Sydney's dining reviews

[sydney]

OK, so I love food, as does my family, so dining at WDW is a big part of our vacation. SO I thought I'd share some reviews and pics of our eating experiences from our recent trip. We had the regular Disney dining plan, and even though Jared is 11, he's small for his age and doesn't eat enough for a full adult meal, but we had to get the adult plan for him. Having used the plan before and knowing how much food we get, I did some careful planning to get full use out of it.

Day 1:
We ate breakfast at home, had Whataburger in Jacksonville on the drive down, then once we got to MK for MVMCP, and got a few rides under our belt, it was time for

We ordered 3 double bacon cheeseburger meals with fries and Sprites to drink. Jared and I split one, but I got the onion rings since he doesn't like them, and piled mine with sauteed onions and mushrooms, plus cheese sauce. I guess we were all so hungry that we just ate our food before Ron mentioned to me "Hey, weren't you going to take a pictures of the food?" Oops! I did get a picture of the chocolate cake

Ron and Jared split one and Taylor and I each had our own- very good, but rich.
Later that night we had some cocoa and cookies from the MVMCP:

The cocoa was very chocolatey and the cookies were soft and tasty! If I hadn't been so full I'd have had more!

[crispy]

Yay! I love dining reviews! can't wait to read more.

[sydney]

Day 2:

Breakfast today was planned for the Whispering Canyon Cafe at the Wilderness Lodge.

We first tried it last year with friends of ours, and with a big group it is more fun. But our CM was pretty good and it was fun to see first timers react to some of the antics.

We ordered the all you can eat skillet and were not disappointed- delicious like last time. They do now bring drinks in a small mason jar, but if you ask for a refill of soda, they bring a large one out and mess with you about it. And the gravy that comes with the meal is wonderful- I'm not big into biscuits and gravy, but I have to eat it here- yum yum!
The play area with the Linconl Logs is a great idea- even my big kids had fun with it!

Later around 2:00 we started on the Food and Wine Festival "eat your way around the world" tour- a repeat performance from last time, with some new stops too. In my opionion, this is by far the best use of snack credits on the ddp. I stopped to get a passport so I could have it stamped at all the places we visited- that was fun, and will make a great souvenir for the scrapbook. First was

where we got a beef empanada. The crust was nice and flaky and the filling was seasoned well. Again, I was a little slow with the camera!

At the new pavilion

we sampled the jerk spiced chicken drumstick with mango salsa.

Totally yummy! The drumstick was deliciously seasoned and tender, and I could have eaten a whole bowl of the salsa-Jared and I were ready to fight for that stuff!

was our next stop, where Ron and Jared tried the grilled ribeye taco

which they said was grilled just right, and Taylor and I split the crispy shrimp taco.

Both of us loved this- and we've had some great shrimp tacos! We needed some dessert after this, so we got an order of churros from the Cantina.

Mmmmm- that hit the spot!

In China Taylor and I split the black pepper shrimp with Sichuan noodles- scrumptious!

Perfect flavoring, and we did let Ron and Jared try the noodles, whcih they loved too. Those two got the Xijiang bbq chicken stick, which was a favorite for everyone last year, and did not disappoint this time either.

It looks like just a simple peice of chicekn, but the flavor combinations are just delectible.
In Germany that sweet tooth came out again. We tried the apple strudel- very tasty

and then in the Werther's shop we had to get a big cookie

and a rice krispie treat with chocolate and caramel.

The CM was s o sweet to cut it into fours so we could all munch on it!
In Italy we got the ravioli again- and loved it this time too! Very creamy and cheesy!


Had us getting the chocolate lava cake again- which I swear they shrunk, but the guys said it was still yummy

and Taylor and I spilt the lobster and scallop fisherman's pie.

Wow- I could have had this for a meal- so warm and rich and filled with deliciousness- definitely my favorite offering!
Last but not least we visited

where Ron got the Kalua pork slider that he devoured- it was his favorite- he said he wished they'd make a few of these a meal somewhere. The flavor pairings were just right, and I wish I hadn't been so full or I would have tried it too.
The whole experience was a lot of fun and a great way to try new things to eat. The lines were never long and there were friendly quick CM's at each to get your order in and the food came right out. It's nice that there are big boards up outside so you can read what they have before going up to order. I wish they had it going on all the time!

[adi12982]

Yummy! Love the reviews! We've never done the festival! Til when does it last?

[sydney]

Adi- the festival ran through Nov. 13th this year, and I think it usually starts in Oct.- we were there last year mid. Oct. and got to experience it too.

[sydney]

Day 3:

This morning we visited the Pepper Market for breakfast. You can enter and be seated, or do like we do and get a "to go" ticket.

You visit the different stations to get your food, but it's nice since they have big signs up to tell you what they have where. Some things are made ahead and some things they make right as you order. We were all going to get the French toast platter since we've enjoyed them before, but when Ron and Taylor saw the guy in front of us get a breakfast burrito, they changed their minds. You normally get it stuffed with eggs and potatoes on the side, but since Ron doesn't like eggs, he had his made stuffed with potatoes, salsa, and jalepenos and smothered in sauce and cheese. Taylor had his the same but with egg inside too.

They both loved it and were thoroughly stuffed. Jared and I stuck with the French toast with bacon and strawberries- also very tasty.

On the ddp I got coffee with mine, Jared had milk, and Taylor and Ron had Cokes- weird, I know. We took our meal outside to enjoy the beautiful morning.

We had a little visitor, who we dubbed Ron's "bird buddy" since he had a hurt ankle too.

He kept us company that morning and the other morning we had breakfast outside.

For lunch we went to the Sci-Fi Dine In Theater.

We were seated promptly after arriving for our 1:30 adr,

and our carhop Marc was excellent and on top of everything. He suugested shakes (included as a drink on the ddp!) so the guys got oreo shakes

and I got a cherry Coke (paid for separately).We decided to go classic all-American and ordered three angus double cheeseburgers with bacon and fries. They were thick, hot and juicy, and cooked prefectly.

I love the atmosphere in here and watching the "show" while waiting and eating- it's just fun and brings back memories for me when I was a kid there with my family.

For dessert Ron ordered the sundae, which he said was yummy.

Taylor, on my recomendation, got the peanut butter chocolate cake- warm creamy peanut butter filling covered in a moist chocolatey cake, mmmm- and agreed it is awesome.

Since I love cheesecake and Jared loves red velvet cake, we figured we couldn't go wrong with the red velvet cheesecake- and we were right!

I ended up eating most of it because Jared was full, and I have to say it's one of the best desserts ever! The flavor combination and the textures together are magnificent!

Since we were so full from breakfast and lunch, we didn't end up eating again till after 8:00 when we made it back to CSR. We headed back to the Pepper Market and got two orders of market nachos, two Sprites, and two slices of chocolate cake to go.
These nachos are certainly big enough for two people to split, and come fully loaded in chicken, salsa, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and jalepenos if you like.

Another great food day!

[crispy]

Yum! Those nachos look heavenly!

What did you think of the new menu at Sci-Fi?

[sydney]

Nov 19, 2011 17:08:31 GMT -5 crispy said:

Yum! Those nachos look heavenly!

What did you think of the new menu at Sci-Fi?

I like the new menu- we actually had trouble deciding, and had we not been on the ddp, we probably would have chosen several of the appetizers to share. And I want them to open up a place around here that serves that cheesecake!

[sydney]

Day 4:

We've been to O'hana several times for breakfast, but this time I thought we'd still visit the Poly, but try a different breakfast. So I made a 9:00 adr for the

We had an uneventful bus trip to the MK this time, and then hopped on the resort monorail- always nice first thing in the morning.

I remember my brother and I thinnking it was the coolest thing to ride through the Contemporary resort when we were kids, and I still think it's pretty neat.

We go there a little early

but didn't have to wait long before being seated in a nice section with a good view.

Our server was very sweet and brought my coffee (very flavorful) and the guys' Lilikoi juice right out.

Jared and I ordered the tonga toast to share.

That's my half with the yummy banana filling- wonderful! I ate the pineapple too and we got four pieces of bacon with it. It was as good as I imagined- we both loved it!
The big guys both ordered the Big Kahuna breakfast.

It comes with French toast, pancakes with a delectible pineapple topping (Taylor scraped his off, but Ron happily ate it!), bacon, sausage, and ham, potatoes, and egg (I ate Ron's scrambled eggs since he doesn't like them, and Taylor said his over easy one was perfect). They both really enjoyed this- and Taylor almost couldn't finish. After that scrumptous meal we had to wander around a bit and take some pics.



I would certainly come back here for breakfast- the food and service were great, and you really get a lot for the price.

For lunch we headed back to another family favorite- Tony's.

We first came here on the recomendation of my brother- who stopped at MK for the day by himself years ago while driving from Cleveland to the Keys to visit a friend, and ate lunch at Tony's and loved it. Well, now he's got us hooked too. We seem to switch back and forth between garden and indoor seating every visit. This time we were inside for our 1:30 lunch.

Our waiter was top notch- very proffessional, but also with a touch of humor- like referring to Ron and I as the "king" and "queen" and the boys at the "princes." Jared and I chose to share the chicken parmigiana, which Ron ordered also,

and Taylor chose the shrimp scampi.

All of it was excellent- Jared liked his even better than the usual spaghetti and meatballs he gets, Ron and I loved ours, and I tried some of Taylor's and agreed with him that it was awesome. For dessert Jared and Ron shared the ice cream bomb (Ron gets this every time and never gets tired of it- he loves that thing!)

Taylor got the spumoni (he was really happy about his choice, and I tried it and enjoyed it too)


and I got the cheesecake. Last time I had the pumpkin and was amazed, but this time it was pistacchio- even better!

Our waiter remarked that they put Ron and I on the plate to make it special! Another memorable meal here- I have a feeling we'll be visiting here every trip- it just wouldn't be the same for our family without eating at Tony's. Now I've just gotta get my brother to join us sometime!

That evening we left MK early since the MVMCP had closed the park at 7:00. So we came back to CSR and got dinner from the Pepper Market again. This time we chose a chicken quesadilla and a steak burrito. I like that they make them fresh and just the way you want it right in front of you.


Again, they're each one meal that can easily be split by two people. They were both flavorful and hearty and really hit the spot. We had picked up a large M&M cookie and a cinnamon roll from the bakery for desserts, but we ended up taking them back to the room cuz we were so full. The Pepper Market is a great place to use cs credits on the ddp.

[sydney]

Day 5:

This morning we had an 8:30 adr for breakfast at Boma at the AKL. This buffet is amazing! They have traditional fare- cold and hot- plus some special African dishes, and more breakfast meat than you know what to do with! We were seated almost immediately and our server was very friendly. We all ordered the juice

and headed to get our food. Now this shows how well I apparently have my family trained- I got back to the table and they had already taken pictures of their first plates for me!


There is a chef making omelets right there, so I had to get one- with mushrooms, onions, and Swiss.

On my other plate I got a little of everything.

I love their breakfast potatoes (and I'm not usually a big fan), the fruit salad is delicious, and the bobotie casserole could be a meal itself. I didn't get any, but Ron got the turkey and had us all try some- wow! Tender, well seasoned, and perfect all by itself.

Our server kept our juice glasses full, which was wonderful since we all love that juice so much.

After getting our fill at Boma, we walked around AKL a bit and then headed to AK for the day.
For lunch we stopped at Yak & Yeti cs and ordered two meals with honey chicken and rice, Sprites, and frozen lemonade for dessert. From experience last time, that was plenty for the four of us to split.

Again, it was flavorful and filling, and the lemonade was a refreshing end to the meal. While Taylor and I got the food, Ron and Jared scouted out the little gazebo we had found last trip. Another family was using it, but when we showed up with the food, they were just getting done, and it was so sweet- the little girl said as they were leaving "You can go in there and eat now- we're done." It was nice to relax in a quiet spot.

For dinner we had 6:55 adr's for the Plaza.

Now we hadn't been since our 2003 trip and I was really looking forward to coming back.

We showed up early and were given a pager and told we could sit outside at the tables to wait, but not to wander too far.

Unfortunately, right on the other side of the tables is a smoking area, which doesn't do much for the appetitie. I actually started getting a headache from it. We were finally seated, late, but we were at a larger table right by the window.


Our waiter, who only had our table and two others, was really lacking. He took a long time just to come by to get our orders, then took long to bring the drinks back, then didn't come back until after the food was brought- and he didn't even bring it. Plus it was really noisy in there- we remembered it being a lot quiter. Another thing was that there were four girls about 8 years old at a table by themselves- and their parents or whoever else was with their group were all in the side room part! I don't know why they were seated that way, but the girls were getting up and walking back and forth, almost running into the staff and other guests, playing around- one girl even tipped her seat completely back and fell out of it! Then the mom came to check on her beacuse the waiter went to get her, but went right back to her table. They made a compete mess with their dessert all over the table and the floor- it was rediculous, and other guests around us looked appalled too. I felt bad for the waiter at that table.
But as far as the food goes, it was excellent- just as good as we remembered!
Taylor got the club, and Jared and I split one with no tomatoes.

Ron got the chicken sandwich and loved it- I tried it and found it great as well.

For dessert he got the scrumptous brownie sundae, which he couldn't finish.

Taylor got the traditional Plaza sundae, whcih he barely finished.

And Jared and I split, you guessed it, the banana split!

Yummy! I ate most of it, but it hit the spot for both of us.
We all agreed that we liked the food, but service and atmosphere were not what we wanted. We may try it again, but possibly for lunch or not during a busy time.

[adi12982]

You have me drooling over here. Can't wait for our breakfast at Boma!

[sydney]

Day 6:

For our last day at WDW we grabbed breakfast at CSR before checkout. I got the French toast platter again,

the guys got breakfast burritos again,


and Jared opted just for a muffin and milk.

The bakery items are very large and fresh tasting.

We visited Downtown Disney on our way out of town. after doing all the shopping we wanted we decided on Earl of Sandwich for lunch. There was a line out the door, but the guy taking orders was very quick and efficient, they had staff passing out menus while we waited, and it went pretty quick. Since it was so crowded we decided just to take our lunch to go and get on the road. The sandwiches ended up being so filling that we didn't even eat our chips, and Jared and I only ate half our sanwiches then, and saved the other half for a while later. It was as good as we remembered! The boys both enjoyed the club, I got my fav- the all American- and was in heaven, and Ron tried the Hawaiian bbq and really loved it. Their bread is excellent and they really pack these sandwiches full. I didn't get any pictures, but I think they have them on their website. I would highly recommend this place if you're visiting DTD. You can also get any sandwich as a sald if you're going lighter, and their soups look really good too.

All in all I'd rate our dining experiences at WDW a 9 1/2! We were happy with our choices, found some new loves, and I'm sure will have a hard time deciding where to eat next trip!