Gone But Not Forgotten – My Family's 10 Days of DDP (with Pictures!) - Updated 4/7

[IckyMickey]

Since I'm so behind and so many people love to see the Mushroom Filet from LeCellier year, I'll post last years picture of items we didn't order this trip to say I'm sorry!

Le Cellier Mushroom Filet Mignon - with wild mushroom risotto, white truffle and herb butter sauce:

Last year's Coffee-rubbed Kansas City Strip Steak - with hazelnut butter and cream cheese mashed potatoes Mmmmmmmmm.
I just saw my mom still has her lovely fanny pack on.

My step-dad ordered this. Doesn't it look tiny compared to my mom's Kansas City Strip? He certainly thought so and she wasn't sharing!
New York Strip Steak - topped with bercy butter and served with Gruyere Yukon Gold Potato Gratin

Here's this year's New York Strip Steak. Doesn't it look a lot bigger?

The sour apple freeze. Quite delish!

Chocolate "Moose" - Chocolate Mousse rolled in Toasted Chocolate Crumbs with Maple Leaf Antlers

Chocolate on Chocolate Whiskey Cake - finished with Honey-Thyme Anglaise and a Chocolate-Vanilla Walnut Sauce. Poor DH missed it this year. My mouth is watering just looking at it!

Kid's Make Your Own Sundae.

That's all for tonight!

 

[RachChamb]

Mmmm!! I'm not much of a steak eater, but ever since reading about that coffee rubbed steak, I've wanted it!! I just may have to order that!!

 

[KatMark]

In my humble opinion, that Chocolate on Chocolate Whiskey Cake is the best dessert at Disney. I am with you...my mouth is watering just looking at it.

 

[lindsayp]

i wasnt wow'd by the description of the cake when i read it on the menu but that sure looks delish!!

 

[IckyMickey]

While DS13 was doing his Kim Possible adventure in Japan (I learned about that on the DIS too,) DS7 decided to have a Kaki Gori. I am amazed that this shaved ice is so soft and the flavor doesn’t disappear. The snow cones I had growing up were sharp and hard plus there was never a lot of flavor/juice. These are completely opposite and so not what I expect every year!

DS7 chose the Melon Kaki-Gori – You can choose between strawberry, honeydew melon, tangerine, or rainbow (all three flavors). I have no idea why DS7 chose Melon, but he liked it!

1 Snack Credit Used
Total cost covered by DDP $3.28


Here are pictures of the rainbow Kaki Gori’s from the previous year. Yummy!

I also had a Grey Goose Citron Lemonade Slush OOP - $9.00. It was very refreshing and I had quite a few people ask what I was drinking as I walked over to the family. I could go for one of those right now!

I am surprised we didn’t have more snacks that day, but we did have a big lunch and 5:05 ADR’s for LeCellier. We walked into the Boulangerie Patisserie just to look around –(we weren’t the only ones just browsing.) Everything looked wonderful and I wish I had room to try some of it.

Since we had no more snacks today, I’ll show you some from last year. These all came from the Kringla Bakeri in Norway and we took them back to the hotel for breakfast the next day. They did get tossed around a bit in the bag so they did look more appealing in the case at the bakery than in the hotel the next morning.

School Bread 1 Snack Credit - $1.99 Cream & coconut – yummy!

Sweet Pretzel - $4.29 DS13 really enjoyed this!

Cinnamon Roll - $1.99 DS7 managed to eat most of this for breakfast!

Yeah, Day 4 is finally done! Day 5 starts with Tusker House for breakfast, has some pool drinks and Yak & Yeti for dinner. I will start on that tomorrow!

 

[coconutsunshine]

Joining in!!! Ice cream sandwiches are my all time favorite snack-I average about 3 per visit! You can mix cookies at the main street bakery so we always get one chocolate chip and one sugar. You can also get them in Dinoland at AK sooo good on a warm day and at Sleepy Hollow in MK -- If anyone has found a place at either Epcot or DHS I would love to know about it!!!

Can't wait for more

 

[lindsayp]

great review! i had the melon slush last june. I liked it but after a while the flavor got a little to sickly sweet haha maybe too much syrup on it!

 

[hJOYh]

Love the report...you have totally inspired me to try Starring Rolls!

 

[martinolichfamily]

looking forward to your Tusker House review as we have a ressie there. First time to eat there!

 

[IckyMickey]

Mmmm!! I'm not much of a steak eater, but ever since reading about that coffee rubbed steak, I've wanted it!! I just may have to order that!!

Coffee rubbed Kansas City Steak =

In my humble opinion, that Chocolate on Chocolate Whiskey Cake is the best dessert at Disney. I am with you...my mouth is watering just looking at it.

My mouth waters every time I look at the picture! I'm making a Nestle Tollhouse pie just to have some warm chocolate.

i wasnt wow'd by the description of the cake when i read it on the menu but that sure looks delish!!

You know, the whiskey part throws me off, but it looks and tastes wonderful!

Joining in!!! Ice cream sandwiches are my all time favorite snack-I average about 3 per visit! You can mix cookies at the main street bakery so we always get one chocolate chip and one sugar. You can also get them in Dinoland at AK sooo good on a warm day and at Sleepy Hollow in MK -- If anyone has found a place at either Epcot or DHS I would love to know about it!!!

Can't wait for more

Thanks! Finally I know where in AK and I didn't know about Sleepy Hollow at all.

great review! i had the melon slush last june. I liked it but after a while the flavor got a little to sickly sweet haha maybe too much syrup on it!

DS7 didn't finish all of his. That is a big scoop and I can see where one flavor would just be too much. I wish he would have ordered the rainbow, but I helped him finish it anyways!

Love the report...you have totally inspired me to try Starring Rolls!

Now that I'm pushing Starring Rolls, just make sure to get there earlier. I'd hate for you to stand in a long line.

looking forward to your Tusker House review as we have a ressie there. First time to eat there!

It's almost ready...

 

[IckyMickey]

Paying around $90 for breakfast is hard for me. I can be a bit frugal (if you hadn’t guessed) and like to get my moneys worth. I can do a lot with $100 besides eating breakfast, but I really wanted to get into the park early and see what all the excitement was about. Everyone’s reviews sounded so good and I don’t know when we’ll be returning to WDW so I was ready to splurge on vacation.

I was able to get an 8:15 am ADR for Tusker House. We made good time to the park and went through the line on the right side of the entrance that checked your name before letting you in early. We actually arrived at AK a little before 8:00 am and arrived at Tusker House right around 8:00 am. We did the customary picture in front of the Tree of Life with the boys:


As we were early, I thought we’d have to wait, but we were checked in and directed to the line for the family picture with Donald. I hadn’t realized that we would only be seeing Donald then and was disappointed when I asked later. We ended up buying the picture package for $31.90 total. I have to say, it was a good picture of the 4 of us and that doesn’t happy often!

We were seated immediately after the picture at a corner table which made for difficult pictures. Not only was I the one in the corner, but all my pictures had what I thought was sun glare. Looking at the pictures now, it looks like a spot light was shining right at me! Boy, looking at that glare makes me unhappy again – especially if I could have done something about it! Anyways, there were a lot of larger parties there that morning but the restaurant didn’t seem overly crowded. Cathy was our waitress and did a good job with our drinks.

Here are some character pictures – it was only Mickey, Goofy & Daisy. See the glare?








Alright, onto the food. I was able to take pictures of some of the areas as it wasn’t crowded when we got there. I didn’t do the entire buffet though as it was a bit embarrassing. Of course, table pictures are no problem. Sorry about the pictures, I guess my camera was having a bad day.


Eggs, sausage patties, bacon, potatoes, and Mickey waffles:


Vegetable Frittata, Ham and Cheese Frittata, Beef Bobtie Quiche


Fresh Fruit


Chocolate covered Donuts, Croissants, Glazed Donuts


Cottage Cheese, Hard Boiled Eggs, Yogurt, Toppings


Scrambled Eggs, Tater Tots, Cheesy Scrambled Eggs


Now onto our plates:

DS13’s plate. Holy cow that boy was hungry! DS13 was reviewing my thread and pointed to the donut and said "yum." Typical boy. I then asked how he liked everything else and he responded "I loved it all."
Donut, biscuit, scrambled eggs, ham, sausage patties, bacon, Mickey waffle.


DH's Plate: Blintz, chocolate croissant, fruit bread w/butter, tater tots, bacon and scrambled eggs.


My plate: Chocolate croissant , sweet potatoe casserole - not bad, ham, tater tots, potato, ham and cheese fritatta - yummy!


DS7’s plate.


I have no idea whose 2nd plate this is. DS13 says it's mine. I'm thinking he's probably right. Now, blintzes are my FAVORITE (along with those chocolate croissants.) I was disappointed that the blitzes are only on the right side of the buffet and tucked back in the corner. I had no idea as we were on the left side of the restaurant. I just happened to walk over that way when I saw them - and let out a happy gasp! They were yummy but I wish they had a fruit compote on them.


I should have paid more attention to how to eat this. I put brown sugar in it and that just wasn't right. Apparently brown sugar doesn't make everything taste better.


So, after all the great talk about Tusker House and the amazing pictures that other DIS’rs posted, I am very glad I went. But, I don’t think we’ll be returning on the regular DDP or paying OOP. If we ever did the deluxe, then it would certainly be a yes. The limited characters and to me the items on the buffet just didn’t wow me and there are other restaurants to try. Of course, I think everyone should try it for themselves and it deserves at least one visit by everyone!


ADR time: 8:15 am
Seating at: 8:00 am
1st Bill time: 8:30 am (she knew we wanted to get out in time for the park opening)
Completed Bill: 8:43 am
Out of the restaurant by: 8:50 am

We were also going to the Crystal Palace and ‘Ohanas for breakfast and I thought that this would be the cheapest of the 3 breakfasts we were doing so we were going to pay OOP for it. Although we told our server we were paying for it OOP, she originally charged it to the DDP (8:32 am) and it was corrected and the transaction was completed by 8:43 am.

What I’m amazed at and disappointed at in hindsight is that Tusker House was the most expensive of the 3 breakfasts! Adults were $24.99 and Kids $13.99 and then if you were on the DDP they added an additional 3% service charge (that we wouldn't have been responsible for.)

The DDP total would have came to $97.42

Our OOP total came to: 94.75 and that was without tip.


Here’s a comparison of all three for the week of Thanksgiving. We weren’t charged a surcharge for CP or ‘Ohanas. Interesting.

Tusker House: $94.75 (adult $24.99)
Crystal Palace: $87.29 (adult $22.99)
‘Ohanas: $87.29 (adult $22.99)

 

[martinolichfamily]

Good review. We are going to be trying it for the 1st time in July....I thought Donald was also one of the characters walking around... boo! Although DD is happy that Daisy will be there!

Food looks good! Can't wait to try those blintzes & chocolate croissants!

We are also trying Crystal Palace & O'hanas for breakfast! Firsts for those too!

Can't wait to read more!!


wondering about that surcharge.....???????????

 

[PaulaSB12]

I have booked an adr for Ohana because of the pictures!!!!

 

[IckyMickey]

Good review. We are going to be trying it for the 1st time in July....I thought Donald was also one of the characters walking around... boo! Although DD is happy that Daisy will be there!

Food looks good! Can't wait to try those blintzes & chocolate croissants!

We are also trying Crystal Palace & O'hanas for breakfast! Firsts for those too!

Can't wait to read more!!


wondering about that surcharge.....???????????

I read on another thread that they hadn't heard about Donald only being available for the family picture. They were looking for someone more recent but back at Thanksgiving, Donald was only available for that picture. I did see someone ask a CM to take a family picture with their camera.

I was really excited to do this breakfast and I'm glad you are too! The food was really good, but in hindsight, character buffets takes a lot out of a parent. You have to have the autograph book(s) ready, camera ready, wait for the characters so you don't miss them, take pictures, pose the kids, run up to the buffet, eat, wait, prepare for the next one ... That's a lot of work which is probably when I'm not as excited to return.

Of course, frugally speaking, we can pay $20 more and go to 'Ohanas or Kona's for dinner and have some really amazing food. So as I said, if we ever do the deluxe, we would definitely go again, but not OOP and not with the regular DDP - too many other restaurants still to try!

I have booked an adr for Ohana because of the pictures!!!!

Sounds like a fantastic choice to me! Yummy!!!!

 

[martinolichfamily]

I read on another thread that they hadn't heard about Donald only being available for the family picture. They were looking for someone more recent but back at Thanksgiving, Donald was only available for that picture. I did see someone ask a CM to take a family picture with their camera.

I was really excited to do this breakfast and I'm glad you are too! The food was really good, but in hindsight, character buffets takes a lot out of a parent. You have to have the autograph book(s) ready, camera ready, wait for the characters so you don't miss them, take pictures, pose the kids, run up to the buffet, eat, wait, prepare for the next one ... That's a lot of work which is probably when I'm not as excited to return.

Of course, frugally speaking, we can pay $20 more and go to 'Ohanas or Kona's for dinner and have some really amazing food. So as I said, if we ever do the deluxe, we would definitely go again, but not OOP and not with the regular DDP - too many other restaurants still to try!

We are going to be on DxDP so we are doing alot of the character buffets and other TS that we normally wouldn't eat at if we were paying OOP.

 

[IckyMickey]

Since I do love Excel, I thought I’d start breaking down the DDP to see the value.

We were fortunate to receive Free Dining with the Disney VISA. Even if we hadn’t, we would have still bought the regular DDP. We love the DDP!

Here’s the cost of the DDP:

3 Adults - $38.99 x 10 days x 3 = $1169.70 + 6.5% tax = $1245.73
1 Child - $12.99 x 10 days x 1 = $129.90 + 6.5% tax = $ 138.34
. Total $1384.07

So to break even daily we need $1384.07 / 10 days = $138.41

Can we do it? YES, WE CAN!

Hmmm.

Alright, No we can't. Put the chart in this thread, that is. It won't let me space apart the chart, so I'll put it in but put lots of ... in it to space it. Geez, these dots are going to make me dizzy!

........................................................Daily............Trip.............Balance of
............ Snacks......CS...........TS...........Total...........Total..........DDP
Day 1........00.00.......50.59........107.53......158.12........158.12........1225.95.......No snacks, CS - Pizzafari, TS - 'Ohanas
Day 2........20.67.......61.81........119.24......201.72........359.84........1024.23.......Snacks - 2 Dole Whips, 2 pretzels, 1 Mickey bar, CS - Cosmic R, TS - CM's
Day 3.........9.04........46.67.......118.18......173.89........533.73...........850.34......Snacks - Chocolate eclair, soda, popcorn, CS - Starring Rolls & PP, TS - MM's
Day 4.........3.49........57.03.......167.93.......228.45.......762.18...........621.89......Snacks - Kaki Gori, CS - Tangeriene Cafe, TS - LeCellier

 

[pooch]

I'm just here for the pictures!!! Seriously, DD and I aren't going to most of the places you've reviewed but the pictures of your sons bring tears to my eyes. Although DD (25) and I go down every year now, my favorite vacation was in 1999 when she was 14 and DS was 8. Not that they didn't normally love each other, actually pretty close, but the way they enjoyed each other's company at WDW was almost unbelievable to watch. They happily did everything together, big sister not being one bit too big to do kid stuff with little brother and little brother, with not a fear bone in his body, keeping up with her ride for ride.

Your sons remind me of that special vacation. Thanks for the memories!!! (and the food pictures ain't bad either!!!)

 

[DisOrBust]

Another Wisconsinite checking in!!


WE loves the Char on the steaks at Flying fish and I have found a great rendition at Sendiks by the meat counter. Its the Hickory Char rub. Brings back memories every time I've used it!

As far the Coffee rub here is a recipe from Bobby Flay that I'll have to try. If anyone tries it Please post your thoughts!!

Ingredients
Coffee Rub:

* 1/4 cup ancho chili powder
* 1/4 cup finely ground espresso
* 2 tablespoons Spanish paprika
* 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon dry mustard
* 1 tablespoon kosher salt
* 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
* 1 tablespoon ground coriander
* 1 tablespoon dried oregano
* 2 teaspoons ground ginger
* 2 teaspoons chili de arbol powder
* 2 bone-in or boneless rib-eye steaks, 2-inches thick, approximately 1 1/2 pounds each
* Canola or olive oil
* Salt and coarsely ground black pepper

Directions

Combine all spices in a bowl.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Preheat a cast iron pan over high heat. Brush each side of the steak with oil and then season each side liberally with salt and pepper. Rub 2 tablespoons of the coffee rub onto 1 side of each steak. Cook the steak, rub side down until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the steak over, cook for 2 minutes and then transfer to a baking sheet and cook in the oven to medium-rare doneness, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

 

[IckyMickey]

I'm just here for the pictures!!! Seriously, DD and I aren't going to most of the places you've reviewed but the pictures of your sons bring tears to my eyes. Although DD (25) and I go down every year now, my favorite vacation was in 1999 when she was 14 and DS was 8. Not that they didn't normally love each other, actually pretty close, but the way they enjoyed each other's company at WDW was almost unbelievable to watch. They happily did everything together, big sister not being one bit too big to do kid stuff with little brother and little brother, with not a fear bone in his body, keeping up with her ride for ride.

Your sons remind me of that special vacation. Thanks for the memories!!! (and the food pictures ain't bad either!!!)

I think that's why we love Disney vacations. There are no sports, scouts, school, work, cooking, cleaning, or driving - just your family enjoying their vacation with each other. The stress of the real world is gone for a few days!

We are going to be on DxDP so we are doing alot of the character buffets and other TS that we normally wouldn't eat at if we were paying OOP.

Deluxe! Oh, lucky you. I added it up but for 10 days and my family it would have been an extra $1000! I can dream about one day though!

Another Wisconsinite checking in!!


WE loves the Char on the steaks at Flying fish and I have found a great rendition at Sendiks by the meat counter. Its the Hickory Char rub. Brings back memories every time I've used it!

As far the Coffee rub here is a recipe from Bobby Flay that I'll have to try. If anyone tries it Please post your thoughts!!

Ingredients
Coffee Rub:

* 1/4 cup ancho chili powder
* 1/4 cup finely ground espresso
* 2 tablespoons Spanish paprika
* 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon dry mustard
* 1 tablespoon kosher salt
* 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
* 1 tablespoon ground coriander
* 1 tablespoon dried oregano
* 2 teaspoons ground ginger
* 2 teaspoons chili de arbol powder
* 2 bone-in or boneless rib-eye steaks, 2-inches thick, approximately 1 1/2 pounds each
* Canola or olive oil
* Salt and coarsely ground black pepper

Directions

Combine all spices in a bowl.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Preheat a cast iron pan over high heat. Brush each side of the steak with oil and then season each side liberally with salt and pepper. Rub 2 tablespoons of the coffee rub onto 1 side of each steak. Cook the steak, rub side down until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Flip the steak over, cook for 2 minutes and then transfer to a baking sheet and cook in the oven to medium-rare doneness, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Not only a Wisconsinite, but our next door neighbor! Thanks for the recipe, I know my husband will want to try it!

 

[IckyMickey]

We went on the Safari right after breakfast and a whole bunch of rides including Dinosaur which I hate! We saw the Bug’s Life 3D movie – a favorite and decided we were hungry!

DH & I both had the Jalapeno Pretzel. Yuuuummmmmy!

We had been planning this snack since Day 1 when we were there! They also sell them at the Garden Kiosk by the exit (or entrance?) to the movie and they were suppose to have frozen lemonades but the machine was broke and DS7 was bummed. We got a water instead.

DS13 chose a Frozen Banana. His comment: “Very Good.” Of course, he ate it all.

4 Snack Credits:
Pretzels $4.57 ea
Water $2.66 ea
Frozen Banana $3.46


We then headed back to CSR for some swim time. We ordered these items from Siestas Pool Bar & Grill.

DH had a Dos Equis Amber for $6.00. Sorry – no picture!

I had a Rum Runner. $9.32 It was very good and I finished it all.

Later I had an Electric Umbrella. $9.32 Again, very delicious!

I almost forgot, DS7 got an orange soda from the pool bar too. No picture.
1 Snack Credit - $2.72