Just back from 6 days on the dining plan. I ate at-

[Simba's Mom]

Coral Reef, California Grill, Chefs de France, Spoodles, Tangerine Cafe, Pinocchio's Village Haus, BC Marketplace, Pizzafari, the Norway Bakery. A few comments-at Chef de France, a couple walked up without reservations and got seated in less than 10 minutes; I walked by Cape May several times, and it never looked full for breakfast or dinner, making me think that the resturaunts weren't all as packed as some people feared. No duck at Chefs de France (I asked), but I didn't see anyone order the French hamburger. Since I'm a DVC member, I paid for the DDP-about $189, food cost would have been about $325, so I think it was definitely worth it. All the TS resturants were new to me-Spoodles is the only one of the 4 I'd be very interested in returning to (no place was bad, I just liked Spoodles best). Even now, some of the CMs aren't sure what's on the DDP. At BC Marketplace, one day a CM told me I could get a macaroon bar for a snack credit, but the next day, a CM behind the bakery counter said "No". So I went to the cash register, and that CM said yes. So I got my macaroon bar and brought it to her to "pay". There were no add-ons I've heard people talk about anywhere I went. If anyone has any questions, I'd be happy to answer them.

 

[DeterminedOne]

Hi!

So the restaurants weren't busy? That's good news! Care to share more about your California Grill experience? Thanks

 

[Simba's Mom]

I had the nicest server at California Grill, I think his name's Dale. Although they gave me a window table, it was in the back of the resturaunt, overlooking Epcot and the GF, so I had to go outside to see Wishes. I can't remember the name of the appetizer I had, but it had yellow beans and goat cheese in it-it was good. For an entree, I had the oak fired filet, which he said was a signature dish of the resturant. I'm not a huge beef fan, but this was the best, most tender I've ever had. I'm so glad I chose it! For dessert I had the rhubarb with vanilla ice cream, which was more tart than I'd expect, even for rhubarb. If I go again, I wouldn't have that. For one person, it would have cost about $62, before tip.

 

[Cookie Princess]

I had the nicest server at California Grill, I think his name's Dale. Although they gave me a window table, it was in the back of the resturaunt, overlooking Epcot and the GF, so I had to go outside to see Wishes. I can't remember the name of the appetizer I had, but it had yellow beans and goat cheese in it-it was good. For an entree, I had the oak fired filet, which he said was a signature dish of the resturant. I'm not a huge beef fan, but this was the best, most tender I've ever had. I'm so glad I chose it! For dessert I had the rhubarb with vanilla ice cream, which was more tart than I'd expect, even for rhubarb. If I go again, I wouldn't have that. For one person, it would have cost about $62, before tip.

Yes, that filet certainly is tender. I think about it often when I am eating a filet somewhere else that just doesn't compare!

 

[pennyplanner]

Thanks Simba's Mom!

What was it about Spoodles that makes you want to return?

And how did you like the food at Tangerine Cafe. That is one CS that I have been meaning to get to for a couple of years now!

Sounds like you had a great trip!

--pennyplanner

 

[GSUJillybean]

I'd love to know more about Coral Reef, if you don't mind.

Glad you had fun!!!!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Thanks Simba's Mom!

What was it about Spoodles that makes you want to return?

And how did you like the food at Tangerine Cafe. That is one CS that I have been meaning to get to for a couple of years now!

Sounds like you had a great trip!

--pennyplanner

I guess the reason I liked Spoodles was that it was different. When he brought me my bread, it was a wheat type and I think it had like husks in it. Instead of butter, he brought an oval dish of oil with herbs and, I think, chopped olives. I've gotta admit, though, one of my thoughts was "Boy, this would never have gone over well if our kids were little and with us". And the dining room was a little more themed than I'd expected. My server was just OK, but I really liked my server at Coral Reef. The lobster soup was great! I loved the Mahi-Mahi with terriyaki sauce (although not everyone would). I just noticed that I hadn't mentioned before that the man at the next table had ordered Mahi-Mahi right after me, and he sent his back because he said it tasted "strange". I've never had Mahi-Mahi before so it was great to me. And Coral Reef definitely gets the "best dessert" award with the chocolate wave. I've eaten at Tangerine Cafe several times and always enjoyed it. This time I had the vegetarian plate, and really liked it. Sometimes I find their chicken and lamb a little too heavy, greasy.