Three more hours till we eat again!!! Deluxe Dining Review 12/15-12/22

[starousse]

Hi everyone and Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah to all,

After enjoying everyone's reviews, and getting some great tips over the past year, I'm finally excited to report back on the details of my trip. Just to mention, it was my husband and I (35), my son (5) and my daughter (2). This was our first family trip, and we stayed at the Wilderness Lodge from 12/15-12/22.

My husband is a chef, and we both enjoy good food, and love to try new places, hence we opted for the Deluxe Dining Plan. I'm somewhat disappointed to say, that I took many pictures on this trip, however, not too many of the food. I may have taken a few shots, but my husband started making fun of me that I was taking pics of food, so that ended. Here's where we ate for the week.

Arrival Day 12/15
Whispering Canyon Lunch
Artist Point Dinner

12/16
Chef Mickey's Breakfast
Le Cellier Lunch
Flying Fish Dinner

12/17
Cinderella's Royal Table Breakfast
Liberty Tree Tavern Lunch
California Grill Dinner

12/18
50's Primetime Cafe Lunch
Hollywood Brown Derby Dinner

12/19
Crystal Palace Breakfast
O'Hana Dinner

12/20
Tusker House Breakfast
Jiko Dinner

12/21
Earl of Sandwich Breakfast
T-Rex Lunch
Narcoosees Dinner

Departure Day 12/22
Whispering Canyon Cafe Breakfast

 

[starousse]

Whispering Canyon Cafe Lunch and Artist Point Dinner

Whispering Canyon Cafe

Our plane landed in Orlando at 12:15, we got to the Wilderness Lodge around 1:15, checked in quickly and walked right into our 1:30 lunch reservation at Whispering Canyon Cafe. Our two year old was really cranky from the traveling and had been crying for an hour, so we were in a bad mood at this point, but our waitress Mimi changed that very quickly.

We started with the pulled pork spring rolls and a mixed salad (both good). My husband had the bacon cheeseburger, and I had the multigrain turkey sandwich (both we're really good), but I loved my sandwich. My son had the kids skillet with the chicken and corn, which he didn't care for. My daughter, because she's 2 and not included on the plan just picked off everyone's plate. For dessert, we shared the smores and a yogurt parfait.


As previous posters have mentioned, there were hardly any of the antics at lunch. In fact, I couldn't believe how quiet it was, and there were plenty of people in there. No horse races, no screaming, no ketchup bottles, none of that silly stuff, which didn't bother me at all. I needed a nice quiet meal. The one funny thing our waitress did, was bring my husband a huge jar of diet coke, when he asked for another soda.

Overall, a very good lunch. Total cost around $90, Three credits used.


Artist Point
We checked into the Artist Point for our 6:05 dinner reservation, and were seated immediately. The restaurant was very tranquil, not too many kids around (which I was a little nervous about). Our waiter was nice and brought bread and the kids drinks with funny straws and some crayons to keep them busy. I started with an apple martini and my husband has the Lodge Fizz, which were both nice. For apps, I had the smokey portobello soup, and my husband had the mussels (both were good). For entrees, my husband had the Cedar Plank Salmon, which he said was good, and I had the Buffalo Strip Steak. The meat was great, but I wasn't wild about the potatoes and veggies served with it. For dessert, we shared the blueberry cobbler, which was way too tart and sweet for me and the baked apple cake which was a little bland.

Overall, it was a good meal. I don't like to rush by no means, but the meal was dragged out a bit. It was not one of my favorite signatures of the week, but by far not the worst. I would return if I was staying at the Lodge, but I don't know if I'd go out of my way to get there. Total bill was around $185, 6 credits used.

 

[starousse]

Chef Mickey's

Overall, I was very surprised about this one, considering all of the negative feedback I've been reading. We had an 8:45 reservation and were seated within 5 minutes after taking our pics with Mickey. The food was hot and fresh, and replenished often. Our waitress was wonderful and was constantly filling us up on coffee and juice. Also, the character interaction was great.

Total bill was around $100, and we used three credits.


Le Cellier

We had a 1:15 lunch reservation, and had to wait about 15 minutes to be seated. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of being in the cellar, very warm and intimate. We got our basket of pretzel bread, which was nothing special, until dipped into the infamous cheese soup. The soup was tasty, but very very rich. I only had a few spoonfuls. For the main, I ordered the filet and risotto, and now I know what everyone was referring to about the salt. Salty was an understatement. My husband had the Le Cellier burger, which was delicious. By far the best burger of the trip. For dessert, we shared a Maple Creme Brulee (YUM) and the Smores, which tasted good, but were a little hard.

Overall, it was very enjoyable. I am very glad that I changed this to the lunch rather than the dinner. In my opinion, it wouldn't have been worth the two credits per person. I would definitely return just to have that burger again.

Total bill was around $150, three credits used.

 

[starousse]

Flying Fish Cafe

We originally had a 5:50 reservation, but after having a huge Chef Mickey breakfast and a late Le Cellier lunch, we just weren't hungry at that time. We went to check in, and the CM at the podium was very nice and told us that if we wanted to come back around 7, that would be no problem. So we walked around the Boardwalk to explore and to build up some hunger and we're seated at 7.

Really nice and trendy place. Loved the open kitchen and decor. Started off with a Blood Orange Margarita which was awesome. Next came, what was my favorite appetizer of this entire trip. The Yellowfin Tuna Tartar and Crispy Tempura Tuna Vegetable Roll. Oh my goodness, was this heavenly. I've had some good sushi, but this thing was the best. My husband had the shrimp cocktail, which was good also.

We both had the Signature Potato Wrapped Red Snapper, which was also amazing. The fish was fresh and cooked perfectly. I'm not a leak lover, but they were fabulous too.

For dessert, I ordered the Boardwalk Trio, which was very disappointing. The whoopie pie was hard as a rock, the lime icicle was too sticky and tart, and the popcorn mouse was bleh! On the other hand, my husband got the Caramelized Banana Napoleon, which was one of the best desserts of the week. Amazing.

Overall, this was probably one of my favorite meals of the week, and definitely was worth the two credits per person. I was actually disappointed that I had already made dining plans for the week, as I would have loved to go back for another meal.

Total cost around $190, Six credits used.

 

[kelleigh1]

Shame on the husband for making fun of you for taking food photos. He apparently doesn't understand the importance of food porn!

We'll be doing the DxDP on our Oct. trip and will be dining at several of the same Signature places that you've been. That Tempura Tuna at Flying Fish sounds like something I am going to love.

We went to LeCellier on our last trip and we enjoyed it, but it was a 1TS at the time and when I heard it was going to be 2TS at dinner, I was thinking how glad I was that we'd already had dinner there because I don't think we'd go for 2 credits. It was good, but just not 2 credit worthy in my opinion.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Looking forward to hearing what you guys thought of your other meals. Thanks for sharing!

 

[starousse]

Cinderella's Royal Table

We checked in exactly at 9:05 am, and were put on a line to take our picture with Cinderella. This took around 15 minutes or so. We then walked up the winding staircase, and were seated not too far from the window overlooking Fantasyland. Surprisingly, the dining area was pretty small, but it felt nice being in the castle after all of these years.

We were immediately greeted with coffee and juice, by whom was probably one of our best servers all week. I've read numerous reviews about how people feel rushed, and how they are not offered seconds....Totally the opposite here....She must have filled our cups about 3 or 4 times. As soon as she saw our plates were near empty, she would just come out with additional plates of food. She brought my daughter who was 2, a huge plate of french toast sticks. Really an attentive server. She was so good, I believe my husband actually left her an additional tip, even though one was already included in the package.

Anyway, to start, they brought us some cinnamon buns, danishes and fruit. The food was your typical plate of eggs, sausage, bacon and potatoes. Nothing over the top, but not too bad either. The kids french toast sticks tasted microwaved, but no big deal. Once you dipped them in the syrup, they were fine. We knew we weren't coming for the food, but for the atmosphere and the whole castle experience.

The princess interaction I felt was pretty good. Some princesses seemed more happy to interact than others. Belle was very good, while Sleeping Beauty, seemed like she wanted to go to sleep.

Overall, my two year old daughter, and even my five year old son had a blast. It was a real nice breakfast, even if it was two dining credits. I would probably return, only because I know how much my daughter enjoyed it.

Total bill was around $100, six credits used

 

[starousse]

Liberty Tree Tavern

We arrived for our 1:25 lunch reservation, and to our surprise we actually waited around 40 minutes before we were seated. This was the only restaurant during the week in which we had to wait after our reserved time.

We both skipped appetizers here, as we were not too hungry, and this was going to the be one of the meals we pay OOP for. I ordered the Colony Salad. I'm not a big salad person, but I remember ordering this years ago and loving it, so I gave it a try. Even better this time around. I think this has to be my favorite salad anywhere. The pecans and the dressing make this salad delish. My husband had the tri corner roast beef sandwich which he loved as well. We skipped dessert as well.

I have always visited LTT for lunch in the MK and will continue to do so on future visits. I've had the dinner before but wasn't a fan.

Total bill was around $65.

 

[starousse]

Btw, this is a stupid question, how do I upload pictures. I read somewhere that you can create albums under my user control panel but I don't see that link option. Thanks.

 

[distherapy]

You can't stop now!!!

And here are directions for pictures (in the thread) http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2447483

 

[starousse]

Sorry, the my whole house has been sick and I've been swamped at work. I should be continuing soon. I didn't even realize anyone was reading these, I thought because I had no pictures, everyone was bored, lol.

 

[Avery&Todd]

Im here too!!! Our trip is not until June, so my stomach is living vicariously through your descriptions!!!

 

[chocolateMinnie]

really enjoying your reviews - we can never post pictures either - one of these days I'll get it sussed

 

[rznhal]

Sorry, the my whole house has been sick and I've been swamped at work. I should be continuing soon. I didn't even realize anyone was reading these, I thought because I had no pictures, everyone was bored, lol.

We're home sick today too ....hope you are better soon!!!!

 

[kelleigh1]

I love reading. I love the pics too, but it won't stop me from reading reviews!!!

Hope everyone is better soon!!!

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi there! Pictures or no pictures... I'm interested in your reviews.

 

[starousse]

Okay, I'm back...
California Grill Dinner

We headed over to the Contemporary from MK (8 minute walk) for our 5:50pm dinner reservation. We checked in, rode up in the elevator and were seated immediately. We had a nice table in front of the open area kitchen, which I loved.

Our waiter was very attentive and sweet to our kids. Brought our wine and some bread right away. For apps, I had the infamous Spicy Kazan Roll, which was great. The fish was fresh and the spicy sauce had just the right amount of kick to it. My hubby had the Tuna Three Ways, which was also amazing. Really excellent sushi, however still can't compare to the Tuna Tempura Roll app from the Flying Fish.

For entrees, I had the Cast Iron Bison with Truffle Macaroni and Cheese. Really great. The meat was cooked perfect and mac had a nice crunchy top. My husband had the Filet, which was nicely cooked as well. I don't think he was that wild about the purple potatoes that came with it though. The kids had grilled chicken with vegetables.

For dessert, we shared the Bananas and Caramel, which to me was one of the best desserts of the entire trip. I was stuffed, but I didn't leave a drop in the plate and we also had some chocolate cake which was somewhat forgettable.

Overall, this was one of the best meals we had. The atmosphere was enjoyable and the views were great. We had an earlier meal, so we didn't view the fireworks from there. The only downside, was this meal dragged on a bit, almost two and a half hours. We will most definitely be returning on our next visit.

The total bill was around $230. It cost us 6 dining credits, and about $60 out of pocket for the wine and tip.

Next up.....50's Primetime Cafe

 

[kelleigh1]

Cali Grill sounds so good!! So glad that we have this on our list. I've heard good things about their sushi, but glad to hear the FF was good too since that is also on our list.

 

[starousse]

50's Primetime Cafe

I know the reviews on this one are all over the place. Some love it, some hate it. For us, it's a must do every time!

We made an earlier lunch for 11:40, since we had no breakfast planned and wanted to get to HS as early as possible. The place was already crowded, but we had no wait. Luckily, we got seated at the really cool kitchen table, with the tv. We had the absolute best server ever "Cousin Mike". Who knows, someone else may have thought he was annoying as heck, but I thought he was hysterical.

First, he took our drink orders. I always order diet coke, and he had suggested making it a vanilla diet coke. I know it sounds silly, but I've been dreaming about these sodas ever since I left. Best diet soda I've ever had.

None of the appetizers looked that appealing, but due to the fact that we were on the dining plan, we figured, why not! I had the crab cake which was nasty! Tasted like a soggy, microwaved stuffed mushroom. Not good at all. My husband got the wedge salad with blue cheese and bacon bits. Again, not my cup of tea, but he ate it.

We both ordered the Mom's Favorite Sampler of pot roast, brisket and fried chicken. Really tasty, and really big. I'm not a fan of pot roast or brisket, but I really enjoyed it. The chicken was good too. Not too greasy, juicy, just right. It came with mashed potatoes and veggies, which I didn't eat because I was stuffed. That's when I became the joke of the whole restaurant. Cousin Mike made me stand up and proceeded to tell everyone that I was a big brat from Long Island and that I didn't eat my veggies, and that now I had to go wash dishes. I had to walk around the restaurant with my empty plate and follow him into the kitchen. I have a sense of humor, so I thought this was funny. My kids loved it too.

Then Cousin Mike made an announcement that I was a good girl, washed my dishes and now I could have dessert. We wound up sharing the Boston Cream Parfait which was amazing, and the Smores. I love my Smores, but these were not good. It was a row of marshmallows on top of a graham cracker with chocolate sauce. It had a very bitter and burnt taste, maybe because a dark chocolate was used. Just not too good. It's rare that my family would ever leave a "smores" dessert behind, but this one we did.

Overall, we really enjoyed our time at Primetime. The food is good, but not the greatest by any means, but it's a fun atmosphere and we had a great server.

Total bill was around $80, and we used 3 dining credits.

 

[jedijill]

Great review!

Jill in CO