Nine Days of WDW Food for 9 (with pics) Now Complete w/ Final Thoughts

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Keep cheering for AP! I think people are hearing you! You inspired me to try some different items this time and I am glad I did! If you don't like goat cheese, though, I think someone must have sprinkled pixie-dust in your beet appetizer to help you like it...but they forgot to do it to mine!

Thanks for that - I'm glad my review made a difference to you, and your review has certainly made a difference to me!

I'll never know what Artist Point did to make me really enjoy a goat cheese - ironically in that exact same meal, I tried the goat cheese that came with the cheese plate and hated it (but my mom loved it). Oh well - I'm sure that the beet appetizer will be reworked soon anyway - I expect Artist Point to come up with something more 'summery' soon enough (although beet and goat cheese seems to be a combination that isn't going away anytime soon).

BTW, I hope you don't mind, but in this thread I posted a link to your AP review (giving you credit) since your review is more up-to-date than mine. I know food is subjective, but it surprises me that so many people say AP is "boring" and lacks "wow factor." I'm not easily impressed, but for me AP is one of the least boring restaurants at WDW and it wows me in various ways. If nothing else, I'm happy that you also see that.

 

[Belle5]

Thanks for that - I'm glad my review made a difference to you, and your review has certainly made a difference to me!

I'll never know what Artist Point did to make me really enjoy a goat cheese - ironically in that exact same meal, I tried the goat cheese that came with the cheese plate and hated it (but my mom loved it). Oh well - I'm sure that the beet appetizer will be reworked soon anyway - I expect Artist Point to come up with something more 'summery' soon enough (although beet and goat cheese seems to be a combination that isn't going away anytime soon).

BTW, I hope you don't mind, but in this thread I posted a link to your AP review (giving you credit) since your review is more up-to-date than mine. I know food is subjective, but it surprises me that so many people say AP is "boring" and lacks "wow factor." I'm not easily impressed, but for me AP is one of the least boring restaurants at WDW and it wows me in various ways. If nothing else, I'm happy that you also see that.

I don't mind at all!

We try to have one signature meal per trip. We had less than a steller meal at Jiko last vacation, so we felt we would have more of a "sure thing" going back to AP. Glad we did!

 

[jabead]

The clear winner in the appetizer category...Smokey Portobello Soup with Roasted Shiitakes, Chive Oil, and Sourdough Croutons. Now, one of the reasons I was wanting to return to AP was to drown myself in this soup.

Great reviews so far Belle! I especially enjoyed your last one regarding your meal at Artisit Point. My girls and I also dined at Artist Point during our recent trip and ordered a few of the same things as your family. Our families were in complete agreement on one of these...the Smokey Porobello Soup (well, actually DD2 wouldn't taste it because it has mushrooms, but we won't count her ). I wonder if there is room in that bowl for you and me both?

Anyway, DD2 had a difficult time deciding between the chicken and another entree (she went with the other). After reading your review and Donald's comments about the AP chicken, I'm pretty sure that she made the wrong decision.

Also, when I get home tonight I'll take a look at the AP menu that I brought home with me to see if I might be able to help you identify your mystery appetizer. We were there on May 23rd so I'm thinking that it was just a week or so before your visit and that perhaps we had the same menu.

 

[Belle5]

Great reviews so far Belle! I especially enjoyed your last one regarding your meal at Artisit Point. My girls and I also dined at Artist Point during our recent trip and ordered a few of the same things as your family. Our families were in complete agreement on one of these...the Smokey Porobello Soup (well, actually DD2 wouldn't taste it because it has mushrooms, but we won't count her ). I wonder if there is room in that bowl for you and me both?

I am thinking of photo-shopping one of my swimming pics in there to give a visual of how I want to live in that soup!

Anyway, DD2 had a difficult time deciding between the chicken and another entree (she went with the other). After reading your review and Donald's comments about the AP chicken, I'm pretty sure that she made the wrong decision.


Also, when I get home tonight I'll take a look at the AP menu that I brought home with me to see if I might be able to help you identify your mystery appetizer. We were there on May 23rd so I'm thinking that it was just a week or so before your visit and that perhaps we had the same menu.

Oh, would you? That would be sooo appreciated!

 

[scanne]

OK I am now all too eagerly anticpating August 4th which is when I will be dining at Artist Point for my very first time ever.

YUMMY! Thank you for the glorious review!

 

[Linda67]

Just caught up with your wonderful reviews

A bit late to add this but you can order the Chai Cream as a stand-alone dish

That's exactly what I did last month

 

[tarheelmjfan]

We haven't been to AP in awhile. After reading your review, it's the first ADR I'm making the next time we visit WDW. It's too bad it's usually only DH & me. We may have to make our DS go with us, so we can try more dishes. I want the scallops & chicken. DH will probably want the buffalo again. I may just have to veto his selection. Thanks for the reviews.

 

[Belle5]

Just caught up with your wonderful reviews

A bit late to add this but you can order the Chai Cream as a stand-alone dish

That's exactly what I did last month

How did I miss knowing one could order this?? If I would have known that, Sanaa would have sold probably a half dozen of those just to our table that night!

 

[Belle5]

OK I am now all too eagerly anticpating August 4th which is when I will be dining at Artist Point for my very first time ever.

YUMMY! Thank you for the glorious review!

Thank you for the gracious compliment! You'll have to let us know how you enjoy your meal!

We haven't been to AP in awhile. After reading your review, it's the first ADR I'm making the next time we visit WDW. It's too bad it's usually only DH & me. We may have to make our DS go with us, so we can try more dishes. I want the scallops & chicken. DH will probably want the buffalo again. I may just have to veto his selection. Thanks for the reviews.

You're welcome! Definitely take your son so you can try more things!

 

[Belle5]

We had to say goodbye to my oldest son and our precious DIL as they had to fly to Houston for a wedding. At this point we didn't really have further plans and just wanted to stay out of the holiday-weekend crowds in the parks. After a morning of playing mini-golf at Winter-Summerland we decided to REALLY avoid the crowds by heading over to FW to have some lunch at Trail's End. If you have never been to Trail's End, you must understand that it takes a while to get there as you cannot drive straight to it. You must park in the main FW parking lot and then catch a bus back to the Hoop-De-Doo Revue area, Crockett's Tavern and Trail's End. Just ask your bus driver if his bus is the quickest one to take you to those restaurants.
It had been years since we'd gone to Trail's End for lunch and we'd heard about the new a la carte lunch menu (they used to offer a buffet at lunch). The chicken and waffles, in particular had caught our eye as well as the s'mores dessert. Today seemed like the perfect day to do something off-the-beaten-path to give it a try!

Portrait of Fess Parker as Davy Crockett

If you have spent any time in FW you understand that there is a "different" kind of person that hangs out there (we have stayed in the cabins so you can count us in that crowd)...and it's different than say... your Beach Club crowd. The people you're dining with are perhaps tent camping or enjoying their motor home or a rented cabin. There is truly a different (but not bad) vibe when you hit FW! I tell you this so that if you decide to make the effort to get all the way over to Trail's End, you know what you're getting! We enjoy the rustic feel for a change so we make the effort to get over to FW or POR once during every vacation!

The service here is really laid back. The staff does not seem as "polished" as most other locations, but it kind of fits the atmosphere.

House-made Cornbread loaf served with Whipped Honey Butter. I was surprised that DH ordered this to start, but was very happy with it when it arrived. It had a nice, sweet taste and a great texture. The honey-butter made it special!

This is another shot of the cornbread, but I want you to be able to see that the cold beverages are served in Mason jars and the food served on "pewter" plates. We do miss the days when we could order Birch Beer at Trail's End...now it's just Root Beer.

Angus Chuck Bacon Cheeseburger topped with Candied Bacon, Sharp Cheddar, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Sweet Pickle Chips, Piccadilli Sauce served with Sweet Potatoes Fries. This was my entree and it was tasty (if not just a little overcooked)! I especially liked the Piccadilli Sauce on the burger and the candied bacon! The sweet potato fries were the best I've had!

Piccadilli Sauce (that relish in the corner of the plate) was great spread on the burger. Unique!

Fried Chicken and Waffles - served with rosemary maple syrup and butter. This pic does not show it well, but there are four pieces of waffle on this plate (I have blurrier pics that show it). Now, we like our chicken and waffles and have a favorite local place where we get them. These were better! They were just perfect. If you "love you some chicken and waffles", go ahead and make the effort to get over to Trail's End!

Wilderness S'more - dark chocolate mousse layered with graham crackers and topped with toasted marshmallows, and drizzled with chocolate sauce. This was a disappointment...left us all feeling "sick" It was wayyyy too rich! This item was another of the reasons we wanted to go to Trail's End...had seen it in a review earlier this year. We would have been better off getting the sticky-bun sundae! Glad our whole group only ordered two to share!

We will go back again for the chicken and waffles!

 

[wilma-bride]

Oh. My. Goodness. Just when I thought all my dining choices had been made for August, you had to go and post that review. The fried chicken looks great (although I don't 'get' the whole 'chicken and waffles' thing ) and, as for that s'mores dessert.....

I'm sold. Just one question though...we have never eaten at FW, do you need ADRs?

Oh, and I just checked out the menu on AllEars and saw they have pecan pie. DH will be in seventh heaven.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Interesting to see a Trail's End Review! Glad most of the dishes were good - I agree that the food there is pleasantly surprising.

 

[Belle5]

Oh. My. Goodness. Just when I thought all my dining choices had been made for August, you had to go and post that review. The fried chicken looks great (although I don't 'get' the whole 'chicken and waffles' thing ) and, as for that s'mores dessert.....

I'm sold. Just one question though...we have never eaten at FW, do you need ADRs?

Oh, and I just checked out the menu on AllEars and saw they have pecan pie. DH will be in seventh heaven.

It is the one place that I really don't think you need ADR's. That's one of the reasons we like it!
The fried chicken is the same as that served at Hoop-de-Doo as the restaurants share a kitchen, I believe. It is considered to be (arguably) the best fried chicken on WDW property!

I know that dessert looks good, but just know what you are getting into! If you love the world's richest chocolate mousse then go for it!

Interesting to see a Trail's End Review! Glad most of the dishes were good - I agree that the food there is pleasantly surprising.

Didn't you do a Trail's End review once? I find it charming and tasty...it was perfect for the laid-back day we were trying to enjoy along with mini-golf and then renting a pontoon boat at the FW marina. I would probably never try to pull off dining at Trail's End during a busy park day!

 

[Belle5]

Also, when I get home tonight I'll take a look at the AP menu that I brought home with me to see if I might be able to help you identify your mystery appetizer. We were there on May 23rd so I'm thinking that it was just a week or so before your visit and that perhaps we had the same menu.

When you look at that menu for me will you see if there is a Tuna Tartare appy? I just spoke with DS25 and he claims that's what he ordered (and here I was thinking it was BBQed red meat of some sort)!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Didn't you do a Trail's End review once? I find it charming and tasty...it was perfect for the laid-back day we were trying to enjoy along with mini-golf and then renting a pontoon boat at the FW marina. I would probably never try to pull off dining at Trail's End during a busy park day!

Yep, I actually had that s'mores dessert and thought it was surprisingly light (and could've used more chocolate!). But then again, I was still very hungry (skipped breakfast after flying at 6am - all I'd eaten before was a salad), so maybe the heaviness just didn't hit me. Also, I'm typically a fan of fruity desserts, but when it comes to chocolate, I prefer when it's extremely dark (I actually like it more than super sweet and 'milky' chocolate).

 

[jabead]

Why, oh why do I read these reviews when I am hungry??? First Artist Point and now these pictures. You are killing me today, Belle! And all I had for lunch was a few sad-looking grapes.

Needless to say, I think your Trail's End food looks delicious! Two of my son's favorite foods are bacon cheeseburgers and sweet potato fries. Put the two together and he would be in heaven! I might just have to take him over there on our next trip. Hopefully we won't get lost trying to find it, as it has been years since we have been over that way to see HDDR.

And I too must admit that the chicken and waffle combo was a new one to me. It does look yummy though.

When you look at that menu for me will you see if there is a Tuna Tartare appy? I just spoke with DS25 and he claims that's what he ordered (and here I was thinking it was BBQed red meat of some sort)!

Will do!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

I am very glad that we have already decided to try Trails End on our upcoming trip! I would have had to add it in for sure if I hadn't. DS is obsessed with trying chicken & waffles! Can't wait to show him this review when he gets home later.

Also enjoyed your AP review. We had the best meal there in 2009 but then I didn't really enjoy it last year. DH & DS are insisting on going back and I have been reluctant. Your review is giving me hope!

 

[Belle5]

Oops! I skipped a review! I forgot to include our TS meal for our last night at EPCOT! That was the night we had our magical La Hacienda dinner! How could I forget? When I approached the podium, I was not expecting to have my request met with a yes. I asked if it would be possible to have a window seat. If you travel in a large party you know that rarely are the good window seats available to you. Usually two-top or four-top tables get the primo views. Not tonight! The CM made a call and told me that she thought I would be pleased. I was! After a short wait our party was taken to a window seat with a perfect view of the lake. I did not "build" up expectations too much about what we could expect to view from that seat, so when the moment finally came...this family, who has seen Illuminations to the point of burn-out, was floored! Even me! I hadn't let myself dwell on what "might be" too much, so when the lights dimmed, the music started and the fireworks went off, it was difficult not to get a little teary-eyed! Yay for magic!!

Pretty lights!

Pretty menu!

Nice chips with a red and green salsa to choose from...

This was my dinner as I really wasn't hungry--Botana-A sampling of traditional Mexican favorites; chicken tostada, Chilorio sope (marinated pork)and cheese empanada...I swapped my pork chilorio sope for another of the chicken tostadas...It was perfect for my small appetite that evening!

DS19 had a small appetite, as well, this night, so he ordered the Taquiza Taco trio featuring beef taco with chipotle salsa, roasted chicken taco with salsa verde and Chilorio (marinated pork) taco. He LOVED this!! He said the chicken was especially delicious and the tortillas were fabulous!

La Hacienda de San Angel--Ensalada de la HaciendaSpinach salad with queso fresco, tomatoes,pomegranate, pine nuts and avocado,with mustard vinaigrette dressing. I think DIL ordered this and I don't know what she thought of it!

Virgin Mango Margarita--it was refreshing.

Virgin Classic Margarita--refreshing...

Queso Fundido Melted cheese with poblano peppers, chorizo and flour tortillas
I do not know what DS and DIL thought of this. If I find out, I will update.

Pollo al Pastor Achiote marinated chicken served with roasted vegetables, beans and pineapple relish. Someone loved this...don't know who!

“La Hacienda” Mixed grill offering New York Strip, chicken al pastor, chorizo and vegetables, served with beans and fresh salsas. A few ordered this and loved the steak and corn. Everything was good!

Arrachera-New York strip served with spring onions, tamal with rajas, cactus leaves, and beans

DS25 lived in Mexico City two summers ago and talked DH into ordering this (they each ordered one). They both were very happy with their choice!

Someone's side of beans...

Interesting little tidbit--I have been informed that those who ordered regular coffee at this restaurant thought it was the best regular coffee you can find at a WDW restaurant. You know this family likes it's coffee, so that's pretty high praise!

We were too full to order dessert. At least one son says this was his all-around favorite meal. The coffee, food and fireworks worked together to make a perfect evening. I know I rank it up toward the top just because of the overall experience!

 

[Belle5]

Why, oh why do I read these reviews when I am hungry??? First Artist Point and now these pictures. You are killing me today, Belle! And all I had for lunch was a few sad-looking grapes.

Needless to say, I think your Trail's End food looks delicious! Two of my son's favorite foods are bacon cheeseburgers and sweet potato fries. Put the two together and he would be in heaven! I might just have to take him over there on our next trip. Hopefully we won't get lost trying to find it, as it has been years since we have been over that way to see HDDR.

And I too must admit that the chicken and waffle combo was a new one to me. It does look yummy though.

I am killing ME today, too, Jabead! I can "taste" most of the food as I relive eating it!

Don't let them cook that burger well-done...won't be moist enough. That will make it perfect!

As much as I liked my burger, I regretted not ordering the chicken-n-waffles after tasting them!

I am very glad that we have already decided to try Trails End on our upcoming trip! I would have had to add it in for sure if I hadn't. DS is obsessed with trying chicken & waffles! Can't wait to show him this review when he gets home later.

Also enjoyed your AP review. We had the best meal there in 2009 but then I didn't really enjoy it last year. DH & DS are insisting on going back and I have been reluctant. Your review is giving me hope!

I think if your son is on the hunt for chicken and waffles, he will not be disappointed in the ones at TE!

It seems we can never have the same signature restaurant experience two years in a row...except the last two meals at AP have been great! The most hit or miss for us has been Jiko. California Grill has been a total miss...

 

[jabead]

When you look at that menu for me will you see if there is a Tuna Tartare appy? I just spoke with DS25 and he claims that's what he ordered (and here I was thinking it was BBQed red meat of some sort)!

Nope, no Tuna Tartare listed on my menu. So unless the menu was changed, then I don't think he's right. Could it perhaps have been this?

Huckleberry Lacquered Pork Belly with Green Papaya Slaw, Athena Melon and Lotus Root Chip