I never had creme brulee before and let me tell you, it was VERY good. The club cake was declicious also. Very good meal!

Total for the day 124.55

5/24 Tues. Lunch & Dinner

Pizzafari
Me--Chicken Parm. Sand. 6.99
Bottled Water 2.50
Frozen Strawberry Lemonade 2.79
DH--Chicken Parm. Sand. 6.99
Iced Tea 2.29
Dessert Pizza 2.79

Total 24.96 w/ tax
The chicken parm. sandwiches were actually very good. I didn't like the frozen straw. lemonade....it was VERY sweet. I only ate maybe a 1/4 of it. My DH thought it was too sweet too but he liked his dessert pizza a lot.

Boma
Total 60.73
Ok....I will probably get flamed for this....but I didn't think it was that good. We both really enjoyed the soups we got and the desserts were good but I didn't like the main dishes that much. They seemed a little bland. We tried just about every one of them....then decided to go back and get another bowl of soup before we had dessert. I had the chicken and corn porridge soup (think that's what they called it) and it was VERY good. Don't remember which one DH had.

Total for the day 85.69

5/25 Wed. Lunch & Dinner

Columbia Harbour House
Me--Ham & Cheese Sand. w/ broccoli slaw
Bottled Water
DH--Chicken strips w/ fries
Iced Tea

We were on the KTTK tour so this lunch was included w/ the tour price. My sandwich was VERY good.....loved the bread. DH had the chicken strips (he's not that adventurous!!) so they were good. Overall, would eat here again.

Cinderealla's Royal Table
Me--Caesar Salad
Pork Tenderloin
Iced Tea
Slipper Dessert
DH--Beef Barley Soup
Fillet of Beef
Iced Tea
Crown Sundae

Total 97.67 w/ tax & tip
Loved this place too!! I was so excited about eating here and it was really neat. We didn't have a window seat but we could still see out. Our PS was at 4 and it quickly filled up. One treat.....Cinderealla come down and did autographs while we were waiting inside!! My pork was very good....I had mashed potatoes w/ it which were yummy. The slipper dessert was awesome. I ate it all!! VERY GOOD! We told them we were celebrating our 10th anniv. and they gave us confetti on the table, a certificate, and 2 wine glasses....it was fun!

5/26 Thurs. Breakfast & Dinner

Kona Cafe
Me--Ham & Cheese Omelette 7.99
OJ 2.29
DH--Big Kahuna 9.99
Coffee 2.59

Total 27.78 w/ tax & tip
My omelette was huge and very good. Had A LOT of ham in it. My DH liked his big kahuna....he ate all of it! The meal was very filling.

Catina de San Angel
Me--Tacos al Carbon 7.29
Bottled Water 2.50
Churro 2.09
DH--Plato Combinacion 7.99
Soda 2.29
Churro 2.09

Total 24.25 plus tax
This is the one meal that was NOT planned. This was our "do whatever" day. My DH chose this place (I wanted to go to Liberty Inn). So this is the one and only meal DH chose and it was NOT good. This is the only complaint I have out of all our meals. I asked for the tacos al carbon and asked for some sour cream on the side....she said sure, no problem, i can get you some. My DH ordered the combination. Then I informed her we were on the dining plan....and boy did her attitude change! She said...oh, you're on the dining plan so I will have to charge you for the sour cream now. I was like you've got to be kidding me....i don't want it then! I was so mad. Then she TOLD me we would get churros....no choice. Needless to say, I would not eat here again. It wasn't good and it wasn't that much food becasue neither of us ate the beans. My DH was bummed because I had planned all the meals and this is the one he picked and it stunk. Oh well.

Total for the day 57.78

5/27 Fri. Lunch & Dinner

Backlot Express
Me--Grilled Turkey & Cheese 6.59
Bottled Water 2.00
Mini Choc. Bundt Cake
DH--Grilled Turkey & Cheese 6.59
Coke 2.29
Tart

Total 25.59 w/ tax
Our sandwiches were very good....I was surprised. The mini Bundt cake was ok....had kind of a plastic after taste to it. My DH said his tart was good. Overall, it was good. Would eat here again.

Grand Floridian Cafe
Me--French Onion Soup 5.79
Pork Tenderloin 20.99
Iced Tea 2.00
Choc. Fondue 9.99
DH--French Onion Soup 5.79
NY Strip 25.99
Iced Tea 2.00
Dessert Sampler 9.56

Total 99.77 w/ tax & tip
This was a very good meal. My pork was very good and DH's strip was yummy! The onion soup was excellent---we both loved it!!! We got both the fondue and the 4 different mini desserts. The server said it was no problem w/ the dining plan. The fondue was very good. And the mini desserts were so cute and yummy!! Excellent meal!

Total for the day 125.36

5/28 Sat. Breakfast & Lunch (departure day)

Old Port Royale
Me--Ham & Cheese Omelette 6.09
Bottled Water
Strawberries
DH--Isle Bounty 7.09
OJ
Fruit Cup 2.79
Total 24.32 w/ Tax
Not that great but ok. We didn't have any plans for this day as it was departure day. We had breakfast at our resort (CBR) and then went to DTD. We had to be back to catch the ME at 2pm.

Earl of Sandwich
Me--The All American 4.95
Potato salad .95
Bottled Water 2.50
Choc. Chip cookie 1.95
DH--Cannonballs 4.95
Chips 1.00
Soda 1.75
Mac. Nut Cookie 1.95

Total 21.30 w/ tax
Our sandwiches were very good and I'm glad we went here. The cookies were yummy too!! Would eat here again.

Total for the day 45.62


Snacks
We had 14 snacks and had 3 left by Sat. and got a few things at our resort before we left.
6 waters 12.00
3 Mickey Ice Creams 7.50
1 Itzakadoozie 2.50
2 sodas 5.00
1 Rice Krispie 2.69
1 Popcorn 2.50

Total Snacks 32.19


Total for Dining Plan 711.17

The Dining Plan is worth it! I wouldn't use it for breakfast as you don't get as good a value w/ it but we only used it twice for that. Most of the CM's are very helpful w/ it and know what to help you w/. The only problem we had was we were charged for 2 snacks at a cart in MK but I was able to get it fixed the next day @ our resort w/ no problems. Very satisfied and I am so glad I had it all planned out. It was great and my DH was very impressed w/ all the work I did on planning our trip. I wish I could plan another one ....maybe in another 4 years.

Hope this helped and if there are any questions I am willing to answer them!

 

[Hopefully]

Thanks for the Great Report! I too am planning all our meals for October, and I will make all of our PS. I hope I am as successful as you were!

 

[clombardi]

Wow! You did a terrific job with that report, and I truly appreciated reading it. Thanks so much for all the effort. Sounds like you had a great experience!

 

[ksjayhawkfan]

Wow...great report! Sounds like a great trip.

Was your slipper dessert at CRT white chocolate? Im still looking for someone that has seen the milk/dark chocolate one. Yes, Im obsessed with it lol

 

[nluvwithmickey]

Thanks for sharing!

We are also planning on CS for lunch and TS for dinner. We will have a granola bar or a bowl of cereal in the room before park opening.

Planning on early lunch ( 11:00) and dinner around 6-6:30. All PS's are made!!!

So you saw many walk-ups being turned away HUh? Wonder how bad it will be in JUly.

One quick question, I would like to make a dining report once we get back and was wondering if you had to write everything you ate down or if it was printed on some kind of receipt....Silly question I know but I want to be prepared if I have to write it all down!

 

[goodferry]

Thanks for the great report! Did you have the Fantasmic dinner package at Mama Melrose or just dinner. I LOVE Penne alla Vodka, I am glad to hear you liked it there!

 

[poohangel]

Thanks for the great reviews. We are thinking of going to CRT in Dec. before MVMCP and I also would like to know if your slipper dessert was white or milk chocolate.

 

[bkhibiscus]

Le Cellier Steakhouse
Me--Cheese Soup 4.99
7 oz. Filet 26.99
Iced Tea 2.19
Maple Creme Brulee 5.99
DH--Cheese Soup 4.99
New York Strip 26.99
Iced Tea 2.19
Canadian Club Cake 7.99

Total 97.36 w/tax & Tip
Loved this place! My filet was yummy and my DH loved his ny strip. I never had creme brulee before and let me tell you, it was VERY good. The club cake was declicious also. Very good meal!

Total for the day 124.55

5/24 Tues. Lunch & Dinner
Boma
Total 60.73
Ok....I will probably get flamed for this....but I didn't think it was that good. We both really enjoyed the soups we got and the desserts were good but I didn't like the main dishes that much. They seemed a little bland. We tried just about every one of them....then decided to go back and get another bowl of soup before we had dessert. I had the chicken and corn porridge soup (think that's what they called it) and it was VERY good. Don't remember which one DH had.




The Dining Plan is worth it! I wouldn't use it for breakfast as you don't get as good a value w/ it but we only used it twice for that. Most of the CM's are very helpful w/ it and know what to help you w/. The only problem we had was we were charged for 2 snacks at a cart in MK but I was able to get it fixed the next day @ our resort w/ no problems. Very satisfied and I am so glad I had it all planned out. It was great and my DH was very impressed w/ all the work I did on planning our trip. I wish I could plan another one ....maybe in another 4 years.

Agree with you 100% on the dining plan. It worked out very well for us too, and we had no problems. Have to agree with you on Le Cellier. It was very good, and the server really helped us maximize our $$ on the dining plan. She let us pay for our DD to save the credit (since child is only $4.95) and suggested the (expensive dessert sampler as a second dessert so we didn't have to order one for her. They have an excellent Ribeye ($36.95) and Asian Shrimp cocktail was huge and served nicely in a Chinese take out container. Overall our bill was $130.00 + tip on the dining plan, and $10.00 for a beer and kid's meal. Since it is now table service figure we saved at least $60.00.Not going to flame you on this. We all thought Boma was long on filler and short on substance. The soups were good, and some of the dishes and desserts, but overall it was bland, and the biggest disappointment of the trip. We didn't even love the zebra domes (there were two kinds, mocha & some kind of white).

 

[pennyplanner]

Snoopygirl,

Thanks for posting!

Happy anniversary! My whole family found dining in Cindy's castle to be a very fun experience. (And they're all guys! ) I'm glad you got a little Disney magic for so special an occasion.

Is it true that you can only get cookies as a choice of dessert at Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney?

Thanks for sharing your experiences. It is nice that your DH appreciated your planning. Honestly, it makes all the difference in the world to plan a little (or a lot like most of us crazed fans!)

--penny

 

[strmtroopr96]

Columbia Harbour House
Me--Ham & Cheese Sand. w/ broccoli slaw
Bottled Water
DH--Chicken strips w/ fries
Iced Tea

We were on the KTTK tour so this lunch was included w/ the tour price. My sandwich was VERY good.....loved the bread. DH had the chicken strips (he's not that adventurous!!) so they were good. Overall, would eat here again.


We were there for lunch that day as well and saw your tour group. LOL Our lunches there were very good as well. Rebecca

 

[natalielongstaff]

what a fanastic reveiw, thanks

 

[grimgrningghost]

did your pork tenderloin at the castle come with mashed potatoes or did you substitute for that?

 

[disneyfan551]

Great review, thanks for taking the time to share with us!

You're not alone, we weren't that thrilled with Boma either.

Did your dh enjoy the Chicken Parm. at Mama's? I'm totally torn between that and the pasta dish that you had, for our Oct. trip!

 

[matt&jakesmom]

Great report. Sounds like you had a good trip. Why wait 4 years go back next year.

 

[BANNISTER]

Two questions...Beaches & Cream - did you wait long for table? I heard you can not make ARs, is that true? Also what does Pizza Planet look like? My son is very into Toy Story, Buzz and Woody-I know the character meet and greet is near there, but not sure if we should stop in for a CS lunch or not. Do they have anything special for the kids, Toy Story decor on walls, etc?

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Thanks for the reviews. Was your slipper dessert at CRT white or dark chocolate?

 

[tubachick]

Great planning, glad it worked out great for you. DH and I don't eat breakfast too many times either.

 

[gonemousin']

For all of those asking about the slipper dessert...we ate there on 5/15 (yum yum!!) and we ordered the slipper dessert. Ours was white chocolate, but the gentleman at the table next to ours had a "regular" chocolate one. So, I can't comment on how the "regular" chocolate one is (other than that it DOES exist), but I can say that the white chocolate version was DELICIOUS and I'm not a big fan of white chocolate. HTH!

 

[momof2disprincesses]

Thanks so much for taking the time to write such great detailed reports. I loved reading them.

You went to many of the same places we're planning to go in Aug. I have a few questions:

How long was the wait at Beaches & Cream on a Saturday night? That's when we're planning to go too. Also, did you use the dining plan there? Did you get appetizers? If so, what do they have for appetizers there?

At Le Cellier's, how was the creme brulee? I've never had creme brulee either and I'm curious to know more about what it is, how it tastes, etc.

Also, I can't wait to try the slipper dessert at CRT too! Was it big enough to share?

Thanks!!

 

[Snoopygirl]

Hi Everyone!!
I will try to answer all the questions

Slipper Dessert @ CRT--mine was white choc. w/ dark choc. mousse filling

nluvwithmickey--it depended....sometimes we got the receipts w/ all the prices listed and sometimes we didn't so I would write on my copy what the total was and I also used the all ears menus for prices.

goodferry--we did not do the fantasmic package.....DH & I decided before we left that we weren't that interested in any fireworks or parades. If we caught them, then that was a bonus. Which we did see Fantasmic that night as it was. We saw the 10:30 show and it was pretty cool.

pennyplanner--yes, we could only get the cookies at EOS but they were very good....nice and moist and yummy! This was our departure day so we saved them and ate them on the plane.

grimgrningghost--no, the pork did not come w/ the mashed potatoes...our waitress told me I could have them as a substitute. They were very good and I usually don't like mashed potatoes!

disneyfan551--My DH loved his chicken parm. I tried a bite and it was very good.....but I thought mine was better!! LOL!

bannister--no, you can't make AR's @ B&C. We were starving....we had been up all night friday packing and our plane left PHX @ 6:15am. All I had to eat all day was a granola bar and my DH had a granola bar and a starbucks. We got there around 7pm and it was crowded and the wait was an hour. She said if we sat at the counter it would be more like 40 mins. I didn't care because I REALLY wanted to have the No Way Jose so I would have waited anyway. We actually only waited for about 20 mins. and sat at the counter. It was DEFINITELY worth it! Toy Story--It is very kid friendly. They have arcades on the main floor where you order and you go upstairs or outside to eat. There are many toy story props around.

Hope this helped!!!