Snow White & The 7 Signature Restaurants {Update: 9/21 Beaches & Cream and Citricos)

[NHTikiBeckie]

Love your reviews so much!

 

[CTSue]

It's really great to read your reviews and see the photos- will keep the memories of this special trip alive for a long time. You really captured our experience. I can't wait to read the rest of your reviews.

The only thing I would add is that the young woman who was our chef at Teppan Edo was extremely pleasant- smiley, chatty, and funny. She did her best to entertain us while preparing our meals. Despite this, our 5.0 rating was still warranted.

And it's good that we've learned, for the future, not to do a signature restaurant the first night, after catching a very early flight!

 

[jude&jonah]

^^^^
That is clearly my mom.

Haha true Mom! Thanks for the insightful add on!

Thanks everyone!! More to come!

 

[Linda67]

Thanks for the Flying Fish review
We are trying it for the first time in a couple of weeks and I think DH would really enjoy the Pork dish you ordered

 

[mamaboogie]

Great start to your reviews!

I liked the look of the pork tenderloin at Flying Fish

Can't wait to read more.

 

[librarygeek]

Nice reviews! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on these signatures, especially since we are also not really foodies, just typical restaurant goers. We just came back from our trip and the only signature we did was Narcoossee's, which we loved. But we also did it on the first night and you're right, I definitely wish we waited! But it was still delicious

 

[disneybex]

Great reviews so far - look forward to more! Glad we have Flying fish booked in

 

[jude&jonah]

I'm going to briefly skip over Kona and come back to it later in the review. Moving on to...

California Grill

Let me start by saying I was not that excited For the California Grill. Well, it wasn't that I wasn't excited- but in my mind- the idea of it just didn't WOW me like some of the ADRs did. I figured for one the fireworks were overrated. I thought for sure the view could not compare to being in the Magic Kingdom and the pessimist in me doubted that the music would even coordinate right. Aside from the fireworks, I'm a sushi fan but wasn't sure I wanted sushi on vacation- and also- compared to some of our other reservations- Cali Grill just wasn't as themed as some of them- it seemed more bland. Let's say I went into it dubiously.

We arrived at California Grill at 8:30 for our 9:15. To be honest- the crowds and kids at Magic Kingdom were starting to drive us a little nuts- and we were ready to get a nice alcoholic drink at the bar while we waited- priorities right?!

We were surprised when our buzzer went off at 8:45 just as we got our gin and tonics from the bar. We walked towards a table in the middle of the room close to the open kitchen and away from the windows. The few California Grill dreams I did have, of being able to see the castle while we ate, flashed before my eyes- it was not what I pictured! We nicely told our waitress it wasn't as relaxing next to the loud open kitchen and was there anyway we could wait- we didn't care how long- for a better table? I told her I treated my mom to this dinner and wanted it to be special. She said she'd see what she could do (although could not guarantee a better table) but it might have to be after the 9:00 wishes. We headed out to the second balcony to view the show. We were the first ones out on the second balcony- thinking we had the better 'secret' balcony as I'd heard that before. We found very quickly that if you CAN secure a front row spot on the front balcony- you should! We quickly went back inside and went to the front balcony instead where the view was better. We managed to get one of the last front row views there- and it was only 8:50 or so so we were relieved we had headed right out after getting our drinks and didn't wait any longer.

The fireworks show from the balcony was incredible! I couldn't believe how much you could see and the speakers were great. Plus, you can watch wishes with a drink in your hand unlike in MK The sound is perfect and honestly I can say I enjoyed this experience more than any other viewing of Wishes in my like- I'll be darned!

Our table was immediately ready when we got inside. It was right in front of the windows with pixie dust sprinkled all over it to celebrate our mother and daughter trip! We were so happy and thankful to the hostess- it seriously made our entire trip! The best part about this table? Jason was the waiter! We liked him the second we met him. He was so fun, cheerful, and kept saying, "great, beautiful" with everything we ordered. He kept telling us he'd "pace it out" for us which was reassuring. We also talked to him for a few minutes about why we were celebrating, my Mom's heart attack two years ago, and he told us about how his mother just recovered from breast cancer recently, and his Dad passed away years back from a heart attack. It was nice to personally connect with our waiter for the evening.

Here's the view and pixie dust:

Jason suggested an amazing slightly sweet wine- unfortunately i can't remember the name. We decided to split the California Roll per Jason's suggestion and this crab avocado thing for appetizers- despite the flatbreads being tempting.

The crab avocado thing was only so so. It's described as:

Dungeness Crab Stack- avocado, cucumber, tomato ginger vinaigrette $19

When we got the California Roll, we couldn't believe how different it looked from the California Roll we get at local sushi restaurants.

We almost forgot to take a picture of it and started to eat it- but then remembered and here we are reconstructing it for all you disboarders!

Here it is put back together:

It was seriously.... the most amazing sushi I've ever tasted. Okay scratch that- it was one of the most amazing tastes I've ever had! So fresh, the crab was flaky and fresh and perfect... it was just truly amazing. I'm sure all of their sushi is just as good. If you're a sushi person but aren't sure if you feel like sushi at Disney World, go for it anyway. It's an experience like no other at the Cali Grill I think!

For an entree, Jason suggested the snapper and my mom ordered that...same as the night before!

The description was:

Florida Yellowtail Snapper - dungeness crab risotto, Brentwood corn, snap peas and sauce charon $38

Her crab risotto was really amazing! I think she liked this snapper a lot better than Flying Fish.

Still... it did not compare to my entree (biased.... of course) which was the

Oak-fired Filet of Beef - Mascarpone Potatoes, Blue Lake Beans, Arugula Oil, and Teriyaki Barbecue $44

I did not want to get steak as I knew I was going to Jiko where I wanted steak and Yachtsman, however, Jason said it was something like a 15 year award winning steak in the state of Florida- so who can resist that? Plus, the mascarpone potatoes were pretty darn amazing sounding.

Everything about this dish was incredible. It was the dish to beat for my trip and it never did get beaten. Such a simple thing- steak potatoes and green beans- and yet the flavors were so beautiful together. I understand why people splurge for fine dining for even simple things after eating this dish.

For dessert I ordered the valrhona chocolate cake. I'm not a huge chocolate person when it comes to dessert, I generally prefer more of a cheesecake or something, but Jason said we had to get it. I'm pretty sure he wasn't letting us out of it- so we let him force us into it! Thank you Jason!

It was really incredible. Between the molten center and the strawberry ice-cream- I don't think it could have been any better. Only ONE dessert ended up beating this one on the trip... although I won't yet reveal which

Jason even put a congratulations chocolate on it for my mom's recovery:

For us, everything came together for California Grill. I'm sure it won't for everyone- every experience is different at different restaurants- but between the fireworks viewing spot, the table, the pixie dust, Jason's amazing service, and spot on food- we just left Cali Grill on cloud nine. It is our definite must do again restaurant and it received a perfect:

We left the contemporary and went back to Magic Kingdom for extra magic hours where we did a tipsy round of Splash Mountain and Dumbo.

Up next, our last minute itinerary change that made for a fun, quick lunch spot... and a definitely 'must do' in the future if paying out of pocket!

 

[jude&jonah]

Thanks everyone for the comments! Makes it more fun to write these!

 

[Jonesloonybin]

I am loving your reviews!! That is so sweet that you and your mom were able to have this trip together. My mother passed of cancer when I was 19. I am making sure that my daughters and I get many chances to make memories together.

I cannot wait to hear more!!

Terri

 

[lobsterkmd]

Loving the reviews! I am really taking some your suggestions/reviews into play for my upcoming trip. I was considering changing one of my ADR's for Teppan Edo- because I thought it would be a fun experience for my daughter, I definitely will have to do some more research before I commit.

Thanks for the tip on the Signature on the day of arrival. It does seem like it would be a lot for the first day. I have an ADR booked for Citrico's on our arrival but I think we will change it to something a little bit more low key and save Citrico's for another night during our stay.

California grill looked amazing! I can't wait to eat there on our upcoming trip! Thanks for sharing!!

- Kristin

 

[Belle5]

Awesome! You have me so looking forward to our upcoming repeat visit to Cali Grill! The steak and dessert are MINE!

 

[DLo]

just joining in. great start and looking forward to more. Sounds like you had a great trip. Glad your mom is recovering well.

 

[Busymom85]

Enjoying your review so far. Thanks for posting.

 

[butiflfeet]

I'm so excited for our California Grill reservation! Its been a couple of years since we've eaten there and this will be for our anniversary I'm glad the filet was good and that you had great service too. It seems some recent reviews have been a little hit or miss but your experience was very nice

 

[chocolateMinnie]

not only great reviews but an amazing Mum and daughter too. What an inspiration your mum is for anyone recovering from a young heart attack. Definitely staying tuned for the rest of your reviews

 

[librarygeek]

I'm hoping to do California Grill on the next trip, it looks really good! Loving your reviews so far!

 

[jerseytinkerbell]

Really enjoying your reviews!

I love watching Wishes from the balcony of CG! Like you said, it's great to be able to stand out there and watch the fireworks with a drink in your hand.

DH & I had Jason as our waiter last year on our one year anniversary trip and he really was fabulous! He was so sweet and genuine with us. It really made the meal even better. So glad you enjoyed your expereince there as well!

 

[jude&jonah]

Loving the reviews! I am really taking some your suggestions/reviews into play for my upcoming trip. I was considering changing one of my ADR's for Teppan Edo- because I thought it would be a fun experience for my daughter, I definitely will have to do some more research before I commit.

Thanks for the tip on the Signature on the day of arrival. It does seem like it would be a lot for the first day. I have an ADR booked for Citrico's on our arrival but I think we will change it to something a little bit more low key and save Citrico's for another night during our stay.

California grill looked amazing! I can't wait to eat there on our upcoming trip! Thanks for sharing!!

- Kristin

I think Teppan Edo could be fun with a big group that is loud and fun- but it really can be affected by the kind of group you get to sit with. Definitely look into it- I think there might be some better options in the Epcot area!

You'll love Cali Grill!

Hi there...lived and Hamden for two years back in the 80's (and then Orange) - now in New Fairfield (very close to the NYS border) for about 15 years...work in Westchester.

I remember about 2-3 years again we went to Yachtsmans with BIL/SIL and their two kids and BIL's MIL about 9PM the first night after the 6AM flight and everyone was miserable. I think something simple until you rest up is the way to go...now the last night...we usually like to hit a signature for our final dinner and a lounge afterward.

Love your reviews so much!

My best friend is in New Milford- so I know the area well! I work a lot in Armonk in Westchester!

Yes no more Signatures on day one- ever!

Thanks for the Flying Fish review
We are trying it for the first time in a couple of weeks and I think DH would really enjoy the Pork dish you ordered

Thanks! It was delicious!

Great start to your reviews!

I liked the look of the pork tenderloin at Flying Fish

Can't wait to read more.

Thanks!! More to come!

Nice reviews! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on these signatures, especially since we are also not really foodies, just typical restaurant goers. We just came back from our trip and the only signature we did was Narcoossee's, which we loved. But we also did it on the first night and you're right, I definitely wish we waited! But it was still delicious

Of course the one we missed! I didn't go there as I read a lot of negative reviews- but glad you liked it! I will need to try it next time- the surf and turf look delish!

Great reviews so far - look forward to more! Glad we have Flying fish booked in

Thanks for reading! You'll have to review your FF!

I am loving your reviews!! That is so sweet that you and your mom were able to have this trip together. My mother passed of cancer when I was 19. I am making sure that my daughters and I get many chances to make memories together.

I cannot wait to hear more!!

Terri

Thanks Terri! It was such a special trip. Irreplaceable. Glad you are doing special memories with your girls!

 

[jude&jonah]

Awesome! You have me so looking forward to our upcoming repeat visit to Cali Grill! The steak and dessert are MINE!

Ugh don't even get me thinking about the steak again... amazing! Post pics when you return!

just joining in. great start and looking forward to more. Sounds like you had a great trip. Glad your mom is recovering well.

Thank you! She's doing great and takes amazing care of herself- I appreciate it!

Enjoying your review so far. Thanks for posting.

Thanks for reading!

I'm so excited for our California Grill reservation! Its been a couple of years since we've eaten there and this will be for our anniversary I'm glad the filet was good and that you had great service too. It seems some recent reviews have been a little hit or miss but your experience was very nice

It makes me nervous that next time it won't be as amazing- but I'll have to go in with realistic expectations. I think you'll have a lovely time tho- just really try to take in the view and experience!

not only great reviews but an amazing Mum and daughter too. What an inspiration your mum is for anyone recovering from a young heart attack. Definitely staying tuned for the rest of your reviews

That is really sweet Thank you so much!

I'm hoping to do California Grill on the next trip, it looks really good! Loving your reviews so far!

THank you!! Yes a must do on Disney property!

Really enjoying your reviews!

I love watching Wishes from the balcony of CG! Like you said, it's great to be able to stand out there and watch the fireworks with a drink in your hand.

DH & I had Jason as our waiter last year on our one year anniversary trip and he really was fabulous! He was so sweet and genuine with us. It really made the meal even better. So glad you enjoyed your expereince there as well!

That is so cool you had Jason too - he was truly such a gem! He was our favorite person at our entire trip. We're going to write Disney about his great service!