No Longer coming to you Live from Disney World! Take 3 DDW'S TAMBU LOUNGE 8/6

[cousinbb]

Yay for another thread to catch up on

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Hi everyone! Just checking in for our 3-night Food & Wine trip, and it couldn't come at a better time. This past month has been rather stressful (and I still have 2 midterms and an interview to get through before we leave), but the payoff will be worth it.

It's so exciting to return to the Food & Wine Festival for the first time in 11 years. Last time, the only marketplace item I tried was a beef dish from the South Africa booth, and my food preferences have changed a lot since then. With so many unique booths to explore, we've never been more excited to eat our way around World Showcase!

Here are the Epcot locations I'm most excited about:

-Tangierine Cafe (probably our favorite CS location in WDW)
-L'Artisan des Glaces (everything I've had here has been great, including the piña colada martini!)
-Australia
-Brazil
-Singapore
-Hops & Barley
-Florida Local
-Hawaii
-New Zealand
-Ireland
-Scotland
-Greece

Another thing - for the first time, I'm planning on using a rating system. This'll be specifically for the F&W-related updates (and perhaps other snacks/drinks in World Showcase), and it'll be a basic 1-5 scale.

-5 (Donald Duck) represents the best of the best, obviously.
-3 (Mickey Mouse) is probably something that's predictable and bland - it's fine, but it doesn't wow me.
-1 (Stitch) is something that nobody should ever be forced to experience (such as the chili dog scent from Stitch's Great Escape).
-I'm too lazy to assign characters to "2" and "4".

In all seriousness, I doubt you'll be seeing any 1's from me, and the characters don't mean anything (nothing against Mickey and Stitch!). But I thought it would be fun to provide actual ratings for the F&W updates.

Next on the agenda - our meals! We're currently planning to dine at Jiko, Monsieur Paul, and California Grill. Our last meal at Jiko was disappointing, but surprisingly, Jiko is still the favorite among this group. Cali Grill hasn't impressed us for a few years now (we're hoping the new menu will change that), and my first experience at Bistro de Paris was underwhelming. We're taking some risks with all of these choices (since Artist Point, Yachtsman, and Flying Fish were also extremely tempting), but hopefully the risks will pay off!

*One more thing: For the first time, all the pics on this trip will come from my iPhone. My point-and-shoot camera started having some issues in August, and it seems like a good time to retire that camera. I already began using my phone camera more frequently in July and August, and it'll be exciting to see the quality that a phone camera is capable of. (If the pictures are all terrible, I apologize in advance. )

5 more days until we're at the airport!

 

[goofy4prez]

Next on the agenda - our meals! We're currently planning to dine at Jiko, Monsieur Paul, and California Grill. Our last meal at Jiko was disappointing, but surprisingly, Jiko is still the favorite among this group. Cali Grill hasn't impressed us for a few years now (we're hoping the new menu will change that), and my first experience at Bistro de Paris was underwhelming. We're taking some risks with all of these choices (since Artist Point, Yachtsman, and Flying Fish were also extremely tempting), but hopefully the risks will pay off!

I am so looking forward to reading all about your reviews of these three restaurants; all three of them I have ADR's with for our upcoming trip in a few weeks.

 

[jabead]

Our First (three) Updates of the Day were sent to us this morning by a new reporter who arrived at Disney World yesterday, Jen (Merida34).


She said, "Good morning Barb! Yesterday we arrived at Old Key West after our almost 18 hour drive and were starving so we had breakfast at...






"We had Banana bread French toast...





Biscuits with gravy & eggs...







Adult portion of Mickey waffles ( with a candle for my DS' birthday)...







...and a Bloody Mary!"





"Everything was good and hit the spot after a long drive."​

5 October Game Points Earned + 3 Bonus Points for sign, pic of DS, and First Update of the Day

 

[jabead]

Next Jen sent us a lunch update from Downtown Disney's...





She said, "We went to lunch at T-Rex but just got apps and kids meals as we were still full from breakfast."


"Quesadillas and nachos...








"Both were really good."




"Kids Chicken & Shrimp Meal...






"Kids Cheeseburger Meal...






"And a Kids Slushy Drink in a souvenir cup...


​

5 October Game Points Earned + 1 Bonus Point for sign

 

[jabead]

Then Jen's (Merida34) third update was from their dinner last night at the Contemporary Resort's...





"My plate... Prime rib, ribs. Mashed potatoes, crab tortellini, salmon, veggies & sushi..."





"This dinner was really good. Much better than the last time we ate here. Everything was delicious!"



"I will say the characters were a bit rushed.. They started coming as soon as we sat down but it actually worked out because we were done with the characters and then could enjoy dinner and not have to stop for characters. We saw Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy & Donald!"


​

10 October Game Points Earned + 4 Bonus Points for sign and pic of kids with Mickey

 

[jabead]

Next in this morning was amandaC's breakfast snack update from DHS'...


Starring Rolls Cafe



Here's what they had...




Cinnamon roll, bagel, Butterfinger cupcake, and banana


"The breakfast of Toy Story Mania (almost) champions!"


She also sent us a bonus pic of their seasonal cupcake...





​

1 October Game Point Earned + 1 Bonus Point for misc. pic

 

[jabead]

Then less than 15 minutes later we received the first update from a new reporter who arrived at Disney World this morning, disneynanacat.


And this was also an update from...






"Jeremiah had a ham sandwich and bagel...






"Skye had a cinnamon roll and I had a bagel and latte...






"Haley wasn't hungry. She just wanted to ride..."



​

5 October Game Points Earned + 2 Bonus Points for sign and misc. pic

 

[jabead]

amandaC has sent us another snack update from a couple of other DHS locations, first from...


Writer's Stop


Here's what they got...




Carrot Cake Cookie


"So much better than the Butterfinger cupcake!"


...and a Goofy's Glacier!"








Amanda also sent us a couple pics of the seasonal treats currently offered at...


Sweet Spells




Spider and Mickey Jack-o-Lantern Cake Pops







Caramel Apple Ghosts and Candied Apple Ghouls​

1 October Game Point Earned + 2 Bonus Points for pic of DS and misc. pics

 

[jabead]

I'm very happy to tell you that we had a live reporter in attendance at the first 2013 "3D" Dessert Discovery Party held last night at Epcot's World ShowPlace pavilion.


amandaC and family were there and sent us this report...










First some menu pics...


















Then pics of some of their choices...




Flavored Popcorn





Pretzels & Cheese Dip






Fruits & Cheeses






Peanut Butter and Jelly Whoopie Pie






Hot Dog Dessert - Angel food cake "bun", Mixed berry ice cream "hot dog", green cherry "relish", mango "mustard", and raspberry "ketchup"

"Yummy"







Red Stag Flambéed Cinnamon Doughnuts served with choice of Coffee Gelato or Vanilla Ice Cream





Flambéed Doughnut with vanilla ice cream


"Amazing!!! Definitely our favorite of the night."



And then an Illuminations fireworks photo (with "3D" glasses)...






Amanda said, "This is such an awesome event!"
​

5 October Game Points Earned + 5 Bonus Points for sign, menu pics, and misc. other pics

 

[jabead]

DHS is apparently "THE PLACE" to be today if you are at Disney World because a third reporter, Jen (Merida34) just sent us an update from their lunch at...






She said, " I had the spicy buffalo chicken sandwich....




"It was really good but I wouldn't call it "buffalo". It was a breaded chicken breast with a little spicy ranch dressing on it. It had lettuce, tomato & a good roll. It was yummy though!"

​

5 October Game Points Earned + 1 Bonus Point for sign

 

[iwasdaisy]

Reading along...

Come onnnnnnn February!

 

[rachel09985]

Hi everyone! Just checking in for our 3-night Food & Wine trip, and it couldn't come at a better time. This past month has been rather stressful (and I still have 2 midterms and an interview to get through before we leave), but the payoff will be worth it.

It's so exciting to return to the Food & Wine Festival for the first time in 11 years. Last time, the only marketplace item I tried was a beef dish from the South Africa booth, and my food preferences have changed a lot since then. With so many unique booths to explore, we've never been more excited to eat our way around World Showcase!

Here are the Epcot locations I'm most excited about:

-Tangierine Cafe (probably our favorite CS location in WDW)
-L'Artisan des Glaces (everything I've had here has been great, including the piña colada martini!)
-Australia
-Brazil
-Singapore
-Hops & Barley
-Florida Local
-Hawaii
-New Zealand
-Ireland
-Scotland
-Greece

Another thing - for the first time, I'm planning on using a rating system. This'll be specifically for the F&W-related updates (and perhaps other snacks/drinks in World Showcase), and it'll be a basic 1-5 scale.

-5 (Donald Duck) represents the best of the best, obviously.
-3 (Mickey Mouse) is probably something that's predictable and bland - it's fine, but it doesn't wow me.
-1 (Stitch) is something that nobody should ever be forced to experience (such as the chili dog scent from Stitch's Great Escape).
-I'm too lazy to assign characters to "2" and "4".

In all seriousness, I doubt you'll be seeing any 1's from me, and the characters don't mean anything (nothing against Mickey and Stitch!). But I thought it would be fun to provide actual ratings for the F&W updates.

Next on the agenda - our meals! We're currently planning to dine at Jiko, Monsieur Paul, and California Grill. Our last meal at Jiko was disappointing, but surprisingly, Jiko is still the favorite among this group. Cali Grill hasn't impressed us for a few years now (we're hoping the new menu will change that), and my first experience at Bistro de Paris was underwhelming. We're taking some risks with all of these choices (since Artist Point, Yachtsman, and Flying Fish were also extremely tempting), but hopefully the risks will pay off!

*One more thing: For the first time, all the pics on this trip will come from my iPhone. My point-and-shoot camera started having some issues in August, and it seems like a good time to retire that camera. I already began using my phone camera more frequently in July and August, and it'll be exciting to see the quality that a phone camera is capable of. (If the pictures are all terrible, I apologize in advance. )

5 more days until we're at the airport!

Excited for your updates! Have you seen the new ice cream brioche from L'Artisian? It looks amazing!!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I am so looking forward to reading all about your reviews of these three restaurants; all three of them I have ADR's with for our upcoming trip in a few weeks.

I hope you enjoy the reviews! Can't guarantee they'll be completely positive, but it'll still be fun to try the 'new' California Grill and Monsieur Paul.

Excited for your updates! Have you seen the new ice cream brioche from L'Artisian? It looks amazing!!

Agreed - the brioche sandwich looks great! Not sure if I'll get that or the chocolate macaron sandwich, but a stop at L'Artisan des Glaces is virtually guaranteed.

 

[goofy4prez]

I hope you enjoy the reviews! Can't guarantee they'll be completely positive, but it'll still be fun to try the 'new' California Grill and Monsieur Paul.

I am certain your reviews will be unbiased and unswayed by past experiences whether they were positive or not; this is the reason why I enjoy your reviews. You have always proved this to be the case in all your reviews.

 

[Linda67]

Excited for your updates! Have you seen the new ice cream brioche from L'Artisian? It looks amazing!!

I saw a picture of this just the other day - looks delicious!

DDW - so looking forward to your reviews

 

[TheMaxRebo]

amandaC - thanks for sending in info about the 3D Dessert party. Looks great and glad to see it wasn't "just" sweets. Those flambeed doughnuts look amazing!

Quick question - did the 3D glass for Illumination, um, "work" Did it make it more 3Dish (vs. being, you know, live and just already in 3D)? It sounds like a really neat concept just was wondering how the execution worked out.

Thanks!

 

[amandaC]

amandaC - thanks for sending in info about the 3D Dessert party. Looks great and glad to see it wasn't "just" sweets. Those flambeed doughnuts look amazing!

Quick question - did the 3D glass for Illumination, um, "work" Did it make it more 3Dish (vs. being, you know, live and just already in 3D)? It sounds like a really neat concept just was wondering how the execution worked out.

Thanks!

The glasses just gave the lights a Mickey head shape. Cute, but almost detracted from the fireworks for me. We did have a special viewing area- right between the gift shops in world showcase. The view was great!

I didn't mention all of the drinks, as I had two teens with me, & they took most of the pictures. There were about 6 flavors of Pinnacle vodka, wines, liquors, etc.

 

[jabead]

Good morning everyone! I have one more update to post from yesterday, this one from Jen (Merida34).


She and her family had dinner last night at the Polynesian Resort's...








"Lapu Lapu...Fruity & strong!"






"Potstickers & wings."






"Noodles were great! Steak was good, shrimp were awesome!"






"Pork was dry this time, chicken was juicy and delicious. Other times we have eaten here it's been the opposite."





"My favorite part of the meal! Bread pudding! Delicious as always!"



"This is a must do for us and I was questioning whether to keep or not after reading some bad reviews but our dinner was great! I'm glad we kept it."



"Here's a copy of our receipt! We saved $79 with TIW, plus free valet parking!"





Note from jabead: I was shocked when I saw the $400+ receipt total, as I thought there was only Jen's family of 4 dining! But just as I was about to do some online research to see if 'Ohana had significantly increased their prices, I received this additional photo and text from Jen...



"Here is a better picture. I didn't realize I cut off the numbers on the left side of the first text."





Ahhh...$400 for 9 adults and 2 kids plus 3 Lapu Lapus and a couple of other adult beverages. Now that's a pretty good deal! ​

2 October Game Points Earned + 1 Bonus Point for sign

 

[jabead]

Now for our First Update of the Day, brought to you by Jenifer (disneynanacat).


She and her family headed to the Swan last night for dinner at...














"This tea was delicious..."





"Started with this wonderful app for two and bread..."





"Skye had the Chicken Parm (no pic received). It was huge and delicious. Not dry at all."




"I had the Pappardelle, it was wonderful."



Pappardelle with Tomato Basil Sauce




"Jeremiah had this but I didn't get the name. Sorry."




Hmm, I'm going to say...Penne Rigate - Penne served with our original Il Mulino Marinara Sauce and Ricotta Cheese


"He said it was excellent."




"Haley got Fettuccine Alfredo and loved it."




"No dessert. We were stuffed. Excellent meal. Highly recommend."​

10 October Game Points Earned + 3 Bonus Points for sign, menu pics, and First Update of the Day