The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Menus - 4/2013: La Hacienda COMPLETE! 7/26

[meggiebeth]

I love your dining report so far! Glad to read good reports of Biergarten and Be Our Guest. How early did you make your ADR for Be Our Guest? Just out of interest because we called 180 days in advance and there was NO availability for any of our 12 days!

I'm hoping we can score an ADR sometime before our trip though, should someone cancel. I am checking every day... several times!

Cannot wait to read more great food reviews!

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Hi there! Oops! Didn't see this sooner but I suppose it is better late than never??

Sorry about the Manager's attitude at SAI. It was probably better to just walk away from there and move on to something that won't have you feeling like you were an annoyance. That's too bad that they had that attitude for a Disney place.

Em and I loved Marrakesh last trip. I loved the food, the atmosphere, and our server was great. I ordered the same thing as you.

Oh and as for Electric Umbrella.. we made the mistake of going there our first WDW trip in 2006. We haven't repeated it since.

Hi there! Thanks for finding me - I'm glad you're reading along. I always enjoy your food reports (and now Emmy's too!). Sounds like we all have to pay our dues at Electric Umbrella at one point or another!

I love your dining report so far! Glad to read good reports of Biergarten and Be Our Guest. How early did you make your ADR for Be Our Guest? Just out of interest because we called 180 days in advance and there was NO availability for any of our 12 days!

I'm hoping we can score an ADR sometime before our trip though, should someone cancel. I am checking every day... several times!

Cannot wait to read more great food reviews!

Thank you so much for reading! I made my ADRs online around 6:30 a.m. at our 180 day mark and BOG was for our second day, so 181 days in advance. It was the first ADR I made and I got the time we want. I can't believe there was no availability for all 12 days of your trip . Do you think there's any chance they haven't loaded all the times yet? I hope you are able to secure one soon!

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Day 5, Part 1

After a good night's sleep we were back to our early-ish wake-ups so we could make it over to the Poly for our 8:45 a.m. 'Ohana ADR. We opted to take a cab to save some time.

There were a few people in line ahead of us to check-in but the line moved quickly and we had our buzzer in no time. We had our picture taken and just a few moments later we were buzzed to be seated.

We were seated along the side windows with a pretty view of the grounds and just a couple of tables in from the windows that overlook MK and this awesome view:

Our server was very sweet and bubbly and immediately got to pouring the delicious juice. She laughed when I told her that we dream about this juice when we are at home!

Next up was the fruit platter:

I don't remember it including raspberries in the past and that was a definite upgrade in my book (and DD's - she loves any and all berries).

Another friendly server came by shortly with our skillet. I whipped out the camera so fast that the server joked with me to not get his hand in the shot .

I had a little bit of everything on the skillet except the sausage. The eggs were moist and creamy, the potatoes were nicely seasoned and browned and the bacon, well you just can't go wrong with bacon in my book! In spite of having welcome bread and Mickey waffles, I couldn't seem to stop myself from a biscuit too!

Speaking of Mickey waffles, our server came around with a nice hot batch of those right after the skillet was delivered. I asked her if DD could get a couple (other than the bacon, she doesn't eat anything from the skillet) she kindly obliged with seconds for everyone, even when I protested for myself. And of course I just had to eat that second waffle too (oh my, who's carb-loading now??). No pictures of the waffles unfortunately, I was too busy drowning the poor guys in butter and syrup.

I think it's safe to say that no one left this meal hungry!

'Ohana is my favorite character breakfast and this visit was no exception. I prefer the family-style service to a buffet as I think it makes the character experience more relaxing since I'm not worried about missing a photo-op while off fetching food. The food has never disappointed and I find the servers here to be upbeat and efficient.

Up next, will we make it to dinner at Kouzzina?

 

[wilma-bride]

Breakfast at 'Ohana seems like a really great option. What characters do they have there?

Is the juice the same as the juice they serve at Boma?

I don't know whether you had noticed but I had asked earlier in the thread whether you were doing a trip report since I was intrigued to hear more about your check-in problems at BC. So........are you?

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Breakfast at 'Ohana seems like a really great option. What characters do they have there?

Is the juice the same as the juice they serve at Boma?

I don't know whether you had noticed but I had asked earlier in the thread whether you were doing a trip report since I was intrigued to hear more about your check-in problems at BC. So........are you?

The characters were Lilo, Stitch, Mickey and Pluto. I haven't been to Boma yet so I'm not sure if it's the same juice, it's very similar to what we were served at Tusker House though if you've had that.

No trip report this time around.

 

[Linda67]

Love the addition of the berries to the fruit selection at 'Ohana

And wow, what a great view

 

[emmysmommy]

Wow! That fruit platter is different. Looks like they swapped the red grapes for the raspberries (which I LOVE) and added a strawberry sauce?? Very nice! I love Mickey waffles and Stitch so this is a great place for breakfast

Do they still serve the basket of bread?

 

[vettegirl]

Ohana looks amazing for breakfast.

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Love the addition of the berries to the fruit selection at 'Ohana

And wow, what a great view

I was very happy about that too! Definitely a nice switch.

Wow! That fruit platter is different. Looks like they swapped the red grapes for the raspberries (which I LOVE) and added a strawberry sauce?? Very nice! I love Mickey waffles and Stitch so this is a great place for breakfast

Do they still serve the basket of bread?

That's right - I forgot about the grapes! Good memory! Yes, they still serve the welcome basket of bread, picked up as they walk you to the table.

Ohana looks amazing for breakfast.

It's really good, highly recommend!

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Day 5, Part 2

After breakfast we headed over to the MK and by about 3:30 we were ready to head back to the BC for some pool time.

DH wanted to stop at the BC Marketplace on the way in to pick up some pj bottoms that he'd spotted earlier. While he and DD were browsing around I wandered over to the food area in search of Oreo bonbons, which I'd heard were now sold here. I looked all around the cold case that had cupcakes and desserts but didn't see anything. DH had gotten to chatting with the CM at the register so I asked her if she had any intel on the famous Oreo bonbons and she said, why yes!, they are stocked in the "Fresh and Healthy" case ! She said she wasn't sure if there were any left, they only get about six - 6-packs per day.

I headed back to the case sure enough, there they were right next to the fresh fruit and the side picks for the kids' meals. There were two packs left so I snatched one up and brought it to the register and paid what I consider to be the bargain basement price of $6 for this pack of deliciousness.

Back in the room I made everyone wait to dig in until I got some glamor shots.

Here's what the pack looks like:

And some up close and personal shots:

Oooooh

Ahhhhh

Okay, dig in !!! Truth be told, although I'd had these before back in 2008 when we had dinner at Cape May, I really didn't remember the specific flavors other than a general memory of "they were really, really yummy!" So in a sense, it was like having them for the first time. Wow, these were soooo good! The creamy mousse inside is light, sweet and delicious, the cocoa on the outside added a nice flavor and a little interesting texture, and then of course the bonus Oreo at the bottom. YUM!

We each had one and put the rest in the fridge to enjoy later. This was one of my favorite treats from the trip!

 

[MrsB1228]

I'll definitely give Y&Y another try - I find so-so service more forgivable when the food is good, which it was! The Italian Ice cart was just to the right after you cross the bridge into the West Side. Near the Characters in Flight ticket booth.

Thanks so much! I'll be on the lookout for this, your selections looked so good!

 

[wilma-bride]

Oh my goodness, you can get Oreo Bonbons at the BC marketplace? I wish I had known that when we stayed there last year (or maybe they didn't have them then). I had ruled out the chance of being able to try an Oreo Bonbon since we are never likely to dine at Cape May (the smell really puts me off, I am not a fan of fish or seafood much at all) so I am mega excited to see that you can get them elsewhere. Since we are staying at The Swan in November, I may have to wander over and see if we can find them.

 

[MrsB1228]

Add me to the list of DIS'ers who learned their lesson regarding Electric Umbrella. We stopped in there for lunch during our first visit staying on property back in 2005 and have never darkened the door again, LOL!

So happy to read your (mostly) positive report on dinner at Marrekesh as it's one of our ADR's this fall. Sorry they treated you so shabbily at SAI, I would have walked out too.

Breakfast at 'Ohana looks sooo good! We've never had breakfast there but I always drool over the pictures. The addition of raspberries and red sauce looks delish! Speaking of the sauce, was it yogurt or the strawberry topping they serve with Tonga Toast in Kona?

I've never had an Oreo bonbon but after looking at your pictures, it's now all I can think about. So, thanks for that ...

Ready for more ...

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Thanks so much! I'll be on the lookout for this, your selections looked so good!

I hope you enjoy it!

Oh my goodness, you can get Oreo Bonbons at the BC marketplace? I wish I had known that when we stayed there last year (or maybe they didn't have them then). I had ruled out the chance of being able to try an Oreo Bonbon since we are never likely to dine at Cape May (the smell really puts me off, I am not a fan of fish or seafood much at all) so I am mega excited to see that you can get them elsewhere. Since we are staying at The Swan in November, I may have to wander over and see if we can find them.

Definitely worth a wander over ! Hope you're able to get some! I'm not a fan of Cape May dinner so being able to get them at the Marketplace was pretty exciting to me.

Add me to the list of DIS'ers who learned their lesson regarding Electric Umbrella. We stopped in there for lunch during our first visit staying on property back in 2005 and have never darkened the door again, LOL!

So happy to read your (mostly) positive report on dinner at Marrekesh as it's one of our ADR's this fall. Sorry they treated you so shabbily at SAI, I would have walked out too.

Breakfast at 'Ohana looks sooo good! We've never had breakfast there but I always drool over the pictures. The addition of raspberries and red sauce looks delish! Speaking of the sauce, was it yogurt or the strawberry topping they serve with Tonga Toast in Kona?

I've never had an Oreo bonbon but after looking at your pictures, it's now all I can think about. So, thanks for that ...

Ready for more ...

Oh no - we need an Electric Umbrella support group! Hope you enjoy Marrakesh. I'm not sure about the sauce with the fruit at 'Ohana, I generally like my fruit plain but I should've tried it just to report back! Oops, sorry for getting the bonbons stuck in your head - after writing up that post I can't get them out of my head either!

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Day 5, Part 3

As the afternoon wore on it became apparent that we weren't going to make it to our planned dinner ADR at Kouzzina. Energy was low and we were in the mood for something fun and casual. And Beaches and Cream seemed to fit the bill perfectly!

I headed back up to the room to get changed and to call the dining line to cancel our Kouzzina ADR.

We checked in at the B&C podium shortly after 7 p.m. and were advised that it was a 75-90 minute wait. I was not to be deterred though and I let them know that was fine. I settled into one of the patio tables to wait while DH took DD over to the YC gift shop to poke around. Imagine my surprise (and delight) when our buzzer went off right around 8 p.m.! I thought we had at least another 30 minutes to wait so I was very happy! I texted DH to get back STAT.

It was quite lively inside and the manager immediately came to our table to let us know they'd inadvertently triple seated our server so she'd be helping with our drink orders. I ordered a cherry Diet Coke and I think DH had a vanilla coke. Then we set to exploring the menu:

Even though I already knew what I wanted :

DH and I both ordered the bacon Angus beef burger, minus the bacon.

This is one good burger! Juicy, flavorful and huge! I had to pace myself because I had some very important dessert plans in mind. In the right corner of the picture you can see a bit of DD's meal, which was the kids macaroni and cheese. When the manager came around to check on us she mentioned that this is made from scratch and is different from the mac and cheese served everywhere else on property. With that said I just had to try it and oh my, it is delicious! Very rich and flavorful and I liked that it wasn't the neon orange cheese sauce .

I pretended to look at the dessert menu but I've known for about two years (since our last visit to B&C in 2011) what I was getting:

NO WAY JOSE!!!

During our meal at least two or three tables had ordered the Kitchen Sink. While we were waiting for our dessert the lights went off again and I was thinking, "wow, another one!" but it turned out it was our waitress coming over with balloons for DD's birthday. Aw, so sweet! Everyone sang to her as she was presented with her Mickey sundae and she was on !

And I was on a all of my own when this beauty was delivered:

OOOHHHH!

AHHHHHH!

Chocolate and peanut butter is one of my favorite flavor combos so this dessert is pretty much perfection for me! Even with DH and I sharing, we still couldn't finish it. This is one of those Disney treats that I dream about when we're home, it is that good!

By the time we were finished, the dining room had really cleared out. Here was the view from our table as we settled up the bill:

We always enjoy a visit to B&C and tonight's meal was no exception. The atmosphere is fun and energetic and the service and food is always solid. For us, no trip to the BC would be complete without a meal here!

 

[ocalla]

Thanks for the heads up on the Italian Ice!!! I can't have dairy, so this will be a nice treat for me

Also, now that I see your Marrakesh report, I think I'd like to give it a try. Won't take much convincing for DH after he see's the belly dancer

 

[wdwpirates]

Great Beaches 'n Cream review!!! I love it there! That No Way Jose is fabulous!!

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Thanks for the heads up on the Italian Ice!!! I can't have dairy, so this will be a nice treat for me

Also, now that I see your Marrakesh report, I think I'd like to give it a try. Won't take much convincing for DH after he see's the belly dancer

I'm glad you'll be able to enjoy the Italian Ice! Haha, I had to tell my DH to put his eyes back in his head when the belly dancer came out.

Great Beaches 'n Cream review!!! I love it there! That No Way Jose is fabulous!!

Thanks so much!

 

[wilma-bride]

Oh my, I missed an update. Great review of B&C - got to say that I am a little disappointed by the menu changes. I always have the chicken sandwich with added bacon and cheese, not sure how the chicken caesar sandwich would compare. We will still go back, though, as it's one of our favourites - I always have Sprite with orange and raspberry syrups added - yummers

My DH is now drooling over the No Way Jose, his absolute favourite.

Have you ever eaten at The Fountain over at the Swolphin? Reason I ask is it appears to be similar to B&C and, since we are staying at The Swan later this year, we thought we might give it a try. Haven't seen any reviews of it at all though

 

[MrsB1228]

Awesome B&C review! The Oreo bonbons are now out of my head, replaced by the awesomeness of that No Way Jose!

October seems so far away ...