Will get to the Territory Lounge replies (and hopefully post an update) tomorrow - I'm very tired right now.
While I like the make-your-own pasta and salad stations at POR, I don't want to see that offered across the board at all resorts. I think part of choosing the resort you want to stay at includes the unique food offerings. Taking that away makes choosing the resort less fun.
Sometimes it seems like Disney sees that something works and they make it generic enough to push it out everywhere.
Donald and the Ducks! Loved that the critters were flocking to you!
Agreed - food has always played a role in establishing the 'personality' of each resort's, and I think this change has taken away some of the appeal of Gasparilla Grill. I also noticed that the soft serve flavor variety has been reduced - now the only offerings are vanilla and chocolate (Gasparilla used to also have strawberry and cookies & cream). It makes me wonder what unique item will be next to disappear.
I really enjoyed watching all the birds! They were much less aggressive than the birds at Flame Tree.
Mmmm those cupcakes at Gasparilla Grill look divine! I wouldn't have been able to choose just one. Sorry the salad wasn't great though.
Those cupcakes did look fantastic - I should've gotten one to end the meal on a high note.
Lovin the reveiws!! And the ducks and the cupcakes and....I think I need Disney food
Im having trouble deciding if I want to do SAI, I love Mexican but DF can take it or leave it and I'm obviously trying to make sure we will all have yummy options! And that's really too bad about the salads at GG, that lobster Cobb sounds delicious, something I would definitely love!
We are planning on having a day to ourselves (no guests or DD lol) and I cannot decide on dinner, I wanted to be at a park or close so we could see one of the shows that evening, of course my original CG will be closed for refurb! Right now im thinking LeCellier. Any suggestions? (sorry if this is high jacking, I just appreciate your expertise
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Sounds like you definitely need some Disney food! SAI might not be the best choice if DF isn't into Mexican food, but you could probably squeeze in a stop at La Cantina (the counter service place), and your DF could get food elsewhere. Sampling snacks and quick service in World Showcase is always super fun.
For a signature suggestion, that's a tough one. Is there any particular park you'd like to be at in the evening? Honestly, I don't think the quality varies too much between the signatures, so I'd recommend picking based on the cuisine and creativity level you want. Here are my thoughts on Le Cellier, as well as some suggestions.
-Le Cellier has some solid food, but the atmosphere isn't as pleasant as the other signatures IMO. Only choose it if there's a specific dish you really want, such as the cheese soup or mushroom filet.
-Yachtsman is definitely the better steakhouse to me, and its food ranges from simple meat and potatoes dishes to creative appetizers and seafood. In addition, it's relatively close to Epcot and DHS.
-Artist Point is still one of my two favorite signatures (along with Jiko, but AP is more convenient to a park). Between the peaceful atmosphere and unique offerings inspired by the Pacific Northwest (cedar plank salmon, Pacific seafood, venison, buffalo, etc), the food here makes me want to hop on a plane to Seattle or Vancouver! Plus, you could easily take the bus or boat to MK after your meal.
-Bistro de Paris wasn't my favorite signature when I tried it last year. However, it's currently receiving renovations and will reopen with a new name, menu, and decor. If you're interested in French food, this could be the 'wildcard' option, and it's located in a park.
Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong. Some people are in love with Citricos or Flying Fish, for example, and I'm currently a fan of Hollywood Brown Derby and Narcoossee's (even though they get less consistent reviews here). If you pick whichever menu looks most appealing to you, I'm sure you'll really enjoy your meal!
The duck mob is adorable! Those cupcakes look divine.
Was the beef too rubbery or dried out? It's a shame it ruined the dish.
The beef wasn't dry, but it was somewhat 'rubbery' to me (due to the chewiness - I hate chewing on fat). At least I still got my veggies.
WOW does that room look beautiful @ WL!!
SAI is a place we have always wanted to go. We had it planned then opted to switch it out for the Garden Grill. What can I say, Mickey Mouse won in the end. It's just not everyday our son is 2 & @ WDW. SAI will be pushed back yet another year. But I WILL remember to not get that dessert.
& Thanks for the review of Gasparilla, that was on my list but now w/ the salad changes I don't see a reason to rush over. But not a big deal, process of elimination is actually a GOOD thing is my world. ::yes:
Definitely enjoy the character meals while you can!
Garden Grill used to be one of my favorites (but it had a different menu then - I haven't been back since it reopened from a refurbishment in 2005).
And I'm glad you can eliminate Gasparilla as an option. Even if my review didn't convince you, I think it's supposed to be closed for a refurbishment during your trip anyway.
wait...cherry berry cup cake? WOW!!! THAT LOOKS SOO GOOD!!!
It does look good! It might not be available during your trip (due to the refurbishment), but I'm sure there will be plenty of cupcake alternatives available.
The appies at SAI looked wonderful! I love making a meal out of two appetizers as I get way too full eating an appetizer and a meal, but want to taste more things! I can not imagine why they would make cheesecake with goat cheese.
I would imagine many people have been disappointed.
I am happy to hear your second good review of AOA food court! Your pictures from both your latest vacations helped me talk my daughter into eating there!! I love that they have such wonderful choices!!
Actually, I've read more good things about that dessert than bad. I read one review that simply described it as "very good", and another review mentioned the strong caramel flavor - I don't know if everyone else notices the 'goat' flavor as much as I did. Either I'm just super sensitive to 'goat' byproducts, or something was off about the preparation of my dish.
AoA's food court really does have some great options! I'm really interested in trying one of their unique burgers sometime.
In general I'm slightly wary of any kind of food presented in a buffet/salad bar style as I question the quality and freshness of the food (there are exceptions, of course), but from Disney's perspective the salad bar has much broader appeal than a couple of interesting, specialty salads.
You're right - I can totally see why they made the change. I'm just hoping that it doesn't happen in other locations.
Oh my, I am way behind but coulnd't resist just going straight to the end and once I saw those cupcakes, I was in heaven - that Smores cupcake looks absolutely amazing and is going straight onto my 'for next time' snack list.
That s'mores cupcake is definitely a good choice for your list! I'm torn between three of those cupcakes - maybe I'll have to try them all next time.
I love that we can still be surprised even after all of the dining reviews that we've read here. Your dish looks lovely!
