Piglet54
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jun 14, 2004
- Messages
- 342
I should preface this food report/review with the fact that this 9-day excursion was to celebrate both our fiftieth birthdays and our 25th wedding anniversary. I did all the planning for this trip which I enjoy, almost as much as actually going on the trip. Due to the occasions and also my food allergy (peanuts) and restricted diet (I have to watch/limit sugar, dairy, fruit & fried foods when possible) fine dining was very important to us. We stayed at Pop Century but we rented a car so that transportation would be more convenient. The car allowed us to resort hop, split up and meet in the morning (DH liked to take advantage of the extra magic hour) and to get to Downtown Disney/Pleasure Island with ease.
11/09 Flame Tree Barbecue-Lunch, 11:30am
I was really looking forward to this because the Flame Tree Barbecue had been one of my favorite lunch spots back in June when I came with my DD. I ordered my usual smoked 1/2 Chicken served with baked beans and corn on the cob and DH ordered the Barbecued Chicken Salad. We sat in the arbor, overlooking the water and listening the end of the Tarzan show. DH enjoyed his salad and my baked beans (which were Oh so good but loaded with brown sugar) but my chicken seemed reheated not as fresh as I remember. The corn on the cob was watery like it had sat in the pot all morning. It was just 11:30 a.m., so Im not sure why the food was mediocre unless it was because it was a Tuesday in November? Not a good start. Thankfully, I decided to give it another chance later in the trip.
Restaurant Marrakesh-Dinner, 6:30pm
I love this restaurant. DH had not been here yet and I knew he would enjoy the food as well as the music and belly dancer. ;-) The architecture and décor is so beautiful and the wait staff are all native to Morrocco. I ordered the Roast Lamb Meshoui - roasted lamb in natural juices. The lamb was fork tender and flavorful. It was served with rice, squash medley and a delicious tomato sauce. I ate every crumb! DH ordered the Marrakesh Feast which consisted of Harira soup, Beef Brewat Rolls, Lemon Chicken, Beef Shish Kebab, Couscous with Seven Vegetables, and Assorted Moroccan pastries. DH loved it so much that he requested that we return for another meal before our vacation was over! The pastry selection included Baklava and he loved that also. Price for the meal for 2, including tip: $63.28
11/10 Tusker House-Lunch. This restaurant has been recommended numerous times on the discussion boards as a favorite at the AK and we were not disappointed. DH had the Tusker House Chicken Salad and I enjoyed the rotisserie chicken. The chicken was served with delicious, fresh, tender green beans and garlic mashed potatoes. Later in the trip, DH got a rice krispy treat one morning here and suggested I go in and look at the chickens roasting in the huge rotisserie ovens. Quite impressive.
Artist Point-Dinner, 6:30pm. When I asked DH to rank the meals he enjoyed the most, this particular restaurant stood out. We arrived and were seated immediately. We did not order appetizers but only entrees. I got their signature dish, the Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon with fennel and a roast potato hash. It was wonderful! It was prepared perfectly and I all but licked the plate clean. DH ordered Pan-Seared Ahi Tuna which he continually commented on throughout the rest of our trip. He LOVED it! Our food was excellent. The service was attentive and we loved the quiet beautiful surroundings. After dinner we took a tour through the resort; checked out the fitness center and the pool. We drove the rental car to dinner but decided to catch the bus from Wilderness Lodge to travel to Downtown Disney/Pleasure Island because we thought it would be more convenient. Big mistake! The bus had so many stops and took too long. Price for the meal for 2, including tip: $68.64
11/11 Cosmic Rays-Lunch, 12:30pm
I ate the 1/2 Rotisserie Chicken - with Mashed Potatoes & Carrots and DH ordered the Caesar Salad with Chicken. They were both good. Everything was well seasoned. We missed the entertainment of Cosmic Ray but enjoyed eating with a view of the castle. Very crowded restaurant but the long lines moved quickly.
Jiko-Dinner, 6:00pm
This restaurant was incredibledefinitely our favorite of the entire trip. We loved it so much that we made it a point to return again before the trip was over. We did not do appetizers here but went straight for the entrees. I ordered Pomegranate Glazed Quails - stuffed with North African style colusari rice on Swiss chard and braised beet salad, with pomegranate dressing. It was SO GOOD! I loved it. The rice was prepared as a stuffing and included sliced almonds and raisins. It was scrumptious and the quail was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside and topped with these wonderful, crispy beet curls. This was the first time I had eaten swiss chard and I loved it. I have since prepared beets and swiss chard together at home with a dressing of pomegranate juice and it is really good. I wish I knew how to make those beet curls.
DH ordered the Baked Buttermilk-Curry Shrimp - with crisp jade rice-spinach cake, and Sagh Dhal drizzle. He said it was delicious. We also like watching the cooking ovens and the wait staff was so good to us. The restaurant was quiet and beautiful and we really loved strolling out to the savannah afterward to view the animals. The Animal Kingdom Lodge was our favorite resort that we visited. Price for the meal for 2, including tip, $66.72.
11/12 We did Tusker House for Lunch again and ate chicken and salad again. It was just as good as the firstplus we liked eating outside, listening to the African music from Harambe village.
Cape May Cafe-Dinner , 6:30pm This was one of the most memorable meals from our millennium 13-day trip, so we wanted to go back. After experiencing the serene atmospheres at Artist Point and Jiko, the buffet at the Beach Club was a big letdown. The food was tasty, but the atmosphere was loud, cluttered and the buffet setting left us without an attentive waiter we liked at the other restaurants. I ate 3 bowls of clams/mussels. I also ate some very delicious green beans that were seasoned with onions and bacon and some steamed rice. DH enjoyed the clams, mussels, shrimp and salmon. He also made a delicious looking salad from the salad bar. He sampled the dessert bar which was loaded with a variety of goodies including fresh apple pie. The buffet was constantly being replenished and there was plenty of food. We went to Cirque du Soleil afterwards. This time we drove the car. ;-) Price for the meal for 2, including tip: $61.23.
11/13 Flame Tree Barbecue-Lunch, around 12pm I just had to give my favorite counter service restaurant another try. This time, instead of ordering the chicken, I ordered the 1/2 Slab of St. Louis Ribs served with baked beans and corn on the cob. DH enjoyed the grilled chicken salad. The ribs were VERY GOOD and I determined that this had to be repeated before we left for home. We sat down by the lily pond which is so tranquil. The ribs had the same delicious rub that placed on the smoked chicken. They were delicious. The corn was better this time and the baked beans, which I only tasted, were rich and sweet.
Citricos-Dinner, 6:30 pm After the experience at Cape May, I decided to replace a character meal, which was sure to be in a crowded, loud restaurant to Citricos. This restaurant received a high recommendation in my Passporter and we quickly understood why. We drove over to the Grand Floridian and parked across the highway in the guest parking. Everything was decorated in anticipation of the holiday season. It was so beautiful. After we arrived we waited just a short minute in the lounge area and then our waiter showed us to a wonderful location overlooking the pool and Seven Seas Lagoon. On the way to the table he pointed out the dessert selections for the evening and we made note of how beautiful and inviting they were. He introduced the special for that evening which was Baked Halibut with Risotto & Vegetable Puree. I ordered the special. DH ordered the Grilled Swordfish with Vegetable Pearl Pasta and Red Pepper Coulis. The halibut was placed on top of the risotto which was creamy and tasty. The fish was so tender, flaky and delicious. The vegetable puree was presented in a circle around the risotto. DH loved the swordfish. He ordered the seasonal berry gratin for dessert. It included strawberries, raspberries and blackberries topped with a creamy sweet sauce. I tried a little of this. EXCELLENT! Price for 2, including tip was $76.03.
11/14 Boma-Breakfast 10:30am We decided to sleep in and do a late breakfast instead of lunch. This buffet was wonderful and everything we had heard about. I had an Omelet with Green & Red Pepper, Onions & Tomato; ½ Grapefruit with Strawberries & Quinoa. The quinoa was lightly sweetened the brown sugar. The potatoes with Afritude...oh they were good. The seasoning was unique and wonderful. I also had some delicious slices of roast pork that had been seasoned with cinnamon and brown sugar. In addition to the eggs, bacon and fruit, DH tried some of the juice punch and also some grapefruit juice. While I love coffee, I have had to cut it from my diet so we both had iced water. We came back here later in the trip. Price for the buffet for 2, including tip was $39.06.
Hollywood Brown Derby-Fantasmic Dinner, 5:20 I adore this restaurant! My sister and I had enjoyed a meal here back in 2000. I can still taste the delicious chicken dish I had it was a roasted chicken placed on a spinach and sweet potato salad and it was GREAT! This time, DH and I watched part of the Stars and Motorcars parade and went straight to the restaurant for our 5:20 seating. They werent quite ready for us and gave us a beeper and we sat for a few minutes on the benches outside. We were soon seated on the upper tier with a good view of the interior. Since our package included three courses, we ordered appetizers. I got the Potato Crusted Lump Crab Cake with Napa slaw tossed in citrus beet vinaigrette and a classic tartar sauce. It was superb. Id love to be able to re-create the dish. It was presented beautifully. I have to tell you that I dreamed about these selections for days after. I can still taste the flavors and see the presentation. It was truly memorable. DH ordered the Portabella Mushroom, Chevre Cheese Raviolo with tomato fennel sauce and sweet basil. He was less than satisfied with this. He just did not like it very much and after I gave him a taste of my crab cake, realized his mistake. My entrée was the Roasted Pork Tenderloin with tomato Napoleon, butter bean succotash and Madeira sage pan juices. The pork was slightly pink in the center, tender and juicy with delicious crusty seasoning on the outside. The corn in the succotash was crispy and sweet. The tomato Napoleon was a stack of thinly sliced tomatoes that had been broiled or baked with a buttery sauce. MMMmmm good. DH ordered the Pan-Fired Grouper over balsamic roasted asparagus, lemon plugra butter sauce, topped with Bermuda onion marmalade. He really liked this. I tasted it and it was indeed delicious. For dessert I had the Grapefruit Cake. It was phenomenal. The cake was fresh, moist and light and the cream cheese icing was tart and sweet. It was garnished with a chocolate lace and sat on a caramel & cream center that tasted like the ingredients included some type of liqueur. I LOVED IT!!! I rarely get to eat desserts and Im still dreaming about this one. There is a photo of it posted online at Intercot. DH was curious about the handmade black pepper ice cream that garnished the Granny Smith Apple Tart, so he ordered it. He liked it well enough, although cherry pie is his favorite. The meal was expensive but, comparable to the price of the meal at Fultons--well worth it. I determined to make this dining experience a ditto as well. Price for the Fantasmic Dinner Package for 2, including tip was $90.79.
11/15 Cosmic Rays-Lunch We had chicken and chicken salad again---still fresh and delicious. We ate at our table overlooking the castle.
Fultons Crab House-Dinner, 6:30pm This was the most disappointing meal of our entire trip. Extremely expensive, the Alaska King Crab Legs I ordered were good but the corn on the cob was tiny and tasted like field corn. DH ordered a special fish dish which he enjoyed but we will definitely think three times before we return. In my opinion, Jiko, Citricos and Artist Point had better prices, food, service and presentation. We felt that our money would have been much better spent elsewhere. I might try the Flying Fish next time. Price for 2, including tip was $76.99.
11/16 Hollywood Brown Derby, 5pm
I had to try this again. We were already at MGM touring, so while we were in line for the Bear in the Big Blue House show that morning, I called on my cell phone and made a PS for 5pm. I cancelled a PS at Akershus. Well have to try it another trip. We did not reserve a Fantasmic seating at first, but after we ordered and enjoyed the three course meal, we asked our waiter if he could get the passes for us. He obliged and even though we did not reserve the fixed price we were able to enjoy the Fantasmic preferred seating again, This time, we both ordered the Potato Crusted Lump Crab Cake it was as delicious as before. I loved the Roasted Pork Tenderloin and so I ordered it again too. DH ordered Thai Noodle Bowl with Coconut Crusted Tofu, snap peas, bok choy, and shiitake mushrooms in a red curry broth. He said it was wonderful. He loved the Coconut Crusted Tofu .in fact he loved the entire dish. His dessert this time was Vanilla Bean and Blueberry Crème Brûlée - with white chocolate biscotti. He enjoyed it very much and of course, I had to have the Grapefruit Cake one more time. Im in love with this restaurant. This time, I redeemed the $30 Disney Dollars my sister had given me for my birthday. Price for 2, including tip was $82.15.
11/17 Restaurant Marrakesh-Lunch-12:30
We ate lunch here because we didnt have time to fit it in again as a dinner. DH loved his meal here so much earlier! This time, he ordered the lunch special which was Beef Brewat Rolls, Chicken Kebabs with rice and an Apple Crepe for $14.99. I ordered the braised Lemon Chicken, seasoned with garlic, green olives and preserved lemon and served with rice. We were seated far from the stage/show area and moved closer to get a better view. The music and the beautiful dancer were very enjoyable. DH also loved the whole grain warm bread they serve before the meal. Everything we ate was fresh and delicious. This restaurant is definitely a favorite. Price for 2 including tip came to $35.78. Afterward, we watched the movie at the China pavilion and shopped in World Showcase. I bought a beautiful hand-carved bowl from the African artist that was carving sculpture from wood at the African pavilion. It had a rhino, lion, elephant & giraffe carved in the same teak wood, walking around the rim. The gentleman took his knife and carved his name for me on the underside of the bowl. After we got home, at his suggestion I promptly put it in the center of my dining table and filled it with fruit. I love it.
Jiko-Dinner- 8pm
The last night of our trip we returned to Jiko. We skipped the appetizers and went straight to the entrees again. DH ordered the Grains, Peas and Veggies which included black garbanzo peas, kamut, wheat berries, quinoa, pearl and black barley with roasted vegetables and seared tofu. He liked it very much but preferred the coconut crusted tofu he enjoyed at the Brown Derby to the seared recipe. I ordered the Quail again and it was even better the second time. The pomegranate flavor was more pronounced this time and the rice stuffing did not include the raisins but only almonds. For dessert, DH enjoyed the Jiko - three ice creams...vanilla, amarula and chocolate with meringue dots, chocolate sauce, malted whipped cream and chilled espresso. He asked them to leave off the peanuts in deference to me. Total price for 2, including tip was $63.92. We enjoyed a shopping spree in the lodge gift shop after supper. I had to have that stuffed leopard I saw ;-)
11/18 Boma-Breakfast-7:30am DH didnt feel like a full breakfast this morning, so while I enjoyed the Boma buffet alone, he wandered out the Savannah and took another farewell tour of the resort. He struck up a conversation with an employee about the strike vote that day and waited for me. I enjoyed pretty much the same menu as before, the Roast Pork, Omelet made to order with Green & Red Pepper, Onions & Tomato, Potatoes with Afritude ½ Grapefruit with 2 Strawberries & sweetened Quinoa. Total for 1, including tip came to $22.03.
Flame Tree Barbecue-Lunch-12pm
We ended our trip at Disney with lunch at the Flame Tree. I had the ribs and DH had the chicken salad. We enjoyed the atmosphere by the lily pond and the food was very very good.
Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. Cant wait to return!
11/09 Flame Tree Barbecue-Lunch, 11:30am
I was really looking forward to this because the Flame Tree Barbecue had been one of my favorite lunch spots back in June when I came with my DD. I ordered my usual smoked 1/2 Chicken served with baked beans and corn on the cob and DH ordered the Barbecued Chicken Salad. We sat in the arbor, overlooking the water and listening the end of the Tarzan show. DH enjoyed his salad and my baked beans (which were Oh so good but loaded with brown sugar) but my chicken seemed reheated not as fresh as I remember. The corn on the cob was watery like it had sat in the pot all morning. It was just 11:30 a.m., so Im not sure why the food was mediocre unless it was because it was a Tuesday in November? Not a good start. Thankfully, I decided to give it another chance later in the trip.
Restaurant Marrakesh-Dinner, 6:30pm
I love this restaurant. DH had not been here yet and I knew he would enjoy the food as well as the music and belly dancer. ;-) The architecture and décor is so beautiful and the wait staff are all native to Morrocco. I ordered the Roast Lamb Meshoui - roasted lamb in natural juices. The lamb was fork tender and flavorful. It was served with rice, squash medley and a delicious tomato sauce. I ate every crumb! DH ordered the Marrakesh Feast which consisted of Harira soup, Beef Brewat Rolls, Lemon Chicken, Beef Shish Kebab, Couscous with Seven Vegetables, and Assorted Moroccan pastries. DH loved it so much that he requested that we return for another meal before our vacation was over! The pastry selection included Baklava and he loved that also. Price for the meal for 2, including tip: $63.28
11/10 Tusker House-Lunch. This restaurant has been recommended numerous times on the discussion boards as a favorite at the AK and we were not disappointed. DH had the Tusker House Chicken Salad and I enjoyed the rotisserie chicken. The chicken was served with delicious, fresh, tender green beans and garlic mashed potatoes. Later in the trip, DH got a rice krispy treat one morning here and suggested I go in and look at the chickens roasting in the huge rotisserie ovens. Quite impressive.
Artist Point-Dinner, 6:30pm. When I asked DH to rank the meals he enjoyed the most, this particular restaurant stood out. We arrived and were seated immediately. We did not order appetizers but only entrees. I got their signature dish, the Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon with fennel and a roast potato hash. It was wonderful! It was prepared perfectly and I all but licked the plate clean. DH ordered Pan-Seared Ahi Tuna which he continually commented on throughout the rest of our trip. He LOVED it! Our food was excellent. The service was attentive and we loved the quiet beautiful surroundings. After dinner we took a tour through the resort; checked out the fitness center and the pool. We drove the rental car to dinner but decided to catch the bus from Wilderness Lodge to travel to Downtown Disney/Pleasure Island because we thought it would be more convenient. Big mistake! The bus had so many stops and took too long. Price for the meal for 2, including tip: $68.64
11/11 Cosmic Rays-Lunch, 12:30pm
I ate the 1/2 Rotisserie Chicken - with Mashed Potatoes & Carrots and DH ordered the Caesar Salad with Chicken. They were both good. Everything was well seasoned. We missed the entertainment of Cosmic Ray but enjoyed eating with a view of the castle. Very crowded restaurant but the long lines moved quickly.
Jiko-Dinner, 6:00pm
This restaurant was incredibledefinitely our favorite of the entire trip. We loved it so much that we made it a point to return again before the trip was over. We did not do appetizers here but went straight for the entrees. I ordered Pomegranate Glazed Quails - stuffed with North African style colusari rice on Swiss chard and braised beet salad, with pomegranate dressing. It was SO GOOD! I loved it. The rice was prepared as a stuffing and included sliced almonds and raisins. It was scrumptious and the quail was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside and topped with these wonderful, crispy beet curls. This was the first time I had eaten swiss chard and I loved it. I have since prepared beets and swiss chard together at home with a dressing of pomegranate juice and it is really good. I wish I knew how to make those beet curls.
DH ordered the Baked Buttermilk-Curry Shrimp - with crisp jade rice-spinach cake, and Sagh Dhal drizzle. He said it was delicious. We also like watching the cooking ovens and the wait staff was so good to us. The restaurant was quiet and beautiful and we really loved strolling out to the savannah afterward to view the animals. The Animal Kingdom Lodge was our favorite resort that we visited. Price for the meal for 2, including tip, $66.72.
11/12 We did Tusker House for Lunch again and ate chicken and salad again. It was just as good as the firstplus we liked eating outside, listening to the African music from Harambe village.
Cape May Cafe-Dinner , 6:30pm This was one of the most memorable meals from our millennium 13-day trip, so we wanted to go back. After experiencing the serene atmospheres at Artist Point and Jiko, the buffet at the Beach Club was a big letdown. The food was tasty, but the atmosphere was loud, cluttered and the buffet setting left us without an attentive waiter we liked at the other restaurants. I ate 3 bowls of clams/mussels. I also ate some very delicious green beans that were seasoned with onions and bacon and some steamed rice. DH enjoyed the clams, mussels, shrimp and salmon. He also made a delicious looking salad from the salad bar. He sampled the dessert bar which was loaded with a variety of goodies including fresh apple pie. The buffet was constantly being replenished and there was plenty of food. We went to Cirque du Soleil afterwards. This time we drove the car. ;-) Price for the meal for 2, including tip: $61.23.
11/13 Flame Tree Barbecue-Lunch, around 12pm I just had to give my favorite counter service restaurant another try. This time, instead of ordering the chicken, I ordered the 1/2 Slab of St. Louis Ribs served with baked beans and corn on the cob. DH enjoyed the grilled chicken salad. The ribs were VERY GOOD and I determined that this had to be repeated before we left for home. We sat down by the lily pond which is so tranquil. The ribs had the same delicious rub that placed on the smoked chicken. They were delicious. The corn was better this time and the baked beans, which I only tasted, were rich and sweet.
Citricos-Dinner, 6:30 pm After the experience at Cape May, I decided to replace a character meal, which was sure to be in a crowded, loud restaurant to Citricos. This restaurant received a high recommendation in my Passporter and we quickly understood why. We drove over to the Grand Floridian and parked across the highway in the guest parking. Everything was decorated in anticipation of the holiday season. It was so beautiful. After we arrived we waited just a short minute in the lounge area and then our waiter showed us to a wonderful location overlooking the pool and Seven Seas Lagoon. On the way to the table he pointed out the dessert selections for the evening and we made note of how beautiful and inviting they were. He introduced the special for that evening which was Baked Halibut with Risotto & Vegetable Puree. I ordered the special. DH ordered the Grilled Swordfish with Vegetable Pearl Pasta and Red Pepper Coulis. The halibut was placed on top of the risotto which was creamy and tasty. The fish was so tender, flaky and delicious. The vegetable puree was presented in a circle around the risotto. DH loved the swordfish. He ordered the seasonal berry gratin for dessert. It included strawberries, raspberries and blackberries topped with a creamy sweet sauce. I tried a little of this. EXCELLENT! Price for 2, including tip was $76.03.
11/14 Boma-Breakfast 10:30am We decided to sleep in and do a late breakfast instead of lunch. This buffet was wonderful and everything we had heard about. I had an Omelet with Green & Red Pepper, Onions & Tomato; ½ Grapefruit with Strawberries & Quinoa. The quinoa was lightly sweetened the brown sugar. The potatoes with Afritude...oh they were good. The seasoning was unique and wonderful. I also had some delicious slices of roast pork that had been seasoned with cinnamon and brown sugar. In addition to the eggs, bacon and fruit, DH tried some of the juice punch and also some grapefruit juice. While I love coffee, I have had to cut it from my diet so we both had iced water. We came back here later in the trip. Price for the buffet for 2, including tip was $39.06.
Hollywood Brown Derby-Fantasmic Dinner, 5:20 I adore this restaurant! My sister and I had enjoyed a meal here back in 2000. I can still taste the delicious chicken dish I had it was a roasted chicken placed on a spinach and sweet potato salad and it was GREAT! This time, DH and I watched part of the Stars and Motorcars parade and went straight to the restaurant for our 5:20 seating. They werent quite ready for us and gave us a beeper and we sat for a few minutes on the benches outside. We were soon seated on the upper tier with a good view of the interior. Since our package included three courses, we ordered appetizers. I got the Potato Crusted Lump Crab Cake with Napa slaw tossed in citrus beet vinaigrette and a classic tartar sauce. It was superb. Id love to be able to re-create the dish. It was presented beautifully. I have to tell you that I dreamed about these selections for days after. I can still taste the flavors and see the presentation. It was truly memorable. DH ordered the Portabella Mushroom, Chevre Cheese Raviolo with tomato fennel sauce and sweet basil. He was less than satisfied with this. He just did not like it very much and after I gave him a taste of my crab cake, realized his mistake. My entrée was the Roasted Pork Tenderloin with tomato Napoleon, butter bean succotash and Madeira sage pan juices. The pork was slightly pink in the center, tender and juicy with delicious crusty seasoning on the outside. The corn in the succotash was crispy and sweet. The tomato Napoleon was a stack of thinly sliced tomatoes that had been broiled or baked with a buttery sauce. MMMmmm good. DH ordered the Pan-Fired Grouper over balsamic roasted asparagus, lemon plugra butter sauce, topped with Bermuda onion marmalade. He really liked this. I tasted it and it was indeed delicious. For dessert I had the Grapefruit Cake. It was phenomenal. The cake was fresh, moist and light and the cream cheese icing was tart and sweet. It was garnished with a chocolate lace and sat on a caramel & cream center that tasted like the ingredients included some type of liqueur. I LOVED IT!!! I rarely get to eat desserts and Im still dreaming about this one. There is a photo of it posted online at Intercot. DH was curious about the handmade black pepper ice cream that garnished the Granny Smith Apple Tart, so he ordered it. He liked it well enough, although cherry pie is his favorite. The meal was expensive but, comparable to the price of the meal at Fultons--well worth it. I determined to make this dining experience a ditto as well. Price for the Fantasmic Dinner Package for 2, including tip was $90.79.
11/15 Cosmic Rays-Lunch We had chicken and chicken salad again---still fresh and delicious. We ate at our table overlooking the castle.
Fultons Crab House-Dinner, 6:30pm This was the most disappointing meal of our entire trip. Extremely expensive, the Alaska King Crab Legs I ordered were good but the corn on the cob was tiny and tasted like field corn. DH ordered a special fish dish which he enjoyed but we will definitely think three times before we return. In my opinion, Jiko, Citricos and Artist Point had better prices, food, service and presentation. We felt that our money would have been much better spent elsewhere. I might try the Flying Fish next time. Price for 2, including tip was $76.99.
11/16 Hollywood Brown Derby, 5pm
I had to try this again. We were already at MGM touring, so while we were in line for the Bear in the Big Blue House show that morning, I called on my cell phone and made a PS for 5pm. I cancelled a PS at Akershus. Well have to try it another trip. We did not reserve a Fantasmic seating at first, but after we ordered and enjoyed the three course meal, we asked our waiter if he could get the passes for us. He obliged and even though we did not reserve the fixed price we were able to enjoy the Fantasmic preferred seating again, This time, we both ordered the Potato Crusted Lump Crab Cake it was as delicious as before. I loved the Roasted Pork Tenderloin and so I ordered it again too. DH ordered Thai Noodle Bowl with Coconut Crusted Tofu, snap peas, bok choy, and shiitake mushrooms in a red curry broth. He said it was wonderful. He loved the Coconut Crusted Tofu .in fact he loved the entire dish. His dessert this time was Vanilla Bean and Blueberry Crème Brûlée - with white chocolate biscotti. He enjoyed it very much and of course, I had to have the Grapefruit Cake one more time. Im in love with this restaurant. This time, I redeemed the $30 Disney Dollars my sister had given me for my birthday. Price for 2, including tip was $82.15.
11/17 Restaurant Marrakesh-Lunch-12:30
We ate lunch here because we didnt have time to fit it in again as a dinner. DH loved his meal here so much earlier! This time, he ordered the lunch special which was Beef Brewat Rolls, Chicken Kebabs with rice and an Apple Crepe for $14.99. I ordered the braised Lemon Chicken, seasoned with garlic, green olives and preserved lemon and served with rice. We were seated far from the stage/show area and moved closer to get a better view. The music and the beautiful dancer were very enjoyable. DH also loved the whole grain warm bread they serve before the meal. Everything we ate was fresh and delicious. This restaurant is definitely a favorite. Price for 2 including tip came to $35.78. Afterward, we watched the movie at the China pavilion and shopped in World Showcase. I bought a beautiful hand-carved bowl from the African artist that was carving sculpture from wood at the African pavilion. It had a rhino, lion, elephant & giraffe carved in the same teak wood, walking around the rim. The gentleman took his knife and carved his name for me on the underside of the bowl. After we got home, at his suggestion I promptly put it in the center of my dining table and filled it with fruit. I love it.
Jiko-Dinner- 8pm
The last night of our trip we returned to Jiko. We skipped the appetizers and went straight to the entrees again. DH ordered the Grains, Peas and Veggies which included black garbanzo peas, kamut, wheat berries, quinoa, pearl and black barley with roasted vegetables and seared tofu. He liked it very much but preferred the coconut crusted tofu he enjoyed at the Brown Derby to the seared recipe. I ordered the Quail again and it was even better the second time. The pomegranate flavor was more pronounced this time and the rice stuffing did not include the raisins but only almonds. For dessert, DH enjoyed the Jiko - three ice creams...vanilla, amarula and chocolate with meringue dots, chocolate sauce, malted whipped cream and chilled espresso. He asked them to leave off the peanuts in deference to me. Total price for 2, including tip was $63.92. We enjoyed a shopping spree in the lodge gift shop after supper. I had to have that stuffed leopard I saw ;-)
11/18 Boma-Breakfast-7:30am DH didnt feel like a full breakfast this morning, so while I enjoyed the Boma buffet alone, he wandered out the Savannah and took another farewell tour of the resort. He struck up a conversation with an employee about the strike vote that day and waited for me. I enjoyed pretty much the same menu as before, the Roast Pork, Omelet made to order with Green & Red Pepper, Onions & Tomato, Potatoes with Afritude ½ Grapefruit with 2 Strawberries & sweetened Quinoa. Total for 1, including tip came to $22.03.
Flame Tree Barbecue-Lunch-12pm
We ended our trip at Disney with lunch at the Flame Tree. I had the ribs and DH had the chicken salad. We enjoyed the atmosphere by the lily pond and the food was very very good.
Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. Cant wait to return!
