Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's off to eat we go! 24 ADR's/7 Trips-THE TEA. Complete...for NOW

[figment814]

24 ADR’s/7 Trips and Counting.

I am blessed. Why? Because in a 14 month period, I will be in Disney world, not once, not twice, but SEVEN times.

I get to experience the World solo, with my better half, with his kids, and with my best friend. And maybe, just maybe my soon to be 8 year old niece (that would be an 8th trip.)

No, I’m not independently wealthy and I didn’t recently win the lottery. So, how can I do it? My DBF is a DVC owner, and he likes to share so that helps. I get to go once for work, so there is a “free” plane ticket for one trip. Knowing last October I would be taking at least 3 trips, and in hopes that it would lead to planning a 4th, I got an annual pass.

Over the next several months I will be plotting, planning and reviewing! So why not whistle a tune and come along for the ride!

Reviews:
Sci Fi Diner, Pg 2, Post #17 (Lunch) 4 Smilies
Flying Fish, Pg 2, Post #24 and #29 (Dinner) 5 Smilies
Kona Café, Pg 3, Post #33 (Breakfast) 4 Smilies
The Plaza, Pg 3, Post #42 (Lunch) 4 Smilies
Rose and Crown, Pg 4, Post #49 (Dinner) 3 Smilies
Boma, Pg 4, Post #51 (Breakfast) 3 1/2 Smilies
Yak and Yeti, Pg 4, Post #57 (Lunch) 4 1/2 Smilies
The Wave, Pg 5, Post #63 (Dinner) 4 1/2 Smilies
Captain's Grille, Pg 5, Post #70 (Dinner) 3 Smilies
'Ohana, Pg 6, Post #78 (Breakfast) 5 Smilies
San Angel Inn, Pg 5, Post #82 (Lunch) 3 Smilies
California Grill, Pg 6, Post #86 (Dinner) 4 1/2 Smilies
T-Rex, Pg 6, Post #89 (Lunch) 3 Smilies
Roaring Forks, Pg 7, Post #94 (Breakfast) unrated
Tusker House, Pg 7, Post #97 (Lunch) Five Smilies
Artist Point, Pg 7, Post #100 (Dinner) 3 Smilies
Brown Derby, Pg 7, Post #105 Lunch 4 Smilies
Raglan Road, Pg 8, Post #108 Dinner, 4 Smilies
Chef Mickeys, Pg 8, Post#110 Breakfast, 2 Smilies
Chefs De France, Pg 8, Post #111 Dinner, 3 Smilies
Columbia Harbor House, Pg 8 Post #112 Lunch, not rated
Gardenview Tea, Pg 8 Post #113 Tea, 5 Smilies



Review Scale:
--Blew me away, made my top five list at Disney!
- Super Yummy! Can't wait to eat here again!
-I liked this place, and would definitely eat here again...if there weren't a million other places I want to try at WDW first!
-I tried it once, I don't need to go again.
-Never again...even it was free!


Next up: The Cast of Characters!

 

[Uncle Remus]

I'm in.

 

[figment814]

For the most part each trip is going to have a slightly different cast of characters from the group listed below!

ME- Snow White—Mid-Thirties—Loves to eat, especially on vacation. I have just starting to branch out and try seafood.
Best Friend—Doc—Mid 30’s—One of my best travel partners, we have been all over North America together. We both love food, cooking it and eating it!
DBF—Grumpy—Late 40’s—We have totally different thoughts on food, I always have to make sure there is a burger, steak, or spaghetti on the menu. If one of those things is on the menu, I can get him to try it. .
Colleague— Happy—Mid 30’s—Will meet up with her for one or two dinners. Great Lady!
DBF’s SON—Sleepy—21
Daughter’s Friend--Bashful—17
DBF’s DAUGHTER-- Sneezy—16
DBF’s Nephew— Dopey—22
NEXT UP: The Basics

 

[mermaid&cinderella]

Woohoo....I can't wait to hear all about your trip!

 

[figment814]

Recent Trips (will review soon!)
October 2008—Saratoga Springs (SSR)-Snow White and Grumpy—5 ADR’s
December 2008—Boardwalk Villas (BWV)—Snow White, Grumpy, and Sleepy—2 ADR’s
Upcoming Trips
March 2009—BWV—Snow White and Happy—7ADR’s
April 2009, Part 1—SSR—Snow White and Grumpy—3 ADR’s
April 2009, Part 2—Wilderness Lodge—WL Snow White and Doc—7ADR’s
October 2009—BWV—Snow White, Grumpy, Sleepy, Sneezy, Dopey, and Bashful—No ADR’s Yet!


Next Up: Details of the Solo/Business Trip!

 

[figment814]

First Trip-March 20-25—Solo/Business Trip—Boardwalk
I have a business trip in Orlando and am going down a few days early. I am trying a few restaurants that I either know that my DBF doesn't like, or I don't think he would like. I will be joined by a couple of colleagues for dinners at the end of the trip!

(* represents a new restaurant for me!)
Friday, March 20—Hollywood Studios
Lunch—*Sci Fi Drive in—This is last minute add, I was able to get the time I wanted! I am mainly going here for the atmosphere, not the food.
Dinner—*Flying Fish—I am trying to talk myself into trying the Red Snapper, if not, I will fall back on the New York Strip! (I have only tried fish twice in adult life, and both were in 2009!)

Saturday, March 21—Magic Kingdom and Epcot
Breakfast—*Kona—Tonga Toast has been my obsession since I discovered the disboards, but for some reason I am second guessing it…wondering if it is just too much!
Lunch—*The Plaza—The other last minute add! Just looking for a simple sandwich.
Dinner—*Rose and Crown—I have perfect reservation time for Illuminations, so I am hoping for a seat on the terrace! (I’m pretty laid back, so if I don’t get a terrace seat, I’ll still have a great time!)

Sunday, March 22—Animal Kingdom or Epcot or Relax by the pool
Breakfast—*Boma—Anything at the Animal Kingdom Lodge makes me GIDDY!
Lunch—Undecided—Either CS at Animal Kingdom (Flame Tree?) or Epcot (Tangerine), or somewhere in DTD (Earl of Sandwich)
Dinner—I am considering *Olivia’s or *Boatwrights…need to decide and try to get an ADR.

Monday, March 23—Conference
Dinner—*The Wave—So excited about The Wave! Will be coming here with colleagues.

Tuesday, March 24—Conference
Dinner—*Planet Hollywood, *House of Blues, or T-Rex

UP NEXT: Less than 48 hours in the World!

 

[Uncle Remus]

I'm gonna have to take notes.

Like that cast of characters, interestin' group.

 

[celerystalker]

I have Kona reservations for breakfast on the 21st too! Around 9:45. Maybe I'll see you there!

 

[TigerKat]

The Snapper at FF is amazing!

The Club sandwich at the Plaza is very good!

 

[figment814]

I'm gonna have to take notes.

Like that cast of characters, interestin' group.

You have no idea!!!!

I have Kona reservations for breakfast on the 21st too! Around 9:45. Maybe I'll see you there!

Unless you eat really fast, you probably will! I am there at 10:10 a.m.

The Snapper at FF is amazing!

The Club sandwich at the Plaza is very good!

I'm nervous it's too fishy, and since I'm solo, I won't be able to eat half of DBF's if I don't like it! So far the only fish I know I like is Ahi!

 

[figment814]

Second Trip- April 17-19—Quick Weekend Trip—Saratoga Springs

We are considering buying a second home in Orlando, and want to see how feasible it would be to do a quick weekend trip! Leave late Friday night, right from work, return home Sunday night. We will actually be in Orlando only 46 hours! (Assuming flights go okay!)

Friday, April 17
Dinner—Late Arrival Dinner

Saturday, April 18—Undecided
Breakfast—In Room or Artist’s Pallette
Lunch—Kona Café—Not 100% sure this will stay, but it will be a new lunch experience for me!
Dinner—California Grill—DBF must eat either here or LC each trip. Late ressie to see the fireworks.

Sunday, April 19—Undecided
Breakfast—In Room or Artist’s Pallette
Lunch—*Maya Grill or *Turf Club (if we stay around SSR this day)
Dinner—TBD

 

[figment814]

Third Trip—April 23-27—Girls Trip—Wilderness Lodge

My friend "Doc" and I have been to Mexico, Vegas, New York and now Disney! We really balance each other on trips and we both love to eat!

(You may note, this trip is only 4 days after the other one. Nuts, I know.)

Thursday, April 23
Dinner—Probably the Airport! Late Arrival

Friday, April 24—Animal Kingdom Day
Breakfast—Roaring Forks
Lunch—Counter Service in Animal Kingdom, Yak and Yeti CS or Flame Tree BBQ
Dinner—*Artist Point—Since our home for this trip will be WL, I thought this would be a great chance to try AP.

Saturday, April 25—Hollywood Studios Day/Dowtown Disney
Breakfast—Roaring Forks
Lunch—Brown Derby—I had my favorite meal here my last trip, but this is Doc’s choice.
Dinner—*Raglan Road—Two words driving me here: Bread Pudding.

Sunday, April 26—Resort/Epcot
Breakfast—*Chef Mickey’s—Can’t wait to meet the mouse!
Lunch—TBD Counter Service—We will be hanging out at the resort until midafternoon, so will probably do Roaring Forks.
Dinner—*Chefs De France--DBF will probably never eat here, I studied French for 6 years, and despite mixed reviews, we are both really excited.

Monday, April 27—Magic Kingdom
Breakfast—*Whispering Canyon Café—I am starting to think this one will get cancelled so we can have more time in MK.
Lunch—*Grand Floridian Tea—I never miss a chance to pretend to be fancy!
Dinner—Airport


Next up: Taking Break to review where I have eaten!

 

[figment814]

Rainforest Café—Downtown Disney—We arrived late on Sunday and were seated right away. We weren’t super hungry, so we decided to share “Brave New World” (barbecue chicken pizza) and cheese sticks. The cheese sticks were great, with a good sauce. The sauce on the pizza was super tangy, not my favorite kind, but super picky bf loves it.

Cape May Café—Beach Club—I wanted our first meal in Disney to be a character meal, and my dbf just eats where I want to, just to make me happy. He is a not a big breakfast person, and even less of buffet person. I picked Cape May for several reasons, mainly good reviews here that said it was quieter than others and had better food, with great character interaction. I agree on almost all accounts. We had a late, if not the latest ADR (10:35 a.m.) The food was quite good for a buffet; I really enjoyed the breakfast pizza, the spinach egg dish, Mickey waffles, etc. My bf was really happy with the quality of the food and went back for seconds. The only issue I had with the whole experience was related to the characters. We were finished with our meals for 20 minutes and finally had to ask for the characters to come over. I think all other latecomers were seated in one area, and we were the only ones seated in our section by that time. By the time the characters made it over, we were the last group left in the restaurant and I felt a bit rushed. Not a huge issue, and I can’t imagine what a challenge it is to make it all work. I would go back to Cape May again!


Magic Kingdom Snacks—Dole Whip—Yummy!---Popcorn—Super Yummy!---Premium Mickey Bar—I miss the one with the face and the dipped ears from my childhood.

Pecos Bill—Magic Kingdom—Typical fast food fare at a park. Blah.

Jiko—Animal Kingdom Lodge—This was the reservation I was most looking forward to on the trip. Walking into AKL, I was awed. How beautiful! We made our way to Jiko, and were greeted by a wonderful hostess and waited just a few minutes for our table in the cute little bar. We started with the cheese plate and the Ostrich. I am usually the more adventurous eater, unless it comes to different types of meat, but my super picky bf wanted to try the ostrich, and I couldn’t stifle this opportunity, and thank goodness I didn’t! WOW. It was the tastiest, most tender, richest meat I ever tasted. It was a perfect appetizer, as it may have been too much as an entrée. I am just dipping my foot in the cheese world, and enjoyed the plate very much. We both got the filet with macaroni and cheese. The filet was very good, but the macaroni and cheese wasn’t even warm. The flavor was good but not great. Neither of us was overwhelmed with the dessert menu, so we took a pass.

T-Rex—Downtown Disney—I conned DBF into this one, we went for lunch on Wednesday and were seated right away. Being a new restaurant, I knew we would be in for some growing pains, which there were, but I am sure they will be worked out in time. We started with the Megalosaurus Mozzarella (Seared mozzarella with creamy marinara and mozzarella fingers.) The sticks were good, but the seared mozzarella was warm around the edges and cold in the middle. I had the Mega Mes-O-Bones – (Tender, slow-roasted St. Louis Ribs, basted with BBQ sauce) and had garlic mashed potatoes and cole slaw for my sides. The ribs were decent and the mashed potatoes were very good and garlic-y! DBF had a filet that he loved and double order of the mashed. I didn’t really like it. He was awed over the ice room. The service was spotty at best, but they are just working out the kinks I think. We really loved the themeing.

Downtown Disney Treats—Goofy’s Candy Company—I was like a kid in a candy store here…or an adult. I was overly excited about creating my own treats. Three pretzels, three combos, best was milk chocolate and peanut butter cups. YUM YUM YUM.

California Grill—The Contemporary—We had to wait about a half an hour at the bar before we got seated. Not a problem, I like getting different perspectives. I was disappointed in the bartender (must remember she is a bartender, not a sommelier.) We asked for wine recommendations, and she neither knowledgeable nor friendly. Ah well, I did get a nice malbec. The evening went up from there though. Our hostess and our waitperson were both great. Since the bartender never told me what wine I was given, my waitress helped my figure it out and allowed me to taste two before we found it. I started with the cheese plate and my once super picky dbf ordered the Triple Cheese Flatbread - Made with Pecorino, Asiago, and Provolone with sun-dried tomato and basil pesto. For our mains, I had the Grilled Pork Tenderloin - Served with goat cheese polenta, button mushrooms, and Zinfandel glaze. Probably the best thing I had all trip, the polenta was addictive. DBF had the Oak-fired Filet of Beef - Served with Boniato mashed potatoes, sautéed haricot vert, and teriyaki BBQ sauce. For dessert, I had The Original - The California Grill's legendary butterscotch crème brulee with a duo of banana cakes, and caramelized bananas. The crème brulee was good, the duo of cakes were quite blah. DBF had the Valrhona Chocolate Cake - Warm chocolate cake with molten center. I tried to steal it from him. Sooooo good. (On our way out of the contemporary, we peeked into the Wave and I definitely look forward to trying it on a future trip.) I will say I was really floored by the way people dressed here. I was raised that one should dress appropriately for the occasion and believe that all the senses make the experience when dining out, including visual. I know this is Disney, and I don’t expect everyone to be dressed in their finest, but I thought people would at least be in khakis and capris. I saw one person in track pants and one in jean shorts. (just my personal opinion though!)

Le Cellier—Canada in Epcot—I couldn’t get a dinner reservation for this trip, so I mad a lunch reservation. I had the prix fixe menu. I had cheese soup for my starter, really good! For my main course, I had the prime rib sandwich. While it tasted it good, it was heavy on the onions and light on the meat. For dessert, I had the chocolate mousse, which was also tasty. DBF had the New York strip. The meal was fine, but did not blow me out of the water.

Planet Hollywood—Animal Kingdom—We actually had the same meal as above, just in a different location.

 

[figment814]

Spoodles—Breakfast (2 times)—I was not overly impressed with our Spoodles breakfast. We ate here because we stayed at the Boardwalk, I would never make a special trip. We all had the Spoodles all you can eat breakfast platter. It was your usual greasy spoon fare. The next time I had the French toast, better, but nothing to write home about.

Le Cellier—I had the New York Strip, my piece was a bit fatty, but DBF’s son’s was perfect. The experience was slightly frustrating mainly because the family squished in the table next to us had brought in their very, very over tired screaming children to a 9:00 p.m. ADR.

Brown Derby Fantasmic Package-- Well, apparently I hadn’t informed my faithful traveling companion fully about the Fantasmic Dinner Package. (I did, but these men don’t listen!) So, they overate at breakfast (all you can eat breakfast platter!). They were not overly enthused about the 3 course meal. Well, that turned out to be a bonus for me! DBF did not want an appetizer, so I was able to get the cobb salad (FOR TWO!) I liked it, but I did not love it…when I recall it, I think…parsley. Not sure why! I believe we all had the New York Strip, and we all really enjoyed it! By far the best thing I ate on that trip was the Banana White Chocolate Toffee Tower! I can not say how good this was!

 

[wdwfanatic316]

I'm so in! I can't wait to hear more!

 

[MickeyNicki]

Lunch—*Sci Fi Drive in—This is last minute add, I was able to get the time I wanted! I am mainly going here for the atmosphere, not the food. We tried this place 2 weeks ago, awesome burgers an the best onion rings ever! Also the quietest restaurant in WDW

Dinner—*Flying Fish—I am trying to talk myself into trying the Red Snapper, if not, I will fall back on the New York Strip! (I have only tried fish twice in adult life, and both were in 2009!) I am really leery when it comes to fish but I had the snapper in Oct and OMG it was fantastic, light and flaky and white and very mild. DH said the NY Strip was the best he has ever had

Breakfast—*Boma—Anything at the Animal Kingdom Lodge makes me GIDDY! My fave place in all of WDW

Dinner—*The Wave—So excited about The Wave! Will be coming here with colleagues. You will LOVE this place, we tried it for dinner 2 weeks ago and it knocked our socks off!

Have a wonderful time and take lots of pics!

 

[figment814]

Yay! It's my first actual review!!!!

I arrive on Friday at around noon at the Boardwalk, and my room was actually ready! I basically threw my bags in my room and hoofed it over to DHS!

I had some time to spare and took a few pictures before heading over to Lunch!

I intentionally booked Sci Fi as my first solo meal, as I was a bit nervous about sticking out like a sore thumb! (Ridiculous I know!)

So, for what you really want to see!

Perfect atmosphere to hide for a solo diner to hide if she wants to! I had a great server, who made me feel comfortable, and upon seeing my camera, dragged me to the back of the restaurant so I could get some nice shots!

Since I hadn't eaten in a while, I decided to get an appetizer...

Spinach artichoke dip...I must say it was...good, but different...I had read that people who didn't like most spinach artichoke dips liked this one, and I think its because you can't really taste either! It was just very cheesy.

On to the main course...

Cheeseburger (loaded)

I would definitely get this burger again, just not as loaded! The burger, cheese and bun were perfect! The mushrooms and bacon, not so much. No worries...I just brushed them off.

The cucumber melon salad was my side, and it was just to vinegary (yep, real word...in my world anyway!)

Since I am going with a Snow white theme...I'll be using an appropriately themed rating system. Where else can I be this corny?

Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, how would you rate Sci Fi Diner all in all?
(on a scale of 5)

I really liked Sci Fi and can't wait to go back! I would also say this is a great place to eat solo.

 

[TigerKat]

Great start! Love the Sci-Fi burgers!

 

[eventamy]

We loved Sci-Fi too! One of my favorites of my trip. I had the veggie burger and DH had the cheeseburger with bacon and onions and we both really liked them. My mom really liked her chili too. I have to say though, the french fries were the best thing! They were really good.

 

[BreTyPres87]

I missed a dining review but yay its just starting and i'm in! Thats probably one of the best shots of sci-fi i've actually seen i didn't know it looked like you were outside cool!