Flowers, Gardens, and Free Ice Cream. A March 2013 Dining Review (updated 05/02)

[Ashley80]

Is there sage in the dressing on the holiday sandwich?

 

[WOODY&BO-PEEP]

Is there sage in the dressing on the holiday sandwich?

I didn't notice a sage flavor, but there is so much going on, it's possible I simply missed it.

 

[wilma-bride]

Seems like Paradiso 37 is a great option for drinks and appetisers.

Can't believe you didn't take a picture of your sundae at Ghirardelli - rookie mistake

 

[WOODY&BO-PEEP]

Seems like Paradiso 37 is a great option for drinks and appetisers.

Can't believe you didn't take a picture of your sundae at Ghirardelli - rookie mistake

I know, that was bad. In our defense, it was melting very quickly so our initial dive in was simply to save the ice cream from spilling over the edge.

 

[librarygeek]

Mmm, Paradiso 37 looks good! Maybe it's just because I like cheese and all your appetizers look like they have delicious cheese I'll have to try it someday!

 

[WOODY&BO-PEEP]

...And we're back!

When we last left you, we had just finished a Cable Car sundae at Downtown Disney. That was it for us that night because we had early ADR's the next morning. So it was back to Kidani Village for some sleep.

Rise and shine! We were up very early the next morning for an 8:05 breakfast ADR with some of our friends. Those friends of course, were Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger at Crystal Palace. If you've never had an ADR at Magic Kingdom before park opening, then you need to take the opportunity to do that. A nearly empty Main Street USA is pretty awesome!

Unfortunately, we failed...yet again...to get pictures of our food. I tried really hard all trip to take photos of everything we ate, but there were a few times where I just completely blew it. I apologize. Having said that, it's a breakfast buffet so you've probably seen the food there before. Pancakes, biscuits, bacon, sausage...you know where I'm going with this.

Since I don't have any photos of the food, here's some topiary action for you.

Since I don't have any photos, you'll have to take my word for it that the food was good. I love a good hearty breakfast and there was plenty of food here to fill us up before we went out for a day of touring the Magic Kingdom. There was Mickey shaped confetti on the table celebrating my wife's birthday which was a nice touch. We got pictures with all of the characters and Blair even got a birthday card signed by the Pooh gang. A great start to our morning to be certain, plus we finished in time to wander over for rope drop heading into Liberty Square.

Bill - Crystal Palace

2 Adult Breakfast Buffet - $53.98

TiW Discount - $10.80
Subtotal - $43.18
Auto Gratuity - $9.72
Tax - $2.81

Total - $55.71

For lunch, we stopped at The Mara at Animal Kingdom Lodge. We had dinner ADR's later that night so we wanted to eat a light lunch just to tide us over. We split a Chicken Pita sandwich plate with french fries, and a hummus and vegetable dip package.

We were pleased with our lunch. It was just enough food for us to eat and feel content without feeling like we over-ate.

Bill - The Mara

Zebra Domes (for later) - $3.69
2 Sodas - $5.18
Chicken Pita - $8.99
Hummus Vegetable Cup - $3.99

Subtotal - $21.85
Tax - $1.43

Total - $23.28

After an afternoon nap, we freshened up before heading over to the Polynesian for dinner at 'Ohana!

For our adult beverages, Blair ordered some sort of superfruit margarita.

And I had to try the Lapu Lapu.

After those came, the onslaught of food began!

We had Ohana Welcome Bread...

Mixed greens with a honey-lime dressing...

Pork dumplings with sweet & sour sauce and honey-coriander chicken wings...

Lo Mein noodles tossed in a teriyaki sauce with fresh stir fried veggies...

Skewers of Chicken, Pork, Sirloin, and Shrimp...

And finally...the Ohana bread pudding a la mode with bananas and caramel sauce...

Allow me to say this....OH...MY...GOODNESS...this place was amazing. Neither of us particularly cared for the welcome bread. It was a bit dry. But after we got past that, we were pleased with everything. The salad and the noodles were my favorite parts and Blair also loved the salad. And while I'm not usually a fan of bread pudding, this bread pudding was fantastic. I contemplated another bowl, but decided I should pass since I had eaten so much already and I didn't want them to have to roll me out of there.

I know there has been some complaints about the recent changes, but since we had never been before, we really enjoyed the meal and we're booked to go back this October!

Bill - Ohana

Superfruit Margarita - $10.75
Lapu Lapu - $13.00
2 Adult Dinners - $79.98
TiW Food Discount - $16.00
TiW Drink Discount - $4.75

Subtotal - $82.98
Auto Gratuity - $18.67
Tax - $5.40

Total - $107.05

 

[tluvstink]

Great reviews and pics! Looking forward to the next installment

Terri

 

[librarygeek]

I ate at Ohana for the first time in February and absolutely loved it! It was so filling but such an amazing meal. I was with friends so I still have to get back there so my husband can try it out, he was pretty jealous when I told him all about it!

 

[Linda67]

I really shouldn't read reviews right before lunch!

I really want to try the Mara on our next trip. Looks like they have some great options for QS

Good to see a review of Paradiso 37, we love it there for drinks and appies

 

[RGirl]

Enjoying your reviews!

Wow - the appetizers at Paradiso 37 (and the drink!) look really tasty. I have never read much about that place, but it certainly seems like a place worth trying.

'Ohana food looks good - as usual. We have only been once and didn't love it, but that was more a function of poor service (not at all the norm, I'm sure) than the food.