Spring break reviews--3/20-3/27--CM, 50sPTC, Yachtsman, Tutto, Kona, CP

[Rock'n Robin]

Hello to all board members. I am going to post my dining reviews on this thread. Will they all get done right away? Probably not, but I'll do my best to keep up.
I don't have photos. I tried that once and feel weird taking pix of the food!
My cast of characters is:
myself and DH, both 44
DD#1--just turned 16 in March.
DD#2--will be 13 in 2 weeks
DS--9 1/2 (last trip on child's pricing )

First--Chef Mickey's
We had arrived at the YC by 11AM and our room was ready, so we left our stuff and headed to MK. We had planned on using a CS meal today but by the time we got there the crowds were silly--we like to eat lunch right when they open and beat the lines. DH did buy us all hot dogs in tomorrowland but they were not very good.
We had a 6:20 ADR at Chef Mickey's. We looked a little rough--still in long pants from our flight since our luggage was on ME when we left the hotel. So our photo is NOT our best ever, but we still bought it. We usually do this one every trip and line the pictures up on the fridge--it is almost heartbreaking for me as a mom to compare our first one in 2000 to this latest one. They grow up so fast!
My old favorites were still very serviceable--the prime rib and the shrimp! The prime rib was hotter this year than last. THe rolls were good. DH enjoyed his selections. DD#2 ate a boatload of mac and cheese--I think she's headed for a growth spurt, this trip she ate all of her food and often finished for her brother or sister.
Our server, Armando, was very quick with the refills which makes a meal for me as I drink a lot of unsweetened tea.
Love the oreo bon bons! We usually steal one after our photo is taken on our way to wait for our table .
The girls were each given a cupcake for celebrating their BDays plus signed placemats. Of course by that time they were too stuffed to eat them!
Robin M.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Today we ate two of our CS meals. We had one left from the day before, and were saving a TS for our Yachtsman meal Easter Sunday.
Flame Tree BBQ for lunch--
I LOVE this place. We had done EE 3 times by now, plus primeval hurl (not me though) and TTBAB and the safari. We got there right before 10:30 and staked out a table by the water. It was so nice to be sitting in probably low 70s and a nice breeze! Remember, at that time where we live a storm was brewing that would dump 5" of snow.
I got the ribs, DH got the chicken, DD#1 got the pork sandwich, and DD#2 got the turkey breast sandwich. DS got a kid's meal--chicken, I believe. All were very good.
Birds were an issue. Ducks everywhere. One nipped DH in the behind, which the rest of us thought was hilarious. It didn't rip his shorts or anything but sure shocked him.
The atmosphere can't be beat. And although spring break crowds are supposed to be crazy, at that time when we left there was plenty of space. In July of 06 by the time we left lunch it was wall to wall people.
Earl of Sandwich for dinner--
we had a DD night planned and I wanted to try this place. I got the best BLT because I love BLTs. I get them without mayo though, which wasn't a problem. DH got the hawaiian BBQ, DD#1 got the cannonballs, DD#2 got the all-american. DS got the kid's grilled cheese. We had cupcakes, brownies or cookies for dessert.
All was good. I did not think my BLT was the best ever, though. My local favorite diner still holds that spot. DD#2 forgot to ask for no cranberries and picked them off of her sandwich. This place is a good value for CS credits. On a Friday night, though, expect crowds!
I have several places I need to stop on a DD trip, including world of Disney, once upon a toy and 25 days of Christmas. This time, though, I made sure to go to Goofy's candy kitchen. The kids each got some munchies for the room but I had my own rice krispie treat made. I had it dipped in dark chocolate, rolled in crushed M&Ms, and drizzled with white AND milk chocolate.
That sucker was HUGE. It took us until Wednesday to finish it--every night I'd have at least one bite and let each of the kids have one too. I highly recommend that little treat!
Robin M.

 

[LoveTheWDWMagic]

Can't wait for more of your reviews. Noticed that you ate at Tutto. We have lunch ADR for our trip in August. Hope you have a good meal there. We are doing the DxDP.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Saturday 3/22 was our Studios day. We stopped at the Backlot express a little after 11AM and it was not crowded at that time.
I got a pork sandwich, DH got the burger, DD#1 got a wrap, DD#2 got a salad. DS got kid's chicken.
It was perfectly fine for CS. We were going to eat at Rosie's but we were on sunset at 10:30 and they weren't open yet. I had a bad experience at the commisary once and won't go back.
Dinner--50s PTC
we had a 6:10 ADR here and waited about 5 minutes to be seated. This was a real treat. DH and I usually do this for the kids, who really enjoy it. And we had a WONDERFUL server, Lookili from Morocco. He really got into it. Right away he bonded with DS and asked him if his sisters pick on him. When DS said yes and DD#2 defended herself, he soon had her standing against the wall and had our room and the next saying "Bossy Bossy girl" to her. It was perfect. At her age she was both amused AND mortified. He also tried to give her to another family later in the meal. He made her help carry the dishes to the wait station singing "follow the yellow brick road"--he had NO IDEA she had just been in "The Wizard of Oz" as a munchkin 2 weeks previously and that song drives her nuts. I guess the old caveat that the server makes the experience was really proved. It was the best meal of the 3 or 4 we've had here.
To the food....DH and I both had the fried chicken. It was totally yummy. DD#1 had the meatloaf and loved it. She loves my meatloaf, but I don't use ketchup--maybe I should start? DD#2 had the steak and enjoyed it, but it didn't look that great to me or DH who have had a LOT more steak in our lives. DS had the kids mac and cheese.
For dessert, both girls and I had the s'more, which I love. DD#1 was torn between that and the brownie sundae. Lookili told her to get the smore, since she can get the brownie sundae anywhere, which I thought was good advice. DS got make your own sundae, and DH got ice cream with chocolate sauce.
We left Lookili a good tip because he was wonderful and DS considers him his new best friend for sticking up for him. He even colored on his napkin "You are my best friend and you rock!" and Lookili taped it up on the wall right there, which made his day.
Robin M.

 

[MinnieMommy]

Great start Robin! Can't wait for more.

Note to self: remind DH to watch out for the bum pinching waterfowl at Flame Tree.

 

[KatMark]

Enjoying your reviews....can't wait for more.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

We ate lunch at leaning palms at typhoon lagoon. It was your average counter service. DS got his grilled cheese pretzel in a pail (his last one, kids meals are over, WAAH!). I got a hamburger because I don't eat cheeseburgers. I do remember DD#2 got a cheeseburger because she gave them up for lent, and this was Easter Sunday. She tore into that sucker! It was more vaporized than eaten.
I think this is the best option if you have a chair at the wave pool, but it isn't a place you'd be saying "we have to go to TL to eat at Leaning Palms!"
We had really been looking forward to our dinner at the Yachtsman. This was our first 2 TS meal since we'd done the dining plan. We got there at 6 when our ADR was. I eventually sat to the left of the doors. At about 6:15 a hostess came out calling a name very softly--all on the right side. I couldn't hear her. She went back in. Then a manager came out calling "MCCONNELL". She thought we had left--but she never came near me! Oh well.
Our waiter was Rocky. He looked young, but he was pretty good. We got 3 appetizers to share: tomato salad, the shrimp, and the scallops. Now DS likes scallops! There were only 2, but they were big and very good. The shrimp was my second favorite. I didn't eat any tomato salad as it is a favorite of DH so I let him share it with the girls. They also had different breads and we had 2 baskets as the kids are very fond of bread. Not me of course!
Now dinner was held up--Rocky said they didn't have his ticket, but he put a rush on it once this was discovered. We were not in a hurry so we were fine with it. Accidents happen.
For dinner DH and I got the rib-eye, DD#1 got the NY strip, and DD#2 got the filet mignon. DS got the kid's steak. I can't rave enough about these steaks. We all ordered them medium and they were awesome. DD#2 finished so fast we think she was programmed to "vacuum" instead of eat. Everyone cleared their plates! I wish I had replaced the horseradish mashed potatoes as they were a little much for me. The girls both got loaded baked potatoes instead of mashed.
For dessert DD#1 and I got the creme brulee. It was wonderful. DD#2 got the gelato. DH got a scoop of vanilla gelato with chocolate sauce, and DS got the painting thing, which was painting little white chocolate eggs since it was Easter.
DH got a killians. When he wanted a 2nd one they sent over to another restaurant as they were out--in the meantime they gave him a bud light gratis. Soon they had his 2nd killians so I finished the bud light. Rocky was also very good with refills.
To summarize, this steak will be the standard on which all future steaks are measured. That says a lot!
Robin M.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

This was our Epcot day. We went to eat at Sunshine Seasons after we rode Soarin'. It was a little after 11 so all the lines were open. I got a seat while DH got food.
He brought back sweet and sour chicken for me and for himself. Now he seemed to remember that last year we wanted this and it wasn't open yet. I don't remember that at all. I wanted a nice sandwich. But oh well. The sweet and sour chicken was OK but nothing I couldn't get here at home at our local Magic Wok restaurant. DD#1 got the caesar salad and DD#2 got the turkey and cheese sandwich. DD#1 really liked the salad. DD#2 didn't really care for the muenster cheese, which was new to her, and picked it off, but liked the bread and the turkey. DS got the kid's mini sub which I thought was a nice change for a kid's meal.
Dinner--Tutto Italia at 6:10.
We never ate at Alfredo's, and I wanted to try this place out, since DH is part italian I thought it was a safe bet (he really didn't like Chef's de France last year). I looked at menus on allears and came down to this or Japan--I chose this one because the desserts looked better (and we've eaten in Japan before).
We got the appetizer selection for the family. The olives sat untouched, honestly, because I don't like olives with pits and the kids didn't like the look of it. We ate the mozzarella cheese (which was interesting to see in its non-shredded state) but the other cheese, can't remember the name, was not to my taste at all. DH ate some type of beans that were on the plate.
For dinner I got the taglioni al granchio--this isn't on the menu at all ears so I text messaged myself so I'd remember it! It's pasta (taglioni) with crab meat and sauce. It was pretty good. DD#1 got ravioli. DD#2 got the penne caprese, DH got spaghetti and meatballs, and DS got the kid's spaghetti with meatballs, although he didn't like the meatballs.
It was good, not great. Serviceable for an Epcot WS meal. But again, I felt could get it at our local Biaggi's.
For dessert the chocolate torta I had seen on Deb's site was not on the menu. DD#1 and I ended up getting tiramisu, which was very good. DD#2 got profiterroles, which were pastries with hot chocolate sauce poured on them. They looked so good the people at the next table were discussing it, and I told them what it was, and one of them even got up to get a closer look! DH got gelato, and DS got the gelato sundae.
Giovanni was our waiter and he did a very nice job. There was a slight language barrier but he was good with refills.
Would I eat here again? Maybe sometime, after the remodel. I have to start repeating myself because DH has eaten everywhere he will eat in WS (he has nixed Norway, Germany and Morocco). I would eat here again before France, but I think we'll go back to Japan or UK first.
Robin M.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

This was supposed to be our Blizzard Beach day, or another day at typhoon lagoon. However, the low this morning was 45, and when we left the room it was only 55.
Seeing the forecast, last night while the kids and I listened to Petula Clark sing "Downtown" (my kids are raised on oldies and all knew it, which is kind of bizarre) while sitting on a railing in front of the American adventure, DH went to the DVC booth and scheduled us an open house at 9:40 AM.
I won't go into details, but we did end up buying DVC. We did not take the girls with us to the tour, but DS enjoyed the kid's room a lot--we need to buy incredibles for PS2 ASAP. We had them take a bus to DD to meet us for lunch at noon.
We ate at Wolfgang Puck's express. We ate there in 2007 and were impressed for a CS place. It has recently been remodeled and enlarged, but DH still wanted to sit outside--after all, it was probably 62 by then--warmer than home, but still a little chilly in the shade!
DH and DD#1 got the rigatoni alfredo--DD had been disappointed when Tutto had not had anything with alfredo, which she prefers. It was very good. DD#2 got the 4 cheese macaroni which was her favorite counter service food all week (according to her just now--she didn't even have to look at the menu to be reminded). I got the warmed roast beef but I replaced the cheddar with provolone--I got this last year and it was as tasty as I remembered. DS got the kid's chicken fingers.
One horrible thing--THEY WERE OUT OF CREME BRULEE--I had to get a brownie. I really liked the creme brulee last year and I was bummed out! So we all got either a cookie or a brownie for dessert.
I really recommend this. I liked it better than Earl of Sandwich. They are both very, VERY good CS values, but this one wins out for me.
For dinner, we took our stuff back to the YC, hopped on a bus for MK and took a launch for a 5:25 ADR at Kona. We have stayed at the Poly several times and we really enjoy the food here.
I can't remember our waitress's name! It might have been Melia--she was from Honolulu. We shared 3 appetizers--sticky wings, pot stickers, and crab cakes (my choice). They were all yummy but I liked the crab cakes the best! They also had bread with amazing butter.
For dinner DH and DD#1 got the prime rib, DD#2 and I got the filet mignon, and DS got the kid's hot dog with fries. The filet was very tender. It is pretty amusing when teenage girls have trouble cutting their own steaks! DD#1 is a leftie so she's still figuring it out--she cut a lot of fat off of hers (or she thought it was). DH said his prime rib was good. We had to give DD#2 "cutting meat 101" because she was holding things in the wrong hands, etc.
For dessert I didn't get the torte like last time, because I thought it was in a cake type thing last time, and this one was in a cookie--I've been off of cookies for the whole trip, too hard and crunchy, even the ones at Puck's. DD#1 did get the torte and said I was missing out! DD#2 and I got the banana creme brulee. This was awesome! DD#2 was saying "what did they do to the banana?" but they just but carmelized sugar on it like the creme brulee. She didn't eat her banana slice. DH got the no sugar added apple stack which he liked but couldn't finish. DS got ice cream but couldn't finish. Our poor tummies were too full at this point of the trip to take much more!
Kona is a great restaurant for the money, and the servers have always been super nice. We really enjoy going back and getting a little Poly fix.
Robin M.

 

[bkhibiscus]

We ate lunch at 50s PTC on Easter Sunday, server was Jeff S (or "Jon" since he forgot his name tag). Food was pretty good, but the server is definitely the key here. He was hilarious and attentive at the same time.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Lunch at Cosmic Rays--DD#2 was disappointed by this. She LOVES Pecos Bills burgers. I think they are the same, but oh well. We were closer to Cosmic Rays at 10:30 so we got there about 10:40. We had been in MK since 7AM.
I like this place because the cheesiness of Sonny Eclipse appeals to me!
DH got the rotisserie chicken. DD#1 got a pork sandwich. The rest of us went to the burger line. DD#2 got a bacon cheeseburger. I got a hot dog. DS got the kid's nuggets and fries. For dessert he was thinking and I noticed they had pudding. Now pudding is what HE gave up for lent--so he jumped at the chance to have some. I had some too. I also went to the fixings bar and filled up my hot dog holder with sauteed mushrooms--it was like getting a side order.
It was all very good and filling. I think this and Pecos Bills are the two best places in MK for counter service.
One note before I continue--when we got our bill at Kona, I noticed that we had 2 TS credits each left. It should have been one. DH went to the front desk at YC and we discovered that the 50s PTC meal did not use the DP. They credited us the whole meal back--even the tip! But it did create an issue today.
We ate dinner at CP. Now in the meantime DS had developed, um, issues. We took a resort break after lunch. DS had to go to the bathroom at least twice. DH, DD#2 and DS got a surrey bike while DD#1 and I laid out on the beach. After that we got water mice since the girls were both old enough to drive. I could tell DS was a little off. Just before we left he had to go to the bathroom again. The girls and I headed to the bus stop. DH brought DS out a few minutes later with a plastic bag--he had thrown up. We debated our options but decided to proceed. When we were walking to the bag check he did it again, but in the bag thank goodness. He said he felt better (we blame the lunch fries) but he did not eat more than half of a roll at dinner.
The rest of us really enjoyed CP! We had not been there since 2000! We saw Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet. I asked Tigger for a photo with just DD#1 since he is her favorite--he got down on one knee like he was proposing! I've never seen her smile so big--she is a "cool" 16 year old cheerleader, after all. DS perked up steadily throughout dinner but did not eat, just drank sprite.
As for food, I found the prime rib was good, better than chef mickey's. The potatoes were regular mashed, no cheese, but also very good. Peel and eat shrimp, rolls, everything I tried was good. The tiramisu on the dessert was good too. The girls got cupcakes again, but were stuffed again! They each got a card signed by the characters too.
When we paid our bill, our waitress told us our account showed 3 adult and 2 child TS meals left--meaning she would have to charge us for 1 adult, since we had 4 adults and 1 child. When they "fixed" our account instead of taking away 4 adult TS credits and 1 child, they took 5 adult credits. They ended up waiving it though--maybe because DS didn't touch any food.
We were all out of credits now, but had one day left and didn't have to get the bus until 4, so we went to Epcot until about 2 and stopped at the ESPN club for lunch. DH and I got burgers--mine plain of course, but I got the bacon on the side. DD#1 got the hot dog without onion and it was HUGE--she was astounded and could not finish it. The waitress let DD#2 get a kid's meal (maybe sitting down she looks 9?) which was nice, maybe because we were not paying with credits. She got the mac and cheese and DS got chicken strips. They both got a dessert with their meal, but ESPN was out of ice cream, so they got a kind of confetti cake dipped in chocolate which was really good. DS didn't finish because he wasn't 100% in the ways of digestive matters yet (in fact today one day later he still has a rumbly tummy--we just don't eat like that all the time!).
So I guess I did finish all at once--good thing my washer takes a long time. I don't have all my receipts but we still like the dining plan and may continue doing it--it depends on DS--he will be an "adult" next year, and it will cost us almost $200 a day, so we have to be sure he can eat those meals. In our new DVC home, after all, we could do way more eating in the room--but even more than saving the money, we like having our food paid for ahead of time. Most of the nice TS meals were at least $150, with yachtsman way up there. I hate having to carry that much cash around or use a CC.
Best TS meal award goes to: Yachtsman. Runner up: Kona
Best server: Lookili at 50s PTC
Best CS: Flame tree Runner up: Wolfgang Puck Express
Best snack credit: MICKEY BARS of course. Runner up: popcorn
Robin M.

 

[LoveTheWDWMagic]

Thanks for the Tutto review. We were also down to Teppan Edo or Tutto for lunch. Now we are not so sure. I've read mixed reviews from both restaurants and have eaten at Edo before their major renovation. I remembered the portion at the "old-Edo" was small and our cook just cooked and didn't do any "show". We also ate at Wolfgang Express last year and that and Sunshine Seasons are our favorite CS meals.

 

[Checkers]

Thanks for the great reviews. We will be going down at the end of next month and have ADRs for Tutto & Teppan Edo (we are on the DP as well) and are looking forward to both. We have been to Teppan Edo last year after the renovation and loved it! Thanks again for sharing. Only 29 more days to go.

 

[krissyh]

Question - what kind of rolls did you receive at the C/S restaurants?
I have read that Casey's now has wheat, which I do not like. Luckily, I also never eat at Casey's. What about the other C/S? White or wheat for the burgers?
Thanks

 

[WishesQueen]

DD#2 got the penne caprese,.

My DD11 is a picky eater, I assumed that this won't be the best restaurant we have scheduled, but I was hoping this is similiar to Baked Ziti (something she does eat).

Thanks

 

[Minniespal]

Excellent ~ Thanx for posting.

 

[jerseygal]

Have ADR at Tutto as well!!!

Anyone know when renovating?

Thnx.

 

[Mister Disney]

We had really been looking forward to our dinner at the Yachtsman. This was our first 2 TS meal since we'd done the dining plan. We got there at 6 when our ADR was. I eventually sat to the left of the doors. At about 6:15 a hostess came out calling a name very softly--all on the right side. I couldn't hear her. She went back in. Then a manager came out calling "MCCONNELL". She thought we had left--but she never came near me! Oh well.
Our waiter was Rocky. He looked young, but he was pretty good. We got 3 appetizers to share: tomato salad, the shrimp, and the scallops. Now DS likes scallops! There were only 2, but they were big and very good. The shrimp was my second favorite. I didn't eat any tomato salad as it is a favorite of DH so I let him share it with the girls. They also had different breads and we had 2 baskets as the kids are very fond of bread. Not me of course!
Now dinner was held up--Rocky said they didn't have his ticket, but he put a rush on it once this was discovered. We were not in a hurry so we were fine with it. Accidents happen.
For dinner DH and I got the rib-eye, DD#1 got the NY strip, and DD#2 got the filet mignon. DS got the kid's steak. I can't rave enough about these steaks. We all ordered them medium and they were awesome. DD#2 finished so fast we think she was programmed to "vacuum" instead of eat. Everyone cleared their plates! I wish I had replaced the horseradish mashed potatoes as they were a little much for me. The girls both got loaded baked potatoes instead of mashed.
For dessert DD#1 and I got the creme brulee. It was wonderful. DD#2 got the gelato. DH got a scoop of vanilla gelato with chocolate sauce, and DS got the painting thing, which was painting little white chocolate eggs since it was Easter.
DH got a killians. When he wanted a 2nd one they sent over to another restaurant as they were out--in the meantime they gave him a bud light gratis. Soon they had his 2nd killians so I finished the bud light. Rocky was also very good with refills.
To summarize, this steak will be the standard on which all future steaks are measured. That says a lot!
Robin M.

Glad to hear you loved the steaks at the Yachtsman.

The K-Man and I go there every trip, and have never been disappointed.

The Steakhouse is our number one pick for restaurants (well....outside of V&A that is)

Thanks!

 

[AydensMom]

Thanks for posting

 

[undertheseas]

Just when I thought had picked out all of our ADRs, I read your great reviews! I caved to DH when he said not to do PT again (one of my favs) and he picked Boma dinner over Kona! Back to the ol' drawing board! Thank you so much for posting such great reviews!