Our 8 Days of DDP Dining 3/13 - 3/21/08 with photos

[Vavasmon]

Day 6 – Magic Kingdom and Whispering Canyon Cafe
We were up very early to hit the MK at the 7am opening. The only hot option at that time was waffles. We had three waffle/meat platters (I resisted the urge to try the strawberries again) and DD had her milk. DFr had coffee in the mug and I had a diet coke. We were off to the “race for space”. The receipt is hard to read (the register was running out of tape) but looks like 19.56 which I paid out of pocket.

For lunch, we ate at the Columbia Harbour House. DD and I have eaten there before so it was a known quantity. I had considered trying Cosmic Rays but no one felt like roast chicken or burgers. We each had the 8 piece chicken nuggets with fries meal. DD had a bottle of water, DFr had a coke, and I had a diet coke (we are predictable in the beverage department). For dessert DFr and I had apple crisp and DD had a chocolate cake. The nuggets (which have replaced the chicken strips) were very good. They were all white meat and not pressed chicken. To me they appeared to be smaller, oval shaped strips but I am not a chicken strip expert. We used the Kens Honey Mustard Sauce and the BBQ provided at the condiment stand. The fries were hot and closer to steak fries than shoestrings. These were the first fries of the trip. CHH has the same chocolate cake as the other CS locations. The apple crisp was more like an apple pastry. It was not nearly as good as what I had in Germany earlier in the week. As usual, we had no problems finding a seat upstairs. Like many lunch desserts they were okay but nothing special – I don’t think we finished them. The total before the DDP was approx. 41.00.

Lunch:


For dinner, we had a 7:00 ADR at Whispering Canyon Cafe. At about 5:00 the MK was a zoo. We were hot and tired so we decided to head over to the Wilderness lodge early via the boat. DD and I have stayed at the lodge but DFr had never seen it. We had all stayed in the Grand Californian three years ago and DFr noted some of the similar architecture. We walked around the pool and geyser area before entering the lobby. I decided to check-in early (1hour before my ADR). I was told there was no way we would be taken early but given a pager and told to wait in the lobby. I love the lobby so sitting there was very relaxing. DD caught a quick nap in one of the chairs. We were not seated until 7:20 – 7:30 (20 – 30 minutes past my ADR). Walkups were being turned away the entire time we waited. I was initially disappointed when we were seated in the area I consider the back porch near the pin stand. We were out of the main dining room and all of the action. Some of my initial disappointment was erased when we met our server “SmokinSam”. He was very funny and made lots of noise with the tray stand anytime he delivered anything. He did the napkin toss and the straw fling. We were seated at the same time as another family who had never dined at the WCC (DD and I had had breakfast twice and seen dinner from the lobby). SmokinSam had to see our room keys to verify that we were on the meal plan (this was a first that would repeat the rest of the trip). We each ordered an AYCD milkshake and the AYCE skillet. This experience was a 180 from the Garden Grill a few nights before. SmokinSam was a wonderful server. He kept us in water and milkshakes. He brought the salad, coleslaw, and cornbread quickly and checked back often. We loved the food in the skillet. The ribs were very good and the peel and eat shrimp had a BBQ flavor. I personally loved the pulled pork – it was not too fatty but cooked until it was “stringy”. In addition to the meats, the skillet contained mashed potatoes, baked beans, and corn on the cob. We felt guilt because we wasted so much food from the first serving (the photo of the skillet are our leftovers). We were also too full to order any dessert. All three of us agreed the meal was fun – the table next to us got to experience “ketchup” when the one daughter requested it for her fries. The three dinners covered by the dining plan were 97.39 (we skipped dessert). I left a 20.00 tip which would have been between 18 – 20% of the pretax total of we had ordered dessert.

Milk Shake, Salad, Cornbread:



Skillet:

 

[drcbpearce]

HOLY COW, that looks amazing! We have ADR for WCC, and now I"m really excited. My DH was asking a question tonite about food and will it be real food at the TS restaurants. I told him what I'd read and that calmed him a bit, I think he might have had thoughts of 'fair' food, you know, corn dogs, and that kind of fried on a stick junk!

Keep 'em coming!

 

[TruBlu]

Wow! It sounds like WCC has really improved the skillet since I had it a couple of years ago. It looks really good now!!!

 

[belleatheart]

Wow WCC looks amazing, have yet to go there

 

[mla973]

Great reviews - some of the best I've read. Can't wait for the rest.

 

[DisneyJo]

Loving your reviews just FYI I used to get the breakfast waffle with the strawberry sauce on the side (well they put it in a little pot) it stopped the waffle going soggy

 

[Vavasmon]

Day 7 – Seeing Missed Shows and Captain’s Grille

We slept in until 9:30 (our MK day was long) and then we all three had the French toast with meat this morning from the food court. It was very busy (the crowds had noticeably increased over the last 2 days) and by the time we paid the food was lukewarm at best. I also purchased DD’s standard half pint of milk. The total paid out of pocket was 17.87

We started the day the Animal Kingdom. After the bird show and before the new Nemo show we decided to grab lunch at new Anandupor Locals Café (Yak and Yeti counter service). We were surprised by how short the lines were. We ordered a shrimp lo mein (initially for DD), a honey chicken (for me), and a Kung Pao Beef (DFr). We ordered our standard coke, diet coke, and bottle of water. For dessert DFr and I each had the mango pie and DD had the chocolate cake (again). I had forgotten that this was not Disney owned until I ordered the bottle of water. The cashier first asked if I didn’t want a coke instead. I told her no – that the person did not drink carbonated beverages. When we were served I was given the small 12oz bottle instead of the 24 oz we had received all week (including at Earl of Sandwich). When I questioned this, I was assured that all dining plan meals came with 12 oz bottles. I explained that we had had 24oz all week. After a brief discussion (I offered to “snack” at 24 but told that was also a 12) they gave we a 24oz without charge. On the upside the food was not bad. The minute DD saw the broccoli in the honey chicken we had to switch (she loves broccoli). We decided it was standard Chinese food (there is a lot of white rice in the containers)– not the worst but not the best. It did seem very pricy for what we received – noodles and rice are not that expensive. In the photo you see all the shrimp on the top and I was disappointed they didn’t have a Chinese flavor (they tasted boiled or steamed without spice). Some of the chicken did not have any of the sauce. Flame Tree still has my CS vote in the AK. The mango pie was the best CS dessert we had all week (except for the Mickey bar). It was like a mango pudding in a crust (yum!!). The total before the DDP was approx.51.00.

Lunch (containers, shrimp lo mein, honey chicken, kung pao beef):


Lunch Dessert (mango pie, chocolate cake):



For dinner, we had a 7:00 ADR at Captain’s Grille. I had been looking forward to this dinner all week because it would give us the opportunity to show DFr the Beach Club and Boardwalk area of Disney. The Beach Club is my favorite resort - we stayed there for Christmas 2005. We caught the boat from DHS to Yacht Club and arrived at exactly 7:00. I was surprised – this was the first non-full restaurant we had seen all week – it should have been a sign. We were immediately seated at a table for four near a large party. Our server (who’s name I am not including) quickly arrived at the table. He stated that he needed to see our room keys to verify our DDP eligibility. He looked at them for a minute or two and commented “I see you are not staying here with us”. Honestly, from the card all could tell was I had purchased the DDP for 3 adults (not how many credits were left) and if he knew how to interpret which resort we were staying at. Since we had only been seated for a couple of minutes we ordered a coke, diet coke, and milk. When he returned with the drinks, DFr told him we wanted to add a bottle of wine to our meal. The first words out of his mouth were that’s not included and how do you plan to pay for it in a tone that was very condescending. DFr responded we were aware it was not included and planned to pay with the room card or we could use a credit card. He returned with bread and the bottle of wine. Before he uncorked it he restated that we would need to pay for this separately. I was trying hard to ignore him so as not to ruin the evening. For dinner DD and I both ordered the Prime Rib and DFr the NY strip. All the steaks were well prepared and well seasoned. We had to request steak knives when the meal was served. I don't remember the last time I was expected to eat steak with a butter knife. Part way through the meal, I picked up a couple of crayons that the children at a nearby table had thrown on the floor so that no one fell on them. The server saw this and commented to my DD he would have brought her crayons if she had asked. For dessert DFr had the Apple Crisp, I had the blueberry cheesecake with out blueberries, and DD the Boston cream pie. The cheesecake is a very good white chocolate cheesecake and I do not like blueberries. I thought about speaking to the manager but he was running around taking care of a couple of larger parties and decided that my time was not worth it. Our overall impression is that the food was good but after the service I will never eat there again. This was not our worst food but won the hands down award for worst meal. The three dinners covered by the dining plan were 101.84. We paid OOP for the wine - 47.93. Based on the server (and his attitude) I left a 17.25 tip – probably too generous but I am sure he thinks I am a cheapskate.

Dinner (Bread, NY Strip. Prime Rib {with and without the onion strings}):



Dessert (Apple Crisp, Boston Cream Pie, Cheesecake):

 

[Vavasmon]

Loving your reviews just FYI I used to get the breakfast waffle with the strawberry sauce on the side (well they put it in a little pot) it stopped the waffle going soggy

What a great idea - I wish I would have thought to ask. Noted for next time

 

[Vavasmon]

Day 8 – EPCOT, Coral Reef, and going home…..

We were up by 8 to finish packing and check-in for our flight home. After taking our luggage to the RAC, we had one final breakfast in the Pop food court. Unlike all the other days, I used the dining plan to pay (we still had a TS each remaining). We all three had a Pop waffle, DD had a milk and bottle of water, I had a cranberry juice and fountain soda, and DFr had OJ and a coffee. I had packed our mugs in the checked bags because I knew we had 2 beverages with the breakfast. The total before the DDP was appox. 29.00

We spent the morning and early afternoon in EPCOT seeing some of the Flower and Garden Show exhibits and the Innovations buildings. We had a 2:50 ADR for lunch at the Coral Reef. I did not realize that this was one of the last lunch seatings. We arrived about 20 minutes early and were told they were running a little behind. We were seated at approx. 2:55. Our table was third tier but still had a decent view of the aquarium. We were quickly greeted by our server, V. He was concerned if we had the standard or deluxe dining plan. I assured him that we had the standard plan and he was happy – no inspection of the room key this time. He was very efficient in bringing both the drinks (Milk, Coke, Diet Coke) and warm bread/butter to the table. He made a few menu recommendations. DFr and I both selected the Mahi Mahi and DD had the NY Stirp. She was concerned that the Mahi came with an alcohol (Malibu Rum) sauce. We agreed to do a surf and turf so she could try the fish. Unlike the day before, V brought DD a steak knife before the meal was served. The food came in about 15 minutes. The steak was very well cooked. The mahi was grilled (mine was on the verge of over done) and the sauce was served on the rice not the fish. I loved the rice and sauce. DD loved the mahi but found the flavor of the rice/sauce too overpowering. V checked back often and kept the drink glasses full. Both DFr and I agreed the portion size was okay for lunch but probably a little small for dinner. The brcocolini with DD’s steak was well prepared but the potatoes were almost as bad as the ones at the Garden Grill. We then looked at the dessert menu. It presented a real challenge for DD who does not do alcohol based dessert or fruit. The menus found on the web list a cream brulee but that was not on the menu present to us. V offered to bring her a kid’s sundae instead. I think her ice cream scoop may have been a little generous. DFr and I debated the Chocolate Wave (the restaurant is known for this dessert) or the Baileys and Jack Mouse. We decided to do one of each and switch part way through. We both agreed that the alcohol flavor of the chocolate wave overpowered the dessert. I don’t know if possibly they were running low on cherries so we were served a lot of the sauce? I had read wonderful reviews and was very disappointed. The mousse on the hand was very good. Would we each here again? maybe. The service was excellent, the food was okay, and the setting is very nice/unique. If you have small children I don’t think they would be able to easily see the aquarium from the table on the second or third tiers by the walls. My DD is same height as me so that was not an issue. Even though they were prepping for dinner, we were not rushed to finish. DD and DFr walked down to the first tier to take a few pictures. V noted that they change their menu at least 4 times per year - so the menu that you read on the web may be outdated. The total before the DDP was approx.98.27. I left V a 20.00 tip.

Lunch (NY Strip, Mahi Mahi):


Dessert (Kid’s Sundae, Baileys and Jack Mouse, and 2 shots of the Chocolate Wave):

 

[Vavasmon]

My Final Notes on our dining adventure.

Overall we had a wonderful trip – a few bumps in the road but nothing too major. We were able to share at some of mine and DD’s must dos with DFr plus try a few new locations. This was first trip with only 1 character meal – DFr requested not too many characters.

How we used our snacks:

Let me start off by saying that in general we are not big snackers while in amusement parks. We tend to eat three meals with very little (except water/soda) in between. Being on the DDP we had 24 snack credits to use. We used 14 of those and I bought three bottles of water that I should have “snacked”. Could we have snacked breakfast more – possibly but we really enjoy a hot breakfast – this is a case of us not letting the dining plan determine what we ate. We also purchased 2 beers in EPCOT on day 4 – a Becks was 7.50 (from stand in Germany). A Strong Bow Cider was 7.99 (plus 1.00 tip) from the UK Pub.

The 14 credits were:
3 bottle beverages in Camp Minnie/Mickey on day 1 – cost paid by DDP 6.00
2 bottle beverages on day 4 in EPCOT WS – cost paid by DDP 4.00
3 credits used for breakfast on day 5 – cost paid by DDP 9.03
2 Dole Floats (my favorite) and 1 cup of soft serve on day 6 at Aloha Isle in the MK – cost paid by DDP 10.87
2 Frozen Cokes and 1 Bottle of water outside the LMA show in DHS on day 7 – cost paid by DDP 8.58

I did purchase the two refillable mugs for 26.61 (with tax)

We enjoyed being on the DDP and it was a good value considering we were paying holiday pricing for the buffets/family style locations. According to my spreadsheet we received 1144.47 worth of food from our DDP credits. This averages out to 47.69 per day per person (the plan is 37.99 per day). So we did save money using the DDP.

Had I of had the deluxe plan an additional 156.81 worth of cost would have been covered. I don’t think we would have ordered any more food – we were content at the meals. That 156.81 is the sum of all the breakfast meals, the appetizer at Raglan Road, and the two mugs. That would average to 54.22 a person so we would have lost money (that plan is 69.99).

I have enjoyed sharing our trip with all of you – I hope it helps someone in their planning. Thanks for all the positive comments about the reviews and pictures. They were taken with my well traveled 2 megapixle Cannon PowerShot S200. I am happy to answer any questions.

 

[drcbpearce]

Thanks so much for sharing your trip! It really helps to see some of these things ahead of time and know that we're in for some good eatin'! Sorry, Okie here!

I'm really excited for our trip, I hope it's as good as yours was. Thanks again for the great reviews and photos!

 

[plutospup]

Thanks for the great reviews! The pics are really helpful!

 

[mpmluvstigger]

Great reviews! BTW thanks for remembering what you ordered at Yak and Yeti