I haven't been this excited about my birthday since I turned 21! COMPLETE

[jabead]

Thanks for the yachtsman insight. There is nothing worse then over cooked steak. I prefer medium but usually order medium rare just because I prefer pink to brown. But for that much money they should be able to get it right.

I totally agree. For a restaurant that calls itself a signature steakhouse it should be able to cook a steak to the requested temperature. Mine was definitely well done rather than medium well and I think others at our table ordered medium (or possibly medium rare) and got what looked like rare to me.

The food looks good, but that puppy steals the show! So cute!
And congrats on the graduation. My son graduates on June 1st. Where did the time go?

Entertaining our guests at the graduation party yesterday has really tuckered her out. She has spent much of the day napping next to her playmate...a stuffed animal that is almost exactly the same size. I think I know how she feels.

Agreed with everything (except the part about having a son haha). Great reviews, adorable puppy pictures, and congratulations!

Sorry to hear about the negatives, like Yachtsman. Honestly, I feel like all the signatures are inconsistent, and considering their (constantly rising) price point, that's a problem. However, I did enjoy the weird egg dish at Raglan Road and Cali Grill's goat cheese ravioli.

Just had time to catch up on your report, as I'm at the airport headed to Orlando for the 24 hour event (hopefully, if my flight isn't delayed any further)! Also, I managed to secure a last-minute ADR at BOG. It'll be my first dinner there, and I'm not expecting great things, but at least it's in the park. Now hopefully I can stay awake for it, since I won't be getting any sleep tonight.

I'm kind of way too late on this reply since I believe the 24 hour event was on Friday, but I hope you had a great time. From your live update on my other thread, it looks like you did. Thanks again for posting it. Oh, and welcome back to the boards. I hope you continue to be around this summer. Are you done with school?

Enjoy graduation Barb. My Andrew doesn't graduate until 6/28 and I am already feeling the melancholy! Tonight is his senior prom. May hijack and post a quick pic!

I guess you could say I enjoyed it, as I had only one emotional meltdown during graduation. The graduates always come out into the audience to present a rose to their mother (aka the "Make your mother cry" part of the ceremony ). This was my third time going through this so I thought I could make it through without crying, but nope. Andy took only a few steps down the aisle in my direction and I broke into tears. Anyway, here is a jabead family photo taken afterwards, once I'd had a chance to regain my composure.




Oh, and I've seen Andrew's prom photos on Facebook. Very nice! Feel free to post them here too if you'd like.

Phew, I fell behind quickly. Okay where to start...

I totally agree with you about AK. I used to be a fan but after the past two trips I don't care as much. Not the best food options. The same thing kills HS for me too.

Love the puppy! Cute name and great reference. When I first saw the name I was thinking you were a big Grey's Anatomy fan since those are two main characters names, but It's a Wonderful Life makes more sense.

That's a shame about Yachtsman. I keep wanting to go back there but I just can't justify the prices. At least Jiko was a great signature experience for you. I really love it there as well. Looking forward to eating there in September.

I continue to be on the fence about The Plaza, but I really do have to check it out sometime. Your review makes it sound very appealing!

Hi Jeri and welcome back! I loved following you on Instagram during your trip and can't wait to see more of your photos and read about your trip in your dining report.

I am just like you always order the filet. Too bad they didn't cook it correctly. We may eat there in December, if we do it will be a same day reservation. I also love the rolls and honestly could eat just them with a bowl of their wonderful lobster bisque and be quiet happy.

Though I'm not a fan of lobster bisque, I could probably make a whole meal out of the YSH rolls.

I'm definitely on the fence about YSH now. I'm sorry but when you're paying those prices ...

Yes, I agree. At that price point there really is no excuse for allowing your customers to leave dissatisfied. While I would not have wanted to wait while they cooked me another steak (which is all they could probably do when it is overcooked), it would have been nice to at least have been asked if my steak was cooked to my liking.

Hope the graduation weekend is going well Barb
Eek, sounds like YSH wasn't such a great experience for you all
The first time we ever ate at YSH it was just fantastic but I really don't think we would be heading back there any time soon either :-(

I really hope they redeem themselves next time, as I would really hate to have to say goodbye to those rolls.

Your BUS leaked? Oh my! Sounds as if you were as soaked as we were - but we were on the parking lot tram!! It was a 'buy-new-clothes-for-our-kids' kind of soaking, and it sounds like I could have bought you some new pants too.

Sorry about the unpleasant dinner at Yachtsman. To spend so much time and money and not walk away satisfied stinks. At least the company was good

Enjoy the weekend and congratulations to your son on his graduation!

Unfortunately it was a full bus so there were no empty seats available to get out from under the rain. But at least the bus ride was short since we were only going from the Wilderness lodge to Magic Kingdom. And yes, I would have loved to have had a dry pair of pants to put on that night.

Great reviews so far. Looking forward to the rest.

Thanks for reading and commenting, Liz!

 

[livinlife25]

The food won't blow your socks off, but it was a neat experience! We got the sampler appetizer and I really liked the quesadillas on it, so next time I will order that. The steak and cheese wasn't good. The chocolate extinction was good but huge. We will be going there again on our next trip simply for the fact that my 3 year old can't stop talking about it and said it was his favorite restaurant of the trip. If you do ever go, look into the Landry's Select Card. Totally worth it. They had lost our reservation, but we were pulled from the line and seated immediately. I just wish we had a RFC or something a bit closer than Chicago :/

 

[Angeejoe]

Great TR, I can't wait for more!

Our last Yatchmans dinner in Oct was delicious, but we were there almost 3hrs & it was only DH & I. They brought out the wrong steak for DH, they brought out my order 2x. So between apps & entree we had a very long wait. They remade the meals & brought them out together. They comped DHs entree (we did not ask) & we had TIW, so it was a great deal, just a looooong dinner. We were supposed to go Cali Grille for dessert & to watch fireworks, but since dinner took too long we just ordered dessert at Yatchmans. I had to pay the $20 no show fee of course. I've never tried to do 2 restaurants like that in a row & I won't again! I had Cali Grille reservation 1st for 8:45 & DH really wanted Yatchmans since nothing at Cali jumped out at him & I really wanted a dessert at Cali Grille & to see fireworks. Oh well.

 

[jabead]

Hi Barb, sorry to hear YSH wasn't up to snuff, hope they get their act together. We are planning to eat there in Oct., they used to be our favorite place until we discovered Narcossee's last year. Since we are on free dinning in Oct. and the Food and Wine is happening then, we decided we didn't need as many TS so we are eating at 2 signatures, Yachtsman and Narcossee.

We will certainly keep a look out for you in Oct.

Hi Eric! Thanks for reminding me that I wanted to get back to Narcoossee's during my October trip. I haven't been there since May 2012 and am really craving their delicious almond crusted cheesecake.

I've decided to stick with it being under Dining Reviews as so much of it will be about food. But it will have other trip details (that I can remember) as well.

You and everyone else can find it here!
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3282317

Thanks for the heads up and posting the link, Paula!

$48 for a steak that isn't cooked properly.....at a place that claims to be a steak house. Sad when you have to mention the mashed potato to come up with a happy. Not being critical of YOU, but was there an offer to fix the over cooked steak? I understand not wanting to be *that person* and send a meal back, but seems like an engaged server would have picked up on the fact that you were not that into your meal and maybe even seen that you were served overcooked meat (or at least asked if it had been cooked to your liking).

We've never tried YSH, reviews like this are a factor in not racing to try it. The pricing at Disney are high enough that I don't have a lot of tolerance for the risk of a less than optimal meal. How to cook a steak seems pretty basic....

Thanks for sharing your experience.

I think Paula did a great job of explaining our service situation at YSH. Our server was not present during the times that he should have been and when he was there, the interaction with him often seemed odd to me.

I'm not Barb and I apologize Barb if I'm overstepping here... I was at this meal and IF our server had been around at all then it might have been apparent to him that we were not happy with our food but alas sightings of him were very far and few between. This was my husbands and I's 4th time giving this restuarant a try and this was the FINAL nail in the coffin despite the fabulous rolls!

Thanks Paula for jumping in with a prompt and accurate reply, as I was out of touch for several days. Since my good experiences at YSH have outweighed the last two bad ones, I'm not quite ready to nail that coffin shut. I want to give it one more try with a different server and adjusting my steak order to medium and see if that might do the trick and restore YSH to my good graces.

Bummer Barb! Wil and I had a wonderful first meal there but since then ... not so much... service seems to be an issue. Enjoying your reviews.

In 13 months time I have had 3 meals at YSH. The first was wonderful (probably my favorite dinner there and one of the best of that trip) with both great food and service. Then in December, the food was good but service was pretty awful (as you well know, since you were there ). Now this time there were problems with both the food and service. So I'm really hoping that this downhill trend does not continue with my next visit to Yachtsman, 'cause if it does then sadly it will probably be my last. So long delicious onion rolls!

First off, congrats to your son for his milestone achievement with his graduation. I hope you had a fun party!

Your newest member of your family is adorable. I love the reference to It's a Wonderful Life. I showed Michael the photo of your pup and he had dog envy now.

Commenting backwards for your reviews for which I'm catching up...
YSH: I didn't realize that your filet was overdone as well. I thought my meal was a big fail but I felt it was my fault by accepting the overcooked piece of shoe leather. So disappointing that our server didn't show up and see how everything was in a timely manner so we could show him the overcooked steaks. But those onion rolls.... they can distract me from anything.

Plaza Restaurant: One of my MK favorites - next to Liberty Tree as well. Although not this time. Very wise choice to go with the sundae instead of the banana split!

GFC: For some reason I knew you'd order the French toast. I agree with you, I don't need a menu for that place since there's nothing else that I order for breakfast! Glad you enjoyed it again.

Jiko: I really enjoyed our first meal with you, Paula, and Hunter. I don't think we received dessert menus but it's all a blur by the end of the evening.

It was very kind of Linda to treat us to the sparkling wine and have a virtual toast to friends near and far.

Hi Brenda! First regarding Yachtsman, I don't agree that you were to blame at all. I can't believe that they had the nerve to serve that to you in the first place. We gave Bailey an old work boot to chew on and I'm thinking that it probably tastes better than that $42 piece of meat (and I use that term loosely in this case ) that they served you. And then when our server did a disappearing act after our food arrived, it makes me wonder if this was merely a coincidence or was he "in the know" and embarrassed about that atrocity on a plate.

I'm now anxious to hear about your "not so favorite" experience at the Plaza, but I'm thinking that this was toward the end of your trip so it could be awhile.

Just like the pancakes at Kona (oops, I just gave away the most important part of my next review ), I can't imagine ordering anything other than the delicious french toast at the GFC.

I'm thinking that I probably have you to thank for my return visit to Jiko. I'm so glad that I finally gave it another try, as my food this time was really good. If I can squeeze it in, I might go back again in October. While it has still not made my "Must Do Every Trip" A list, Jiko is definitely back on my "B" list of possibilities.

The food won't blow your socks off, but it was a neat experience! We got the sampler appetizer and I really liked the quesadillas on it, so next time I will order that. The steak and cheese wasn't good. The chocolate extinction was good but huge. We will be going there again on our next trip simply for the fact that my 3 year old can't stop talking about it and said it was his favorite restaurant of the trip. If you do ever go, look into the Landry's Select Card. Totally worth it. They had lost our reservation, but we were pulled from the line and seated immediately. I just wish we had a RFC or something a bit closer than Chicago :/

I can definitely see the attraction for kids at T-Rex. I'm thinking that even my 18 year old kid would like it, so I just might give it a try the next time that he is along on the trip. Thanks!

Great TR, I can't wait for more!

Our last Yatchmans dinner in Oct was delicious, but we were there almost 3hrs & it was only DH & I. They brought out the wrong steak for DH, they brought out my order 2x. So between apps & entree we had a very long wait. They remade the meals & brought them out together. They comped DHs entree (we did not ask) & we had TIW, so it was a great deal, just a looooong dinner. We were supposed to go Cali Grille for dessert & to watch fireworks, but since dinner took too long we just ordered dessert at Yatchmans. I had to pay the $20 no show fee of course. I've never tried to do 2 restaurants like that in a row & I won't again! I had Cali Grille reservation 1st for 8:45 & DH really wanted Yatchmans since nothing at Cali jumped out at him & I really wanted a dessert at Cali Grille & to see fireworks. Oh well.

Wow, three hours for just two people...that's pretty crazy. And such a pity that you had to miss out on your dessert and fireworks at California Grill, plus pay the fee.

 

[jabead]

On Wednesday, April 30th I packed up my bags before heading off for breakfast, as I was moving up to the 7th floor today for my one night stay on the concierge level of the Wilderness Lodge. I then caught a taxi over to the Polynesian resort to meet up with Brenda (emmysmommy) and her DH, Michael, to have breakfast at...




I overestimated the amount of time that this would take so arrived at the Polynesian about 10 - 15 min. early for our 9:00 a.m. ADR. I took a few minutes to walk around the Great Ceremonial House (aka as the Polynesian main building which houses the lobby and their restaurants), as I knew it would all be under construction by the time that I next visit the Polynesian. Sadly I said my goodbyes to the lush green plants and waterfall which adorned the first floor lobby...




Then I took a look at the menus for Kona Cafe and Kona Island, which are posted outside the restaurant. I took a photo of the Kona Island breakfast menu which is available there from 6:30 a.m. until noon (this coverts to a sushi bar at night)...



I found it a little odd that this also includes their wine offerings. Maybe it's just me, but I don't usually have a glass of wine with my morning muffin or danish.


I'm not positive but I think that I checked in at the desk then and even though the ADR was in Brenda's name they still seated me at a table right by the entrance to the restaurant.



The above photo shows part of the table at the front of the restaurant, left of the entrance. I was seated at the same table but on the right side.

The above photo was taken with Brenda's camera and is part of the intro for her Dining Report, which she recently started. Here is the LINK.


Brenda and Michael arrived while I was still photographing the menu...








Like at the Grand Floridian Cafe though, there was no need for me to actually read the menu because I already knew exactly what I wanted. I started with a cup of the Kona blend coffee and a glass of orange juice...






That was followed by my favorite breakfast entree in all of Disney World, the...



Macadamia-Pineapple Pancakes served with Macadamia Nut Butter, Pineapple Sauce, and your choice of Ham, Bacon, or Sausage (which is what I chose).

I had this for the first time in Nov. 2011 and have had it 4 times since then. I am very happy to say that it has never let me down. These are so incredibly delicious...I'm pretty sure that I heard angels sing after my first bite.

During my last visit to Kona in December (which was also with Brenda, plus her DD Em and Paula & Hunter), my pancakes were great as usual but the service was terrible. However, for these pancakes I would be willing to don an apron and serve myself if I had to...which I was nearly forced to do in December. However this time I'm happy to report that we had no problems with service.

My one concern here is that I've heard rumors that with the major renovations which have recently begun at the Polynesian, Kona Cafe will be closed and replaced by a new signature restaurant. This would mean no more pancakes. Someone please tell me that this awful rumor is not true.

So for now, all I can say is that for as long as Kona Cafe exists and serves macadamia-pineapple pancakes, I'll be there to enjoy them on each and every visit to WDW.
​

Next up: Lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern

 

[Smiling Cheshire Cat]

Barb,

Congratulations on your son's graduation. Your family looks lovely.

So sorry about the disappointing meal at the Yachtsman. That steak does look a bit well done for sure.

Pineapple macadamia nut pancakes are one of my favorites too. Hoping to make it over to Kona for breakfast next trip.

 

[smile4stamps]

I think we were still sleeping at the time of your breakfast as we have 3 strikes you're out for Kona but I am happy to hear that you did not have the same service issues and that the pancakes delivered for you!

 

[disney meema]

So glad you had a great breakfast and service at Kona's. I'm a fan of their tonga toast but I like your pancakes too ... And Kona coffee is delicious : ) Enjoying your reviews

 

[kastoney]

I've been dreaming of those pancakes eve though I've never tried them. Kona has been I my list for a while but never made it there. Staying at WL in sep (club level too) so I tend to finally make them a reality. Though the taunting of the pics tonight may just give me nightmares ; )

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I'm kind of way too late on this reply since I believe the 24 hour event was on Friday, but I hope you had a great time. From your live update on my other thread, it looks like you did. Thanks again for posting it. Oh, and welcome back to the boards. I hope you continue to be around this summer. Are you done with school?

The event was definitely enjoyable. It got off to a rough start, as I only got out of the airport at 4:15am and missed park opening (due to a 9 hour delay, airport change, and additional 4 hour delay). Still, being in MK for sunrise was really cool, and it's exciting that the Mine Train was open.

Yep, I'm done with school (and actually just graduated). That means I need to spend my time finding a full-time job, and maybe even moving. My goal is to move to the West Coast, so we'll see what happens!

And it was no problem sharing the update. In fact, I'll be back in Orlando later this month and will probably have more updates to share. These upcoming nights were supposed to be for 'scouting' purposes, as I was thinking about moving there. However, I've already ruled it out, so now it's just a vacation. Also, my annual pass expires in June, and for the first time in forever (lol), I don't expect to renew it. Instead, I'm hoping to visit another Disney destination later this summer, but the details are uncertain.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Yep, I'm done with school (and actually just graduated). That means I need to spend my time finding a full-time job, and maybe even moving. My goal is to move to the West Coast, so we'll see what happens!

And it was no problem sharing the update. In fact, I'll be back in Orlando later this month and will probably have more updates to share. These upcoming nights were supposed to be for 'scouting' purposes, as I was thinking about moving there. However, I've already ruled it out, so now it's just a vacation. Also, my annual pass expires in June, and for the first time in forever (lol), I don't expect to renew it. Instead, I'm hoping to visit another Disney destination later this summer, but the details are uncertain.

Congratulations! Andrew is about to graduate high school so you both are starting new chapters. Give your Mom my best while she deals with this chapter!

Best of luck in your job search. I have to say, Orlando would probably be my top choice if I could "start over" but the West Coast seems like a good choice, too!

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Kona can't close! I love their Big Kahuna breakfast.

Love your reviews! Looks like you had an awesome time.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Missed the Kona review when catching up earlier - looks like a great meal. While Kona isn't one of my personal favorites, I doubt they would change it very much (especially for breakfast), as the Tonga Toast and Pineapple-Macadamia Pancakes clearly have huge followings. Then again, they did decide to remove Poly's water feature and block the MK view from several longhouses, so maybe I'm wrong.

Congratulations! Andrew is about to graduate high school so you both are starting new chapters. Give your Mom my best while she deals with this chapter!

Best of luck in your job search. I have to say, Orlando would probably be my top choice if I could "start over" but the West Coast seems like a good choice, too!

Congrats to Andrew at well, and I hope the transition goes really smoothly for all of you. And thanks for the well wishes. I was definitely thinking about Orlando, but beyond Disney, there's nothing really drawing me there. I guess we'll have to see what happens, but I won't complain if DL becomes my home resort.

 

[chocolateMinnie]

Reluctantly we've cancelled Kona for August (mainly due to my DS inability to get up and out quickly in a morning nowadays ) Hoping there might be a chance of a walk up though as the pancakes and Big Kahuna always look amazing

 

[jabead]

Sorry folks but I have to post another photo of Bailey because I'm in puppy love...




But I promise there will be more Disney food pics coming your way very soon...Ooey, Gooey ones. ​

 

[smile4stamps]

He is so cute!!

 

[disney meema]

That's one adorable puppy!!!! What a cutie pie : )

 

[emmysmommy]

Oh no Please tell me they won't close Kona. They can convert it to Signature status for any meal but breakfast and I'd be fine. But please don't mess with the status quo Disney!!!

Ok, got that out of my system.... I'm with you on the most amazing breakfast dish anywhere - those pineapple macadamia nut pancakes are awesome. In fact, I'd fight you for that apron if we had to serve ourselves.

Bailey George is so adorable! I can see where you'd have just a touch of puppy love with that guy!

 

[Dislover1991]

Oh no Please tell me they won't close Kona. They can convert it to Signature status for any meal but breakfast and I'd be fine. But please don't mess with the status quo Disney!!! Ok, got that out of my system.... I'm with you on the most amazing breakfast dish anywhere - those pineapple macadamia nut pancakes are awesome. In fact, I'd fight you for that apron if we had to serve ourselves. Bailey George is so adorable! I can see where you'd have just a touch of puppy love with that guy!

Agreed! I am fine with signature for lunch and dinner but keep breakfast the same! They can't take away one of the best breakfast spots in Disney!

 

[MrsB1228]

So sorry your meal at YS was a disappointment! A restaurant that calls itself a steakhouse really has no excuse for an improperly cooked steak. DSis and I dined there last year and were lucky as our meal was good but we waited a very long time past our ADR to be seated.

Such a shame that pasta dish is no longer on the Tutto Gusto menu, I would have loved that! Their tasty Sangria is a nice consolation though.

The entree you selected at Jiko looks amazing! Glad you had a great night with Dis friends!

Vanilla French Toast at Grand Floridian Cafe =

The Plaza Sundae looks good but I must have that Sea Salt Caramel Sundae from Ghirardelli!!

Congratulations to your son on his graduation! Thanks for sharing photos of your lovely family.

Bailey George is ADORABLE!!!

Ok, I'm all caught up again and ready for more.