Confessions of a WDW Addict (Pre-Trip Report) About This Page:

[hhawkins]

I thought I would just take some time to record my thought process on the restaurants that I selected. I am very interested in your thoughts – good or bad. What are some of your favorite menu items. What are portion sizes like? Should I make any changes?

Bear with me as this will be a series of posts. I will focus on a day or two at a time. Let’s start with Sunday and Monday.

Sunday – California Grill (9:15 pm) Wishes Viewing
The one restaurant that I have been dreaming about is California Grill, and it is not even the food that has me all geared up. As a matter of fact, I am almost a little scared of the menu. I do not know if I have really heard of anything on the menu. People say that everything is good, but at the prices you have to pay, I would hate to make a poor decision. I wonder if you order something, and do not like it, would they bring out something else, even if the problem was not the food, but the taste buds of the eater?

I reserved this for the view. This will be our 15th Wedding Anniversary, and thought it would be about the most romantic dinner spot that we could possibly spend find on the first night of our vacation. We would NEVER bring our kids here, as our are wild. As this is a mommy and daddy trip only, so this may be the chance of a lifetime, just me and my dear wife. I hope our Anniversary gets us a window seat so we can stay in our seats for Wishes. I dreaming of this ADR.

Monday – Hollywood & Vine (6 pm) Fantasmic Dinner Package
This is one ADR that I am unsure of. I have not heard any real positive reviews, but thought I would give it a try. It would seem that the consensus is that it is “just okay.” Candi and I do like buffets, so I am hoping for the very best. We have Italian all the time and the Brown Derby was just not in the budget, so Hollywood & vine is our only choice for the Fantasmic Dinner Package, which is a priority. It sounds like they have worked out the kinks with seating, and we DO want to see the show this trip. Our last trip, we just did not have the time to invest.

Stay Tuned . . . Tuesday though Wednesday ADR descriptions.

[Cam22]

We've never eaten at CG, so I don't have knowledge there to share. But sending that you get a window seat. "Just okay" would be my opinion of H&V, too. We've had good food here, but nothing that excites me enough to return.

[lfredsbo]

Can't help much as we haven't been to CG in a about 9 years
And I feel H & V is just okay too, but then again I'm no ya big fan of buffets unless of course they include characters

[Colexis Mom]

We've done H&V, like you, just to get the FDP when the kids were little. It's just a plain buffet. Nothing outstanding. We ate at CG for our 10th anniversary (with the kids), but that was quite a few years back so I don't want to comment on food too much. We did have sushi, a flatbread, and I had filet mignon, I believe, and everything was good. It's not a quiet restaurant, by any means (which is why we took the kids for an early seating) and I don't think much has changed in that regard in all the revamps since then.

[HollyH]

Haven't been to Cali Grill. Looking forward to your report on it!

We went to H&V for the Fantasmic package years ago. Sorry to say it was the worst meal I've had on property. I don't mind buffets, but I found the options at H&V were so limited that it was a bit laughable to call it a buffet. None of it was very good either. Keep in mind this was in 2005 so (hopefully) it has improved since. Ironically, we weren't that impressed with Fantasmic either. That was the only time we ever saw it.

[rosanna]

I know you say you have Italian all the time, so you must like it, right? I really can't recommend Mam Melrose's enough. We had such a fantastic time for our FDP there. You get an appetizer, entree, and dessert. Trust me, it is a LOT of food. Having eaten there twice with two different groups of people, I can honestly say that everyone really enjoyed their meals.

[KimandMark]

I wouldn't worry about window seat at CG, show up early, be willing to wait and you'll likely get it. Even if you don't everyone goes out to the observation deck, the lights inside dim and food service slows or stops during the show, so you won't miss it.

Also to help with menu translation
--flatbreads are basically thin pizzas (you will probably like the triple cheese, although the gyro one looks great---gryo meat is basically ground lamb that is roased for a really really long time so its very tender and like an amazing burger, feta is a strongish cheese)
--you probably aren't planning on the sushi section, but if you are interested in going out a limb the safe first timers choice is California Roll (its cooked crab, with a piece of cucumber and a piece of avocado wrapped in rice)
---First course--they are using a lot of 'fancy' veggies that are just like gourmet versions of normal veggies. I'm betting that squash soup with the bacon is everything you hope your Thanksgiving squash would taste like and it has bacon on it!!)
--Main course-I'm assuming you know the meats (pork, steak, chicken, fish) but the sides are throwing you--polenta is corn meal, its like grits, think of it as pudding almost and it tastes like whatever they dress it with--like how plain rice with butter just tastes mostely like butter? same idea, so the polenta is going to taste like goat cheese (a mild, non stinky soft cheese); purple stokes are just purple potatoes, the taste the same; winter veggies are squashes and roots (butternut, potato etc)

The menu will change, but really, don't let the language freak you out. A steak is still a steak, they put some long winded named sauce on it and you'll say what a great steak you had, or piece of chicken or roast pork. The chefs try to put tastes together that are good together (so if it sounds funny to have a dried fig like in from the middle of fig newtons with pumpkin, think about stuff you put together---like pretzels and peanutbutter or potato chips diped in chocolate and you'll understand what htey are getting at.) and also LOOK good--the purple potatoes make a pretty plate, they aren't very different from white pototoes.

Haven't done H&V, but based on everyone's suggestions and what you've said you like, I second the recommendation for Mama Melrose. I haven't been in a few years, but its like most italian places--predictable and solid.

[krisk11]

Very late to the party but glad I made it.
Have a fun vacation sans the kids!!!!! I like your commando touring schedule because that is easier to do without children and with it being just you and your wife you can change on the fly to anything you want.
Also loved your ADR's . Cali Grill is fabulous and if you don't get a window seat just go out on the rooftop deck. We did this and it was fabulous. They pipe the music so it's the best place on property to see Wishes.
Can't wait to read more.

[mommapants]

Ive never been to CG - same as you I'm not an adventuresome eater. If the fireworks is something you really want you could look into a fireworks cruise. Then you could eat dinner whereever you want and still see Wishes but from a boat out in the middle of the Seven Seas Lagoon. They have private ones and small group ones.

I'm not a fan of the Fantasmic Dinner packages. I did it once and of course it rained that day so the parks emptied out and didn't need reserved seating for the show. Any other time I've gone I've just gone up to the show a little before show time - never queued up an hour before. You end up sitting a little further back but can still see every thing. If there are 2 show that day the second show will be less crowded anyway.

Never ate at H&V so can't comment but most buffets are decent - not awesome but not horrible either.

[krisk11]

I did the Fantasmic dinner package but it was in 2002 and H&V was fabulous but I'm sure the menu and chef has changed since then. Even in the summer I find you don't need the package. I just wait until the show is almost about to start and head in then and sit in the back. I'm claustraphobic so I want to sit in the back anyway plus it's cooler not being packed in like sardines down the bottom.

[hhawkins]

Originally Posted by Cam22

We've never eaten at CG, so I don't have knowledge there to share. But sending that you get a window seat. "Just okay" would be my opinion of H&V, too. We've had good food here, but nothing that excites me enough to return.

Thanks for the dust!

[hhawkins]

Originally Posted by lfredsbo

Can't help much as we haven't been to CG in a about 9 years
And I feel H & V is just okay too, but then again I'm no ya big fan of buffets unless of course they include characters

I guess we will just take our chances and hope for the best.

Originally Posted by Colexis Mom

We've done H&V, like you, just to get the FDP when the kids were little. It's just a plain buffet. Nothing outstanding. We ate at CG for our 10th anniversary (with the kids), but that was quite a few years back so I don't want to comment on food too much. We did have sushi, a flatbread, and I had filet mignon, I believe, and everything was good. It's not a quiet restaurant, by any means (which is why we took the kids for an early seating) and I don't think much has changed in that regard in all the revamps since then.

I have heard it is loud. Strande that people say it is romantic, but loud. We are excited though.

Originally Posted by HollyH

Haven't been to Cali Grill. Looking forward to your report on it!

We went to H&V for the Fantasmic package years ago. Sorry to say it was the worst meal I've had on property. I don't mind buffets, but I found the options at H&V were so limited that it was a bit laughable to call it a buffet. None of it was very good either. Keep in mind this was in 2005 so (hopefully) it has improved since. Ironically, we weren't that impressed with Fantasmic either. That was the only time we ever saw it.

I am starting to regret. May check into Melrose. I will have to compare prices.

Originally Posted by rosanna

I know you say you have Italian all the time, so you must like it, right? I really can't recommend Mam Melrose's enough. We had such a fantastic time for our FDP there. You get an appetizer, entree, and dessert. Trust me, it is a LOT of food. Having eaten there twice with two different groups of people, I can honestly say that everyone really enjoyed their meals.

I am starting to seriously consider changing. Is it a set menu for the dinner package at Melrose?

Originally Posted by krisk11

Very late to the party but glad I made it.
Have a fun vacation sans the kids!!!!! I like your commando touring schedule because that is easier to do without children and with it being just you and your wife you can change on the fly to anything you want.
Also loved your ADR's . Cali Grill is fabulous and if you don't get a window seat just go out on the rooftop deck. We did this and it was fabulous. They pipe the music so it's the best place on property to see Wishes.
Can't wait to read more.

Thanks for following along. I hope we get that window seat.

Originally Posted by mommapants

Ive never been to CG - same as you I'm not an adventuresome eater. If the fireworks is something you really want you could look into a fireworks cruise. Then you could eat dinner whereever you want and still see Wishes but from a boat out in the middle of the Seven Seas Lagoon. They have private ones and small group ones.

I'm not a fan of the Fantasmic Dinner packages. I did it once and of course it rained that day so the parks emptied out and didn't need reserved seating for the show. Any other time I've gone I've just gone up to the show a little before show time - never queued up an hour before. You end up sitting a little further back but can still see every thing. If there are 2 show that day the second show will be less crowded anyway.

Never at at H&V so can't comment but most buffets are decent - not awesome but not horrible either.

I looked at the cruise, but it is more than I want to pay, Though at CG we could have diiner and show. I am so excited to give it a try.

Originally Posted by krisk11

I did the Fantasmic dinner package but it was in 2002 and H&V was fabulous but I'm sure the menu and chef has changed since then. Even in the summer I find you don't need the package. I just wait until the show is almost about to start and head in then and sit in the back. I'm claustraphobic so I want to sit in the back anyway plus it's cooler not being packed in like sardines down the bottom.

Interesting thoughts. Happy to hear from someone who finally hade good experience at H&V.

[hhawkins]

Originally Posted by KimandMark

I wouldn't worry about window seat at CG, show up early, be willing to wait and you'll likely get it. Even if you don't everyone goes out to the observation deck, the lights inside dim and food service slows or stops during the show, so you won't miss it.

Also to help with menu translation
--flatbreads are basically thin pizzas (you will probably like the triple cheese, although the gyro one looks great---gryo meat is basically ground lamb that is roased for a really really long time so its very tender and like an amazing burger, feta is a strongish cheese)
--you probably aren't planning on the sushi section, but if you are interested in going out a limb the safe first timers choice is California Roll (its cooked crab, with a piece of cucumber and a piece of avocado wrapped in rice)
---First course--they are using a lot of 'fancy' veggies that are just like gourmet versions of normal veggies. I'm betting that squash soup with the bacon is everything you hope your Thanksgiving squash would taste like and it has bacon on it!!)
--Main course-I'm assuming you know the meats (pork, steak, chicken, fish) but the sides are throwing you--polenta is corn meal, its like grits, think of it as pudding almost and it tastes like whatever they dress it with--like how plain rice with butter just tastes mostely like butter? same idea, so the polenta is going to taste like goat cheese (a mild, non stinky soft cheese); purple stokes are just purple potatoes, the taste the same; winter veggies are squashes and roots (butternut, potato etc)

The menu will change, but really, don't let the language freak you out. A steak is still a steak, they put some long winded named sauce on it and you'll say what a great steak you had, or piece of chicken or roast pork. The chefs try to put tastes together that are good together (so if it sounds funny to have a dried fig like in from the middle of fig newtons with pumpkin, think about stuff you put together---like pretzels and peanutbutter or potato chips diped in chocolate and you'll understand what htey are getting at.) and also LOOK good--the purple potatoes make a pretty plate, they aren't very different from white pototoes.

Haven't done H&V, but based on everyone's suggestions and what you've said you like, I second the recommendation for Mama Melrose. I haven't been in a few years, but its like most italian places--predictable and solid.

Wow, thanks for the assistance. When I went back and looked at the menu, it does help. I am sure we will love it. I guess I will just have to brush up on the Food Network so I will know how to read the menu.

Thanks for your help.

[hhawkins]

This is part 2 of rationalizing my ADR choices. I would love to hear you thoughts. This post will focus on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Tuesday – Chef DeFrance (6 pm)
This is another ADR that seems romantic in my mind. We will probably never be able to stroll the streets of Paris, so this is the next best thing. When we were in Epcot on our last (also first and only WDW trip) I regretted not having an ADR here. It just seemed so prefect to see the little corner café. When there in 2010 we were adventurous and booked an ADR in Morocco, big mistake. Wish we had been here.

The thought of having a widow seat and nibbling on French begets, all the while gazing into the eyes of my dearest love and friend, just seems so right. Who says I am not a romantic? Well, my wife for one! Guess I have something to prove this trip.

The food here is a little exotic for us, but I think we will be okay. The only “must eat” for me on the menu are the snails. You have to be able to say you tried them, right?

Wednesday – Yak & Yetti (12 pm)
Oddly enough, this is the only “returning” restaurant from our 2010 trip. Maybe it was because it was the only ADR we got to have to ourselves that trip. My mom took the kids and went back to the resort in the afternoon. So Candi and I had dinner all to ourselves. I had the steak and shrimp while she had the sweet and sour chicken. I cannot say that it was an amazing meal, but it must have been good enough, because we both agreed that it was the only place we wanted to revisit. This time I hope to get a window seat, maybe even upstairs. This will be a lunch ADR, with a late dinner outside the parks.

Wednesday –Beaches & Cream (9:30 pm)
Another first for us. We have not been to the resort and want to explore a little, but thought this would be a great late evening joint. We may share a meal here, because we WILL want some kind of ice cream treat. The Kitchen Sink is out, but there seems to be plenty yummy temptations on the menu. Any suggestions on what to have for dinner and DESERT? Yumm!

Stay Tuned . . . Thursday & Friday ADR descriptions.

[rosanna]

In response to your question about the menu at Mama Melrose's...We were able to choose one appetizer, and one entree from the menu, and it seems like we each received some kind of dessert sampler for dessert. I know that my friends each ordered the antipasta platter for their appetizer. It was a lot of food as they each received one and they are really meant to share. I'm not sure if our server had anything to do with the amount of food we received, he was pretty amazing. If you do go, ask for Kevin!