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

[irishsharon]

I am planning a trip May 2015, long way away I know but I'm excitrd! It will be for 8-10 days during starwars weekend. I was wondering if I should book more sit down meals for lunch in the parks since it will be so busy. Going is Dh and I and our 12 and 8 year old boys. Dh has had 3 hip replacement surgerys in the last 10 months so when we go I don't want to worry about finding seating at a counter serve. So do you think it will help having reservation instead of fighting for a spot at a counter serve just want to make this a relaxing trip as much as possible. Thanks

 

[rachel09985]

I am planning a trip May 2015, long way away I know but I'm excitrd! It will be for 8-10 days during starwars weekend. I was wondering if I should book more sit down meals for lunch in the parks since it will be so busy. Going is Dh and I and our 12 and 8 year old boys. Dh has had 3 hip replacement surgerys in the last 10 months so when we go I don't want to worry about finding seating at a counter serve. So do you think it will help having reservation instead of fighting for a spot at a counter serve just want to make this a relaxing trip as much as possible. Thanks

If it was me I would, but only because I love to eat. It really is nice to sit and relax around 1pm for 1-2 hours at a restaurant. It definitely rejuvenates you. However, you can also find a nice counter service place to sit and relax. Maybe do a mix of counter service and table service.

 

[Couchy]

Absolutely loving the CA Grill review. Sad I was gone already as it looked awesome....

 

[rachel09985]

I think this is the last California Grill review.

Like everyone has mentioned our reservation was only about 2 hours after tea so I was frantically telling my stomach to get hungry! However, I was not that hungry for our meal, sadly.

Barb, Brenda, Em, and I took a cab back to the contemporary resort.

We headed up towards the restaurant check in and I was sooo excited to see the restaurant!



They told us we could go up and wait upstairs so we did and sat in the comfy booths. Brenda gave me a present, which I loved Thanks again!

We got sat at a really nice round table int he middle of the restaurant, perfect location!

As everyone has mentioned, our server was OUTSTANDING! She was very efficient and got us everything we needed. She wasn't overbearing, either! She was awesome.

Butter(missing the bread pic).

I am sad I never got to try the old bread and butter but I really loved the lavender infused focaccia. It was sooo good! I loved it. That little crunch of salt made it great along with the slight lavender taste.





For my drink I ordered the Cucumber Fizz. I can't find the description anywhere but it had Hendrick's in it which is Beth's drink of choice, so I had to try it!



It is really beautiful, but sorry Beth, I hated it!!! Haha! At first it was so refreshing but the more sips I took it just got kind of sick tasting. i actually had to have the waitress take it off of my bill because I couldn't drink it anymore.

We also received the taste (scooby snack?? Is that right Paula, lol?) of the mushroom risotto. OMG was this good. I wanted an entire bowl of this. I loved the mushrooms along with the creamy risotto.



For my appetizer I ordered the carrot and cilantro soup. I am obsessed with cilantro so I knew I would love it.

Carrot and Cilantro Soup Spiced Paprika Oil, Lime Blackened Whitefish, Citrus-Coriander Bloom 12.00



And i was right! It was a little spicy which was good and it was just really flavorful. Loved it! I wanted to save room for my dinner so I only ate about half. This was a big portion unlike the soup at Artist Point. I really liked the fish the soup, surprisingly.

For my entree, I joined Brenda and got the pork two ways. I have always wanted to try the old version so I was happy that this was back on the menu with a twist. I was very scared of the pork belly though. Paula and Hunter had to coax me into getting it.

Pork Two Ways Grilled Tenderloin, Goat Cheese Polenta, Mushrooms, Lacquered Belly, Applesauce 37.00





My thoughts on this was that it was good, but not amazing. I really liked the pork tenderloin but the polenta was a little too sweet for me. The pork belly was good on the part that was cooked but I was scared about the fatty part. I tried it but I didn't like it. The fat on meat really grosses me out.

Here is Paula and Hunter's entree. Yum!



I think Wishes started towards the end of our entrees so we went out to watch Holiday Wishes!

But first, which I almost forgot, we witnessed a proposal!!!! It was sooo sweet!! He proposed and she was so surprised and then they were presented with some sort of dessert! So romantic!











My favorite part- Oh Christmas Tree



Corey didn't go with me because he is scared of fancy and since it was his last night in Disney with me, I figured I should head back to spend his last night in Disney with him so I paid and left the meal before dessert. Paula texted me the pics of the platters and I was soooo mad at myself! But I really enjoyed the meal and loved spending time with friends.

I took a taxi back to the Swan/Dolphin and we spent time at the Winter meetings for baseball. We were walking around their cocktail party and we got to see all of these famous baseball people. We saw the new Tigers manager and other people. Corey was in heaven because baseball to him is disney to me.



I loved these trees outside of the Swan and Dolphin- i forget which is which.



It was a great second to last night in Disney!

 

[rachel09985]

Brenda's California Grill Review​

Warning: This will be a 2 part post since I have so many photos to share!

Great into by Vicki! We hadn’t been to California Grill since the refurb so we were looking forward to seeing the new interior and tasting the new menu. We met up with the group on the 2nd floor of the resort and had a group photo taken before we proceeded to the elevator.

Group photo:

Left to Right: Hunter in the back, Vicki, Paula, Brenda, Rachel, Em, and Barb


Part 2 next...
​

Vicki- I just noticed that I have the same bag, I got it for Christmas! I love it!

 

[jabead]

I had completely forgotten about the proposal...very good memory, Rachel!


I think I can help you out with your drink ingredients:

Cucumber Fizz - Hendrick's Gin, Limoncello, and Cucumber Water with a splash of Lemon Lime Soda


Doesn't really sound appealing to me, but then again I never would have dreamed that I would love an Avocado Margarita.

 

[rachel09985]

I had completely forgotten about the proposal...very good memory, Rachel!


I think I can help you out with your drink ingredients:

Cucumber Fizz - Hendrick's Gin, Limoncello, and Cucumber Water with a splash of Lemon Lime Soda


Doesn't really sound appealing to me, but then again I never would have dreamed that I would love an Avocado Margarita.

Thanks!! Now I know I am not a cucumber fan in drinks!

 

[emmysmommy]

As always, wonderful photos Rachel!

Oh, now I remember the proposal. That was sweet.

If Michael had been with me that would have been a tough choice, Cali Grill or the who's who among baseball.

 

[Niki Andiokno]

Playing catch up here ladies,and just wanted to chime in.

All of your reviews look awesome. I love living vicariously through y'all.

Barb, when are you going in October? DH and our adult nephew are going the last week in October, for the Swan/Dolphin Food and Wine Classic. Thanks to Paula, we are making that an annual gig. Such a pity Paula and Hunter are not going again this year. We had such a great time meeting you both, and you guys were really fun.

DH is looking for an excuse to go to tea on our October vacation, as I am certain our nephew will not want to go. So if you are around,we would love tea with our fellow Illinoisan (is that a word?) as a perfect excuse.

Again,great reviews guys.

 

[wilma-bride]

Barb, when are you going in October? DH and our adult nephew are going the last week in October, for the Swan/Dolphin Food and Wine Classic. Thanks to Paula, we are making that an annual gig. Such a pity Paula and Hunter are not going again this year. We had such a great time meeting you both, and you guys were really fun.

DH is looking for an excuse to go to tea on our October vacation, as I am certain our nephew will not want to go. So if you are around,we would love tea with our fellow Illinoisan (is that a word?) as a perfect excuse.

Again,great reviews guys.

Not Barb (obviously) but we are plannign to try the Swan/Dolphin Food & wine Classic this year as it came highly recommended by Linda I am hoping that we can get a group together to go since I believe it will be the last weekend of October when many of the lovely ladies here will be 'in town'

 

[PhillyPrincess]

Thanks for all your great reviews ladies! I had no desire to try California Grill until now, and now I really want to go!

 

[jabead]

Playing catch up here ladies,and just wanted to chime in.

All of your reviews look awesome. I love living vicariously through y'all.

Barb, when are you going in October? DH and our adult nephew are going the last week in October, for the Swan/Dolphin Food and Wine Classic. Thanks to Paula, we are making that an annual gig. Such a pity Paula and Hunter are not going again this year. We had such a great time meeting you both, and you guys were really fun.

DH is looking for an excuse to go to tea on our October vacation, as I am certain our nephew will not want to go. So if you are around,we would love tea with our fellow Illinoisan (is that a word?) as a perfect excuse.

Again,great reviews guys.

Not Barb (obviously) but we are plannign to try the Swan/Dolphin Food & wine Classic this year as it came highly recommended by Linda I am hoping that we can get a group together to go since I believe it will be the last weekend of October when many of the lovely ladies here will be 'in town'

Hi Niki (& Joh)!

I have booked a studio at the BW from Oct. 23 - Nov. 4 but will probably only be there for 7 - 10 of those days, just waiting to see what dates will work best. But I am definitely planning to go to the F & W Classic! As Joh mentioned, there are several interested in going so we will need to coordinate our plans so that we are there on the same night. But yes, it is very sad that Paula & Hunter won't be there, since they are the ones who introduced this event to most of us. Maybe we could all pitch in and fly them back for the weekend? Anyway, I've not been to this before so I have lots of questions. Do you have to reserve this in advance? Is there an admission fee or do you just purchase tickets or a wrist band to use at the various stations?

Also, the idea of having tea together has already been mentioned for a possible DISmeet. Maybe once Joh returns from her March Disney World trip, we can start doing some serious planning?

 

[jabead]

Thanks for all your great reviews ladies! I had no desire to try California Grill until now, and now I really want to go!

Hi PhillyPrincess!

Thanks for reading. Since California Grill is my favorite Disney restaurant, I of course say go for it...you should definitely give it try!

 

[wilma-bride]

Linda is our resident expert on the Food & Wine Classic (oh, and Paula too of course - I'm sure she wouldn't mind giving us the benefit of her knowledge) I leave WDW on the Saturday (1st Nov) so hopefully we can swing it so we could do it as a group on the Friday

I am all for some serious planning once I get my March trip out of the way (not that I'm in any hurry to get it over with but you know what I mean).

So far, we have got:

Slushy meet (and general DATW) @ Epcot
Afternoon Tea @ Grand Floridian (actual tea optional ;-) )
Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic
Plaza lunch? (unless Barb decides she doesn't like it when she (hopefully) visits in May)
Signature dinners - Cali Grill, Flying Fish, Yachtsman, Citricos?
Ice-cream sundaes at Ghirardelli

Any more for any more?

 

[smile4stamps]

For the F&W Classic You have three choices (at least prior years that was the way it was). # 1 book a package that includes your room and the wristband for the event. They do the package for 1 or 2 nights but based on double occupancy only.
#2. Purchase the causeway wristband (I've always done it in advance.. Not sure if they turn people away or not. The wristband gets you unlimited F&W!
#3 purchase individual tickets. I'm not sure how much the tickets cost but at the start of each line is a sign that says what that particular item will cost. If you plan to both eat and drink I think the wristband is the best value.

 

[smile4stamps]

Oh.. I am devastated that we won't make it to the classic this year.. I've actually contemplated flying back for the weekend Barb but I don't think it makes much financial sense

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Hmmmm. Now you all have me thinking about flying in for it as well! Maybe I can talk my sister in to joining me. I would literally only go to the Classic, no Parks or anything and only for the weekend but it is now on my radar ....,

 

[JintyB]

Thanks for all the Cali Grill reviews. We loved it before the refurb but it was closed when we were there last year.

Since re-opening the many negative reviews have had me questioning whether we should book or not, but you have put my mind at rest and I've now booked it for August.

 

[jabead]

Linda is our resident expert on the Food & Wine Classic (oh, and Paula too of course - I'm sure she wouldn't mind giving us the benefit of her knowledge) I leave WDW on the Saturday (1st Nov) so hopefully we can swing it so we could do it as a group on the Friday

I am all for some serious planning once I get my March trip out of the way (not that I'm in any hurry to get it over with but you know what I mean).

So far, we have got:

Slushy meet (and general DATW) @ Epcot
Afternoon Tea @ Grand Floridian (actual tea optional ;-) )
Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic
Plaza lunch? (unless Barb decides she doesn't like it when she (hopefully) visits in May)

Any more for any more?

How about a Signature dinner or two...like California Grill, YSH, Flying Fish, or Citricos??

For the F&W Classic You have three choices (at least prior years that was the way it was). # 1 book a package that includes your room and the wristband for the event. They do the package for 1 or 2 nights but based on double occupancy only.
#2. Purchase the causeway wristband (I've always done it in advance.. Not sure if they turn people away or not. The wristband gets you unlimited F&W!
#3 purchase individual tickets. I'm not sure how much the tickets cost but at the start of each line is a sign that says what that particular item will cost. If you plan to both eat and drink I think the wristband is the best value.

Thanks for the info Paula!

Oh.. I am devastated that we won't make it to the classic this year.. I've actually contemplated flying back for the weekend Barb but I don't think it makes much financial sense

Such a bummer. But there is still 8 months, so maybe something will happen...like one of us winning the lottery or maybe you will get a free ticket like Beth did in December to switch to an "earlier" flight. Unlikely, but not impossible.

Hmmmm. Now you all have me thinking about flying in for it as well! Maybe I can talk my sister in to joining me. I would literally only go to the Classic, no Parks or anything and only for the weekend but it is now on my radar ....,

Oh, yes please!

Thanks for all the Cali Grill reviews. We loved it before the refurb but it was closed when we were there last year.

Since re-opening the many negative reviews have had me questioning whether we should book or not, but you have put my mind at rest and I've now booked it for August.

Glad to be of help, Jeanette! Let us know how it goes. You have my permission to send a "special" live update after your dinner.

 

[Couchy]

For my drink I ordered the Cucumber Fizz. I can't find the description anywhere but it had Hendrick's in it which is Beth's drink of choice, so I had to try it!



It is really beautiful, but sorry Beth, I hated it!!! Haha! At first it was so refreshing but the more sips I took it just got kind of sick tasting. i actually had to have the waitress take it off of my bill because I couldn't drink it anymore.

Thanks!! Now I know I am not a cucumber fan in drinks!

I treid this in OCtober and did not like it either. I like lemoncello and i like hendricks .... just not mixed together....

I have learned that I only like my hendricks plain or with a splash of sprite zero

Hi Niki (& Joh)!

I have booked a studio at the BW from Oct. 23 - Nov. 4 but will probably only be there for 7 - 10 of those days, just waiting to see what dates will work best. But I am definitely planning to go to the F & W Classic! As Joh mentioned, there are several interested in going so we will need to coordinate our plans so that we are there on the same night. But yes, it is very sad that Paula & Hunter won't be there, since they are the ones who introduced this event to most of us. Maybe we could all pitch in and fly them back for the weekend? Anyway, I've not been to this before so I have lots of questions. Do you have to reserve this in advance? Is there an admission fee or do you just purchase tickets or a wrist band to use at the various stations?

Also, the idea of having tea together has already been mentioned for a possible DISmeet. Maybe once Joh returns from her March Disney World trip, we can start doing some serious planning?

Wohooo.... It is looking like we will be there 10/29-11/2. Can't wait