Flame Tree Barbeque has the best seating area of all the parks. I love the view from there. And the pulled pork is good, too.
That was nice that your son and his gf could join you. Were they staying at WDW, too, or just traveling in the area?
That view of the castle is amazing. I would think that the view draws a lot of people to the restaurant. I had read some bad reviews of California Grill when it first reopened. But everything I have read lately has been very positive. It probably helps to have Hunter along for the little extras.
Pulled pork sandwiches and a great view of EE are pretty much the best as far as CS dining at AK park.
My son and his girlfriend were actually traveling to the South Florida area to see her family so they asked to stop by and see us. We figured if they were in Orlando they may as well stay a night so we gave them a choice of a non-Disney hotel or to stay on-site at WDW. They chose to stay on-site. A kid after my own heart!!! (There were not a lot of choices when we booked last minute so we go them a room at ASM.)
I read a lot of bad reviews as well when Cali Grill reopened. We were very skeptical in December but we've had a great experience. Hunter definitely helped with his connections.
I was looking at the menu and the Pork Two Ways caught my eye instantly. I am a huge fan of pork belly! I thought that was perfect when I saw that you ordered it, so we could see what the dish looked like.
I am a new fan of pork belly. The name didn't sound appealing but the first time I tasted it, it was wonderful. It reminds me of all the good parts of a port roast with a little caramelized fatty part. That sounds gross but it was actually good.
I had the pork pre-refurbishment and it was delicious. We have not been back yet but maybe next year
I think they improved the pork dish post re-furb. I loved it before but I like it even better now that it has expanded the pork selection for the dish. It is not just one dimensional any longer.
Reading this while sitting here sipping wine and trying not to eat is a very hard prospect when faced with Danishes, BBQ, and pork. And no matter how oily that focaccia was it looks like the most amazing piece of bread my wine filled eyes have ever seen.
I had no idea flame tree took TiW, will have to try and remember that for next trip.
Cali grill sounds amazing as always. Haven't been post rehab but pre rehab meals were nothing short of amazing. Those scallops look awesome, thought with only 3 I'm sure your hubby was greatful for the pork belly side dish. Can't wait for the rest,...
Ha ha! Your wine-filled eys!
Things do tend to have a different perspective with a glass.. or two.. or more ... of wine!
Yes, Flame Tree accepts TiW. I believe all the counter service locations do at AK since they only have a couple table service options.
Although the scallops were large it isn't really enough for a big guy to fill up on without some other food being shoved his way. It is more of a petite portion if you ask me.
I will have to tell Mark about that PBJ at Mara since we are staying at AKL for three nights and plan on eating there on our arrival night.
I loved seeing your review on Flame Tree. We haven't been in awhile and it's on the schedule also for September.
I am drooling all over looking at the photos of Michael's scallops. I love scallops and those just look absolutely fabulous. We have yet to get to California Grill...I never seem to quite fit it in anywhere. I can't remember whose but I did see a very poor review of it yet. But I can't imagine those scallops being bad.
Ha ha! If Mark makes a PB&J at The Mara I want to see a photo!
I can only eat FT BBQ without Em now. She's not a fan of BBQ so I don't see it as an option on our next trip. I'll miss it.
There were a lot of bad reviews for Cali Grill once they reopened. You would think that they'd be better than ever so I'm not sure what happened. We've been fortunate the last few visits that everything has been stellar. There are high expectations for that place though since it is among the best of the Signatures. I've not tasted the scallops so I can't confirm but they look amazing.
I have gone to WDW too many times in the heat and I always overlook Flame Tree Barbecue, but I think its time to revisit in the cooler weather and sit at the exact same table with that perfect view.
I have not been to the Cali Grille since the refurb and it really looks beautiful. Those scallops look divine!
I didn't realize your son was on this trip. Cool!
Bring on the rest of the meal!
It's
not a refreshing prospect to dine outside at FT BBQ in the middle of summer! It was ok in April but I'm sure most times of the year you'd miss the a/c. But that view!! Pretty worth it.
Although I've eaten many times pre-refub, so once I read the awful post re-furb reviews I was a bit nervous to try it again. My worries were unfounded. Again, maybe having Hunter a friend of the chef helped us out.
I was excited that our middle son was able to join us for one night. They had to head out to see her family the next day so we didn't see them for long. A short time is better than nothing!
The PB&J idea is so funny at Maras that's so cute! Yep your Michael should of gotten a pulled pork sandwich at Flametree BBQ but you did share so maybe next time : )
Looking forward to reading more about California Grill but a beautiful table, view and company
Isn't PB&J a great idea?
Next time I suspect Michael may order a sandwich AND ribs. I can't guarantee that I'd be willing to share every time!
Thanks! I wanted to allow Paula to post her Cali Grill update before I continue since there was something delivered to celebrate their special occasion.
Brenda, I admire your restraint in not demanding the Ooey Gooey debacle be corrected IMMEDIATELY! I definitely would have looked like Sheldon had I been cheated out of that awesomeness (is that actually a word?) Anyway, I had faith in you and figured the only way you would have missed out on this heavenly creation is because you were cheated! I guessed #4 on Barb's quiz. It was the only logical explanation.
'Ohana is the one restaurant at Disney my DH swears he will never try again. We had a very bad experience there a few years ago and even the mention of it elicits a grimace and a firm "never again!". Like you, the only things I really enjoyed was the bread, pot stickers, chicken and dessert. It looks like you all had a great time though, and that always makes any meal better.
Love the photos of Cali Grill! It truly is a lovely restaurant. Both your entree and Michael's look delicious! I'm looking forward to part 2.
Great updates Brenda!
I suppose at the time it was a big deal to miss the toffee cake but I'm sure my waistband appreciated the fact that I passed on dessert. Next time... no mistaking my order will be clear... and repeated... and repeated again.
Your DH is not the only one that doesn't feel the need to dine at 'Ohana. Barb, our travel companion would not go back there after one or more bad experiences. It's not a favorite so I won't miss it next trip.
Thanks and I look forward to sharing part 2 shortly. I remember you were one of the unlucky folks that had a less than stellar experience at Cali Grill post re-furb. right?
Lol about the PB&J! I think he did get it from the Mara too! And AOA! Lol, cheapie!
Corey has made that practice famous! People everywhere will want to replicate his meal. I think it was brilliant!
Here at WDW now and yesterday tried Ooey gooey toffee cake for the first time and can I just say - it is a little piece of heaven on a plate! I ordered one piece for my family to share and after a few bites in I was fighting them off with my fork!!! I can usually take a few bites of a dessert and then push it aside but not this one!!! I am planning on making a ressie later in the week just to go back for the dessert again! It was AWESOME!!!! Thanks for your recommendation!!
OH I'M JEALOUS!!! That's awesome. I'm glad that you are a new fan of that lovely dessert. If they would make the toffee cake available to-go it may be a very popular item. Or better yet...ditch the funnel cake stand and have a toffee cake stand! I'd go for that.
I hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip!
You've sold me on trying Flame Tree. Your sandwich looks great!
Glad you had another great meal at Cali Grill. Michael's scallops are almost too pretty to eat.
Hi Rachel! I'm a long time fan of the pulled pork sandwich. I have a hard time switching things up once I land on something so delicious.
Ha ha! Those scallops were certainly well presented. And colorful.
We love FT BBQ and the setting is always very relaxing. It's a shame the CG has gotten rid of sourdough bread
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Hi new mommy! I hope all is well.
I agree, that sourdough bread at Cali Grill was fabulous. The focaccia is ok but the rolls are not good at all. Such a shame that it was a step down with the new bread basket. My opinion of course.
funny you mentioned the bread at Tony's. we ate at Tony's for the first time lsast trip, for lunch. do you know at lunch you get no bread?
i nebo got the chicken parmesan, I got the shrimp scampi. it just seemed off to eat at an Italian restaurant with no bread. not even garlic bread!
waht a great view from your calif. grill table!
I don't think I remembered that there's no bread at lunch at Tony's but then again for lunch I've only had the flatbread. I wonder if they even have the option of sending some to the table like at Liberty Tree Tavern. So odd. They need some customer feedback on that one.
Thanks! It was a nice view.
I LOVE Yachtsman...sorry about the shoe leather!
Hi ChrissyBeth. I've loved Yachtsman in the past but the food and service is leaving something to be desired. I take complete blame for not sending the meat back so it likely was "fixable". We'll likely be back so I'm interested to see how that works out.
What a view flame tree has! That turkey sandwich looks very yummy! Hmm, we may have to go there.
Omg, I'm drooling over your California grill dishes! Rich is too. I predicted he'd be getting the pork 2 ways & when I showed him your pics, his mouth dropped open.
I cannot wait for our visit! And part 2 of your evening!
Hi Jennifer! Flame Tree is still a favorite for the food. That dining area by the lake blends the great food and great view for a perfect fast lunch.
I predict that you guys will LOVE Cali Grill. It truly is one of the best restaurants that Disney has to offer.
And with that folks... I should have an update up by tomorrow. 
