We arrived at Epcot just before 3.30 pm (our ADR was 4:20) and walked slowly towards the back of the park. On the way, I mentioned to DH that I would like to see if there were any fast passes available for Soarin. I wasnt holding out much hope, given how late in the day it was, but I thought I would try anyway. DH must have thought I was fighting a losing battle and refused to walk over to The Land, claiming it was too hot to waste his energy so I went alone - and scored us two FPs for 7 pm. Result!!!
Arriving at Le Cellier just a few minutes early, we checked in and took a seat in the waiting area. We were escorted to our table right on time. Its been said before but I will say it again the tables here are close together!
Although there was nobody at the table right next to us when we arrived, another couple were seated there shortly afterwards and we may as well have been dining together. In fact, we ended up spending the whole time chatting with them it was difficult not to really as they were almost sat with us. They were a very pleasant couple, though, which made things a lot easier and we very much enjoyed having dinner with them
Shortly after we were seated, our server, Lauren, arrived at our table, introduced herself and explained how the Dining Plan worked. We were told we could get non-alcoholic drinks, including smoothies, but no refills. She brought us some bread and gave us a few minutes to peruse the menu.
Obviously, being the conscientious DISer that I am, I had already chosen what I was going to have several months prior to our trip but DH gave the menu some consideration before ordering the Beef and Barley Broth. I opted for the Duck Two Ways as I love duck.
The appetisers arrived quickly and we happily tucked in. My duck was absolutely delicious. The sauce was sparse, which I was happy about as Ive mentioned before, Im not a fan of sauces at all. This was not like a sauce, more of a light and sweet dressing and it complemented the rich duck leg perfectly. The little pieces of duck were very tasty too and this dish was an outright winner. DH really enjoyed his broth too he only really ordered it because nothing else grabbed his attention but he was very pleased he did. He said it was very well seasoned, rich yet light and extremely tasty. It went very well with the wholegrain bread (which was lucky, seeing as Id already polished off most of the pretzel bread
).
Next up was the entrée. For DH, it was the signature Maple Barbecue Filet with cream cheese mashed potatoes. I chose the New York Strip with roasted potatoes. To my utter disgust, DH ordered his filet cooked medium-well, which seemed a sacrilege with such a nice cut of meat, but he insisted he couldnt eat it if it was bloody.
For some reason, the picture of DHs meal didnt come out too well but here is mine!
At the time I took this picture, the guy at the next table asked me what I was doing. DH then launched into the whole story about the DIS and trip reports, at which point the guy asked me if I wanted a picture of his entrée as well. So, what else could I do? He had the mushroom filet so here it is
DH inhaled his entire entrée as if his life depended on it, declaring it the best steak he had ever eaten. Mine was slightly disappointing the food envy kicked in big style when DH paused just long enough to allow me to taste a tiny morsel of his steak. Unfortunately, that morsel was enough to make me wish Id ordered the filet instead. I deliberately hadnt got it because I was concerned about the sauce but I neednt have been again, it was more of a glaze than a sauce and it was fantastic. That said, my steak was very tasty and I was enjoying it before I tried the other one
My only complaint would be that the potatoes were slightly undercooked.
Finally, it was on to dessert. Lauren took our dessert orders, then those of the couple seated next to us. I went for the smores, having dreamed about them since first seeing a picture on the DIS some months ago. DH chose the crème brulee. We didnt think anything of it when the table next to us received their desserts first but, within minutes, Lauren had arrived with ours and an apology. She said that the orders had been backing up and someone had just grabbed the nearest thing, bringing it out to our fellow diners. As I say, it really hadnt bothered us but Lauren seemed concerned.
A few seconds later, Lauren returned to our table and asked us if we had a problem with alcohol. It was quite funny the way she said it but she then re-worded her question to ask if we didnt drink for any reason. I said that we didnt have a problem with alcohol at all, thinking she may be about to recommend the ice wine I had read so much about but she didnt just left the table and us feeling puzzled. A minute later, she returned again with two glasses of champagne having noticed our Anniversary pins, she told us the champagne was compliments of Le Cellier. It was a delightful and unexpected surprise.
Having confirmed that we didnt require anything else, Lauren brought us the check. DH and I had already discussed it and decided to leave an extra tip as she had been so attentive and wed had such a wonderful meal. Imagine our surprise when she returned to us, bringing this time a fast pass valid for us both for any ride in the park. This, she explained, was by way of an apology for the mix-up over the desserts. Again, a real surprise and definitely not necessary but we gratefully accepted it.
Check paid and tip left and we were on our way. Our earlier fast passes, together with the ones from Le Cellier, meant we were able to ride Soarin twice before leaving the park what a perfect end to the day.
Final thoughts Le Cellier was our first real dining experience in Walt Disney World and it certainly opened our eyes to what we had been missing. We will most definitely be back in fact, the ADR is already made for next April - and I
will be ordering the filet next time
Total cost - $20.00 tip (check would have been $107.48 if paying OOP)
Rating without a doubt, Le Cellier gets an A+
fancy not using your credits though 
).
