The Good, the Bad and the YUMMY..10 days of free dining... Updated 9/26 Kona Cafe!
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lovemickeyshouse
DISNEY LOVER
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- Jun 26, 2006
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Off topic but this is why I am taking a 20 plus hour train ride to Fla .
basketlacey
DIS Veteran
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- Mar 31, 2003
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Great reviews so far! I will definitely be checking back for your updates!
familydisney
Mouseketeer
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- Sep 26, 2005
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- 408
Day 6:
Columbia Harbor House
So this trip I decided to listen to all my Disers and follow their advice...I was sure glad I did. I enjoyed many places and menu items I wouldn't have otherwise. One of their suggestions was this CS in Magic Kingdom. Most of them talked about the tuna and the salads (not for me), but when I saw the menu was fish and chips and fried shrimp, I was in. We ordered 1 shrimp meal and one fish and chicken meal to tide us over. There was a lot of food, especially the shrimp which were plentiful and big. My boys don't like fish or shrimp, so they had the chicken. But they love their fries with salt and vinegar, something I taught them. We shared everything including Buzz trying some fish and liking it. I also loved the atmosphere here. We ate upstairs and it felt like had gone back in time. It was also cool and quiet.
Overall evaluation of Columbia Harbor House:
Food: A-
Ambiance: A
Amenities: B
Aloha Isle:
So this place doesn't really need a review, since everyone knows how great a Dole Whip can be. But mostly, I just wanted to type about my Dole Whip float so i could reminisce about having one and how I wish I were having one now...
These are snack credits and everyone should have one...
The End
Ohana:
This was to be our 3rd trip to Ohana. The 1st one was magical with great food and service and Wishes right in front of us. The 2nd was horrible...we waited for 50 min., were ignored when the server found we were on the dining pln and missed Wishes competely while waiting to be seated. The food was cold as well, probably due to poor service.
Now, I mentioned that Woody loves his meat. So it was his choice to try it again. We were seated about 15 minutes late at a table near the front but completely blocked from view of the Castle. I don't expect the view, but it'd have been nice. We got bread, which was pretty much tasteless other than the strands of coconut string you run into once in a while. Then came salad, wings, and noodles. I don't do salad, but I had a wing and some noodles picking around veggies I didn't like. They were pretty bland, too. The wings were to Tigger's liking...At this point, I realized Buzz was going to turn his nose up at the food so we got him a separate kids' meal. He got mac and cheese and was in heaven.
We had barely served the apps when they started bringing the meat. I would have smiled and made space, but Woody was insistent. He told them to slow down the pace as we had just started and weren't ready yet. That did help with pacing, which is a complaint I've seen of this restaurant. The meats themselves were ok; we liked the turkey and pork better than the sirloin. The shrimp was creepy to me as I don't like peeling legs...
The sauces made the meat better. The server encouraged Buzz, even with the kid's meal, to try the meats, and he did.
The kids did the last hula of the night and got their leis. Wishes came on toward the end of the meal before dessert. We weren't finished yet, but it was 10:00 so the restaurant had cleared out a lot. We asked the servers to leave our food as we'd be back. We couldn't see, so we joined the 20 or so other people at the front corner table. We were sure not to block anyone's view. Then we were all kicked out as they were seating someone there...at 10:00...anyway, we had to go back to our table and couldn't see anymore. Even more annoying was the fact that we found our plates were still there, but the rest of the things were gone (all apps, sauces, etc.) He then came over and tried to take my son's plate while his fork was in the air having a bite. He said he wasn't done and asked for more sauce, but none was provided.
Dessert was good, as before, but overall, this one felt like a wasted TS. We had much better food, service and experience at other places. I didn't say a negative word since I knew Woody really wanted this one, but he's the one who said first how disappointed he was. Let me make it clear: it wasn't bad. It also wasn't good. I think after this time, we won't be back.
Overall evaluation of Ohana:
Food: C+
Ambiance: C+
Service: C-
Columbia Harbor House
So this trip I decided to listen to all my Disers and follow their advice...I was sure glad I did. I enjoyed many places and menu items I wouldn't have otherwise. One of their suggestions was this CS in Magic Kingdom. Most of them talked about the tuna and the salads (not for me), but when I saw the menu was fish and chips and fried shrimp, I was in. We ordered 1 shrimp meal and one fish and chicken meal to tide us over. There was a lot of food, especially the shrimp which were plentiful and big. My boys don't like fish or shrimp, so they had the chicken. But they love their fries with salt and vinegar, something I taught them. We shared everything including Buzz trying some fish and liking it. I also loved the atmosphere here. We ate upstairs and it felt like had gone back in time. It was also cool and quiet.
Overall evaluation of Columbia Harbor House:
Food: A-
Ambiance: A
Amenities: B
Aloha Isle:
So this place doesn't really need a review, since everyone knows how great a Dole Whip can be. But mostly, I just wanted to type about my Dole Whip float so i could reminisce about having one and how I wish I were having one now...
These are snack credits and everyone should have one...The End
Ohana:
This was to be our 3rd trip to Ohana. The 1st one was magical with great food and service and Wishes right in front of us. The 2nd was horrible...we waited for 50 min., were ignored when the server found we were on the dining pln and missed Wishes competely while waiting to be seated. The food was cold as well, probably due to poor service.
Now, I mentioned that Woody loves his meat. So it was his choice to try it again. We were seated about 15 minutes late at a table near the front but completely blocked from view of the Castle. I don't expect the view, but it'd have been nice. We got bread, which was pretty much tasteless other than the strands of coconut string you run into once in a while. Then came salad, wings, and noodles. I don't do salad, but I had a wing and some noodles picking around veggies I didn't like. They were pretty bland, too. The wings were to Tigger's liking...At this point, I realized Buzz was going to turn his nose up at the food so we got him a separate kids' meal. He got mac and cheese and was in heaven.
We had barely served the apps when they started bringing the meat. I would have smiled and made space, but Woody was insistent. He told them to slow down the pace as we had just started and weren't ready yet. That did help with pacing, which is a complaint I've seen of this restaurant. The meats themselves were ok; we liked the turkey and pork better than the sirloin. The shrimp was creepy to me as I don't like peeling legs...
The sauces made the meat better. The server encouraged Buzz, even with the kid's meal, to try the meats, and he did.
The kids did the last hula of the night and got their leis. Wishes came on toward the end of the meal before dessert. We weren't finished yet, but it was 10:00 so the restaurant had cleared out a lot. We asked the servers to leave our food as we'd be back. We couldn't see, so we joined the 20 or so other people at the front corner table. We were sure not to block anyone's view. Then we were all kicked out as they were seating someone there...at 10:00...anyway, we had to go back to our table and couldn't see anymore. Even more annoying was the fact that we found our plates were still there, but the rest of the things were gone (all apps, sauces, etc.) He then came over and tried to take my son's plate while his fork was in the air having a bite. He said he wasn't done and asked for more sauce, but none was provided.
Dessert was good, as before, but overall, this one felt like a wasted TS. We had much better food, service and experience at other places. I didn't say a negative word since I knew Woody really wanted this one, but he's the one who said first how disappointed he was. Let me make it clear: it wasn't bad. It also wasn't good. I think after this time, we won't be back.
Overall evaluation of Ohana:
Food: C+
Ambiance: C+
Service: C-
familydisney
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Sep 26, 2005
- Messages
- 408
Day 7:
We started at Sunshine Seasons again...basically the same as last time. Around 1, though, I started to get hungry so...
Cantina de San Angel:
I had the nachos and shared them with the boys. Woody hates the food here as we have better Mexican at home, but I love the huge amount of fresh tomatoes. After days of unhealthy food, even my unhealthy body wants something fresh and since I don't eat salad... I know the chips aren't the best and the cheese is probably out of a can, plus they were pretty greasy, BUT I still liked them. It's got some beautiful seating as well.
Overall evaluation of Cantina de San Angel:
Food : C
Ambiance: B
Amenities: C
After splitting a churro 3 ways, we still needed something sweet. We hit Kringla Bakery and got a blood orange custard. I was reticent because I don't love the consistency of puddings, custards, creme brulee, etc., but I promised the boys something and I had $3 in my pocket. IT WAS AMAZING! It reminded me of whipped orange jello from when I was a kid but creamier and the little caramel cookie thing with it was a nice addition.
Le Cellier
So that night we were at Le Cellier for my birthday. We had a great waiter who told us about the smoothies, etc we could pick from. We all tried different ones and enjoyed them. Woody had the mushroom filet, but neither Tigger or I like mushrooms, so we asked if there was another sauce...lo and behold, he offered me the maple barbeque sauce I thought was gone forever! We had that with the mashed potatoes. Buzz had the chicken breast with the cheese soup app. Of course he didn't like the soup, so I had to eat it... Darn!
We ate tons of bread, most, if not all, of our entrees and were ready for dessert. The kids meal comes with a sundae, but Tigger got to choose the chocolate moose, which he had been craving. Woody got the chocolate whiskey cake, which he found to be too much. I got the semi-freddo which sounded weird but was one of the best choices I had all week. It was light, fruity and unique. Plus, since it was my birthday, he brought me a glass of champagne with a strawberry on the rim. Unfortunately, he brought it when all 3 of the guys had gone to the bathroom so there was no singing, no fanfare...Still, it was a nice touch, though the champagne wasn't to my taste (very dry).
Overall evaluation of Le Cellier:
Food: A- (Woody's fave)
Ambiance: B
Service: A+ (best of the week by far!)
*This is a tough ADR to get, but it's worth it. We've eaten there 3 times and have always been so pleased with service and food.
We started at Sunshine Seasons again...basically the same as last time. Around 1, though, I started to get hungry so...
Cantina de San Angel:
I had the nachos and shared them with the boys. Woody hates the food here as we have better Mexican at home, but I love the huge amount of fresh tomatoes. After days of unhealthy food, even my unhealthy body wants something fresh and since I don't eat salad... I know the chips aren't the best and the cheese is probably out of a can, plus they were pretty greasy, BUT I still liked them. It's got some beautiful seating as well.
Overall evaluation of Cantina de San Angel:
Food : C
Ambiance: B
Amenities: C
After splitting a churro 3 ways, we still needed something sweet. We hit Kringla Bakery and got a blood orange custard. I was reticent because I don't love the consistency of puddings, custards, creme brulee, etc., but I promised the boys something and I had $3 in my pocket. IT WAS AMAZING! It reminded me of whipped orange jello from when I was a kid but creamier and the little caramel cookie thing with it was a nice addition.
Le Cellier
So that night we were at Le Cellier for my birthday. We had a great waiter who told us about the smoothies, etc we could pick from. We all tried different ones and enjoyed them. Woody had the mushroom filet, but neither Tigger or I like mushrooms, so we asked if there was another sauce...lo and behold, he offered me the maple barbeque sauce I thought was gone forever! We had that with the mashed potatoes. Buzz had the chicken breast with the cheese soup app. Of course he didn't like the soup, so I had to eat it... Darn!
We ate tons of bread, most, if not all, of our entrees and were ready for dessert. The kids meal comes with a sundae, but Tigger got to choose the chocolate moose, which he had been craving. Woody got the chocolate whiskey cake, which he found to be too much. I got the semi-freddo which sounded weird but was one of the best choices I had all week. It was light, fruity and unique. Plus, since it was my birthday, he brought me a glass of champagne with a strawberry on the rim. Unfortunately, he brought it when all 3 of the guys had gone to the bathroom so there was no singing, no fanfare...Still, it was a nice touch, though the champagne wasn't to my taste (very dry).
Overall evaluation of Le Cellier:
Food: A- (Woody's fave)
Ambiance: B
Service: A+ (best of the week by far!)
*This is a tough ADR to get, but it's worth it. We've eaten there 3 times and have always been so pleased with service and food.
crazytoshop
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2009
- Messages
- 80
Great reviews! We will be dining at lots of the same places in a couple of weeks. Thanks for sharing!
Nancy for Disney
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2008
- Messages
- 1,114
Great reviews. So glad you liked WCC. I have an ADR for my trip and I have been questioning it. Thanks for sharing.
familydisney
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Sep 26, 2005
- Messages
- 408
Day 8:
We decided to go to DTD for the first time ever just because I've heard such great things about the food there...
Wolfgang Puck Express:
I was excited about sharing the breakfast pizza, plus Woody got a breakfast pocket and the kids shared some chocolate chip pancakes. Amazingly, unlike Disney property, we were able to get not just one side but 2 PLUS a drink. I got the pizza, which was huge and tasty, plus a side of potatoes and bacon. Also, the bacon was applewood smoked and REAL, not the paper style stuff onsite. In addition, they had cherry coke! With 3 meals to be shared, we still couldn't eat all of the food we had been given and I was super impressed with the food, the refills on drinks, the real plates and silverware, the portion size...pretty much everything. This was a good one! Thanks, Disers; I'd never have gone here without these boards. I will always go here on further trips on the dining plan.
Overall evaluation of Wolfgang Puck Express:
Food: A
Ambiance: B
Amenities: A+
Earl of Sandwich:
I had also been excited to try this one for awhile. We got 2 sandwiches and shared them: a ham and cheese and a jerk chicken. Though the sandwiches were good enough, this is NOT a place to use the dining plan. Unlike Wolfgang Puck's, who seemed to be giving you much more than you even thought to ask for, the choices here were pitiful. We could get EITHER a side or dessert, not both. We decided on a bag of chips for one and a fruit and yogurt parfait for the other, but were then told that was the wrong size...we had to get the puny ones at the end that were smaller than the sanck size at McDonald's. Yes, we can use snack credits for dessert at Goofy's, but it was the principal of the thing. The dining plan specifically says you get both, but I guess since they're not Disney, they get to make their own rules.
I may go here again, but I'd pay OOP. More likely, I'd eat BOTH meals at WPE!
Overall evaluation of Earl of Sandwich:
Food : B
Ambiance: C
Amenities: D
Kona Cafe:
So I'd been begging to eat here for a long time and we finally had space to fit it in this trip. After DTD all day, we had an early dinner so we'd have some time left in MK. Little did we know that the time we'd planned for after dinner would be eaten up by waiting for our table. The lobby of the Poly looked like an airport terminal in a snowstorm....people had obviously been camped out for awhile. It took almost an hour to get seated and we would have left except we didn't have a lot of other options. Unfortunately, this set a bad tone.
When we finally got seated, it was at a table pretty much out of the restaurant on top of the kitchen of the sushi bar. Our server was slow in coming, and that was pretty much the way it went all night. He wasn't freindly or even apologetic, and it took 15 or so minutes just to get our drinks. A table next to us had him as a server as well, and he hit them 3 times before he got to us at all.
I had the New York with teriyaki glaze, but I had mashed instead of rice. Woody had the ribeye, and Tigger got the pork chop, since he said he was "tired of steak". Buzz got the chicken noodle soup app. and the cheeseburger. Unfortunately, with seeing so little of our waiter, the next time we did see him, he had the entrees. Buzz never got his app at all.
He did like his cheeseburger, though. My steak was ok, mostly the glaze was what made it good. Woody said his ribeye was fine as well. Tigger was eating his pork and saying it was good. It was dark in the restaurant, or I hoped I would have noticed it, but 1/2 way through he said, "Mom, this is pretty chewy. I don't think it's cooked all the way." Of course, we though he was being dramatic, but sure enough it was raw in the middle. And he'd eaten 1/2 of it! I entered mom mode of "I hope he doesn't get sick"! Still, I didn't want to put thoughts in his head. Since the waiter never came back to check on us, we finally had to find HIM to let him know. He apologized and got it re-cooked. To his credit, this time he did come check on us. Tigger said it was better, but I'd lost my appetite.
It was time for dessert and Tigger had been waiting 6 months to get a Kona cone and Buzz got the obligatory ice cream sundae...I ordered the white chocolate cheesecake, and Woody got the banana creme brulee. The kona cone was more fun to look at than it was to eat. My cheesecake was so sweet, I could only eat 4 bites. Woody said his was ok.
I really wanted to like this place. It was my choice and it fell so far short of my expectations. It was by far the biggest disappointment of the trip. The food was just ok, the atmosphere wasn't great, the service was poor. It took us 2 hours and 45 minutes from check-in to finish the meal, so we missed the parks entirely for the day, which just about killed me! I may be able to talk the crew into trying it again for breakfast some day, but I don't know how hard I'll try...
Overall evaluation of Kona Cafe:
Food: C (Lower if you consider the undercooked pork)
Ambiance: C-
Service: D-
We decided to go to DTD for the first time ever just because I've heard such great things about the food there...
Wolfgang Puck Express:
I was excited about sharing the breakfast pizza, plus Woody got a breakfast pocket and the kids shared some chocolate chip pancakes. Amazingly, unlike Disney property, we were able to get not just one side but 2 PLUS a drink. I got the pizza, which was huge and tasty, plus a side of potatoes and bacon. Also, the bacon was applewood smoked and REAL, not the paper style stuff onsite. In addition, they had cherry coke! With 3 meals to be shared, we still couldn't eat all of the food we had been given and I was super impressed with the food, the refills on drinks, the real plates and silverware, the portion size...pretty much everything. This was a good one! Thanks, Disers; I'd never have gone here without these boards. I will always go here on further trips on the dining plan.
Overall evaluation of Wolfgang Puck Express:
Food: A
Ambiance: B
Amenities: A+
Earl of Sandwich:
I had also been excited to try this one for awhile. We got 2 sandwiches and shared them: a ham and cheese and a jerk chicken. Though the sandwiches were good enough, this is NOT a place to use the dining plan. Unlike Wolfgang Puck's, who seemed to be giving you much more than you even thought to ask for, the choices here were pitiful. We could get EITHER a side or dessert, not both. We decided on a bag of chips for one and a fruit and yogurt parfait for the other, but were then told that was the wrong size...we had to get the puny ones at the end that were smaller than the sanck size at McDonald's. Yes, we can use snack credits for dessert at Goofy's, but it was the principal of the thing. The dining plan specifically says you get both, but I guess since they're not Disney, they get to make their own rules.
I may go here again, but I'd pay OOP. More likely, I'd eat BOTH meals at WPE!
Overall evaluation of Earl of Sandwich:
Food : B
Ambiance: C
Amenities: D
Kona Cafe:
So I'd been begging to eat here for a long time and we finally had space to fit it in this trip. After DTD all day, we had an early dinner so we'd have some time left in MK. Little did we know that the time we'd planned for after dinner would be eaten up by waiting for our table. The lobby of the Poly looked like an airport terminal in a snowstorm....people had obviously been camped out for awhile. It took almost an hour to get seated and we would have left except we didn't have a lot of other options. Unfortunately, this set a bad tone.
When we finally got seated, it was at a table pretty much out of the restaurant on top of the kitchen of the sushi bar. Our server was slow in coming, and that was pretty much the way it went all night. He wasn't freindly or even apologetic, and it took 15 or so minutes just to get our drinks. A table next to us had him as a server as well, and he hit them 3 times before he got to us at all.
I had the New York with teriyaki glaze, but I had mashed instead of rice. Woody had the ribeye, and Tigger got the pork chop, since he said he was "tired of steak".
Buzz got the chicken noodle soup app. and the cheeseburger. Unfortunately, with seeing so little of our waiter, the next time we did see him, he had the entrees. Buzz never got his app at all. He did like his cheeseburger, though. My steak was ok, mostly the glaze was what made it good. Woody said his ribeye was fine as well. Tigger was eating his pork and saying it was good. It was dark in the restaurant, or I hoped I would have noticed it, but 1/2 way through he said, "Mom, this is pretty chewy. I don't think it's cooked all the way." Of course, we though he was being dramatic, but sure enough it was raw in the middle. And he'd eaten 1/2 of it! I entered mom mode of "I hope he doesn't get sick"! Still, I didn't want to put thoughts in his head. Since the waiter never came back to check on us, we finally had to find HIM to let him know. He apologized and got it re-cooked. To his credit, this time he did come check on us. Tigger said it was better, but I'd lost my appetite.
It was time for dessert and Tigger had been waiting 6 months to get a Kona cone and Buzz got the obligatory ice cream sundae...I ordered the white chocolate cheesecake, and Woody got the banana creme brulee. The kona cone was more fun to look at than it was to eat. My cheesecake was so sweet, I could only eat 4 bites. Woody said his was ok.
I really wanted to like this place. It was my choice and it fell so far short of my expectations. It was by far the biggest disappointment of the trip. The food was just ok, the atmosphere wasn't great, the service was poor. It took us 2 hours and 45 minutes from check-in to finish the meal, so we missed the parks entirely for the day, which just about killed me! I may be able to talk the crew into trying it again for breakfast some day, but I don't know how hard I'll try...
Overall evaluation of Kona Cafe:
Food: C (Lower if you consider the undercooked pork
)Ambiance: C-
Service: D-
natalielongstaff
<font color=deeppink>I need a cup of tea and a big
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2004
- Messages
- 80,430
Catching up on your reviews ! Shame about Kona, thats not good 
DisneyGembob
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2009
- Messages
- 36
I don't think that they do this to be eco-friendly, I think they do this for the safety of the animal, someone correct me if I am wrong...
dogodisney
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2008
- Messages
- 3,150
You are right! I was told that by a CM.
BriarRosie
<font color=blue>Creator of Tag Fairy Haiku:<br>Cl
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2002
- Messages
- 11,164
I'm curious about the Kona pork chop. How pink was it? Pork nowadays is safe to be a little pink. It does not have to be completely white to be safe. If it was more than slightly pink and obviously raw, then yes, I agree that's a problem. But a little pink is ok. Just an FYI.
I've tasted the pork chop that my mother ordered and had diner's remorse for not ordering one for myself. It really was fabulous.
I think service plays a huge part in the restaurant experience. I believe a restaurant could have tasty food, but if the server is doing a poor job, it would make someone less likely to return.
I've tasted the pork chop that my mother ordered and had diner's remorse for not ordering one for myself.
It really was fabulous.I think service plays a huge part in the restaurant experience. I believe a restaurant could have tasty food, but if the server is doing a poor job, it would make someone less likely to return.
diamondpixienc
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2009
- Messages
- 1,486
The Whispering Canyon descriptions sound so yummy. Oh the wait for Sept 2010 is driving me crazy
ErinInCT
Someday my tag will come...
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2004
- Messages
- 1,200
Yes, this has helped me too! I had no idea you could use fewer dining "credits" and share food. That is a way better option for us with dd going to be 10 on our trip, yet she would never be able to eat an adult meal. Nice to know we can share, which also helps to save room for dessert!!!
Ok, I'm thinking Wolfgang Puck Express is gonna have to be a choice for us. I tend to avoid DTD but it sounds like you get a real bang for your buck! Thanks so much for your detailed reviews!
Ok, I'm thinking Wolfgang Puck Express is gonna have to be a choice for us. I tend to avoid DTD but it sounds like you get a real bang for your buck! Thanks so much for your detailed reviews!
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