Go Big or Go Home! 17 Days of Disney Dining! COMPLETE & Food & Wine Fest Index

[jerseytinkerbell]

Hey jerri, that seems like a odd server! Maybe his shift was over and he didn't want to leave till he got your tip? Still very odd. Can't wait to hear about breakfast at Hollywood. Alicia

Hey Alicia! I thought that might be a possibility too. You never know.

How are you making out with the snow today? I think we ended up with about 6 inches where I am, but a few cities nearby got a lot more. I'm just glad I have no reason to leave the house today!

Joining up late! I am loving your trip report, really does sound delicious!

Thanks so much for joining in! We really did have a lot of delicious food this trip. The biggest benefit to that long of a stay is getting a chance to try so much food!

 

[jerseytinkerbell]

I woke up early the next morning and got ready while the guys slept. I was ready to go by the time they both woke up. I was going to head to HS on my own to get there before EMH started, so that way I could grab TSM Fastpasses with our room keys since I wasn't able to book a Fastpass+ time for that ride.

Rob didn't want me to go off on my own, even though I didn't mind, so I waited for them to get ready. We still managed to get there right at the beginning of EMH, but we were in the back of a long line to gain entrance into the park. By the time we made it through the turnstiles and back to TSM we discovered that they were not giving out Fastpasses. They would not tell us when they would start giving them out, so we went to get in line and found the line started all the way back near the Backlot Tour entrance. Ummmm, no thanks. I found out later that they didn't start giving out Fastpasses until regular park hours started. Boy was I glad that I didn't go to HS by myself earlier. That would have been for nothing.

We left the TSM line behind and went in search of breakfast. We ended up making our way to Fairfax Fare.




Not the greatest selection in the world, but it would do.

Rob got the Egg and Cheese English Muffin with Sausage.


He had this last trip and really liked it and he enjoyed it again this trip.

I had my go-to favorite, a cheese danish of course!


I also got a free cup of ice water.


I was a cheap date this morning!

We had a really fun morning and afternoon in HS! We saw Mike & Sully.



We also got to ride in the front row on the Backlot Tour.


We always end up at the very back, so this was a nice change.



Up next, lots of Food & Wine!

 

[RGirl]

Whoa - your Paradiso server was bizarre!

That giant refillable glass just cracks me up!

The dip trio looks pretty tasty, but it sounds like the looks may have been a bit deceiving.

How weird that the server was trying to rush you out. I mean, you were at a BAR table, right? Don’t they expect people to sit at those tables for a while and hopefully order drinks?! I cannot believe he then tried to get you to ask for him next time!!!!

Pretty pathetic breakfast options at Farfax Fare….. WDW cheese danishes, however, are always tasty!

Looks like an awesome start to your DHS morning (despite TSMM).

 

[Cind]

I'm loving your reviews! Thanks for posting!!

 

[jerseytinkerbell]

Whoa - your Paradiso server was bizarre!

That giant refillable glass just cracks me up!

The dip trio looks pretty tasty, but it sounds like the looks may have been a bit deceiving.

How weird that the server was trying to rush you out. I mean, you were at a BAR table, right? Don’t they expect people to sit at those tables for a while and hopefully order drinks?! I cannot believe he then tried to get you to ask for him next time!!!!

Pretty pathetic breakfast options at Farfax Fare….. WDW cheese danishes, however, are always tasty!

Looks like an awesome start to your DHS morning (despite TSMM).

Yeah, our server as a wack-a-doo. I needed a few more refills in my big glass to deal with him I think.

HS needs to step it up on the breakfast options. You have Fairfax Fare, Starring Rolls and Hollywood & Vine buffet (which holds zero interest for me) and I think that's it. You almost HAVE TO eat at your hotel on HS mornings. Lets get a Toy Story themed breakfast buffet, or a quality Brown Derby breakfast menu going in or something. Anything!

I'm loving your reviews! Thanks for posting!!

Thanks so much! Another update coming up!

 

[emmysmommy]

Oh my gosh! That Paradiso server was obnoxious. Sorry you left before the game was over since he was so annoying. And then he wanted you to return and see him by handing you his card. So odd.

I've seen the breakfast sandwiches at Fairfax Fare and almost gave up my carrot cake cookie breakfast for it... almost! They did look good. I've done morning EMH and wondered why there was a long line for the FP machine and now I know why.

 

[jerseytinkerbell]

By late afternoon we had done everything we wanted to do in HS, so the three of us took the boat from HS to Epcot. We were hungry and ready for some Food & Wine Festival!


We started in New Zealand.


All three of us got the Lamb Meatball with Spicy Tomato Chutney.


We all loved it! I enjoyed the lamb slider from a few years ago just a little bit better, but this was delicious.

Rob had the Mohua Sauvignon Blanc, which he enjoyed.


Next I made a stop at Morocco.


Here I tried the Harissa Chicken Roll.




This was delicious! I loved the cilantro flavor in this. If only it had some type of dipping sauce. That would have made it perfect!

Next the boys stopped at Germany.


Rob had a Bratwurst in a pretzel roll.


And a BraufactuM Darkon beer.


Rob really enjoyed both of his selections.

While the boys enjoyed their German treats at a nearby table I stood in a long line at the Brewer's Collection booth.


I had to try this grapefruit beer everyone was talking about. I ended up waiting quite awhile because they ran out while I was standing in line and had to wait for them to tap a new keg. In line are potted herbs, plants, etc. pertaining to what is at each particular booth. Here is a grapefruit plant displayed around the Brewer's Collections booth.




I finally got one! It was ridiculously hot this day, so I needed an ice cold beer right about now. HOLY COW!!!! This beer is amazing! I don't care for beer... or grapefruit... yet I LOVE this beer! The alcohol content on this beer is fairly low, so that's probably why I like it. It doesn't have a strong boozy flavor. I have been trying (unsuccessfully) to find this beer ever since we got home.



Up next I stopped at Mexico.




I loved the tile designs on the outside of this booth. A very nice touch.


Here I tried the Taco de Rib-Eye


I squirted the lime all over this and is was fantastic! The beef was so tender and the flavors were delicious! I regret not eating at least 4 more of these during our trip.

Next we all stopped at Australia.

The plants in line at this booth.



Rob and I both got the garlic shrimp once again and talked our friend into trying it too.


Yum! We just can't resist the smell of this when we walk by the booth!

Continued in next post!

 

[jerseytinkerbell]

Next I went to Brazil.




The plants at this booth.


Here I tried the Crispy Pork Belly.


Delicious! Once again, I am loving the cilantro in this dish. Disney is feeding my love of cilantro this trip! Also, I discovered a love for pork belly this trip. The only thing that could have made this dish a little better was some type of crunch to change up the textures in the dish, but overall this was fantastic!

Next the boys stopped at the Craft Beers booth.




I was going to try the Dogfish Head Namaste, since that is our local brewery here at home and a brewery we have visited, but they were out of it today. Oh well.

The plants in line.




Rob got the Florida Beer Company, Devil's Triangle.


He gave me a sip and it was waaaaaayyyy too hoppy for me.

I was getting really overheated at this point, so we took a break to do a few rides and then we went back to WS to hit up some more booths.

Rob stopped at Singapore.




Here he tried the infamous Singapore Sling.


He gave me a sip and man oh man was this a strong drink! This will knock you on your butt!

I made a return trip to the Brewer's Collection for another grapefruit beer.

Yummy!

Then my friend and I stopped in France where we both got the Escargot.


Always amazing!

I also tried the Boeuf Bourguignon. Braised short ribs in Cabernet with mashed potatoes.


This was fantastic! The sauce was really rich and tasted amazing on the mashed potatoes. The short ribs just melted in your mouth. Delicious!
I stopped at Italy.




The plants in line.




Rob had the Ravioli. Baked Cheese Ravioli with creamy beef bolognese sauce, parmesan and mozzarella.


Which he paired with the Pinot Grigio Placido.


He enjoyed them both.

I got the Cannoli al Cioccolato.


This was very small, but the filling was delicious and the chocolate covered shell was crisp and fresh, which is very key with a cannoli.

The boys wanted to stay and see Night Ranger at the Eat To The Beat concert, but I was exhausted. We had already walked 10 miles that day according to pedometer and it was still really hot. I need a bed in a cold room. So, I left them outside the theater with their promises to be on good behavior.

Continued in next post

 

[jerseytinkerbell]

On my way out I ended up stopping by myself at Poland.


I had tried a bite of Rob's Zapiekanki earlier in the trip, but I wanted one of my own today.


I found a seat on a shaded bench and enjoyed my treat while I looked out onto the water. Very enjoyable.

I snapped a nice panoramic shot of WS before I left.


As I was leaving I walked by the cranberry bog. There was always someone there handing out bags of Craisins every time I walked by. Today was no exception. I grabbed another bag for my mom. She loves these and I ended up with a bunch of bags for her by the end of the trip.


See ya Epcot! I need a nap!

 

[jerseytinkerbell]

Oh my gosh! That Paradiso server was obnoxious. Sorry you left before the game was over since he was so annoying. And then he wanted you to return and see him by handing you his card. So odd.

I've seen the breakfast sandwiches at Fairfax Fare and almost gave up my carrot cake cookie breakfast for it... almost! They did look good. I've done morning EMH and wondered why there was a long line for the FP machine and now I know why.

He really was obnoxious. I think I will 'lose' his card.

Rob really likes their breakfast sandwiches. They are pretty quality. Not as good as a carrot cake cookie though!

 

[jerseytinkerbell]

Before I left Epcot I grabbed a little late night treat for myself. I spent a little time perusing the cases in Karamell-Kuche.


I ended up deciding on a caramel chocolate cookie.



This was yummy! I usually get the salted caramel with sea salt, but I can find those at a lot of places now, so I thought I would try something I can't get somewhere else.

I enjoyed this back at the room while I watched tv. I had a nice relaxing evening to myself.

 

[jerseytinkerbell]

At some point I fell asleep and woke up when my phone started ringing. It was Rob calling to tell me they were headed to DTD and he said they were grabbing a sandwich from Earl of Sandwich. He wanted to know what I wanted. I really wasn't hungry and was probably going to fall back to sleep and told him I really didn't want anything. He was insisting on getting me one so finally I told him what to get me.

Sure enough, I fell back to sleep and woke up when they got back to the room a little while later. They experienced a long transit time just like we had on a previous DTD night. Our sandwiches were cold once again.

I ended up with the caprese sandwich. Fresh mozzarella, roma tomatos, fresh basil and drizzled balsamic vinaigrette.


This probably would have been good under other circumstances, but I wasn't hungry, just woke up and it was ice cold and kinda soggy. I am sad to say that all but one bite of this ended up in the trash. I tried to tell him I didn't one!

Rob had the The Full Montagu. Roast beef and turkey with sharp cheddar cheese and aged Swiss cheese, romaine lettuce, roma tomato and Earl's mustard sauce.


He said his was pretty good even though it was cold.

I promptly fell back to sleep. I needed the rest because tomorrow we switch hotels again. Tomorrow is Bay Lake Tower!

 

[vettegirl]

Yum EOS looks good!! I may have to get one for dinner as your pics are making me want one. We are lucky here in San Antonio to have 3 EOS locations

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[eangel12]

Very curious to see your TWI savings! We are debating annual passes and a TWI card.

 

[DisneyMom2Boyz]

Hey Alicia! I thought that might be a possibility too. You never know.

How are you making out with the snow today? I think we ended up with about 6 inches where I am, but a few cities nearby got a lot more. I'm just glad I have no reason to leave the house today!



Thanks so much for joining in! We really did have a lot of delicious food this trip. The biggest benefit to that long of a stay is getting a chance to try so much food!

Hi Jeri, we got about 6 inches of snow too. I'm just hanging home with the boys. They had early dismissal Thursday and no school Friday, we niw have 3 snow days fro school. I have no plans on leaving the house! Just called Disney and applied the Disney visa discount code for April/May so excited....110 days till Disney. Something to get me through this freezing cold and snow! I see you just adding more to your dining review and I can't wait to read it!

 

[KBrown88]

Loving all the F&W pics! I am planning a girls' trip this year and we are going during the F&W Festival. I am not a big beer drinker, but the grapefruit beer looked appealing. Looking forward to the next portion of your trip moving to BLT. My family and I will be there the first time this Summer.

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Jeri! I get the impression that you liked that grapefruit beer. What a great sampling of F&W choices. The Australian shrimp dish always has my attention. I liked your photos of the plants at the booths since I had no clue what barley or hops plants looked like.

Of all the EoS choices the caprese is probably the best not piping hot but I definitely wouldn't want to eat it cold. At least you warned Rob not to get you anything. With an EoS now at DTD Anaheim I don't have to travel far for one of their delicious sandwiches.

Ahhh BLT transfer coming up! My favorite villas.

 

[Couchy]

My DH loved the pork belly from Brazil. He said it was one of his favorites from the festival. He also really enjoyed the Brat from Germany. I was partial to the griddled cheese from Greece and the ravioli from Italy. Yum

.. and of course, who can leave the WS without a stop in the karmel kitchen

 

[Britard]

I typically love the caprese sandwich from EOS, but I agree...cold is a no go! The vinaigrette makes it too soggy if it sits for too long!

 

[jerseytinkerbell]

Yum EOS looks good!! I may have to get one for dinner as your pics are making me want one. We are lucky here in San Antonio to have 3 EOS locations

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Lucky you! EOS is so good. Sometimes all I want is a sandwich and a bag of chips for lunch, but nowhere around me offers unique options like they do. I just got a panini press for Christmas, so I guess I'll just have to start making my own sandwiches at home. I might even borrow a few ideas from their menu.

Very curious to see your TWI savings! We are debating annual passes and a TWI card.

I forgot to calculate our last few meals in our total, but I will definitely post a ballpark figure when I finish up the report. It would have been even higher if we had gone during a non-F&W time of the year. F&W definitely replaced a lot of restaurants this trip. We are talking about taking a week long trip in early October of this year too, so that would only add to our savings total.

Hi Jeri, we got about 6 inches of snow too. I'm just hanging home with the boys. They had early dismissal Thursday and no school Friday, we niw have 3 snow days fro school. I have no plans on leaving the house! Just called Disney and applied the Disney visa discount code for April/May so excited....110 days till Disney. Something to get me through this freezing cold and snow! I see you just adding more to your dining review and I can't wait to read it!

I'm sure the kids were happy to have the long weekend! Rob and I have barely left the house this weekend. The main roads are fine, but the side streets are just solid sheets of ice. Since Thursday night we've only left the house to make one grocery run and to go to a surprise birthday party for his brother last night. I'm ready for spring!

That's great that you got the discount! You'll be in the double digit countdown soon.

Loving all the F&W pics! I am planning a girls' trip this year and we are going during the F&W Festival. I am not a big beer drinker, but the grapefruit beer looked appealing. Looking forward to the next portion of your trip moving to BLT. My family and I will be there the first time this Summer.

A girls' trip for F&W sounds like fun! I highly recommend the grapefruit beer. It is the only beer I have ever had that I would actually say I love. I enjoy others from time to time, but this is the best by far for me.

I loved, loved, loved BLT! Even though this is a dining review I think I might have to post a few pics from around BLT too. It is gorgeous there! I hope you and your family have a great time there this summer!

Hi Jeri! I get the impression that you liked that grapefruit beer. What a great sampling of F&W choices. The Australian shrimp dish always has my attention. I liked your photos of the plants at the booths since I had no clue what barley or hops plants looked like.

Of all the EoS choices the caprese is probably the best not piping hot but I definitely wouldn't want to eat it cold. At least you warned Rob not to get you anything. With an EoS now at DTD Anaheim I don't have to travel far for one of their delicious sandwiches.

Ahhh BLT transfer coming up! My favorite villas.

How could you tell I liked the grapefruit beer? All the plants at the booths were a nice touch. We actually just saw hops and barley up close for the first time this summer when we visited a few breweries in Boston. At one they even handed out hops to smell and barley to taste. Very interesting!

Oh man, everyone is near an EOS now but me! All this sandwich talk is making me hungry!

BWV used to be my favorite, but after this trip I think BLT has definitely taken its place. We really loved it there. Sadly that was our shortest hotel stay, but it was wonderful!

My DH loved the pork belly from Brazil. He said it was one of his favorites from the festival. He also really enjoyed the Brat from Germany. I was partial to the griddled cheese from Greece and the ravioli from Italy. Yum

.. and of course, who can leave the WS without a stop in the karmel kitchen

I never got to try the griddled cheese from Greece or the ravioli even though they were both on my list. As much as we were at F&W, it's amazing how many things we still missed out on.

That Karamel shop is too good. I look forward to it every trip!

I typically love the caprese sandwich from EOS, but I agree...cold is a no go! The vinaigrette makes it too soggy if it sits for too long!

That was exactly the problem. The vinaigrette made the bread really soggy and the basil didn't hold up well either. I definitely want to try a fresh one next time!