We spent 7 days at the World from 1/1/06-1/7/06. We had a great dining experience on this trip. One thing to note is that the pricing at many places (and a few menu items) had changed since I had researched the menus on AllEarsNet prior to the trip, so it looks like there were so changes made for 1/1/06. Breakfast most mornings consisted on bagels and peanut butter, oatmeal or cereal in the room.
The Crew Me (26) DH (25) Sis (28) Dan (our friend, 25).
Another Piece of Useful Information When on vacation, its not odd for Sis or I to order untraditional meals. Youll see what I mean as we go on, but I dont really feel the need to fill the major food groups while on vacation. Anyway
Sunday 1/1 Epcot and Magic Kingdom
Lunch Goods to Go (Old Key West Counter Service) We had planned to get a bite to eat at Epcot, but since the Check-In line at OKW was so long, we sent to men to retrieve food at Goods to Go instead. From the menu I printed out at home a few days before, I decided I wanted Conch Fritters and Sis asked for Nachos. But, alas, when the men got over there, neither item was on the menu any longer. We instead opted for the cheeseburgers and fries. DH had the same and Dan had a turkey sandwich. The burgers and the sandwich were good. The burgers came with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions on the side. It was just the jumpstart we needed to rally after a very early morning start. Grade: B-
Dinner Again, Sunday ended up being a day to roll with the punches. We had planned to go to Epcot for the afternoon and then jump over to Jiko at the AKL for dinner. Well, our long wait at OKW and a late start at Epcot thwarted that idea. We decided to just stay at Epcot and grab something in the World Showcase. The men headed over to Germany and got Brats (with sauerkraut) and German Beer. Both were excellent by their standards. The ladies opted instead for Chocolate Crepes and Wine from the stands in France. Very yummy, but if you have this idea I suggest buying the wine first. We got the crepes first and by the time we stood in line and got the wine, the crepes were a bit on the cool side. Grade: B+
Snack Time After Epcot, we headed over to the Magic Kingdom for EMH. At about 11 pm, we took a quick stop off at Cosmic Rays for French Fries. The fries were pretty good, but the real key to our tummy enjoyment was the cheese sauce on the toppings bar. Yes, I know its as fake as it can get, but I love that stuff! Grade: B
Monday, 1/2 - Disney-MGM Studios
Lunch Sis and I had been craving those Spicy Cheese Pretzels they sell at Min & Bills Dockside Diner, so we headed there. They only had one left, so we split it along with frozen lemonades. Very good. We also got Fries again at the ABC Commissary. No cheese this time, but ketchup works just as well. The guys both got Cuban sandwiches, which they really enjoyed. It was a pleasant surprise considering all of the bad things I had heard about the Commissary. Grade: B-
Dinner 50s Prime Time Café. Cousin Pip was our server and he was pretty good. We got on of those cute corner tables with the TV right there it was an excellent spot. We started out with the Fried Herb Cheese Appetizer. It was very good. Sis and I decided to split an entrée, as we wanted to save room for dessert since we were dying for the Smores. We got the Moms Meatloaf. They brought it out on separate plates, which was great. I have to say, its the best meatloaf Ive ever eaten, although I can probably count the times Ive eaten meatloaf on one hand well, maybe 2 hands. DH and Dan each got the Pot Roast. Well, they must have loved it because they licked their plates clean! For dessert, we got the Smores and the boys got Dads Super Sundae. Both were huge and excellent. We walked out feeling stuffed to the gills!
Grade: A
Tuesday, 1/3 Magic Kingdom
Lunch Tomorrowland Noodle Terrace I know there have been a lot of mixed reviews on this one, but we decided to give it a shot anyway. Sis and I both got the Teriyaki Chicken, DH got the beef with broccoli, and Dan got the Chicken Noodle Bowl. All three things were very good. Granted its not the best Asian food Ive ever eaten, but it was a great change from all of the burgers and fries. Grade: B
Dinner Liberty Tree Tavern We thought a character meal would be fun for a change and it was. The food here however was just OK. The mashed potatoes and gravy and the macaroni and cheese were pretty good, as was the steak, but both the turkey and ham were pretty dry and I didnt care for the garlic on the green beans at all. Pluto, I thought, was the best character. He gave us all a good lick on the face. The others only stayed for a quick pic and them moved onto tables with kids. The apple cobbler dessert was excellent though. All in all, I dont think I would go back. This was one place where the price had increased. It used to be $24.99 but is now $27.99. I just think its a bit much for mediocre food. Grade: C+
Snack Time DH got himself a Dole Whip- excellent as always and Sis got a Coke Float and I got a Root Beer Float Yummy. A great way to watch SpectroMagic! Grade: A
Wednesday, 1/4 Animal Kingdom
Lunch Sis and I had plans for Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian at 2pm so we grabbed an early lunch at Pizzafari. The boys both had the Hot Italian Sandwiches, which were quite good (I agree as I snuck a taste). Sis and I split some breadsticks as to not spoil our appetites for out tea. The breadsticks were OK a little dry for me but the marinara sauce was pretty good. Grade: B+
Tea at the Grand Floridian What a wonderful experience! The Garden View Lounge is such a pretty little spot. It was an excellent way to just take some time out and relax. We decided on the Grand Tea. It included a glass of champagne, your choice of tea, tea sandwiches (chicken salad, egg salad, gorgonzola cheese and pears, cucumber and cream cheese and salmon salad, and an onion pastry type thing), scones and jam tarts, and your choice of dessert (either strawberries and cream, trifle, or 2 pastries). I had the Garden View Bouquet tea which I really loved and Sis had the Chamomile was she said was great. The sandwiches were very good and we traded around a few so we each ate what we liked best. The scones were absolutely to die for and I love the sweet butter they serve with them. For dessert, I choose the strawberries and cream, which were fresh and delicious. Sis went for the pastries an éclair and a fruit tart, I think which she also really enjoyed. I would do this again in a heartbeat! Grade: A+
Dinner We headed over to Boma in the Animal Kingdom Lodge. This is a favorite of DH and I, but Dan and Sis had never been before. Everyone loved their meals. I would never have guessed Id like it there since Im a pretty bland and picky eater, but try a bunch of things each time and Im always amazed at how much I love them. The menu is always changing, but especially good this time were the Carrot Ginger Soup and the Slow Roasted Pork Ribs. We were sooo stuffed after the main course, but we did find some space for some Zebra Domes and the other desserts. The price here also increased from $24.99 to $25.99. Not a major change, and the food is definitely worth it. We will definitely be back here on our next visit. Grade: A+
Thursday, 1/5 Epcot
Breakfast Our one real breakfast out was the Princess Storybook Breakfast in Norway. We thought it would be funny to have the guys get their pictures taken with the princesses. They might not admit it, but the secretly loved it. Dan now has a thing for Jasmine. The princesses were all very sweet and attentive. The food was excellent. Its served family style and we asked for a second helping. The best part, we all agreed, was the cheesy potatoes. They were awesome. Bacon, eggs, sausage, biscuits and that sweet butter I love. We were in heaven. I think the price might have gone up a dollar or two here as well, but wed definitely do this one again. Grade: A
Dinner Le Cellier Another one of our best meals on the trip. Everyone always talks about the cheese soup and pretzel bread, so thats what we all started with. And yes, they were just as good as everyone says. I could eat that soup for lunch every day and be a happy girl perhaps 50 pounds heavier, but I digress. For the main course, I had the 7oz. Filet with BBQ glaze and cream cheese mashed potatoes. Sis had the Mushroom Filet with Risotto. DH had the 14oz. New York Strip and Dan had the Herb Crusted Prime Rib. Everything was excellent and the cooked the meats perfectly. Sadly, there was no room for dessert after that one! Grade: A+
Friday, 1/6 Magic Kingdom and Epcot
Snack Time We had an early morning start since we changed resorts that day so we stopped at the Main Street Bakery for croissants and muffins and hot cocoa. Great way to start the day. Grade: B+
Lunch Pecos Bills Sis has the ¼ Pound Cheeseburger, the guys each had the Bacon Double Cheeseburgers and I had the Pulled Pork Sandwich. Very good on all counts. Great toppings bar and I got my fake cheese sauce for my fries! Grade: B+
Snack Time Spicy Cheese Pretzels and Frozen Cokes from the Lunching Pad just in time to catch Cinderellabration. Yummy. Grade: A
Dinner Back over to Epcot for another trip around the World. Sis got the Orange Chicken at Lotus Blossom. She was less than thrilled with the meal. Oh, and their orange chicken is a bit on the red side. Very weird looking. Grade: C- The guys went to Yakitori House in Japan. DH got the combo meal and Dan got the Udon. Neither one of those was very good either. DH said the beef was very fatty. Grade: D Really those two were the first really bad meals we encountered on the trip. Not bad for being there 6 days already. I on the other hand had the best meal of the night. I took myself right over to America and had myself a delicious and nutritious Funnel Cake. Mmm Mmm Good. Grade: A+
Saturday 1/7 Disney-MGM Studios
Breakfast Starring Rolls We decided to get something out on our last morning, so over to Starring Rolls we went. Muffins, bagels, and croissants it was. Everything was pretty good and really hit the spot. Grade: B+
Lunch Backlot Express We stopped in for a quick lunch. I had the hot dog, Sis had the chicken strips and DH had the Grilled Turkey and Cheese Sandwich. (Dan had already left for the airport so nothing for him.) We had to buy my fake cheese sauce here so that was a negative, but the food was fine. Nothing special but definitely edible. Grade: B
The Crew Me (26) DH (25) Sis (28) Dan (our friend, 25).
Another Piece of Useful Information When on vacation, its not odd for Sis or I to order untraditional meals. Youll see what I mean as we go on, but I dont really feel the need to fill the major food groups while on vacation. Anyway
Sunday 1/1 Epcot and Magic Kingdom
Lunch Goods to Go (Old Key West Counter Service) We had planned to get a bite to eat at Epcot, but since the Check-In line at OKW was so long, we sent to men to retrieve food at Goods to Go instead. From the menu I printed out at home a few days before, I decided I wanted Conch Fritters and Sis asked for Nachos. But, alas, when the men got over there, neither item was on the menu any longer. We instead opted for the cheeseburgers and fries. DH had the same and Dan had a turkey sandwich. The burgers and the sandwich were good. The burgers came with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions on the side. It was just the jumpstart we needed to rally after a very early morning start. Grade: B-
Dinner Again, Sunday ended up being a day to roll with the punches. We had planned to go to Epcot for the afternoon and then jump over to Jiko at the AKL for dinner. Well, our long wait at OKW and a late start at Epcot thwarted that idea. We decided to just stay at Epcot and grab something in the World Showcase. The men headed over to Germany and got Brats (with sauerkraut) and German Beer. Both were excellent by their standards. The ladies opted instead for Chocolate Crepes and Wine from the stands in France. Very yummy, but if you have this idea I suggest buying the wine first. We got the crepes first and by the time we stood in line and got the wine, the crepes were a bit on the cool side. Grade: B+
Snack Time After Epcot, we headed over to the Magic Kingdom for EMH. At about 11 pm, we took a quick stop off at Cosmic Rays for French Fries. The fries were pretty good, but the real key to our tummy enjoyment was the cheese sauce on the toppings bar. Yes, I know its as fake as it can get, but I love that stuff! Grade: B
Monday, 1/2 - Disney-MGM Studios
Lunch Sis and I had been craving those Spicy Cheese Pretzels they sell at Min & Bills Dockside Diner, so we headed there. They only had one left, so we split it along with frozen lemonades. Very good. We also got Fries again at the ABC Commissary. No cheese this time, but ketchup works just as well. The guys both got Cuban sandwiches, which they really enjoyed. It was a pleasant surprise considering all of the bad things I had heard about the Commissary. Grade: B-
Dinner 50s Prime Time Café. Cousin Pip was our server and he was pretty good. We got on of those cute corner tables with the TV right there it was an excellent spot. We started out with the Fried Herb Cheese Appetizer. It was very good. Sis and I decided to split an entrée, as we wanted to save room for dessert since we were dying for the Smores. We got the Moms Meatloaf. They brought it out on separate plates, which was great. I have to say, its the best meatloaf Ive ever eaten, although I can probably count the times Ive eaten meatloaf on one hand well, maybe 2 hands. DH and Dan each got the Pot Roast. Well, they must have loved it because they licked their plates clean! For dessert, we got the Smores and the boys got Dads Super Sundae. Both were huge and excellent. We walked out feeling stuffed to the gills!
Grade: A
Tuesday, 1/3 Magic Kingdom
Lunch Tomorrowland Noodle Terrace I know there have been a lot of mixed reviews on this one, but we decided to give it a shot anyway. Sis and I both got the Teriyaki Chicken, DH got the beef with broccoli, and Dan got the Chicken Noodle Bowl. All three things were very good. Granted its not the best Asian food Ive ever eaten, but it was a great change from all of the burgers and fries. Grade: B
Dinner Liberty Tree Tavern We thought a character meal would be fun for a change and it was. The food here however was just OK. The mashed potatoes and gravy and the macaroni and cheese were pretty good, as was the steak, but both the turkey and ham were pretty dry and I didnt care for the garlic on the green beans at all. Pluto, I thought, was the best character. He gave us all a good lick on the face. The others only stayed for a quick pic and them moved onto tables with kids. The apple cobbler dessert was excellent though. All in all, I dont think I would go back. This was one place where the price had increased. It used to be $24.99 but is now $27.99. I just think its a bit much for mediocre food. Grade: C+
Snack Time DH got himself a Dole Whip- excellent as always and Sis got a Coke Float and I got a Root Beer Float Yummy. A great way to watch SpectroMagic! Grade: A
Wednesday, 1/4 Animal Kingdom
Lunch Sis and I had plans for Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian at 2pm so we grabbed an early lunch at Pizzafari. The boys both had the Hot Italian Sandwiches, which were quite good (I agree as I snuck a taste). Sis and I split some breadsticks as to not spoil our appetites for out tea. The breadsticks were OK a little dry for me but the marinara sauce was pretty good. Grade: B+
Tea at the Grand Floridian What a wonderful experience! The Garden View Lounge is such a pretty little spot. It was an excellent way to just take some time out and relax. We decided on the Grand Tea. It included a glass of champagne, your choice of tea, tea sandwiches (chicken salad, egg salad, gorgonzola cheese and pears, cucumber and cream cheese and salmon salad, and an onion pastry type thing), scones and jam tarts, and your choice of dessert (either strawberries and cream, trifle, or 2 pastries). I had the Garden View Bouquet tea which I really loved and Sis had the Chamomile was she said was great. The sandwiches were very good and we traded around a few so we each ate what we liked best. The scones were absolutely to die for and I love the sweet butter they serve with them. For dessert, I choose the strawberries and cream, which were fresh and delicious. Sis went for the pastries an éclair and a fruit tart, I think which she also really enjoyed. I would do this again in a heartbeat! Grade: A+
Dinner We headed over to Boma in the Animal Kingdom Lodge. This is a favorite of DH and I, but Dan and Sis had never been before. Everyone loved their meals. I would never have guessed Id like it there since Im a pretty bland and picky eater, but try a bunch of things each time and Im always amazed at how much I love them. The menu is always changing, but especially good this time were the Carrot Ginger Soup and the Slow Roasted Pork Ribs. We were sooo stuffed after the main course, but we did find some space for some Zebra Domes and the other desserts. The price here also increased from $24.99 to $25.99. Not a major change, and the food is definitely worth it. We will definitely be back here on our next visit. Grade: A+
Thursday, 1/5 Epcot
Breakfast Our one real breakfast out was the Princess Storybook Breakfast in Norway. We thought it would be funny to have the guys get their pictures taken with the princesses. They might not admit it, but the secretly loved it. Dan now has a thing for Jasmine. The princesses were all very sweet and attentive. The food was excellent. Its served family style and we asked for a second helping. The best part, we all agreed, was the cheesy potatoes. They were awesome. Bacon, eggs, sausage, biscuits and that sweet butter I love. We were in heaven. I think the price might have gone up a dollar or two here as well, but wed definitely do this one again. Grade: A
Dinner Le Cellier Another one of our best meals on the trip. Everyone always talks about the cheese soup and pretzel bread, so thats what we all started with. And yes, they were just as good as everyone says. I could eat that soup for lunch every day and be a happy girl perhaps 50 pounds heavier, but I digress. For the main course, I had the 7oz. Filet with BBQ glaze and cream cheese mashed potatoes. Sis had the Mushroom Filet with Risotto. DH had the 14oz. New York Strip and Dan had the Herb Crusted Prime Rib. Everything was excellent and the cooked the meats perfectly. Sadly, there was no room for dessert after that one! Grade: A+
Friday, 1/6 Magic Kingdom and Epcot
Snack Time We had an early morning start since we changed resorts that day so we stopped at the Main Street Bakery for croissants and muffins and hot cocoa. Great way to start the day. Grade: B+
Lunch Pecos Bills Sis has the ¼ Pound Cheeseburger, the guys each had the Bacon Double Cheeseburgers and I had the Pulled Pork Sandwich. Very good on all counts. Great toppings bar and I got my fake cheese sauce for my fries! Grade: B+
Snack Time Spicy Cheese Pretzels and Frozen Cokes from the Lunching Pad just in time to catch Cinderellabration. Yummy. Grade: A
Dinner Back over to Epcot for another trip around the World. Sis got the Orange Chicken at Lotus Blossom. She was less than thrilled with the meal. Oh, and their orange chicken is a bit on the red side. Very weird looking. Grade: C- The guys went to Yakitori House in Japan. DH got the combo meal and Dan got the Udon. Neither one of those was very good either. DH said the beef was very fatty. Grade: D Really those two were the first really bad meals we encountered on the trip. Not bad for being there 6 days already. I on the other hand had the best meal of the night. I took myself right over to America and had myself a delicious and nutritious Funnel Cake. Mmm Mmm Good. Grade: A+
Saturday 1/7 Disney-MGM Studios
Breakfast Starring Rolls We decided to get something out on our last morning, so over to Starring Rolls we went. Muffins, bagels, and croissants it was. Everything was pretty good and really hit the spot. Grade: B+
Lunch Backlot Express We stopped in for a quick lunch. I had the hot dog, Sis had the chicken strips and DH had the Grilled Turkey and Cheese Sandwich. (Dan had already left for the airport so nothing for him.) We had to buy my fake cheese sauce here so that was a negative, but the food was fine. Nothing special but definitely edible. Grade: B
