Hakuna Matata -no worries- here's another dining review Update 4/27

[sandym718]

Loving your previews and reviews so far!! Just had to comment - obviously the Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista, while priced right, has a BIG problem with overbooking!! So glad you got a nice upgrade! We had the issue in 2007 - we got a room, but it was handicap accessible with 1 double and 1 twin bed - for four people! No cots, etc. available. This was a Grad Night and the place was PACKED with teenagers. Luckily 2 of our 4 were little ones, we had our own bed rails and they shared the twin. Had we been 4 adults or 2 teenagers???? Guess we would've needed an upgrade like yours. After our long drive from OH, I was in no mood to get back in the car or discuss much with them, was so frustrated. Luckily, we were there for literally 12 hours before checking into the wonderful Polynesian!! I did send an email when we returned and we received a total refund. Oh, and the handicap-accessible toilet (high) made things quite difficult for my small-for-his-age almost 5 year old son, who will NOT sit to pee, LOL. Didn't know I needed a step stool!

Just wanted to point out that this hotel obviously has issues with this. When I posted my above experience almost 3 years ago, I kind of got jumped all over. "It's cheap, you get what you pay for". I get that, I didn't expect luxury or even nice, we just wanted to crash for the night. I DID expect bed space for 4 people, though!! And our confirmation clearly stated 2 doubles.

Can't wait for the rest of your reviews!

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Wolfgang Puck's in general is great. I always have to go there at the Denver International Airport. But I have to agree that the DTD location is THE BEST one!! Interesting change in their menu but it looks good. I love the pic of the sandwiches you got - yummy!

 

[dizneeat]

thanks for that, i saw the numbers the other day in your teasers and wondered what they were. thought prices but looked weird as they were just one number and no $ symbol.

cant wait to read more reviews

It does look somewhat odd, doesn't it? But then it corresponds with what we paid ........

catching up now, sorry you got sick, never fun on a holiday....

and great news on Saratoga and OKW in August! well done. gotta love the disney UK site

we spent a couple of nights at the Rosen Shingle Creek after moving out of OKW last October, they have rates for $69 on occasion, always worth checking....very nice hotel

yum yum on the airline food....got to say that British Airways, Virgin or American Airlines ex UK doesn't look anything like that! Enough said.

Here's a funny article for you on Virgin's food to give you an idea

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/t...e-worlds-best-passenger-complaint-letter.html

And off topic, KatMark, so pleased to hear your prayers have been answered..best wishes for a speedy recovery....

I knew you would like it that we finally went back and booked with Disney uk! But that deal was far too good to pass up!
And I guess we would have enjoyed Shingle Creek much more if we had originally booked it, LOL! But all's well, that ends well!

I LOVED that article about Virgin's food! Too funny!
We used to fly Austrian and their food is really outstanding, but usuing Austrian would mean another stopover in Washington, so we go for Lufthansa and we were pleasantly surprised!! Their food was very nice!

 

[dizneeat]

Karin, just stopping in to ask for prayers. I've been having heart palpitations for the past four days and went to my doc today. I have to go to the hospital Monday morning for an EKG and a heart monitor. I'm concerned because my Daddy had congestive heart failure.

Oh Kat, that's not the news I wanted to hear from you! But be sure prayers and LOADS of magical Pixie dust are on the way!
Will be thinking of you on Monday!!!!!

Mmmm WPE-- it's our absolute fav CS place in Disney. Half the reason I love your reviews is that I know I'm guaranteed some good WPE pics!!

Hm, I wonder what gave my addiction to WPE away? Could it be that we ate there 4 times during an 8 day vacation?

Is it just me, or is she growling at you? She scares me!

Guess she was growling because she is German and we are Austrian - we don't like each other that much, !
But we bumped into her several times and every time we were thinking about your incidents with her during your last trip!

You started and I didn't even know it! Darn! Oh well, I'm all caught up. We are staying at CSR in October and I cannot wait! I am looking forward to the rest of your review!

But you found me!! And you haven't missed much yet
CSR is wonderful - we really loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!! You'll soon find out why!

Lol, love that Snow White pic

How cool that you got to drive Stitch's car

Coolbeans that you got to eat at WPE before it closed

That's the second time we drive a car with a 626 number plate! First one was a convertable in Las Vegas!
We could NOT believe our eyes when we finally went to check the number plate!

Guess what - I get to make the rest of my ADRs next Saturday - we have worked them all out and I will post my "list" soon!

Loving your previews and reviews so far!! Just had to comment - obviously the Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista, while priced right, has a BIG problem with overbooking!! So glad you got a nice upgrade! We had the issue in 2007 - we got a room, but it was handicap accessible with 1 double and 1 twin bed - for four people! No cots, etc. available. This was a Grad Night and the place was PACKED with teenagers. Luckily 2 of our 4 were little ones, we had our own bed rails and they shared the twin. Had we been 4 adults or 2 teenagers???? Guess we would've needed an upgrade like yours. After our long drive from OH, I was in no mood to get back in the car or discuss much with them, was so frustrated. Luckily, we were there for literally 12 hours before checking into the wonderful Polynesian!! I did send an email when we returned and we received a total refund. Oh, and the handicap-accessible toilet (high) made things quite difficult for my small-for-his-age almost 5 year old son, who will NOT sit to pee, LOL. Didn't know I needed a step stool!

Just wanted to point out that this hotel obviously has issues with this. When I posted my above experience almost 3 years ago, I kind of got jumped all over. "It's cheap, you get what you pay for". I get that, I didn't expect luxury or even nice, we just wanted to crash for the night. I DID expect bed space for 4 people, though!! And our confirmation clearly stated 2 doubles.

Can't wait for the rest of your reviews!

Thanks for someone else who was NOT happy with the Comfort Inn. Like you we only wanted a place to sleep for one night as we were coming in late on a holiday weekend!
At least Shingle Creek made up for it!
But I cancelled my other reservation for summer and went with Disney instead!

Wolfgang Puck's in general is great. I always have to go there at the Denver International Airport. But I have to agree that the DTD location is THE BEST one!! Interesting change in their menu but it looks good. I love the pic of the sandwiches you got - yummy!

I wish we had a Wolfgang's here somewhere! But he is worth the 12 hours on a plane, !
We were a bit shocked at first to see they had taken the Foccacia melts off but the sandwiches were SO good!!!! And as long as they leave my beloved Creme Brulee on the menu we will be fine!

 

[dizneeat]

Day 2 - February 14

Breakfast at Wolfgang Puck's Express

After a good night's sleep we woke up early and refreshed, packed our bags and headed out the door by 8.30.
It is quite a hike to the parking lot, so Tom made the treck on his own and I waited with the luggage. Once we had everything stowed we were all set for our next mission - breakfast at WPE!!!

We arrived at DTD shortly after 9am and got in line. We met the nicest CM while ordering.
Since we were rather early they didn't have much to do, so after the routine questions
"For here or to go"
"Are you on any Dining Plan"
we ordered and told him that we had and AP and would like to apply the AP discount to our bill. He went ahead, then asked where we were from and once we said Austria he got ALL excited and told us that Wolfgang was Austrian, and if if were not for him he wouldn't have a job and since we were fellow Austrians he would double our discount! He actually did apply the discont twice!
We talked for a little while longer until a line was forming behind us and we had to go find a table.

Tom ordered some Diet Coke

WPE has really good tea, so I opted for Earl Grey tea for my breakfast.

Well, I guess you all know what MY first choice was, ! Smoked Bacon Pizza, scrambled eggs, tomatoes, mozzarella, cheddar and Ranch Dressing. When this was brought out to the table I was shocked and asked the server if it had "grown". He and explained that they still use the same amount of dough and ingredients, but make the pizza thinner, so it appears larger than before.
Thankfully it was AS GOOD AS ever and I actually managed to finish it!

Tom went for their slightly "renewed" other breakfast option, Wolfgang's Breakfast Pocket, scrambled eggs, ham, peppers, onions, mushrooms mozzarella, cheddar and chunks of ham.
Actually there were a lot of chunks of ham and he liked his breakfast very much. The pototoes were as good as ever!

After finishing our breakfast we went straight back to the car to go to the Coronado Springs Resort to check in.
I had done the online check in for the very first time and it worked like a charm. We were next in line and a very friendly CM explained the resort and told us that she was very sorry our room was not ready, but they would call us to let us know the room number as soon as it became available.
So after checking in we left our luggage with bell services and headed back to Downtown Disney to pick up a new Tables in Wonderland card and do some shopping.

Next up - a snack from Goofy's Candy Company

 

[darthtatty]

yum yum, they look delish.
youve really made me a big fan of WPE from your last report and ive never eaten there. I really want to try lunch there, im going to show my husband your pics and see if he fancies trying breakfast there too.
fab report, sounds like they had some great staff there.

 

[Stefy]

Yay for being to able to book your ADR's soon. Hope you get what you want

Breakfast at WPE looks good, as usual

 

[SusieBea]

More, please!

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Yeah, I think I really need to try that breakfast pizza next trip.

 

[englishrose47]

I am a convert to WPE !!! You arrived a few days after the new menu !! Cherie and I were the first ever to try their new Meatloaf wrapped in bacon over mashed potatoes and smothered with thin crispy onions

Doesn't it look yummy !!

 

[dizneeat]

yum yum, they look delish.
youve really made me a big fan of WPE from your last report and ive never eaten there. I really want to try lunch there, im going to show my husband your pics and see if he fancies trying breakfast there too.
fab report, sounds like they had some great staff there.

Wonderful - I love converts, - you NEED TO try WPE! Every meal there is super yummy!
Hope your hubby will give it a try or two!

Yay for being to able to book your ADR's soon. Hope you get what you want

Breakfast at WPE looks good, as usual

It is such a long list of ADRs - thankfully I will get to make them at the weekend, so in case I need to call there are no daytime long distance charges!

More, please!

More coming up shortly!

Yeah, I think I really need to try that breakfast pizza next trip.

It is THE BEST!!!!

I am a convert to WPE !!! You arrived a few days after the new menu !! Cherie and I were the first ever to try their new Meatloaf wrapped in bacon over mashed potatoes and smothered with thin crispy onions
Doesn't it look yummy !!

Oh my gosh - that looks disneyliscious! And I need to wait another 167 days - but in 24 weeks from today I will stuff my face with that yummy Disney food again, !!

 

[SusieBea]

We had breakfast at WPE for the the first time in mid-December. I had the wrap-thingie that your husband had, and it was very good; loved the potatoes! Our server chatted for a little bit and mentioned that the breakfast pizza was his favorite, and I'm thinking "that doesn't sound very good for breakfast." But, after seeing the pictures, I might have to step out of my comfort zone and give that a try when we go back in three weeks. Pictures are wonderfully persuasive!

 

[dizneeat]

Still Day 2, February 14

A snack from Goofy's Candy Company and TWO surprises!

After finishing the check in process and leaving our luggage with bell services we decided to go back to DTD to do a little more shopping instead of going to a park.
So after visiting World of Disney, Ghirardelli (for a chocolate sample) and some other shops, we stopped at Goofy's to pick up a "make your own" treat!

We talked to a CM and she told us that we could choose three different toppings for the Pretzels, so this is what we got.
All pretzel rods dipped in dark chocolate, one dipped in crushed Oreos, one in shredded coconut and one in crushed butterfinger - all three drizzled with milk chocolate.
The price for those has gone up! They now charge 5.95 for 3 pretzel rods! But ........ they are so worth it - they were yummyyyyyyyyyyy!

When we were walking back to the car we got a phone call - CSR called us to give us our room number - it was by then 1pm and we were happy to be able to go back and explore the resort.
We parked the car and went in search for our room! Please take note that we had thought about upgrading to a water view, but then decided that it wasn't worth it as we would not be in the room all that much - WRONG! We were there A LOT!!
So here we are in search for a standard room. We find building 9A and walk up to the second floor - we walk along the building - NO, it can't be .......... we walk a little further and low and behold there is the number they have given us .... but will the key work? YES, this IS our room! A wonderful corner room with a few of the lake and the quiet pool - double water view, even more precious since we did not pay for it! Surprise one!

So we open the door and are blown away! This room is beautiful, but what is this - sitting on the desk?

We had been sent a present!

Our friends Mary Ellen and Joe had sent us a cooler full of goodies!

After recovering from our second surprise we called bell services and received our luggage shortly after that.
We then went to check out the resort as we were fairly close to the main building.

We then decided to drive offsite and do some shopping for drinks and a few more snacks, so off we went to Publix!

Once we had returned we made a "huge mistake". We started snacking and decided that since we were so full we would cancel our ADR at the Wave. Now EMH that day started at midnight, but we never made it there. By 10pm we were both done! So we gave in and surrendered to a Disney matress instead of going to MK during a rather cold night!

Next up - Breakfast at the Kona Cafe

 

[dizneeat]

Okay, me again!

What do you all think of my summer ADRs (first part with times are already booked) and my possible ADRs for the second part?
There are NO CS places set in stone yet - anything anyone can recommend or that is a must do?

Arrival Day Aug 14 Regular DDP (free ) before the cruise
HOPING for some WPE dinner (as we arrive at 7pm and will have to go through immigration and have to pick up a rental) We will stay at SSR, so close to DTD and Wolfi!

Aug 15
The Wave 8.15

Aug 16
Artist Point 9.15

Aug 17
Tokyo Dining 6.40

Aug 18
Mama Melrose 5.55

Aug 19
Le Cellier 6.55

Aug 20
Boatwright's 7.10

Aug 21
Maya Grill 6.00

Aug 22
Kona Cafe 7.15

Aug 23
Kouzzina 7.40

Aug 24
Tutto Italia 7.05

Aug 25
Rose and Crown 12.00
California Grill 7.40

Aug 26
WPE breakfast before the cruise

Aug 27
DCL

Aug 28
DCL

Aug 29
DCL

Aug 30
DCL

Aug 31
DCL

Sept 1
DCL

Sept 2 (free regular DDP upgraded to DxDDP)
lunch: Kona Cafe
dinner: Yachtsman Steakhouse

Sept 3
lunch: Yak and Yeti
dinner: Grand Floridian Cafe

Sept 4
lunch: Le Cellier
dinner: Narcoossee's

Sept 5
breakfast: Grand Floridian Cafe
lunch: Hollywood Brown Derby (maybe Fantasmic Package)
dinner: Wolfgang Puck Express (late! before EMH until 1am)

Sept 6
lunch: Wolfgang Puck Cafe
dinner: Sanaa

Sept 7
lunch: Raglan Road
dinner: Flying Fish

Sept 8
lunch: Turf Club
dinner: Jiko

Sept 9
breakfast: Kouzzina
lunch: Tutto Italia
dinner: Citricos

Sept 10
lunch: Captain's Grill
dinner: Cinderella's Royal Table

Sept 11 (time to go home again! )
breakfast: The Wave
lunch: Wolfgang Puck's Express

ANY comments welcome!

 

[KatMark]

Okay, me again!

What do you all think of my summer ADRs (first part with times are already booked) and my possible ADRs for the second part?
There are NO CS places set in stone yet - anything anyone can recommend or that is a must do?

Arrival Day Aug 14 Regular DDP (free ) before the cruise
HOPING for some WPE dinner (as we arrive at 7pm and will have to go through immigration and have to pick up a rental) We will stay at SSR, so close to DTD and Wolfi!

Aug 15
The Wave 8.15

Aug 16
Artist Point 9.15

Aug 17
Tokyo Dining 6.40

Aug 18
Mama Melrose 5.55

Aug 19
Le Cellier 6.55

Aug 20
Boatwright's 7.10

Aug 21
Maya Grill 6.00

Aug 22
Kona Cafe 7.15

Aug 23
Kouzzina 7.40

Aug 24
Tutto Italia 7.05

Aug 25
Rose and Crown 12.00
California Grill 7.40

Aug 26
WPE breakfast before the cruise

Aug 27
DCL

Aug 28
DCL

Aug 29
DCL

Aug 30
DCL

Aug 31
DCL

Sept 1
DCL

Sept 2 (free regular DDP upgraded to DxDDP)
lunch: Kona Cafe
dinner: Yachtsman Steakhouse

Sept 3
lunch: Yak and Yeti
dinner: Grand Floridian Cafe

Sept 4
lunch: Le Cellier
dinner: Narcoossee's

Sept 5
breakfast: Grand Floridian Cafe
lunch: Hollywood Brown Derby (maybe Fantasmic Package)
dinner: Wolfgang Puck Express (late! before EMH until 1am)

Sept 6
lunch: Wolfgang Puck Cafe
dinner: Sanaa

Sept 7
lunch: Raglan Road
dinner: Flying Fish

Sept 8
lunch: Turf Club
dinner: Jiko

Sept 9
breakfast: Kouzzina
lunch: Tutto Italia
dinner: Citricos

Sept 10
lunch: Captain's Grill
dinner: Cinderella's Royal Table

Sept 11 (time to go home again! )
breakfast: The Wave
lunch: Wolfgang Puck's Express

ANY comments welcome!

I LOVE the CSR photos...and can't wait to see more. And the goodies at Goofy's--I'm sitting here drooling.

For your future ADR's, we've not done them all. The only one that I would eliminate is Boatwright's. Mark and I went there in 2007 for our least meal of my 50th birthday trip and it was awful -- both food and service. And with Piano Bob right down the hall and the food court on the other side, it was extremely loud. Otherwise, as always, it looks like you've got some great places that you are dining at.

And, I just picked up my brother form the hospital and brought him home. He lost 56 pounds in the hospital in ten days (a LOT of fluid); he still has a long way to go and he has to start a whole new lifestyle, but I think we are over the hump and hopefully he is well on the road to recovery.

 

[SusieBea]

Shoot - I'm not lookin' at your ADRs; I'm lookin' at how long you're on vacation! Good for you!

 

[dizneeat]

We had breakfast at WPE for the the first time in mid-December. I had the wrap-thingie that your husband had, and it was very good; loved the potatoes! Our server chatted for a little bit and mentioned that the breakfast pizza was his favorite, and I'm thinking "that doesn't sound very good for breakfast." But, after seeing the pictures, I might have to step out of my comfort zone and give that a try when we go back in three weeks. Pictures are wonderfully persuasive!

You definitely have to try the Breakfast Pizza - so good!! Best breakfast ever! Or try the cornflakes crusted french toast (there is a photo in my Pixie Dust review)

Shoot - I'm not lookin' at your ADRs; I'm lookin' at how long you're on vacation! Good for you!

Best part of our summer vacation is the time we have! We usually go for 4 to 5 weeks so we can really take it easy and enjoy our time!

I LOVE the CSR photos...and can't wait to see more. And the goodies at Goofy's--I'm sitting here drooling.

For your future ADR's, we've not done them all. The only one that I would eliminate is Boatwright's. Mark and I went there in 2007 for our least meal of my 50th birthday trip and it was awful -- both food and service. And with Piano Bob right down the hall and the food court on the other side, it was extremely loud. Otherwise, as always, it looks like you've got some great places that you are dining at.

And, I just picked up my brother form the hospital and brought him home. He lost 56 pounds in the hospital in ten days (a LOT of fluid); he still has a long way to go and he has to start a whole new lifestyle, but I think we are over the hump and hopefully he is well on the road to recovery.

We have lots more CSR photos, Kathy! Tom has done a few "panoramic" ones, but needs my laptop to finish them and I just have too much on my hands to think about taking the laptop with me,
But I promise I'll get him to do those photos soon!

That's the best news on your brother! Even though loosing 56 pounds sounds scary!! Let's hope he can stick to his new lifestyle and that his recovery road is without any detours and humps! More Pixie dust on the way!

I was shocked to hear that you had such a horrible experience at Boatwrights! We had one of our most enjoyable meals there in 2008! I will talk it over with Tom, what to do!

 

[MyTalula]

Great updates Karin!!! I so wanted to fit in WPE, but we were just too full all the time it seemed

What a cool surprise waiting for you in your room!! Not to mention the upgrade!!! That is awesome!!!

I think your ADR list looks wonderful!

 

[disneyfav4ever]

The only thing I see that I'd think about changing is switching the night you eat at GFC with CA Grill or Artist Point, and eat at GFC when you only have the basic plan.

Other then that it all looks good to me, since every restaurant you're going to is someplace I'd go again or haven't tried, so can't comment.

 

[tinkmom2]

Your ADR's along with the pretzel rods from Goofy's are mouthwatering! There is so much I haven't eaten yet at WDW but I see you have some of my favorites like Jiko, Sanaa, and Tokyo Dining on your new ADR's .
We are probably going to be at WDW 3-4 days before our cruise next time so we are already trying to figure out where to go. We are doing the MNSHP so one day at MK and I think we are doing HS this time. I have yet to see Fantasmic and was thinking of doing that dinner show. Just hope they are showing it on the day we go. I heard they cut down the days.
So HS we are thinking Sci-fi, turkey legs, Fantasmic, or Brown Derby. MK will probably be QS or Liberty Tree. For sure we want WP Cafe. I will have to figure a character meal in there somewhere. We haven't been to Hoopdy Doo Review. But also haven't been to Chef Mickeys in a long time. Well have to see if you are down there when we go. I am meeting up with some DISers from my last cruise Can't wait for more!
Chris