Prawn Heads & Cupcakes & Soups, Oh My! 10/5 Complete (now with my Dining Wish List)!

[jmm476]

Yeah, recently I've been a huge proponent of menu changes, especially when they're interesting and add unique ingredients. But the latest news doesn't sound great. WCC's limited menu and B&C's culling of the lighter options are both upsetting changes to me, and unfortunately, there's no single thread covering all of the menu changes. I'm pretty sure The Wave changed over to its fall menu (I heard about a new duck and citrus salad which sounded good), and most 1-credit, Disney-owned restaurants probably saw price increases and a few menu tweaks. But until the official site and allears start updating the menus, we just have to wait and see.

On your arrival day, do you plan on entering a park? A possible option could be Kona Cafe - it's a very casual restaurant (since it's basically adjacent to the busy lobby), and it can be quite noisy. It's not my favorite place, but Kona has a huge following on this site. I would recommend Grand Floridian Cafe or The Wave, but GFC feels a bit 'fancier' than Kona (due to its elegant decor) and The Wave has little atmosphere and can be very quiet (if it's not busy). If you choose to have dinner at any of the monorail resorts, you could easily hop on the monorail to MK afterwards and switch to a bus/boat to Wilderness Lodge (so you can still explore the hotel).

Raglan Road is a good suggestion! It can definitely be noisy, especially at dinner time.

I feel the same way about the menus. I know some people absolutely despised the 'health kick', given the endless complaints about multigrain buns (which I never minded). But the parks are saturated with unhealthy food, and it's nice to get something light for a change. Now, B&C has nothing light or healthy to offer (caesar salad just doesn't cut it - the dressing is extremely heavy and unhealthy, and if you leave off the dressing, you're overpaying for romaine lettuce and croutons). We'll see what happens, but perhaps next time I'll be more reliant on quick service salads.

Aw, I'm sorry to hear that - the burger and ice cream definitely belong on your list for next time!

Thanks DDW and Sweetspot for the suggestions! I'll have to check out the menu at Raglan Road, we've never been there. And as if I didn't have enough factors to worry about, my DH is a very picky eater. Lol. DH would probably like the atmosphere at Kona. We spent our honeymoon in Hawaii and I know he wants to go back but it won't happen anytime soon.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Thanks for the info on the new B&C menu

I really enjoy the veggie burger in there so I hope they don't change it, that said, I agree with you in that you really need to skip the entrees and head straight for dessert as they are huge and delicious

Hopefully the veggie burger is still around. But even if it's not, I agree with your second point - next time, I'll most likely be skipping the entrees anyway.

Sorry I am way behind! I have had meetings everynight this week and most of last week. Going back to work at school and the kids being back at school now is much more hectic than I remember. I wanted to say that I live in the Philly burbs, north west of the city. I come down to the city very little, not a big city kinda gal. I do when my DS had Dr appointments and MRI's at CHOP, other than that, I stay in the burbs. But, I am not far from you. I am so slacking in my report as well. I will be posting about an accidental DISmeet in my next report though. Looking forward to more from you. All your stuff looks good.

Aw, I hate when real life gets in the way of Disboard time. Thanks for finding the time to post another update. And it's so cool that you were also able to meet Brenda, Emily, and Michael! That was such a highlight of this trip for me.

Also, I didn't realize how close you were to Philly!

B&C looks delish. I've never been there but ur chicken looks very good & healthy. Shame they are changing that.

Yeah, the chicken sandwich always made me feel less guilty about the ice cream that was to come. At least now, I might actually have room to finish dessert there!

Hi Mr. DDW! I loved your local Philly foods review detour - especially the strawberry shortcake. Mmmmm! Em is a Chipotle lover too. In fact, the local Chipotle workers know her by name - that's bad.

As for Beaches and Cream - I for one am not that thrilled with the menu changes. I can't eat a burger that big and also don't prefer all the toppings or even cheese. I wonder if they have a kid meal burger option that is small but still authentic with the grilled burger thing.

The strawberry shortcake with the angel food cake was my favorite dessert at B&C. Now that they changed the cake, it is a tough decision to go with that option. There are so many other choices but I'm not a huge ice-cream fan so the the new banana bread/peanut butter/bananas dessert sounds like it is worth a try.

So glad to hear that Emily is also a Chipotle fan! Very impressive that the employees are on a first name basis with her.

I think B&C has a kid's burger on the menu, but I wonder if it's prepared the same way. As for the strawberry shortcake, the change seems kind of unnecessary to me (since the new shortcake wasn't that great, IMO). I'm with you - the banana bread dessert sounds like it's worth a try.

Enjoyed the update! B&C is a place I've always wanted to go. Perhaps when I spend some time at one of the Epcot resorts.

Beaches and Cream is definitely worth a try! In fact, it could be a nice stop on an Epcot day (since Beach Club is such a short walk from Epcot's International Gateway).

Yep, while I'm not quite ready to add a ticker to my signature ...plans are formulating. Let's just say that I "might" be posting my own "live" from Disney World updates in about 6 months from now.

And Beaches & Cream was a nice surprise addition to your dining plans! I was just reading on the Disney Food Blog yesterday about the changes to their menu. To me, the changes seem to generally be good ones...well, except for the price increases.

Very nice! So you already have a possible time frame and a proposed method of transportation - I really hope this works out!

As for B&C, I can definitely see why the changes can be interpreted as positive. The new banana bread dessert sounds like a real winner. And some people would probably be happy to hear about the thicker burger patty and new toppings. That said, I preferred when the burger started with a relatively low base price ($9.49), and you could choose to double the beef or add toppings if you wanted to. Now, the burger is $13.99 at a minimum. It's okay, though - we'll simply save B&C for dessert (after a meal elsewhere) .

Thanks DDW and Sweetspot for the suggestions! I'll have to check out the menu at Raglan Road, we've never been there. And as if I didn't have enough factors to worry about, my DH is a very picky eater. Lol. DH would probably like the atmosphere at Kona. We spent our honeymoon in Hawaii and I know he wants to go back but it won't happen anytime soon.

No problem! SweetSpot's suggestion of Raglan Road was a great one - between that and Kona, I think you could definitely find the dinner experience you're looking for.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

After getting back to WL, I took the boat to MK for some park time. Here's a pic from the boat dock.

Then it was time to call it a night. I ended up sleeping in again, so I was too late to order any breakfast food. Not a problem! I had another idea in mind to kick off my day. Roaring Fork has a unique selection of cupcakes available - but which one would I choose?

S'mores Cupcake

Carrot Cake Cupcake

Chocolate Caramel Cupcake

I decided to go with the chocolate caramel cupcake, since I had tried the other two cupcakes last year. How can you go wrong with a chocolate caramel cupcake? (assuming the caramel isn't made with goat's milk )

After snapping this pic, I tried to cut the cupcake in half. However, my knife wasn't very effective. There was some resistance coming from the cupcake's interior - perhaps a dense filling of some sort. After working slowly, I finally succeeded: the cupcake was filled with thick, buttery caramel!

Honestly, I happily finished this delicious treat (which is a first for a Disney cupcake). The frosting wasn't too sweet or too flavorless - it was dense and reminded me of chocolate ganache. The cake was moist chocolate cake, and it was notably enhanced by the thick caramel, flavorful frosting, and crunchy sprinkles. Of all the Disney cupcakes I've tried, the chocolate caramel cupcake is currently my favorite (and Roaring Fork's other two cupcakes are close behind - the carrot cake cupcake was our reigning champ last year).

Overall, I see Roaring Fork as an unassuming hidden gem of WDW quick service. It has solid offerings throughout the day, including some of the best breakfasts and cupcakes around.

Here's a bonus picture I took of WL shortly after my breakfast.

 

[iluvpluto27]

Wow that cupcake looks amazing! Wish I'd made a special trip to WL now just to sample their cupcakes!

 

[jmm476]

Wow, all 3 of those cupcakes look great. I guess you just gave me a reason to stop by roaring fork while we're at WL to see the tree! I really missed out by only visiting RF for breakfast while we were staying there...

 

[auntfrannie]

That chocolate cupcake does look good! Chocolate cake in general can be too dry but that looks very moist! I stayed at WL a few years ago and while it's a lovely resort, Roaring Forks was just too small for a resort that size!

 

[sushi candy]

The ice cream portions are massive. . I agree with Brenda about the 8oz. burger being too much. I can't eat that much meat either,

 

[jabead]

I think there just might be both a cupcake and some Mickey waffles from Roaring Fork in my future! And maybe dinner at Artist Point too.

 

[Tinker12]

I want a cupcake!!

 

[Tracerr00]

I love Roaring Fork as well - at first I thought that it was going to be too small and I was worried that it would be too crowded during meal times but I never found that to be the case. It's saying a lot if the chocolate caramel cupcake is your favorite Disney cupcake! It looks fabulous!

We're having our employee picnic today and seeing as I'm in HR, I get to plan it. And that means for dessert we're having...cupcakes!!! We found an awesome baker near here and she's the best. I need to break out my fat pants today!

 

[vettegirl]

Wow those cupcakes look amazing! I can almost smell them through my computer!!

 

[basketlacey]

I just finished eating lunch and could totally go for one of those cupcakes right now! Actually the banana bread dessert at B&C sounds even better. My kids want to try B&C on our trip but I am not sure. I have heard they won't let you split when on DDP and 4 8 oz burgers is wayyyy too much food. Dh will probably want something healthier so the other four of us could split two. Maybe we should try and just pay oop. Then we could all split the kitchen sink for dessert!

 

[Linda67]

Thanks for the beautiful pictures of WL, it still reigns supreme as my fave resort

We love Roaring Fork, I so enjoyed the carrot cake cupcake I had last time we were there and I am a big fan of their bananas foster mickey waffles in the mornings

The chocolate caramel cupcake sounds and looks delicious

 

[Quin]

Hmmm........I'm thinking it might be awfully convenient to stop by Roaring Forks after an AP dinner and grab a cupcake (or two?) to take back to our own resort for breakfast in the room the next morning........

I don't remember from your earlier review: does the carrot cake cupcake have anything in the cake such as raisins or nuts? Is it a cream cheese frosting? I'd like that chocolate caramel and DH generally enjoys carrot cake but abhors raisins in it (pity, because I love the added touch of chewy sweetness).

 

[ThePrincess&TheJohn]

Very cool - I didn't notice that you were a native Philadelphian! As someone who grew up in the suburbs of New York (and often took trips to Boston and New England, but never down to Philly), I really had no idea what to expect when I came here. I have to say, I love this city! It's a lot cozier than Manhattan, it's much more walkable, it's full of cute little park areas (while Manhattan has the massive Central Park, and not much else), and I really like the neighborhood feel. For a city with such a small 'downtown' area, it's impressive how many cuisines are represented here. And finally, I don't eat cheesesteaks very often, but I used to think I would hate them. They're actually not that bad.

Yeah, we don't suffer from a lack of neighborhoods or dining options! I have heard from so many people that no one ever wants to leave Philly after being here for college or jobs. Really glad to hear you are loving it! Definitely post if you find a gem!

 

[smile4stamps]

That cupcake looks rather innocent compared to a lot of the other ones but once you cut into it looks delicious! I can't wait to check out Roaring Forks! I want the Bananas Foster waffles for breakfast one morning!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Wow that cupcake looks amazing! Wish I'd made a special trip to WL now just to sample their cupcakes!

At least now Wilderness Lodge can go on the list for next time.

Wow, all 3 of those cupcakes look great. I guess you just gave me a reason to stop by roaring fork while we're at WL to see the tree! I really missed out by only visiting RF for breakfast while we were staying there...

Yeah, Roaring Fork really has some unique options that are worth the trip. Considering the awesomeness of Roaring Fork, Artist Point, and Territory Lounge, Wilderness Lodge has my second favorite restaurant collection of any resort (after AKL).

That chocolate cupcake does look good! Chocolate cake in general can be too dry but that looks very moist! I stayed at WL a few years ago and while it's a lovely resort, Roaring Forks was just too small for a resort that size!

I've heard that comment about Roaring Fork before. Fortunately, it was never too busy when I went there this trip (I went back two more times).

The ice cream portions are massive. . I agree with Brenda about the 8oz. burger being too much. I can't eat that much meat either,

The sandwich changes are definitely disappointing if you feel like something lighter. I'm curious to see what the general reaction will be, since there are plenty of people out there who will be happy with the changes.

I think there just might be both a cupcake and some Mickey waffles from Roaring Fork in my future! And maybe dinner at Artist Point too.

So Wilderness Lodge is presumably in the plans - awesome! If you can convince anyone in your family to return to Artist Point, I'll be very impressed.

I want a cupcake!!

Me too! All three of those cupcakes are great in their own way.

I love Roaring Fork as well - at first I thought that it was going to be too small and I was worried that it would be too crowded during meal times but I never found that to be the case. It's saying a lot if the chocolate caramel cupcake is your favorite Disney cupcake! It looks fabulous!

We're having our employee picnic today and seeing as I'm in HR, I get to plan it. And that means for dessert we're having...cupcakes!!! We found an awesome baker near here and she's the best. I need to break out my fat pants today!

That cupcake really surprised me - the filling and frosting were both super enjoyable, which allowed this cupcake to claim the number one spot.

Cupcakes are a great choice for a picnic! They're cute, easy to eat, and a perfect portion size (if they're smaller than the ones at WDW ). I bet the employees were all very happy with dessert.

Wow those cupcakes look amazing! I can almost smell them through my computer!!

I know what you mean - those cupcakes are so close, yet so far.

I just finished eating lunch and could totally go for one of those cupcakes right now! Actually the banana bread dessert at B&C sounds even better. My kids want to try B&C on our trip but I am not sure. I have heard they won't let you split when on DDP and 4 8 oz burgers is wayyyy too much food. Dh will probably want something healthier so the other four of us could split two. Maybe we should try and just pay oop. Then we could all split the kitchen sink for dessert!

I think paying OOP is a great idea. Then you can order what you want and not be bound by the constraints of the DDP - plus, B&C is relatively inexpensive for a TS restaurant. And the Kitchen Sink looks like it's definitely worth trying once! I've never tried it, but it's on my bucket list.

Thanks for the beautiful pictures of WL, it still reigns supreme as my fave resort

We love Roaring Fork, I so enjoyed the carrot cake cupcake I had last time we were there and I am a big fan of their bananas foster mickey waffles in the mornings

The chocolate caramel cupcake sounds and looks delicious

Agreed on WL - it's definitely one of my favorite resorts (up there with Yacht Club and CR). And I agree with you on the carrot cake cupcake and the waffles! The bananas foster ones are probably my second favorite, but they're also wonderful.

Hmmm........I'm thinking it might be awfully convenient to stop by Roaring Forks after an AP dinner and grab a cupcake (or two?) to take back to our own resort for breakfast in the room the next morning........

I don't remember from your earlier review: does the carrot cake cupcake have anything in the cake such as raisins or nuts? Is it a cream cheese frosting? I'd like that chocolate caramel and DH generally enjoys carrot cake but abhors raisins in it (pity, because I love the added touch of chewy sweetness).

I love that idea - those cupcakes would probably make a wonderful breakfast for the following morning. As for the carrot cake one, the frosting definitely tasted like cream cheese, and I don't remember the cake containing raisins or nuts (I think it had some shredded pieces of carrot).

Yeah, we don't suffer from a lack of neighborhoods or dining options! I have heard from so many people that no one ever wants to leave Philly after being here for college or jobs. Really glad to hear you are loving it! Definitely post if you find a gem!

Definitely - I'll happily post if I find something super awesome around here!

That cupcake looks rather innocent compared to a lot of the other ones but once you cut into it looks delicious! I can't wait to check out Roaring Forks! I want the Bananas Foster waffles for breakfast one morning!

I know - on the outside, it looks like the vanilla or chocolate cupcakes you can find at a variety of resorts, but the frosting and filling definitely made it stand out! And those Mickey waffles at Roaring Fork are also worth a trip.

 

[ses1230]

I know this is completely irrelevant from my dining reviews, so I apologize in advance. But now that I've been back at school for a few weeks, I wanted to take a break from WDW food and share some pics from the real world. Philly is currently my home, and I've really enjoyed getting to explore the food scene here - it's so much more than cheesesteaks and pretzels! (All of these pictures are from my phone, so I apologize for the quality)

O.M.G. Thank you so much for the Philly foods update! I only travel into the city to work these days, so it was nice to be reminded of what is there. Yum.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

O.M.G. Thank you so much for the Philly foods update! I only travel into the city to work these days, so it was nice to be reminded of what is there. Yum.

I'm so glad you enjoyed the update! There really is a lot of wonderful food around here - I just wish I had more time to explore and find it all.

 

[MrsB1228]

I think we're going to have to make a special trip out to WL to sample some of the offerings at the Territory Lounge and follow it up with a chocolate caramel cupcake. Sounds like a great way to spend a non-park day, LOL.

Thanks for another awesome update DDW!