Down by the Boardwalk - 5 days of family dining fun

[jknepfle]

Thanks for the great reviews. DH and I are going fin Dec. and you've reviewed 2 of the restaurants (LC and LTT) that I've made ADR's for. Did you by chance go to Prime Time Cafe or Raglan Road? Ah, snacking around the World is great, isn't it? My brother introduced me to that marathon event but every time I go with him, I never have much time for rides for all the snacking.

Cool! I have never been to Prime Time or Raglan Road. We would like to try them both sometime, though. Let me know what you think!

Just caught up on Le Cellier, Around the World and LTT.

We have a much coveted ADR for Le Cellier and almost every time I read another positive review, I wonder if I haven't built it up so much in my head that I am going to be disappointed. Time will tell and no doubt you will read about it here some time in September - but, meanwhile, thanks for 'keeping it real'

LTT also sounds like a great option for a slightly more relaxed lunch - I'm with Brenda on this one as I would never consider it for dinner but lunch sounds great

And one more thing to add - your kids are just so cute - my DS would love that Cars t-shirt your DS is wearing.

Lunch at LTT was very good. I was pleasantly suprised. I'd venture to say that the lunch is probably better than the dinner just from what I've heard, but I haven't tried the dinner there............yet!

you are doing a great job!!! We are doing LLT in August for Lunch, I can't wait!

Thanks! I think you'll enjoy it. We sure did! A tip: I heard you can buy the cool mason jar mug/glasses that they serve drinks in and just take it with you!

I like you have never really thought about LTT before reading about it here on the boards. It sounds like a great lunch spot, the salad and panini sound really good. Wonder if we might be able to get in without an ADR? Is that wishful thinking or what!

I THINK I saw people getting in around prime lunch time when we were leaving without ADR's. BUT, don't hold me to that!

I've got ADRs for LTT Character Dinner in December. It will just be DH and me. Any opinions as to whether or not I should change it to regular dinner instead of character? I've never been to a character dinner before but the food selection at the regular dinner is beginning to sound better. Thanks.

Well...I think ONLY the dinner has characters and it's served family style. The word is that the food is from Stouffers but I can neither confirm nor deny. I do know that the food we had at lunch was tasty!

So pleased you liked Cadbury fruit and nut, it's yummy chocolate isn't it

I too am a bit worried about Le Cellier I hope I don't expect more than it is!

Very good chocolate! And, I think you'll like Le Cellier...especially if you're a meat eater.

great report - and your kids are adorable.

Thanks! So are your kids! Gotta love those Mickey Ice Cream bars!

Eating around the world
DW and I love to make a meal out of the different snack offerings of the countries in world showcase. We had hit the Canada and Great Britain pavilions on the way out to a nap in the early afternoon, and so we had the rest of WS to do that evening. TIP: try the fruit and nut Cadbury bar that you can get in Britain. It's delicious, a very creamy milk chocolate with nuts and dried fruit embedded in it...I'm not a huge fan of chocolate and fruit, but this is GOOD!
Overall: A

Or come to Canada and buy them anywhere from Walmart to the conrer store!

In my best Napoleon Dynamite voice: "LUCKY!"

 

[jknepfle]

And one more thing to add - your kids are just so cute - my DS would love that Cars t-shirt your DS is wearing.

Sorry...missed this part of your post. Thanks for the compliment on my kids! That shirt was a gift from my brother, but I THINK he got it here:
http://www.zazzle.com/collections/disneyinkshop/product.asp?from=d&product_id=235789706029567700

 

[jknepfle]

Aloha Isle
My mom loves a good creamsicle, which is suprising...usually, she's like me: "If it ain't chocolate, it ain't dessert!" Anyway, when I was little, I remember her finding the place right outside the exit to the Tiki birds (don't remember what it's called...) that serves orange and vanilla soft serve mixed. She HAD to get one every time we went from then on. Until....she found Aloha Isle (rather recently) and that darling of the DIS, the Dole Whip. Well, she got my wife and I hooked.

If you haven't had one of these, the best way I can describe it is refreshment in a cup! It's pineapple soft serve, and you can get it in "twist" form mixed with vanilla. They also will float a big dollup of that ice cream on top of cold pineapple juice for a dole whip float. As the queen of Food TV, Rachel Ray, would say, "Yummo!" It's gooo-OOD. I think the float is a slightly better value than just the ice cream since they give you a little more ice cream and you also get the pineapple juice for just a little more. I also definitely prefer the twist version of the ice cream to the straight pineapple. Here we are eating our floats:

Overall: Solid A - highly recommended!


Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe
A couple of years back (I believe on a pre-kid trip!), my wife and I were looking for something non-burger to eat quickly when we were in Tomorrowland. Enter Cosmic Ray. We shared rotisserie chicken with mashed potatoes and vegetables, and not even a cursing middle aged women who was obviously having a bad day after she spilled a whole tray of food right next to us could ruin it! We've been back every time ever since. Is Cosmic Ray's high-class, unique food? Nah. But, it's usually fresh and tasty, and I think the animatronic lounge singer in there is a hoot (although my wife may respectfully disagree ).

This time, we decided on burgers all around, some with apples some with fries. The food was what you'd expect. The fries were hot,crispy, and seemed fresh, and the burgers were standard fast food fare. Not gonna win any awards, but beats the pants off a McDonalds burger, IMHO.

The thing that this place really has going for it is the variety (separate stations for roasted chicken, sandwiches/salads, and burgers) and the toppings bar. Only at Disney can you buy a fast food burger and then put grilled onions, sauteed mushrooms, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, etc, etc on at your will. Definitely kicks it up a notch in my book (I'm starting to sound like a Food Network schill!). The only downside is that if one person wants a burger and one wants chicken, you have to stand in 2 lines. Kinda a pain in a family of 4.

In the end, if you're in Tomorrowland and wanting something quick, check this place out. We've always been able to find a seat and the food's pretty good!

Overall: B-

 

[jknepfle]

Thanks for the reviews. I am really enjoying them especially since I have my own 5 year old and 2 (almost 3 year old) with us in November.

Glad you're enjoying it! You have some cute kids there. Looks like they're veterans...already on a Disney Cruise, just like our kids!

 

[wilma-bride]

Great update. I'm not big on pineapple so I must be one of the strange people who are just not tempted by a Dole Whip Burgers, chicken and fries at Cosmic Rays sounds great though

P.S. I had a look at that Zazzle site you posted - thanks. I'm still trying to work out if they ship to the UK but if they do, I am seriously stocking up on Disney t-shirts for my kids

 

[dramaticmissy]

wE REALLY LIKE COSMIC RAY'S FOR A QUICK PICK ME UP AND GO EVERY YEAR!!!!

 

[TigerKat]

We like Cosmic Ray's for the variety - the guys can get their burgers and I enjoy the wrap. Sonny Eclipse adds a great touch, I think that's his name.

 

[OurMsBrooks]

Man, those kids really are adorable!

Enjoying your reviews, but how cruel of you to actually put in photos of Dole Whip!! How in the world am I supposed to survive until my next trip now that I've actually SEEN them?!?!? Now that's torture! I have to go check my frequent flier miles...

Cheers.

 

[jknepfle]

wE REALLY LIKE COSMIC RAY'S FOR A QUICK PICK ME UP AND GO EVERY YEAR!!!!

Yup! It's definitely better than a lot of places!

We like Cosmic Ray's for the variety - the guys can get their burgers and I enjoy the wrap. Sonny Eclipse adds a great touch, I think that's his name.

I think you're right!

Man, those kids really are adorable!

Enjoying your reviews, but how cruel of you to actually put in photos of Dole Whip!! How in the world am I supposed to survive until my next trip now that I've actually SEEN them?!?!? Now that's torture! I have to go check my frequent flier miles...

Cheers.

Hahaha...they have good genes. And, I hear they have some pretty adorable cousins, too. I know what you mean about the Dole Whip. I was thinking about our next trip and how far away it is on the way home from this one, and we'll be back before you guys will!

 

[kindakrazy2]

Yep, those are some cute kiddos you've got there!

Enjoying your food report - can't wait to read more!

 

[ColleenS]

love this dining report!

 

[jknepfle]

Yep, those are some cute kiddos you've got there!

Enjoying your food report - can't wait to read more!

Thanks...on both counts!!!

love this dining report!

Glad to hear you're liking it!

I plan to post an update tonight, including Garden Grill in Epcot and the Earl of Sandwich in DTD!

 

[wilma-bride]

I plan to post an update tonight, including Garden Grill in Epcot and the Earl of Sandwich in DTD!

Pleased to hear it - waiting patiently

 

[jknepfle]

DOH! I just spent a half hour writing a report and then "the DIS" lost it.

I'll rewrite tomorrow.

 

[disneyjunebug]

The report keeps getting better! I love Cosmic Ray's! I've always made that a "must stop" for lunch! I've already informed DH that he will split the rib/chic combo with me if he wants to eat a breakfast platter at the CBR.

Dole whip floats are the living end..... Right up there with Mickey Bars.

Hey, and I found Cadbury Fruit and Nut Bars at Kroger this weekend! I lived in Bermuda for about 3 years and got adicted to Cadbury chocolate -- Ice cream isn't the same unless you have a Flake in it! -- and was surprised to see them at Krogers! Now if I could only find Smarties..... (the chocolate kind, not the sugar kind)

Keep on writing!

June

 

[mumom95]

Hey, another Cincinnatian here. Loving your review so far. We are taking our first family trip this coming November. Can't wait to read more.

 

[jknepfle]

The report keeps getting better! I love Cosmic Ray's! I've always made that a "must stop" for lunch! I've already informed DH that he will split the rib/chic combo with me if he wants to eat a breakfast platter at the CBR.

Dole whip floats are the living end..... Right up there with Mickey Bars.

Hey, and I found Cadbury Fruit and Nut Bars at Kroger this weekend! I lived in Bermuda for about 3 years and got adicted to Cadbury chocolate -- Ice cream isn't the same unless you have a Flake in it! -- and was surprised to see them at Krogers! Now if I could only find Smarties..... (the chocolate kind, not the sugar kind)

Keep on writing!

June

Fruit and nut at Kroger?! Say it ain't so?! Gonna have to stop by sometime soon and see if they have them here!

Hey, another Cincinnatian here. Loving your review so far. We are taking our first family trip this coming November. Can't wait to read more.

Glad to meet you! You will just love the World. Have a great time. Are you flying or driving? Personally I see the merits in both, but we were really happy to be able to fly this trip!

 

[jknepfle]

Garden Grill (at the Land in Epcot)
This is one of those hidden gems, in my mind. Is the food out of this world? Nah...but it's really well prepared, fresh, and tasty. And, you can have as much as you want. What's not to love?! I have to admit to not being very excited when my parents wanted to take DW and I here once (pre-kids). It seemed like it was just going to be kinda run-of-the-mill. BUT, I knew to trust them. Their recommendations usually hold up. This place is no exception!

Like I said, the food is very good. It's not gourmet or particularly interesting, but it's very fresh and good. The atmosphere is also very fun. It's a circular restaurant that rotates around and you can see a couple different views of the Living With the Land ride down below. I don't know why, but I'm a sucker for a revolving restaurant. This year we were up in the upper tier (inside the "circle), and we've been on the lower tier before. The lower tables are much better - try to request one if you can. Also, they have characters (Pluto, Chip, Dale, and Mickey) dressed up in "farmer" gear. We've ALWAYS liked the characters here. For some reason, they just really seem to be overly friendly and playful and you seem to get to see them more than other places we've been. They've also been very good with our kids, and know when not to push the interaction, but also are good at figuring out what might entertain the kids.

But, I digress...on to the food! Lunch started with rolls and biscuits with Honey-Orange Blossom Butter. The rolls and biscuits are fine...nothing special. The real star here is the butter. It's sweet and buttery, a great start to the meal! They USED to have a multigrain sunflower seed bread that I think was far superior. But, this was still good.

Next, we were brought out a big plate filled with the following: turkey with cranberry sauce, flank steak with Mushroom Cabernet au Jus, fried catfish, cheesy potato casserole, green beans, carrots, and mini-squashes. It's served family style and you can always ask for more of anything. We asked for more catfish pretty quickly 'cause that's my favorite, and the kids like it too. For some reason, it's just a delicious no-frills fried catfish with a slight hint of pepper in the crust. It's always delicious and never dry, with just a mild fish taste. It's just great. The turkey is just ok...sort of dry, and tastes like it had been reheated from frozen. I'm not a fan of cranberry sauce, so I didn't try that. The flank steak is DW's favorite. It's very good...juicy with a really nice wine-y flavor from the sauce. We've usually asked for more of this too, but I think this time we did not. The veggies were just perfect. Crisp-tender, cooked perfectly, and tasted VERY fresh. I wouldn't be suprised if they were grown in the greenhouse below. In fact, I like to delude myself and think that they are.

They also bring out plates of mac and cheese, chicken fingers and fries for the kids. They're more than welcome to eat what the adults have, but I guess those things don't appeal to a lot of kids. Ours ate some catfish, but mainly stuck with the "kids foods." And they seemed to like it, but I didn't try any.

Last but definitely not least was dessert! Dessert has been a lot of different things when we've been here. Last time (June '06), it was a sampler of 3 different desserts...not very memorable. They were fine, but nothing was outstanding from what I remember. Now, they serve "Very Berry Puff Pastry," and we thought it was a real step up. The dessert is a triangle of very puffy puff pastry with a kind of pastry cream/custard, mascerated berries and whipped cream. It was delicious. The berries were very fresh and sweet (naturally, I think!). The puff pastry was nicely crispy, and the custard/cream was rich and creamy. All together it was a nice refreshing dessert. Highly recommended - save room! For the kids they serve "decorate your own cupcakes" which always get rave reviews. It's great 'cause it gives the kids something to do so you can give the adult dessert it's proper attention.

In all, we really like this restaurant. I'm not 100% sure we'll be back here next time, but I definitely wouldn't be suprised if we do!

Overall: B

 

[kileybeth]

subscibing. . .nice report so far! Loving the specifics.

My family is going in Sept. and will be trying some of the restaurants you are reviewing. We've never done to many TS in Disney before so this will be new for us. Have always loved the CS meals and eating around the world in Epcot is a special time when we send our big ones off with the little ones so we can relax and graze a bit.

Our youngest two are the same ages as yours and actually have the same costumes!! so cute!

Keep the reviews coming.

 

[mumom95]

Glad to meet you! You will just love the World. Have a great time. Are you flying or driving? Personally I see the merits in both, but we were really happy to be able to fly this trip!

Well, we were originally going to drive, but we just found some fairly cheap flights on Southwest out of Columbus, so we decided to fly. I was originally looking forward to having a car while there, to use when the disney transportation would be inconvenient. So we thought maybe we'd rent a car, but I think we've decided we won't and we'll just pay for a cab for the few times that the transportation would be a pain. I did some research, and I think it will be definitely cheaper than renting a car for the week.

Still loving the report, and by the way your kids are so cute.