UPDATED-Norway Princess PICS- We're Celebrating- with Food!

[shruley]

Ok, I have never done a report before, but after every trip I've wished I written more things down and remembered more details, so I promised myself this time I would do some trip reports. I need to start with the dining as payback for the hours and hours I have spent pouring over food pictures and reviews on here! I figured I should start the report pre-trip, to make sure I follow through and finish the report when I get back! I plan to take lots of pictures to go along with the report, because what is a dining report without pictures?

This is our Celebration trip-- to celebrate my daughter's 6th birthday on the 6th! We are also celebrating my husband's birthday the following week and, maybe most importantly, my youngest daughter having completed her third successful open heart surgery in her 2 1/2 short years. Although she's still being monitored closely for a possible pacemaker, her last surgery was a big success, and she is healthy, happy & BUSY! What better to celebrate than life?!?

The Details

Dates: Sept. 1-7
Resort: Pop Century. 1st time in a Value!

Cast: Me, Mother of 2 Princesses and lover of all things Disney. My recent obsession has become watching Food Network & the Food Porn thread on DIS. My husband tells me it's stupid to look at food all day and then wonder why you can't lose weight! I uesd to be a very picky eater, but I've become much more adventurous in my old age! I love dessert!

DH- I refer to him as my Pirate. As the only male in house, my DDs have decided that Dad needs anything "Pirate" related they find because, well, he's the boy! DH loves to eat and likes to try new foods. He is 6' 5" and skinny, thus the object of my huge resentment that he can eat whatever he wants and not gain a pound.

DD1- She's the ultimate Princess. She wears only dresses and wants nothing to do with anything that would get her dirty. She is turning 6 while we are on our trip! I'll refer to her as Aurora, as she has blond hair, loves to sleep, and is truly a Princess in her own right. My pride & joy, she's a great eater for being 5. Her fav restaurant is Chipotle, for Barbacoa and med. salsa! She also loves cucumber salad and asks for more Broccoli!

DD2- My miracle baby. She's endured a lot in her little life and is tough as nails. She's determined and independant! She's a decent eater, but lately we can't get her to sit still long enough to eat. I'll refer to her as Minnie, as she has 1 true love in her life--- Mickey Mouse. No one can compare to Mickey!

The Restaurants: All for Dinner

9/1- Earle of Sandwich
9/2- Cinderella's Royal Table
9/3- 50's Prime Time Cafe
9/4- Chef Mickey's
9/5- Whispering Canyon Cafe
9/6- Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus- Birthday dinner!

And wherever counter service lunch will take us....

 

[amandelba]

What a great reason to celebrate! Looking forward to your reviews.

 

[luckytobeme88]

This is what I call the "Celebration". Please do take lots of pictures to share with us.

 

[MickeyNicki]

Count me in!

 

[onelilspark]

I'm in!

 

[TigerKat]

Me too!

 

[helloconnie]

Definitely great resaons to celebrate! Count me in!

If you are the DDP, will you please let us know if you come out ahead?

 

[bek1758]

Sounds like a great and special trip! Can't wait to read the reviews

 

[DLo]

You have a lot to celebrate! looking forward to your reviews.

 

[jockey]

Looking forward to your reviews

 

[Disneyof3]

Can't wait for the reviews to start....

 

[Disneyluvr]

Sounds GREAT! I can't wait.

 

[shruley]

Ok, first review. I need to go home and figure out how to upload pictures, so I'll add those tonight after this review. There aren't many pictures for this one, I forgot to take any til I got to dessert! Sorry, but I can cold and soaked from the rain and had 2 cranky kids. I did better with pictures as the trip went on, I promise!

Here's day 1--

We arrived at our resort about 4:30pm . After munching our way through lunch on the plane, we were all more than ready for supper. We hopped the bus to DownTown Disney for my favorite- Earle of Sandwich. Sadly, just the time we arrived at DTD it started to rain. Correction, it started to pour! We made a mad dash through the rain and under a virtual waterfall into EOS. Not sure if it was the rain or what but DTD was pretty empty. A person greeted us and explained the dining plan to us. We were allowed to choose a side instead of dessert. We walked right up (no line). I had the Tuna….it’s all I’ve ever had there and I love it. The bread was perfectly crispy on the outside yet soft and it had lots of wonderful melted cheese. I chose potato salad instead of dessert. It was ok, but a little too tangy for me and a little too much dressing. My Pirate had the Italian. He’s not a huge EOS fan, but after his first bite he said “Oh, that is GOOD!” Aurora tried the kids Pizza sandwich and said it was good. Looked to have lots of sauce on it. She ate about half before succoming to the temptation of dessert. No dessert for me since I had the salad, but Pirate had the three berry parfait and said it was good. It looked to be quite fresh. Aurora chose the cupcake for dessert that looks more like a small cake! I think she picked it for the sprinkles. She at first refused to share with Minnie (whose supper at this point consisted of 2 potato chips and a bite of pizza sandwich and declaring “I don’t like it!”) until I said if she was still hungry afterwards, I would buy her ice cream. Even after slicing off a hunk for Minnie, Aurora only ate about half the cupcake and declared “I’m done.” Minnie proceeded to take care of the rest of the frosting and sprinkles. The cake itself was quite good, tasted very moist and fresh. The frosting reminded me a bit of what I’d normally find on a donut. Aurora got chocolate milk which came in a huge container that both she and Minnie couldn’t finish. Pirate and I got sodas. Sorry, not many pictures. I blame it on the rain, I was so distracted from convincing Minnie to keep her pants on!!! (they were wet, so she was sure they should come off) that I forgot. I did get one shot of the desserts, and only one before they were snatched away. I think it’s Aurora’s hand you see in the picture there. In short, I love this place. We will for sure be back.

3 CS credits on DDP- Total cost $29.45. OOP $1.25 for potato chips Minnie didn’t eat.

 

[thejman]

Looking forward to the rest of your reviews!

 

[shruley]

From Earl of Sandwich.. triple berry parfait & cupcake. See above!

 

[shruley]

Our second Counter Service meal and….it’s raining outside. Again. Aurora wanted pizza today so although I had no desire or plans to eat there, we ended up at Pinnochio’s Village Haus. Even though Aurora got her way, she’s still cranky because she wants to eat in the Castle. Can’t get through to her that you just can’t walk up to get pizza at the Castle. We argue over where to sit and I finally get her distracted by showing her the Blue Fairy Wish book. I help her write in her wish…for a High School Musical Blanket. A week later, she has not forgotten this wish, nor the fact that it hasn’t come true. And FYI- they don’t sell HSM blankets anywhere in the World.

Aurora got the kids cheese pizza with applesauce and a cookie. The apple sauce isn’t sweetened so no one really likes it, yet we keep forgetting that and keep ordering it later in the week. Pirate and I both get the pizza meals with a side salad. My dessert was chocolate cake, his was strawberry cheesecake. The salads were nice and fresh and something different and I loved the Ken’s dressings. The pizza was….ok. At the time I thought it was good, but I think it was more because of the hunger. I can’t put my finger on it, but I just don’t like Disney’s pizza. The pizza was hot and fresh and nothing really wrong with it. Just don’t care for it. The chocolate cake was good…love all the thick gooey frosting on it. And I actually liked pirates cheesecake as well. Very creamy and a great taste. We were worried about the kids meals being too small for the girls to share, but there was always more than enough food for all of us to share. Often times we end up not being able to finish our desserts and took them to go. The size of the CS drinks are insane!!!

Adult pepperoni pizza & side salad

Kids cheese pizza, applesauce & cookie

Another shot of adult pizza, salad & cheesecake dessert

Chocolate cake dessert & part of the ginormous pop

Sorry the lens cover was shadowing in some shots. I only got 1 chance to take pictures, they weren't a patient family!

The staff came out to sign Happy Birthday to Aurora. (Too bad dad didn't use a flash!)

Total cost- $36.78. Used 3 CS meal credits.

 

[shruley]

Dinner- Cinderella’s Royal Table.

Since we didn’t want to do a sit-down on our arrival or departure day, we decided to spend our extra credit on CRT. This is mostly for Aurora, so she can eat in the Castle. We’ve done breakfast and are doing Norway for the Princesses so we wanted to try dinner. We arrived about 5 for a 5:20 reservation and were told we weren’t allowed to check in with them til 5:10, so to leave and come back! We went and rode the Carrousel and returned again at exactly 5:10. We enter the room to meet Cinderella almost immeadiately. That line went fast and they got a great shot of the girls together.

We then sat on the benches and Aurora had fun spying Gus & Jock near the castle ceiling. Minnie spun and spun in her dress and Cinderella, who was just standing there waiting, looked at her adoringly.

We waited maybe 5 to 10 minutes before being called as “The Royal family.” We ascended the staircase (not easy for a 2 year old in a Princess dress) and once seated the girls were given wands that they proceeded to almost decapitate someone with. Pirate confiscates the wands and we looked at the menu. Once the waiter returns he again tries to give the girls wands and I thought Pirate may have HIS head. The table was decorated with some castle and carriage confetti for Aurora’s birthday that was cute.

Now, I have to say while I enjoyed this meal….this is not a fine dining experience. I did not find it romantic in any way and it felt quite hurried. I know they advertise this as a “romantic meal” for proposals and such, but it was VERY assembly line service. There is no relaxing or taking your time. I was fine with that as I have 2 small young kids, but if I came expecting a romantic dinner I’d have been upset. Our meal was actually paced ok, but a neighboring table got their entrees literally 3 minutes after they had been served their appetizer. They were seated after us and got their entrees probably 5-10 minutes before we got ours.
The menu-

Ok, the actual food. We order and were brought rolls and butter. The rolls were hot and fresh, but the nothing special. Aurora loves that the butter is in little balls and insists on having 2. Did I mention the girl will eat plain butter if given the chance?

Rolls-

When we ordered we were informed we would be provided buttered noodles and a dessert for Minnie (under 3.) Aurora chose the chicken soup for her appetizer. She seemed to like it, but she refused to eat any of the noodles.

Kids soup-

For my appetizer I chose the BLT Salad - Applewood Smoked Bacon, Tomato, Egg, Red Onion, and a wedge of Iceberg Lettuce drizzled with Roasted Shallot Vinaigrette. It was actually really good, but I hate that it’s served as a big wedge and you have to cut your lettuce yourself. The plate isn’t that big and it’s hard to do without making a mess!!! The vinaigrette was very good, tasted light and sweet.
BLT Salad-

Pirate ordered the Castle Salad - Mixed Field Greens with Blue Cheese, Raspberries and Herb Gremolata tossed in Berry Vinaigrette. He made a long comment about how good it was because the bitterness of the greens paired really well with the sweetness of the berry dressing and the tanginess of the cheese. Then he cursed me for making him watch so much food network. I had to take Minnie to the bathroom and when I returned, he appeared to have licked his plate!
Castle Salad-

 

[shruley]

The entrée was served before I had finished my salad. Granted I was behind from taking Minnie to the bathroom and from trying to cut the dang salad, but still. I ordered Roast Prime Rib of Beef - with Grilled Asparagus, Roasted Potatoes, and Cabernet Sauce. The Prime Rib was very good. Cooked medium, it was very tender and had lots of great flavor on it’s own. Pirate tried mine and agreed. I liked the Cabernet sauce, but Pirate could have done without it. The rest of the plate is forgettable….the roasted potatoes were kind of pitiful.

Prime Rib-

Pirate had the Pork Chop - with Bacon and Mushroom Ragout and Red Bliss Mashed Potatoes finished with Sweet Chipotle Glaze. He loved it, thought the glaze on it was wonderful. I loved his potatoes and tried to steal them every chance I got. He thought the glaze made the dish. I tasted it and it was different…I think it’s the sweetness with the Chipotle that threw me.

Aurora had chicken nuggets with mashed potatoes. Those were good too, and hers were much easier to steal than pirates so I focused on her plate. I don’t think I got a shot of the buttered noodles…but shockingly Minnie actually ate a lot of them, so it worked.
Kids plate-

For dessert, we both got the Chocolate Cream Cheese Buckle - A single layer of Chocolate Cake stuffed with Cream Cheese topped with Créme Chantily and finished with Créme Anglaise Sauce.

Aurora & Minnie got the sundaes with the chocolate crowns.

(I swear I get better at taking off the lens hood.)
Aurora also got a cake for her birthday.

Another dessert shot-

I didn’t like dessert as much as I though I would. There was sugar on the outside that made it really hard, and it just tasted like dry chocolate cake on the outside. Once you got to the inside with the crème cheese, that was good! I kind of ate around the top and outside. The girls loved the chocolate crowns and Minnie made a huge mess chowing down on them. Aurora’s cake was good, moist and sweet, but Pirate was the only one with room to finish it. Did I mention we were going to the dessert party in less than 2 hours? We watched the short show that the Fairy Godmother did (Aurora’s cake was brought and lit then) and we were told to make a wish. Aurora made another wish for that dang blanket. The show was short, but cute, and we got some cute pictures with Susie & Pearla.

They also brought us our Cinderella pictures to our table to take home, which also included a nice picture of the Castle. After the first day, Aurora was now content having gotten to eat in the Castle.

Total cost- $149.16 (including tip). Used 4 adult & 2 kids TS dining credits.

 

[shruley]

This was evidently another day I forgot to take a picture of our CS. It wasn't exciting food anyway, though!
Second day of counter service. Since we just had pizza yesterday, I couldn’t do my original plan…Pizzafari. We just finished the Nemo show and decided to head to Restaurantosaurus. I really just wanted a plain hamburger and was very surprised to see you couldn’t get a burger. You could only get a double cheeseburger with bacon! (Or a veggie burger). Nothing else appealed to me so both Pirate and I got the double bacon burger with fries, and I just pulled the bacon off mine. Aurora got chicken nuggets with grapes and a cookie. For some reason, they were actually given carrots, grapes and a cookie. Aurora consistently drank chocolate milk. I got a water for my drink (no rain today, it was HOT). They had an awesome toppings bar with veggies (lettuce, tomato, onions, etc.) as well as hot toppings like mushrooms and fried onions. Aurora made herself a mini salad with some of the lettuce and mayo. (I offered her actual dressing, she wanted Mayo!) Still enjoying the Ken’s dressing, I used some ranch to dip my fries in. After this meal I was full, and took my chocolate cake home to eat later. (Really a little more variety in the dessert offerings would be good!) Pirate had a carrot cake I believe.

As for the actual food, it was a burger, standard but fine. The toppings really made it, though, it tasted much better with the fresh veggies on top! We did notice the obvious difference between the kids chicken nuggets and the adult ones (and the ones served at CRT last night) today. They were small, but it actually looked worse than it tasted. I tasted one and it reminded me of the frozen Tyson nuggets we buy at home, not great but edible. She ate almost all of them without complaint. Desserts were good. The cakes were moist…and the chocolate cake melted a bit but solidified again and still tasted good after the transport back to the hotel.

Total cost- $36.35, used 3 CS credits.

Bonus picture of Aurora eating her Mickey bar- 1 snack credit

 

[shruley]

Supper tonight was at 50’s Prime Time Café. We were so excited for this, as the last time we were here we had a great waiter and thought it was a blast!!! We arrived early (as we did for all our ADRs) and even though the check-in place was hectic, we got seated in about 5 minutes. We waited in the lounge and I love the décor of this place! Some were eating at the bar.

We were shown to our table and already weren’t happy…we were in a tiny room in the very front with only 3 other tables. So totally separate from the rest of the place.

And it quickly became clear that our waiter was horrible. The worst of the trip overall and totally not in character. The only thing he told us was “Mom has rules here on the menu…elbows off the table, eat your veggies, (and something I don’t remember).” That was it. I think I heard people in the main hall having a little more fun, but NO fun to be had in our corner. Pirate was actually getting upset at this. Besides having no personality, he was really slow, especially in getting to the desserts. On the upside, the food was good!

We were offered milkshakes for our drink, but we had just consumed 2 milkshakes about an hour before while watching the High School Musical show. (Sitting on HOT pavement about did me in!) I just couldn’t down a milkshake. Both Pirate and I ordered real cherry Cokes….MMMM. I love these! For supper Pirate chose the Mom's Old Fashioned Pot Roast - Slow cooked 'til fork tender, served with mashed potatoes, carrots, celery and onions $16.99.

I tried some of it, as I had a hard time choosing. SO good!!! I loved the gravy and the meat was very tender and wonderfully seasoned. I chose Aunt Liz's Golden Fried Chicken - Served with mashed potatoes, chicken gravy, and Southern greens $14.99 but substituted corn for the greens.

The chicken was awesome. Oh, I love this chicken. So crispy, the inside was hot and it is just the best chicken I’ve eaten in quite awhile. I forgot to ask for all white meat, but it was ok because there was no way I’d have been able to eat it all anyway. The girls nawed on one of the legs and Pirate also ate one of my other pieces. Potatoes….good. Love Disney mashed potatoes. Aurora had chicken nuggets….again.

She is usually a more adventurous eater, I swear! She chose a garden salad with ranch dressing (mostly eaten in the corner there), and of course, a sundae for dessert! In the end the girls all shared some of my chicken and corn as well, and Minnie ate quite a few fries. With the amount of food we were getting at meals seemed to become communal events…people just ate what they wanted!

Now for dessert. Aurora had the ice cream Sundae and also got a cupcake for her birthday, and the waiter did ask the people near us to sing Happy Birthday to her.

The Sundae was a make your own- (with m&m, sprinkles & chocolate).

I had Dad's Brownie Sundae - Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream, Hot Fudge, and Caramel topping $5.99.

It was good, and Minnie had a blast trying to pick out all my M & Ms and steal them. I liked everything but the brownies. Honestly they were the worst part and tasted almost exactly like those “brownies” you get from Little Debbie in the long flat boxes. I only ate 1, and that’s because all the other things helped mask the flavor! Pirate got Seasonal Cobbler ala mode, $7.49; which I believe was apple.

He really liked his dessert and was glad to have something other than ice cream or cake offered to him. We did get the Viewmaster for the dessert menu, but it took a long time!

In the end I’d return again. Even with the horrible service, the food was still great. The fried chicken and the pot roast were my favorites of the whole trip. (We’re Midwesterners, this is our kind of food!) Next time I will request to be in the main room and ask for an outgoing server. As my husband said, where we sat we couldn’t even see other tables having fun! We had a very short wait, I would’ve waited longer to be able to have more fun!

We did get “Clean Plate Club” stickers when we left, even though we didn’t clean our plates.

Total cost- $64.39. Used 3 TS credits.