One Veggie and One Not Eat The Whole World....Showcase, That Is! *UPDATE 6/4*

[kelleigh1]

There is no wrong time for ice cream!

 

[laur roo]

There is no wrong time for ice cream!

I think if my life had a motto, that would be it! Ice cream does make my world better for sure!

 

[laur roo]

Just wanted to pop in before I do a few more reviews to plug my TR! I finally got the first update done, and I'm hoping to keep up on that one pretty quickly once I get this one finished. Until then, just a few updates on the TR. But the link is in my signature if you want to check it out! Thanks!

 

[laur roo]

Wow, we're getting towards the end of the trip here! Only two days and a breakfast left to review...and writing these reviews are making me wish I had some of this Disney food again, lol!!

This review is another 2-for-1, as mom and I got food from two different counter service restaurants again. I knew that if we had a day in AK I would want Flame Tree again, and I knew mom would really like the seating areas there, so we stopped at Pizzafari first for mom to get something to eat. And of all the parks, AK had the worst veg options for mom. She doesn't like mushrooms at all, so the veg sub at Restaurantosaurus was out for her, and besides pizza there is a fruit plate with yogurt (she doesn't eat yogurt because she tries not to eat dairy) and plus that really doesn't have much protein in it. I'm a little disappointed in you, AK! Offer a veggie stir fry at counter service or grilled tofu/veggie kebobs or something! Since you sell this t-shirt, you should have more options!!!

Anyway, tangent over, back to your regularly scheduled review...

So mom got the kids cheese pizza meal since it includes carrots and grapes and a drink. The adult pizza comes with a caesar salad which has caesar dressing on it which most likely has anchovies in it (sooo, not veg.) and if she got it without the dressing, it's just a bowl of lettuce, cheese, and croutons, which she wasn't into. So kids meal it was!

Then we walked over to Flame Tree which luckily is pretty close by and I ordered the half slab of ribs which comes with baked beans and coleslaw. Then we found a beautiful spot down by the water to eat!

The shot of our whole tray with the meals from both places. And close ups of each meal:

Mom thought her pizza was just average, nothing special. She ate it all and the carrots and grapes and my coleslaw, which I don't eat. I very much enjoyed my ribs, it was a big serving and I was quite hungry so I ate all of them! I only had about half of the beans, to me they felt a little dry and I like baked beans to be a little juicier than these were. But I was more than happy with this meal and would definitely go back to Flame Tree again!

 

[laur roo]

This place is the little kiosk outside of Animal Kingdom. We were headed back to the resort when pastries were calling our names! Mom got a chocolate chip cookie and I got a muffin, I'm pretty sure it was banana nut but for some reason I didn't write down what kind it was so I'm not for sure on that.

We packed our treats up to go and ended up enjoying them with our refillable mugs down by Stormalong Bay when we got back to the Beach Club. These were your average cookie and muffin, although they were quite large. I ate half by the pool and the other half for breakfast the next day I think. And I'll share a lovely picture where I instructed mom to look like she was biting her cookie. She happily obliged and here you go:

 

[laur roo]

This review starts with a story! Okay everyone, gather round for a story, lol! Originally our ADR for this night was at Kouzzina. I had been wanting to try it and I thought it would be cool to walk over to dinner at the Boardwalk from the Beach Club. This was also the only day we could do Stormalong Bay. And this was also the day that we returned to AK and I thought we would leave by a certain time to have enough time to go to Stormalong Bay and get ready for dinner. And this was also the day mom decided to catch the photography bug at AK and take literally 500 photos on the way out of the park. So we could either go to Kouzzina or go to Stormalong. We did stop at the concierge to see if we could get a later dinner time but they said nothing was available. So we went back to the room and contemplated our options. This is where having free wifi in the room was handy, because I whipped out my ipod touch and looked up some dining info. When I searched, there was two later times at Kouzzina which confused me since the guy at concierge said there wasn't. I guess maybe their system is different from online booking ADRs? Mom also made me look up the Kouzzina menu for her and when I read her the veggie options, she wasn't too keen on them. So now what? I was at a loss for once and I didn't know where else we would eat. I looked at the different World Showcase restaurants and checked a few more menus. Eventually we decided upon Teppan Edo, and I looked it up and TA-DA, we scored a late ADR like 8 or 8:30 so we had plenty of time to swim, shower, and get there. Phew, that was a long story! But we really had no idea what this place was like and neither of us had been here before, either. Turns out, we were in for a nice surprise.

When we arrived, we checked in downstairs, then went upstairs to the shared waiting room of Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo and were given a buzzer. We waited for a little while and then were buzzed back. We passed the first few big open rooms of tables and kept walking. And kept walking some more. Then turned. And kept walking. Man, this place is huge! We were all the way in the last room which had two tables/grills. We were seated as the last two with an already full table. Then more people joined us. Turns out, it was three British families traveling together that took up the whole rest of the room besides us two. And the parents made the kids all sit at one table, and we sat with the three sets of parents. Nothing like an old school adults table/kids table, but Japanese hibachi style !!!

They apologized that we got stuck with them but it was more than okay, the kids were a little loud but they are kids so who cares. We chatted with the adults a bit and they were so nice. Unfortunately, I had been coughing all day and was a bit hoarse so when I talked I sounded awful. Good thing I was sitting on the end so I didn't get anyone else sick either!

Mom ordered a garden salad to start with ginger dressing. Oh, and I forgot to say this was the one place someone came out to talk to her about being a vegetarian other than the server. First the server took some notes and told her a few things about how the food and sauces were prepared which mom thought was fine. Then the manager came out and reconfirmed everything again to make sure she was alright and happy. How nice of them! So she got her salad:

And the other adults had some appetizers to share, so I was the only one without anything to eat right away. And I was hungry! Luckily, the chef came out very soon and started cooking. Mom wasn't comfortable with her veggies being cooked with the meat, so her meal was cooked first.

She was surprised that everything was for her! She leaned over and told me if she had known her meal would be that big, she wouldn't have ordered the salad.

I stole a few bites off her plate as the rest of our food was cooking because my belly was rumbling and everything smelled so good! I ordered the combo chicken and steak and the other adults ordered like, one of each thing to share so we got to see just about everything cooked which was cool. Eventually my food was done too and I started to chow down!

Looking at that close up of my food is making me drool right now. I really wish I was back here instead of home with my leftovers...

I was pretty much the last one to start eating since the steak and chicken take the longest to cook. And since I'm a slow eater, this resulted in the other families being done and paid while I was still eating. And can I just say this was a TON of food? I wish I could have shared and I tried to eat as much as I could to not waste a lot but man oh man, I was stuffed by the end! The other families said goodbye and left while I was still eating (I know, I'm a slow poke!) and then the waitress offered to take our pictures. Pardon my lame smile, but I had food in my mouth but didn't want to be rude by refusing the picture since she kindly offered.

Eventually I had to call it quits and left behind some of the veggies and chicken and noodles. But man, that steak was goooooooood and cooked just to perfection! When I ever go back to Disney next, I am so making an ADR here again! This was pretty much a surprise dining experience for both of us, but it was so awesome! Mom added it as one of her favorites of the trip even. If you are thinking of going here, please do, it's both entertaining and delicious!!!

 

[kelleigh1]

We went to a local hibachi place Sat. night. I have leftovers at home in my fridge and now I'm wishing I'd brought them for lunch today. YUM!!

You need to get the Bacon is a Vegetable t-shirt to wear when Mom wears that Vegetarian tee. That would be really funny!

 

[laur roo]

We went to a local hibachi place Sat. night. I have leftovers at home in my fridge and now I'm wishing I'd brought them for lunch today. YUM!!

You need to get the Bacon is a Vegetable t-shirt to wear when Mom wears that Vegetarian tee. That would be really funny!

Yeah, hibachi is wonderful! It's so fun to watch them cook and do the theatrics right in front of you. This was my first time going to one, because we don't have anything like that near where I live. But now I wish we did!

I thought it was funny how we saw both the veggie dino shirt and the giant turkey leg shirt in the same shop at AK. I guess they cater to everyone!!

 

[laur roo]

Oh man, sorry for the delay in updates again! Seems I just get too busy for my own good, lol! I just returned from another business trip and since I have a cold and the day off, I figured I would just go ahead with the rest of the updates and try to wrap this report up so I can get cracking on my TR which I have super neglected!!! So stay tuned, the rest of the updates are coming right up!

 

[laur roo]

This was our last park day So sad. And even worse, the sore throat I had the night before was pretty much a full blown cold and I was feeling pretty crappy overall. But I wasn't gonna let that stop me! I skipped over breakfast in the room because my stomach wasn't feeling up to it. Mom was hungry though, so we stopped at Starring Rolls so she could find breakfast goodies. I thought about getting something but nothing looked good to me (wow, I must have been sick not to want anything!)

Mom got a cinnamon roll and I got an orange juice so I could stock up on my vitamins. I did steal one bite of the cinnamon roll, and it was yummy! I just wasn't in the mood to eat and when I did eat, I didn't taste too much. But it was a good cinnamon roll and mom really enjoyed it.

Now that I look at the picture, it seems I was eating the rest of my muffin from the day before, but I remember not even finishing it because of my feeling sick. But not to fear, I started feeling better later and ate more.

 

[laur roo]

Now as I'm sure you're all aware, DHS doesn't have much by the means of quick service. And even less so if you are vegetarian. And so when we need a quick service here, we have a standing date with Pizza Planet. And since we had a standing date with Via Napoli at night, we didn't want to eat too much.

So we both opted for the kids cheese pizza meal. Mom went the healthier route and got hers with carrots, applesauce, and bottled water. I went a little "bad" and got carrots, a cookie, and sprite. Nothing fancy, but it hit the spot.

It's pretty much your standard Disney pizza, and it's good to have it once or twice the whole trip. The pizza was hot and we had a nice seat outside to eat since it was pretty warm this day. And it gave me fuel to get through the day until dinner and made me feel a little better too! I didn't eat the cookie but instead I took it home and gave it to my dad when he picked us up from the airport. I'm not a big chocolate chip cookie fan, and as you'll see in the next post, I was looking at something else sweet.

 

[laur roo]

So what did I have my eye on? Soft serve ice cream, of course! It makes every sick kid feel better, lol! So mom gave me a couple bucks and I got in line to get my ice cream. Oasis canteen is right in front of the Indy Jones stunt show, and it also serves beer, which is what everyone in front of me was getting. I felt out of place a little, but I really wanted ice cream! Mom snuck a picture while I was walking back towards her.

Also, can I use this time to say how disappointed I am that Dinosaur Gertie is never open anymore? Maybe it is in the summer, I don't know, but it hasn't been the last three times I've been to Disney. I always want to get ice cream from there since that's my memory from my childhood trips, but I haven't gotten ice cream there since my trip in 2008. It makes me a little sad. But since I did in fact, have a twist cone in hand, I was plenty happy now!

And since it was almost time for the parade to start, we found a spot kinda nearby to sit behind some kids (well, I sat, mom stood behind me and took some pictures). I enjoyed the parade and my ice cream, so my day was getting better and better!

 

[Linda67]

Sorry you were feeling sick on your last day but well done for keeping going .... I am with you on ice cream making everything seem better

 

[giantstoindy]

I keep forgetting to comment! All of your meals look very good. Teppan Edo definitely is on our soon to try list. Benihana seems similar even though I've never been. There really is nothing like Disney pizza. Sometimes you just need a pizza meal! I've been thinking about asking for the vegan cheese when we go in two months because I'm slightly intolerant but I don't know...I hate to ask! Can't wait for more veggie/omni reviews!!

 

[laur roo]

Sorry you were feeling sick on your last day but well done for keeping going .... I am with you on ice cream making everything seem better

Yeah, being sick at Disney isn't fun. But I think it's funny since I'm sick right now and writing about it, so I'm feeling the same way. I wish it wasn't so. Maybe I should go get ice cream today and that will make me all better!

I keep forgetting to comment! All of your meals look very good. Teppan Edo definitely is on our soon to try list. Benihana seems similar even though I've never been. There really is nothing like Disney pizza. Sometimes you just need a pizza meal! I've been thinking about asking for the vegan cheese when we go in two months because I'm slightly intolerant but I don't know...I hate to ask! Can't wait for more veggie/omni reviews!!

Yes, Teppan Edo was wonderful and so so tasty! I've never been to a Benihana either so I can't compare it. And I agree, sometimes you do just need a pizza meal!!! Luckily, Disney is so easy about getting you what you need for your diet needs, just ask for it when you order and you'll be fine! Only a few more reviews left, and they are the best of the reviews actually! Lots of pictures and yumminess!

 

[laur roo]

Alrighty, time to wrap this dining plan up! I'm gonna post the last two updates today, I promise! I've been super busy with work again this month (I only worked about 60 hours last week ) And I'm ready to get the last two updates done so I can focus on my TR that is still in day one, lol. But I need a bit of Disney in my life since I'm stressed at work and it's nice to reflect back on my trip! So here goes...

 

[laur roo]

It was our last night in the parks, so we were a little sad, and also running around Epcot trying to get a few things done before our dinner ADR at Via Napoli. I was really excited to try this place since I heard about it opening. I love pizza and pasta (have I mentioned that about 82390483 times this report, lol?) so I really wanted to eat here. And I found out that it's gorgeous inside!!!

Including this awesome chandelier. I wish I had it!

I also really liked the serving bar areas that they had with all their supplies. There are a few throughout the restaurant.

We were seated at a two top and spent a good deal of time looking at the menu. Should we get pizza even though we had it at lunch? It's completely different pizza, so it wouldn't be a big deal. Should we share pizza? But I kinda wanted pepperoni and mom wouldn't want that. So we pondered. And pondered. And reread the menu. And asked the waitress for suggestions. Eventually, we nixed the idea of pizza and went with pasta.

Mom ordered the eggplant, which was served with roasted potatoes. I ordered the lasagna verde (green lasagna) with spinach, parmesan, and besciamella. While we were waiting for our food I asked mom to go take pictures of the ovens. They look so cool!

Our food came out quickly while she was still walking around the restaurant. First up, mom's eggplant:

You can see the plate of potatoes off to the left. Mom orders eggplant all the time at home when we go out to eat at a local restaurant. She said this was amazing though!!! And she really liked that it came with potatoes instead of pasta because that was something new. I tried one of the potatoes and it was really good.

And my lasagna verde:

Which is also a vegetarian dish. The waitress made sure I knew this when I ordered, but it was fine because I love both spinach and creamy white sauce...and cheese! So I knew I would love it. And I did! It was really rich and although the portion looks small, it was very filling. I shared a couple bites with mom, but I couldn't finish it. I mean, I could have, but I had my eye on some dessert, so I made sure to save a little room.

We both got something different and of course, the desserts arrived when I was in the restroom. So mom took a picture of both:

And I took a close up of mine when I got back too.

Mom got the torta di mamma rosario, which is an apple cake with almond sorbetto. I tried a bite of both the cake and sorbetto, and they were both great! The almond flavor was really intense and it was really, really good. Mom seemed to enjoy it as well and she finished the whole thing.

I got the zeppole di ricotta. I had my eye on them since I made the ADR, lol! These are ricotta cheese fritters about the size of donut holes. They are served with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Ho. Ly. Cow. Amazing! And they are served in a cone, which you can see in the picture, and I swear it was bottomless! I figured there would be maybe 10 zeppoles in there. But it was closer to 13 or 14. And I didn't want them to go to waste, so I kept on eating them! Mom helped a little, I think she had 1 or 2. I tried both the chocolate (didn't care for it, but then again, I'm not a big chocolate fan) and the whipped cream (amazing! it was served cold so it was a nice contrast for the hot zeppoles). Needless to say, we had to waddle our way around the World Showcase after dinner to get back to our resort. I would not hesitate to eat here again, it was wonderful! Next time, I want to try the pizza though.

And this completed our eat and drink around the World Showcase challenge! Now, we didn't do it all in one day, but we did it all in one trip! It was so awesome to try a lot of new restaurants I hadn't been to before and also to have some great snacks and drinks along the way too. And since I love Epocot and the World Showcase and I knew we would spend a lot of time there, it was an awesome thing to do!

 

[laur roo]

Sorry for the delay in the final update...hope you all haven't been waiting on the edge of your seats,

Anyway, I am ready to post the final update now, so here goes!

 

[laur roo]

Since this was the last day of our trip and we weren't going to any parks, we decided to end our dining with a bang and have our only character meal of the trip at Cape May Cafe. I remember coming here once when I was younger, but that was it and I was looking forward to a fun, yummy breakfast!

When we checked in, we were given a buzzer and told it would be a small wait. So, what else to do than watch cartoons in the lobby?

Not even a full minute after I sat down we were paged in. The restaurant was not busy in the slightest. We had a later breakfast booked, I think it was after 10am when we checked in. Morning rush was over, and we had the place practically to ourselves!

Before we could even get our first plates, the characters were coming around, so we posed for pictures figuring we could focus on the food after meeting them.

Satisfied with our character interactions, we headed up to the buffet, because that was the main reason for our visit. And my tummy was rumbling already! They had a good variety of food to choose from, and our first plates looked like this:

That's mom's plate with mickey waffle, some kind of egg/potato bake, fruit, and a cinnamon bread. She also had a bowl of I think quinoa, but I'm not 100% sure.

My plate with mickey waffle, bacon, eggs, potatoes, and some kind of breakfast casserole (I can't remember exactly what it was now, sorry!) and a bowl of watermelon.

And my round two plate with sausage, apple danish, chocolate croissant danish, and a bowl of strawberry yogurt with granola.

And mom's second plate of mickey waffle, eggs, potatoes, blueberry danish, and breakfast casserole and a bowl of oatmeal with fruit.

I will finish up the review in the next post, since I have a lot more pictures to add!

 

[laur roo]

Now after we had our second plates, mom got up with her camera (the only one we had with us) and walked around the restaurant taking some photos. They have cool sandcastles enclosed in glass among other fun decor. While she was gone, Minnie came around again and sat down in mom's chair and hung out with me for awhile. It was super cute, but I couldn't take any pictures since the camera was with mom! Note to self, at character meals, always have the camera at the table...

The characters came around again when mom got back, and instead of taking more pictures with them, mom got solo shots of each one.

At some point, our waitress brought us a card signed by all the characters since it was our last day of the trip. It was cute that she did that, since normally those are for birthdays and such. So of course I had to pose with the card.

And as we were finishing up eating (getting too full to function at this point, lol!) the characters came around a third time. It was more fun this time since they had seen us twice already. Donald got a little kiss happy, and kept giving us the smack-a-roos!

Don't tell my boyfriend, he might get jealous!

And as mom got up one more time, Goofy took her spot and ate with me. I pointed him out on the refillable mug I had with me, and he was super happy.

After that we finished up and paid and headed back to the room to finish packing and get ready for the Magical Express (the sad version where you have to leave). Overall, we had so much fun at breakfast! The food was your average buffet breakfast fair, but I had plenty to eat and wished my stomach had more room so I could have tried more! I would come back again because the atmosphere was really relaxed and we had so much fun with Minnie, Donald, and Goofy while we were there! It was a great last experience for our trip.