We arrived and checked into POFQ around 10:15 a.m. DH & I would be in one room, DS & his BFF would be in the other. BFF couldn’t get off the full week, so she was flying in on Sunday evening. DS, DH & I drove down. So, when we went to check in, we were very surprised to learn that both of our rooms were ready…at 10:15 on a holiday weekend. Good clue that the resort, and the parks, were not going to be nearly as busy as last year. As the week went on, we figured out that at least on whole building was empty all week, because they had exterminators spraying it, one floor at a time (and leaving all the doors open on that floor as they went.) Even in our building it was obvious they were not full (we were in building #5, very close to pool, food court & all services.) The food court never seemed to be very busy -- longest line I ever saw ordering or paying was about 5 people.
But anyway, after getting our Mickey magic cards, we headed off to Epcot to commence celebrating. After a quick stop at the Will Call window to get my birthday gift card, we dashed over to The Land to get fast passes for Soarin. And found out it was not necessary to “dash”…at 11:15, our fast passes were for 1:15! We really expected a much later return time than that. Last year, late morning fast passes were for late afternoon return times.
We headed back to Mexico to go to the San Angel Inn for my birthday lunch. Now the funny thing is, DS has been to Epcot on two previous family vacations…we spent a day here when he was about 12, and then we spent another couple days here when he was almost 20. (He’s 29 now) But he tells me he’s never been on the Mexico boat ride! He had seen the marketplace, and even walked past the restaurant…he remembered the “backdrop” of the temple & volcano. But he had never made it on the ride itself. So we resolved that’s what we would do as soon as we were done eating.
Now first off, have to say a word about our experience at San Angel Inn…I have read many negative reviews of this place, and being contrary, that was actually one of the reasons we wanted to try it. One of the most recurring complaints I read is that they don’t serve the typical American/Tex-Mex food like tacos & burritos. Which was fine by me, because I’m not all that fond of Taco Bell & the like. Fast food Tex-Mex is o.k., but it is not what I would go to a sit-down restaurant for. I don’t go to a steakhouse when I want a burger. And I really prefer more subtle seasonings than coat- it-with-chili-powder-and-hot-sauce & call it Mexican. The other negative reviews of San Angel that I’d seen mentioned long waits to be seated, and slow service.
People usually begin negative review of SAI by complaining about how dark it is in there…well, yes, it is dark, but your eyes get used to it after a few minutes. And it was 90 degrees F. outside: very hot/very intense sun midday when we arrived at the SAI…that dim “twilight” glow in there was a wonderful welcome after our quick walk over to Mexico (not to mention how nice and cool it was in the A/C, lol.) What was really more difficult was going back outside, after - then it was too bright & too hot outside!
Well, shoot down one complaint: we were seated very quickly (they were just opening at 11:30...we were seated by 11:35) and while we were there, we never saw more than a couple of people waiting to be seated. And shoot down a 2nd common complaint…our server was excellent, and quick. She checked on us often, refilling our water glasses, clearing dishes as we used them, and everything else as needed. She knew that menu very well, and was able to answer all questions we had about the various dishes.
We were all parched, so we ordered a pitcher of sangria…and wowzers, this was good. Besides the fruit slices on the edge of the glass, there was like ½ a jar of maraschino cherries in the pitcher…the wine was a dry red, but the cherries sweetened it up just the right amount…this really hit the spot. (Hubby pointed out the “hidden mickey” on the pitcher…was really proud of himself for spotting it)
Chips & salsa were also delivered with the sangria. The chips probably came out of a giant bag, but I think the salsa may have been freshly made. At least it didn’t taste like any of national brands I’ve had. Regardless, we were starving so we enjoyed this:
DS chose the Mahi-Mahi a la Veracruzana which is grilled mahi-mahi with olives, peppers, onions, and tomatoes in a white wine sauce over white rice. He thoroughly enjoyed this dish and finished most of it. He would definitely order this dish again.
Both DH & I were craving beef so we chose Churrasco Con Chilaquiles which is grilled flank steak on top of layers of fried corn tortilla, green tomatilla sauce, topped with fresh cheese, onions, and sour cream. There was also a scoop of refried black beans on the plate. The steak was cooked rare as requested…seasoning tasted very much like a regular steak-house rub. It was tender and delicious. The tomatilla sauce looks kind of like guacamole, but tastes like a spicy salsa (tomatillas are similar to tomatoes, but green, so they taste like tomatoes, but look like guacamole if that makes any sense.) The beans tasted like regular refried beans, good but nothing different except the color. DH loved that sauce…but it was just a tad bit too spicy for my wimpy tastes. DH ate most of his chilaquiles; I ate about half of mine (after I scraped about ½ the tomatilla sauce off. I like a little zing, but not that much.) We would both order this dish again.
Dessert coming up...
Sounds like this will be a good one!! I am getting super excited for our disneymoon portion of our honeymoon next month..and this is going to make me even more excited 
The only thing is the desserts are not the greatest, can't wait to see your review on them.
)) but there is a lovely little place by me that is owned by a mexican family. There aren't the typical Americanized Mexican food on the menu there either. No burritos, fast food stuff. The owners always come to our table to chit chat and they have mentioned this. I love it and try to go all the time. 
