We Came, We Saw, We ATE! - A TiW Dining Report - Update 6/29, Ghirardelli

[hurleysweety]

You are doing a great job! I am really enjoying your reviews...keep up the good work!

Thank you! I'm hoping I can keep going when life gets in the way!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

Aww. thanks! It was a happy anniversary!

Joining in! I think you and I have many similar tastes by the look of your reviews so far and your list of places to review coming up! Looking forward to reading more!

Oh fun, I hope you are able to discover some new places to eat. That's my favorite thing about dining reviews. Thanks for joining.

Enjoying your reviews so far; can't wait to read more.

Thanks! More is coming soon!

Happy Anniversary!

The minute I saw the Brewer shirts, I was in...

Plus we'll be trying SciFi for the first time in October - the cucumber salad looks delish!

Had to show my DH what you wrote and it made him smile. He actually works for them so we're fans in more ways than one. Too bad they're not playing better.

Thanks for joining! Oh, and I've been hunting down a recipe for the cucumber salad; all the ones I see are too simple to be as good as Disney's. As soon as I do, watch out cucumber farmers...

I see from your picture you're Brewer fans! YAY! Go Brew Crew

Yay! More Brewers fans!

Happy Anniversary! Loving your reviews, thanks for sharing!

Aww thanks for the anniversary wishes. It was great. Glad you like the reviews!

I'm in too! I'm so glad to see that you loved The Wave - we have ADRs for my sisters trip in August! The majority of the reviews I've read for it are great. And I plan to do Sci-Fi with my daughter in January so your reviews are very helpful. Excited to read more!

Welcome!

This is great news that the Wave is starting to get such good reviews. I feel like it should be as liked as some of the other cult favorites, but being that its in a resort, and also secondary to the other two very popular TS at that resort, I fear most expect it to be that, "casual" type option. But we both know that's not true!

We're going in a few days and are planing to use TIW. We've changed our diet so the dining plan may be too much food for us. We're Seattle Pilots fans but that's long ago and far away.(We're going to SWW while we're at WDW.)
Enjoyed your reviews so far and are looking forward to the rest.

Thanks for reading and glad you like the reviews. You'll love the flexibility with TiW. If you feel like indulging one night, you can, and then eat a light meal next and not feel like you wasted a good use for a credit.

I actually grew up in Seattle! But the Pilots were before my time. My mom was around for that though.Truth be told, I had to ask DH, I didn't know they were once in Seattle!

 

[hurleysweety]

The reason we tried Columbia Harbor House was because of the WDW Today podcast. Every time someone asks about CS in or near MK, they always, unanimously agree on CHH. So since we usually flow with a one TS, one CS each day, and were headed to MK, CHH was calling our name.

Now, Cosmic Rays has been our usual MK CS. In fact, we've been there three times in our last two visits. The best thing about that place is options, grilled, fried, greasy, healthy - its got it all.

CHH is quite a difference. FIrst of all, when you walk in, the place is busy. It was right around 6:30pm, so dinner was on many guest's minds. We waited in line for about 5-10 mins, even with all the registers/lines open. At this CS you basically have two options, sandwiches, or fried food (they also have salads too). After my gooey and indulgent albeit delicious lunch, I went for the sandwich. DH chose the fried food. I ran upstairs to grab tables while DH waited for the food. Oh what a wonderful haven that upstairs is - almost completely bare when I went up. But a few families weren't too far behind.

DH brought our food after about a ten minute wait.

He had the Chicken Breast Nuggets and Fish - Served with French Fries or Apple Slices $8.39

DH liked it when he ate it as he was very hungry. It looked pretty average fried food theme park food to me. Nothing to spectacular or unique about it at all. I had a little bite of the fish and it seemed pretty good to me; but nothing compared to what I got!

I had Lighthouse Sandwich - hummus with tomato & broccoli slaw $8.29

Oh man was this delicious. I'm not a vegetarian by any means, but I just wanted something light and tasty. Between the slaw, tomato, and toasted bread, this was a winner for me. The bread is a hearty multigrain. Its pretty dense which makes it more filling and full of flavor. The filling was fresh with just the right amount of hummus. (I like hummus, but I didn't want to feel like I was eating a hummus and bread sandwich). I believe this also came with chips. Disney has new kettle chips now instead of lays like they used to have (they still have doritos, cheetos, and the like, though). I love kettle chips - the blue bag they sell is delicious. :rofl: "I traveled all the way to Disney World and ate packaged potato chips..."

Oh, and here was our pretty view from our table where we ate:

And another picture through a window nearby.

It was serene and a great escape from crowds. No dessert since I'm not the biggest fan of CS dessert - it tastes too prepackaged/premade to me. I'll save my calories for something a little better (you'll see!).

DH doesn't feel the need to go back, but that sandwich might be calling my name next trip. So for this restaurant, I'll rate it average as a compromise.

Unfortunatley, the CHH reciept has grown legs and walked away. Here's my best guess

Price Breakdown:
Chicken Breast Nuggets and Fish - $8.39
Lighthouse Sandwich - $8.29
=$16.68
NO TiW here
+ tax
=$17.76

Running Total Savings - $13.89

 

[mamaboogie]

No matter how much I love all the fine dining at Disney, CHH will always have a special place in my heart. Like you say, that upstairs area is such a wonderful haven of tranquility. We love the sea shanty music they play there too!

Sorry it was so busy - we usually go for an early lunch there and it's much quieter. Last time I went I had the chicken salad which was delicious. I have never tried the sandwich you had - but lots of people rave about it, so maybe I should! My daughter likes the tuna sandwich. The shrimp basket was also very good.

Great reviews - oh, and happy anniversary!

 

[DancinDaisyDuck]

MMMmmmm, I always have a difficult time deciding between CHH and Cosmic Ray's for counter service in the Magic Kingdom. I am glad you gave Columbia a chance and good choice on the sandwich! The clam chowder is also very good (I know, who wants to eat hot soup on a hot day in Florida!) and it's the same recipe as what they serve at Liberty Tree Tavern.

 

[hurleysweety]

No matter how much I love all the fine dining at Disney, CHH will always have a special place in my heart. Like you say, that upstairs area is such a wonderful haven of tranquility. We love the sea shanty music they play there too!

Sorry it was so busy - we usually go for an early lunch there and it's much quieter. Last time I went I had the chicken salad which was delicious. I have never tried the sandwich you had - but lots of people rave about it, so maybe I should! My daughter likes the tuna sandwich. The shrimp basket was also very good.

Great reviews - oh, and happy anniversary!

Thanks for the anniversary wishes!

I was trying to convince DH to get the tuna sandwich since he loves tuna salad so much - but he's not a big fan of it being loaded with mayo. (I make it with only a bit of mayo and I think he's just too used to it that way!). Maybe I can talk him into going again and getting the salad? It does sound delicious!

MMMmmmm, I always have a difficult time deciding between CHH and Cosmic Ray's for counter service in the Magic Kingdom. I am glad you gave Columbia a chance and good choice on the sandwich! The clam chowder is also very good (I know, who wants to eat hot soup on a hot day in Florida!) and it's the same recipe as what they serve at Liberty Tree Tavern.

Oooh, DH loves clam chowder! I just may have another reason to bring him back here. I'm all about atmosphere and CHH hits the spot nicely with that!

 

[LJD2143]

Had to show my DH what you wrote and it made him smile. He actually works for them so we're fans in more ways than one. Too bad they're not playing better.

Thanks for joining! Oh, and I've been hunting down a recipe for the cucumber salad; all the ones I see are too simple to be as good as Disney's. As soon as I do, watch out cucumber farmers...

So funny you should mention that you're looking for the cucumber salad recipe - I was about to look for one myself!

And what about your tag? Do you really have a good MonteCristo recipe? YUM!

 

[Disneyfreak616]

Aww Columbia Harbour House is soo cute!

I can't wait to try it in August!

 

[Disneyfreak616]

double post...sorry.

 

[hurleysweety]

So funny you should mention that you're looking for the cucumber salad recipe - I was about to look for one myself!

And what about your tag? Do you really have a good MonteCristo recipe? YUM!

Yes I do...somewhere, haha! About 2 years ago before our first trip to DLR together I was so obsessive about planning that one day I was determined to make a monte cristo. It was absolutely delicious! I believe there is a recipe in one of the disney cookbooks as well.

Aww Columbia Harbour House is soo cute!

I can't wait to try it in August!

It is cute! Maybe thats why DH didn't like it... Didn't meet his masculine standards!

 

[hurleysweety]

Alright - sorry for the slight hiatus. Work has been keeping me busssssy!

So on our third day, we actually went to GKTW (Give Kids the World) and so we grabbed subway on the way and ate dinner there with the kids. So lets fast forward to Tuesday.

Today was our semi-sleep in day since we weren't making it to a park for RD. Instead, we were focused on breakfast at the Poly. I was super excited to get my hands on some Tonga toast and be in, IMHO, the best ambiance any WDW resort has to offer.

We took the monorail from TTC and arrived to a very busy Captain Cooks.

We walked up to the order yourself kiosks and made our selections. I really liked this concept since DH couldn't quite make up his mind but I think decided on an item merely because of the picture! I also liked that it gave you options and the total with tax before you printed your order. I was a bit confused about what to do next - so for anyone like me - you simply take the receipt to the cashier, which is behind you at this point, and can order drinks from them too. After that you just wait for your order to be ready at the counter. Pretty smooth process considering the crowds.

Here is a picture of the kiosk from allears.net blogger Laura Gilbreath.

And also some of the seating inside

DH got the Croissant Breakfast Sandwich - Scrambled Eggs, bacon, and Cheddar Cheese on a jumbo croissant $5.99

DH wolfed this down faster than I could take a second closer picture! I didn't even get a bite. So I think he liked it.

And, I of course, got the Tonga Toast - banana-stuffed sourdough bread, battered, deep-fried and dusted with cinnamon and sugar $5.19

First off, I had super high expectations for this sugary deep fried concoction. While it was delicious and rich and creamy inside, it was a bit dry. I'm sure its double-the-price counterpart at Kona Cafe is a little more fresh than this one too. I wasn't completely dissatisfied as I ate the entire thing covered in syrup! The filling isn't just a banana puree as you can actually see and taste the banana slices. All in all, I would get it again...maybe earlier in the morning to guarantee a fresh batch of it.

I would love to go back here for another meal to try the flatbread sandwiches. While it is still counter service food and a busy atmosphere, the unique item it offers sets it apart from typical theme park fare. IMHO, this is one resort CS that is worth traveling for!

TiW Breakdown:
Breakfast Sandwich - $5.99
Tonga Toast - $5.19
=$11.18
No TiW Discount
+ tax
=$11.91

Running Total Savings - $13.89

 

[Disneyfreak616]

Mmmm Tonga Toast.

The Poly wins with its food!

 

[Disneyfreak616]

I swear these double posts are killin' me! I need a new laptop.

 

[Linda67]

Just caught up with your wonderful reviews

I really want to try the Tonga Toast sometime and have an ADR at Kona for breakfast on our next trip. It's gonna be a tough choice between that and the pancakes though!

Great review of CHH, it's such a peaceful place to sit if you head upstairs

 

[hurleysweety]

Skipped ESPN club because I'm out of order and trying to do dining reviews at work. Good news for you, ESPN club will come next, but for now, please enjoy, Rose & Crown!

We ate breakfast in the room again this morning and then headed out to Epcot. Originally I had an ADR for Rose and Crown, but in some late night touring plan debacle with myself, I must have cancelled it. Whoops! Then later the Tokyo Dining ADR got moved to tonight, and we were convinced we'd only want one TS a day. Then that got changed and after today, we kinda stopped following my six months worth of work on plans and did what we felt like, with a few ADRs and 'green days' at parks in mind. This was actually perfect for us.

Going to lunch at Rose and Crown today was a total luck of the draw. We didn't have an ADR so just planned on walking up. Even though we started getting hungry around 11:15, we didn't make it to the restaurant until just before noon. We lined up, put in our name, and then realized they had just opened when we saw the line of 15 people gather quickly behind us. Somehow, we were second on the list! They told us 20 minutes, so we walked around the shops. Not even 10 minutes later, our buzzer went off and we were seated inside. In retrospect, I would have preferred outside on such a beautiful day, but I was too hungry to ask questions.

The place was nice and serene. Not to many kids and only a handful of tables. A few ADRs had been sat already, all in all, only filling maybe half of the restaurant. The quietness was wonderful. The view was gorgeous and I soon understood why the 8pm dinner ressie at R&C is so popular - illuminations would be a spectacular view. But right, we're here for a food review.

We had a young waiter who we learned was here for a year and was also studying for college for something quite impressive, I don't remember which. He was an attentive server and one of the few who recognized us celebrating something - today we were again celebrating DH's birthday.

I already knew I would get their signature dish of the fish and chips. And after much debate, DH decided on the corned beef sandwich and then we agreed to split half and half.

Corned Beef Sandwich - warmed corned beef on toasted sunflower bread and Swiss, cabbage, and spicy mustard served with House-made crisps $10.99

This sandwich was also hot and fresh. The bread was nothing spectacular, but the beef was very tender. The best part was the spicy brown mustard. The homemade chips were also very good. They don't have that crunch like pre-packed chips - instead you actually taste potato, imagine that!

Fish & Chips - Battered fresh Cod served with English Chips $15.99

The fish was delicious - hot and fresh, with the perfect crispy coating. Now me, being a sauce queen, was very impressed with the spicy smooth like tarter sauce that it was served with. My only complaint is that you only get two pieces of fish, I would have rather had for three. Steak fries like this are my favorite kind so I tend to be biased about how good they were. DH liked them, but liked his chips better.

We were too full for dessert, at least thats what we told our waiter. We had intentions of picking up a dessert or treat later on... (Rolling eyes because always plan to do this, and we usually fail at it...hahaha...on every single trip, "Lets wait and get a snack later like this or that or this." "Ok! Great idea")

The servers came out and wished DH and happy birthday. Then said, "Unfortunately, your present is the check" which had the whole restaurant laughing. It felt like a family being in there and I really enjoyed the atmosphere.

Rose and Crown was a wonderful break from the running around that morning at Epcot. While I probably won't be booking it for October, its only because we want to try other new places. Service is great and friendly, atmosphere seems calming and lunch but much livlier and fun at dinner (from what I've seen). However, I do know we'll return one day - hopefully for the coveted outdoor patio seat for an 8 PM ADR.

(at work...shame on me...don't have the receipts, will update later)

 

[sue and co]

Just found your reviews - they're great, subbing now.

 

[MickeyNicki]

Next time get the Tonga Toast from Kona, so much better

Thanks for the Rose and Crown review, looks good! We are trying it in Oct

 

[mamaboogie]

Great Rose and Crown review!

Being English, we've never been there! But I'm starting to be tempted to go.....

 

[janeapplemeadow]

Thank you for the reviews. I'm glad you like Rose and Crown. After almost 20 years of trips, I finally tried it last spring. A really great place for lunch. I can"t wait to go back.

 

[hurleysweety]

Thank you for the reviews. I'm glad you like Rose and Crown. After almost 20 years of trips, I finally tried it last spring. A really great place for lunch. I can"t wait to go back.

Wow! 20 years of trips...I would imagine you've eaten everywhere. But then again, I'm realizing that once you know a place is great, its hard to skip it and try something new. Glad you liked it!

Great Rose and Crown review!

Being English, we've never been there! But I'm starting to be tempted to go.....

Ohh, I never thought of getting an English perspective on the Disney English food. Although, I'm certain it probably doesn't compare when you have the real thing down the street! If you do go, I hope to read your review!

Next time get the Tonga Toast from Kona, so much better

Thanks for the Rose and Crown review, looks good! We are trying it in Oct

Thanks for the tip! I keep changing my ADRs for October and after writing the review, and eating at Kona for lunch, I feel like we'll be squeezing in a breakfast there next time. Now I'll just have to make someone else order those macadamia pancakes, and it'll be the start to a fantastic day.

Your welcome for the review - it surprises me that you haven't been before, being the Disney food guru with all your awesome reviews! But it just goes to show that no matter how many times you go, you still have new things to try!

Just found your reviews - they're great, subbing now.

Thanks for joining and welcome!

Just caught up with your wonderful reviews

I really want to try the Tonga Toast sometime and have an ADR at Kona for breakfast on our next trip. It's gonna be a tough choice between that and the pancakes though!

Great review of CHH, it's such a peaceful place to sit if you head upstairs

I think I'm joining the breakfast ADR at Kona train. I was just talking above about it- If I order both, I'll eat both! So I'll just talk someone else into getting them, ugh, I'm such a food manipulator, "OOohh, DMIL, I heard that the pancakes here are really good and well...you should really get them..." I never tell them to get anything bad...

Mmmm Tonga Toast.

The Poly wins with its food!

Yes - even if it is just counter service, its something I can't get anywhere else!

 

[Linda67]

Great Rose and Crown review!

Being English, we've never been there! But I'm starting to be tempted to go.....

Same here!
I read such great reviews but we never think to eat in the U.K