Follow me as I snack around F&W! Complete 12/3: Wrap-up, thoughts on QSDP and F&W

[shebaxric]

Great start Kelly!
I honestly think I would've loved that flatbread, too! It looks really yummy in the picture! Huge, too! I get my first mug in 33 days!! I hope I'm able to use it enough, I'm not a real big soda drinker. . .

Can't wait for the next update!

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I can't believe I've missed your reviews before now, I think I've just been too busy with my own. I love love love the Meeko rating system, he was my favorite character when I was little. I might have to steal your Meeko ratings next year if you don't mind. He is just so super cute!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Welcome back! Great start to the reviews! We have only done the Pop food court twice-once for lunch, once for breakfast - I was impressed at the selection! It took forever to decide what to get, and I would agree it's very well run for how much is going on in there, and how many people they pump through all day long.

 

[onelilspark]

i certainly wont complain of food porn
cant wait to see it.

Good! That's about all I have

Great start. I did notice the line for regular check-in moving faster but they also had 2X the CMs checking them in. I think that doing the online check-in all your info is already in the system and your packet is ready.

I liked the cheesecake too.. but didn't think it was over the top awesome. It was good... not great not horrible. Your BF's flatbread looks really good!!!!

I can't wait to hear more!

I think I was just expecting more from the cheesecake, oh well!

Great reviews so far.
I love how your shirt matches the signpost with The Color Purple on it.

I totally did that on purpose too!

Great start!

Thanks!

Great start Kelly!
I honestly think I would've loved that flatbread, too! It looks really yummy in the picture! Huge, too! I get my first mug in 33 days!! I hope I'm able to use it enough, I'm not a real big soda drinker. . .

Can't wait for the next update!

I didn't really use the mug. If it didn't come with the QSDP, I don't think I would have bought it. But when it comes with it, it makes a nice souvenir!

I can't believe I've missed your reviews before now, I think I've just been too busy with my own. I love love love the Meeko rating system, he was my favorite character when I was little. I might have to steal your Meeko ratings next year if you don't mind. He is just so super cute!

Thanks I thought your Remy was genius! And I just started the reviews, so you're right on time!

Welcome back! Great start to the reviews! We have only done the Pop food court twice-once for lunch, once for breakfast - I was impressed at the selection! It took forever to decide what to get, and I would agree it's very well run for how much is going on in there, and how many people they pump through all day long.

They have a huge selection, that's for sure! I was very impressed with how efficient it was, especially after going to some other resorts (I'll get to that...)

 

[onelilspark]

Thursday we had to wait to go to the park... we only bought park hoppers for Friday and Saturday (2 day park hoppers? Yes, I am a little nuts.) And bought MNSSHP tickets for Thursday. The plan was to get there right at 4 (or soon after...thanks rain) and spend the rest of the night in the MK.

A side effect of getting up at 4am is that you're starving at weird hours. My brother was joining us for the party, but he was getting to the park closer to 6-6:30 and I promised we'd wait for him for dinner We needed a snack, pronto! Casey's was mentioned, and really, there was no debate. Corn Dog nuggets it is!! We quickly made our way down Main Street, trying to avoid the monsoon...seriously, it was pouring and I was freaking out that the parade was going to be washed out...not a good start.

Then I feasted my eyes on these beauties:

I don't think it comes as a surprise when I give them this rating:

I've tried to find a decent substitute anywhere at home and I haven't had any luck. There's just something about these...YUM. My boyfriend would give them a different rating, he said, "yep, they taste like corn dogs."

Good for a snack and tasty, but he didn't get my obsession. He's also on probation.

After our snack, we hit up some rides, including Hall of Presidents. I'm rather impressed with what they've done, I like the bit where George Washington speaks. Neat-o.

We met up with my brother, did the Jungle Cruise (had an awesome Cruise Director, btw...very funny.)

Around 7, the start of the party we decided that perhaps we should find something to eat while they start escorting people out. Pecos Bills was nearby, so it won. We used the ordering screens and thought they were very easy to use (though my brother forgot to order a drink and wound up with tap water when I noticed...a human probably would have picked up on that and Disney would have gotten more money...)

Anyway, I got the Taco Salad:

I liked this. It's right up my ally. What I liked most about it was that it came with just the shell and the meat, nothing else. All the other stuff was over on the toppings bar, so I could add as much or as little of everything else as I wanted. Being the picky person I am, it worked out well.

If eating at Pecos Bills again, it'd probably be my choice again.

My boyfriend had the pulled pork sandwich:

I think he was less than impressed with it. He ate it, it was okay, nothing terrible, but I don't think he'd get it again, probably try something else. He also had problems with the bun (yay! Wheat buns, we're being healthy!) It kept falling apart on him.

My brother had the bacon double cheese burger and chili cheese fries:

He loved the toppings bar and went to town on his burger (as you can see.) He mentioned during the meal that saying anything was taking time away from eating, so he wasn't going to be talking...he enjoyed it. But he's also 21 and in college...I don't think it's the height of culinary excellence, but he would definitely be giving it the top Meeko:

Here's some other pictures from the party-

(hitchhiking ghosts from the parade)

A note about the party- we tried to do a lot. We were using it as our MK park day and I think that was a mistake. Going from one end of the park to another just trying to get everything done in a short period of time. We were tired from waking up so early, afraid it was going to rain (pour) at any time...I think we would have done better if we just focused on the Halloween stuff and threw in a ride or two here or there. And if you're going, I'd recommend that!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

oooooh, we love, love, LOVE Casey's corn dogs! They are the only corn dog that we will eat. Love the Halloween pics!

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I may have to try those corn dog nuggets next year, I've never had them before.

 

[shebaxric]

Those chili cheese fries look really yummy! I wonder if that could be used as a snack credit. . . Pecos Bill's isn't one I've ever visited. If I'm eating CS, I usually go to CHH, but I think I may branch out this time. Thanks for the reveiw!

I'm sorry that you felt so rushed, perhaps you were able to get back to MK? Was the parade and party worth the extra money?

 

[onelilspark]

I interrupt the food porn to bring you this important celebration:

 

[that's nice]

There is so much to do at the party and 5 hours isn't enough time.

I still have to try those corn dog nuggets. I'm worried I'd have the same reaction as your B/F.

I think the best pulled pork sandwich is at Flame Tree. I had one in DHS and it was just OK. I ate it because I was hungry. Those chili cheese fries look good though!

 

[MyTalula]

Loving your pictures and reviews!! Great Job!!

 

[onelilspark]

oooooh, we love, love, LOVE Casey's corn dogs! They are the only corn dog that we will eat. Love the Halloween pics!

Sometimes I eat corn dogs elsewhere...if they happen to include the word "nugget." But I always compare them...

I may have to try those corn dog nuggets next year, I've never had them before.

Put it on the list!

Those chili cheese fries look really yummy! I wonder if that could be used as a snack credit. . . Pecos Bill's isn't one I've ever visited. If I'm eating CS, I usually go to CHH, but I think I may branch out this time. Thanks for the reveiw!

I'm sorry that you felt so rushed, perhaps you were able to get back to MK? Was the parade and party worth the extra money?

CHH wasn't open that late So we went to Pecos instead. I enjoyed the party. Glad we did it. Not sure I'd rush to do it again, but if we did, I'd do it differently.

There is so much to do at the party and 5 hours isn't enough time.

I still have to try those corn dog nuggets. I'm worried I'd have the same reaction as your B/F.

I think the best pulled pork sandwich is at Flame Tree. I had one in DHS and it was just OK. I ate it because I was hungry. Those chili cheese fries look good though!

I don't think I've ever heard my brother as quiet as he was when he was eating those fries rotfl:

Loving your pictures and reviews!! Great Job!!

Thanks for reading!

 

[onelilspark]

We got home late from the party the night before, but I was a woman on a mission Friday morning...Toy Story Mania or bust! Being the awesome girlfriend I am, I woke up first, showered, and headed out for breakfast (oh, and coffee for Mr. "Why are we waking up so early anyway?" )

I came back with the pancake platter from Everything Pop, with bacon.

Apple juice is mine, I don't drink coffee Ok, not exactly the best pancakes I've ever had, but they put some nourishment in my stomach and since there were 4 pancakes, it was an easy platter to split. I'll give it a solid middle rating.

They were nice and hot!

Off to the bus stop!

We got to Hollywood Studios with a half hour to spare...and I got a glare. Justtttttt wait... They started letting us in and he saw everyone behind us. No more glares!

We decided to forgo the FP wait and just got in line for the ride. In less than 15 minutes, we were on!

We hit Rockin' Roller, Tower, Star Tours, Great Movie Ride (had an awful Tour Guide...), Muppets:

And I finally got to try the Animation Class. I highly recommend this to everyone! We had a blast!!

We were on our way out around 1:30.

Next on our agenda: snacking around the WS!! And boy were we hungry!!

 

[Shenanigoat]

I'm late.

I knew you'd get the corn dog nuggets again this trip. I almost got them myself one day this trip because you've talked about how awesome they are. I never did try the Pop food court, except on to get tea on my first day, so it's nice to read about it. How did you like Pop overall? I think your room is where my first one was before I got switched to another room. I can't wait to read more of your Meeko-rific reviews!

 

[that's nice]

I read your update but I wanted to say.......

The YYYAAAANNNKKKKEEEEESSSSS WIIIIIINNNNNNN!!!!!!

NOW ITS ON!!!

LET's Go Yankees!!!!

 

[dizneeat]

Wohoo! Great start and I am happy to hear lots of good things about the Pop Foodcourt! We are staying there in a little over 100 days!!

Can't wait to hear more!

 

[onelilspark]

I'm late.

I knew you'd get the corn dog nuggets again this trip. I almost got them myself one day this trip because you've talked about how awesome they are. I never did try the Pop food court, except on to get tea on my first day, so it's nice to read about it. How did you like Pop overall? I think your room is where my first one was before I got switched to another room. I can't wait to read more of your Meeko-rific reviews!

Pop was great. I mean, I can definitely tell the difference between value, moderate, and deluxe. But for what you get at Pop for the price, I'd stay there again! I loved the decor The only thing is the noise factor. I think that's where you could tell it was a value, I mean, between the power flushers and the thinner walls, I could hear the rooms around us pretty well (not their conversations, but if they were moving about, getting ready, etc.) I think the Pop Food Court is sadly one of the best on property. I say sadly because you would think that a deluxe would take that honor! But it was just so efficiently run and the food was good!

Why did you switch rooms?

I read your update but I wanted to say.......

The YYYAAAANNNKKKKEEEEESSSSS WIIIIIINNNNNNN!!!!!!

NOW ITS ON!!!

LET's Go Yankees!!!!

I believe we are now at war.

Wohoo! Great start and I am happy to hear lots of good things about the Pop Foodcourt! We are staying there in a little over 100 days!!

Can't wait to hear more!

It definitely got crowded after about 8am. But if you're in there before then, it's more manageable.

 

[oybolshoi]

did you enjoy the champagne pairing on the 17th? We really enjoyed the one we attended earlier in the day.

 

[onelilspark]

Time for the Food & Wine kiosks! We got to Epcot around 2 and were absolutely starving. Since we came in at the International Gateway, we hit up France first.

Disclaimer: My F&W ratings are a little skewed because I want there to be a real difference between the top and the bottom. Even the bottom items that we had, were not terrible. But I don't want to be giving the top Meeko to every item! Looking at the food as a whole this year, it was quite excellent!!

On the left we have Escargot en Brioche and on the right, Cabernet Short Ribs with Mashed Potatoes.

I'll start with the Escargot. I love these little buggers (no pun intended ) My boyfriend had never tried escargot before and let's face it, the F&W version of escargot is probably the safest introduction on the planet. So he popped one and promptly stated, "it tastes like garlic bread." ...not so scary huh? The best part of ordering escargot at a restaurant is always sopping up the garlic sauce with your bread after you eat them, and at F&W, they've found a way to do it for you! I personally find it to be my own little slice of heaven. They'd probably get a top rating, but were overshadowed by their partner...so they'll get this one instead:

Next was the Short Ribs. Oh em gee. Seriously. I know people have raved about this one and rightly so. Someone described it as Northeast comfort food. I totally get that. First, if there were a higher rating on my scale, it'd get it, but since there's not:

I think it was our favorite item at the Festival. I mean, I'll really just sit on this bench all day and you can keep feeding this to me, that'd be awesome. They poured the sauce over it just before serving it, which made all the flavors really come together. The meat was so incredibly tender and the potatoes were the perfect consistency. Amazing little dish right there. I loved it.

From there we moseyed on down to Austrailia for the Lamb Chop:

Official description: Grilled Lamb Chop, Red Wine Sauce, and Murray Sea Salt.

I love lamb. I especially love lamb chops. And this one was good, but it wasn't phenomenal. First, it was well done and I know that when you're producing for the masses it's better to overcook, but still...I like my meat medium rare. It was gray And there was a decent bit of fat on the chop. Which to me means that they're grilling them low and slow rather than searing them so that the fat burns off during the cooking process. ...Or we got a bad piece. The salt made it salty (no surprise there.) I didn't mind it, but my boyfriend thought it was too salty. That being said, when I took a bite, I enjoyed it. I do love lamb, and I thought for it being mass produced, it was done nicely. If I would have gotten it in a restaurant? It would have been sent back to the kitchen. This has a bit of mixed review. I'm glad I tried it, it certainly was a different way to present it, but I don't really feel the need to order it again.

Fun fact for the day: Did you know that the Finger Lakes is one of the top four Riesling producers in the World? (In quality, not necessarily quantity.) Living in this area, we know a fair bit about Rieslings and since I can get a good quality local Riesling, it's been a while since we've had a German Riesling. So after the Lamb Chop, we doubled back to the German kiosk for some Rieslings.

We went with the Blue Slate Riesling and the Spatlese. I personally love dry, acidic wines. My boyfriend prefers wines (especially Rieslings) that have a mineral or Earthy taste to them. I'm sure it comes as no surprise that the Blue Slate Riesling was the more Earthy/mineral tasting of the two, so he preferred that one. It's also a taste in Rieslings that we can't really get here in NY State because of our terrain. I know he really enjoyed it and could have easily gotten another glass:

I on the other hand, much preferred the Spatlese. It was dryer and more acidic. More up my ally. I'm a big proponent of buying local and supporting local farmers. While I enjoying trying things from different areas of the world as well, I have a hard time paying more for something I enjoy less! So all in all I liked it, but there are local Rieslings that I like better and have the same flavor profile.

After we got all boozed up we headed to Bangkok, Thailand.

This is the Green Papaya Salad with Shrimp. I think my expectations on this were a little off. When I heard "papaya salad" I thought, cool, light, refreshing. And while it was very light, they added some Thai chili to it that for whatever reason I didn't expect. As I mentioned at the beginning of the thread, I stay away from spicy food. As my boyfriend puts it, my taste buds are just "sensitive." I took a few bites of this and I just didn't care for it, it was just too spicy for me. And I don't think I've heard anyone else describe this as spicy. So instead of me rating this dish, I'm going to defer to my boyfriend's rating He loved it. And was probably secretly thrilled that I didn't He rates it as one of his favorite dishes of the Festival (though he'll also list off just about everything!) I have a hard time giving it a top Meeko just because I really didn't like it! So I'll knock it down a notch just for compromise.

I think that'll do it for this go-round! Next up: South Africa, Festival Center!

 

[onelilspark]

did you enjoy the champagne pairing on the 17th? We really enjoyed the one we attended earlier in the day.

I liked it, I wish he would have gone more into the Champagnes themselves and the specific flavor notes, etc. But it was a lot of fun and he was a very informative presenter. I guess to do everything we would have needed another hour... Just give me another round of Champagne and I'll sit there!