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

[chocolateMinnie]

i love the look of that lunch buffet - yum!

 

[AvasMommy526]

Welcome back!! I hope you had a wonderful trip! I'm very excited for your report and to hear about the Dis meet

The Wave buffet looks pretty good, I love that they use fresh ingredients there! The salads and flat bread look delicious. We are staying at BLT so maybe we will have to check it out, if it's still available! And those desserts, yummy!!

I'm so looking forward to hearing about all these cupcakes! I love desserts I have a running list of snacks to try so I can't wait to add some cupcakes to that list! I'm never gonna make it till May, I need WDW and it's food now!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Welcome back home

Probably not so exciting for you to be back as it is for us, as we get a new batch of reviews

Love the look of the buffet at the Wave so thanks for the hot off the press news

It's cool that you got to say hi to emmysmommy

The DIS meet was a lot of fun, and we also got to meet PrincessBetsy and Disneyfreak616 (Kristen)! It was a very exciting night. It's so cool that you'll be meeting jabead soon - your road trip is growing closer and closer.

YAY, it starts!! We've all been so patient, don't you think?

I had no idea The Wave had a lunch buffet! For $20 that seems like quite a steal, especially when QS meals can easily run $15! I'm a little sad by their shrunken menu though. I've never eaten there but we have a lunch ADR in the future...now we might just have to go the buffet route. That quesadilla and those desserts look delicious!

Can't wait to hear more on your cupcake binge, since I'm all about them!

I had no idea about the lunch buffet either! In fact, when I walked through the CR lobby on the 19th, I didn't see that sign, so it really drew my attention on our departure day. Honestly, I could see myself being happy with either the buffet or the à la carte menu - some of best-sounding dishes (the summer salad, the tomato bisque and grilled cheese, the bison burger, the salad with tuna, etc) are still around, while the buffet includes dishes that had been removed from the main menu. And yes, there's a total cupcake binge coming up. And I did find one or two that I'd love to have again!

The Wave's buffet looks great. Some interesting items - not just the usual! That being said I guess they don't have a kid friendly section? I think the only thing my DS might eat on there is the watermelon!

Good point - I didn't notice a kid-friendly section, and I also don't know what it would cost for a kid. Maybe if they decide to keep the buffet, they'll add some items that are extra kid-friendly.

Buffet at the Wave looks wonderful. I like the several different salad choices and dessert of course. I'm curious, how busy was the Wave at lunch? Buffet is probably a good option for some of the conventioners that stay at CR so maybe it will be around for a while.

So glad you had a wonderful time. Crush n Gusher is one of my favorite rides at WDW.

Can't wait to see what's next!

Lunch was a lot busier than I expected, and the restaurant was pretty full - I was surprised that they were able to seat me immediately. That said, I never waited in a line to get food at the buffet, so the restaurant was able to handle the crowds. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of the people there were conventioneers - you're probably right that this lunch will really appeal to them, since the à la carte menu is streamlined and the buffet is speedy.

The water parks were great. I actually didn't get on Crush 'n' Gusher this time, but at Typhoon Lagoon I always enjoy Humunga Kowabunga and the wave pool.

Welcome back!

Great first review! I don't do buffets because of my limited stomach space, but I'm glad to see that The Wave kept a small menu à la carte.

Can't wait to read about your Dismeet!

Thanks so much! I'm also happy that there's still an à la carte menu - at breakfast, they currently offer both a full menu and a buffet, and I think it works really well.

 

[megan511]

Welcome back!

The Wave buffet looks good. And $20? That is a steal for Disney prices!

Can't wait for the cupcake reviews. I know your plans changed a lot but I hope you still made it to San Angel Inn. It is our one & only ADR for our next trip.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Wow that buffet looks wonderful . I wish I could fit it in my plans!

If you can't, that's okay - there's just too many options for every single meal.

The lunch buffet at The Wave looks amazing! I'll have to try it sometime.

It'll be interesting to see if the buffet sticks around. I feel like The Wave isn't a very popular restaurant, but it definitely offers some very good food (whether on the buffet or à la carte).

Glad to have you back so you can provide us with some more reviews!!

Wow - I'm so impressed with the items on the Wave buffet. I think I would love everything on it! Very cool that we are the first to know too! disney food blog probably doesn't even know about it yet.

Yep, I haven't seen a single other site or review that discusses The Wave's lunch buffet yet (and I've been looking!). I'm hoping the lunch buffet will end up surviving so more people can try it out. The breakfast buffet has definitely become a popular option.

Your food pics are great, but I actually meant the pictures of the non-edible variety! I wish I could have been there Sunday night to meet you both in person, but the pictures were the next best thing to being there. Thanks again!

Haha whoops, I guess I'm already in 'dining review mode' so I'm primarily thinking about food pics once again. I'm glad you liked the pics, and I thought their idea to do the teaser first was brilliant! It would've been awesome if you were there too - hopefully next time.

Love your reviews! I've been following all of the threads, but not sure if I ever actually complimented you before. They are great pics, great details!

Thanks so much! I'm really glad to hear that you've enjoyed the reviews.

Welcome back Mr. DDW! It sounds like you had a great trip! The one thing I love about Disney that most people don't get is that you can make every trip unique and amazing every single time! Sounds like you do that and this trip was no different! I can't wait to read about the rest of it all!

The Wave for a lunch buffet~ ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Disney really should compensate you for your amazing reviews, finds and sharing of little gems.
We enjoy The Wave's breakfast buffet, and the lunch buffet looks like a great option! We are staying at the Polynesian in January for Marathon Weekend and usually stick around the resorts after the races. We get tired of eating at the Poly since we're there a lot. BUT DS17 is looking forward to Kona for lunch on our first day there. However, The Wave buffet for lunch looks like a great temptor! I may just have to switch them out if it's still offered in January. I'll have to show DS your photos and reviews!

Thanks for sharing as always!

Agreed! Every Disney trip is slightly different and comes with a variety of different memories - from this trip, the rental car, water parks, dining flexibility, and DIS meets will definitely stand out! The Wave's buffet would be a great option after some races if it's still around. If not, you could order something from the menu, like the bison burger.

i love the look of that lunch buffet - yum!

Agreed - it was a super tasty way to try a variety of The Wave's offerings! I wish I had some of that chicken and some tomato salad right now (along with a raspberry macaron for dessert).

Welcome back!! I hope you had a wonderful trip! I'm very excited for your report and to hear about the Dis meet

The Wave buffet looks pretty good, I love that they use fresh ingredients there! The salads and flat bread look delicious. We are staying at BLT so maybe we will have to check it out, if it's still available! And those desserts, yummy!!

I'm so looking forward to hearing about all these cupcakes! I love desserts I have a running list of snacks to try so I can't wait to add some cupcakes to that list! I'm never gonna make it till May, I need WDW and it's food now!

Thanks so much! I think The Wave's lunch buffet is definitely worth trying for a relatively quick lunch with a nice variety - we'll see if they decide to keep it. As for cupcakes, lots of people absolutely love them, and while I can't say I'm a fan overall, there are a few that I can highly recommend. You'll have plenty of time to figure out exactly which snacks are most important on your list.

Welcome back!

The Wave buffet looks good. And $20? That is a steal for Disney prices!

Can't wait for the cupcake reviews. I know your plans changed a lot but I hope you still made it to San Angel Inn. It is our one & only ADR for our next trip.

I thought the buffet was a great value, and the food was actually enjoyable! Hopefully it'll continue to be a viable option in the future. And yep, I did make it to San Angel Inn - it's one of the only places from the 'plans' that didn't end up changing!

 

[basketlacey]

Welcome back! Glad you had a good trip and can't wait to read all about your "Good Eats!"

I love the look of the buffet at the Wave and it looks good! My kids would even find things they would all eat on there. I don't usually go for buffets outside of breakfast but this looks like one I would eat!

 

[jedijill]

Wow! That buffet looks great. I'm putting it on my list.

BTW, saw that you go to school in Philly. I travel there for business and would love to know some of your favorite places to eat in the area (particularly downtown!) if you ever get a chance.

Jill in CO

 

[crazyfordisney2000]

Yay! Welcome back!! I have been following along, I'm just more of a lurker!

 

[MrsB1228]

Yay!! I found your new dining report! I always love your reviews and amazing pics, I'm settling in to enjoy your adventures.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Welcome back! Glad you had a good trip and can't wait to read all about your "Good Eats!"

I love the look of the buffet at the Wave and it looks good! My kids would even find things they would all eat on there. I don't usually go for buffets outside of breakfast but this looks like one I would eat!

Thanks so much! I was definitely impressed with The Wave's lunch buffet. I can't think of many all-you-can-eat meals I'd like to do for lunch (an exception may be Tusker House), but this was definitely an enjoyable experience and a good value for a Disney restaurant. I really want one of those raspberry macarons right now.

Wow! That buffet looks great. I'm putting it on my list.

BTW, saw that you go to school in Philly. I travel there for business and would love to know some of your favorite places to eat in the area (particularly downtown!) if you ever get a chance.

Jill in CO

It's great that you get to travel to Philly - there are lots of amazing restaurants around! My favorite restaurant there (and probably anywhere, at this point in time) is Talula's Garden. The food is delicious - very seasonal, fresh ingredients, and the cheese plates are incredible. I haven't been to any of his restaurants yet, but Marc Vetri's Italian restaurants (such as Osteria) all get great reviews. All of Stephen Starr's restaurants have incredible atmospheres and solid, interesting food - The Dandelion is a fun one with pub-inspired fare, and Alma de Cuba is also one of my favorites (the menu doesn't seem to be showing up on their site, but they have some really interesting dishes, such as great ceviches). Iron Chef Jose Garces has many restaurants in the city (although I've been to Amada and Tinto and wasn't amazed). Finally, I love the gelato at Capogiro - it's a great place for an occasional treat. Their cioccolato scuro (dark chocolate) gelato is fantastic, as are their seasonal and fruity flavors.

Yay! Welcome back!! I have been following along, I'm just more of a lurker!

Thanks so much for joining in! I really hope you enjoy the reviews.

Yay!! I found your new dining report! I always love your reviews and amazing pics, I'm settling in to enjoy your adventures.

I'm so glad you found it! Glad you're here, and I can't wait to get into the swing of things again.

 

[jedijill]

Thanks Donald! I've been to Alma de Cuba and it was fantastic...great mojitos too! We love El Vez and the Continental...those seem to be standbys on each trip.

Jill in CO

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Thanks Donald! I've been to Alma de Cuba and it was fantastic...great mojitos too! We love El Vez and the Continental...those seem to be standbys on each trip.

Jill in CO

Glad you had a good experience at Alma de Cuba! El Vez and the Continental are two places I haven't tried, but I can only imagine that they're great as well.

 

[jedijill]

Glad you had a good experience at Alma de Cuba! El Vez and the Continental are two places I haven't tried, but I can only imagine that they're great as well.

Try the french soup dumplings and the Astronaut Martini at the Contental and any of the guacamoles and Blood Orange margaritas at El Vez....well, when you turn 21.

Jill in CO

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Try the french soup dumplings and the Astronaut Martini at the Contental and any of the guacamoles and Blood Orange margaritas at El Vez....well, when you turn 21.

Jill in CO

Thanks for the suggestions! Next May (around final exam time) I'll finally be able to indulge in the drinks menus at both places. And I've heard amazing things about the guacamole at El Vez - I honestly don't know why I haven't been there yet.

 

[happy2012]

Yay you for doing Summit Plummet ..... I am not so brave

I 2nd that. I'm pretty brave when it comes to coasters but slides,not so much. Good for you!!!

It is nice to have that price option @ the Wave. I have to say, the desserts look like the best part. But I'm pretty sure that's what I always say. .

 

[smile4stamps]

Okay... I SWORE I subscribed to your thread!! WHY was I not aware you were back!!!

The Wave buffet looks good! Hopefully it helps their business as it sounds like they are pretty slow.

 

[MrsB1228]

Welcome back! As Linda said, we're probably way more excited about you being home than you are, LOL. I'm always happy to live vicariously through your wonderful reviews.

Wow, the Wave lunch buffet looks wonderful! I guess they must have received very positive guest response to the breakfast buffet if they're decided to give lunch a "test drive". Everything looks delicious! Thanks so much for all the pictures of the new buffet and I enjoyed reading about your impressions.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I 2nd that. I'm pretty brave when it comes to coasters but slides,not so much. Good for you!!!

It is nice to have that price option @ the Wave. I have to say, the desserts look like the best part. But I'm pretty sure that's what I always say. .

I can understand that - the dropping sensation on a slide is very different from the sensation you get on a roller coaster. That said, I was expecting Summit Plummet to terrify me (since I don't like the feeling of free falling), but it was sheer fun. I had just tried Slush Gusher the day before (to make sure I could handle Summit Plummet), and honestly, I thought Summit Plummet was smoother and more enjoyable. The scariest part is the anticipation and view while you're waiting.

I really liked the buffet overall, especially the chicken, tomato salad, raspberry macaron, and chocolate mousse. The cheesecake was good too, just different from what I was expecting.

Okay... I SWORE I subscribed to your thread!! WHY was I not aware you were back!!!

The Wave buffet looks good! Hopefully it helps their business as it sounds like they are pretty slow.

Agreed on The Wave - I really like what they're trying to do there (since "local" and "seasonal" are normally buzzwords reserved for the signature restaurants), but it seems like The Wave hasn't generated the popularity of the previous Concourse Steakhouse (which makes sense, given the Steakhouse's familiar fare and in-your-face location). Hopefully the buffet will prove to be a sustainable option for the future.

Welcome back! As Linda said, we're probably way more excited about you being home than you are, LOL. I'm always happy to live vicariously through your wonderful reviews.

Wow, the Wave lunch buffet looks wonderful! I guess they must have received very positive guest response to the breakfast buffet if they're decided to give lunch a "test drive". Everything looks delicious! Thanks so much for all the pictures of the new buffet and I enjoyed reading about your impressions.

I'm actually okay with being home for now, since I still have my reviews to prolong the experience! So I have a few more weeks before homesickness from WDW really sets in.

Good point about the breakfast buffet! When it started, it was also just a trial, but it's been around for over a year and a half now (and the breakfast à la carte menu is as varied as ever). It'll be interesting to see what happens with lunch - I just hope some of the more unique à la carte dishes (like the bison burger) stick around, even if the buffet is also here to stay.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Welcome back! I am glad that you reviewed The Wave buffet first because I cancelled our lunch there and changed it to Kona. DH really hates buffets and I have to say that it didn't thrill me. Now I am a bit bummed that we aren't going there for dinner! May try to make that change today!

 

[iloveeeyore]

Hurray, you're back!

That tomato salad with capers and olives from The Wave looks so good! I just might make that at home to night to accompany my steak!

Looking forward to more!