Our Magical WDW Adventure ~ 23 Days of Fun, Food, Cocktails... London Trip 2/8

[ariel2007]

You are definitely cracking me up with all of your planning! I can so relate to that! I really liked the Passporter too. I was glad to see you had AllEars on your list of internet sites. They are great for information.
You asked about the Behind the Seeds Tour. It was educational, our family enjoyed it. You see how they grow vegetales hydroponically (not sure I spelled that right), you see some tricks of the trade, you are behind the Living With the Land ride so you see the boats go by. It's kind of fun to be getting a bigger tour, seeing the others in the boats and you are actually in the exhibit area. It was a calm place and our CM was so enthusiastic about her job working in the lab, she was great!
Another place you might look for super ideas is here on the DIS. You may have read her TR's, but there is a mom who has created the most amazing surprises and fun for her family. She is Jaycns, she is writing her most current trip, you could find her in the TR section.

Yes AllEars is good, but I have only really used it for menu's so far. The Unofficial site is really good too as they have all the menu's for Disney plus all the other parks like Universal, Seaworld, KSC etc. It can get confusing some times though as the two have different menu's

The tour sounds really good. I would love to take my grandparents on it as they have an allotment and love growing fruit and vegetables, I really think they would enjoy this. Especially my Grandad, he gets so enthusiastic about anything, and spends all day up at his allotment ~ he has made it really pretty with flowers and a patio with tables and chairs.

Don't worry I get loads of information from here, I spend far too much time looking through all the different forums. I love the dining ones, especially now were on the dining plan. And the pictures of all the food and snacks . I used to read TR's all the time, but must admit I haven't read too many for a while, I'll go check out the one you have said now

 

[CoP Luv]

I saw this last night on TV about a family that went to Orlando and did indoor skydiving! It sounded like a lot of fun. I found the website.

http://www.skyventureorlando.com/

This is definately something different that you could do!

 

[ariel2007]

I saw this last night on TV about a family that went to Orlando and did indoor skydiving! It sounded like a lot of fun. I found the website.

http://www.skyventureorlando.com/

This is definately something different that you could do!

Thanks, I will check it out

 

[ariel2007]

The One Where The Magic Really Begins...
...Way Before We Even Get To WDW​

To Make A Holiday Practically Perfect You Need To Have A Perfect Plan
Our Perfect Daily Plan ~ Take One, Part One

From the title you can see that I am, at last, going to share with you our 'Perfect Plan'. And you will see it also says 'Take One'. Now this isn't entirely true. You see as I made each accommodation plan, I made a daily itinerary too. But then when the plans changed, which as you have seen was quite a lot, I had to change the daily itinerary to fit in with our new accommodation plans. Each time we changed our resort plans I would get all stressed at the thought of having to do a new plan, as I had just created our perfect plan and now I would have to do it all over again. Every time I would think the same, "What if it wasn't as good?", "What if there wasn't the room in the plan to fit everything we had planned in?", "What restaurants would fit in with the new plan?". Well like the true planning trooper I am, I ploughed ahead making one perfect plan after another... until I reached my fifth and final perfect plan . Now making this perfect plan was no easy job, it took a lot of time, and persistence and flexibility. I had a lot to fit in, and not nearly enough time, so was forever changing things around trying to see if there was a better way to do things or a way that we could fit more in. Eventually after spending a few days twiddling things around and obsessing over every possibility, looking at every spare minute we had and filling it with yet something else, reading other peoples plans and discovering yet another restaurant we wanted to do and then having to try and fit it in, we eventually came up with a plan we were both very happy with. And since I am sharing my journey with you I will share how we came up with our plan briefly:

• 
  [*]Choose the main parks we wanted to visit
  [*]Choose how long we wanted to spend in each park
  [*]Choose the restaurants we would definitely visit
  [*]Made a list of all the other restaurants we wanted to visit
  [*]Made a list of any additional activities we wanted to fit in - definites and maybes
  [*]Planned our days around the busy day guide and extra magic hours
  [*]Made sure we had some rest and relaxation time
  

So now you know how much time we spent coming up with our plan, and how we went about creating it, its time to share it with you all...

​

 

[ariel2007]

The One Where The Magic Really Begins...
...Way Before We Even Get To WDW​

To Make A Holiday Practically Perfect You Need To Have A Perfect Plan
Our Perfect Plan ~ Take One, Part Two


Day 1
~ The start of the holiday
Breakfast: At the airport
Morning flight from London Gatwick to Orlando International
Lunch: On plane
Arrive in Orlando late afternoon
Drive to PORT ORLEANS FRENCH QUARTER to check in
Dinner: Cape May


Day 2
Breakfast: CS
SEAWORLD
Lunch: Sharks Underwater Grill
Dinner: Trails End Buffet
FW campfire


Day 3
MGM
Breakfast: CS
Lunch: Sci Fi Diner
Dinner: Whispering Canyon

Day 4
Breakfast: CS
BUSCH GARDENS
Lunch: Crown Colony
Dinner: Texas de Brazil


Day 5
FREE DAY
Downtown Disney for shopping (at last ) and to hire a boat for an hour ~ this is one of our favorite things to do outside the parks at Disney.
Lunch: Wolfgang Puck Express (CS)
Dinner: Yachtsman Steakhouse


Day 6
~ Our 5 1/2 year dating anniversary (an excuse to celebrate )
Breakfast: Chef Mickeys
MAGIC KINGDOM
Dinner: Artists Point


Day 7
Breakfast: CS
BEACH DAY
Dinner: Outback Steakhouse

Day 8
DISCOVERY COVE
Breakfast: DC
Lunch: DC
Dinner: CS + Beaches and Cream for ice-cream


Day 9
Breakfast: CS
Morning: AQUATICA
Afternoon: SEAWORLD ~ Beluga Interaction
Dinner: Shula's Steakhouse


Day 10
Breakfast: CS
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
Dinner: CS ~ Wolfgang Puck Express


Day 11
Breakfast: CS
TYPHOON LAGOON
Lunch: CS ~ Earl of Sandwich
Dinner: Le Cellier


Day 12
ANIMAL KINGDOM
Breakfast:
Lunch: Yak and Yeti
Dinner: CS


Day 13
EPCOT ~ FUTURE WORLD
Breakfast: CS
Lunch: Teppan Edo
Evening at DTD ~ yes theres more shopping to done
Dinner: Wolfgang Puck Cafe

​

Day 14
Breakfast: CS
Move to ROYAL PACIFIC RESORT
ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE
Lunch: Mythos
BLUE MAN GROUP ~ early show
Dinner: Emeril's


Day 15
UNIVERSAL STUDIO'S
Lunch: Lombard's
Afternoon at hotel pool
Dinner: Tchoup Chop

​

Day 16
Move to POLYNESIAN
FREE DAY
Explore the Polynesian, pool time
Lunch: Garden View Lounge
Dinner: Ohana
Watch Wishes from one of many points in the resort


Day 17
MGM
Lunch: CS
Downtown Disney for the evening
La Nouba ~ early show
Dinner: Fulton's Crabhouse


Day 18
Breakfast: Snack
EPCOT ~ WORLD SHOWCASE
Lunch: CS
Dinner: CS


Day 19
Breakfast: Room service
FREE DAY
More time to explore the Polynesian, pool time and maybe time to visit the Grand Floridian spa
Lunch: CS
Dinner: Narcoossee's
Wishes again


Day 20
Breakfast: CS
MAGIC KINGDOM
Key's to the Kingdom Tour
Lunch: Columbia Harbor House
Dinner: CS


Day 21
FREE DAY
Morning at Polynesian, afternoon at Downtown Disney (yet more shopping )
Lunch: Planet Hollywood
Dinner: California Grill / Kona Cafe
Wishes again


Day 22
Breakfast: CS
MAGIC KINGDOM
Dinner: California Grill / Kona Cafe (which ever we didn't do yesterday)


Day 23
~ Departure Day
Breakfast: Ohana
MAGIC KINGDOM
Leave for the airport mid-afternoon with early evening flight
Dinner: On the plane​

So I hope you all like our 'Perfect Plan', and I would love to hear any comments and ideas you have about it, good or bad.
Now the reason that the title is 'Our Perfect Plan ~ Take One' is because I am sure over the next 151 days that this plan will change at least a little bit. For a start we have yet to book any ADR's, due to the stupid updating of their systems . This may mean that we may have to change things around according to our ADR's. I am also still a little unsure on a couple of them, and pending your feedback and ideas may be open to a few changes. And they have yet to release the May park hours for Disney. Also there is Christmas coming up, and who knows what Santa may bring

 

[ariel1025]

I am glad you mentioned Shula's, I have looked at their menu loads and it looks perfect, I love steak. It was already on my list so its good to hear someone recommend it and speak so highly of it.

One tip I would give you for eating here is the food portions are HUGE easily enough to share (especially if you want to eat dessert...my favorite ).


[/QUOTE]

What is the Dolphin's in Depth Tour exactly? I have heard of it but it would be nice to hear about it from someone who has done it before?
Ok, here is the basics of what we did....we met a group (it's always a maximum of 8 people plus the 2 trainers) at the side entrance to Epcot. From there we got to see a little bit of the "behind the scenese" parts of Epcot (outdoors). They then took us on a tour of the Living With The Seas (I think that's what it's called ) and gave us some information about how it came about and the changes it has endured over the years. They also pointed out interesting facts about the different fish and the manatees. From there we were led up a back entrance to a locker room area where we changed into wetsuits and then were taken to the dolphin training area Once we got there we watched a short video about dolphins (it was actually quite interesting) and then we played a short game to teach us about how dolphins learn. After that we went to the training tank and watch them test one of the dolphins (they said these tests are always changing, but that day it was a memory test). After that we were taken to the dolphin tank and split into two groups of four. Each group was assigned one of the trainers and we were then led into the pool. There was a platform so the water went about waist deep (a little higher on me as I am very short) and they brought over one of the dolphins and told us different facts about the dolphins. Then they told us different parts of the dolphin to touch or pet and described what that did for a dolphin. After that we were each taught a hand motion to do with the dolphin which caused the dolphin to do a different trick. After 15 minutes with the first trainer we switched to the second trainer (and a different dolphin as well) and were taught a new hand motion as well as given more facts about the dolphins. We spent 15 minutes with that trainer and then we took a picture with the dolphin. Each individual person got a free picture so I did one with my husband and then one alone (as I am the dolphin lover). After the pictures we were taken back to the locker room to change and shower (they provided all the shampoo and body wash etc). We were then taken into a little break room where they gave us a few snacks, a T-Shirt, a button and our picture. I enjoyed it very much as this was my first real life encounter with dolphins and I think they are amazing. However, the one at Discover Cove looks to me like it's a lot more exciting since you get to swim with them and everything, not just the tricks. Sorry, this took so long I just wanted to give you a proper description of the tour.


The carriage ride is also something I would love to do, and we are staying in POFQ so its quite convenient. ARe you planning on doing this one [/QUOTE]

Yes, I am definitely planning on doing this when we go back next year (for a later anniversary trip). I am planning this as a surprise for my husband along with reservations at Narccoossees (he really wanted to eat here for our honeymoon but they didn't have any available reservations). At first I wasn't sure if I wanted to do the carriage ride at Fort Wilderness or POFQ but after seeing all your pictures I think I am definitely choosing POFQ

Loving your pre-trip report so far

 

[hlrababy]

Whats up girl!!!

Checking in with you!!! Your itineraries are awesome!!!!

I am actually reading your old trip report again as I type this one!!

I say you need to still come to Atlanta and I will take you to my fav mexican restaurant!

 

[ariel2007]

I am glad you mentioned Shula's, I have looked at their menu loads and it looks perfect, I love steak. It was already on my list so its good to hear someone recommend it and speak so highly of it.

One tip I would give you for eating here is the food portions are HUGE easily enough to share (especially if you want to eat dessert...my favorite ).

Thanks hun, and for all the great information too

Wow the tour sounds really good . I was actually considering doing this tour as I love dolphins and thought it would be nice to see them in a different setting. However, DBF wasn't so keen since we are doing DC too, but after your write up its definitely on my list of things I want to do it the future. Maybe next time I go with my little sister, she would love it

Ok I am definitely up for Shula's. What do you recommend there

Whats up girl!!!

Checking in with you!!! Your itineraries are awesome!!!!

I am actually reading your old trip report again as I type this one!!

I say you need to still come to Atlanta and I will take you to my fav mexican restaurant!

Hiya, glad to see you here again

We are still coming to Atlanta, we have to fly in and out of Atlanta airport when we come to Pigeon Forge. Well we don't have to but it is easier than getting an indirect flight to Knoxville, plus we loved it there . Do you go to Atlanta a lot? Have you been to Georgia Aquarium, WOCC and Stone Mountain park?

 

[ariel2007]

The One Where The Magic Really Begins...
...Way Before We Even Get To WDW​

To Make A Holiday Practically Perfect You Need To Have A Perfect Plan
Lets Talk Food, Pt. 1


Since I have shared our plan with you I thought I would share our ADR choices. As you will have seen we have quite a few planned, both inside, and outside of Disney. Some our old favorites, ones that our a 'must-do' every trip. Some were ones we found on our last trip and loved so much we had to go back again. And some our new, ones we had read about and just can't wait to try.

We love trying new restaurants, especially in Disney with so many different restaurants. There are so many I want to try, and unfortunately we just haven't got the time to try them all, but we choose the ones we are most excited about and plan to try the rest on future trips (I already have a list of ones to try for next time ).

We also have a few restaurants that we have tried in the past and love so much we have to do them every time. And then there were quite a few we tried last time that we loved so much they have now been put on out 'must do' every time list. There were more restaurants that we have tried before that we loved, but we had to just choose our absolute favorites else we would never get to try anywhere new

So here our are choices:

New choices:​

Disney

Cape May (d) ~ We needed to find a restaurant for our first night, and one that would set our holiday off on the right foot. We wanted somewhere that we wouldn't get too much food, as they normally give us a lot on the plane and would be quite tired, so a buffet seemed perfect, we could have as little or as much as we wanted and they are normally fairly quick. We also wanted somewhere that wouldn't be too much hassle to get too, so decided either DTD or the Boardwalk area. We thought about all the different restaurants, and couldn't find one that we both fancied and wouldn't be too much food. I have recently heard lots of very positive reviews on the Cape May evening Clambake Buffet, so thought this fitted the bill perfectly. It also means we can have a little walk around the Boardwalk area which is so pretty.

Trail's End (d) ~ I read a trip report just before going on our last trip and first heard about this place. After hearing how good it was I had a look at the menu and it all sounded delicious, even more so after we heard that the food is the same as the Hoop Dee Doo, which we loved. Its a buffet with chicken and ribs, beans, coleslaw, all that kind of lovely American food. We also loved the FW so it will give us another chance to see it again. So we decided this would be a definite for us, one we are very excited about.

Artist's Point (d) ~ I have heard lots of good reviews about this place, about both the food and the setting. It is another restaurant that we have only recently started considering but after reading the menu we definitely wanted to try it. We want to try all the Signature restaurants, the ones we have tried so far have been really good, so choose this as one of the ones we would try this time.

Shula's Steakhouse (d) ~ Being that I am a steak lover I just knew I had to try Shula's on this visit and this is one of the ones I am most excited about. I haven't heard too many reviews on it so hope it dosen't disappoint, especially at the prices they charge. It will also give me the chance to see the Swan and Dolphin for the first time.

Tusker House (b) ~ We used to love the old Breakfastosaurus and were sad to see this shut down. However we have heard that the new set up in the Tusker House is good too. This was actually a bit of a last minute choice after seeing some pictures of the restaurant and of the characters in their gear. We also choose it as we love buffet breakfasts and only had 2 others on our list so thought this would be a good choice.

Teppan Edo (l) ~ We do one new WS restaurant on every trip and had decided long ago this would be our next choice. We love the setting of the restaurant and the idea of the food being cooked at the table, and the menu looks really good too.

Fulton's (d) ~ Fulton's is my fairytale restaurant, and one I have waited a long time to try. You see the very first time I went to WDW with my Dad I spotted the Crystal Palace and looked in in envy of all the lucky children eating yummy food with my favorite characters. Luckily for me my wonderful Mum made sure my dream of eating there was realized on our next trip and I absolutely loved it. On the same first holiday I also spotted Fultons, looking so beautiful as it was all lit up floating on the water like some beautiful old paddle boat. The reason we have never eaten there until now is because I don't particularly like seafood and it is very expensive. But since I have discovered they do yummy steak, and are planning on trying to make this the most Magical WDW Adventure ever we are going to try it. Thats another one of my Disney dreams I can check off my list

Narcoossee's (d) ~ Another Signature restaurant to tick off our list. Again another one I had heard of and never really fancied until I recently read a report on it. It totally changed my mind and now I am really excited about trying this place. And its even better since we can watch Wishes from there, and then just walk back along the beach to the Poly

---------------​

Chef Mickey's (b) ~ We have been here for dinner before and loved it. We loved the food, the characters, the setting and the whole atmosphere of the place, it was so much fun. However since we wanted to try new things, and we were lacking on the buffet breakfast side of things we decided to try it for breakfast.

Kona Cafe (b) ~ This is one we tried for breakfast on our last trip and unfortunately wasn't overly impressed despite being very excited about it. The restaurant was so busy and chaotic, the service really suffered and it affected the whole meal for us. However, despite Nick's complaints, I was determined to try it again for dinner as I have heard so many good reports. And I also wanted to take full advantage of all the restaurants and facilities the Poly has to offer whilst we are there.

Ohana (b) ~ This is one of our favorites for dinner, a 'must do' for us, and the breakfast sounds really good too. We were slightly reluctant as we didn't want to do too many character meals, and Lilo and Stitch aren't particularly our favorites (in fact Nick has never seen the film and I only have once), but like I said I wanted to take full advantage of the restaurants and the food looked so good. We also decided it would be a great last breakfast as it is convenient and looks like fun.

---------------​

Non-Disney

Emeril's (CityWalk) (d) ~ One of our all time favorite restaurants and a 'must do' every trip is Emeril's Tchoup Chop at RPR. Since we love it so much, and try to try a different CityWalk restaurant each time, we thought we would give Emeril's a try. The menu looks pretty good, I just hope it lives up to Tchoup Chop, if thats possible

Lombard's (Universal Studio's) (l) ~ From all the times we have been to Universal Studio's we have only ever tried Mel's Diner, which is little more than burgers and fries. I decided we should try a proper restaurant there so looked through all the menu's. This one seemed nice and different to the rest of the restaurants we had chosen, and also had some good reviews lately.

Old Favorites:​

Disney

Sci Fi (l) ~ We love Sci Fi Cafe, it was one of the first Disney restaurants I went to and it was such a great experience. The whole setting is so clever and fun which is why we had to take Nick on his first visit. We planned to go again last time but unfortunately didn't have the time, so put it on our list for this time.

Whispering Canyon (d) ~ After hearing so many reports about this place we had to try it last time and loved it. The skillet was so good, and the restaurant was really different and fun. We also liked to see Wilderness Lodge, it is very pretty and relaxing to walk around.

Yachtsman Steakhouse (d) ~ This was one of my definite favorites on our last visit, the food was so, so good from beginning to end and the meal was just great from the attentive service to the laid back atmosphere. I knew we would definitely be going back here, I even tried to convince Nick to put it in twice but he wouldn't agree

Le Cellier (d) ~ Again another one of our favorites from last time. We loved the food (remember I love steak, a lot), and loved the setting. Its so unique and I love how they tell you information about Canada.

Yak and Yeti (l) ~ We love Asian food so the Yak and Yeti was a hit for us last time. Unfortunately I don't think its on the DDP next year so we will have to pay OP for this. However, this was one of Nick's favorites and he begged to do it again so we are.

Wolfgang Puck Cafe (d) ~ Another one of Nick's choices as he loved it on our last visit. We had one TS left and it was for our final night at POFQ. Again we wanted somewhere we could get to easily and DTD is perfect. Unfortunately there aren't many restaurants here on the DDP so this was the best of what they had.

Garden View Lounge (l) ~ I loved this last time, I mean what is not to love . The Grand Floridian is beautiful, I love visiting there, its another one of my Disney dreams to stay here , but until that day I love to visit. And then there are the pastries, I love pastries, and the light and elegant setting with beautiful flowers and view. Oh and I love afternoon tea, its such a great idea, and its a really nice relaxing and different setting to all the other restaurants.
Unfortunately after looking forward to this for ages last time I felt really ill at the time and didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped. So I told Nick in no uncertain terms that we would going here again.

Ohana (d) ~ This will be our fourth trip to Ohana, another 'must do' for every trip. We love the food, the setting, the atmosphere, the drinks, the castle view... everything.

Planet Hollywood (l) ~ We were pleasantly surprised by PH on our last visit, we hadn't planned to visit but with the $15 voucher we had to give it a go. Well we loved the food and cocktails and since we will be getting 2 vouchers this time it would be stupid to waste them.

California Grill (d) ~ Another of our new favorites from our last trip, and one that will help end our holiday on a high. We loved the food (amazing steak ), the restaurant and views are beautiful and since I love Wishes its a great way to watch it

---------------​

Non-Disney

Sharks Underwater Grill (l) ~ This is our third visit to Shark's as we love this place and with Tchoup Chop its a 'must' every time. The setting is so different and unique, we love watching the sharks, especially after doing the shark dive. And the food is really good too, very good steak again.

Texas de Brazil (d) ~ Nick has told me that we are doing this restaurant, no matter what. On our last visit we tried it for the first time and loved it so much we went back again. The food is all so delicious and its such a unique idea.

Outback Steakhouse (d) ~ We had a really good meal here last time, both for food and value. The steak was so good, as were the sides. And the margarita's weren't only some of the best I have ever had but BOGOF too.

Mythos (l) ~ We really enjoyed our meal here last time and it was really nice and quiet making it a nice break from the park.

​

So they are our ADR choices and the reasons behind why we choose them. Like I said before they are not 100% as we haven't been able to book them yet , I am just hoping we get all the times we want else I will have to have a rethink. Since I already have a list of places we have to try next time I have some sort of back-up, but fingers crossed I wont need it.

 

[ariel2007]

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

HOPE EVERYONE HAS A GREAT DAY

 

[ariel2007]

Oh and its less than 150 days till we go ... time to do a bit of dancing

 

[ariel2007]

The One Where The Magic Really Begins...
...Way Before We Even Get To WDW​

To Make A Holiday Practically Perfect You Need To Have A Perfect Plan
Lets Talk Food, Pt. 2


Like I said in my last post there are so many restaurants that we want to try, and we couldn't possibly fit them all in in this visit. We chose the ones that we most wanted to do, ones that we both agreed on, and that fitted well with our plan. Then with the rest I have made a list. And this list forms both my back up list in case we cant get any of our ADR's, and our list of 'must do's' for next time. So here it is:

Cinderella's Royal Table - I really want to experience eating in the castle, after all I love a good fairytale. I am holding of going there though until we go with Sophie again as I know she would love it.

Chefs de France - We choose 1 WS restaurant to try each visit and I love the look of the place, its so pretty and romantic looking

50's Prime Time - I really want to try this place for the atmosphere as I have heard so many good reviews. However we would like to try it with my family as I think it will be a lot of fun all together

Tony's Town Square - I don't know why I want to go here but I think it sounds so cute, and would love to try the tiramasu.

The Wave - I found this via a trip report and it sounds and looks really good

Grand Floridian Cafe - Another one I have heard quite a few good reviews on. It looks quite simple but I really fancy trying it.

Flying Fish Cafe - Since we are trying to try all the Signature restaurants this is one of only 2 left to try. The restaurant itself looks really nice and I love the Boardwalk setting.

Citricos - Again one of the 2 signature restaurants we have left to try. The menu is not overly my taste but I like to try everything once.

Blue Zoo - Another Brit Guide recommendation, plus one I have heard lots of good reviews about. I would have been here a lot sooner if I liked seafood but I really want to try it to experience the setting, and cocktails

Raglan Rd - I have heard so many good reviews and love the look of the place

Portobello Yacht Club - The Brits guide has given this place good reviews, and since the Brits guide never lies, it must be true

T-Rex Restaurant - I cannot wait to try here but unfortunately its not on the DDP and we already have quite a few OP meals so it will hvae to wait till next time.

---------------​

Non-Disney

The Palm Restaurant - Hard Rock Hotel
The Latin Quarter - CityWalk
Confisco Grill - IOA

Old Hickory Steakhouse - Gaylord Palms
Maggiano's Little Italy
Capital Grille
Season's 52
Cafe tu tu Tango



We also hope to do Hoop Dee Dee again, although we want to do this with the family as we know they will absolutely love it. I'm sure we will have a big list of repeat 'must do's' again too, like Tchoup Chop, Sharks, Le Cellier, California Grill, Ohana, Yachtsman, and probably many more after this trip. I think next time we are going to have to go for a few months to fit everything in

 

[ariel2007]

The One Where The Magic Really Begins...
...Way Before We Even Get To WDW​

To Make A Holiday Practically Perfect You Need To Have A Perfect Plan
Lets Talk Food, Pt. 3


Since I have told you where were going to be eating this time, and even where were going to eat next time (only a Disser could have a plan already for a trip that, 1. isn't even booked, and 2. is 2 trips away), I thought I would let you know where we have already tried.

I have written briefly what I thought of each experience, obviously though this is just our opinion. Oh and heres just a little key of what things mean:

(2) = Number of times we have been there

= Good, fun experience

= Loved it

= Our favorites / 'must-do's'

= Ewwww

---------------


Trip 1 ~
July 1998 ~ Only me​

Onsite:
No where

Off site:
Ponderosa - breakfast (a lot)
McDonald's
KFC
Some mall food court that no longer exists

As you can see this trip was full of culinary delights

---------------

Trip 2 ~
January 2005 ~ Only me​

Onsite:
Sci Fi Cafe (2) - lunch - Very fun and unique setting, good food and service. Really good way to start the holiday.
Donald's Breakfastosaurus (2) - breakfast - Great food, setting, and the service was particularly brilliant. Great first character meal experience, so much fun.
Rainforest Cafe (AK) (4) - dinner - Great setting, nice food, bad service. Too busy and noisy and bad table location (couldn't see anything, got ignored).
Crystal Palace (2) - dinner - Great food, setting and the interaction was first class
San Angel Inn - dinner - Lovely food and setting. Bad table location.
Bongo's (2) - dinner - Great and unique food, lively atmosphere.

Off site:
Dine With Shamu (Seaworld) (2) - dinner - Great food and setting. Amazing experience.
Crown Colony (Busch Garden's) (3) - lunch - Great food and unique setting. Poor service and attitude.

Ponderosa (lots)
China Jade (2) - Great food. Average service.
Chili's (3) - Lovely food, good service, good value.
Black Angus Steakhouse - breakfast - Poor food and service

---------------

Trip 3 ~
July/August 2006 ~ Nick and I​

Onsite:
Boatwrights - dinner - Great food, service and setting.
Rainforest Cafe (DTD) - lunch - Great food, setting and much better service. We loved this experience.
1900 Park Fayre (2) - breakfast - Lovely food, beautiful setting and great character interaction (very amusing). Brilliant experience
Breakfastosaurus (2) - breakfast - Great food and setting. Server lacking energy of others and interaction rushed.
Hollywood & Vine - dinner - Average food, little atmosphere, server friendly but far too rushed.
Restaurant Marrakesh - dinner - Average food, lovely setting but little atmosphere. Very overpriced.
Bongo's (2) - dinner - Very nice food, poor service although very quiet.
Garden Grill - lunch - Great food, great and unique setting and brilliant and fun interaction. Great experience.
Ohana (3) - dinner - Amazing food, so good. Great setting, fun for kids, great cocktails.
Boatwrights - breakfast - Lovely food and warm and friendly service.
Sci Fi Diner (2) - dinner - Lovely food, great setting (never grows old).
Liberty Tree Tavern - dinner - Great food, nice setting, good character interaction and service.
Boma - dinner - Great and unusual food, good service, average setting.
Chef Mickey's - dinner - Lovely food, lots of choice, great setting and character interaction. This restaurant is so much fun.
Boma - breakfast - Nice food, average service and setting. Not particularly memorable.

Offsite:
Hard Rock - dinner - Great food and service.
Tchoup Chop (RPR) (2) - dinner - Amazing food, quite unique and so tasty. Good service and lovely setting.
Sharks Underwater Grill (2) - Amazing food, setting and atmosphere. Loved this place.
Dine With Shamu (2) - dinner - Another great experience here. The service was particularly great this time.
Crown Colony (3) - lunch - Another good meal but treated poorly to begin.

Ponderosa (lots) - Nice breakfast, good service.
China Jade (2) - Good food and service.
Golden Corral (3/4) - Great breakfast food, so much choice.
Bahama Breeze (3) - dinner - Really good food, cocktails and service. Nice relaxed, tropical setting, even when busy.
Chili's (3) - dinner - Really good food and service, great value.
Main Street Cafe - lunch - lovely food in great American setting.

---------------

Trip 4 ~
May 2008 ~ Nick and I​

Onsite:
Rainforest Cafe (DTD) (4) - lunch - Great first Disney meal. Food ok, setting and atmosphere great.
Maya Grill - dinner - Nice food but quite average, like the setting and service.
Coral Reef - lunch - Lovely food and setting, poor service (ignored for 10 minutes whilst he had a chat).
Garden View Lounge - afternoon tea - Great, relaxing experience. Very yummy.
Ohana (3) - dinner - Great food, service and perfect view. Slightly disappointed in the menu changes.
Kona Cafe - breakfast - Nice food but service very rushed and slow, far too busy.
Crystal Palace (2) - dinner - Great food, good interaction, beautiful setting. Less items on buffet than last time.
Hollywood Brown Derby - lunch - Good food and service. Not worth 2 credits IMO
House of Blue's - dinner - Lovely food, huge portions, great drinks and service. Fun setting.
Yak and Yeti - lunch - Great, tasty food. The setting is nice but not overly impressed.
Jiko - dinner - Great food, excellent, friendly, personal service and nice, relaxed setting.
Whispering Canyon - lunch - Great food and service. Fun experience.
Planet Hollywood - Great food and service.
Beaches & Cream - lunch - We only had ice-cream but it was very good.
Yachtsman Steakhouse - dinner - Amazing. Food, service and setting, no complaints.
Captains Grille - breakfast - Very nice food and service. Not overly memorable for the price.
Le Cellier - dinner - Lovely and unique setting, great informative service and excellent food.
California Grill - dinner - Great food, lovely setting, and good service. Table location was not good however, and our service in the bar was far from good.
1900 Park Fayre (2) - breakfast - Great food and interaction. Service lacked as we got ignored for at least 10 minutes.
Ohana - dinner - Great food but poor service and table location/setting (we were so far apart we couldn't hear each other.
Wolfgang Puck Cafe - lunch - Great food, good service. Nice relaxed atmosphere.
Rainforest Cafe (AK) (4) - lunch - Lovely food and good service.

Off-site:
Sharks Underwater Grill (2) - lunch - Another great meal.
Crown Colony (3) - lunch - Great food and service once again.
Islands Dining Room (RPR) - breakfast - Great food and service but expensive.
Margaritaville (CityWalk) - dinner - Good food and atmosphere. Great margaritas. Not overly impressed.
Mythos - lunch - Great food, great, friendly and informative service.
Tchoup Chop (2) - dinner - Amazing food and attentive service.

Chili's (3) - dinner - Great food and service.
The Cheesecake Factory (3) - dinner - Amazing food once again.
Red Lobster - dinner - Very nice food, very good value. Good service.
IHOP - breakfast - Average food and grumpy service.
Hooters - lunch - Average food but fun setting.
Bahama Breeze (3) - dinner - Lovely food, cocktails and setting.
Outback Steakhouse - dinner - Great food and cocktails. Great, friendly, informative service, very good value.
Golden Corral (3/4) - breakfast - Great again.
Texas de Brazil (2) - dinner - Amazing, amazing, amazing. Gorgeous food, such tasty meat. Great service and setting. Very unique.

---------------
​

Other American chain restaurants we have tried

In Miami:
TGI's -
The Olive Garden
The Cheesecake Factory
Bahama Breeze

Chattanooga:
Big River Grille - dinner

Gatlinburg:
Hard Rock Cafe - lunch
Golden Corral - breakfast

Atlanta:
The Cheesecake Factory - dinner
Hard Rock Cafe - lunch

---------------​

As you can see we have generally been very lucky with our experiences. With the exception of a few restaurants, the food has always been really good in most. We have had some really good service.
The most memorable being in Breakfastosaurus the first time, in which our server was so funny and lively and forever played jokes on us, the Yachtsman and Mythos, where our servers were so helpful and polite, Texas de Brazil and Tchoup Chop where you get team service which is extremely attentive, Jiko, Le Cellier and Garden Grill.
However we have had some below average service too, which unfortunately can have some effect on the whole experience. Nick and I particularly found that we seemed to get ignored quite a bit on our last holiday, and I'm guessing its because we are young, we found this particularly at 1900 Park Fayre where we waited 10 minutes whilst everyone else went up for food (ad also got missed out by the Mad Hatter). However we incurred blatant rudeness in the Contemporary bar that left us quite stunned. When we arrived it was quite busy so we were expecting a bit of a wait, we found a table and looked at the menu. Well we waited for quite a while whilst the waiter cleared tables and the brought over drinks, and the waitress stood talking to some customers, for no less than 15 minutes. Well after a while the man came over and said he would be with us in a minute, Ok... 5 minutes later he walked past again and told us sorry he will be back in a minute, and continued clearing tables. Well this happened about 4-5 times and we were beginning to get annoyed... and then we became angry as this waiter went over to serve a group of men in suits who had literally just sat down, and he knew it too. So we ended up waiting whilst he took their order and then went and got their drinks. We were so shocked, and so annoyed. Well by the time we eventually ordered (probably about 30 mins later) our table was ready but the waiter had gone with our order and we were told by the seater we had to wait for the waiter to come back with our drinks so we could pay for them before we were seated... are you kidding me. This kind of set the evening off to a bad start but luckily I don't hold a grudge and we got over it.
Anyway enough of the bad points, I am sure we will have another amazing holiday full of amazing food and restaurant experiences.

 

[ariel2007]

Where is everyone lately, its awfully quiet around here. How was everyones thanksgiving?

 

[ariel2007]

I have just watched the final with Dancing With Stars and am so happy. More often than not these programmes end up becoming too much about the people and not enough about the talent, which is the main purpose of the show. Sure I love to be entertained, but at the end of the day the best dancer should win... and she did. Brooke was fantastic right from the beginning and thorougly deserved winning, I am so glad for her, she looked so happy. And her fiance and little girls were so sweet.

 

[retiredkid]

I was happy to see Brooke win as well... She was the most talented of the lot, IMO>

 

[ariel2007]

I was happy to see Brooke win as well... She was the most talented of the lot, IMO>

Definitely. I loved Lance and Lacey too and think she did so well being her first series and all. I hope she stays on. But Brooke, all I can say is "Wow".

So what do you think of our itinerary and ADR choices then?

 

[ariel2007]

The One Where The Magic Really Begins...
...Way Before We Even Get To WDW​

To Make A Holiday Practically Perfect You Need To Have A Perfect Plan
Lets Talk Food, Pt. 4

Now before we move on from one of my favorite subjects, Food, I thought I would just cover all aspects of this subject first. Being on the DDP this time means we will get one table service, one counter service, and one snack per day. Now you can see I already have the table service area pretty much covered, after all this is my specialty. We love eating in the table service restaurants and most of our meals during our past few trips have been had in table service restaurants. However this time we will have 20 counter service meals too, but this is an area I don't know so much about. This is the counter service places we have tried so far:

Trip 1 ~
Casey's (only fries)
WS United Kingdom (we had baked potatoes from somewhere here)
---- this was the sum of our Disney dining experience on this trip

Trip 2 ~
ASMo food court - Good choice and food
Cosmic Rays - Nice, simple burgers and great toppings bar
Mel's Drive In Diner (US) - Good chili cheese fries

Trip 3 ~
POR + POFQ food courts - Good selection and food
Mara (AKL) - Great choice, a bit more unique than the other food courts
Cosmic Rays
ABC Commissary - Nice food, limited selection, very busy with long queues
Leaning Palms (TL) - Good food, different selections
Earl of Sandwich - Lots of choice, good value, very, very busy, lovely food
Mel's Diner (US)

Trip 4 ~
Pepper Market (CSR) - Good quality food, loads of choice, strange set up and overpriced for a food court
Peco Bills - Great food, good value
Earl of Sandwich - Great again but again very busy (even thought DTD was dead)
Mel's Diner (US)
Orchid Lounge (RPR) - Continental breakfast selection, lots of choice, great setting but expensive


I think that is everywhere we have tried. As you can see its not that many places and quite a few of the places have been repeats (namely Mels Diner). We have also tried Sunshine Seasons and the Lotus Blossom Cafe but only for snacks, although we really liked both of these places. This time I am determined we are going to try lots of new CS places, after all we have enough credits to use.

 

[ariel2007]

The One Where The Magic Really Begins...
...Way Before We Even Get To WDW​

To Make A Holiday Practically Perfect You Need To Have A Perfect Plan
Lets Talk Food ~ Meets ~ A Little Help From Friends Can Go A Long Way

SUBJECT OF THE DAY ~ FOUR:​

Ok so we are back to 'Subject of the Day', I told you we weren't finished with it yet. And this time it follows on from my last post.

.... COUNTER SERVICE MEALS



​

As you can see from my last post we haven't had too much experience with counter services meals. And with 20 credits to use we want to try lots of different places, and lots of different food, not just the same burger and fries all the time. So here is where I need your help:

Which counter service places would you most recommend?

Which counter service places offer the best and most varied selections

Which counter service places offer the best value and selection on the DDP?

Is there any counter service places you would avoid?

Any additional tips for using the DDP at CS places?​

 

[disneydusted]

Hey Ariel! We've been busy with Thanksgiving and family and then today we went and chopped down our Christmas tree and hung outside lights.
You've been busy with your food ideas and rating system! For counter service we had Casey's in MK on day and then some sandwich bar thing over near TOT in DHS. Both were just ok... maybe even the one in DHS wasn't so very good, just filling ourselves up to keep running the rides! Mostly we did ADR's.