#GettingChunky - A Nov 2019 F&W Dining Report! NEW 6/2 THE END our Last Day of Eating!

[chunkymonkey]

#GettingChunky
A November 2019 Food & Wine Festival Dining Report with
Chunkymonkey and Chubbyhubby
November 8-13, 2019

Hello fellow quarantined DISboarders! I have decided to use my time in quarantine wisely, by writing all about the Disney World trips I have not yet written about, LOL. I have a couple of open trip reports right now, and I will be starting a new one soon for March (right before Disney and the world had to shut down). But this trip last November was awesome because it's one of my favorite times of year to be in the parks...during the fall with all the holiday decor and Epcot's Food and Wine Festival! So I have decided not to do a traditional TR and instead just write about what's important on this trip, the FOOD!

Who we are:

Hi all, I'm Su-Lynn aka Chunkymonkey. I love Disney and food, and everything that combines both of my loves. I am 44, (although I was 43 on this trip, LOL). I work in IT as a business analyst and am currently working from home although I wish I was working from my other home, Disney! I love all the parks, although Epcot has been my favorite since I was a kid, but I think Animal Kingdom has the best food! The Polynesian, and Yacht/Beach club are my favorite resorts and we were lucky we got to stay at all of them on this trip!

My husband Steve aka Chubbyhubby is also 44 (but yes also 43 during this trip report, we're holding on to our youths LOL) and also enjoys Disney even though he says it's all my fault (it usually is). He likes to eat too but not more than me, I can seriously graze all day and he's more like an eat one large meal kind of person, haha. In fact he did eat 53 shrimp at 'Ohana one year. He hasn't been able to repeat that since, but it was a brother-in-law challenge and he's competitive so well, 53 shrimp later he now has bragging rights, LOL.

We are both AP holders and just become DVC members at the Poly a few years ago! We stayed at the Polynesian for 4 nights on this trip, and the Beach Club for one night, all using our points. We love both resorts! We also had our arrival night at the airport Hyatt hotel but it's because it's usually a late night when we arrive and I don't want to use my points for a short night!

On this trip we ate/drank at:
'Ohana
Monsieur Paul
Takumi Tei
Oga's Cantina
Ale 'n Compass
Satuli Canteen
had two F&W Events: Cheese Seminar and Tailgate Tasting
and ate lots of snacks from F&W and all around the World!

hope you'll stick around and get Chunky with us!

BTW I have to credit @pepperandchips for giving me the idea for this awesome #gettingchunky hashtag which is now the perfect Dining Review title!​

 

[chunkymonkey]

Table of Contents

Day 0 and Day 1
Hyatt MCO - McCoy's Bar and Grill
F&W Event: Cheese Seminar
Appleseed Orchard
Oga's Cantina
'Ohana Dinner

Day 2
Sunshine Seasons
Monsieur Paul French Family Meal
F&W Event: Tailgate Tasting

Day 3
Sleepy Hollow
Storybook Treats
Friar's Nook
Takumi Tei

Day 4
Captain Cooks
ABC Commissary
Holiday Drinks
Food and Wine Festival Eats

Day 5
Ale and Compass
Satuli Canteen
Food and Wine Festival Eats

 

[ThreeBoyMama]

OK at the risk of sounding like a total stalker I literally just finished reading one of your old reports and clicked back onto the current page and here you are! Can't wait to hear more. I am bored and I want to read about Disney and yummy food!!! Also that is a SUPER cute picture of you guys!

 

[Snowbird67]

Looking forward to hearing about the food!!! I’m hoping to enjoy my second Food and a Wine Festival upcoming.

 

[reinamama]

Hi Su-Lynn,

Another secret fan coming out to say hi. I LOVE your Disney reports but actually a while back I realized that it was YOUR blog about Bali that pointed me to some great places in Bali -- including the Boneka Brunch. nomnoms.. Your not-chubby-hubby and sister-with-CUTEST-dress are such great sidekicks. Can't wait for this dining report!!

 

[TeresaNJ]

Woo Hoo! So happy to see you're posting a dining review report again!

 

[prisjoyce]

Here!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Day 1: Saturday Nov 9

Hyatt MCO - McCoy's Bar and Grill

So if you're interested, our first night we usually arrive on a late flight after work and I don't really want to use my DVC points for a Friday night resort stay (which are higher than weeknights). With it being a pretty popular weekend, on-property resort rates were too expensive or just not available so we choose to stay at the Hyatt MCO which we book using a free night certificate we get from our Hyatt credit card. They just renovated the entire hotel and it's really nice now. We were upgraded to a mini suite which had a little sitting area and the room had 2 TVs!

We had a late dinner at McCoy's Bar and Grill which is in the lobby and is open until pretty late. I recommend it if you are staying there or have an extended time in the airport. For a hotel restaurant it's quite good and they have sushi which is what we opted for that night.

We started with some drinks. Steve got a glass of cabernet and I got an old-fashioned. I don't normally drink whisky but when we were on our Oct 2019 Bermuda Cruise on the Magic, we had a mixology class and I learned to make one so I thought I'd see how the "professionals" do it. I think it's a little too sweet for my taste though.

We shared a platter and a few rolls.

It was quite good! I never thought I'd get good sushi at an airport but the Hyatt here is more like a 4-start hotel than a moderate so they tend to have better food.

We had an amazing server and chit-chatted with him all night. He found out it was our anniversary a week before and gifted us with champagne and some cheesecake even though we didn't order dessert. So sweet.

By then it was really late so we headed upstairs to bed. It was a great start to our trip but the real fun begins tomorrow!

Food and Wine Festival Event: Season's Best Cheese and Wine

We took Magical Express early the next morning and arrived at our resort, the Poly! It really does feel like home. We knew our room was not ready so we just dropped our stuff off with Bell Services and made our way to the TTC because we were headed to...Epcot! The TTC is such a quick walk from the Poly so we often walk there instead of taking the monorail and transferring.

Finally after bag check we were on the monorail to Epcot!

And then we were in Epcot!

We had an early event that day...a 10am Cheese seminar! Why not start the day off with some wine and cheese, right? This was held at that event space near Canada and UK. You kind of forget it's there sometimes as the gates are usually closed but because of the construction all the seminar-like events were held here during F&W.

We checked in and got our tickets then had to go to the back of the line that was forming as it was first-come-first-serve type seating. But it was fine and all events had enough seats for everyone and I wouldn't really say there is a bad seat (and I'm one of those people who like to sit in the back, inconspicuously, anyways).

There were a bunch of round tables and I think they sat about 8 people comfortably. We picked at table (in the back, LOL) and at each place setting there was the wine and cheese already set up.

We had two glasses of wine, a chardonnay and red wine, the bruciato. There were 4 cheeses and you can pair each with the different wines and take notes to see how they compare. The cheeses were from top L clockwise: a Delice de Bourgogne, a Tete de moine, an aged gouda and a blue cheese. Although I can't remember which pairing I liked the best, I'm sure I liked it all because you can't go wrong with cheese in my book. I especially like the soft cheeses. There was also a basket of crackers for the table and on each plate there was honeycomb and dried fruit for that touch of sweetness, yum!

There was a chef and a few speaker/entertainers who explained more about the wine and cheeses, it's nice and informative and since I am older now, I like events where I can just sit and eat.

Although after the event, which took around an hour, I was definitely feeling a little tipsy! I am not used to drinking so early!

Appleseed Orchard - Canada

We decided to walk around a bit and I remember my friend got a cute little apple thing over in Canada so we headed there. The Appleseed Orchard booth was indoors, and they were serving wine, ciders and popcorn so we tried a cider and I got a popcorn. I love how it is served in the red apple container! I love me some souvenir popcorn buckets.

BTW Honeycrisps apples are my absolute favorite!

I can't remember what cider this we got but I think it was Sea Dog Brewing Co. Green Apple Ale, Clearwater, FL. The popcorn has been flavored with a caramel and sweet apple glaze.

The popcorn was fine, I prefer salty to sweet popcorn but really I just wanted the apple! It's really cute and sits in my room right now. I think the cider was light and refreshing and a little tart.

There was also a free maple syrup tasting and we had fun with that. We liked the Kentucky bourbon barrel aged maple syrup the best. WE wanted to get a bottle but we realized we only brought carry-ons on this trip and we'd have to check it. So we'll probably try and get some online at some point.

Cheers!

I even got to meet Pooh!

We walked around a little, and we met up with our friend, Chunkydust, and we hopped over to Hollywood Studios for our first ride on the Skyliner! It was really exciting and really QUICK!! I felt like we shaved off half the time it usually takes to get to DHS on the friendship boats. While I love those boats for a nice Crescent Lake cruise, it's a little slow, especially when there is someplace you have to be. It did stop here and there for a few minutes but nothing that would cause us alarm (we hoped, LOL).

Holiday Decor at DHS! They did a wonderful job!

Oga's Cantina

At DHS and we headed straight to...Oga's Cantina! We went here during the previews in August and we wanted to check out a couple more drinks. I had an ADR for around 1pm and we were right on time.

I got the Fuzzy Tantaun because I liked it the last time. I didn't get the numbing feeling last time but I definitely got it today!

Steve got himself a Jet Juice - Maker's Mark Bourbon, Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur, Cedilla Açaí Liqueur, White Grape Juice, and Lemon Juice, as well as the Blue Milk, which at Oga's is served with an oatmeal cookie. It still tastes the same as the blue milk in the stands outside. I am not a fan of either.

Chunkydust had a The Outer Rim - Patrón Silver Tequila, Cedilla Açaí Liqueur, Lime Juice, Pure Cane Sugar, with Black Salt and Exotic Fruit Purée. Steve and I also shared one as a second drink and it was really good, probably another favorite from Oga's. If you like fruity margaritas with a twist, this one is definitely up your alley.

It was standing room only since there are very few booths, and we would have had to share anyways. It's a fun place to check out for first timers and to stop for a libation but I wouldn't make this a destination that I'd make another ADR for. It would be more fun to just casually stroll in and out when visiting GE.

We got a text that our room was ready at the Poly so we decided to head back and get all our stuff delivered. We'd see Chunkydust in a few days at Takumi Tei!

Here's our standard deluxe studio at the Poly:

'Ohana Dinner

We got our owner's locker as well as our luggage delivered and then we spent a few hours at the pool before it got a little chillier. We didn't have to stroll far for our dinner...Ohana! It's tradition for us, even though I really spend the majority of the time eating potstickers and noodles and really don't care for the meats that much. Steve loves it through! We try not to eat so much during the day when we come here since it's a huge amount of food and we need to get our money's worth lol.

We checked in and were seated almost right away. We started with the pineapple-coconut bread:

Which is always just ok in my book, not my favorite bread. Then we had the salad, which in recent years has gotten healthier. I don't mind as I actually like dark greens and dried cranberries although there doesnt' seem to be anything tropical about them.

Mixed Greens Salad with a Lilikoi dressing

And my favorite part, the appetizer platter:
Pork Dumplings tossed in Garlic-Ginger Sauce served with Peanut and Sweet-n-Sour Sauces, Honey-Coriander Chicken Wings, Teriyaki Noodles, and Stir-fried Vegetables.

I don't have pictures of the skewers sorry, they come so quickly and by then your hands are so dirty from the chicken wings, lol. But we were very happy with the copious amounts of food. But here's a pic of the famed dessert:

‘Ohana Bread Pudding à la mode
topped with Caramel Sauce and Bananas

I used to love this so much! Now I can just manage a few bites before it just gets too filling and too sweet. Must be that my tastes have changed with age, LOL. But still, those first few bites are delicious!

We ended the night with a trip to MK to see the holiday decor, catch some rides and watch Happily Ever After...which we saw from Fantasyland

We ended up watching the fireworks from Fantaasyland:

We rode IaSW, Dumbo and the Peoplemover!

They were also filming the Christmas special at MK that night so we got to see and hear Matthew Morrison (I think) perform.

We had a great first day at Disney! Can't wait for tomorrow when we go to one of our favorite food and wine events, the French Family Meal at Monsieur Paul. Stay tuned!​

 

[missjackiemcg]

Hi, Su-Lynn!!
What an awesome start to the trip! You've eaten so many tasty things already...mmmmmm, cheese and 'Ohana appetizer platter. I am now starving. Can't wait to read more about your foodie adventures!

 

[FantasiaMagic]

On this trip we ate/drank at:
'Ohana
Monsieur Paul
Takumi Tei
Oga's Cantina
Ale 'n Compass
Satuli Canteen
and lots of snacks from F&W and all around the World!

hope you'll stick around and get Chunky with us!

I'm here and very excited to read about all of the amazing food you both ate this Trip!

So if you're interested, our first night we usually arrive on a late flight after work and I don't really want to use my DVC points for a Friday night resort stay (which are higher than weeknights). With it being a pretty popular weekend, on-property resort rates were too expensive or just not available so we choose to stay at the Hyatt MCO which we book using a free night certificate we get from our Hyatt credit card. They just renovated the entire hotel and it's really nice now. We were upgraded to a mini suite which had a little sitting area and the room had 2 TVs!

This is such a great idea and definitely something I would consider in the future. It looks like a very nice room - awesome you guys got an upgrade!

We shared a platter and a few rolls.

Looks delicious, makes me want sushi right now lol.

There was a chef and a few speaker/entertainers who explained more about the wine and cheeses, it's nice and informative and since I am older now, I like events where I can just sit and eat.

The Cheese seminar sounded very nice. Is it difficult to get a spot for the seminar?

Your room at the Poly looked beautful and your Ohana dinner looked delicous. It's on my list of places to try one day!

I cannot think of a better way to end the night then being at MK and watching the fireworks! Perfection!

Looking forward to reading about everything else you ate this trip!

 

[armerida]

I love your Spaceship Earth ears - where did you find them?

 

[dolewhipandpixiedust]

I’m definitely missing Ohana right now! That bread pudding is to die for!

 

[DLo]

Popping over from your latest TR. Looking forward to reading more about your chunky adventures. I am , hopefully, going in Sept for F & W for the first time in a few years ( last couple of trips have been F&G) so looking forward to that part the most. I am hoping to try am event this trip - have never done one .

 

[disneyAndi14]

I want some potstickers right now! Yum
Great start to a dining report!

 

[franandaj]

Joining in! And yay! I finally made a first page on one of your reports! I'll be back to read later!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Thanks everyone for joining in!! Very excited to share!

OK at the risk of sounding like a total stalker I literally just finished reading one of your old reports and clicked back onto the current page and here you are! Can't wait to hear more. I am bored and I want to read about Disney and yummy food!!! Also that is a SUPER cute picture of you guys!

Aww that's so sweet, this is why I do trip reports! I love to share the magic. Thank you so much for reading!!

Looking forward to hearing about the food!!! I’m hoping to enjoy my second Food and a Wine Festival upcoming.

Thank you!! I love F&W Festival!!

Hi Su-Lynn,

Another secret fan coming out to say hi. I LOVE your Disney reports but actually a while back I realized that it was YOUR blog about Bali that pointed me to some great places in Bali -- including the Boneka Brunch. nomnoms.. Your not-chubby-hubby and sister-with-CUTEST-dress are such great sidekicks. Can't wait for this dining report!!

Thank you so much for reading and joining!
Oh man I LOVED Bali so much. It was an amazing trip. I'd love to return. That brunch was to die for!
Haha Steve will be glad to hear someone doesn't agree with his moniker and my sister is usually the best-dressed person at WDW. Can't mess with her perfectly curled hair!

Woo Hoo! So happy to see you're posting a dining review report again!

Thank you!! Glad you are here to indulge!!

Here!

Thank you for reading and welcome!

Hi, Su-Lynn!!
What an awesome start to the trip! You've eaten so many tasty things already...mmmmmm, cheese and 'Ohana appetizer platter. I am now starving. Can't wait to read more about your foodie adventures!

Hi Jackie! Thanks for joining here too! I am apparently on a DISboards roll right now.
I guess it only makes sense since I miss it so much and I'm finally out of the denial/depression phase LOL.

 

[chunkymonkey]

I'm here and very excited to read about all of the amazing food you both ate this Trip!

Thank you for joining! WElcome!

This is such a great idea and definitely something I would consider in the future. It looks like a very nice room - awesome you guys got an upgrade!

It's actually really nice to be able to just walk straight from your gate to the fake-o-rail to the hotel. I definitely feel less tired in the morning!

Looks delicious, makes me want sushi right now lol.

Me too! I can't get any good sushi near me so I'm bummed.

The Cheese seminar sounded very nice. Is it difficult to get a spot for the seminar?

They have quite a few offerings during the festival so it's not too hard as long as you can book it when they announce them. If I'm not mistake I think I booked this online, however some of the other events I had to book via phone.

Your room at the Poly looked beautful and your Ohana dinner looked delicous. It's on my list of places to try one day!

I love me some Ohana! And the Poly DVC rooms are nice because they have the 2 split bathrooms!

I cannot think of a better way to end the night then being at MK and watching the fireworks! Perfection!

I LOVE MK at night!

Looking forward to reading about everything else you ate this trip!

Thank you!

I love your Spaceship Earth ears - where did you find them?

Thanks! They are from AlohaEarsDesign.com and they are interchangeable. I don't wear ears often because I find them a pain to carry but this makes it so much easier!

I’m definitely missing Ohana right now! That bread pudding is to die for!

Seriously. The best!

Popping over from your latest TR. Looking forward to reading more about your chunky adventures. I am , hopefully, going in Sept for F & W for the first time in a few years ( last couple of trips have been F&G) so looking forward to that part the most. I am hoping to try am event this trip - have never done one .

Thank you for joining!! I really hope you do get there for F&W, I have a trip booked too in November. I hope we can still make it, but I feel like Disney (and the rest of the world) will be very different...

I want some potstickers right now! Yum
Great start to a dining report!

Mmm I think I will make some tonight! Just frozen ones but better than nothing!

Joining in! And yay! I finally made a first page on one of your reports! I'll be back to read later!

YAY!! Welcome!

 

[Pesky]

Always love your TRs and loooooove your dining report! I always seem to remember vacations by the food so this speaks directly to my stomach.

 

[TwoLittlePrincesses]

Yum Ohana!! I love the appetizers and don’t really care for the meat as well. The drinks at Oga’s look really good. We have an ADR there for our August trip (which I am really hoping happens!!). Looking forward to following along on your foodie adventures!

 

[Raeven]

Following along!