jegsnakkernorsk
long time lurker
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2011
Uff - such pressure! Well I have the carmel shop in Epcot to share still and that might be something new to your family. You guys must be experts!
Never been so full eating for free - photos are back 6/22
- Thread starter jegsnakkernorsk
- Start date
Uff - such pressure! Well I have the carmel shop in Epcot to share still and that might be something new to your family. You guys must be experts!
jegsnakkernorsk
long time lurker
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2011
Since we were over in Frontierland and we already ate at Columbia Harbour House – we ate at Pecos Bill.
Turns out DSis remembered she and mom had eaten there the year before, but she didn’t recognize it until we were inside and ordering.
Because we had the meal plan we ordered the most expensive thing on the menu and when she was eating there last year she ordered the cheapest thing on the menu – the QSDP has been a great way to try things I would normally not splurge on without knowing I would like it.
We both had the gut-busting Deluxe ½ lb Angus Cheeseburger.
The burger came with two huge onion rings under the bun along with lettuce and tomato and American cheese. From the condiments bar you could get freshly sautéed onions or mushrooms (they were sautéing them right there on the line) along with just about every topping you could imagine.
I had read on DIS this dining establishment called “Fall Off Your Chair Pecos Bill” and I can see why. And this area was already pretty full by 11:30.
BUT we managed to walk a little further into the seating area and found this section where the seats have backs and it was EMPTY. When we left at noon there were more families finding this secret spill-over section. We loved the pub décor.
For sides, one had fries and the other had apple slices. Both of us had the chocolate cake with Minnie’s Mickey-head sprinkles.
Turns out DSis remembered she and mom had eaten there the year before, but she didn’t recognize it until we were inside and ordering.
Because we had the meal plan we ordered the most expensive thing on the menu and when she was eating there last year she ordered the cheapest thing on the menu – the QSDP has been a great way to try things I would normally not splurge on without knowing I would like it.
We both had the gut-busting Deluxe ½ lb Angus Cheeseburger.
The burger came with two huge onion rings under the bun along with lettuce and tomato and American cheese. From the condiments bar you could get freshly sautéed onions or mushrooms (they were sautéing them right there on the line) along with just about every topping you could imagine.
I had read on DIS this dining establishment called “Fall Off Your Chair Pecos Bill” and I can see why. And this area was already pretty full by 11:30.
BUT we managed to walk a little further into the seating area and found this section where the seats have backs and it was EMPTY. When we left at noon there were more families finding this secret spill-over section. We loved the pub décor.
For sides, one had fries and the other had apple slices. Both of us had the chocolate cake with Minnie’s Mickey-head sprinkles.
jegsnakkernorsk
long time lurker
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2011
Before heading out for the afternoon we stopped on Main Street to enjoy the Dapper Dans (different Dans then the other day). And of course stopped by the Confectionery for candy – definitely the most stressful part of the day was deciding what to buy with the snack credits.
We planned to get a snack each to take back to the resort.
[
DSis got the Smore – which was so delicious it was nearly devoured before I could get a photo and I got the M&M cookie – which though huge, was hard, and had peanut butter in it and the M&M type candies tasted like cheap chocolate.
(back at the room with the help of mom and dad)
DSis also paid cash for a fresh rice krispy treat – these are larger than the ones that count snack credit. The chocolate Mickey was delicious and the treat tasted as fresh as when DSis made them at home. Next time I want to buy the one that is as big as your head!
And I want to try the marsh mellow covered in chocolate next trip!
We also got 3 boxes of their cute boxed candy to bring back to our offices and friends.
these all count as snack credits!
I finally found a sign that explained the difference in snack credit versus not – if the bagged product is 8 oz or less it was a snack and over was not.
If the candy is the size of your head - it might not count as a snack credit. Perhaps in a few years Disney will offer a plan that inlcudes Krispy treats the size of your head as a credit - they can call it QSDP-XXXL
We planned to get a snack each to take back to the resort.
[
DSis got the Smore – which was so delicious it was nearly devoured before I could get a photo and I got the M&M cookie – which though huge, was hard, and had peanut butter in it and the M&M type candies tasted like cheap chocolate.
DSis also paid cash for a fresh rice krispy treat – these are larger than the ones that count snack credit. The chocolate Mickey was delicious and the treat tasted as fresh as when DSis made them at home. Next time I want to buy the one that is as big as your head!
And I want to try the marsh mellow covered in chocolate next trip!
We also got 3 boxes of their cute boxed candy to bring back to our offices and friends.
I finally found a sign that explained the difference in snack credit versus not – if the bagged product is 8 oz or less it was a snack and over was not.
If the candy is the size of your head - it might not count as a snack credit. Perhaps in a few years Disney will offer a plan that inlcudes Krispy treats the size of your head as a credit - they can call it QSDP-XXXL
CindyIsMyFave
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 22, 2009
No worries - went there in March! Went there 3 times in a 5 day trip. LOVED almost everything!
jegsnakkernorsk
long time lurker
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2011
that's impressive!jegsnakkernorsk
long time lurker
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2011
Finally Mom and Dad arrived (they were staying at the Hilton Downtown Disney). After all this was a trip to celebrate Mom's birthday and Dad's graduation. Right away we all dived into the two snacks and the krispy treat – the Smore was everyone’s favorite followed closely by the treat.
Yes, we had Main Street bakery snacks before heading to California Grill but we did spend a while in our hotel room just chatting and catching up. Okay, honestly, if Fox ever had a reality tv show "So You Think You Can Eat" we'd definately make the Top 20.
Anyway, Dad drove us over to the Contemporary. We checked in about 30 minutes before our seating and were escorted upstairs to the bar. We would have ordered drinks but the waiter in the bar, Karl, wasn’t in the mood to serve our family. For some reason he really blew us off. We would have each ordered a cocktail and mom was eyeing the cheese platter but he never took our order. Dad sat at the table at the bar, while DSis, mom and I went to the restroom and checked out the view on the platform outside. When we were seated in the dining room – we ordered our cocktails and cheese board (and a cheese flatbread) from our waiter, Daniel.
Daniel was great! Our table was fabulous! DSis had said it was my mother’s birthday and that we were also celebrating dad’s graduation (from a master’s of museum studies program at John’s Hopkins). She joked that we were the reverse family and the Maitre D got a kick out of that. She asked if a table with a view was available and he said for our family there will be one. We got seated at a fantastic table facing the Magic Kingdom with the bar area behind us.
without zoom view from the table
with zoom and a little later
The table was decorated with tiny Mickey head confetti.
mom's birthday pin was made out to "Mom" so all the CMs called her Mom.
Right away we were served the sour dough bread and Sonoma salted butter – both were served at room temp – which was perfect.
Dad enjoyed his Golden Gate Bridge and mom and I had Kir Royale’s – I don’t know how to spell it – I don’t know how to make it – I only know how to order it. And what more do I need to know?
The flatbread was great but the real hit of the starters was the cheese platter. I wish I had taken a photo of the descriptions for you. Sorry I can’t tell you more than that it was a very nice cheese platter that all four of us enjoyed (what one didn’t like, someone else loved).
For appetizers, I had the prosciutto and melon – this had very unique heirloom melons that were so incredibly juicy and flavorful.
DSis had the California Roll – she doesn’t normally go for sushi but she knew if she ever did order she should order a California Roll and she should order it from the California Grill. She wasn’t sorry with her choice. There was enough to share with all of us as well. I had never seen a California Roll with so much fresh crabmeat. It was a treat!
The one time she actually shared something before eating it - maybe she just wanted us to be her tasters!
Dad and mom both had the soup, which wasn’t on the menu and now, a week later, I have completely forgotten what it was – maybe if they let me have a bite I would have remembered. But I’ll likely get kicked off this thread for not properly describing the food!
mystery soup - looks good though
I also can’t remember what the wine was, but it was a bottle of red wine – I’m so going to be kicked off…
Yes, we had Main Street bakery snacks before heading to California Grill but we did spend a while in our hotel room just chatting and catching up. Okay, honestly, if Fox ever had a reality tv show "So You Think You Can Eat" we'd definately make the Top 20.
Anyway, Dad drove us over to the Contemporary. We checked in about 30 minutes before our seating and were escorted upstairs to the bar. We would have ordered drinks but the waiter in the bar, Karl, wasn’t in the mood to serve our family. For some reason he really blew us off. We would have each ordered a cocktail and mom was eyeing the cheese platter but he never took our order. Dad sat at the table at the bar, while DSis, mom and I went to the restroom and checked out the view on the platform outside. When we were seated in the dining room – we ordered our cocktails and cheese board (and a cheese flatbread) from our waiter, Daniel.
Daniel was great! Our table was fabulous! DSis had said it was my mother’s birthday and that we were also celebrating dad’s graduation (from a master’s of museum studies program at John’s Hopkins). She joked that we were the reverse family and the Maitre D got a kick out of that. She asked if a table with a view was available and he said for our family there will be one. We got seated at a fantastic table facing the Magic Kingdom with the bar area behind us.
The table was decorated with tiny Mickey head confetti.
Right away we were served the sour dough bread and Sonoma salted butter – both were served at room temp – which was perfect.
Dad enjoyed his Golden Gate Bridge and mom and I had Kir Royale’s – I don’t know how to spell it – I don’t know how to make it – I only know how to order it. And what more do I need to know?
The flatbread was great but the real hit of the starters was the cheese platter. I wish I had taken a photo of the descriptions for you. Sorry I can’t tell you more than that it was a very nice cheese platter that all four of us enjoyed (what one didn’t like, someone else loved).
For appetizers, I had the prosciutto and melon – this had very unique heirloom melons that were so incredibly juicy and flavorful.
DSis had the California Roll – she doesn’t normally go for sushi but she knew if she ever did order she should order a California Roll and she should order it from the California Grill. She wasn’t sorry with her choice. There was enough to share with all of us as well. I had never seen a California Roll with so much fresh crabmeat. It was a treat!
The one time she actually shared something before eating it - maybe she just wanted us to be her tasters!
Dad and mom both had the soup, which wasn’t on the menu and now, a week later, I have completely forgotten what it was – maybe if they let me have a bite I would have remembered. But I’ll likely get kicked off this thread for not properly describing the food!
I also can’t remember what the wine was, but it was a bottle of red wine – I’m so going to be kicked off…
jegsnakkernorsk
long time lurker
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2011
DSis and mom both had the salmon which came on top of carrots and a pea puree risotto. They loved it thought it was a lot of food. DSis raved about the pea puree.
Dad had the veal tenderloin and it was gone in a minute – even the Florida Rattlesnack beans.
I had the filet and loved every bite of it. It was perfectly cooked and good quality. The potato, onion crisps, and asparagus were better than I would make – and I think I’m a good cook. It was so good!
I have to make note that DSis and I had planned to pay for dinner, but mom and dad refused. I joked with the waiter that I had planned to make a meal out of flatbread for me, but once it was clear dad wasn’t going to let me pay, I decided to have three courses and the filet!
DSis had excused herself as soon as we were seated and had gone to the podium to order the cake for mom. The woman at the podium wasn’t very helpful in ordering the cake and Daniel came to the rescue - the woman wasn’t letting DSis pay for the cake separate of our tab. Daniel also saved the day again by suggesting that it say happy birthday and congratulations (for dad’s graduation) – the woman hadn’t asked about what it should say and DSis didn’t even know it could be personalized. DSis ordered a chocolate cake from Daniel.
Daniel brought over the cake and he even had it situated so that mom and dad’s personalization was in front of each of them. It was so pretty.
We got complimentary champagne with the cake – which Daniel had taken back to cut for each of us and then package up the rest (1/2 the cake) for us to take.
dark, rich, and tons of buttercream frosting!
Mom was thrilled with her birthday meal (it was actually the night before her birthday but she wanted to spend her birthday at the waterpark and we didn’t think we could handle California Grill after that!).
After dinner we had an hour or so before the fireworks and we all were too full to do anything. Luckily the Contemporary hotel has compfy lounge chairs here and there and the four of us went into comas.
yeah, another recent grad crashing on a couch
We then went up to see the fireworks from the viewing deck. We decided to go to the back deck to see the fireworks from Epcot – it’s really hard to see them from there, but it was nice to see the electrical water pageant (which we had never seen before). The hour went by fast and no one else came out to join us (apparently everyone else went to the front two decks). We had a nice view of the castle and the fireworks though my photos aren’t that nice.
It took a long time to get on the elevator to the lobby and mom and dad headed to their hotel, while we went for EMH at MK.
Overall - a truly wonderful evening. The decor reminded me of Palo's on the Disney Magic. The service (Daniel) was excellent. The view tremendous and the food satisfied us all. Mom and Dad are members of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and are huge food and wine stobs - they were pleased. Mom said I reminded her of some of the Chaine folks taking photos of the food before I ate. I wish every meal was a Disney meal so I could photograph and comment on it!
Dad had the veal tenderloin and it was gone in a minute – even the Florida Rattlesnack beans.
I had the filet and loved every bite of it. It was perfectly cooked and good quality. The potato, onion crisps, and asparagus were better than I would make – and I think I’m a good cook. It was so good!
I have to make note that DSis and I had planned to pay for dinner, but mom and dad refused. I joked with the waiter that I had planned to make a meal out of flatbread for me, but once it was clear dad wasn’t going to let me pay, I decided to have three courses and the filet!
DSis had excused herself as soon as we were seated and had gone to the podium to order the cake for mom. The woman at the podium wasn’t very helpful in ordering the cake and Daniel came to the rescue - the woman wasn’t letting DSis pay for the cake separate of our tab. Daniel also saved the day again by suggesting that it say happy birthday and congratulations (for dad’s graduation) – the woman hadn’t asked about what it should say and DSis didn’t even know it could be personalized. DSis ordered a chocolate cake from Daniel.
Daniel brought over the cake and he even had it situated so that mom and dad’s personalization was in front of each of them. It was so pretty.
We got complimentary champagne with the cake – which Daniel had taken back to cut for each of us and then package up the rest (1/2 the cake) for us to take.
Mom was thrilled with her birthday meal (it was actually the night before her birthday but she wanted to spend her birthday at the waterpark and we didn’t think we could handle California Grill after that!).
After dinner we had an hour or so before the fireworks and we all were too full to do anything. Luckily the Contemporary hotel has compfy lounge chairs here and there and the four of us went into comas.
We then went up to see the fireworks from the viewing deck. We decided to go to the back deck to see the fireworks from Epcot – it’s really hard to see them from there, but it was nice to see the electrical water pageant (which we had never seen before). The hour went by fast and no one else came out to join us (apparently everyone else went to the front two decks). We had a nice view of the castle and the fireworks though my photos aren’t that nice.
It took a long time to get on the elevator to the lobby and mom and dad headed to their hotel, while we went for EMH at MK.
Overall - a truly wonderful evening. The decor reminded me of Palo's on the Disney Magic. The service (Daniel) was excellent. The view tremendous and the food satisfied us all. Mom and Dad are members of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and are huge food and wine stobs - they were pleased. Mom said I reminded her of some of the Chaine folks taking photos of the food before I ate. I wish every meal was a Disney meal so I could photograph and comment on it!
MickeyNicki
It is pretty darn sad when a valet picks you out a
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2005
Ooh that roasted corn soup with lobster and truffle oil....I just had that last month and it was to die for!
jegsnakkernorsk
long time lurker
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2011
Well now I'm really mad I didn't get a taste!
jegsnakkernorsk
long time lurker
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2011
Today is mom's birthday and she wanted to spend the day at the water park. We had never been to Typhoon Lagoon, but last year she loved the cabana (Polar Shack) at Blizzard Beach. So when mom said this is what she wanted for her birthday, DSis called to reserve a cabana at Typhoon Lagoon. We spent the morning snorkeling with sharks, on the water roller coasters, and water rides, and the floating river. We thought we would get minidonuts but were having too much fun to stop for breakfast!
Back at the cabana the four of us lounged.
Our cabana area, Getaway Glen’s, also had the reserved seats if anyone is interested in what those are like – this is before people started using them (10:30 or 11am). It got busier at lunch time as people came back to their spots to eat. You will get a wristband –different colored for cabana versus reserved seats – to let you into this section.
I also want to share photos of the drink station and refillable mug. You can also purchase the mugs without getting a cabana.
The girls asked us for a time that they should take our order (it takes about 30 minutes to get your food, they say). Here’s a picture of the menu they can bring you. They were also able to bring chili cheese dog (which mom ordered) and nachos. They were also able to get DSis and my meal on the quick service credit while mom and dad paid cash.
DSis and I had the pulled pork and I wasn’t thinking and got NO photos except DSis took this quick shot after almost finishing the sandwich.
I can tell you the meat was flavorful and the sauce was sweat and it wasn’t messy. The bread was soft and fresh. The meal came with fries or apple slices. Mom loved her chili cheese dog and dad ate his so fast I didn’t even see what he had. We had ordered our ice cream dessert but asked to have that brought later. Having the ice chest was great since we got to keep our drinks nice and cold in there.
To digest, mom and I went for a spin or actually two spins around on the floating river. It is narrower and shorter than Blizzard Beach’s. It took 15 minutes to go around. DSis snapped a picture as we floated by the cabana.
We then all got ice cream. Mickey ice cream sandwich for me and mom, and DSis and dad got the Mickey bar. DSis thinks the Quick Service meal at Typhoon Lagoon really comes with chocolate cake because that is what the reciept read. But it would seem that the cabana girls were able to substitute ice cream for cake, something which may not be available when ordering directly from the quick service places.
Mom and dad tipped the cabana girls, something apparently some people don’t do and so I’m just gonna mention it here that the price doesn’t include their tip and they do deserve and depend on the tip. My Norwegian, socialist cousins would say it is the employer’s responsibility to pay their employees and so no tip is needed, Disney should pay, but that would just mean the already huge price would go up and have you seen customer service in Norway (and Europe in general)? I’m an American we pay for service – and we know what service means.
At some point we all slept and we really enjoyed the cabana – it was so peaceful and cool there. You are in the shade and there are water misters nearby. It’s so relaxing to see the floating river and fun to hear the warning horn that a major wave is coming in the surf pool and then hear the screams of anticipation and watch the wave come crashing in.
Did we go in the surf pool? Yes, at some point all four of us did – first us girls and then at some point Dad snuck out there. Us girls only did the bobbing waves and got out 10 minutes before the big waves even started. Dad apparently went out during the six foot waves and swam out deep – to get away from hitting or being hit by people. He then said he realized why no one was out there. No. He said it was fun. You just know you are going under the wave and go with it. Out in the deep water you don’t have to worry about scraping the concrete floor.
Was it worth it? YES! Even dad, who said water parks "didn't interest him" had a blast - in fact he didn't want to leave (he was the last one done riding the water rides and the last one to agree to get up from lounging/sleeping in the cabana).
Back at the cabana the four of us lounged.
Our cabana area, Getaway Glen’s, also had the reserved seats if anyone is interested in what those are like – this is before people started using them (10:30 or 11am). It got busier at lunch time as people came back to their spots to eat. You will get a wristband –different colored for cabana versus reserved seats – to let you into this section.
I also want to share photos of the drink station and refillable mug. You can also purchase the mugs without getting a cabana.
The girls asked us for a time that they should take our order (it takes about 30 minutes to get your food, they say). Here’s a picture of the menu they can bring you. They were also able to bring chili cheese dog (which mom ordered) and nachos. They were also able to get DSis and my meal on the quick service credit while mom and dad paid cash.
DSis and I had the pulled pork and I wasn’t thinking and got NO photos except DSis took this quick shot after almost finishing the sandwich.
I can tell you the meat was flavorful and the sauce was sweat and it wasn’t messy. The bread was soft and fresh. The meal came with fries or apple slices. Mom loved her chili cheese dog and dad ate his so fast I didn’t even see what he had. We had ordered our ice cream dessert but asked to have that brought later. Having the ice chest was great since we got to keep our drinks nice and cold in there.
To digest, mom and I went for a spin or actually two spins around on the floating river. It is narrower and shorter than Blizzard Beach’s. It took 15 minutes to go around. DSis snapped a picture as we floated by the cabana.
We then all got ice cream. Mickey ice cream sandwich for me and mom, and DSis and dad got the Mickey bar. DSis thinks the Quick Service meal at Typhoon Lagoon really comes with chocolate cake because that is what the reciept read. But it would seem that the cabana girls were able to substitute ice cream for cake, something which may not be available when ordering directly from the quick service places.
Mom and dad tipped the cabana girls, something apparently some people don’t do and so I’m just gonna mention it here that the price doesn’t include their tip and they do deserve and depend on the tip. My Norwegian, socialist cousins would say it is the employer’s responsibility to pay their employees and so no tip is needed, Disney should pay, but that would just mean the already huge price would go up and have you seen customer service in Norway (and Europe in general)? I’m an American we pay for service – and we know what service means.
At some point we all slept and we really enjoyed the cabana – it was so peaceful and cool there. You are in the shade and there are water misters nearby. It’s so relaxing to see the floating river and fun to hear the warning horn that a major wave is coming in the surf pool and then hear the screams of anticipation and watch the wave come crashing in.
Did we go in the surf pool? Yes, at some point all four of us did – first us girls and then at some point Dad snuck out there. Us girls only did the bobbing waves and got out 10 minutes before the big waves even started. Dad apparently went out during the six foot waves and swam out deep – to get away from hitting or being hit by people. He then said he realized why no one was out there. No. He said it was fun. You just know you are going under the wave and go with it. Out in the deep water you don’t have to worry about scraping the concrete floor.
Was it worth it? YES! Even dad, who said water parks "didn't interest him" had a blast - in fact he didn't want to leave (he was the last one done riding the water rides and the last one to agree to get up from lounging/sleeping in the cabana).
jegsnakkernorsk
long time lurker
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2011
our first stop
Germany!
And this heavenly place
We thought we would have mom and dad help us pick our remaining Snack Credits, but then the more we thought about it the more we realized this would likely result in mom getting anxious, some yelling at dad, dad arguing back, some uncomfortable looks from strangers, an awkward interaction with a CM or two, and a horribly embarrassing scene. So instead, DSis and I each picked two treats from the counter to save to share with mom and dad. Much better plan.
I picked the marshmellows covered in chocolate and caramel I had wanted this ever since I regretted not getting chocolate covered marshmellows on a stick/straw in MK. And I picked the dark chocolate cookie with caramel I thought its large size would make it easy to share. DSis went for quality over quantity by picking two candies one was chocolate covered caramel and nugget and the other was caramel and marshmellow swirled. To be honest, Germanys caramel shop is worth a Disney vacation alone. Cant wait to go back!
The caramel shop does not have cutlery, but the CMs directed me to the quick service restaurant where I could grab some knives. There DSis spotted the pretzel. Good eyes, Sis!
So we took our finds and found a table outside Norways bakery and magically mom and dad appear. They were late and had taken their Hilton shuttle to the park, which put them pretty far away (DSis and I were stupid in not giving Dad our parking pass for being a resort guess just didnt think of it). Everyone enjoyed the treats but mom and dad had NOT brought waters even though they took four large water bottles home with them from the cabana. So DSis and I had to share our precious waters with them too. Why cant parents ever plan ahead?
And this heavenly place
We thought we would have mom and dad help us pick our remaining Snack Credits, but then the more we thought about it the more we realized this would likely result in mom getting anxious, some yelling at dad, dad arguing back, some uncomfortable looks from strangers, an awkward interaction with a CM or two, and a horribly embarrassing scene. So instead, DSis and I each picked two treats from the counter to save to share with mom and dad. Much better plan.
I picked the marshmellows covered in chocolate and caramel I had wanted this ever since I regretted not getting chocolate covered marshmellows on a stick/straw in MK. And I picked the dark chocolate cookie with caramel I thought its large size would make it easy to share. DSis went for quality over quantity by picking two candies one was chocolate covered caramel and nugget and the other was caramel and marshmellow swirled. To be honest, Germanys caramel shop is worth a Disney vacation alone. Cant wait to go back!
The caramel shop does not have cutlery, but the CMs directed me to the quick service restaurant where I could grab some knives. There DSis spotted the pretzel. Good eyes, Sis!
So we took our finds and found a table outside Norways bakery and magically mom and dad appear. They were late and had taken their Hilton shuttle to the park, which put them pretty far away (DSis and I were stupid in not giving Dad our parking pass for being a resort guess just didnt think of it). Everyone enjoyed the treats but mom and dad had NOT brought waters even though they took four large water bottles home with them from the cabana. So DSis and I had to share our precious waters with them too. Why cant parents ever plan ahead?
jegsnakkernorsk
long time lurker
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2011
DSis checked in at the podium.
DSis answered questions about the meal plan – no we weren’t using it. And celebrations – yes, it was mom’s birthday (and dad couldn’t be left out and hollered about his graduation). And we would like to wait for a table with a view of the fireworks. Dinner reservations were at 8:30 and we were there about 7:45.
We sat outside with our pager and read through the menu.
We went inside to use the bathrooms and then came out and reread the menu.
We had decided we would get margaritas and an ap to start, then a bottle of wine and the two specialty meals Parrillada (which each serve two). Wouldn’t this have been a fun dining review to read?
We knew we were early and we were happy to wait.
At 8:25 our buzzer went off and we were taken inside. We were given a table that was in this small, dark side room, just as you enter. There are no windows to the outside. We had a view of the waiter’s service station and dirty tables. We asked the hostess if we could wait for a window table and she said none would be available. In the main dining room – which was all we could see into – were tables with kids and people clearly done eating all around. Everyone was sitting at their tables with their food and utensils cleared away, sipping on sodas waiting for the fireworks.
The hostess wished DSis and I a happy birthday and happy graduation and we corrected her that it was our parents – the one with the birthday pin on – that were celebrating. And sat there. After 10 minutes I took out my license in hopes the waiter would see it and take it as a hint that we wanted to order and we wanted to order booze – so move your booty and you’ll get a tippy. Anyway that didn’t work. 5 or more minutes later, no water, no nothing, mom says really loudly “we’ll order if someone comes here”. Well the waiter was at the station behind me and the view my birthday mom had and he yelled over that he had to bus some tables and he would be back. Yes at this table service restaurant your waiter is also the bus boy. He touches dirty dishes and then your food! Yum! After five more minutes – still no water, no waiter. DSis says lets just leave. My parents look shocked but I’ve already packed up my ID and am ready. A good idea is a good idea.
So we get up and leave and not one, not one of the five CMs they have working at the inside and outside podiums stops us or says a word to us.
Now I understand they have sweaty tourists coming up to them all evening long for tables and I understand that they will fill that table and the empty dirty tables around us, but will the waiter get as big a tip from a family with kids drinking soda and/or eating on the meal plan? I don’t think so. Even if they pool tips, you’d think they’d care just a little. Those meals at La Hacienda start at $26. When you pay for a dinner like that you are paying for two things – the location and the service. If you aren’t getting that, then the food has to be mind blowing. We’ll never know because I won’t ever go back.
That said, I actually think their counter service options looked pretty tasty and might have been a good QS credit option – if you could find seating – it was packed at 7:45 when we walked by. People were eating their nachos and tacos on the ground all around.
So we left Epcot, by taxi, my brilliant idea - $13 for the four of us and got us there 45 minutes faster than the Hilton shuttle would! We had dinner at the nice Italian restaurant in the Hilton hotel with very nice waitress and excellent food. I had the lasagna. Not what I was expecting for tonight, but it all happens the way it is meant to.
I really don’t mean to be harsh on La Hacienda but they deserve the criticism. Perhaps I can spare you the disappointment and frustration. For me, if I want a view of the fireworks and a meal at Epcot, I’ll go to UK – they have always treated my DSis and me with respect there.
jegsnakkernorsk
long time lurker
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2011
I'm sorry. We are experiencing technical difficulties on this attraction at this time. I've exceeded my photobucket bandwith for the month. Come back on the 22nd to see photos.
jegsnakkernorsk
long time lurker
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2011
At last our five night stay came to an end - this was the longest trip to Disney for us - and it wasn't long enough!
Our last two QS credits were spent at Old Port Royale food court on a breakfast platter for each of us and we each bought a snack for the plane/to take home in the grab and go section. I have no photos because on the last morning I was a) too tired b) too hurried c) too sad or d) all of the above. (Answer is D)
Our last two QS credits were spent at Old Port Royale food court on a breakfast platter for each of us and we each bought a snack for the plane/to take home in the grab and go section. I have no photos because on the last morning I was a) too tired b) too hurried c) too sad or d) all of the above. (Answer is D)
Rox.jea
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2011
I really dont mean to be harsh on La Hacienda but they deserve the criticism. Perhaps I can spare you the disappointment and frustration. For me, if I want a view of the fireworks and a meal at Epcot, Ill go to UK they have always treated my DSis and me with respect there.
I agree. You have every right to be upset. Same thing happened to me @ The Sheraton Hotel in Niagara Falls. On our anniversary! I also had hair in my food & every person working in that restaurant was rude beyond words.[fyi: fallsview restaurant] I have learned to say something before you leave. As for Disney I do not expect this @ all. I will say, this is the 2nd review I read about this same problem @ La Hacienda. As far as tipping goes you never nkow how people will tip. My parents w/ 4 kids are the best tippers ever. The reason we have gone to WDW so many times is b/cof the excellent service we get. Weather you are on a budget or going all out. @ WDW I count on great service. In "the real world" I can get crappy service so why would I want that in WDW? Nope not cool @ all. BTW Loving ur reviews giving me tons of ideas. & I LOVE the rootbeer floats too. =)
I agree. You have every right to be upset. Same thing happened to me @ The Sheraton Hotel in Niagara Falls. On our anniversary! I also had hair in my food & every person working in that restaurant was rude beyond words.[fyi: fallsview restaurant] I have learned to say something before you leave. As for Disney I do not expect this @ all. I will say, this is the 2nd review I read about this same problem @ La Hacienda. As far as tipping goes you never nkow how people will tip. My parents w/ 4 kids are the best tippers ever. The reason we have gone to WDW so many times is b/cof the excellent service we get. Weather you are on a budget or going all out. @ WDW I count on great service. In "the real world" I can get crappy service so why would I want that in WDW? Nope not cool @ all. BTW Loving ur reviews giving me tons of ideas. & I LOVE the rootbeer floats too. =)
Rox.jea
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2011
Ughhhh. I have been wanting to try San Angel Inn & have it for my last meal in WDW. This makes me nervous. I have heard not everyone loves the food but I like the menu. Having bad service would bum me out biggggg time.
Marblies
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2010
The food was fine. We really liked the duck taco appetizer (if still on menu). The service was horrendous. They just didn't seem to care. Servers (using the term lightly) standing around or even ignoring your efforts to get their attention. I began to think they weren't working for tips. This was several years ago when we still paid OOP, but the reviews that I have read look like it is the same old story. Ambiance is lovely though and a cool respite mid-day.
Rox.jea
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jan 4, 2011
I'm glad I know this now. I was telling my husband & he said we can just try it anyway, since I have been wanting to so long. & Yes it is mostly for the ambiance. But...I don't want our last special meal to end up making me mad. That would suck.I can eat Mex anytime. I think I might just do the avacado margarita @ the bar next to it. I think I might let it remain a pretty little place that I love to walk through.
When we got the PIN for free QSDP I was concerned that QSDP would mean only burgers and fries every meal. But we were really surprised by the variety we could come up with during those five days. That said...
For lunch, as soon as we arrived at the World, we ate at the Old Port Royal food court and we both had the Caribbean burger from the hamburger station!
The Caribbean burger had a pineapple-bbq sauce which was sweet and not spicy - and fried plantains, fried string onions, tomato and lettuce as toppings incredibly flavorful, filling and messy!
We had fries and got a bottle of water each. And used our free resort refillable mugs for sodas (so we could drink the water later in the park!).
For dessert, I got a chocolate cupcake with vanilla icing and DSis got the dirt cake (which she didnt eat but took back to the room to put in the fridge for later).
Here are some pics:
We just arrived at CBR this afternoon. I had the burger for dinner...sooo good...it wasn't the best burger meat wise (like McDs but bigger), but the toppings made it delish. I thought the bun was fine (are these the same buns as park CS?)
Anyhow, thanks for your review or I never would have known to order that!
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