Vacationing on the Dining Plan: Not For the Faint of Stomach

[agotta]

Hello! First of all I hope you all enjoy this report. If you have any questions, please feel free to email, pm me or post right here!!

Mini-Trip Report:

DH and I have been married 2 years this month. We met back in 2001 at the Disney-MGM Studios. He liked my hair. What else can I say.

We both love Disney and try and go back once a year. While on our honeymoon we bought into the DVC at Saratoga Springs. We just went in April but….

Back in March, while on the WISH boards I heard about the Walt Disney World Full and Half Marathon. I told DH (DVDGuy) that this would be a great way to get in shape together, and we would have something to look forward to. No, I promised, we don’t have to do parks. We will make a weekend out of it. As the trip gets closer I realized that we can’t go all the way to Orlando and not do parks. What was I thinking? So after a little bit of planning we decided we would love to try the Dining Plan.

So, we posted on the DVC Rent/Trade board and got rid of 163 of our 175 points. We booked one night at the Wilderness Lodge and 5 nights at POP Century with 4 day non-hoppers and the dining plan. We booked our flights on Independence and were all set to go. Then we found out that Disney was having a special and we could get the Park Hopping Feature for FREE! WOO HOOOO!! So that was all set and we only had 2 weeks to go.

Then it happened. Our favorite airline in the whole wide world, goes belly up. What are we going to do now? Well we rebook our return flights on Airtran and relax a bit. This is going to be a fun trip and DH is so excited about the ½ marathon.

Did I mention yet that I dropped out of the ½? Yes, I know. What a horrible wife. No, I did not plan it that way. Although…..

I just realized I can’t run. Duh. DH was excited anyway. Well enough rambling. You came for the eats right? Well I hope you have had something to eat today, because this trip report comes with pictures! And if you aren’t hungry now, you will be!

Rating System-
Gag Reflex
I would rather be eating McDonalds
Very good, but I expect more from WDW.
Skip lunch cuz dinner's gonna be gooooooooood.
I have never had anything better (except Grandma’s macaroni)

 

[agotta]

Our flight was schedule to land in Orlando around 10:50, but after a ton of fog and boarding, then re-boarding the plane, we don’t actually land until around 1. We pick up our rental car (2006 Pontiac Torrent) and head off to the Wilderness Lodge. Check-in was a breeze and we were off to walk the longest hallway ever built.

We arrive at Villa # 3560 and it’s beautiful. A quick change of clothes and we are off to:

Whispering Canyon Café

I was a little nervous about this meal as I am not great with improv. I kinda freeze and I know these servers are good. Kevin was very excited and starving. We ordered waters and Kevin ordered a Sprite. He loved that they came in mason jars. Next we both decided on the skillet. I wasn’t originally going to order it, but it was around 2 p.m. and I was starving too.
Our waiter was good, not too over the top. It was lunch so the place was a bit quieter than normal. The skillet was great and I loved the cornbread. DH devoured the ribs (I don’t like ribs) and the mashed potatoes were to die for. Kevin asked for more soda and got the Jumbo size.

After 2 of those our waiter announced to everyone that Kevin had drank two of them and never even got out of his seat  He got applause for that!!
This meal was OOP since the dining plan didn’t start for us until tomorrow.

Total-$37.00
Rating-

After lunch we headed to Wide World of Sports for the Expo then to DTD. We wandered around West Side for a bit and got a smoothie from a little stand across from Wetzels Pretzels ($4.25). It was more of a slushy than a smoothie. We were planning on Planet Hollywood for dinner since we had a free voucher, but we were still stuffed from lunch. So we headed back to Wilderness Lodge for some exploring and popped into Roaring Forks before hiking the world’s longest hallway. We wouldn’t make it all the way without supplies.

We each grabbed a large magic bar (you know, coconut, chocolate chips….). Kevin got a chicken waldorf salad sandwich and I got Nachos. I use the term Nachos extremely loosely!!!

Total-$16.03
Rating-

P.S. We were in bed (asleep) by 7:30 p.m.

 

[agotta]

We were up with the sun this morning….well not quite. Unless the sun comes up at 7:30 a.m.  We packed up our stuff and checked out. Today was our first park day with breakfast at…

Kona!!! Woohoo!! This has become our tradition. Not always on the first day, but at least once per trip.

Our ADR’s were for 9 a.m. and we arrived a touch early. And yes, thank you Mr. Disney Gate Guard for the 3 hour pass. Once we arrived upstairs we were told it would be about 5-10 minutes. I don’t think we waited more than 5 before our pager went off. We were promptly seated. Our waiter arrived and let’s just say that he must have left his Disney magic at home because he didn’t bring it with him to work. We each ordered a pineapple juice and split Tonga Toast and scrambled eggs. YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY!!!! Splitting was the best idea and just enough for both of us.

Total-$23.00
Rating-

After breakfast we headed over to POP to check-in. We were a head of schedule this morning and checked-in and dropped our bags off in our room by 11 a.m. EPCOT was our first stop this morning. My original plan called for a tour of World Showcase but we were dying to try Soarin’. So we ended up spending a few hours in Future World. Lunch was to be at Sunshine Seasons. I kind of miss the old style, but I think the way they have it set up now is way more efficient.

We each got Turkey Foccacia sandwiches. Our sides were strawberries with cream and a fruit salad for DH. 2 Medium drinks and dessert (Butterfinger cheesecake and Soarin’ Crème Brulee). I didn’t care for my sandwich but the strawberries were scrumptious and the Crème Brulee decadent. I was surprised how good it all was for counter service.

Total-$33.00
Rating-

After lunch we headed over to MGM. We were planning on only staying until 6ish since DH had to be up extra early for the ½, but once we found out that the Osbourne lights were still up, we decided to catch that. We didn’t eat dinner until we got back to POP later, but we did grab some stuffed pretzels. I thought they had cream cheese but our choices were apple cinnamon or spicy cheese. We got one of each and both agreed that the spicy cheese was better.

Total-$8.08 OOP

 

[agotta]

DH was up around 3 for the ½ and I followed at 6 p.m. He finished in great time (2:23:23) and we were back at POP around 10. He had grabbed some muffins, bananas, water and powerade so we were set for breakfast. We took our time hanging out and then headed to DTD for lunch.

Earl of Sandwich is an absolute must!!! We went twice this trip and 3 times last trip!! DH had the Scuddeto and I had the Original. Lemonade, Cherry Coke and 2 cookies later. So Yummy, but my Roast beef was way too rare. I didn’t finish my sandwich.

Total-2 CS ($18.00)

Rating- (I would only give it because of my rare roast beef)

We wandered around DTD and then headed back to POP to take pictures and explore. Around 3 we went back to the room for naps. Tonight was dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse.

Our ADR’s were for 7:30 and we arrived at 7 p.m. We checked in and then ordered a glass of wine at the Crew Cup Lounge. So far I wasn’t impressed. We had dressed up a bit, but everyone was in jeans and sweatshirts. Also they had the football game on and everyone was screaming and cheering. Yes, I know it’s a bar, but we were there for our anniversary and it was less than romantic.

Shortly after our wine arrived, our table was ready. We headed into the main dining room and were surprised to find the same attire. We were really looking forward to this romantic evening and the atmosphere of the restaurant didn’t impress us at all.

The food was excellent, as was our waiter. We started off with Seared Maine Diver Scallops and Tomato and Buffalo Mozzarella. So yummy and Kevin loved is scallops, which he rarely eats.

Dinner was Surf and Turf for DH and Filet Mignon for me. We both found these to be excellent and full of flavor. Again, love the potatoes. The filet could almost be cut with a butter knife. We were so stuffed at this point that we split the sampler. It was good, just not great.

Total- 4 TS ($154.38)
Wine- $18 OOP

Rating- (although I would give the ambiance and atmosphere only )
After dinner, we headed to Jellyrolls to meet up with some friends. They were late as usual and everyone didn’t get there until 10 (1 hour after we arrived). DH only lasted until 11 and was just too sore and exhausted to go on. Here is a pic of me and all my old CP friends.

 

[agotta]

Now that the marathon is over, our vacation can really begin. We were up early today and ready for Soarin’. We grabbed our FP and then road again right after. B, Row 1 BABY!!! Awesome. Kevin was feeling a little sick after this so we took a break and got some bottled water with our snack credits. I think he was just over tired and dehydrated. He was feeling a bit better so we headed to World Showcase. We wanted to eat lunch early enough that we would be hungry for our big dinner at Le Cellier.

Another tradition of ours is Japan. We were there a few minutes before open and decided on the shogun combo to split. It was extremely yummy as usual. I had water and DH ordered a Pop (Upstate NY, born and raised!). I didn’t try the cake, but Kevin said it was very good.

After lunch, we headed over to France for my traditional Elephant Ear. As usual it was amazing! More of those to come!

A bit more exploring of World Showcase and we decided to try for dinner at 4 instead of 5. We got seated within 10 minutes and got to talking with some of the host’s. I wish I could remember his name, but he was extremely funny! We were seated with the best waitress (again, horrible with names). We immediately ordered the beer cheese soup, and mushroom filet.

OH MY GOSH!! That is all I can say. The beer cheese soup was amazing. Just enough so that we weren’t too full for our dinners. And speaking of dinner, WOW. I was worried the mushroom risotto wouldn’t live up the risotto we had on DCL, but it was just as good. Again, great filet. We could have eaten with a butter knife.

For dessert, I had the maple crème Brulee and Dh had the Fruit Cobbler (Apple). My crème brulee was great, but I didn’t think too much of his cobbler. He gobbled it right up though. Le Cellier is going to be a must for us on all future trips!!
No pictures because we ate too fast.

Total-2 TS ($101.01)
Bottled Water- 2 sc ($4.00)
Elephant Ear-$3.15 OOP
Japan- 1 CS (13.82)
Rating-

 

[agotta]

Today started with an early morning at Animal Kingdom and the first time we realized that we the AAA parking pass (DUH!). We beat some of the crowds and immediately headed over to grab FP’s for Kilimanjaro. After we got those, we had breakfast at the Tusker House. This was surprisingly good. We split a plate of scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausage and a biscuit. It also came with orange juice. This was just enough for 2 and very yummy.

We spent the morning doing our favorite rides at AK and taking pictures of Everest. Right before we left we grabbed some ice cream from a snack cart (strawberry bar and cookie sandwich).

Next stop was MGM for late night. We wanted to get lunch early as we had changed our ADR’s for dinner from Sci-Fi at 7 p.m. to Alfredos at 5 p.m. We went to Starring Rolls and split a ham sandwich, chips, napoleon and Kevin got a soda. It was very good, but the sandwich was too small to share.

We did some shows, saw John from American Idol at Millionaire and then left for EPCOT around 4:15. We just missed the boat and I told Kevin I heard on the Dis that it isn’t too far of a walk. WOW. You guys lied to me. What a walk it was. By the time we go to Alfredo’s we were starving, thirsty and tired.
I had heard mixed reviews (like always), but decided to try this place anyway). I ordered a glass of Chardonnay for dinner and DH ran off to use the restroom. Our waitress came back (Katia, which by the way is now on our list of someday baby names  )and said she talked to the bartender and he recommend a different, sweeter wine. I don’t know what she brought me but it was delicious. I ordered for the both of us and sat back to relax.
Dh ordered the alfredo appetizer while I had the Mozzarella alla Caprese. This was the best I have ever had. The olive oil had a great flavor and it come with a few olives. Now, mine was great, but Dh’s alfredo was to die for! I would have licked his bowl if I could’ve. I didn’t order it because I was afraid it would be too much pasta with dinner. Who am I kidding, we are Italian and there is no such thing as too much pasta!

Dinner came and I had ordered the trio of Trittico di Pasta – Lasagna, Ziti in plum tomoto sauce and little dumplings filled with black truffles in a cheese sauce. Dh got Tagliolini which was thin pasta with Shrimp in a tomato vodka sauce. The truffle stuffed macaroni was amazing. I have never had anything like it.

For dessert I ordered the chocolate torte with marscapone cheese while DH ordered the Tiramisu. Once again, Dh ordered the better of the two. I could have eaten 3 or 4 of those Tiramisus!!!

Total- 2 TS ($100.22)
Wine -$8.47 OOP
Rating-
Tusker House- 1 CS ($8.18)
Starring Rolls- 1 CS ($15.52)
Ice Cream – 2 SC ($5.50)
Late night at MGM was a blast and we left tired and stuffed!

 

[agotta]

Today was our last park day  So sad! We were at Magic Kingdom for open and it was awesome. We had been to MK a few nights earlier for EMH so we had seen Wishes and done a few rides (WORST JUNGLE CRUISE EVER!!! Yea, Yea I know!!)
We had grabbed breakfast at POP the night before. Muffins, fruit and orange juice. We wanted to be ready to hit all the rides. We started in Adventureland and did Tiki Birds and Pirates (check my signature!). And headed into Frontierland. We caught the country bears doing meet and greet and Pal Mickey got his first sticker. We played on Tom Sawyers Island and did Big Thunder before lunch.

Lunch today was at Pinnochios even though Pal Mickey informed me him and his pals would be at Cinderella Castle in half an hour! It was early so we decided not to split lunch. We each got the Turkey Bacon Panini, Baked Lays, a cannoli and a medium drink. I couldn’t finish my sandwich but it was no doubt the best sandwich all week. The cannolis were pretty good too. Actually, they were very good!

We spent the rest of the day playing around the park, catching the parade and searching for my elusive Dapper Dans ( I miss you guys!!) We also had to get Dole Whip and fresh choclate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches from Main St.

Around 4:15 we headed over to the Polynesian for dinner. It all started with Lapu Lapu’s. Then, the best surprise of all… We got Grant! Our totally awesome “cousin” from April. He was so cool and best of all, we love the new menu!!
Dh said he could have done without the peel and eat shrimp but otherwise very tasty. The sausage was my favorite along with the potatoes. We were stuffed but managed to eat dessert too. I was sad to be leaving, but we still had Illuminations ahead of us. We love Grant and left him an extra $5 tip.

EPCOT and Illuminations consisted of more pastries (1 more elephant ear and a chocolate croissant…for breakfast), and a Strawberry Margarita to share! Illuminations was awesome as usual and Dh even taped it for me  We were planning on heading to Raglan Road to use our $50 clear channel GC, but were just too exhausted. I hated to not spend it, so we went to the Gift Shop and bougth a couple shirts. I was sad that we were leaving in the morning. Any former CM knows how hard it is to go back for just a vacation.
Total- 2 TS ($64.72)
2 CS ($25.29)
3 SC (2 bottled waters, and 1 popcorn $6.75)
Rating- (5 for Grant!!)

 

[agotta]

Today was our last day. We slept in a bit and then headed to check-out. We really loved POP and if the DVC wasn’t getting the Dining Plan, we may have gone back. Never say Never. I had my leftover pastries for breakfast while Dh ran down to Everything POP and got a muffin, banana and O.J.

Our last stop would be DTD. I wasn’t feeling well, but we managed to split a rice crispy treat from Goofy’s (With milk chocolate, peanuts and crushed peanut butter cups!). Dh wanted Earl one more time. He had the Scuddeto again and I got a kids grilled cheese (which I only ate half of). Dh used our last CS and got a chocolate chip cookies and drink. I used our last 3 SC and got 1 chocolate Milk and 2 bags of chips. This would come in handy at the airport later
Total- 1 CS ($9.00)
3 SC (4.21)
Rating-
.
Here are our Totals. The dining plan cost us $350.00
Snack Credits-10 or $20.46
Counter Service Credits- 10 or $122.81
Table Service Credits-10 or $420.33
Total-$563.60

OOP-$215.55 (just for food, souvies don’t count here  )

The dining plan was amazing and we would do it again in a heatbeat. This was our last trip for while. 2006 is looking to bring big things for us. We are looking to move back to Upstate NY, so hopefully we will have new jobs, our first house and maybe even a bundle of joy soon.
Thanks for reading this!

Photo Pass Pictures -
Ofoto Pictures

 

[zippehsmom]

Wow, thanks for posting your reviews and pictures. They were wonderful.

And, here's hoping that 2006 brings in all you wish!

 

[cforsythe]

What a GREAT review of food. I love the pictures...Gives me some great ideas for our trip in June 2006. Thanks again for the great report!!!

 

[MamaLema]

Great review

 

[Thumper's Tara]

Wow. That was great report. It sounds like you had a marvelous time.

Where in Upstate are you from/hopefully moving to? I grew up in Rochester, NY!

ttfn,
Tara

 

[DianaPrincessofWales]

THANK YOU for sharing! Great job and awsome photos. Eating is one of my favorite things to do at WDW!!

 

[Credit Man]

Great reviews!!! Thanks for posting.

 

[pbharris4]

Thanks, Amanda! that was a great report! You were right...those pictures made me hungry!! Hopefully, you didn't have a lot of trouble getting back to the DC area. I saw on WJLA news that Independent Air was going belly up. Glad you have a fun time!

 

[dismom9761]

Wonderful reviews!I will definitely be trying the Elephant ears.

 

[zachnlucy]

I loved reading your review. Now you've got me thinking about changing some of my dining plans. Thanks a lot! That turkey panini thing at Pinocchio's looked great, but I've read some bad reviews about Pinocchio's. We were planning Cosmic Ray's.

Also your dinner at Alfredo's sounded fantastic! We have 2 days at Epcot, and are planning on Le Cellier and Biergarten (we have 3 kids and thought they'd get a kick out of the band).

 

[DaisyGirlAllTheWay]

Fabulous reviews! I love the cake system!!!!!!!!!


Thank you as well for letting us know which places are best for sharing, I had Kona and Tusker House on my list!

 

[kfeuer]

Great review, thanks for sharing! I loved seeing pictures of things I've heard about but never tried. Might have to get one of those elephant ears this trip!

 

[DisneyDiva74]

Amanda, I can't believe that you're contemplating moving away from Northern Virginia (land of hideously expensive housing!). I live in Arlington, VA, so believe me I understand.
Thanks for the great review. I'll be at WDW in less than a month and I can't wait to try some of the places you recommended.
Thanks from another Amanda