Oct. reviews: ESPN, Boma, WCC, LTT, LeCel. PSB added

[queenmum2]

Having exhausted my supply of CS meal reviews (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1263840), I'm ready to relive my TS experiences (all good).

My rating scale for the TS meals is:

= just ok, good but not great
= great, enjoyable
= fantastic, a stand-out

(none of my TS restaurants deserved the = icky rating)

We arrived in Orlando on a Saturday and stayed off-site for two nights. That didn't stop us from taking in a Disney restaurant, though. Having a college football fan or two in our party (DH and, well, ok, I'll admit it...ME), and seeing as ESPN picked DH's college to be the Game Day site, we just HAD to check out the ESPN Zone at Boardwalk.

For the most part, this was a perfect experience for our family. Usually if we have to go out to watch a game (because it is on a cable station that we don't get at home), we're in a smoky sports-bar - we're gasping for air - and the kids are bored stiff after we eat. I'll have to take them home and let DH walk (we have a place near our house) - and end up missing almost the entire game.

Well at the ESPN Zone those issues are non-issues! No smoking (yay for us -- I know smokers aren't fond of that) and, with the arcade attached to it and the Boardwalk right outside, I can keep the kids entertained AND pop in to check the score. PERFECT.

The only thing that kept the night from being entirely perfect was that it was the first night of the World Series. Originally, we were told that our game would be on the big screen, but the screen would be split to show the baseball game as well. No problem. Until they announced (after taking a "poll") that they would put the audio from the baseball game out there as well (instead of the audio from the football game). That wasn't too great for us. I enjoy watching football, but when there are flags or players down, I want to HEAR what the commentators say about it. DH was bummed but ended up enjoying himself anyway.

Now - the food:

We ordered a pitcher of beer to start with while we mulled the menu. DH ordered the pulled pork sandwich, I got the bacon blue-cheese burger, DS got the kids sliders (mini-burgers) and DD got the kids hotdog - both ordered fruit as their side. Our server (don't remember her name, eastern European-ish, though) was not overly helpful or eager. She seemed worn out. She didn't ask what DS wanted on his burger (he likes his burger all-the-way) and brought it out completely plain. She disappeared quite often for long periods. It took quite awhile to get his toppings - and when we did, it was ONE slice of tomato (for two little burgers) and a leaf of lettuce. Not exactly generous.

DH's pork sandwich was delicious. He loved it. My burger was good and cooked just how I like it; I was willing to try the blue-cheese on my burger (the waitress asked if I wanted to change to a different cheese, but I declined) and it was good...up to a point. But the flavor was very strong and I had way more than I wanted. I ended up scraping off most of the blue cheese. I probably wouldn't order it like that again, but I was glad to have tried it.

DS enjoyed his burgers - but filled up pretty quickly on the fruit (while waiting for his lettuce and tomato) and ended up leaving most of the bread. DD wolfed down her hot dog and SOME of her fruit, then helped herself to my fries.

I left before the bill came to take the kids out to the board walk so I couldn't tell ya what the tab was.

Rating:
Food: (plus)
Service:
Atmosphere:

Next up: BOMA for breakfast!

Tracie

Princess Storybook Breakfast - Page 2

 

[queenmum2]

Our first morning on-site, we had an early check-in at the WL, then made our way over to the AKL for a 10:00 breakfast ADR. I had heard good things about this place for breakfast and just HAD to try it.

My family loves a good breakfast buffet. My DS would eat breakfast 3 meals a day, I think. So I knew that we would be happy here - and we were.

First of all, the AKL is beautiful and BOMA is laid out so nicely. The atmosphere is wonderful. The buffet is so huge and varied that you'd have to be the pickiest person alive not to find something to fill you up.

Starting at the far right side - Freshly carved meats - ham and porkloin; the ham was sooooooo good! Then a couple of African specialties: Bobotie and a sausage casserole thing (DH really enjoyed the Bobotie - I didn't love it but was glad I tasted it). Then - if memory serves - hot cereals: oatmeal and pap (DD - 6 - got the oatmeal and I got the pap - she ended up ditching her oatmeal for the pap! She's still talking about how much she liked that). Bacon and sausage were up next as well as eggs and potatoes. DD & I had full plates so we made our way back to the table. I went back up for some fresh fruit for us to share. Meanwhile, DS and DH were foraging together and came back with FULL plates and omelettes on the way.

Before I go on with the omelettes, let me say a few words about the foods DD and I had gotten... yum, yum, yum! Usually the eggs and bacon on a buffet are tasteless and soggy. Not here. While I'm sure the eggs must have been "processed" considering how many folks they serve each day, they were neither bland or soggy. The bacon was nice and crisp.

Now - the omelettes. DH came back with his and DS's omelettes. They were really large and perfectly cooked. DH got the "roasted veggies" and swiss cheese. I'm not a swiss fan, but his omelette was so delicious. I ended up going back up and getting one for myself (with cheddar instead of swiss). DS also enjoyed his - with ham & sausage, sweet red pepper and cheddar. DD - not a big omelette fan - even helped me eat mine and enjoyed it.

We totally felt like pigs, but we didn't stop...no sir! More fruit and then a sampling of the breakfast breads and pastries available at the far left side. All of the pastries were tasty.

I had the coffee and everyone else had the "jungle juice" (which I've heard here being called frunch").

Our server - Inga (strangely, Sweedish instead of native African) - was nice and attentive. She was around frequently clearing plates and refilling my coffee.

Ratings -

Food:
Service: (plus)
Atmosphere: (plus)

Oh - and we were so full we didn't eat again until nearly 7:00 pm!

Tracie

 

[TigerKat]

We're staying at the Boardwalk and have planned ESPN for our arrival night. DS(16) is a sports junkie! Can't wait.

 

[Minniespal]

Excellent ~ Thanx for sharing.

 

[chobie]

Yes, good food but not-so-great service has been my experience at ESPN as well. Don't go there if you are in a hurry. Otherwise, the food is good and the prices are reasonable (good if you are not on the dining plan).

 

[queenmum2]

Yes, good food but not-so-great service has been my experience at ESPN as well. Don't go there if you are in a hurry. Otherwise, the food is good and the prices are reasonable (good if you are not on the dining plan).

We were not (yet) on the dining plan, so the menu prices were well appreciated.

Tracie

 

[Dani&TJsMom]

Great reviews!

 

[disney-super-mom]

Great reviews so far.

Where's the review for the Whispering Canyon Cafe?

 

[queenmum2]

Great reviews so far.

Where's the review for the Whispering Canyon Cafe?

...sorry - ran out of time last week - will post WCC tomorrow.

Thanks for reading!

Tracie

 

[queenmum2]

We ate at the WCC on Tuesday night of our trip. My dad and DSM were supposed to be joining us, but Dad got sick on the way down and was out the whole week (until Saturday, when they finally joined us for the HDDR).

Even having split our sandwiches at Pinocchio's at lunch that day - which, granted was a late-ish lunch - we were still not hungry enough to justify getting the skillet; and yet, we did.

Our waitress was Kate (who had a western handle - cactus? maybe - but I cn't remember). DH and I ordered the skillet, DS ordered the drumstick and DD - who cannot lay off the mac-n-cheese - ordered mac-n-cheese. DH, DD and DS all started with the bottomless milkshake. That really sealed the deal on their appetites. I drank unsweetened iced tea.

Lets start off with the food, then I'll move on to the antics.

The salad and cornbread was really good. The server brought out the kids meals and DS's came out mac-n-cheese instead of chicken. The server couldn't seem to understand the order was wrong and it took some convincing before he took it back. Kate smoothed things over. Our skillet came and DS was still without food, so DH slipped a rib to him - Kate said "no problem". Let me first say that the ribs that came on our skillet were very tough - to the point that they were barely edible. The chicken was fabulous as was the pulled pork. I was not a fan of the sausage - but that's just my taste.

The mashed potatoes were yummy - I can't really remember the beans. I think we liked them. The corn was good too. I liked it - even though it must have been of the frozen variety, it wasn't mushy like one usually finds.

Anyway, we asked for more ribs and Kate brought out a HUGE portion and THESE were perfectly cooked. The problem was, though, that by the time they came out, DH and I were full as ticks. DS and DD barely touched their meals - - even when we said that if they were too full for dinner, they would be too full for desert. In fact - NONE of us had desert because we were miserably full.

Food rating: (I could be persuaded to give it a plus)

Atmosphere and antics:

Kate was very personable - she pulled herself right up to the table to take our orders. Just after we sat down, they did the stick-horse races for the kids. The "caller" was very personable and insisted on audience participation in the form of yeehawing and napkin twirling. The kids got wooden nickels as their prize.

On to the tea - Kate brought me a 2 quart jar of tea -- it was enormous -- after I downed the small jar I was given originally. The family was quite tickled at seeing me with that huge jar. Then, DS needed ketchup for his fries. He was smug about asking for it as we had seen the drill already; but ask he did and was pleased with the results. They had to take the ketchup to another table soon after.

Towards the end of our meal, a man from the next table came over -- I had noticed that he, too, had the VAT of drink. He dropped a paper on my table and said "It looks like you might need this!" and it was a fast pass for the bathroom! Kate was quite amused that I got this from another diner. I guess he got it "legitimately".

All-in-all, we had a very enjoyable dining experience. We learned a few things though. Go HUNGRY! and avoid the milkshakes - at least before dinner. While they were mighty tasty, they take up too much room in the tummy before dinner.

Atmosphere: (plus)

Tracie

 

[lynn46356]

Thanks for the review. I've been anxious to see what you thought. We will be going to visit in February and I have all of our ADR made except one. I've been debating about going here. Your review helped alot. What time was your reservation for? I've most of our for around 5:00 or 5:30. Again, thanks for the review.

 

[queenmum2]

Thanks for the review. I've been anxious to see what you thought. We will be going to visit in February and I have all of our ADR made except one. I've been debating about going here. Your review helped alot. What time was your reservation for? I've most of our for around 5:00 or 5:30. Again, thanks for the review.

Whatever you decide, have a great time!

Our WCC time was 7:00 PM -- that worked well for us because we could spend until about 5:30 in the park (MK), then come back for a shower or rest (ended up at the pool) and then down to dinner.

Early ressies work nicely too because you can get back to a park for a night-time spectical as well. The night we went, MK closed early for the MNSSHP. we were back in our room before the fireworks started and we could watch from there. But if you have an early ressie I would seriously go easy on lunch.

Tracie

 

[queenmum2]

Wednesday evening, we had a 6:35 reservation for Liberty Tree Tavern. We had to wait just a short time for our seating and the kids enjoyed meeting other children waiting to sit. I'm always amazed at how kids can just join up and play and be best of chums right away. They played with a child who had a toy car, then when he was seated, they tossed an acorn with two other kids.

Anyway, we were "announced" and got to our table. It was against the wall, so the kids were advised to sit on the outside for ease of character interaction. DH got a coke, I had unsweetened tea and the kids both got chocolate milk. Since I have a strawberry allergy, and the salad is dressed with strawberry vinaigrette, I advised the waiter that I can't eat strawberries. He was from Haiti, I think. He seemed not to understand what I was trying to say. I had mentioned this to the reservations clerk when I made the ADR as well, so I hoped that they could serve me another dressing (though I would have LOVED the strawberry...I didn't want to break out in an unsightly rash 3 days into our vacation). Right away, the chef came out and asked about my allergy. She brought out a separate salad with ranch dressing for me. She was very kind.

Anyway, DH and DS really enjoyed the salad. DD didn't like the dressing. I gave her a bit of my ranch salad. All around, the greens were very fresh and tasty.

Then came the mac-n-cheese bowl, green beans and the platter of meats & dressing. Also, a boat of gravy. The meats were good, though the pork was very dry. DS loved the beef and we all enjoyed the turkey. The stuffing was ok for me...pretty much like "stove top". DS and I loved the green beans -- nice and crisp. DH prefers them softer -- I don't think he even had any of these. Oh - and nicely seasoned.

Then came the apple cobbler desert. It was served warm with icecream. It was good - not fabulous - but we were so full that we really couldn't have eaten much anyway.

Food Rating:

The character interaction was very good. We got a double dose of Chip because DS was in the bathroom when he came around the first time, so when he came by we flagged him and he came back. Chip and Dale were the most animated and attentive, pointing to the kids pin lanyards to see if they had a chip/dale pin. Goofy came by last...boy is he one TAAAALLL dude! He had to kneel down so that we could get him in a picture with the kids!

All in all, a good meal. Compared to other "classic" character meals - well, we've only ever done O'Hana and the Princess breakfast in Norway - I think overall we liked the interaction at O'Hanas best. But that was in 2003, so I'm not sure it is a fair comparison.

Atmosphere/Characters: (plus)

Tracie

 

[momofdbsdc]

Great reviews!!! Thank you for taking the time to share!!!!

 

[queenmum2]

Our intrepid diners headed to Canada in EPCOT to dine at LeCellier. Recently, there was a pan of the place and my thought was: Any restaurant can have a bad night...or even just a bad meal. I also know, though, that a person's expectations of a restaurant can color his or her experience.

That said, I had high expectations of LeCellier. As did DH (because his DW told him it would be exceptional). We had really early ressies because back when I made them originally, it was to be just the 4 of us. I had a respectable 6:00 ressie. Then DSM advised that she and DDad would love to join us. So I called back and to get the table for 6, we had to cancel the table of 4 -- AND move the time to 4:00. No problem-o. We could work it out.

THEN - DDad got sick (as mentioned before) and had to bow out. Back to four! But LeCel graciously accomodated us without any issue. While we waited, a very nice hostess (I'm really bad with names!) asked my daughter - dressed as a princess - to sign her autograph book. (Which means that we had the PSB this morning...and I haven't written it up yet...I skipped right ahead to LeCel...oh well...I'll get to the PSB eventually.) Noticing DS, she said "Oh we rarely get a PRINCE in here...would you please sign my book too?". He was glad to oblige. Another nice hotess made small-talk about Canada and working for Disney under the intern program. I find it interesting to speak to the "imported" interns about their thoughts of our country and so forth.

A short time later, we were escorted to our table and TADAAAA -- we were the table of the day. We all had paper crowns to wear and the table was decorated with confetti! We also got a certificate to commemorate the event.

DH and I ordered wine (Red Diamond Merlot) to begin with and the kids got milk. I had already figured out a "plan of action" on our ordering, though I was still wavering on my entree. I had it narrowed down to the mushroom filet or the 7 oz filet. I love filet mignon! DH decided to order the mushroom so I got the 7 oz with the BBQ glaze. My plan of action - to combat excess food, as well as get DD (6) what she would love - was to order the mussels appy for DD to eat as an entree... she whole-heartedly agreed with this plan. DH ordered the chili-rubbed beef kabob (we're a beef-eatin' family, all right!). DS ordered the cheese soup as his appy, then the kids sirloin for his entree.

The bread sticks were everything we were expecting...yummy pretzel bread, OK sourdough and multi-grain.

Appetizers came out: DS didn't LOVE his cheddar cheese soup. He ate it but I could tell he didn't care for it that much. We all had a taste and thought it was pretty good. DH shared his beef kabob with me. YUM! YUM! it was fabulous. I was thinking that the chili rub would make it too spicy, but it was not at all. DS had a bite, as did DD. The whole thing just disappeared! The server very nicely held the mussels and brought them out with the entrees.

Entrees: DS's steak was cooked very nicely - he ordered medium rare! I don't think I got a bit of it, but he ate it all (he gave a bite or two to DD). The mussels appy was HUGE and was the perfect size for DD's meal. She loved them and ate ALMOST all of them. She gave one to me and I found it gritty, but if the others were gritty she didn't complain. The broth was nice too. I suggested that DD dunk a breadstick in the broth but by the time her mussels were almost gone, she was too full! DH's mushroom filet was the clear winner for this meal. While I enjoyed mine, I LOVED the flavor of his. Both of our filets were fork tender and flavorful. My mashed potatoes were very good; his risoto was excellent.

Dessert: We were about filled to the brim, but we had room for dessert. DS ordered the chocolate "moose" to share with DD (bless his little heart!); DH got the berry buckle and I - always a sucker for creme brulee - got the sampler. The kids devoured the moose. DH enjoyed his buckle but it wasn't his favorite dessert. ME - well I really enjoyed the creme brulee. I'm usually a purist...I like nothing better than plain old vanilla creme brulee. Except, now, I love the maple creme brulee. I thought it was better than the vanilla. Both were excellent!

We waddled out quite satisfied customers.

Ratings -

Food:
Atmosphere/Service:

Tracie

Next up: Princess Storybook Breakfast in Norway

 

[perdidobay]

Great reviews... I too liked the Maple creme brulee better than the vanilla.
And I agree with you about Boma's breakfast!

 

[queenmum2]

On Thursday morning, we went to Norway in EPCOT for the Princess Storybook Breakfast. I originally considered doing breakfast in "The Castle" but couldn't justify using 2 credits for it when we have enjoyed the PSB in the past.

DD spent the morning fretting over her princess shoes. She had packed them but I admonished her to wear sneakers because I KNEW she couldn't walk for any length of time in those plastic torture devices. But nooooooooooo....a princess must wear uncomfortable shoes. DH intervened: she can wear the shoes to breakfast and we'll carry her sneakers to wear around the park. Considering the diva-sized meltdown that occured over the mere mention of wearing sneakers to an audience of princesses, I relented (still knowing that DD would be hobbling before we could even get to breakfast).

We arrived in Norway (with one hobbled princess) to find a specialty cart for tiaras. DD's tiara was broken (gasp!) and DS had made it his mission to find a tiara for DD. The object of his perserverance was a gold lame (I can't spell it...say: lumMAY) crown that looked ALOT like Princess Aurora's crown and who do you supposed DD was dressed as? We had to have it! And we were in luck --- you can customize it with "gems" and flowers etc. For the low price of $1 - $4 per gewgaw. Of course we had to do that -- otherwise we'd have all of these snap things just glaring "cheap". All said and done, I managed to keep her at 5 snaps and the crown was just under $20. Phew. I think if we had more time, I might have been in for it!

Finally, we were "announced". We stood in a small line inside for Sarah's private audience with Belle. Belle was absolutely beautiful -- this time she was in her gold ball-gown (in 2003, there was not the private picture thing - and Belle came around in her ordinary blue and white...while DD wore the gold ball gown). She signed both kids books and took pictures with both and with just DD. We also were able to take our own photos -- call me "cheap" (again) but I couldn't see paying $35 extra for the photo package.

We arrived at our table and immediately discovered another change from our 2003 visit. Now, they serve the cold foods (fruit, muffins...smoked salmon) on a buffet and bring only the meats, eggs and potatoes to the table. That is an improvement for us. Especially since my DS could probably eat his weight in fruit (and eggs, and bacon). He was like a kid in a candy store! Everything was yummy...not nearly the selection of fruits that was available at BOMA, but it was nice.

The platter came after a little while. That potato casserole is sooooo yummy. The eggs were not great --- very processed. The bacon was good and DD enjoyed some sausage. Our waiter...I'm so bad with names but I think his was Marcel...he was actually Norwegian...offered to bring more of the casserole and bacon and we said "yes, please". Well, he brought a HUGE portion and the kids were basically through eating by then, leaving DH and I trying to make it look like we ate it. Why do they bring so much on the second pass?

Now on to the princesses. We saw Jasmine (twice actually...I'll explain in a minute), Snow White, Mary Poppins, Aurora and Mulan. DS had taken a trip to the BR when Jasmine came by. She was nice enough to interrupt her rotation and come back to him (how worried should I be that my 9 year old DS WANTS to be around the princesses?). Unfortunately, though, we got overlooked by Mulan. We were done eating and waiting around and still no Mulan. I tapped the "handler" and he said she'd be right back by, but we still had a pretty good wait. Finally, we saw Mulan and all was right.


It was a great morning!

Ratings -

Food:
Characters:

Tracie

 

[shovan]

Love the review, especially your rating system!

 

[marybdisney]

We arrived at our table and immediately discovered another change from our 2003 visit. Now, they serve the cold foods (fruit, muffins...smoked salmon) on a buffet and bring only the meats, eggs and potatoes to the table.

I was under the impression that all the food was brought to your table...however you indicate that there was a cold buffet area. Is this where you get those good looking cinnamon/caramel rolls I've seen pictures of? After they seat you do you get up and take items from this buffet before they bring out the hot stuff to your table?

Thank you for your reviews! I really enjoy it.

 

[ufgator]

Thanks for your reviews!