UPDATED! 12 Days on DxDDP, 27 Meals, Too Many Snacks! Kona & Le Cellier

[Terk-1]

We left our resort at 6:45am for a 7:30am ADR for breakfast at Boma's at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. This was the first indication as to "should have rented a car". Took the bus to AK, then waited for a bus to AKL. Well with the new AKLV, we had to go there first, wait to let 2 scooters on, then cram the bus full of people before heading to AKL. Did not get to AKL until 7:30am.

We were seated fairly quickly and our server was there to introduce herself and offer up Frunch. I passed and asked for oj instead. She kinda gave me a bit of tude for not wanting the Frunch, have I tried it before, am I sure I don't want it, etc. Told her I was good with OJ, thanks. Brought the OJ & coffee quickly, then we hit the buffet.

I have always enjoyed this buffet, as the food is always hot and fresh. I love the fruit that is cut in big pieces and their pastries are awesome.

We left with a full belly and headed over to AK.

Credits used: 4 - Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (would have given a higher score if not for the server or the really long ride to get there.)

 

[smile4stamps]

The buses to/from AKL seem to be lacking! We had issues getting from there to MK after our dinner at Jiko. I don't think I would ever be able to convince hubby to go to anywhere at AKL again...

Really glad to hear you enjoyed your breakfast though! If I ever go on a trip without my hubby I will venture over there.

 

[CupcakeLisa]

really enjoying your reviews so far! its a shame you have had a few meals that werent great but glad you didnt let them ruin your trip

 

[Terk-1]

After walking off our breakfast all over Animal Kingdom, we headed to Tusker House for a late lunch. Got a few drinks over at bar next to Tusker House while we waited to be seated. Server was good (little pushy on the tip suggestions), as well as the food. I really was not thinking when I booked this, as I had booked a buffet for breakfast too. Little too much buffet in one day. Should have booked Yak & Yeti.





































Credits used: 4 - Rating: 3.5 out of 5

 

[kelleigh1]

Another Massachusetts-ian here. I too would have been so annoyed about the waitperson trash talking us. But we can just chalk is up to jealously, that's for sure.

I'm bummed that you had such a miserable experience at Cape May. We also have it on our list for dinner and breakfast. I've read mostly good reviews about it, even from other locals who know good seafood. I'm hoping that maybe you were there on an off night and that it isn't the norm. I think maybe I'll plan it for early in the trip just in case so that hopefully later meals will be better...like Artist Point. That one looks fantastic and is also on our list.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Really enjoying your reviews!

 

[Terk-1]

We headed over to the Magic Kingdom in the evening, then took the monorail over to the Grand Floridian. This was the first time dining here for me, so I was looking forward to it. We were seated after a short wait.

Appetizers:
Sautéed Shrimp Lemon, White Wine, Tomatoes, and Feta, less the feta cheese. These were very good, although I was a bit disappointed to see it served with a plastic spoon.


Blue Crab Pave: Lump Crab, Capers, Meyer Lemon, Fennel-Celery Salad, Avocado, Olive Tapenade, and Piquillo Vinaigrette:


Braised Baby Beets with Lemon-Chive Goat Cheese, Balsamic Reduction,
Petite Greens, and Golden Beet Coulis:


Artisanal Greens and Heirloom Apple Salad Balsamic-Orange Blossom Honey Emulsion, Pickled Red Pearl Onions, Medjool Dates, Smoked-Spiced Almonds, and Valdéon Blue Cheese:

 

[Terk-1]

Striped Bass:


Grilled Swordfish Trenne Pasta, White Anchovy-Poma Rosa Tomato Sauce, Kalamata Olives, Roasted Fennel, Baby Artichokes, and Black Truffle Vinaigrette (So all I wanted was plain mashed potatoes and baby carrots and ended up with mashed potatoes mixed with carrots):


Braised Veal Shank Carrot-Potato Mash, Roasted Vegetables, and Toasted Citrus Gremolata:


Braised Short Ribs Creamy Polenta, Red Frills Mustard Greens, and Blood Orange Demi-glace:

 

[Lisa29]

Great reviews, thanks

 

[Terk-1]

Have to say that the dessert was the best part of the meal!!

Warm Chocolate -Banana Torte with Vanilla Ice Cream and Handcrafted Belgium Couverture Chocolate Crown:



This was like ridiculously good. I could have had that every night!!

Seasonal Berry Gratin with a Champagne-Grand Marnier Sabayon:



Tasting of Gelato featuring Italian Latte, Raspberry, and Double Chocolate:



The "foam" on the latte was a marshmallow. All of them were very tasty.

Calvados Apple-Cranberry Cobbler with Cashews and Pecans featuring
Cinnamon Gelato:



Total credits used: 8 - Rating: 4 out of 5

 

[archdandy]

Great reviews so far! It's disappointing when you have a bad meal but it sounds like you had a lot of good one's to make up for the couple bad one's. Judging by the pictures you took of Cape May Cafe there does seem to be a lot of food missing so early in the night.

 

[gardengirl628]

Great reviews! Artist Point is my favorite as well. Smoky Portabello Soup is a little cup of heaven!

 

[heather360]

I'm really enjoying your reviews.

I'm traveling solo October 2012 and I'm really looking forward to it. I'm fairly comfortable dining alone but wanted to ask if there was any restaurant you would avoid when solo? I love the signature restaurants and I'm considering the deluxe dining plan but are these places too quiet when dining by yourself?

Any advice you can give would be appreciated.

 

[Terk-1]

So we decided to munch our way around the Food & Wine Festival at EPCOT for late breakfast/lunch and had some great food!!

 

[Terk-1]

I'm really enjoying your reviews.

I'm traveling solo October 2012 and I'm really looking forward to it. I'm fairly comfortable dining alone but wanted to ask if there was any restaurant you would avoid when solo? I love the signature restaurants and I'm considering the deluxe dining plan but are these places too quiet when dining by yourself?

Any advice you can give would be appreciated.

Hi Heather,

I would not have a problem dining at any of the signatures solo, amd am planning on going to all of them again on my upcoming solo trip. The trick for me when I visit WDW solo, is that I love to read, so there is always a book in my bag. When I get to a restaurant, I will take in the atmosphere, view the menu, then after ordering, will grab my book and read while waiting for the appetizer to arrive, again before the main meal, then the dessert. I will get some reading in while eating as well, if possible. If you have a Kindle or Ipad, that's also an option to help kill the time.

The book comes in handy while I'm waiting for a parade, show or fireworks to start. Again, takes any awkwardness out of the picture of sitting there alone.

 

[MickeyMinnie22]

Excellent reveiws Sorry about your not so good meals, we have breakfast booked for Tusker House...hopefully your experience was just a one off!! x

 

[Liz&Griff'smom]

I am really enjoying your reviews. Looking forward to the California Grill review. We are are planning on dining there for the first time in June.

 

[Terk-1]

After taking a break, we headed over to the Yachtsman Steakhouse for dinner. I was really looking forward to this meal and it did not disappoint. Our server, Samir, was extremely polite and knowledgeable. Service was excellent and the courses served in a timely, but not rushed pace.

Bread w/Sea Salt Butter & Garlic:


Lobster Bisque - Maine Lobster, Herbes de Provence Bescuit, and Roe Chantilly:


Caesar Salad - Crisp Romaine, Aged Parmigiano Reggiano, and Ciabatta Crouton:


Pan Seared Diver Scallops - Roasted Bell Pepper Hummus, Olive Chermoula, Panisse, and Summer Radish:


Charcuterie Board - Smoked Duck Sausage, Venison Terrine, Black and Blue Beef Tartare, Artisanal Cheese, and Accoutrements:

 

[Terk-1]

Prime New York Strip Steak - 12-oz Strip Steak, Peppercorn Brandy Sauce,
and Carmody Potato Gratin:


Rib-Eye - 16-oz Boneless Rib-Eye, Sweet Potato Beignets, and Red Wine Butter: (2 of us had this)


Filet Mignon - 8-oz Filet, Mashed Potatoes, and Red Wine Sauce:


Everyone's meat was cooked to perfection!! Better than at Le Cellier!

 

[Terk-1]

Yummy again!!!

Chocolate-Peanut - Valrhona Chocolate Brownie, Smoked Peanut Panna Cotta, and Vanilla Gelato:



Vanilla Crème Brûlée - Vanilla Custard and Almond Biscotti:


Habañero-infused Flourless Chocolate Cake*Mango Compote and Lime Sorbet:


The Yachtsman Sundae - Trio of Gelato and Amarena Cherries:


This was one of our best meals during the trip. Everything was perfect!!

Total Credits Used: 8 - Rating: 5 out of 5

Next up: Breakfast at Kona & Dinner at Le Cellier