"Golden Corral was our best meal" says my Sister. 8 days of yum for us, not them!

[JAMIESMITH]

I'm in! I've never been to California Grille, but it looks amazing!!!

 

[MeridaLove]

Ohhhhh I am so in! Our 2009 trip with my Mom, Dad and niece and nephew was almost the first ever mass murder in Disneyworld history....I feel ya Sister!!

 

[emksmama]

Love your report so far!!! California Grill looks amazing...definitely something for us to try on a future trip.

I've only been thrilled to eat at Golden Corral one time in my life, and that was after DH and I went to a NASCAR race in Bristol TN and were starving hungry afterwards. Finally came to a small town on the way back to our hotel and the only restaurant there was Golden Corral. That was over 10 years ago, and I haven't wanted to go back since!

Looking forward to more reviews and pictures to help me plan our ADR's!

 

[Niki Andiokno]

Love your Cali Grill review. I really want to go back there. Have not been in over 10 years. My DH is in agreement with your in-laws that this is not his favorite place. Unlike your in-laws though, he is into good gourmet Disney food. He just prefers Bluezoo, Il Mulino, Jiko and Flying Fish.

Golden Corral is very good (for what it is) near the Premium Outlet mall. We go there about every 5 years or so. DO NOT go to ones on I-Drive. So horrible. I don't think any compare to Disney food. I can't wait to hear more about your trip.

 

[daisymomof4]

Hi ya, I'm going to follow along too

You are off to a great start. Your CG dinner looks amazing.

Looking forward to reading more!

 

[PeanutButterMom]

I'm not one to sub to dining reviews, but I'm hooked so far

 

[dsnygirl2006]

subbing

 

[BOG Obsessed]

What a wonderful dinner at California Grill.
I'm with you on the complaining. I planned dinner for O'hana for Christmas Day dinner and my DH's niece who's 17 complained the entire time. I spent a lot of time planning the ADR's for the trip. I was so angry for ruining my dinner complaining that she had to get up and leave due to my nasty response.

Looking forward to your dining reviews.

 

[huggiebear23]

I scheduled a 9:30 Dinner reservation for our arrival night at Cali Grill thinking it would immerse my Hubby, Sis and BIL into a magical Disney mode. Checked in without incident, as I have been here before and knew where to go and what not. I have NOT been here since the renovations took place so I was quite excited to check out the changes. I love the feel of the Contemporary. One day, I will stay there. There is just something classic about it that I never thought I'd be drawn to, especially prior to visiting this resort. Anyway, 5 minutes after being handed the pager it was buzzing and we were escorted to the elevator up to the restaurant. I immediately noticed the changes and loved what I was seeing! We were seated in a booth in the corner right by the doors to the viewing area, a nice view and the table was covered with Mickey confetti Sure seemed like the start to a PERFECT vacation! http://s294.photobucket.com/user/lilandvisma/media/SANY0049_zpsd0e8eed4.jpg.html Our waiter was THE BEST. I cannot remember his name for the life of me but he was SO patient with the BIL and Sis with all of their "issues" and questions on the food. He really did everything to make it all perfect. Very personal and friendly. It was a 4 letter name, something simple and durrrgh I just can't recall it right now. I remember him saying he was the only one there with that name lol. I will mention it once I find our original receipt because he was just incredible! The inside of this place was just beautiful. Doesn't feel congested at all, and the view is just amazing! http://s294.photobucket.com/user/lilandvisma/media/SANY0056_zps4847d681.jpg.html http://s294.photobucket.com/user/lilandvisma/media/SANY0052_zpsb62b24f0.jpg.html Bread service was SO YUMMY! As was my adult beverage that the waiter recommended to me I told him something girly and something sweet! He hit this one on the nail. All I know is that I sipped little by little throughout the dinner because it was STRONG. Good though! http://s294.photobucket.com/user/lilandvisma/media/SANY0061_zps946b708c.jpg.html We had two different types of bread served with room temperature butter topped with a lavender leaf...sprig...?? lol one of these two is right! Whole-Grain Sourdough Rolls and Focaccia, featuring California Lavender. Both were yummy. The sourdoughs were crusty and slightly hard on the outside by warm and soft on the inside. These were good but once I tried the Focaccia they paled in comparison. O.M.G. I love this type of bread but these were SOOO SOOO good. Soft, light and airy. Fresh, warm and coupled with the butter and a lil bit o salt these were MAGIC. They just about melted in my mouth. Everyone enjoyed the bread service here....except...yah, you guessed it. Sis and BIL did not like either. However they still ate both. They complained that the sourdoughs were much too hard and that the focaccia bread tasted funny. SMH. We did manage to get a picture taken of us before our orders were placed. Hubby and I knew almost immediately what we were going to order. BIL and SIS were still figuring things out. Anyway, here we are http://s294.photobucket.com/user/lilandvisma/media/Mobile Uploads/IMAG8379_zpsbffc977c.jpg.html DH would kill me lol but IDC. The fireworks were just about to start when we placed our orders. DH and I ordered the Seared Jumbo Scallops with Grits. Sis ordered the Pork Tenderloin with Polenta and BIL had the Filet with Risotto on the side. After our orders were placed, the lights soon dimmed and WISHES started !!! Sigh....a part of me still couldn't believe we were really here! You just can't beat the view.... http://s294.photobucket.com/user/lilandvisma/media/SANY0067_zpsebb78db8.jpg.html Soon after wishes was done and my tears were shed ...Dinner was served. WOW. http://s294.photobucket.com/user/lilandvisma/media/Mobile Uploads/IMAG8385_zps6235dcc0.jpg.html Now, I'm going to be brutally honest with you guys. This was one of the BEST things I have ever put in my mouth. DH agreed. The flavors and all of the components of this dish were just incredible. Everything worked beautifully. The scallops were seared perfectly, just a lil bit of crisp on the outside and the insides were juicy, soft ...magic in your mouth GOOD! The grits were full of flavor, okra was a great surprise as its one of my FAVORITES! Cooked to perfection. The sauce was bursting with flavor. This was one of those dinners that you just don't forget about... It was rich and very filling. We have spoke about this many times since our visit! Sis was clearly not happy with her choice in dinner. She had a list full of complaints but hers was beautifully presented and equally as flavorful and fresh. I've had this dish before and it was just as YUMMY as I remembered it. DH tried it as well and agreed, this was another winner in our book. NOT in hers though. She wasn't impressed with the polenta and said it looked gross. The pork she said was too rare for her so I suggested she tell them she'd like it cooked more. She wouldn't of course, because I'm thinking she'd rather complain?? Anyways...She was not happy and refused to even try our dish or her polenta! W/E we were in heaven with our own dish at this point. Her dish was done perfectly...as you all can see... http://s294.photobucket.com/user/lilandvisma/media/Mobile Uploads/IMAG8386_zpsa123e1bd.jpg.html BIL wasn't complaining as much as the SIS. He enjoyed his filet, though complained about the size of it. He tried the risotto and said it was nasty. I believe he had that on the side per his own request...and maybe a sauce on the side as well but I cannot recall. I tried the risotto and it was creamy, fresh and very tomato-ee. It was good, but the tomato taste was fairly overpowering IMO. Cooked perfectly however. His filet was perfect. So much so that my Sis requested to eat some of his. Neither were too impressed with dinner at this point though. http://s294.photobucket.com/user/lilandvisma/media/Mobile Uploads/IMAG8387_zpsb065bb2b.jpg.html So far everything had been perfect in our opinion. Dessert was most certainly on our to do list! BIL and SIS ordered the Chocolate pudding cake with Nutella filling, housemade meringue kisses and marshmallows, and mint Chantilly cream and DH and I were brought out a SURPRISE Creme Brulee. I'm pretty sure this was one of the few things the Sis and BIL didn't complain about. Oh wait, no they did. They had to pay for theirs and ours was complementary. Gasp. Like, we seriously heard about that the entire night afterwards! How they should have gotten a free dessert as well. I didn't ask for it woman LOL. I was thrilled to have gotten it for free though, don't get me wrong Maybe the waiter felt sorry for us , who knows lol. Anyway....the desserts... http://s294.photobucket.com/user/lilandvisma/media/SANY0072_zps06ed3830.jpg.html http://s294.photobucket.com/user/lilandvisma/media/SANY0073_zps5e0ddb83.jpg.html DH had never had Creme brulee before this. He fell in love. This is a love affair I had been having for many years and I fell in love all over again with their version. Just perfect. The sugar on top was done perfectly, a nice layer coated on top of the creamy perfection inside. Rich, thick, custardy and just enough sweetness.....the chocolate kind of sunk into the cream and paired wonderfully with it. I am a dessert person. DH is not. He finished this one off willingly and still talks about how fabulous it was. I must agree. Just perfect! I tried a small bite of the BIL and Sisters dessert and it was rich and decadent. Smooth and chocolatey...definitely yummmm but not as great as ours IMO. Ya know, only cuz ours was free... J/K California Grill is a MUST DO for us. I LOVE this place, everything from the food to the service to the added bonuses i.e. wishes is top notch. I love the changes they have made and will return during our next visit. This was hands down our best meal of the trip. 5/5 rating. A beautiful evening was had for sure. DH agrees that this was also his favorite meal of the trip. We enjoyed ourselves and spent an evening together that we will cherish forever If you are contemplating whether to do it or not....DO IT. It will not disappoint. http://s294.photobucket.com/user/lilandvisma/media/SANY0075_zpsb99165f2.jpg.html

Yay!! You got me even more excited for my upcoming ADR in august with the kids. And Creme Brulle'!! Woo Hoo!! You have totally changed my mind on what to get. I was gonna get the filet but the scallops look amazing!! Sorry your Bil and sister didn't like there meal.. Seems like they won't like anything..

 

[KimberlyE]

Subbing

 

[jakenjess]

We'll be at Cali Grill in a couple of weeks -- yay!! All your food pictures look so yummy!

 

[ciera321]

We love CG, and are looking forward to our visit in May. Thanks for your great review! You know, I don't think anything would have made your Sis and BIL happy.

 

[Smiling Cheshire Cat]

So glad you can recommend the scallop dish at CG. I would love to try it someday.

I've had both the pork and the filet at Cali Grill and found them both delicious.

Looking forward to hearing more...

 

[poohangel]

Never been to Cali Grill, but your meals looked delish. Sorry they didn't enjoy it.

 

[lilandvisma]

I'm in! I've never been to California Grille, but it looks amazing!!!

It is amazing! A must DO!

Ohhhhh I am so in! Our 2009 trip with my Mom, Dad and niece and nephew was almost the first ever mass murder in Disneyworld history....I feel ya Sister!!

Oh wow LOL ours didn't end too great! The car ride home was loads of fun!

Love your report so far!!! California Grill looks amazing...definitely something for us to try on a future trip.

I've only been thrilled to eat at Golden Corral one time in my life, and that was after DH and I went to a NASCAR race in Bristol TN and were starving hungry afterwards. Finally came to a small town on the way back to our hotel and the only restaurant there was Golden Corral. That was over 10 years ago, and I haven't wanted to go back since!

Looking forward to more reviews and pictures to help me plan our ADR's!

You have to try California Grill! We love it. Golden Corral has never made me want to return either. No point of eating unless the food is good in my opinion!

Love your Cali Grill review. I really want to go back there. Have not been in over 10 years. My DH is in agreement with your in-laws that this is not his favorite place. Unlike your in-laws though, he is into good gourmet Disney food. He just prefers Bluezoo, Il Mulino, Jiko and Flying Fish.

Golden Corral is very good (for what it is) near the Premium Outlet mall. We go there about every 5 years or so. DO NOT go to ones on I-Drive. So horrible. I don't think any compare to Disney food. I can't wait to hear more about your trip.

Well give it a try as lots has changed in 10 years I'm sure We ate at Bluezoo this trip as well. I've never been impressed with Jiko though. Sanaa on the other hand....

Hi ya, I'm going to follow along too

You are off to a great start. Your CG dinner looks amazing.

Looking forward to reading more!

Welcome!!! Dinner was amazing at CG!

 

[lilandvisma]

I'm not one to sub to dining reviews, but I'm hooked so far

Good! Thanks

subbing

Welcome!

What a wonderful dinner at California Grill.
I'm with you on the complaining. I planned dinner for O'hana for Christmas Day dinner and my DH's niece who's 17 complained the entire time. I spent a lot of time planning the ADR's for the trip. I was so angry for ruining my dinner complaining that she had to get up and leave due to my nasty response.

Looking forward to your dining reviews.

They just don't get what it takes to plan this greatly!Sorry to hear about your Chirstmas dinner Never, ever, ever again. Only DH and the kiddies from now on. Thanks for joining in!

Yay!! You got me even more excited for my upcoming ADR in august with the kids. And Creme Brulle'!! Woo Hoo!! You have totally changed my mind on what to get. I was gonna get the filet but the scallops look amazing!! Sorry your Bil and sister didn't like there meal.. Seems like they won't like anything..

My kids have been to CG before and loved it as well. The Creme Brulee was amazing, believe me! I've had the filet and scallops....i'd go for the scallops if I'd have to choose again! And you are right, they even complain about what they consider "normal and good" food LOL.

Subbing

We'll be at Cali Grill in a couple of weeks -- yay!! All your food pictures look so yummy!

You are in for a treat!!!

We love CG, and are looking forward to our visit in May. Thanks for your great review! You know, I don't think anything would have made your Sis and BIL happy.

Nope, probably not!

So glad you can recommend the scallop dish at CG. I would love to try it someday.

I've had both the pork and the filet at Cali Grill and found them both delicious.

Looking forward to hearing more...

Everything is yummy there...but that scallop dish was to DIE FOR!

Never been to Cali Grill, but your meals looked delish. Sorry they didn't enjoy it.

We sure did though !!

 

[lilandvisma]

Ok, I forgot about our little breakfast at POP prior to us starting our MK park day so I'll have to go through and edit our line up on the first page

Now, I'm one of those wake up at dawn types when at WDW and had warned the people I was traveling with about this. Both DH and I woke up and decided to grab some breakfast that morning and tried to tell the BIL about it. They both decided to not have breakfast, the Sister was still in bed as well. BIL decided to get coffee last minute and followed us down.

I asked him if he wanted to grab some breakfast he said no, just coffee. I showed him where to go and what to do and that was that. Or so I thought. I knew that I wanted Mickey waffles so we decided to split the kids waffle meal with fruit, turkey bacon and sausage and a milk. Waffles were HOT, fluffy and fresh. The fruit was cold and fresh, turkey bacon was actually pretty good and DH had the sausage. I don't do sausage. No complaints from either of us on our little breakfast this morning Notice the syrup packets....lol Im pretty sure I had maple syrup with a mickey waffle on the side !! Love my sweets




It was a cheap way to start the day and it was tasty so ALL WAS GOOD

By the time we walked back to the hotel room they were still in bed so we decided to walk around and snap some pics of the resort. It was cool to see AoA, since the last time I was there it was just building up ! I should mention that DH has NEVER been to WDW before, so this was all new to him. He thought it was a clever idea but thinks the AoA Nemo rooms are better

By the time we got back from our little walk BIL and sis were sitting outside the room while he was smoking. I'm not sure if thats even allowed outside the rooms? Not that he'd listen to us if we told him otherwise...DH found a cig butt in the toilet after our breakfast as well which means he lit up in the bathroom as well which had me flaming because it was MY debit card that booked this hotel...

Anyhow, sorry...me and my squirrel moments....LOL

They weren't happy with us because we ate without them even though we asked if they were going to go and they wouldn't get up. It was probably about 11:30 at this point and I just wanted to get into the parks! Time is money and I'm not into wasting half of our days by sleeping.

We eventually checked out of POP and headed over to the MK. Mid day. On a Sunday. Should be FABULOUS.

 

[auntfrannie]

Oh my. I would not be happy about getting such a late start into the parks. Like you, I'm a morning person and like to do rope drop.

Look at the bright side, if they had such a miserable time you won't have to worry about ever vacationing with them at Disney again!

 

[huggiebear23]

Ok, I forgot about our little breakfast at POP prior to us starting our MK park day so I'll have to go through and edit our line up on the first page Now, I'm one of those wake up at dawn types when at WDW and had warned the people I was traveling with about this. Both DH and I woke up and decided to grab some breakfast that morning and tried to tell the BIL about it. They both decided to not have breakfast, the Sister was still in bed as well. BIL decided to get coffee last minute and followed us down. I asked him if he wanted to grab some breakfast he said no, just coffee. I showed him where to go and what to do and that was that. Or so I thought. I knew that I wanted Mickey waffles so we decided to split the kids waffle meal with fruit, turkey bacon and sausage and a milk. Waffles were HOT, fluffy and fresh. The fruit was cold and fresh, turkey bacon was actually pretty good and DH had the sausage. I don't do sausage. No complaints from either of us on our little breakfast this morning Notice the syrup packets....lol Im pretty sure I had maple syrup with a mickey waffle on the side !! Love my sweets http://s294.photobucket.com/user/lilandvisma/media/SANY0076_zps7b3e9210.jpg.html It was a cheap way to start the day and it was tasty so ALL WAS GOOD By the time we walked back to the hotel room they were still in bed so we decided to walk around and snap some pics of the resort. It was cool to see AoA, since the last time I was there it was just building up ! I should mention that DH has NEVER been to WDW before, so this was all new to him. He thought it was a clever idea but thinks the AoA Nemo rooms are better By the time we got back from our little walk BIL and sis were sitting outside the room while he was smoking. I'm not sure if thats even allowed outside the rooms? Not that he'd listen to us if we told him otherwise...DH found a cig butt in the toilet after our breakfast as well which means he lit up in the bathroom as well which had me flaming because it was MY debit card that booked this hotel... Anyhow, sorry...me and my squirrel moments....LOL They weren't happy with us because we ate without them even though we asked if they were going to go and they wouldn't get up. It was probably about 11:30 at this point and I just wanted to get into the parks! Time is money and I'm not into wasting half of our days by sleeping. We eventually checked out of POP and headed over to the MK. Mid day. On a Sunday. Should be FABULOUS.

First off, that was rude to smoke in rooms, and also your card could have been charged. It's apparent that they do not care. I'm sorry for that. It seems like they didn't even want to go on the trip. Debbie downers.. secondly, yum Mickey waffle. We always stay at Pop. (Probably because I know it like the back of my hand) we have always loved the good court. I too always get up early on vacation. Never want to miss a Disney moment.

 

[PoohsFan1]

First of all, I am so glad to hear that your Cali Grill experience is the best (loved the pictures). We have a favorite waiter there that we make sure to see when we go. His name is Walt (not a hard name to forget ). Their service there is awesome and after seeing your scallops, I know what I am going to get the next time we are there .

As for the next morning, well all I can say is WOW!!!! I can't believe that your BIL smoked outside of his room, you could of been charged for that. And then to go and smoke in the bathroom???? How rude....sorry OP, I'm just ranting a bit. I hope your MK day will put the magic in your Sis and BIL that they so desperately need .