Shari's Disney Dining Review - Yorkshire stylee! (With pics!)

[mom2my3kids]

I have a ADR for my daughter and I for afternoon tea. I didn't realize the triffle had alcohol in it..

 

[butiflfeet]

I have been enjoying your reviews so much! Sorry to hear about the GF tea experience though, if it were me I don't know if I could stand being treated so "nice" either

I can't wait to hear more about your trip!

 

[MousekaMaddi]

cant wait for more!! hurry back

 

[wilma-bride]

Shari, I am so sorry that the staff at your afternoon tea didn't treat you as properly as they should have. I couldn't help but laugh (as I'm sure you did too) at the irony of a British Mother and Daughter not being considered good enough to appreciate an afternoon tea, which is based on a British custom.

As an aside, I have always said I would love to stay at the Grand Floridian but the only thing putting me off is that I would always feel I wasn't quite good enough for the place. I think your review has only confirmed my fears - no GF stay for me

 

[iluvpluto27]

Great update. I can't believe they wouldn't let your daughter order the trifle, there seriously can't be that much alcohol in it.

 

[mamaboogie]

That's sad about the GF. I can't stand being rushed and treated in a condescending manner. That speaks volumes - one bad apple ruining the entire bunch. I can't believe your daughter wasn't allowed to have the triffle. I'm sure there isn't enough alcohol in it to give her a buzz even!

I know! we were gobsmacked! But I have to say how fantastic the other places were! I found it ironic that my twelve year old could have the chocolate wave with brandied cherries at Coral Reef with no problems. And lots of other desserts the kids had have alcohol in them!

Hiya Shari!

I just wanted to commend you for a fine set of reviews - I've really enjoyed reading them!

Glad you liked Martia's Martian at Sci-Fi ... that's one of my favorite indulgences!

And I'm sad to hear that your afternoon at the GV Lounge didn't turn out as well as it should have. I have to agree with a previous poster ... there isn't enough alcohol in that trifle to make a lick of difference. Tell your daughter it wasn't very good the last time we had it anyway.

And you're way better mannered than I am. I would have ordered the trifle for myself and then given it to your daughter ... and then dared the staff to come take it away from her. Of all the things to worry about ...

Anyway, sounds like you all had a great trip - thanks for sharing it with us!

Awww Thanks Brenda (And Jason!) You are absolute legends! I did consider ordering the trifle for me and letting Sarah have it, but I had these visions of being frogmarched out of the Grand Floridian by our collars and a big black mark being put against our names!

We really did have a great trip - I hope that comes over in this review. I think if we'd let the experience bother us it would have spoiled the day but we just took it on the chin and moved on! (to another great meal - as I will show you later.)

Great reviews and pictures. Thanks for taking the time to post.

Thanks Sherry - thanks so much for reading - I do appreciate it!

I have a ADR for my daughter and I for afternoon tea. I didn't realize the triffle had alcohol in it..

I know! Like I say, we eat sherry trifle all the time in England and don't give it a second thought!

I have been enjoying your reviews so much! Sorry to hear about the GF tea experience though, if it were me I don't know if I could stand being treated so "nice" either

I can't wait to hear more about your trip!

Thanks! There's nice and there's insincere!

cant wait for more!! hurry back

I'll try and post the next update later tonight! Thanks for reading!

Shari, I am so sorry that the staff at your afternoon tea didn't treat you as properly as they should have. I couldn't help but laugh (as I'm sure you did too) at the irony of a British Mother and Daughter not being considered good enough to appreciate an afternoon tea, which is based on a British custom.

As an aside, I have always said I would love to stay at the Grand Floridian but the only thing putting me off is that I would always feel I wasn't quite good enough for the place. I think your review has only confirmed my fears - no GF stay for me

You've got to laugh about these things! We were determind not to let it spoil the day - it was gloomy enough weather wise!

The GF is a beautiful hotel and we met quite a few friendly people there (Including the band!). I have to say though, I went into the soap shop (basin?) to buy my friend some Mickey soap. The girls in there could barely be bothered to stop their conversation to serve me. I was still browsing at the counter when one said in a very brusque manner - 'You ready?' as if I was getting in the way of her converation! No 'Can I help you?' or anything. In fact, once I'd paid there was barely any acknowledgement and no 'thank you' or anything! I know it's not food related but I HATE rudeness and bad service. And I'm just not used to it at WDW! Rant over!

By the way, before we stayed at the Beach Club in 2006 I was worried that (as it was a deluxe resort) that I wouldn't feel at home but there was a lovely friendly atmosphere there.

Great update. I can't believe they wouldn't let your daughter order the trifle, there seriously can't be that much alcohol in it.

It's ridiculous! I must have looked a bit gormless when the 'Nice' server asked me if I was over 21. 'Erm...yes?' I couldn't for the life of me figure out why she was asking!!

I would hate my experience to stop anyone else going - it was a fun, unique experience that we took with a pinch of salt. The great thing about Disney is being able to try all these different things.

 

[mamaboogie]

Hello Again!

I'm continuing on from the debacle of the GF trifle.

As we had been kicked out so early we went back into MK to play some more.

At 6pm we headed over to the resort ferry landing to get the boat over to Wilderness Lodge for our ADR at Whispering Canyon Cafe.

We soon got seats on the ferry and just as we were pulling away we saw Simon and Kate on the dock waving at us! They'd just missed the boat! Oh well.

We waited for them in the impressive lobby of the Wilderness Lodge. They soon arrived though!

We checked in at WCC - we had to wait 15 minutes after our ADR time - shock horror! But it was worth the wait!

Like Sci-fi Dine I was prepared for this meal to be more of an experience than a gourmet experience. I was also fully prepared for all the shenanigans that went on here. As it turned out - we were seated round the corner - so while we experienced some hi-jinks we were also left in peace somewhat! Best of Both worlds (as Hannah Montana would say!)

The food was actually really good. After the rarified air of the GF tea room it was actually a relief to be faced with a huge, man sized skillet of meaty goodness!

We were served by Senor Dusty Trails - I loved the whole throwing straws and napkins out!

Kate and I had a milkshake each - these were sooo good (quite filling) but I can't remember who's was which! I think I probably had a strawberry one:

We had the salad to start with - a really good fresh salad which went sadly by the wayside when the 'real' food came out!

This food was so good. Pulled Pork, ribs, chicken, shrimp, mash, corn, beans and cornbread. Something for everyone in our merry band! I, of course, tried everything!

There was lots of fun and games during the evening, and despite hiding round a corner, Sarah and Kate joined in with plenty of stuff. Another waiter was sporting a knotted napkin on his head. When Sarah commented on it he went and found the woman (a restaurant customer) who was making them. She duly made one for both my girls (a teen at the next table refused to wear one!) and they wore them for the rest of the evening until we got back to the hotel!

We all had dessert - even though we were really full! Kate had an apple pie, Simon had a chocolate pudding and Sarah and I had the Banana Tortilla:

Now, I'm not a huge fan of banana desserts but I'd read so much about it on here that I had to try it. Well, it was simply delicious! It might have been my fave dessert of the whole trip! Fantastic!

I would totally recommend Whispering Canyon Cafe - I understand that some people aren't too keen on the interaction but I found it to be a whole lot of fun - with the added bonus of really good food!

We caught the boat back over to the Magic Kingdom and then the bus back to CBR. We chatted to some very friendly people on the bus who seemed oblivious to our girls strange head gear!

The poncho/knotted napkin look! Work it baby!

Here's Sarah still clutching her GF rose!:

We all enjoyed this evening - it made up for the damp squib earlier! It was in fact Sarah who had recommended this meal - she and Simon had been in 2006

I think if we ever go back we would definitely pay another visit there!

Coming up: Yak and Yeti CS - is it Yuk and Yeti?

Also - Best popcorn ever? And that latecomer Raglan Road - will we have the luck of the Irish?

 

[BriarRosie]

Sorry I came late to the party! But I had a blast reading about all your adventures in a row. And believe me, I've mastered the fine art of blurry photos. Sometimes they aren't blurry, and sometimes they are. We just have to deal.

Ok, where do I start? Yes, love the reviews, especially with the Brit speak tossed around. I wanted to ask you why you and Simon didn't pose at Sci Fi for a snogging shot, or did you...and you haven't shared it with us?

I've eaten at Shutters a few years ago when I stayed at CBR for a few nights, and I must say that they really boosted their menu. My chicken was excellent, but it wasn't as exciting as let's say....plaintain crusted red snapper! I wouldn't go out of my way to go there on any given trip, but it looks like it's become a Hidden Gem.

All the photos are fantastic, and now you also made me want to go to Yorkshire to see what Harry Ramsden's is really about. All I have as a basis of comparison is that takeout window at the Rose and Crown Pub.

And lastly, I'm on the bandwagon o' appalled disbelief over your treatment at the Grand Floridian. I can't imagine why that wench that served you treated you that way, but that is NOT how I've been treated there, even when I came in with a Goofy charcter tshirt and shorts. If you don't have a relaxing meal there, then there's something definitely wrong. And don't get me started on the Trifle Incident.

It burns my biscuits to see people treated poorly at WDW by people who obviously need a refresher course in Disney Traditions!

Ok, off my soapbox, now. I am looking forward to your next installment.

 

[Lynn5700]

HAHA Kate's dessert at Sea World is sooo funny!!!!

 

[Tink rules]

Hi from a fellow Yorkshirewoman!!! Loving the reviews and waiting for more!!

Hi Marilyn!!! I just love how you lovely English ladies say such lovely things!!!

Oh and Mama...

You've been graced by the great Bendy, Briar Rosie and Tiger Kat... I am oh so sorry to be late to dinner... please excuse..... I'm in for the rest of the trip!!!

Tell the girls that I think they are great fun and I would have worn the hats all night too!!!

 

[MrsJobba1]

Looking forward to your installment of 'yak and yeti'

 

[wilma-bride]

That banana dessert at WCC is delish. Looking forward to yuk and yeti - or is it?

 

[mamaboogie]

Sorry I came late to the party! But I had a blast reading about all your adventures in a row. And believe me, I've mastered the fine art of blurry photos. Sometimes they aren't blurry, and sometimes they are. We just have to deal. I know! There seems to be no rhyme or reason!
Ok, where do I start? Yes, love the reviews, especially with the Brit speak tossed around. I wanted to ask you why you and Simon didn't pose at Sci Fi for a snogging shot, or did you...and you haven't shared it with us?
No time for snogging! Good food to eat! Cocktails to drink!

I've eaten at Shutters a few years ago when I stayed at CBR for a few nights, and I must say that they really boosted their menu. My chicken was excellent, but it wasn't as exciting as let's say....plaintain crusted red snapper! I wouldn't go out of my way to go there on any given trip, but it looks like it's become a Hidden Gem. I'm not sure I'd travel over to eat there - but as resort restaurant it was superb.
All the photos are fantastic, and now you also made me want to go to Yorkshire to see what Harry Ramsden's is really about. All I have as a basis of comparison is that takeout window at the Rose and Crown Pub.

Ah...we've had many a discussion about Harry Ramsdens on the UK boards. The general consensus is that the original HR has had it's day. No longer do people queue outside on a Sunday evening to get in. There's a new place called 'Murgatroyds' that's taken over it's crown.And lastly, I'm on the bandwagon o' appalled disbelief over your treatment at the Grand Floridian. I can't imagine why that wench that served you treated you that way, but that is NOT how I've been treated there, even when I came in with a Goofy charcter tshirt and shorts. If you don't have a relaxing meal there, then there's something definitely wrong. And don't get me started on the Trifle Incident.
I know some people think you should go for the full regalia at GF tea - I did put my nice blouse on! And Sarah always spends a lot of time on her appearance. Do you know - the napkin left white bobbles on my black trousers? Perhaps I should sue! This would never happen at Artist Point!
It burns my biscuits to see people treated poorly at WDW by people who obviously need a refresher course in Disney Traditions!
Sarah would say - 'It burns my waffles!'
Ok, off my soapbox, now. I am looking forward to your next installment.

HAHA Kate's dessert at Sea World is sooo funny!!!!

No additives whatsoever?!?!

Hi Marilyn!!! I just love how you lovely English ladies say such lovely things!!!

Oh and Mama...

You've been graced by the great Bendy, Briar Rosie and Tiger Kat... I am oh so sorry to be late to dinner... please excuse..... I'm in for the rest of the trip!!!

Tell the girls that I think they are great fun and I would have worn the hats all night too!!!

The girls are great fun and I was very proud of their have a go attitude whilst at WDW - and people generally responded to that. Sarah was given a plectrum (pick) by a guy playing guitar at DTD on our first night. They were both given blow up guitars by Mulch, Sweat and Shears at DHS.

I'm so happy to be honoured by the prescence of DiS legends! I'm not worthy!

Looking forward to your installment of 'yak and yeti'

That banana dessert at WCC is delish. Looking forward to yuk and yeti - or is it?

Thanks for reading guys! Yak and Yeti is an interesting one. And unscheduled at that!

 

[lvvacation]

Your reviews are wonderful! I know I'm a few pages late in asking this but what is the wine room at CG? I've read references to it, but have never read why its so great. We are going there in December so I'd love to get the scoop on it!

 

[kimgof]

Great Reviews!! We are eating at WCC on our upcoming trip for my birthday. We are looking forward to the fun.

 

[mamaboogie]

Your reviews are wonderful! I know I'm a few pages late in asking this but what is the wine room at CG? I've read references to it, but have never read why its so great. We are going there in December so I'd love to get the scoop on it!

The wine room is a small room at the end of the restaurant (where they keep wine funnily enough!). You can't see the Magic Kingdom from there but you get great views of other areas of WDW. There are about 4 or 5 tables in there and it's a lot quieter than the hustle and bustle of the main restaurant. I hadn't spotted it the first time we ate there, but then I heard about it on here quite a lot. It's a very relaxing and more intimate area of the restaurant. It would be quite romantic even though we enjoyed eating there with our children! There was also a viewing platform just near it. It's slightly round the corner but if you walk up to the end (eek! heights) you get a good view of Wishes with just a handful of people! I think some people do actually request a table in the wine room. I was excited to get that opportunity. It might be annoying if you were in there with a rowdy family, but for most of our evening it was lovely and quiet. Just before we left a family was seated - and the mother seemed to believe that everyone in the room wanted to hear every word she was saying! Then the rest of her family had to talk even louder so they could be heard! Luckily we were on our way out the door!

Great Reviews!! We are eating at WCC on our upcoming trip for my birthday. We are looking forward to the fun.

I enjoyed this so much! Great food, fun!

 

[LastLookAtTheCastle]

Loving the review, so very much! My emo daughter would love your emo daughter.

And I had to tell you, your Yorkshire-isms remind me of my first time visiting York when I was a student. I met a man who boiled down the difference between "British" and "Yorkshire" in one statement.

He said, for example, that if you were living in London, and your father had gotten a new Jaguar, you'd tell people "My FAH-thah just bought a new Jag-U-ar."

He said the same situation, in Yorkshire would be "Me dad's gotta Jag." said in about 1.3 seconds.

 

[lvvacation]

Thanks for the info on the wine room. It sounds perfect, and I'll hope to end up there in Dec!

 

[mamaboogie]

Loving the review, so very much! My emo daughter would love your emo daughter.

And I had to tell you, your Yorkshire-isms remind me of my first time visiting York when I was a student. I met a man who boiled down the difference between "British" and "Yorkshire" in one statement.

He said, for example, that if you were living in London, and your father had gotten a new Jaguar, you'd tell people "My FAH-thah just bought a new Jag-U-ar."

He said the same situation, in Yorkshire would be "Me dad's gotta Jag." said in about 1.3 seconds.

I loved the fact that Sarah was just herself - even at Disney! And people responded so well to her - because she was so eager to join in and have fun!

Thanks for the info on the wine room. It sounds perfect, and I'll hope to end up there in Dec!

You're welcome! You'll love it!

Shari xxx

 

[mamaboogie]

Well hello there!

Thanks for sticking with me and reading my humble review!

We're onto Thursday 21st August:

We went back to AK today and had lots of fun. The rain seemed to be holding off a bit today - hurrah!

We had an ADR for Raglan Road that evening but we didn't know where to eat at AK. We decided (oh what the heck - I decided!) to give the Yak and Yeti counter service a try. I just wanted to try something different, but I was slightly worried after having read mixed reviews of both the counter service and table service Y and Y.

Firstly, we encountered our longest CS wait of the holiday. Not all the tills were manned and there were about four or five families ahead of us (on both sides). We ended up waiting about 20 minutes. It was a drag but it's just the way it is. The man behind us was getting very tetchy. ('I don't want to see Finding Nemo The musical - no way!!') I felt sorry for his lady friend.

When we finally got served our server seemed harassed somewhat - she didn't seem happy coping with the computer screen.
We caused some trouble by asking for a children's meal for Kate - she really wanted a burger. We thought we'd have to pay OOP for it as she is an adult on the DDP but no! We were told with CS she is quite welcome to have children's meals at any CS place! Doh! We'll file that away under things we wish we'd known before!

We got the food very promptly which was great after such a long wait! We'd sent the kids to find a table - the seating area was uncovered and I was concerned that the heavens were about to open!

Well, they couldn't have chosen a more difficult table to get to if they'd tried! We had to weave in and out of several tables carrying two heavy trays of food - kids eh?

Here's Kate at the table:

I only have one picture of the food at Yak and Yeti but it's not very flattering. So I'll preface it by saying that we actually really enjoyed the food here! Kate had a kids burger meal - wolfed it down so must have enjoyed it!

Simon and Sarah had the crispy honey chicken with rice and both thought it was very nice. I had sweet and sour pork and ate it with relish. I think we all thought it was slightly difficult to get to the rice underneath!

Here's my pork:

We enjoyed Yak and Yeti as a counter service - it was something different from the chicken nuggets and fries that you can get into the habit of.

I've just spoken to Simon and he agrees that he would probably go back to Yak and Yeti. We'd maybe even try the TS restaurant next time. The main drawback for me was the uncovered seating. I like to eat indoors, especially in the Florida heat!

That evening we took the kids to see La Nouba. Si and I had been on our own last time and we'd been so stunned by it that we vowed to take the kids there one day.

This is where we had the best popcorn of the holiday! La Nouba's refreshments always seem so reasonable (certainly compared to here in England!). The popcorn was sweet, light and buttery but with just a hint of salt in the background. We soon polished it off!

After the show, which one again entranced us, we went for our ADR at Raglan Road. Now, this hadn't been on our orignal list of ADRs but I'd heard so many good reviews of it on here that I really wanted to try it!

Like many restaurants in WDW RR was much bigger inside than it appeared outside! It was also quite rowdy! The atmosphere was great though, and I did like the decor. It reminded me of pubs back home. The people in front of us checking in were obviously walk ups and were told they'd have to wait over an hour for a table! (Which they appeared happy to do!) We were taken straight through to our table! I felt very lucky to have secured this ADR at the eleventh hour!

I had a lovely evening here - it was a lovely finish after a great night at Cirque.

We decided to share an appetiser platter for starters - advertised as for 2 - this nearly defeated the four of us!

The platter comprised battered sausages, battered scallops, chicken skewers, ribs and it was all absolutely delicious! Now, this is my kind of food! Bits and pieces that you can pick on! Really, really good!

For my main course I had Pie in the sky - the chicken pie. (I'm a big pie fan!):

This was very nice, although I would have liked it served with potatoes or chips. I also had a case of food envy over this:

Yes, Sarah and Kate both chose fish and chips. And those, my friends, ARE proper chip shop chips!! Forget EPCOT chips, these were the real deal, authentic chips like I might get strolling along the seafront here in Scarborough! Fantastic!

Simon had steak but I forgot to take a picture!

We were all pretty full by then but decided that we had to attempt dessert!
Sarah had a raspberry ice cream meringue, Simon and Kate had a Dunbrody kiss and I, of course, had the bread and butter pudding!

Everyone really enjoyed these desserts although am I allowed a little quibble? The bread and butter pudding wasn't as perfect as I'd hoped - it was slightly chewy and not as soft as I like them - don't get me wrong - I love the crispy top, but it didn't taste quite as fresh as I would have liked. Also, you'll notice from my pic that I didn't get the cute little jugs for my sauces but two kind of shot glasses! Minor points I know!

But all in all, a fantastic meal - and a definite success in our quest to find a range of different eating experiences. I would like to go back in the future.

Coming up: We venture out of WDW again - where will we end up and what will we eat? And will we actually.......GASP!.....have to pay for it?!?!