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

[mamaboogie]

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

We've had the counter service Fish and Chips as a quick bite - they were fine, but as I grew up within spitting distance of the original Harry Ramsden's - they don't really compare.

Rose and Crown do get some good reviews though...

My eldest has applied for the internation student programme so may end up at EPCOT serving chips!

 

[hurleysweety]

Well on Tuesday night we had been discussing where we would eat. We hadn't been over to the boardwalk yet, so it seemed like a great idea. Also, some basketball game was on that was kinda important and a hockey game too, which DH could care less about. We arrived at the ESPN Club around 8:30pm and found a line of at least six parties in front of us. I wondered if I should have made reservations and then quickly found out that they won't let you...so I pretended like I knew that when talking to DH.

A lot of people kept going in on the bar side to get a seat. I couldn't see in, but I figured that there weren't any seats as the entire time we were in line we saw at least five different groups decide not to wait in the regular dining room line only to return back to the line about five minutes later. They send out a person to take names and party size with an electronic device to make the process easier. But with two games going on, its hard to determine how long people will stay at their table. Thinking it was late enough, we thought we had avoided the rush, but we go to the tail end of it. Here is a picture of the two lines for the restaurant dining area on the left, and the bar on the right.

We were so hungry and so ready to eat some food. This was about the time in the week we discovered how much we loved TiW over counter service meals. We were going to get an appy, but nothing looked good to us. Everything seemed too heavy, more like bar food which works well here (go figure, lol), but nothing that really works as a before meal "bite to eat."

We did however get some delicious drinks. My go to night cocktail is a long island. They happened to have an "Ultimate Long Island" on the menu. Anytime a long island is a featured drink, it has to be good. And I wasn't wrong. It was strong, and very large - I hate ordering drinks at places when I haven't seen the glasses that they come in. This was the first cocktail at Disney that maybe was worth $10!

DH got this super delicious coconutty pineaplly concoction that was so refreshing, sweet, smooth, but light. Since he doesn't drink, its usually rare he orders anything besides water unless something sounds really good. This was REALLY good! I think he must have told me like twelve times.

Ultimate Long Island Iced Tea - Grey Goose vodka, Hendrick's gin, Bacardi rum, Patron Citronge liqueur, and sweet-and-sour with a splash of Coke $9.25 and The Zone - Coconut, banana, pineapple juice, and orange juice $4.29

Yes, they were served in the same size, large glass. MMMMmmm...yum! (I should mention that at this point I hadn't eaten anything since R&C for lunch so this made me a tad loopy...haha)

Next we ordered our food. I forgot to mention we had a great waiter, and a great seat in the dining room. DH was able to request the semi-less important baseball game on a small tv in the perfect location from our table, all while being able to view the important basketball game on TV. He was all smiles this meal!

DH already knew what he wanted before we walked in since the menu is written pretty large on the wall outside, easily seen when you're standing in line for 20 minutes! He ordered the Cuban Burger - Angus Chuck Burger topped with Dijonaise Sauce, Shaved Ham, Swiss, and Pickle Chips $11.99

Do you like burgers? Do you like ham? Do you like cucumber? Do you like mustard? These are no brainers for my DH, and if you agree with him you will love this burger! He devoured it so quickly. Between bites, he would remind me how good it was, as if I thought he didn't like it! This is a meat lover burger, full of rich flavor on a bun that doesn't overwhelm the meat inside it. And the cucumber salad makes a return appearance! This was even better than the one at sci-fi. The red onion made this salad so good.

Next up, I couldn't decide. Shocker. It has become a bad habit for me. The server asked me what I was debating between, and I named off like five things. The server laughed and then patiently explained why I might and might not like each entree. This was the most informational waiter we had the entire trip. If I ask you what you like here or what you recommend, please don't say, "Uhh...everything is good." You are not helpful.

So I ordered this based solely on the waiter's recommendation. Fish on the Bun Sandwich - Fresh Grilled Mahi Mahi on a Freshly Baked Whole Grain Roll $14.49

WOW! This is not your average fish sandwich. This is THE fish sandwich. Mahi mahi is my favorite fish, so that helps. But this also had a delicious sauce, fresh tasting veggie accompaniments, and a soft, warm grainy roll. The mahi was fresh, wild caught, and so tender that I had a hard time keeping it on the sandwich! Also, once again, the cucumber salad made its deliciousness an equal favorite on my plate.

So it goes without saying that we liked this meal. We never eat this late, and weren't expecting much from here at all. We've been to the ESPN club in DLR before, and had a mediocre informations. So with little expectations + great and fun service + good seats + fun late night atmosphere + good food and drinks + the cost = DH's favorite meal of the trip thus far. So good, in fact, that we went back later in the week. That is a very first for us on any trip, anywhere!

TiW Breakdown:
The Zone - $4.69
Ultimate Long Island - $9.25
Cuban Burger - $12.99
Fish Sandwich - $14.99
= $41.92
- $8.38 -20% off TiW
+ 9.74 - automatic gratuity&tax
= $43.28

Running Total Savings - $27.87

 

[flightdave82]

Loving your reviews so far! Especially since some of them are places I have ADR's for on our upcoming trip

I do have a question. I thought that the automatic gratuity on the bill are usually added for groups of 6 or more (at least that's how it's done in our state, NY). Is the gratuity added because you have a TIW card, or for anyone on the Dining plan or do all the resturants at the resort add this to the bill regardless of plans and/or party size.

Thank you,

David

 

[hurleysweety]

Loving your reviews so far! Especially since some of them are places I have ADR's for on our upcoming trip

I do have a question. I thought that the automatic gratuity on the bill are usually added for groups of 6 or more (at least that's how it's done in our state, NY). Is the gratuity added because you have a TIW card, or for anyone on the Dining plan or do all the resturants at the resort add this to the bill regardless of plans and/or party size.

Thank you,

David

Glad you like the reviews! Especially knowing that you'll be eating there shortly!

The automatic gratuity is because of the TiW card. You are correct that if you do not have the card, only parties of 6 or more have the automatic gratuity. You can find all the info about gratuity on this forum, Tipping Info since the mods ask us not to talk about it for obvious reasons. They'll be able to answer all kinds of questions that I don't know and help you know exactly how much you can expect to pay at any type of restaurant. Hope this helps!

 

[TigerKat]

ESPN is one of our favorite places! I had the Reuben sandwich last time and it was excellent. I, too, love that cucumber salad.

 

[delarosacalm]

I just subscribed! Love your reviews so far. I will be making ADR's for our Christmas trip (minus husband because of deployment) next Tuesday and think I will be adding a few restuarants that I hadn't planned on because of your reviews. We are staying at the Contemporary and I think I will add the Wave based on your reviews. Job well done!

 

[hogwartsdropout]

I love your reviews! I'm so glad you liked Rose and Crown. I worked there for a year too and I miss it so much! The fish and chips portion used to be MUCH bigger than that though.

 

[hurleysweety]

ESPN is one of our favorite places! I had the Reuben sandwich last time and it was excellent. I, too, love that cucumber salad.

Thanks for reading! I think because of the popularity of the DP and the low price point of ESPN club, an also its location, it doesn't get as much love as it should! Believe it or not, I've actually purchased one of those mandoline slicers in order to create the perfect cucumber salad recipe.

I just subscribed! Love your reviews so far. I will be making ADR's for our Christmas trip (minus husband because of deployment) next Tuesday and think I will be adding a few restaurants that I hadn't planned on because of your reviews. We are staying at the Contemporary and I think I will add the Wave based on your reviews. Job well done!

Well first of all, thank you and your husband for your service to our country!

And second, welcome and thanks for subscribing. I hope you like the Wave as much as we did. I know it gets overlooked with with the California Grill and Chef Mickey's close by, but you won't be disappointed! Thanks for the compliments...it encourages me to finish!

I love your reviews! I'm so glad you liked Rose and Crown. I worked there for a year too and I miss it so much! The fish and chips portion used to be MUCH bigger than that though.

Oh that's so cool that you worked there. I bet you would miss an experience like that - hard to find something comparable. Oh and I also believe that the portions were bigger. Since I've only been really "Disney Obsessed" for three or four years now, I can't say I remember how things used to be - but I've read and seen enough to know that things will always be changing! Too bad its not for bigger portions!

 

[hurleysweety]

Backstory: DH wanted to go see American Idol again tonight (since last night was so much fun). But our reservations were at Tokyo Dining at 8PM in Epcot. The American Idol finale show is at 6:30pm in DHS. AND we went to Typhoon Lagoon from 3pm-5pm. Um ya...worst touring plans ever, but DH wanted to see the show, so he won, and guess what...even though I was convinced that pigs would start flying before we made it to both the show and dinner on time, we did. So fancy shoes, dress, hair done, and all, I fast-walked my way into the show, cooled off for about 40 minutes, left DHS around 7:15. Booked it to EP, and somehow made it all the way to Japan in 45 mins. My feet were on fire and I was so hot I was sure I was a mess. Somehow, this ended up being quite a perfect and wonderful evening. Phew...thanks for letting me vent. (In case I don't ever get to actually writing my TR! )


If you just want the review...

DH went to the bathroom and I went to check us in. This has become a tradition for us. For whenever one person leaves the check-in stand at any restaurant for any reason, well its those times that a table is ready right away. So I'm feeling totally rushed as its now 7:58pm, and surrounded by lots of hungry families wishing for the few prime window seats the buzzer goes off about one minute after I have it. So then I tell the lady that DH will be right back and she tells me just to wait there. So now I'm in the way, haha, and DH comes back. I'm totally anxious about being seated in the back room. I explain to him what is going on and try to get the attention of someone to seat us. I keep seeing families escorted into the small size main dining area where Illuminations would be visible from and thinking, I bet they took our table! Then a nice hostess makes eye contact with me and directs me towards her as she walks toward the main dining room. Then, I caught a glimpse...THE corner four-top table, which I consider the primo location in this restaurant. Its EMPTY! But so is a two top right behind it...but we got the prime table. We had the most wonderful view and suddenly, I was all smiles!!!!

Ok...less talk, more restaurant. We had some cute napkins folded on our table.

Our waitress was very friendly and efficient. Our glasses were always full, and we had to try to wait out until the 9pm Illuminations show. If we hadn't been waiting, I'm sure we could have been out of there in about an hour, with that in mind, you won't believe all we ordered in that time! It seemed as soon as we ordered something, it came out 5-10 minutes later, with exception to my hot entree.

After our drink orders, we received hot towels as a Japanese tradition. I thought this was a nice touch, and appreciated it after running across two theme parks! With cleansed hands, we were ready to order.

So we started out with some Edamame - boiled young soybean pods served with salt $4.50

I prefer my edamame served warm, but this was good too. Compares well to the local sushi place we go to - and a wonderfully, rather healthy, start to our meal.

We also ordered a cucumber roll as an appetizer as well. Cucumber Roll - 6 pieces per order. - $4.00

After debating on what to get, I eventually made my entree decision. There wasn't anything here that really looked amazing to me. DH thought the same thing and then got excited to make a meal out of a few different types of sushi.

Here is a pic of the very themed menu:

I ordered the Tempura Tori - chicken breast $21.95 which includes Seasonal Vegetables and Steamed White Rice. (FWIW, allears says $19.95 and wdwinfo says $17)

Ooooh YUM! This was delicious. I love tempura and this was some of the best I've had in awhile. The chicken was all white meat, tender and juicy. The tempura veggies were just as good. I did eat some bite of the seaweed and actually liked it. The dipping sauce was similar to a sweet and sour sauce, but much thinner. RIce was only warm at best, and wasn't very fresh. Nonetheless, it was better than minute rice. Disney, I think you need to learn to steam rice better...This was also a big portion of food. I ended up giving more than one skewer of chicken to a very pleased-to-take-it DH.

DH got two different sushi rolls. First
Spicy Tuna Crunch Roll - Spicy tuna mix, tempura crunch with green onions and sesame seed. - $7.95

and the Grilled Salmon Roll - Grilled salmon and cucumber. - $8.50

I only had a bite of the tuna crunch roll because DH gobbled up the salmon roll before I had a chance! He really liked both, but preferred the salmon roll because the of the spiciness of the tuna crunch roll. Also, DH ordered the salmon roll first, and before it even arrived, the waitress checked back twice to see what else he would want. I was in the bathroom, so I didn't witness how pushy she was - but I though it was odd. DH was very happy with his sushi choices, and also the price for them. We don't have a sushi joint that we visit often, just a chain that we go to once or twice a year and found the price and quality to be quite similar. However, I think the freshness of the fish was better.

It was around 7:50 at this time (yes, we really ordered and ate all that, that fast!). So we ordered a dessert. After deciding that we weren't really that hungry, we got the ice cream, as it sounded the best out of the only three desserts available here (rather lame if you ask me). Soft Served Ice Cream $4.50

While waiting for dessert, a lovely couple celebrating an anniversary were sitting behind us. They offered to take a picture of us, if we took one of them. So here you go, our super satisfied selves.

And then, about three minutes into our dessert, the lights dimmed, the music started and I sat in perfect, non-crowded, seated peace watching Illuminations.

Overall, this meal was a favorite of mine (although, its hard to say what wasn't at this point!). The atmosphere and location coupled with the ambiance of Illuminations while eating desert definitely has clouded my true opinion of this place. DH gave it around a 7/10. He doesn't want to go back on the next trip because he'd rather try another new restaurant instead (which I'm ok with...it means we'll run out of regular TS and have to start going to Signatures...lol). I would come back for a nice lunch of a sampler of sushi dishes, but unless I could be guaranteed that prime spot and prime timing again, it'd be hard to go back right away!

TiW Breakdown:
Edamame - $4.50
Grilled Salmon Roll - $8.50
Tuna Crunch Roll - $7.95
Cucumber Roll- $4.00
Tori Dinner - $21.95
Dessert - Free! (DH had his birthday button!)
=$46.90
- 9.38 - TiW discount
= $37.52
+ automatic gratuity & tax
=$48.40

Running Total Savings - $37.25

 

[MickeyNicki]

Great review! I would love to try this place but DH insists on Teppan Edo instead...I love tempura and yours looks yummy!

 

[hurleysweety]

Great review! I would love to try this place but DH insists on Teppan Edo instead...I love tempura and yours looks yummy!

Funny you should say that since I want to try Teppen Edo next time. We left the restaurant around 9:30 and people were still waiting for tables there! I walked by when I used the bathroom and it smelled delicious. I'm not a big fan of the atmosphere though - it looked crowded to me. But I've heard too many review not to give it a chance!

 

[mamaboogie]

Tokyo Dining looks wonderful! It's on our list of places to try. What a fantastic table you had!

 

[MickeyNicki]

So I was telling DH about your Toyko Inn review and he suddenly wanted to go to Hibachi for dinner

We finally bit the bullet and tried sushi! He had the hibachi and we shared and I ordered the sushi and we shared...tried the Mexican roll, California Roll and Lobster Roll and we really enjoyed them all...of course they are the mildest forms of sushi but we had to start off slow

 

[disney_princess_85]

Loving your reviews so far!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Loving your reviews!!

 

[hurleysweety]

Tokyo Dining looks wonderful! It's on our list of places to try. What a fantastic table you had!

Thank you! Glad its made your list!

So I was telling DH about your Toyko Inn review and he suddenly wanted to go to Hibachi for dinner

We finally bit the bullet and tried sushi! He had the hibachi and we shared and I ordered the sushi and we shared...tried the Mexican roll, California Roll and Lobster Roll and we really enjoyed them all...of course they are the mildest forms of sushi but we had to start off slow

First of all, I'm always happy to hear that I'm not the only wife babbling on about dining reviews I read on here.

And second, I'm glad you tried sushi! Its actually international sushi day today, lol. I only know because a sushi chain in our area was doing a promo today for free sushi, but we had plans for father's day tonight and I am the daughter of quite the sushi hater...haha.

DH's favorite by far is the california roll - yet he enjoy's telling people that he loves sushi. Oh well.

Loving your reviews so far!

Thanks!

Loving your reviews!!

Thanks!

 

[janabananas]

Thank you so much for your review of Tokyo Dining. I have been to Teppen Edo and had a great time but not to Tokyo Dining yet. DH and I have reservations there in sept for my birthday dinner. SUPER EXCITED!!

 

[hurleysweety]

Thank you so much for your review of Tokyo Dining. I have been to Teppen Edo and had a great time but not to Tokyo Dining yet. DH and I have reservations there in sept for my birthday dinner. SUPER EXCITED!!

Yay! I hope you get an awesome window seat like we did - be sure to add the birthday to the reservation, I'm sure you already have though! Sending some pixie dust your way for an awesome birthday dinner!

 

[hurleysweety]

Ahh...life is getting in the way of me delivering some dining reviews to you all - sorry for the delay!!!

On this day we went to AK in the morning - our least favorite park[read, we still like it, just not as much as the others]. We had planned to eat at Restuarantsaurus to use our TiW discount which is valid there. But DH wasn't feeling that great, and I knew that getting out of the park and into a quiet, AC environment was priority numero uno. I suggested a counter service at a value resort or POFQ, where the TiW was also valid.

After some exploring, we decided that the All Star Sports food court wasn't going to curve our hunger, and went onto POFQ to hope for better options. This was a good choice.

Oh Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory - why is your atmosphere so strange?
(picture from WDWinfo.com)

Originally, DH was going to the get the grilled chicken sandwich; but decided against it after seeing someone else's plate of a very plain, sad looking chicken breast on what looked like a crumbly fall apart bun. This is my favorite thing about CS; just stand around the back of the line, and wait to see what people are carrying out on their trays - How big is that salad, really? Does that look appetizing?

So while DH was deciding - I found my favorite kind of CS/cafeteria style entree - SALAD BAR. Something so simple, yet awesome. Plus, I had a super friendly CM making my salad. I said I wanted lots of cucumbers, and I'm pretty sure there was half a cucumber on my salad. "Salad Your Way - with chicken" - $9.99 (I believe you could also get it with shrimp, or without meat)

This was good. A great change from all the heavy and rich food in the World. Not super healthy as I loaded up on casaer dressing...oh well! I would eat salad every day, but I don't have the time or patience to chop up and keep fresh all my favorite ingredients. Also, the guy really packed all the things I wanted in there. He never said, no, you can't have anymore of this, or that I had reached too many toppings. He put dressing on the salad, and also gave me some on the side too. There were a variety of dressing choices and toppings (if you can think of it, they probably had it). Like I said, I had a very helpful CM, so I'm pretty sure I could have asked him to put it in three separate bowls, and get extra sides of cheese, and croutons, haha. The chicken was cold and quite a generous amount. In summary, I don't know if it was worth $9.99, but it sure hit the spot! DH and I split this in addition to his meal, and it was more than enough.

DH decided on the Chicken Po Boy -$8.59

He was very hungry, so this is the only picture I have. Basically, it has two grilled chicken breasts on a delicious sub-like roll. Then there is a toppings bar, which he loaded up on. It also comes with the available-throughout-the-world "homemade-like" potato chips - which are pretty good, btw. DH really liked this. Being a po boy sandwich, it did have a sauce on it that DH didn't like. He used ketchup or bbq sauce. Me, being a sauce queen, loved it, and also used my extra dressing too. The bread was toasted and fresh, the chicken was moist, tender, and flavorful. Overall, DH was so much happier with this sandwich over the very plain grilled chicken on a bun. Especially since its almost the same price, for twice the food plus the chips!

This meal was a great break from the parks. I wouldn't go out of my way to eat at CS resort that I'm not staying at - but do enjoy the discount here. Also, it was super close to our resort, next door in fact, to OKW. In other words, if you're staying at AKL, and are at AK for the day, don't make a trip just to eat at POFQ! Also, I think most people were on the DP here since almost every tray had a dessert and drink on it. If you don't care about the $$, I might up my rating on this place a bit. I would eat here again if it fit into our spontaneous plans. There's a chance we'll return in October; but if we don't, I'm okay with that too. Hungry when we came, full and happy when we left. That's a good CS in my book!

TiW Breakdown:
Salad YW Chicken - $9.99
Chicken Po Boy Chips - $8.59
=$18.58
- 3.72 - TiW discount
= $37.52
+ tax
=$15.83

Running Total Savings - $40.97 (over halfway paid for )

 

[flightdave82]

In summary, I don't know if it was worth $9.99, but it sure hit the spot! DH and I split this in addition to his meal, and it was more than enough.

That is actually a GREAT value. Here were I work in NY, I can get the same exact salad that you got (tossed salad with toppings of your choice) for about $7. So for $2 more that is a great deal plus your salad actually looks better then what I can make because of the "economy" this place I go to for lunch has actually taken away some toppings!! Yet they manage to still charge the same amount!