The Sweet and Short Dining Report of AACVacation!
- Thread starter aacvacation
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princess aleya
DIS Veteran
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- Mar 11, 2009
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Loving your report so far!
darthtatty
Been There, Done That, Going Back!
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2008
- Messages
- 3,027
Its a shame they didn't mention your adr wasn't until later when you checked in. Sounds like you enjoyed just relaxing though.
I do love Coral Reef, my sons in a wheelchair so we sit right at the back.
youre right, the views are just as good right at the back. I do hear a lot of complaints that people sitting on tables by the tank, are constantly getting bothered by people coming to look.
I really enjoy the food there but my son & husband don't, so this time we're skipping it. It does give me a chance to try something new though
look forward to reading more.
I do love Coral Reef, my sons in a wheelchair so we sit right at the back.
youre right, the views are just as good right at the back. I do hear a lot of complaints that people sitting on tables by the tank, are constantly getting bothered by people coming to look.
I really enjoy the food there but my son & husband don't, so this time we're skipping it. It does give me a chance to try something new though
look forward to reading more.
CaliTex
Will work for (Disney) food!
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2011
- Messages
- 305
I love your writing style and really am finding your reviews both helpful and entertaining. Too funny about the waiter, but you know... it is tough enough communicating with men without a language barrier in the mix!
Or maybe it would help...who knows!
When I figure out how, I will definitely subscribe to this thread.
Hmmm...think I will change one of my ADRs from Mexico to France. Sounds great, and I can use my high school French (complete with a Texas drawl) on the wait staff! I know that will make their day!
But seriously: You had me from "cheese plate".
Or maybe it would help...who knows!
When I figure out how, I will definitely subscribe to this thread.
Hmmm...think I will change one of my ADRs from Mexico to France. Sounds great, and I can use my high school French (complete with a Texas drawl) on the wait staff! I know that will make their day!
But seriously: You had me from "cheese plate".
Smiling Cheshire Cat
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2009
- Messages
- 6,457
I've had the best time reading your report. What an experience at Les Chefs!
I agree with you about eating meat on the bone. I know its a mental thing for me, but not very appetizing.
So sad you had to wait forever at Coral Reef, but glad you enjoyed your steak.
I agree with you about eating meat on the bone. I know its a mental thing for me, but not very appetizing.
So sad you had to wait forever at Coral Reef, but glad you enjoyed your steak.
aacvacation
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 12, 2014
- Messages
- 224
Sadly not! But I'll find him!
Thanks so much!Thank you very much!
Loving your report and *awwwwww* at the French waiter! Just FYI the paper placemats are a French thing, pretty much EVERY restaurant in france use paper placemats)
Ahahah, thank you so much!! And okay, that makes me feel better- but at the same time, sort of like an uncultured swine. Thanks for clearing that up! I know a lot of other peopole had wondered about it on here too. Set us all straight, Princess!!
Yum! Yum! Yum!!! Also, green beans are my favorite vegetable, too!
I think I could have done some serious damage on the dessert... I have a sweet tooth like you wouldn't believe...
Mmmm, I'm making them for dinner as we speak, haha!
And you said Coral Reef was one of your 'must-try' places! I'm officially CHALLENGING YOU! Can you finish The Wave?
Can you ride The Wave?
Can you survive The Wave?
Okay I give up, you get the point. I'd love to see you do it!
Yes, it was awesome. I'm happy to hear you enjoyed this place as well! Thanks for reading!!
UHG, YES! I am ACTUALLY helping someone!!! So happy to hear that, thank you! I'm glad you are enjoying the reviews, and I hope your experiences are even better than my own on your vacation!!
Thank you so much for following along!
Its a shame they didn't mention your adr wasn't until later when you checked in. Sounds like you enjoyed just relaxing though.
I do love Coral Reef, my sons in a wheelchair so we sit right at the back.
youre right, the views are just as good right at the back. I do hear a lot of complaints that people sitting on tables by the tank, are constantly getting bothered by people coming to look.
I really enjoy the food there but my son & husband don't, so this time we're skipping it. It does give me a chance to try something new though
look forward to reading more.
Yeah, I know. That was a big letdown. But the more I think about it, it's kind of like... well what else would I have done?
...Actually, I probably would have gone in The Seas pavilion...but OH WELL!
Even though you won't be returning on your next trip, I'm sure you'll be able to get them back eventually.
I definitely will come back here. The atmosphere alone was so enjoyable, I couldn't believe it!Still, I'm sure you'll have a great time wherever you three decide to try. Have an amazing trip and thanks for reading!
I love your writing style and really am finding your reviews both helpful and entertaining. Too funny about the waiter, but you know... it is tough enough communicating with men without a language barrier in the mix!
Or maybe it would help...who knows!
When I figure out how, I will definitely subscribe to this thread.
Hmmm...think I will change one of my ADRs from Mexico to France. Sounds great, and I can use my high school French (complete with a Texas drawl) on the wait staff! I know that will make their day!
I laughed but then I cried at your comment: "it is tough enough communicating with men without a language barrier in the mix!"
That is so true it is not even funny. (But yet, it is.)
Thank you for the compliment. I rely on humor to get me through everything, so it's pretty natural for that to come out when I write. I just always hope it doesn't make me sound like a snot. (I promise I'm nice!)
If you haven't figured it out, go to the first post and to 'Thread Tools' click on it, and at the bottom it says 'Subscribe to this Thread.' Hopefully someone else helped you because I am pretty late to the game.
A girl that likes a cheese plate had better get herself over to Chefs. That's for sure. I can't say anything for/against eating at Mexico. It has never really appealed to me because my family has frequented this place called El Cerro Grande 2 days a week for 10 years. Needless to say, Mexican is never a first pick for me, because I'm always sick of it.
And I saw tons of people trying out their French there! The waiters were even nice enough to help them with it. So, if they are snickering or rolling their eyes, it's behind the scenes, not to your face!
Thank you very much! It was quite a time. I'd give anything to go back and repeat it today.... Being home is no fun!
It's a mental thing for me too. I mean hey, I ordered chicken, it's not like I have a problem with eating meat! I also understand that I'm the one who is strange for not wanting it to be prepared that way, so it made me pretty self conscious when it came out and I was nearly having a panic attack...
Oh well, to each their own!
And I'd wait all over again for that steak, so I'm not sweating it!
Thanks for reading!
aacvacation
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 12, 2014
- Messages
- 224
Thursday, April 24th
Breakfast Buffet at The Crystal Palace, Magic Kingdom
After a somewhat difficult morning that you can read about in my TR, I was finally at The Crystal Palace and they had been so generous as to seat me, even though I was beyond late for my reservation. (My reservation was for 8:30, it was now 10:30)
*Chorus of Angels*
The man seating me, Roger, was very interesting. He was older, in his late 60s he said, and quite complimentary. I wanted a picture in front of the 'Friendship Celebration' banner inside, and invited Roger to join in with me.
Well, the picture came out like this...
So much for the banner, LOL.
On the short walk to my table, Roger transitioned from 'complimentary' to well...sort of creepy. He was harmless, but...he just kept going on and on about my appearance, and then wrote every last bit of his contact info (full name, address, every phone number, email....everything) down so that I would send him the picture we took together as well as 'keep in touch.' I didn't say 'no' but...decided to myself that that wasn't the best idea.
My table...with a few people around.
(I tried to respect their privacy by putting stickers on them.)
Totally worked.
After Roger left me, my waitress arrived. Her name was Alanna, and I LOVED her! She is very sweet, but also sarcastic and witty. She asked me if I worked at Disney because I just had that 'energy.' I was so flattered, but had to tell her no, not yet!
She explained to me kind of the whole process of The Crystal Palace, since I had not been there before. That being, it is a Friendship Celebration with Winnie the Pooh and his friends (Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore) featuring a buffet style breakfast with tons of items, hot and cold. The characters come around and stop at every table and are happy to take pictures. Since I was there alone, she was also sure to tell me that their character attendants would be happy to take pictures for me. And Alanna would take my drink order and clear the table as well as assist me with anything else I might need, but getting food was all up to me!
So with that, I thanked her and ordered some hot tea!
The buffet was 'behind' me and to the left. I love this interior!
My beautiful tea set arrived with plenty of selection. I chose the first, an Orange Pekoe blend. (It was Twinings...so there wasn't a chance it'd be bad.)
I can't stand drinking anything that is too hot, so I wait until my 'hot tea' is more like 'just over mouth temperature tea', so my bag was left to steep for around 15 minutes. It was delicious and rich, but not too citrus-y. Perfect for breakfast time!
A part of me had wanted coffee, but decided against it since it was late in the morning. So when the woman at the table next to me had a pot, I had to ask how it was. She said that it wasn't all that great. Very bland, and debatably worse than what they have in the resort rooms. That being said, I would definitely always opt for the tea here instead!
Alanna came back and told me I should hold off on going up the the buffet, as some characters were on their way out! I immediately got really excited. Just when I went to look around, Tigger tapped me on the shoulder, and I practically bounced right out of my seat!
We always have a great time!
And then came along little Piglet!
Selfie with Piglet because his character attendant was MIA, I think it's cute!
After him I had a small break from the characters to go get something from the buffet.
There were a lot of options, but I knew I wanted to try two specific things first.
Pooh's Puffed French Toast and some Cheesy Potatoes!
Or...maybe they were called 'Breakfast Casserole Potatoes'....I can't remember, but you get the idea. Regardless, they were gross. Like honestly they were just bad. Really fake cream/cheese taste, way too mushy, and on top of that they were cold. They were also really black pepper-y. Normally that is not something I would complain about, as I am partial to black pepper. But it did not fit with the overall taste of the potatoes. I took two bites and refused anymore. That was pretty disappointing, but buffets are hit and miss just in general.
The french toast was another matter entirely. I've got to be honest, I was a little intimidated by the shape and size of this puffed treat, and I wasn't sure how to go about eating it! I figured it was too big to be finger food, and maybe too sugary to be paired with syrup, so I just cut in and went with it...
And oh my goodness. This is not breakfast. This is not french toast. This is basically like eating a funnel cake doughnut rolled in sugar. But I am NOT complaining. It was so fluffy and crisp, beautifully cooked battered and fried. I get why everyone raves about it, I REALLY get it.
I noticed that Pooh was going to be showing up soon, so I chilled out on my food and checked my teeth for anything embarrassing...
The lobster arm...
And right after him, Eeyore!
The stitching on his costume is beyond cute.
After Eeyore, the last character, I sat down to finish the rest of my french toast, which only took me a few seconds. Then it was time for round 2!
I had planned to go up there and just go crazy! But, as is generally my problem with buffets, I'm not crazy about stuff that looks like it has been sitting out for some time, or too many people have picked at it. And since I was there so late, not much was being replenished.
This is what I ended up with:
On the left plate: more of P'sPFT, a Mickey waffle, and some bacon.
Right plate: Bacon and cheese scone, blueberry crumb cake, and a ball of butter for my waffle.
Bowls: Strawberry yogurt that I added a little strawberry to and maple syrup.
The first thing I tried was the bacon and cheese scone. I love scones,and cheese, and bacon; it sounded like a winner. But this, sadly, had been sitting out for a while, and I noticed that immediately after picking it up from my plate. The scone itself had a fake smokey flavor added to it, making it seem more like a dog biscuit than a scone. (Even more so since it was stale.) I didn't bother with it after the first bite.
As for the regular bacon on it's own...it's just that rubbery turkey stuff they serve everywhere. It's far too thin and greasy. I honestly feel like it's that stuff you just pop in the microwave. Yet, every time I have breakfast at Disney, I still get their bacon in hopes that one day it will be great.
The Mickey waffle was good, just as it always is. Although it may have been made even better by the whole ball of butter I put on it....sorry, not sorry. I also put a little syrup too, which was pleasant and warm. It didn't have a very 'maple' taste, so I think they were just calling it that. But sugary sweet syrup is fine by me. Better than fake maple flavor additives.
The blueberry crumb cake was AWESOME. That was the one item that they had just put out when I walked up to the buffet, so it was nice and fresh. It's pretty sweet, but they cut it in a small enough square that it wasn't too bad. And for a crumb cake, it was *just* moist enough. Ahh, perfect! The blueberries were beautiful, and the color of the treat itself was pretty. Plus there was an unexpected lemony zest in the cake that was such a twist! It made the whole thing just...refreshing.
The strawberry yogurt was just that. Creamy and thick, plenty of strawberry flavor and bits. Plus I enjoyed having a nice plump fresh berry cut up in it too.
I finished breakfast with my puffed toast. I definitely wanted that flavor to leave with me, haha. It was, again, delicious!! So you have double confirmation on that!!
Alnna came back to check on me and I told her I was all finished. I scanned my band, left her a tip, and we grabbed a picture together.
On my way out, I got this picture of the buffet. It was clear they were closing things to switch it up for lunch.
And, before I left, I had to get my picture of the banner!
The backwards letters...too cute!!!
When I exited, I checked my phone for the time. It was nearly noon...and I had a FP+ lunch scheduled at 1:40 for BOG...whoops!
Next Up: Lunch and Be Our Guest
Breakfast Buffet at The Crystal Palace, Magic Kingdom
After a somewhat difficult morning that you can read about in my TR, I was finally at The Crystal Palace and they had been so generous as to seat me, even though I was beyond late for my reservation. (My reservation was for 8:30, it was now 10:30)
*Chorus of Angels*
The man seating me, Roger, was very interesting. He was older, in his late 60s he said, and quite complimentary. I wanted a picture in front of the 'Friendship Celebration' banner inside, and invited Roger to join in with me.
Well, the picture came out like this...
So much for the banner, LOL.
On the short walk to my table, Roger transitioned from 'complimentary' to well...sort of creepy. He was harmless, but...he just kept going on and on about my appearance, and then wrote every last bit of his contact info (full name, address, every phone number, email....everything) down so that I would send him the picture we took together as well as 'keep in touch.' I didn't say 'no' but...decided to myself that that wasn't the best idea.
My table...with a few people around.
(I tried to respect their privacy by putting stickers on them.)
Totally worked.
After Roger left me, my waitress arrived. Her name was Alanna, and I LOVED her! She is very sweet, but also sarcastic and witty. She asked me if I worked at Disney because I just had that 'energy.' I was so flattered, but had to tell her no, not yet!
She explained to me kind of the whole process of The Crystal Palace, since I had not been there before. That being, it is a Friendship Celebration with Winnie the Pooh and his friends (Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore) featuring a buffet style breakfast with tons of items, hot and cold. The characters come around and stop at every table and are happy to take pictures. Since I was there alone, she was also sure to tell me that their character attendants would be happy to take pictures for me. And Alanna would take my drink order and clear the table as well as assist me with anything else I might need, but getting food was all up to me!
So with that, I thanked her and ordered some hot tea!
The buffet was 'behind' me and to the left. I love this interior!
My beautiful tea set arrived with plenty of selection. I chose the first, an Orange Pekoe blend. (It was Twinings...so there wasn't a chance it'd be bad.)
I can't stand drinking anything that is too hot, so I wait until my 'hot tea' is more like 'just over mouth temperature tea', so my bag was left to steep for around 15 minutes. It was delicious and rich, but not too citrus-y. Perfect for breakfast time!
A part of me had wanted coffee, but decided against it since it was late in the morning. So when the woman at the table next to me had a pot, I had to ask how it was. She said that it wasn't all that great. Very bland, and debatably worse than what they have in the resort rooms. That being said, I would definitely always opt for the tea here instead!
Alanna came back and told me I should hold off on going up the the buffet, as some characters were on their way out! I immediately got really excited. Just when I went to look around, Tigger tapped me on the shoulder, and I practically bounced right out of my seat!
We always have a great time!
And then came along little Piglet!
Selfie with Piglet because his character attendant was MIA, I think it's cute!
After him I had a small break from the characters to go get something from the buffet.
There were a lot of options, but I knew I wanted to try two specific things first.
Pooh's Puffed French Toast and some Cheesy Potatoes!
Or...maybe they were called 'Breakfast Casserole Potatoes'....I can't remember, but you get the idea. Regardless, they were gross. Like honestly they were just bad. Really fake cream/cheese taste, way too mushy, and on top of that they were cold. They were also really black pepper-y. Normally that is not something I would complain about, as I am partial to black pepper. But it did not fit with the overall taste of the potatoes. I took two bites and refused anymore. That was pretty disappointing, but buffets are hit and miss just in general.
The french toast was another matter entirely. I've got to be honest, I was a little intimidated by the shape and size of this puffed treat, and I wasn't sure how to go about eating it! I figured it was too big to be finger food, and maybe too sugary to be paired with syrup, so I just cut in and went with it...
And oh my goodness. This is not breakfast. This is not french toast. This is basically like eating a funnel cake doughnut rolled in sugar. But I am NOT complaining. It was so fluffy and crisp, beautifully cooked battered and fried. I get why everyone raves about it, I REALLY get it.
I noticed that Pooh was going to be showing up soon, so I chilled out on my food and checked my teeth for anything embarrassing...
The lobster arm...
And right after him, Eeyore!
The stitching on his costume is beyond cute.
After Eeyore, the last character, I sat down to finish the rest of my french toast, which only took me a few seconds. Then it was time for round 2!
I had planned to go up there and just go crazy! But, as is generally my problem with buffets, I'm not crazy about stuff that looks like it has been sitting out for some time, or too many people have picked at it. And since I was there so late, not much was being replenished.
This is what I ended up with:
On the left plate: more of P'sPFT, a Mickey waffle, and some bacon.
Right plate: Bacon and cheese scone, blueberry crumb cake, and a ball of butter for my waffle.
Bowls: Strawberry yogurt that I added a little strawberry to and maple syrup.
The first thing I tried was the bacon and cheese scone. I love scones,and cheese, and bacon; it sounded like a winner. But this, sadly, had been sitting out for a while, and I noticed that immediately after picking it up from my plate. The scone itself had a fake smokey flavor added to it, making it seem more like a dog biscuit than a scone. (Even more so since it was stale.) I didn't bother with it after the first bite.
As for the regular bacon on it's own...it's just that rubbery turkey stuff they serve everywhere. It's far too thin and greasy. I honestly feel like it's that stuff you just pop in the microwave. Yet, every time I have breakfast at Disney, I still get their bacon in hopes that one day it will be great.
The Mickey waffle was good, just as it always is. Although it may have been made even better by the whole ball of butter I put on it....sorry, not sorry. I also put a little syrup too, which was pleasant and warm. It didn't have a very 'maple' taste, so I think they were just calling it that. But sugary sweet syrup is fine by me. Better than fake maple flavor additives.
The blueberry crumb cake was AWESOME. That was the one item that they had just put out when I walked up to the buffet, so it was nice and fresh. It's pretty sweet, but they cut it in a small enough square that it wasn't too bad. And for a crumb cake, it was *just* moist enough. Ahh, perfect! The blueberries were beautiful, and the color of the treat itself was pretty. Plus there was an unexpected lemony zest in the cake that was such a twist! It made the whole thing just...refreshing.
The strawberry yogurt was just that. Creamy and thick, plenty of strawberry flavor and bits. Plus I enjoyed having a nice plump fresh berry cut up in it too.
I finished breakfast with my puffed toast. I definitely wanted that flavor to leave with me, haha. It was, again, delicious!! So you have double confirmation on that!!
Alnna came back to check on me and I told her I was all finished. I scanned my band, left her a tip, and we grabbed a picture together.
On my way out, I got this picture of the buffet. It was clear they were closing things to switch it up for lunch.
And, before I left, I had to get my picture of the banner!
The backwards letters...too cute!!!
When I exited, I checked my phone for the time. It was nearly noon...and I had a FP+ lunch scheduled at 1:40 for BOG...whoops!
Next Up: Lunch and Be Our Guest
WildGinger
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2012
- Messages
- 308
Love your review! I can't believe the Chefs de France waiter gave you his number! It was so cute! Your pictures are great. Love your dress at the Crystal Palace!
!! The pictures are bright and clear and you describe everything in detail...adore it!! Also appreciate you taking the time to post! Thanks!Stacybaeasm
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 28, 2008
- Messages
- 1,728
I loved the puffed french toast at Crystal Palace when I ate there a few years ago. Reading your review makes me think I need to go back there next visit. At this rate, I may never get to Tusker House for breakfast.
FoundNemoLostDori
Are my Mickey Ears on Straight?
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2007
- Messages
- 396
LOVING your trip report! Honestly, you are like a breath of fresh air. I was cracking up over the phone number/French accent debacle, and then your older gentleman fan at the CP!! :rotfl2 Really love how easy going your attitude is, especially when you had a right to be upset over the long wait. Hilarious, but I find it ironic how you won't eat chicken off the bone, (I find that unappetizing myself), yet will order your steak "rare"! Nothing wrong with that, but I would have thought the sight of blood would not be up your alley
Finkerfell
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2008
- Messages
- 403
Loving your reviews! The detail is awesome! Keep em coming!
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