Who's Gonna Have More Fun? Two PTR's for the Price of One!

[Momof2Disneyboys]

And now back to Disney Dining!!


Let's talk about Epcot dining!


We had lunch at the Garden Grill once, back in 2007 I believe. We had an 11:00 ADR and were the first ones there and were chosen as the Family of the Day! Which entailed getting a free appetizer, having all the characters come to our table at once for a picture, and getting free Glow Cubes! The characters were wonderful and it was neat how the restaurant slowly rotated. The food on the other hand was not so wonderful. Very plain and dry and just not good. And we were in there for nearly an hour and a half. Service was VERY slow. It took forever! We haven't been back since. I did consider it for this trip, but as of now we don't have an ADR there.

We had dinner once a the Coral Reef, also back in 2007. The food was pretty good and so was the service. We had a table down on the main level, but not right next to the tank. While we enjoyed our meal there, no one has ever mentioned going back. Just too many places to try in Epcot I guess!

We have had dinner at LeCellier 3 times. The first 2 times we loved it and everything was awesome! I especially love the campfire smores dessert! Each time I ordered the same meal – New York Strip Steak well done, with Yukon Gold Potatoes. The third time was terrible. We waited forever for our meals and when we finally got them my steak was rare. I had asked for it well done. I don't like to even see pink in my steak and this things was nearly still alive. It was gross. I am not one to send things back, but this had to go back. After 2 trips back to the kitchen my steak was still not well done. My potatoes were not done either. I am sure it was a fluke, but it turned me away from the place, for awhile anyway. So we didn't go back last year and aren't going this year.

This is from a couple trips back when my food was done just right!

Last November we stopped at San Angel Inn for lunch one day without an ADR and were able to get right in. We had been wanting to try this place for several years but something always happened to cause us to cancel our ADR. I had heard mixed reviews and was a bit nervous. But we ended up really enjoying it. It's such a nice atmosphere in there. The service was super quick and the food was good. We will probably go back again sometime, just not this time.

We have been to Boulangerie Patisserie in 3 times. We stopped there for lunch on our very first trip and were unimpressed. But we decided to give it another try in January 2009 and I'm glad we did, we loved it! DH and I had sandwiches and the kids had croissants. And the little pastries and desserts were very good too! We went there again last year and it fell somewhere in the middle. It wasn't great, but it wasn't terrible either. We probably will skip it this trip.

Continued in next post.....

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

continued.....


Electric Umbrella is your basic WDW fast food. We have been there a few times. The food is decent, but not great. We like how it is so big and open in there with lots of seating. We like to sit by the window and look out into Epcot while we eat.

We ate at Sunshine Seasons in the Land once. We stopped in there for a quick lunch. I didn't care for it at all. I remember there not being too many things there to choose from that I would even eat. A little too funky for me I guess! And there was absolutely nothing for DS9 (he was probably about 5 when we were there). I think DH thought it was okay. Sorry, no pics.


As for Epcot snacks....One afternoon a few trips ago we stopped at the Fife and Drum Tavern snack stand near the American Adventure. We grabbed some quick snacks and really enjoyed them!

After hearing so much about the Kaki Gori's we decided to try them last year. Sorry to say that DS9 was the only one who cared for them!

Now the best place to get a snack in Epcot is definitely the new Caramel Shop in Germany – Karamell Kuche. We spent a lot of time in there last November and I'm sure we will again this year. Talk about yummy treats!!

So that is our Epcot dining experience! Our dining plans for Epcot this time – We have an ADR at Via Napoli. We also plan to try the new Mexican CS place – La Cantina de San Angel. I have heard some great things about it and can't wait to give it a try!


Thoughts/Opinions/Suggestions?

 

[seacrestpromo]

Great pix of your new dog! He looks like he is going to fit in well with your family.

Love looking at all those desserts. Yum. Looking forward to hear your thoughts about Via Napoli. We missed our ADR in May.

Sea (40'000 ft over Washington)

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Shelly - that puppy is adorable!!! I agree with you - having a new puppy is like having another baby!!

Epcot food - my favorite!!!
We tried La Cantina last March - I thought the nachos were good, the beef tacos - not great (I can't remember why - but I just posted about it in my TR something about the beef. Maybe chicken would be better). The churros came with caramel sauce, which was cool. Margarita - Yum! maybe have a margarita first, then everything else will be better!

I would like to try Via Napoli too. The pizza by the slice outside is apparently not the same. We loved when we ate at Tutto Italia a couple trips back. I think Chefs de France is worth trying. We loved the food, but our server seemed to forget us for a time and we were there quite a while.

Haven't been back to LeCellier for a while either - my friend just went and they loved it! Must be a little up and down. I remember your steak story. Ugh.
We enjoy Teppan edo too. It's fun and the food isn't TOO exotic. My kids liked the chicken and rice. And they are picky too, so it's not too bad!

We usually stop in China for CS - orange chicken is the family favorite here.

What's up with Kaki Gori - it looks like a simple sno cone to me. What's the big deal with that?

I'd rather go to the Karamel shop!!! Oh yes I would!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Great pix of your new dog! He looks like he is going to fit in well with your family.

Love looking at all those desserts. Yum. Looking forward to hear your thoughts about Via Napoli. We missed our ADR in May.

Sea (40'000 ft over Washington)

Thanks Sea!

Have a great time on your cruise!

Shelly - that puppy is adorable!!! I agree with you - having a new puppy is like having another baby!!

Epcot food - my favorite!!!
We tried La Cantina last March - I thought the nachos were good, the beef tacos - not great (I can't remember why - but I just posted about it in my TR something about the beef. Maybe chicken would be better). The churros came with caramel sauce, which was cool. Margarita - Yum! maybe have a margarita first, then everything else will be better!

I would like to try Via Napoli too. The pizza by the slice outside is apparently not the same. We loved when we ate at Tutto Italia a couple trips back. I think Chefs de France is worth trying. We loved the food, but our server seemed to forget us for a time and we were there quite a while.

Haven't been back to LeCellier for a while either - my friend just went and they loved it! Must be a little up and down. I remember your steak story. Ugh.
We enjoy Teppan edo too. It's fun and the food isn't TOO exotic. My kids liked the chicken and rice. And they are picky too, so it's not too bad!

We usually stop in China for CS - orange chicken is the family favorite here.

What's up with Kaki Gori - it looks like a simple sno cone to me. What's the big deal with that?

I'd rather go to the Karamel shop!!! Oh yes I would!

Thanks Sheree!

Thanks for thoughts on Epcot dining. You've been to a variety of different places there! I hope we like Via Napoli. That ADR started out Marrakesh, then went to LeCellier, then Garden Grill, and finally VN!

I'd like to try Chefs and Tutto someday too.


I'm not sure what the deal is with Kaki Gori. I read in lots of TR's how great they are and how you have to have one. They are just a basic snowcone. And we just didn't like the flavoring very much.


Karamell Kuche is definitely my new favorite place!

 

[Monny2AE]

I'm trying desperately to catch up. I'm waaaaaaay back on page 11 but after reading this little comment I'm not sure I want to continue reading.

Hi Kim!!! We're so glad you could make it! I did wonder where you were the other morning when I was eating That-Which-Shall-Not-Be-Named..... warm, of course.

 

[ronnmel]

In Epcot I have tried Tutto Italia and Tokyo Dining. Both were very tasty. This time I'm very much looking forward to trying Via Napoli.

I had heard lots of good things about Sunshine Season, but I was in a grumpy and not adventurous mood when we went there, so I ended up not eating anything while waiting for DH and DD to finish their meal, then went to Electric Umbrella for some "comfort" fries and burger. Hopefully this time I'll be in a better mood to try sunshine season again.

 

[Monny2AE]

I'm gonna have to take a break on page 26. Think of this post as my page marker

I think you two should put these pics together on a post card and take your next trip from all the profits you make selling them!

 

[sjs314]

Good Afternoon, er Evening -

I am late to the party today, had to go to the Hospital early this am for Pulmonary Testing. Then went out for breakfast and stopped by the grocery store and by the time I got home needed a nap since I had been up since 3 am. I could not sleep knowing I had to go do the testing thing.

Any way-


Shelly the pics of Jack and the boys are wonderful. Jack is adorable, he reminds me so much of our sheltie Lassie, she had the same white stripe down her nose. Keeping my fingers crossed for you that Jack starts sleeping thru the night soon.

Epcot Dining -

 

[sjs314]

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr not sure what I hit but my reply posted before I was done

Ok back to Epcot Dining -

Garden Grill use to be one of our favorites but that was before it was a charactor meal and was still an ala carte menu.

Coral Reef been there twice, the first time the food was to die for but that was in 1989, went in 2006 and my meal was over cooked. I did originally plan on doing lunch there but it never made the final list of places in Epcot to eat this trip.

Le Cellier I had a dinner ADR but have switched to a lunch and still might drop it all together, DH says now he does not care Yes I have finally driven him crazy with all the changeing of ADRs

San Angel, I had an ADR for there and really want to eat there but after much consideration, there is little DH will even touch there from all the descriptions and pictures I have seen.

Boulangerie Patisserie I love this place, a wonderful place for a break, a nice snack and cup of coffee.

American Adventure, I do not think we have ever ate at any place here.

Karamell Kuche, with DH sweet tooth we will surely be making a stop here, I can't really eat it due to my diabetes but I might snitch and have a choc covered strawberry.

Electric Umbrella I know we have eaten here and at Sunshine Seasons neither is outstanding more like the ok lets grab something here kind of place for me. I hate CS places for the most part, but maybe that is because for most of our trips we have gone during busy times or when it has been horriblely hot, Easter, Memorial Day, August

I changed or dropped a lot of our Epcot ADRs after we switched Resorts
, so as of now we are only eating at

Via Napoli anxious like you to try their pizza

Tutto Italia because DH wants to eat here, I would rather drop this one but since I already dropped 3 of his other choices (San Angel, Teppan Edo and Marrakesh) I am keeping Tutto, at least for now

Biergarten we tried this last trip for the first time and loved it, going back for dinner this trip

I wonder if you would like it?

Rose & Crown went there once before and love fish and chips so have an ADR for Octobers trip.

Need to go start dinner since I am starveing now from thinking about all this food to eat at Epcot and it is almost 5 o'clock

 

[rusafee1183]

Hi Guys!

I finally caught up on EVERYTHING! Lots of fun stuff going on over here. Shopping for Disney is my favorite thing ever! I never want to think about how much I *really* spend on my trip once I add all those 'just one more shirt/pair of shoes/toiletry' trips in to the budget.

I love all the clothes ladies. I totally agree about the sundresses in summer. I LIVE in them here, but also I don't know if I would be able to do them all day walking around WDW. I think you'll be fine on the "flashing" thing, Shelly. LOL. I wore a dress to the Halloween party and was fine. The only thing that was a close call was getting into Space Mtn.

Jo - Congratulations to your mom! I hope you're having a wonderful time at the wedding.

Shelly - I wanted to tell you about these shoes that I bought for Bob last summer. I don't remember what the brand name was, but they were from Target. I'll look when I get home, but they looked just like tennis shoes, but they didn't "tie" like normal shoes. They had almost like cables, and they hooked onto little plastic pieces on the sides. They kind of remind me of "switchback shoes" but they were completely open on the sides, so they were cool like sandals, but look/feel/stay on like tennis shoes.

And congrats on getting Jack!!! He's adorable! But, yes - new pets are so much work. We have a new(ish) kitten (Stella) and she's a terrorist. But, so much fun.


I'll be back later to talk about the food at WDW. I could talk about it for days.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I'm trying desperately to catch up. I'm waaaaaaay back on page 11 but after reading this little comment I'm not sure I want to continue reading.

In Epcot I have tried Tutto Italia and Tokyo Dining. Both were very tasty. This time I'm very much looking forward to trying Via Napoli.

I had heard lots of good things about Sunshine Season, but I was in a grumpy and not adventurous mood when we went there, so I ended up not eating anything while waiting for DH and DD to finish their meal, then went to Electric Umbrella for some "comfort" fries and burger. Hopefully this time I'll be in a better mood to try sunshine season again.

It will be interesting to hear what everyone thinks of Via Napoli! It's pretty likely DS12 and I will just get pizza. DS9 will get plain pasta. And DH might be the adventurous one and try something else!

I know lots of people love Sunshine Seasons. It just wasn't for us I guess. I hope you enjoy it this time!!

I'm gonna have to take a break on page 26. Think of this post as my page marker


I think you two should put these pics together on a post card and take your next trip from all the profits you make selling them!

Aw thanks Kim!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Good Afternoon, er Evening -

I am late to the party today, had to go to the Hospital early this am for Pulmonary Testing. Then went out for breakfast and stopped by the grocery store and by the time I got home needed a nap since I had been up since 3 am. I could not sleep knowing I had to go do the testing thing.

Any way-


Shelly the pics of Jack and the boys are wonderful. Jack is adorable, he reminds me so much of our sheltie Lassie, she had the same white stripe down her nose. Keeping my fingers crossed for you that Jack starts sleeping thru the night soon.

Epcot Dining -

I wondered where you were all day! I forgot about your testing being today. I hope all went well.

Do you have any pics of your Sheltie? Jack is a sable like our last Sheltie, but at this point he is much darker. It will be neat to see what he ends up looking like!

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr not sure what I hit but my reply posted before I was done

Ok back to Epcot Dining -

Garden Grill use to be one of our favorites but that was before it was a charactor meal and was still an ala carte menu.

Coral Reef been there twice, the first time the food was to die for but that was in 1989, went in 2006 and my meal was over cooked. I did originally plan on doing lunch there but it never made the final list of places in Epcot to eat this trip.

Le Cellier I had a dinner ADR but have switched to a lunch and still might drop it all together, DH says now he does not care Yes I have finally driven him crazy with all the changeing of ADRs

San Angel, I had an ADR for there and really want to eat there but after much consideration, there is little DH will even touch there from all the descriptions and pictures I have seen.

Boulangerie Patisserie I love this place, a wonderful place for a break, a nice snack and cup of coffee.

American Adventure, I do not think we have ever ate at any place here.

Karamell Kuche, with DH sweet tooth we will surely be making a stop here, I can't really eat it due to my diabetes but I might snitch and have a choc covered strawberry.

Electric Umbrella I know we have eaten here and at Sunshine Seasons neither is outstanding more like the ok lets grab something here kind of place for me. I hate CS places for the most part, but maybe that is because for most of our trips we have gone during busy times or when it has been horriblely hot, Easter, Memorial Day, August

I changed or dropped a lot of our Epcot ADRs after we switched Resorts
, so as of now we are only eating at

Via Napoli anxious like you to try their pizza

Tutto Italia because DH wants to eat here, I would rather drop this one but since I already dropped 3 of his other choices (San Angel, Teppan Edo and Marrakesh) I am keeping Tutto, at least for now

Biergarten we tried this last trip for the first time and loved it, going back for dinner this trip

I wonder if you would like it?

Rose & Crown went there once before and love fish and chips so have an ADR for Octobers trip.

Need to go start dinner since I am starveing now from thinking about all this food to eat at Epcot and it is almost 5 o'clock

Wow you've been to quite a few places in Epcot!

You have changed your ADR's so much I can't keep up with where you are eating on this trip!!

Me on the other hand, I would never do such a thing.....

The chocolate & caramel covered strawberry is my recommendation from the new caramel shop in Germany!

I have thought about Biergarten, but it just didn't make the cut this time. Too many restaurants, not enough days in Disney!!

Hi Guys!

I finally caught up on EVERYTHING! Lots of fun stuff going on over here. Shopping for Disney is my favorite thing ever! I never want to think about how much I *really* spend on my trip once I add all those 'just one more shirt/pair of shoes/toiletry' trips in to the budget.

I love all the clothes ladies. I totally agree about the sundresses in summer. I LIVE in them here, but also I don't know if I would be able to do them all day walking around WDW. I think you'll be fine on the "flashing" thing, Shelly. LOL. I wore a dress to the Halloween party and was fine. The only thing that was a close call was getting into Space Mtn.

Jo - Congratulations to your mom! I hope you're having a wonderful time at the wedding.

Shelly - I wanted to tell you about these shoes that I bought for Bob last summer. I don't remember what the brand name was, but they were from Target. I'll look when I get home, but they looked just like tennis shoes, but they didn't "tie" like normal shoes. They had almost like cables, and they hooked onto little plastic pieces on the sides. They kind of remind me of "switchback shoes" but they were completely open on the sides, so they were cool like sandals, but look/feel/stay on like tennis shoes.

And congrats on getting Jack!!! He's adorable! But, yes - new pets are so much work. We have a new(ish) kitten (Stella) and she's a terrorist. But, so much fun.


I'll be back later to talk about the food at WDW. I could talk about it for days.

Hey Heather! Glad you stopped by and are getting all caught up!


I am a bit worried about flashing the line of people when I am climbing into RNRC!


Oh yes, I would love to see those shoes you got Bob!! Unfortunately DH's flip flops got returned this weekend.


Thanks! And congrats on your new kitten. I didn't know you guys got another one! New pets are so much fun, but so much work!! Between being up half the night and the house-training I am exhausted.

Yes - come back when you get a chance and we will talk about Disney Dining!

 

[sjs314]

Shelly- Just saw this posted on another thread and I know your DS's enjoy a trip to Casey's maybe you can hit there before it closes


"The Studio Backlot Tour is scheduled to be closing for a refurbishment from September 4 to September 24 2011, reopening on September 25 2011."

"The Swiss Family Treehouse is scheduled to be closing for a 2 month refurbishment from September 8 to November 17 2011, opening again on November 18 2011."

"Casey's Corner is scheduled to be closed for refurbishment from August 30 2011 to September 14 2011, re-opening on September 15 2011."

"The Lunching Pad at Rockettower Plaza in the Magic Kingdom will be closed for refurbishment from 29 August 2011 to September 13 2011."

 

[sjs314]

I have pics of our sheltie some place They were all taken in the days before digital photography so if one day I happen upon one I will scan it and show her to you .

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Shelly that puppy is absolutely precious! And I know what you mean about having a newborn in the house. It really does feel like that. If you can make it through the first week or two though, you've got it licked!

Epcot dining...... that is a massive subject! We are eating at some of the same places as you this time. We are trying the new Mexican place and the pizza place probably. We've tried the following TS places: Le Cellier, Garden Grill, Chefs, San Angel, Akershus, & Biergarten. We liked them all, but we almost never repeat a restaurant. In fact, the only WDW restaurant that we have repeated is Ohana (our favorite!). There is just too much new stuff to try for me to go back to anything twice until I have made it to all of them! I would love to try Tutto, Teppan Edo, Coral Reef & Rose and Crown. I really have no desire to try the place in China (we have the best Chinese food right here at home and I know it wouldn't be as good) or Marrakesh (no way is some chick shaking her maracas all over my DH and call it a dinner show ).

I'm curious to hear how you like the new places at Epcot! I'm excited about trying them too!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Shelly- Just saw this posted on another thread and I know your DS's enjoy a trip to Casey's maybe you can hit there before it closes


"The Studio Backlot Tour is scheduled to be closing for a refurbishment from September 4 to September 24 2011, reopening on September 25 2011."

"The Swiss Family Treehouse is scheduled to be closing for a 2 month refurbishment from September 8 to November 17 2011, opening again on November 18 2011."

"Casey's Corner is scheduled to be closed for refurbishment from August 30 2011 to September 14 2011, re-opening on September 15 2011."

"The Lunching Pad at Rockettower Plaza in the Magic Kingdom will be closed for refurbishment from 29 August 2011 to September 13 2011."

Oh no!! Not Casey's! Wow I just told the kids and they are mad!!

We will definitely have to get there before they close. Thanks for letting me know!

I have pics of our sheltie some place They were all taken in the days before digital photography so if one day I happen upon one I will scan it and show her to you .

Okay!

Shelly that puppy is absolutely precious! And I know what you mean about having a newborn in the house. It really does feel like that. If you can make it through the first week or two though, you've got it licked!

Epcot dining...... that is a massive subject! We are eating at some of the same places as you this time. We are trying the new Mexican place and the pizza place probably. We've tried the following TS places: Le Cellier, Garden Grill, Chefs, San Angel, Akershus, & Biergarten. We liked them all, but we almost never repeat a restaurant. In fact, the only WDW restaurant that we have repeated is Ohana (our favorite!). There is just too much new stuff to try for me to go back to anything twice until I have made it to all of them! I would love to try Tutto, Teppan Edo, Coral Reef & Rose and Crown. I really have no desire to try the place in China (we have the best Chinese food right here at home and I know it wouldn't be as good) or Marrakesh (no way is some chick shaking her maracas all over my DH and call it a dinner show ).

I'm curious to hear how you like the new places at Epcot! I'm excited about trying them too!

Thank you! He's not so precious at 3 in the morning though.

Looks like you've gone to lots of places in Epcot! You are smart for not repeating places. That's the only way to try out everything! I usually try to make about half of our TS's new and the other half are old favorites. If we keep all the ADR's I have as of right now we will be trying 4 new TS's!

Of course that is subject to change.

Yes, I think my DH and DS12 were looking forward to the belly dancer at Marrakesh. Too bad for them I cancelled it.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Jack is so adorable and I can tell by the boys' smiles that they are already in love with him.

On to the Epcot restaurants you talked about.....We haven't eaten at the Garden Grill in years for the same reasons as you. The character interaction was great but the food was not so good. We may go there again in the future but it's not at the top of our list.

We really enjoy both the Coral Reef and LeCellier. This past trip, we ate at Coral Reef and everything was delicious and our server was very attentive. I remember your last meal at LeCellier and the problems that you had with the undercooked meat. I am like you and just can't eat a bloody piece of meat. YUCK and double YUCK!

As far as counter service goes, we usually stick with Electric Umbrella too. It's in a good location and the food is good enough to fill our tummies. Sunshine Seasons doesn't do anything for us either. There was too much running around to find something we all liked.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Jack is so adorable and I can tell by the boys' smiles that they are already in love with him.

On to the Epcot restaurants you talked about.....We haven't eaten at the Garden Grill in years for the same reasons as you. The character interaction was great but the food was not so good. We may go there again in the future but it's not at the top of our list.

We really enjoy both the Coral Reef and LeCellier. This past trip, we ate at Coral Reef and everything was delicious and our server was very attentive. I remember your last meal at LeCellier and the problems that you had with the undercooked meat. I am like you and just can't eat a bloody piece of meat. YUCK and double YUCK!

As far as counter service goes, we usually stick with Electric Umbrella too. It's in a good location and the food is good enough to fill our tummies. Sunshine Seasons doesn't do anything for us either. There was too much running around to find something we all liked.

Thanks Lisa! Yep, the boys think he is pretty great!


Yeah I would love to try the Garden Grill again, but I am too afraid! It was a fun time, just not very tasty.

We'll probably go back to LC sometime. I'd like to go back to the CR sometime too.

I'm hoping the La Cantina is good because I'm growing kind of tired of Electric Umbrella!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

hey! Cute puppy!! My kids were freaking out !! "Can we get one?"...I knew that was coming!!! LOL....we have had 2 bad meals at San Angel, but it's been a few years back so maybe they changed it up! We looooove the caramel store in Germany...my favorite snack place in alll of Disney!!! We love rose & Crown too!...Garden Grill used to be the best..but last year it wasn't so good, so-to the disappointment of the kids-we are skipping it this year,...Germany(Biergarten) is where we go for pretty much the atmosphere, my kids love it*me too!*,..the food is not what they would usually get, but they eat it! Le cellier we are skipping this year since it's 2 TS credits, Never been to Coral Reef! Can you believe that?! Mike and I like Nine Dragons, kids don't care for it, but we skipped it last year so we are going on the next trip...Via Napoli does sound interesting...I am waiting on your report to see if we go!!!!!