ADRs? Yes We Made Stinking ADRs - A June '15 Dining Report - Updated 10/10: Sassagoula & Wrap-up

[kastoney]

I was appalled at the choice of a Miller Lite, but you redeemed yourself with the coffee.
Sorry you were not overwhelmed with the RR food. We've had many a good meal here. Of course, Mikka also received more then one piece of fish. What a treat to see your daughter dancing on stage!

Yeah, I know I committed a beer sin. I'll drink a "good" beer every once in a while but I really do love me some Miller Lite. Never gotten over my college affinity for it.

Hmm, so maybe I was supposed to get more fish.....

Geez, what a transportation trip!! When we stayed at POFQ I remember the DTD bus was the only one that stopped at Riverside first The wait was bad enough leaving DTD, bus was crowded, then we're the 2nd stop I love DTD though, especially now (oops! Disney Springs) so we go pretty much every trip.
I know I'm in the minority but RR is like a hit or miss for us. All 4 of us had lunch there in 2014 and it was good for 2 of us; DH and I did lunch in March and loved it; all of us had dinner last month, not good DH has decided we'll be staying away for awhile. Glad overall Jasons Father's Day dinner was a hit!

Not sure how I feel about the Disney Springs thing yet. Think I may just pull an MGM and keep calling it DTD for nostalgic purposes. Figure it may just change names again anyway ; )

I think I'm willing to give Raglan another try at some point, just may stick to apps and dancing

I've never had the burger at Raglan Road, but Jason's looked really good so I might consider ordering it on a future trip. And why in the world do they serve their Irish coffee in a wine glass??? Weird!

Still scratching my head on that one. I'm still shocked the glass didn't break from the heat of the coffee. Weird indeed

I despise shopping and this was the major reason we avoided DTD for years. It was only the incitement of the boats that brought us back there.

Glad to know I'm not the only one in the anti-shopping club. Unfortunately Ms. Casey seems to be a bit too fond of it for my liking.

We visited POR on a Sunday in April and had a similar experience. The line for the boat was crazy long and we figured that we would have to wait for the 4th boat. So we decided to walk to POFQ, sample the famous beignets (not impressed), and grab the boat from there. The line was shorter and we only had to wait for the second boat. While in line we started talking to a local couple. We found out that non resort guests were parking at the PO resorts so that they could take the boat to DTD instead of fighting the construction mess. I'm not sure how they got in the parking lot, I think they had Florida annual passes, but I would be surprised to find out that a lot of non resort guests were doing this. Our boat to DTD from POR on a Saturday at the end of August was not crowded at all.

Yikes! Your experience sounds worse than ours, but glad it isn't always bad. Hope the non-resort guests was just rumor, but if not looks like the boat karma got them anyway ; )

Was this a mistake? I can't believe they would only offer one piece of fish. That can't be right.

Still not sure if it was a mistake or not. But it was definitely not enough for even one person.

We are staying at POR in June with the free dining BB. We are thinking of eating here one night. It wouldn't be on a Sunday, though.

Good call. Mon-Thurs would definitely be better.

We haven't tried Raglan Road, however we have had the joy of the boat transportation, I remember having to wait quite some time at both POFQ and Riverside. The ride is nice once you get on the boat. We may try RR in April. We both love fish and chips, the app looked really good as well as the famous bread pudding yummy. We didn't go to DD this September, is it getting better as far as construction goes?

"Joy" is a great way to describe the transportation ; ) The construction was still noticeable when we were there, but manageable. I hadn't been during the height of it so don't have too much to compare it too though.

Hope you had a great trip!

I love the pictures of Casey dancing. That girl is loving it!

Jason's burger looks pretty good. I was considering that last time and by the looks of it, and the schnitzel miss, I probably should've gone with the burger. There are more Irish items but it seems like it's a unique burger.

The lone piece of fish is nuts. My mom ordered those and had the exact same reaction. We thought the ones at Yorkshire County in UK were better!

I had my eye on the sausages. They look delicious. And that bread pudding YUM!

It took us forever to get to and from Downtown Disney on the boats as well. Lovely little adventure but yeah it took way longer than necessary lol.

His burger was pretty good, definitely better than your schnitzel drama and the fish and chips. I think apps and desserts may be the best options.

Do I see in your signature a trip next month and a disneymoon next year?????????? So excited for you.

Awww Casey is so cute dancing on stage

Thanks. She of course gets all her talent from yours truly ; )

We haven't been to RR in a while. I hope to get there next year when DH and I take our solo trip. Jason's burger looks really good. I am not a fish & chips person but even I can say that portion was a bit sad!

Oh my word about the bus! I would not have been a happy camper, that's for sure! How could the driver forget a stop!

Raglan is probably worth a revisit. I especially love the open table reservations so there are lots of options. Just beware the skimpy fish and chips ; )

Happy and camper were certainly not too words in my vocabulary that night. While I think I handled myself pretty well, if only he could hear all of my inside thoughts

 

[kastoney]

What a horribly frustrating transportation situation. That burger looks delicious but what a bummer about the fish and chips. I am not typically a fan of bread pudding but I love the one at Raglan Road!

Frustrating is an understatement. But even with the transportation woos and food issues, alcohol and dessert make me a happy girl ; )

Gawd...I really hope not...I don't want to have to budget that kind of time to get around...sigh...

If its a weekend, be prepared but during the week I'd think you would be fine.

Yum...that actually looks really good...

He really did enjoy it and I think even I could enjoy it right about now as I try and be a good girl on a Monday night.

On my list. In fact, I may make a meal of appetizers only...and then get dessert later at the candy store...

I think this is a fabulous idea!

Are you a closet Canadian?

Maybe I do have some Northern blood coursing through my veins because I love tons of vinegar on just about anything.

We too have had the roundabout way to DTD by way of Saratoga Springs...oh that was a tense night! I am not good under pressure when I am not exactly sure where I am going
Next trip we are going to Raglan Road, it just looks like a fun place! The food looks good too, we will not be ordering the lots and lots of chips with one lone fish though

Hope you enjoy Raglan and good call on that fish.

Sorry the transportation to/from DD and entrees at RR weren't great! I can't get over that 1 piece of fish. That's just so wrong. But I am glad you enjoyed the entertainment and the dancing. Sounds like you landed a prime table and after your wait, you deserved it. Hoping your next visit to RR is even better.

Fish aside it was definitely a fun meal and the table was a great bonus. Fingers crossed for next time.

Too cute!
Have you had fries with malt vinegar, salt and pepper? The pepper adds a whole other something (a good something)

I haven't tried the pepper thing, will have to give that a whirl. But me and salt and vinegar have a long love affair!

Transportation to DTD can be frustrating! We have tried boat, bus and car but still seems to take forever! We honestly have had the best luck with just us driving. We did Raglan Road last year and I am not sure if I was expecting something more with all the hype but it's not on our return soon list. I did love the scallop forest and the entertainment was good, but service and main meal - meh!

Car would probably be the best option, we've just never rented one. We're considering a possible stay at Swan and Dolphin though and with no magical express the car may be a good option.

I've heard the scallops were good. May have to give that a whirl when/if we go again.

I stayed one night at POFQ back in February. It is now my favorite resort! Loving the reviews.

So glad you enjoyed it. It's on our short list for our next trip, so I was definitely a fan.

I had this same experience at Raglan Road. It took ages to be seated!

Yikes, hopefully we're the exception and not the norm.

I love this beer.

Well it was no Miller Lite, but it wasn't too bad ; )

I was torn between this and the scallops (served in the same manner). I ended up going with the scallops, and they were DELICIOUS. I think it'll have to be the sausages next time, though. YUM.

I think they have an app that has both the scallops and sausages together. Sounds like that is in store for next time as I love me some scallops.

I got this, and really liked it! But alas, no wine glass for me. I must not have appeared classy enough... Mine came in a mason jar :

Man, don't these people own a mug?????

Normally I would be sad about this. However, since I already know that once you finish up here, you'll have a whole 10 days in September worth of food to share with us... SO BRING IT ON.

Getting close to bringing it. Been traveling for work and have had lots of activities for Casey (including homework in preschool, crazy huh?), but hoping I can get it started with the long weekend ahead.

I always get the heavenly ham dish when we go to Raglan Road. I haven't been able to make myself venture out and try something different yet as the ham is just so good! I'm not a fan of bread pudding so I haven't done the pudding yet but I have tried the lemon meringue tart and the dunbrody's kiss. I definitely preferred the lemon tart as the chocolate had some weird shavings of something in the other dessert that didn't appeal to me. The dancing and singing are definitely pluses of Raglan Road!

What is the heavenly ham? Sounds like a ham salad, but I'm guessing that isn't very Irish.

Have loved your reviews- looking forward to the next trip report!

Thanks so much!

 

[samsteele]

But me and salt and vinegar have a long love affair!

Ok . . . honourary Canadian right here! Make sure to visit your Cdn cousins in late July/August for bug free, gorgeous 80 degree plus sunny weather. We'll go for a canoe on a sunset lake, tip back an icy cold Sleemans beer and have a nice bbq/grill. If you have to cross the border in the winter, well, we have a toque for you with your name on it! Cheers & poutine, Timbits, butter tarts and double doubles (Tim Horton coffee with double cream and double sugar. It's an acquired taste. I'm good with the double cream but a wee bit too much sugar for moi). Seriously, you aren't that far from the border. Your dollar is strong. If looking for a lower cost vacation, look north to our cottage country in Ontario for a great vacation next summer! If you can pry yourself away from the Mouse. And that is a very hard thing.

 

[Vernie822]

His burger was pretty good, definitely better than your schnitzel drama and the fish and chips. I think apps and desserts may be the best options.

Do I see in your signature a trip next month and a disneymoon next year?????????? So excited for you.

I think you're right about the apps and dessert - oh and beer too!

YES! We are going to try to do Disneyland for 3 days and then Hawaii for a week-ish. Thanks! So excited!

 

[kastoney]

Ok . . . honourary Canadian right here! Make sure to visit your Cdn cousins in late July/August for bug free, gorgeous 80 degree plus sunny weather. We'll go for a canoe on a sunset lake, tip back an icy cold Sleemans beer and have a nice bbq/grill. If you have to cross the border in the winter, well, we have a toque for you with your name on it! Cheers & poutine, Timbits, butter tarts and double doubles (Tim Horton coffee with double cream and double sugar. It's an acquired taste. I'm good with the double cream but a wee bit too much sugar for moi). Seriously, you aren't that far from the border. Your dollar is strong. If looking for a lower cost vacation, look north to our cottage country in Ontario for a great vacation next summer! If you can pry yourself away from the Mouse. And that is a very hard thing.

Canadian weather and activities sound like a dream. I think Disney is only in our cards once next year so as it happens we'll be in the market for a new vacation spot for the end of the summer. Will have to keep the great white north in mind ; )

I think you're right about the apps and dessert - oh and beer too!

YES! We are going to try to do Disneyland for 3 days and then Hawaii for a week-ish. Thanks! So excited!

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!! Sounds amazing

 

[kastoney]

We've come to the saddest part of vacation, the last day. But we were gonna make the most out of.

So after securing a late check out (thank you Port Orleans) we made our way to Ep-A-Cot right at opening. We were able to get on Soarin' with only a 15 minute wait, before heading to my oh so favorite ride with an imagination lovin' dragon, then a swim with a lost fish, and a photo-op in the mouth of someone in desperate need of some dental attention,

Before ending our whirlwind weekend with a drag race around Ep-A-Cot in a fierce looking purple truck with pink fire that only a 4 year old could design


We had a quick ride back to POFQ where the end of vacation had yet to sink in for my little princess.

But, before the dreaded not so magical express trip to the airport we were able to grab a quick lunch at the POFQ quick service restaurant - Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (could they have made that name any longer). Fresh from her exciting Ep-A-Cot adventure with Nemo, Casey stuck with the theme with the oh so cajun turkey sandwich on goldfish bread.


Jason and I decided to share the Shrimp Po'Boy with a side of homemade chips

This by no means was a New Orleans Po'Boy but it had good flavor and a bit of heat to it with some remoulade. The shrimp were nice and crispy and plentiful, though they were clearly of the frozen variety. The bread to shrimp to lettuce/tomato to sauce ratio was really good. Only complaint was it needed some heat, but they had plenty of tobasco on hand. The chips were nice and crunchy with a slight burnt taste, which I liked. They needed some salt, but otherwise were a nice side. In case you can't tell these subs are huge, so they are definitely big enough to share.

I'm sure most of you have gathered that I'm not one who is much for counter service in general but between the beignets earlier in the trip and this meal, Sassagoula was a solid option. Even better they took Tables in Wonderland, so we were able to save $4.39.​

 

[kastoney]

Sadly, this brings my ADR filled Father's Day surprise trip to its bitter end. As I'm sure this goes without saying, this trip was another food winner. We got to try lots of new to us restaurants, tried a new resort, braved the dreaded summer heat and crowds, and even gave the ADR thing a whirl. While making reservations at the 180 day mark will never be my style, having a few reservations made before hand really wasn't all that bad, heck it might have even been ok. I prefer my dinner flexibility but for lunches when we knew what parks we'd be in ADRs made perfect sense and may even become part of my repertoire.

Now for some hits and luckily only one miss of the trip....

Starting with the worst item of the trip

The salted caramel brioche ice cream sandwich from France. While the concept may be solid, France can keep their burnt ice cream. I'll stick to the good old fashioned American kind that actually tastes good.

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, the best dessert goes to.....

The ooey gooey toffee cake. The Raglan Road bread pudding was a contender, but liberty tree's delicious dessert has not only my taste buds, but my heart.

In the snack category I'd have to give it to...

The dole whip with rum. It's a dole whip, its rum, what's not to love?

On the appetizer front, it was a tough call but in the end it was the

Dalkey Duo - aka fried sausages - from Raglan Road that left the biggest impression

For drinks, my bloody mary from Tusker House was hard to beat but it could never compete with

An amazing bottle of Bruenello di Montalcino

For the non-signature restaurants, my favorite meal was easily

Via Napoli. Simply the best pizza ever!!!!!

And my overall best meal goes to....Drum Roll Please

Yachtsman Steakhouse!!!!!! From the amazing charcuterie, to the delicious wine, and the best steaks to ever grace our lips, nothing else even stood a chance. I'm sure we'll be back at Yachtsman someday, but the meal was so perfect I think we're going to savor it for a bit longer.

So that's a wrap folks. Thanks to everyone for eating along with me. I love all things disney and food and this is truly the best place to share them both. Speaking of which, I'll be starting our September trip soon so stay tuned.​

 

[cinderkelly]

Another great foodie report Kari! I've really enjoyed reading along, you've given me some great things to put on my wish list for future trips! Can't wait for the Sept. Report! Yum!

 

[disneyAndi14]

I love your candid way of explaining the rides and activities you all do in the parks, enjoyed your report and I am looking forward to your dining review from September. We were also there in September so will relive our trip as well.

 

[DisneyJo]

Thanks for a great report

 

[Tinkerbell's Mom]

Can't wait for you to get the next one started!!!!

 

[AllyinWonderland]

Great report, as always! I can't wait for the next one!

 

[Elevationist]

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (could they have made that name any longer)

Nope.

having a few reservations made before hand really wasn't all that bad, heck it might have even been ok.

GASP. Did I just read that correctly?!

France can keep their burnt ice cream. I'll stick to the good old fashioned American kind that actually tastes good.

I was sooooo looking forward to this, but you certainly have me thinking twice now!!!

The ooey gooey toffee cake. The Raglan Road bread pudding was a contender, but liberty tree's delicious dessert has not only my taste buds, but my heart.

And my overall best meal goes to....Drum Roll Please

Yachtsman Steakhouse!!!!!! From the amazing charcuterie, to the delicious wine, and the best steaks to ever grace our lips, nothing else even stood a chance. I'm sure we'll be back at Yachtsman someday, but the meal was so perfect I think we're going to savor it for a bit longer.

One more year to wait for both of these... They're Must Eats on my October 2016 agenda...

I'll be starting our September trip soon so stay tuned.

 

[jerseytinkerbell]

Your RR meal looks delish! Love it there. But OMG I can't believe the bus driver forgot you! I would be so mad!

 

[JKSWonder]

We loved the Yachtsman too. Hands down the best meal we had so far at Disney. Good wine, excellent steak and our waitress was a pro.

 

[vettegirl]

Thanks again for sharing another fab review!!!

 

[jesswindsor]

Really Great Review!!

 

[kastoney]

Another great foodie report Kari! I've really enjoyed reading along, you've given me some great things to put on my wish list for future trips! Can't wait for the Sept. Report! Yum!

Thanks so much!

I love your candid way of explaining the rides and activities you all do in the parks, enjoyed your report and I am looking forward to your dining review from September. We were also there in September so will relive our trip as well.

When were you there? Are you doing a trip or dining report? Always love to look for myself in the background of others photos ; ) Yet to find me but one of these days ; )

Thanks for a great report

Thank you, glad you enjoyed!

Can't wait for you to get the next one started!!!!

You and me both. Will hopefully have some time to comb through the pictures and get it started this weekend.

Great report, as always! I can't wait for the next one!

Thank you. Hopefully it should be commencing soon

GASP. Did I just read that correctly?!

Well for the record I did say heck and maybe before the ok ; )

I was sooooo looking forward to this, but you certainly have me thinking twice now!!!

Definitely give the brioche a whirl, just stay away from the salted caramel ice cream

One more year to wait for both of these... They're Must Eats on my October 2016 agenda...

Let the countdown to toffee and steak commence...

 

[kastoney]

Your RR meal looks delish! Love it there. But OMG I can't believe the bus driver forgot you! I would be so mad!

Still reeling over that one. The others on the bus apparently hadn't clued in until they saw the crazy woman rushing down the aisle of the bus.

We loved the Yachtsman too. Hands down the best meal we had so far at Disney. Good wine, excellent steak and our waitress was a pro.

We were a miss a bit in the waitress department, but otherwise couldn't agree more.

Thanks again for sharing another fab review!!!

Thanks again for following ; ) Now I gotta catch up to you and our September trips.

Really Great Review!!

Thanks so much!

 

[KathyM2]

Have you had fries with malt vinegar, salt and pepper?

The best. I love malt vinegar on anything too. And salt and pepper. Yum.

I think it'll have to be the sausages next time, though. YUM.

For sure.

mine was an Iced Irish Coffee

Looks delish...wish I'd thought of that when I was there.

I love tons of vinegar on just about anything.

Same!

my oh so favorite ride with an imagination lovin' dragon,

Love this one too. I could not believe the wait time though for this one when we were there though...we got there early but the line moved slowly.

Casey stuck with the theme with the oh so cajun turkey sandwich on goldfish bread.

So cute!! I didn't know they did that!

Sassagoula was a solid option.

I thought it was pretty good for QS...some different options. I tried the tuna Po'boy and liked that too and those chips!

The ooey gooey toffee cake.

Via Napoli.

I'll be starting our September trip soon so stay tuned.