Team Renfroe's 2nd Trip Report - 1,500 pictures, dining reviews, and DISmeets!

[KatMark]

Waiting....

 

[alan_renfroe]

Finally, it was time for dinner! The smell of barbeque penetrated the area in the atrium where we were sitting...so we had been smelling our dinner for over half an hour. (Everything smelled great!)

Whispering Canyon Cafe is loud, crowded, and LOTS of fun if you're in the mood for it. We had read reviews and knew a little bit about what to expect.

We were seated at a table that was not in the main dining area, but rather a quaint room with a fireplace with only about 4 other tables. It was almost like we were just outside of the "fun zone." That didn't matter to us. In fact, at this point, we were all SO tired that we actually enjoyed being placed in a less-noisy area.

Now in the days leading up to our vacation, Wil had been coughing and sneezing a little. Both he and Juliana had gone to the doctor the previous week, and both had sinus infections. Wil's was so bad that it was causing a sore throat and coughing. Once we were seated, and before we could even place our drink orders, Wil needed to go to the bathroom. Next, both of the girls decided they needed to go also. So there I was...all alone at this lovely table at the Whispering Canyon Cafe in this fireplace room.

Our server came over and introduced herself. Her name was Suzan (spelled with a "Z",) but she said that everyone calls her "Lazy Suzan!" I thought to myself, "oh great...we get Lazy Suzan!" Actually, she was a fantastic server. She had several tables, but she was hauling her non-lazy butt off. She was caring, funny, cool, and attentative.

I loved the laid-back cheesy Western feel of this dining room! It was complete with wagonwheel chandeliers and wooden chairs with pictures on the backs.

This was my view from the dining room into the atrium where we were just sitting minutes earlier:

Normally, at a place like this, I would have ordered a beer. This seemed like a good beer place. However, Elizabeth and I both just ordered sodas. Did I mention how tired we were? Anyway, soon Lazy Suzan was back with our menus.

For an appetizer, Wil and I both ordered the Southwestern Chicken Soup. It was very, VERY good....and it really hit the spot. We were starving!

Elizabeth ordered the Western Chips & Dip for two (but only for one). Her request was granted...no problem. The dip was good, but not great. Wil & I definitely had the better appetizer.

Juliana got the fruit cup:

Uh....I know it is a child's fruit cup, but it only had like 3 or 4 pieces of fruit!

Not long after we got our appetizers, the entire restaurant started doing the "hokey pokey." Juliana, who would normally be up for something like this, refused to get up and participate. Wil, however, and quite surprisingly, got up and got into it full on! I was so proud of him for meustering up that Disney Spirit! Way to go, Wil!

For our entrees, Elizabeth and I both ordered the all-you-care-to-enjoy Canyon Skillet, which included barbeque brisket, ribs, pulled pork, chicken, corn-on-the-cob, coleslaw, cowboy beans and mashed potatoes. It also came with a salad, which was excellent. It had an apple balsamic dressing that was absolutely delicious.

Okay, honestly....now that I've had that big bowl of Southwestern soup and that huge salad, I was really full! All of the sudden, Lazy Suzan brings us this HUGE skillet!

The food was terrific! The unfortunate part was that I was so full and so tired, I couldn't fully enjoy this meal! This is not like me! Wake up, stupid! On a normal night, I could have tackled this skillet like a champ....but not tonight. I ate the ribs and the brisket, both of which were excellent. Elizabeth ate the chicken, brisket, and a little pulled pork and potatoes, which she said were terrific.

Wil ordered the Roast Chicken. I didn't realize it when he ordered it, but it was half of an entire chicken!

It was very good....but like us, he was just too full to eat it...and too tired. He loved the green beans, but only ate a few bites of the chicken.

Juliana had the cheeseburger....and yep, you guessed it....she barely touched it. NOTE TO SELF - in the future, do not schedule dinners past 8pm on the day we arrive after an 11 hour drive!

Lazy Suzan kept coming over to ask if everything was okay. We kept telling her that we were just tired and not very hungry. She was afraid we didn't like our food...but we did, honest! I sincerely thought I was going to keel over into that skillet! (Did I mention we were tired?) We felt bad that we weren't eating, and we finally asked for a "to go" box for Wil's untouched chicken.

Lazy Suzan gave us a few minutes, and then came back to get dessert orders. Okay folks....here's where I want to tell you about the Deluxe Dining Plan....it is absolutely AWESOME!!! BUT, beware....no human being can possibly eat this much for seven straight days! It includes an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert for every member of your party...three meals a day! That being said, we loved it and would do it all again. I just enjoy the "all-inclusive" feel that you get in knowing you can eat wherever you want and just about anything you want.

So, back to the desserts. I am not a huge dessert guy. However, Elizabeth and the kids both love sweets. Wil ordered a HUGE ice cream sundae. Even though he didn't eat much dinner, this cold ice cream hit the spot for his sore throat. He slammed this bad boy!

I passed on dessert altogether. I would have rather had more of that brisket...on any other day....but I was full. TOO full. Elizabeth and Juliana were full also, but decided to get their desserts to go. Elizabeth got an apple pie that I ended up eating for breakfast the following morning. It was VERY good! Juliana got the chocolate chip cookies.

The kids both got a kick out of the main dining room, especially when someone would order ketchup, and every kid in the entire building came with their ketchup! One of the five tables in our little area order ketchup once, and it was hilarious when all of these kids came with their ketchup bottles! What was even funnier was that the kid who asked for the ketchup didn't even get to use it before another table in the main dining room ordered ketchup, and everyone took their ketchup away!!! It was really funny, but Juliana was having no part of getting into the spirit on this night....she was definitely past her point of needing her beauty sleep!

As we left the restaurant, we felt really bad that we had not fully enjoyed the experience like we should have. I would definitely come back to the Whispering Canyon Cafe...and I intend to do just that...just not on the first night. I thought for $26.99, that Canyon Skillet was well worth it. As I stated earlier, any other time and I would have drank beer and eaten a TON of barbeque....but right this minute I was thinking about those inviting queen-sized beds back at the Coronado Springs Resort.

Fortunately, we had driven to the resort so we didn't have to wait on transportation. We were back "home" in no time and tucked into those beds for a good night's sleep. Day 1, arrival day, was over...and Day 2 was going to be a HUGE day! I called for a wake-up call at 6am and called it a day.

Next up - Day 2 - Early Magic Hours at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and lunch at the Sci-Fi Drive In!

 

[pmama]

WOW, those are huge portions. We've yet to do Whispering Canyon but it sounds just like the kind of restaurant we'd enjoy. We like the loud, interactive type.

That apple pie looks delicious. Sounds delicious for breakfast as well.

 

[Lilo'sMommy]

Great pics! I can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip

 

[MarkinNM]

Thanks, I LOVE the pics, LOVE THEM!!!!

10 hour drive, ouch................I cant stand to drive 10 mins.....


Thanks for taking the time to do the report!!!!

 

[anbouk]

OK...cutting in to join the fun Awesome trippie so far! Lovely family and seems you will have LOTS of food experiences with the Deluxe DDP. We were on the regular and just had way too much to contend with on a daily basis. One food question relating to WCC...we have never eaten there, however, contemplating on our upcoming trip. Did you order that skillet for one person or can two pick off of it, how does that work?

 

[karajeboo]

From where you were sitting at WCC, I think we sat at the big top just across the aisle from you. Yup, in the little room away from all the action. It was still pretty funny though when my BIL asked for a fork and this is what he got.

Loved the skillet, too!!! I wish y'all weren't so tired and full, I think I ate my fair share when we were there last year. And yes, I saved room for dessert too!

 

[mefordis]

If you don't mind my stepping in to answer, every time we've had the skillet at wcc, we've been able to have people at our table pick off it but they have ordered their own entree as well. I don't think they would allow it if the other person didn't order an entree, however, the place is so busy that no one really seems to be watching closely. But I'd plan on everyone ordering their own food even if you are going to pick on each other's food.

Great trip report!!

OK...cutting in to join the fun Awesome trippie so far! Lovely family and seems you will have LOTS of food experiences with the Deluxe DDP. We were on the regular and just had way too much to contend with on a daily basis. One food question relating to WCC...we have never eaten there, however, contemplating on our upcoming trip. Did you order that skillet for one person or can two pick off of it, how does that work?

 

[lindseynleah]

Great update Alan!!! Looking forward to Day 2!!!!!

 

[Jeanine3kids]

WOW!! My Husband would love that place me so so not a hugh fan of BBQ. However I know what you mean about the Deluxe Dining, this time we are doing the quick service dining, we usually do the regular dining but last time we were not happy with the whole tip thing and no app. Plus my DH hates to revolve everything around our dining reservations. Not to mention we have little kids ages 7 5 and 3. So we have decided to try the quick service plan we are eating at 3 sit downs and paying out of pocket Ohana for dinner Chef mickeys for dinner and T-REX. I was afraid to just wing it without a plan. Can't wait to read more.

 

[lovedonaldduck]

Glad you like the WCC enough to try it again when you are not so tired. We did not really enjoy it when we went in April. Not that anything was bad, there are just so many other restaurants that we found to be much better and more that we want to try. We also had one of the first lunch reservations which may have added to our not overly wonderful experience. Oh well, we may give it another try once we've worked our way through all the other dining experiences on our list.

 

[bucci818]

You most definitely have to go back! We, a group of 10, did WCC back in Dec, and my niece asked for Ketchup, and we ended up with a table full of ketchup bottles. She is usually very shy, but when they yelled for ketchup again, she grabbed two bottles and ran to the table requesting it. It was her favorite meal! I had the soup too, and love it! Can't wait to read about Day 2 with my "New" family!!

 

[KatMark]

Glad you enjoyed your meals at WCC (sorry you were tired though). A totally different experience than what we had at WCC--the food and service were awful and DH got sick on the skillet. Perhaps it was just an off night. Unfortunately, it left a bad taste in our mouth and I doubt we'll try it again anytime soon (still too many places we haven't tried), but I'm glad it worked for you (we sat at the exact same table as you guys did when we were there in September).

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

That is too bad that you guys didn't get to fully enjoy your meal, there is always next time!

 

[podsnel]

All caught up!!! Your TR is just awesome so far! That first day is so surreal- up waaaaay too early, so no sleep, and then you're in your favorite place but it feels like an out-of-body experience!! Well, to me, anyway! Very smart to stick with the soda on the first day.

Apparently, I am a special kind of extra-super stupid on my first day in WDW!!!


I love twilight, too- your pics on the boat were beautiful, gorgeous rainbows.
But then I'm always sad that it's the end of the day and wonder how it went by so quickly....

Can't wait for more!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Oh my, that skillet looks absolutely delicious! It makes me want to check out some flights for Orlando for a quick jaunt.

 

[reelmom]

Just found your TR and I am really enjoying it. You have a beautiful family. I think that we might have to try the WCC next time. That skillet looks so good.

 

[IlovemythreeC's]

Great WCC review ~ we are considering going there in September and getting ready to make dining plans very soon ~ we cannot wait. This review is going to help us make our final decision.

We cannot wait for more

 

[jillyjill]

Hey- We're planning a Sept WDW trip w/ressies at CS. We're asking for Cabanas near the Dig but feeling that maybe the bus stop for that area could be full before getting there and last to drop off. COuld that location use alot more of my time?

Our main interest this time around is Epcot Epcot Epcot. How long did it take from the resort to get there and back?

Only have 4 1/2 days so I'm crazy worried about wasted time.

Loved your trip stories! Thanks. I've been so worried about the CS meeting my usual WDW Standards. But now, I think it will be fine. Sometimes I plan like a Kamakazi and forget to smell the roses.

 

[clomahony]

Sorry to hear you were too tired to really enjoy WCC. We went there on our first trip in 2006 and had absolutely no idea what was to come. The kids loved it but my husband was horrified at the thought of having to yell for katchup and then to get every bottle in the restaurant, well if your not expecting it, it is quite a shock. He was so traumatized, he won't go back there. To be fair, he is extemely shy that environment is hard for him.