Mom & Son Going Back - ADRs Made - Another day added!

[GoofySon'sMom]

Post 12 has our Final Plans!

Hello! We are heading back to WDW in 199 days! Which means that our ADR date is at the end of the month! As you can see from my signature we have been many times. With college coming up for DS, I think this may be our last trip for a couple of years ... certainly our last big 10 day trip! So we definitely want to hit all of our favorites but we are struggling on a few choices. My men have decided to "let the Dis decide"!

So here is our plan ... deluxe dining ...

Arrival day, no meal plan. Probably Earl of Sandwich for lunch, definitely 'Ohana for dinner.

Day 1 - Rose & Crown for lunch (traditional first official meal), Yachtman for dinner

Day 2 - Citricos for dinner. Will be in the MK. Debating between staying and eating at The Plaza or Tony's or leaving for either a late breakfast or early lunch at The Wave. Thoughts??

Day 3 - Mamma Melrose's for lunch, Brown Derby for dinner

Day 4 - WPE for breakfast, DTD snacks as needed, Flying Fish for dinner

Day 5 - Yak & Yeti for lunch, Cali Grille for dinner

Day 6 - snacks for breakfast, Grand Floridian Tea, late dinner at Artist Point

Day 7 - snack around the World Showcase, Dinner at Le Cellier (or maybe the Bistro de Paris?)

Day 8 - Lunch at Chefs de France, dinner at either Jiko or Narcoossees. We have never eaten at Narcoossees and I like the idea of seeing Wishes but we are not huge seafood eaters. How are the non-seafoord entrees? Jiko we loved until last trip when it just wasn't as good for us.

Day 9 - Lunch at Via Napoli (or maybe Tutto Italia if there is a new menu) and dinner at Kona Cafe (unless by some miracle Beast's new restaurant is open).

So fellow Disers, stay in the MK or venture out to the Wave on Day 2? Liberty Tree is the one restaurant that is not an option as DS really doesn't like it and we have eaten there just about every past trip. And Jiko or Narcoossees on day 8?

Another other thoughts, comments, suggestions? Other than Narcoossees, we have eaten at all of the restaurants above (although only dinner at The Wave).

 

[goofyintoronto]

Hello! We are heading back to WDW in 199 days! Which means that our ADR date is at the end of the month! As you can see from my signature we have been many times. With college coming up for DS, I think this may be our last trip for a couple of years ... certainly our last big 10 day trip! So we definitely want to hit all of our favorites but we are struggling on a few choices. My men have decided to "let the Dis decide"!

So here is our plan ... deluxe dining ...

Arrival day, no meal plan. Probably Earl of Sandwich for lunch, definitely 'Ohana for dinner.

Day 1 - Rose & Crown for lunch (traditional first official meal), Yachtman for dinner

Day 2 - Citricos for dinner. Will be in the MK. Debating between staying and eating at The Plaza or Tony's or leaving for either a late breakfast or early lunch at The Wave. Thoughts?? >>>> I'd pick either Plaza or the wave.

Day 3 - Mamma Melrose's for lunch, Brown Derby for dinner

Day 4 - WPE for breakfast, DTD snacks as needed, Flying Fish for dinner

Day 5 - Yak & Yeti for lunch, Cali Grille for dinner >>>> LOVE Cali Grill!

Day 6 - snacks for breakfast, Grand Floridian Tea, late dinner at Artist Point

Day 7 - snack around the World Showcase, Dinner at Le Cellier (or maybe the Bistro de Paris?) >>>> i'd pick Bistro/Paris over Le Cellier.

Day 8 - Lunch at Chefs de France, dinner at either Jiko or Narcoossees. We have never eaten at Narcoossees and I like the idea of seeing Wishes but we are not huge seafood eaters. How are the non-seafoord entrees? Jiko we loved until last trip when it just wasn't as good for us. >>>im curious about Narccossee's too.

Day 9 - Lunch at Via Napoli (or maybe Tutto Italia if there is a new menu) and dinner at Kona Cafe (unless by some miracle Beast's new restaurant is open).

So fellow Disers, stay in the MK or venture out to the Wave on Day 2? Liberty Tree is the one restaurant that is not an option as DS really doesn't like it and we have eaten there just about every past trip. And Jiko or Narcoossees on day 8? >>> i'd say Jiko!

Another other thoughts, comments, suggestions? Other than Narcoossees, we have eaten at all of the restaurants above (although only dinner at The Wave).

Tony's is TERRIBLE! I wouldnt bother with that one. Just yuck!

You have a pretty sweet list of restaurants! Wow! You two will have a great time. Make sure you post a trip report with pics!

 

[WhateverLolaWants]

I liked Tony's on my last trip (omg the pork dish was amazing and I tend to dislike pork), but I'd probably go for the late breakfast at the Wave. I have heard good things about their breakfast buffet, and I think having a larger gap between TS meals would be a good idea since it's a lot of food. Gives you more room for Mickey pretzels and dole whip!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Tony's is TERRIBLE! I wouldnt bother with that one. Just yuck!

You have a pretty sweet list of restaurants! Wow! You two will have a great time. Make sure you post a trip report with pics!

I liked Tony's on my last trip (omg the pork dish was amazing and I tend to dislike pork), but I'd probably go for the late breakfast at the Wave. I have heard good things about their breakfast buffet, and I think having a larger gap between TS meals would be a good idea since it's a lot of food. Gives you more room for Mickey pretzels and dole whip!

I hate Tony's for dinner, but we had a nice lunch there last year. Plus Lady & the Tramp is my favorite. But I agree, the food would probably be better at The Wave. Decisions, Decisions ...

I will definitely be doing a food porn report! I don't really do full trip reports but definitely love doing the dining ones and my guys know that no one eats until the picture has been taken!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

You have a pretty sweet list of restaurants! Wow! You two will have a great time. Make sure you post a trip report with pics!

And DH will be going with us. My first dining report was after our 2008 Mom & Son trip when DS was 12 so I just stuck with the title. But there will be 3 of us. And DS will now be 16! I think he is the biggest foodie in our family!

 

[iloveeeyore]

Hi GoofySon'sMom! Nice to "see" you again! I really enjoyed reading your last DR and am looking forward to another! I just finished making my ADRs for my early August trip and can't wait to share them with my fellow DISers! Comments below.

Hello! We are heading back to WDW in 199 days! Congratulations! Which means that our ADR date is at the end of the month! As you can see from my signature we have been many times. With college coming up for DS, I think this may be our last trip for a couple of years HAHA, we said that two trips ago for DD's sweet 16. She is heading out for college at the end of this summer, and this will be our second trip since her sweet 16. I wish your family the same luck!... certainly our last big 10 day trip! So we definitely want to hit all of our favorites but we are struggling on a few choices. My men have decided to "let the Dis decide"!

So here is our plan ... deluxe dining ...YAY, us too! First time for us. Not sure how we will manage with all the food!

Arrival day, no meal plan. Probably Earl of Sandwich for lunch Have you tried WPE? We prefer it to EoS., definitely 'Ohana for dinner.

Day 1 - Rose & Crown for lunch (traditional first official meal) We are debating between R&C and LC for lunch one day. What do you like to order at R&C? We are having dinner at RR on a different day, and for me, that seems like enough pub food, but DH really isn't that interested in LC, Yachtman for dinner We are trying this one for the first time!

Day 2 - Citricos for dinner We are trying this for the first time!. Will be in the MK. Debating between staying and eating at The Plaza or Tony's or leaving for either a late breakfast or early lunch at The Wave. Thoughts?? We had dinner at The Wave last summer (see my Summer 2011 DR, linked in my signature, page 7, if you're interested. The food was good, some items better than others. We didn't really notice anything uniquely special about it, compared to other Disney restaurants. When we evaluate Disney Dining, we do it based on the overall experience. Personally, I would prefer lunch at Kona or GFC. We are trying Tony's for lunch for the first time in August. Others love the wave, so obviously, this is a matter of personal taste.

Day 3 - Mamma Melrose's for lunch, Brown Derby for dinner

Day 4 - WPE for breakfast, DTD snacks as needed, Flying Fish for dinner YUM! LOVE THE MUSSELS

Day 5 - Yak & Yeti for lunch, Cali Grille for dinner YUM! PORK ENTREE SO GOOD!

Day 6 - snacks for breakfast, Grand Floridian Tea, late dinner at Artist Point BUFFALO STEAK!

Day 7 - snack around the World Showcase, Dinner at Le Cellier (or maybe the Bistro de Paris?) We are Bistro as we have never done it. So excite it's on the DDP now! We were going anyway, and were willing to pay OOP if necessary. I have heard amazing things about it, and hope quality doesn't decline as a result of DDP.

Day 8 - Lunch at Chefs de France, dinner at either Jiko or Narcoossees. We have never eaten at Narcoossees and I like the idea of seeing Wishes but we are not huge seafood eaters. How are the non-seafoord entrees? Jiko we loved until last trip when it just wasn't as good for us. We did the Wanayama Safari and thought everything at Jiko was outstanding, though many items on that menu have been changed. I have heard people don't really like it as much since the new menu. I would give Narcoossee's a shot for something different.

Day 9 - Lunch at Via Napoli (or maybe Tutto Italia if there is a new menu) and dinner at Kona Cafe (unless by some miracle Beast's new restaurant is open).

So fellow Disers, stay in the MK or venture out to the Wave on Day 2? Liberty Tree is the one restaurant that is not an option as DS really doesn't like it and we have eaten there just about every past trip. DS doesn't like lunch there, even? May I ask what he doesn't like about it? We are doing lunch there for the first time in August. And Jiko or Narcoossees on day 8?

Another other thoughts, comments, suggestions? Other than Narcoossees, we have eaten at all of the restaurants above (although only dinner at The Wave). Oh, I missed the part about you having been to The Wave before. So what are YOU leaning toward?

Please let us know what you decide!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Hi GoofySon'sMom! Nice to "see" you again! I really enjoyed reading your last DR and am looking forward to another! I just finished making my ADRs for my early August trip and can't wait to share them with my fellow DISers! Comments below.



Please let us know what you decide!

Thank you so much for your reply! I look forward to your reviews as well!

I don't know that DS can pinpoint what he doesn't like about LTT. I do enjoy it for lunch very much. He may just have the 'been there, done that' feeling. Last trip he got there burger and liked it very much. I find it very cold in there and we haven't had much luck with service so that may factor into his dislike.

I thought of Kona for lunch as well but we may hit that for dinner and I just don't want to repeat, ya know? Too many places I want to eat at! DH wants to say in the MK and not take the time to venture out so it looks like we may be going with either The Plaza or Tony's. Although DS is interested in trying breakfast at The Wave. So I guess I am back where I started!

As for our dinners, Le Cellier is one of DS's favorites so we will end up there rather than trying the Bistro. Just not enough nights to eat every where. Because of that, he is willing to "give up" Jiko so we can try Narcoossees which DH is leaning towards. So compromise all around.

Ahhh, Rose & Crown. That is "Mom's" must do! I love the scotch egg and bangers and mash. We don't have anywhere to get english/irish food where we live and I haven't been able to recreate it at home nearly as good as we can get it out. I much prefer R&C to Raglan Road. We have had a couple of very miss meals at RR. Said we would never go back but we are thinking about giving it another try down the road.

Yes, we have tried WPE and do love it. Never done breakfast so I really want to try that this year. We missed EoS last trip so we really want to hit it this trip. Plus we will not be on the dining plan our first day and the price is right!

Again THANK YOU so much for taking the time to give us your opinions! I look forward to reading about your trip!

 

[iloveeeyore]

You're welcome! I'm always happy to share my thoughts.

There are many DISers who believe that Kona is just as good, if not better, for lunch than dinner. So how about going to Kona for lunch instead of Tony's or The Plaza, then on the day you planned Kona for dinner, you could go to Narcoossees. Would that free up a night to try Bistro? Would you end up one credit short? Of course, that plan goes out the window if Be Our Guest is available!

I know what you mean about RR. We went there for the second time last summer and for the second time, I really wasn't in awe of the food (nothing was bad, just not so great I'd go out of my way for it, and I do NOT like the chowder). I certainly would not need to make the trek back to DTD for it, but my family loved the atmosphere so much, they insist on going back. I have to admit, the entertainment was really fantastic. The shepherd's pie is very good, as is the steak without basil and the burger; we didn't try the bangers and mash. I will probably get scallops appetizer and a salad next time.

Still don't know what we're going to do about R&C vs. LeCellier. Our other two lunches in Epcot are pretty set-in-stone (Biergarten is a favorite and must repeat and Via Napoli is a must-do never tried). We have been to both LC and R&C, but not since 2006. DH much prefers the atmosphere at R&C while I much prefer the menu at LC. As it stands now, I have an ADR at LC, since I think that's the more difficult of the two to book. I'm thinking we can always change it later.

We are looking forward to LTT; maybe we will bring light sweaters (thanks for the heads-up!) DH and DS have always been intrigued by that restaurant, and I have always refused to go for dinner (uninspired by the menu). We are so looking forward to using the DxDP, which will give us opportunities to try a bunch of new places!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Yay, you're going back! I really can't wait to read your reviews again.

Some of my thoughts:

-I'm happy you're giving Artist Point another try. I know you've had amazing and disappointing meals there, but hopefully they'll be back on track to deliver another excellent meal.

-My last experience at Narcoossee's had awful service, and the food isn't as upscale as the other signatures. That said, their current menu looks awesome. They're really improving a lot of the menu to reach the level of other signatures. For example: Grilled Filet Mignon with Gruyère Cheese and Caramelized Red Onion Risotto with Wild and Domestic Mushrooms, Red Wine Reduction, and White Truffle Oil. It sounds delicious and upscale (almost like a more refined version of Le Cellier's signature dish)! And of course, there's the classic lobster or surf n' turf. I'm happy you're trying it.

-I've experienced both Le Cellier's signature dinner and Bistro de Paris. Honestly, I'd just pick whichever menu you prefer - Bistro wasn't as impressive as I was expecting. The changes to Le Cellier's dinner menu are impressing me more and more - they're really trying to make the lunch and dinner menus distinct (while you can still get the classic cheese soup and mushroom filet at dinner, they added a Korean-style pork steamed bun appetizer with kurobuta pork, a delicious-sounding beet salad, and some new entrees such as braised short ribs or kurobuta pork).

-Cali Grill is another that disappointed me, but again I'd be willing to go back for their current menu. They recently added a mussel appetizer that sounds great, and their menu continues to be seasonally inspired. Plus, there's a rumor that Cali Grill will close for refurbishment around late 2012/early 2013, so you definitely want to keep it just in case it changes!

-Citricos, Yachtsman, Flying Fish, all great choices. I'd want to keep Jiko if possible, but you're still going to have plenty of wonderful meals.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

You're welcome! I'm always happy to share my thoughts.

There are many DISers who believe that Kona is just as good, if not better, for lunch than dinner. So how about going to Kona for lunch instead of Tony's or The Plaza, then on the day you planned Kona for dinner, you could go to Narcoossees. Would that free up a night to try Bistro? Would you end up one credit short? Of course, that plan goes out the window if Be Our Guest is available! Agreed that Be Our Guest would trump all! I am really debating on the Kona dinner. DH suggested going back. I don't really want to do a signature that night because I don't want to have to go back to the room if we don't want to on our last night.

I know what you mean about RR. We went there for the second time last summer and for the second time, I really wasn't in awe of the food (nothing was bad, just not so great I'd go out of my way for it, and I do NOT like the chowder). I certainly would not need to make the trek back to DTD for it, but my family loved the atmosphere so much, they insist on going back. I have to admit, the entertainment was really fantastic. The shepherd's pie is very good, as is the steak without basil and the burger; we didn't try the bangers and mash. I will probably get scallops appetizer and a salad next time. I am happy that we all kind of agree on this one. No one really wants to rush back!

Still don't know what we're going to do about R&C vs. LeCellier. Our other two lunches in Epcot are pretty set-in-stone (Biergarten is a favorite and must repeat and Via Napoli is a must-do never tried). We have been to both LC and R&C, but not since 2006. DH much prefers the atmosphere at R&C while I much prefer the menu at LC. As it stands now, I have an ADR at LC, since I think that's the more difficult of the two to book. I'm thinking we can always change it later. We love Biergarten as well and haven't been in a couple of trips. But again, we can't eat everywhere in one trip! We loved Via Napoli last year.

We are looking forward to LTT; maybe we will bring light sweaters (thanks for the heads-up!) DH and DS have always been intrigued by that restaurant, and I have always refused to go for dinner (uninspired by the menu). We are so looking forward to using the DxDP, which will give us opportunities to try a bunch of new places! I agree on the deluxe plan. Not sure I could go without it! I think you will like LTT for lunch (agree about dinner). I really enjoy the pot roast.

Isn't it awful to wish the year away to get back to Disney!

Yay, you're going back! I really can't wait to read your reviews again. Thank you! Been watching for you to go back as well! Some of my thoughts:

-I'm happy you're giving Artist Point another try. I know you've had amazing and disappointing meals there, but hopefully they'll be back on track to deliver another excellent meal.

Yeah, I was going to veto it after last trip but we had such a great previous meal there that I have to give it a try.

-My last experience at Narcoossee's had awful service, and the food isn't as upscale as the other signatures. That said, their current menu looks awesome. They're really improving a lot of the menu to reach the level of other signatures. For example: Grilled Filet Mignon with Gruyère Cheese and Caramelized Red Onion Risotto with Wild and Domestic Mushrooms, Red Wine Reduction, and White Truffle Oil. It sounds delicious and upscale (almost like a more refined version of Le Cellier's signature dish)! And of course, there's the classic lobster or surf n' turf. I'm happy you're trying it.

Your experience has factored into my dilemna! I agree that the Filet sounds wonderful. I think we will give it a try as we haven't been yet and I do think everyone should try a restaurant at least once.

-I've experienced both Le Cellier's signature dinner and Bistro de Paris. Honestly, I'd just pick whichever menu you prefer - Bistro wasn't as impressive as I was expecting. The changes to Le Cellier's dinner menu are impressing me more and more - they're really trying to make the lunch and dinner menus distinct (while you can still get the classic cheese soup and mushroom filet at dinner, they added a Korean-style pork steamed bun appetizer with kurobuta pork, a delicious-sounding beet salad, and some new entrees such as braised short ribs or kurobuta pork).

Le C is DS absolute favorite so if we didn't go for dinner, I would have to work it in for lunch. I do love the mushroom filet so it doesn't really hurt my feelings to go back! Yes, the short rib and pork dishes sound great right now ... if I can tear myself away from that filet!

-Cali Grill is another that disappointed me, but again I'd be willing to go back for their current menu. They recently added a mussel appetizer that sounds great, and their menu continues to be seasonally inspired. Plus, there's a rumor that Cali Grill will close for refurbishment around late 2012/early 2013, so you definitely want to keep it just in case it changes!

Cali Grille is a must for all us us. We really want to go back especially with the rumored closing!

-Citricos, Yachtsman, Flying Fish, all great choices. I'd want to keep Jiko if possible, but you're still going to have plenty of wonderful meals.

Yeah, I am a bit bummed about Jiko as well but again, there are only so many nights to eat! I know we will have a great time regardless! Thank you so much for your input!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

This morning DS added another possibility for our MK day ... a late breakfast at Kona for Tonga Toast! I think I may put all of the possibilities into a hat, pick one and that's it!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Ok, reservations are made and I am really hoping FINAL!

Arrival day - now two days before package check-in! Will be staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge so that means Dinner at Jiko & Breakfast at Boma. Still MK CS for dinner the 2nd night and probably AKL room service for a light breakfast before checking into Coronado for our package!

Day 1 - Rose & Crown for lunch
Yachtsman for dinner

Day 2 - Tonys for Lunch
'Ohana for Dinner

Day 3 - Mama Melrose's for lunch, Brown Derby for dinner

Day 4 - Yak & Yeti for lunch, Cali Grille for dinner

Day 5 - WPE for breakfast snack, Paradiso 37 for lunch, Flying Fish for dinner

Day 6 - Kona Cafe for lunch, Artist Point for dinner

Day 7 - snack around the World Showcase, Dinner at La Hacienda

Day 8 - Lunch at Chefs de France, dinner at Citicos

Day 9 - Lunch at Tutto Italia, Dinner at The Wave

So there you have it! Not quite as many signatures ... only one planned "too much food" day.

Now to just count the days!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I'm happy that Artist Point, Yachtsman, and Citricos still made the cut - looks like you're going to have some great meals.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

I'm happy that Artist Point, Yachtsman, and Citricos still made the cut - looks like you're going to have some great meals.

Yeah, the Yachtsman was touch & go for a bit due to the upcoming closure. It was between that and Le Cellier and we finally decided to take the gamble on the Yachtsman. Missed Citricos last trip so really looking forward to going back this year. And definitely hoping my experience at AP is better this year!

 

[mousegear]

I just noticed that you are going back with great line ups! I really enjoyed your reviews!!!! Looks like we will be at the world same time. Ours start on 8/25 and ends 9/3!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

I just noticed that you are going back with great line ups! I really enjoyed your reviews!!!! Looks like we will be at the world same time. Ours start on 8/25 and ends 9/3!

Did you make your ADRs today?

 

[mousegear]

Did you make your ADRs today?

Yes I did. What was with the server down almost whole day!!! I got up at 5:50am so I could be online at 6am to find that the server is down. I was so not happy about it. I ended up infront of computer all day just to check back. Anywho, I made my reservations around 2pm. We are going with two other families (newbies) and they didn't want to commit to many ADRs. I was only allowed with 5 TS for our 10 day vacation!!! I'm pretty sure I'll survive....

By the way, do you remember that I asked you about going to the WDW around Labor Day weekend? I took your advice and booked ours this year so that DS does not miss school.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Yes I did. What was with the server down almost whole day!!! I got up at 5:50am so I could be online at 6am to find that the server is down. I was so not happy about it. I ended up infront of computer all day just to check back. Anywho, I made my reservations around 2pm. We are going with two other families (newbies) and they didn't want to commit to many ADRs. I was only allowed with 5 TS for our 10 day vacation!!! I'm pretty sure I'll survive....

By the way, do you remember that I asked you about going to the WDW around Labor Day weekend? I took your advice and booked ours this year so that DS does not miss school.

Yeah, I kept the site up on my computer at work and kept hitting refresh all day! Was busy when it came up, but made all mine about 3pm.

Only 5 ADRs in 10 days! Yikes! That would make me crazy! We do like the food! So what are the 5?

YAY on going around Labor Day! We really love going this week! Although last year was a bit busier than previous years, it was still manageable.

 

[mousegear]

Yeah, I kept the site up on my computer at work and kept hitting refresh all day! Was busy when it came up, but made all mine about 3pm.

Only 5 ADRs in 10 days! Yikes! That would make me crazy! We do like the food! So what are the 5?

YAY on going around Labor Day! We really love going this week! Although last year was a bit busier than previous years, it was still manageable.

Day 2 - Le Cellier lunch
Day 4 - Sci-Fi lunch
Day 5 - Crystal Palace breakfast
Day 6 - Rainforest Cafe AK lunch
Day 9 - Teppan Edo lunch

I ended up downgrading our DDP to QSDP since there was no way those two families were willing to spend that much on food. They do have bigger families so I understand but I feel bare without many ADRs. Last trip, I had min 2 TS if not 3 TS per day but this year.....

Bright side to this is that I really haven't discovered many quick service restaurants at WDW since we mostly ate at TS places, so this coming trip I get to experience them to full.

I sure look forward to run into you during our trip!!!

 

[tinacaplan]

Just got back from the world this past Friday and we had dinner at Citrico's while we were there and it was fabulous. Excellent food and service.