Our Fall 2014 Trip Report - Coming to You Barely Live from Orlando - Page 9 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Somehow I leaped over the F&WF update, but I've read it now. I'm thinking we made the right decision not buy the premium package as we'll visit on a Wednesday and Monday when the crowds are expected to be lower. That singer from VoL is one of my favorites as well.
Just, chiming in for the first time on this TR as I had read your PTR!
Great photos of Hallowishes, which you captured so well! Sorry, to hear that your experience with MNSSHP wasn't exactly ideal with the weather and a few mishaps!
Enjoying your photos of the steam train tour and great to see those of the park empty like this in the morning! I got to do this at Epcot for an early tour a few years ago. Sorry to hear, that your experience at BOG wasn't all that great! I guess this eatery can be hit or miss at times! Looked like a great meal at AP! One of my faves in WDW and the portobello mushroom soup is amazing!
That was too bad regarding Lou's MB! I love the BWI and has one of the best lounges on property! Looked like a good meal at R&C with an even better view of Illuminations!
Your food looked good from the Mexico kiosk! I don't think the Premium Pass looks to be worth it! May be a waste of money. Nice celebrity shot of Taylor Hanson. They're not as popular as they were back in the late 90's and a lot older now too! They've been playing the F&W Fest. for many years now.
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Sorry that the F&W Premium Package didn't really live up to your expectations. They should have had more seating for you I thought. The heat affected our appetite for the F&W last year too. We did enjoy some of the booths but the heat was so oppressive the first couple of days that we just didn't feel like eating outside. Glad that you got the perfect table at R&C and that your meal was so delicious! Your pictures of Illuminations were so beautiful!!!
Regarding the credentials -we had the same size for other special events so I think they have a template.
That makes sense. It just felt a little awkward, wearing it. But, I can see where it would be helpful to the CMs to be able to check who should be in the Reserved spaces.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
Somehow I leaped over the F&WF update, but I've read it now. I'm thinking we made the right decision not buy the premium package as we'll visit on a Wednesday and Monday when the crowds are expected to be lower. That singer from VoL is one of my favorites as well.
Yes, Cam - I doubt you would need the Premium Pkge. especially for lower crowd times.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperDave
Just, chiming in for the first time on this TR as I had read your PTR!
Great photos of Hallowishes, which you captured so well! Sorry, to hear that your experience with MNSSHP wasn't exactly ideal with the weather and a few mishaps!
Enjoying your photos of the steam train tour and great to see those of the park empty like this in the morning! I got to do this at Epcot for an early tour a few years ago. Sorry to hear, that your experience at BOG wasn't all that great! I guess this eatery can be hit or miss at times! Looked like a great meal at AP! One of my faves in WDW and the portobello mushroom soup is amazing!
That was too bad regarding Lou's MB! I love the BWI and has one of the best lounges on property! Looked like a good meal at R&C with an even better view of Illuminations!
Your food looked good from the Mexico kiosk! I don't think the Premium Pass looks to be worth it! May be a waste of money. Nice celebrity shot of Taylor Hanson. They're not as popular as they were back in the late 90's and a lot older now too! They've been playing the F&W Fest. for many years now.
Thanks for chiming in, Dave. We did, indeed, take advantage of the Belle Vue Lounge at the Boardwalk. You really know your Hanson stuff - I should note, the reason there were so few fans around them, is because it wasn't crowded at Epcot that morning. I was impressed with how patient they were with their fans.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Great pictures from Epcot! Sorry the premium pass wasn't worth it!
Thanks, Marnie.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lindawdw
Sorry that the F&W Premium Package didn't really live up to your expectations. They should have had more seating for you I thought. The heat affected our appetite for the F&W last year too. We did enjoy some of the booths but the heat was so oppressive the first couple of days that we just didn't feel like eating outside. Glad that you got the perfect table at R&C and that your meal was so delicious! Your pictures of Illuminations were so beautiful!!!
Glad to know we aren't the only ones who have been affected by the heat. Thanks for the compliment on the Illuminations Photos.
All caught up. Sometimes I could just skip your writing and look at the pictures, they are so beautiful. Sorry the weather took away the urge to eat at F&WF. But the premium seating should have some shade. That's just silly not to.
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Day 4, Part 2 - Monday Night Dinner at Monsieur Paul
Before I get to dinner, I'll add some photos of our F&W Premium Package Stuff. And, to clarify, I'm not sorry we tried the package. Even though I think they could improve it with some stools for seating, and umbrellas on the tables, it could be a good thing if you can't wait in the kiosk lines. The CMs were also very friendly and helpful. It was our choice not to make full use of our time at the Food & Wine Festival, since we weren't too hungry.
The bag containing the Package Goodies was a nice insulated zip-up bag that can be re-used for lunches or travel snacks:
.....
The Limited Edition Magic Bands had the F&W Festival graphics on each end. Most of the CMs at the park entry turnstiles, and FP+ entry ways commented on the bands, since they hadn't seen one yet:
We each got one of the small wristlet gift cards - $50 each. Funny how quickly these can get used up, even with tasting only a few items These are normal gift cards, so valid other places besides the F&W Festival:
The Credential Card showed the times your package was valid, probably another reason it needed to be large. There was a map on the other side showing the reserved areas:
We also each got a wine glass - these are the type we use, and will make nice souvenirs. I didn't take a photo of the wine - it was a Chianti, retailing for $16.99 in the Italy Pavilion:
The Truffles came in their own chocolate souvenir box:
While I was taking the photos of the Package Goodies, I also snapped these next two. First, is the cute name tag they had for us for the Steam Tour Train. Second is the special Pin we were presented at the end of the tour:
Before I move on to our next dining review, just want to make a comment about weather. What a difference a week can make!!! The cold front coming in should make this upcoming week very pleasant for those just starting their visits to Orlando:
Now - How did we like our dinner at Monsieur Paul?
We took advantage of the Belle Vue Lounge at the Boardwalk to relax before taking the boat to Epcot for dinner. A young couple came in, obviously just married - dressed in their wedding finery and Mickey Ears. The bride was absolutely stunning, and they were so sweet. They sat down at a table to wait for their wedding coordinator and ride to their dining venue. Lou sent over champagne, and they were so surprised and appreciative.
Once the heavier rain stopped, we braved our way to the dock, and waited just a few minutes for a Friendship Boat to Epcot. It was raining lightly once we arrived, but we didn't get too wet. We were just in time to watch Impressions de France before dinner. I wouldn't mind cycling through the French countryside:
OKAY - now we are actually going to get to the dinner review. We were seated within moments of checking in, and had a nice table by the window. We were at the side window, with a view of the gardens. This was fine with us, as we could check on the rain, and didn't feel the need for more Illuminations. Fortunately, no one sat at the four top right next to us:
Lou started with the Ahi Tartare
I chose the Carrot Soup with a large Goat Cheese Ravioli hiding under the Parmesan Foam:
For his main course, Lou chose the Duck, and I picked the Chicken Cordon Blu:
Both of our appetizers were delicious. Lou raved about the duck, and says it's the best he ever had. Plus, he was served a whole lotta duck. My chicken dish was good, but not necessarily something I would order again. That's not a complaint - it hit the spot.
We both decided to have coffee and dessert. Lou had the white chocolate sphere, which had ice cream and berries inside. Mine was very tasty - I had the apple tart with pistachio sorbet and some type of sea salt-caramel drizzle. Yum.
The verdict: Dinner at Monsieur Paul was surprisingly good. Another winner. I remembered Cheryl saying they were rushed through their dinner. The pacing on ours was fine. Our server was a little stiff, but he loosened up as the evening went on, and he told us how he is trying to renew his contract so he can stay in Florida for six more months.
We had some sprinkles as we walked back to the Boardwalk, but the cooler night air felt good. There were still people enjoying the Boardwalk as we called it a night.
The package gifts are really very nice. I sounds to me like the package would make sense if you could only go to the festival on a weekend when it's crowded and can't or don't want to wait in lines, and if they offered some seating. I was picturing the usual throw-away freebies but these items look to be nice quality. I love the design of the bands! What a nice dinner at MP! I think I need to give it a try.
I like the gift bag items from the Premium Package. Things like that are pretty cool with all the detail that went into them! Glad you had a good experience and meal at Monsieur Paul. When I ate there back in late March, I enjoyed it very much, even with the steep price tag!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Those package gifts are really wonderful and I can see why you thought it was worth it now, having seen those. It's just a shame they don't finish it off with those little touches, like the seating..
I'm so glad you enjoyed your meal at Monsieur Paul's - we thought the food was very good, but you're right, it was the pacing that was the issue with our meal and it did spoil it, as we just felt rushed. Maybe we'll go back and give it another go one day....
Those package gifts are really wonderful and I can see why you thought it was worth it now, having seen those. It's just a shame they don't finish it off with those little touches, like the seating..
I'm so glad you enjoyed your meal at Monsieur Paul's - we thought the food was very good, but you're right, it was the pacing that was the issue with our meal and it did spoil it, as we just felt rushed. Maybe we'll go back and give it another go one day....
I think it sometimes depends on not only how good the service is but who is serving you! A meal like this, you don't want to be rushed and perhaps the CM you had may have been a bit inexperienced! When I ate there earlier this year, the service was rather good and well paced!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
I think it sometimes depends on not only how good the service is but who is serving you! A meal like this, you don't want to be rushed and perhaps the CM you had may have been a bit inexperienced! When I ate there earlier this year, the service was rather good and well paced!
I was just saying to Mark that between your and Sharon's experience, I think Monsieur Paul will go back on our list to try again one day, as you both seem to have really enjoyed it.
I was just saying to Mark that between your and Sharon's experience, I think Monsieur Paul will go back on our list to try again one day, as you both seem to have really enjoyed it.
Glad I could help! I've had a few dining experiences in WDW that weren't all that great over the years! Some even this year as you'll find out in my TR! I should have an update later today!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
The souvenir items that came with the premium package are quite nice. Dinner looks very delicious. I love the music so much in Impressions of France. I sit through it several times in a row just to listen.
The gift bag looked quite nice! And yes, I could see where the reserved areas would be beneficial on the weekends when it is busier, and I agree they really should consider more actual seating and shade. I will have to keep this in mind if they offer again when we can go!
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Sorry, to hear that your experience with MNSSHP wasn't exactly ideal with the weather and a few mishaps! 
I got to do this at Epcot for an early tour a few years ago. Sorry to hear, that your experience at BOG wasn't all that great! 
Looked like a great meal at AP! 
I love the BWI and has one of the best lounges on property! 
They've been playing the F&W Fest. for many years now.
.....
PassPorter Guide Author
Dinner looks very delicious. 
I love the music so much in Impressions of France. I sit through it several times in a row just to listen. 
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