~We seldom report of having eaten too little~ w/ PICS! ~ UPDATE: New Thread Started!

[TinkerBelle_325]

Hi everyone!

I'm SO sorry that I haven't updated! Today was our crazy day lol.

We hit the MK for rope drop! Rode Splash, Pirates, Jungle Cruise, saw the Pirate Tutorial, Haunted Mansion, Mickey's Philharmagic and Its a Small World ALL as walk on's.

We had lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern. Yum!

Dinner was Ohana, which was the best of all my times there (no potatoes though )

We bought several snacks: Dole Whip, Popcorn, Toffee Mickey Pretzels and Cotton Candy

I was trying to upload pics but shutterfly is fighting me! And I'm sooooo tired! I really and truly promise pics ASAP.

[TinkerBelle_325]

Ohana - Sunday May 31st

We arrived at Ohana at 6:30, our ADR was for 6:25 and we had to wait longer than expected for a cab. As we walked up the stairs and around the corner I saw the check-in line stretched all the way to the Kona Island Coffee/Sushi Bar!

Thankfully it moved very quickly and we were checked in within 5 minutes. We found two seats at Tambu and glanced over the drink menu. Just then our pager went off. The hostess was very sweet and let us order our drinks from the bar before taking us to our table. As we were guided through the restaurant my eyes caught a wonderful table for 2 that was right against the windows with a PERFECT view. Lo and behold...it was ours!

View from our table


View of the restaurant


Welcome Bread - this was not as good as I remember it being. It was almost...fiberous...like there was too much pineapple and coconut in it


Sauces - Sweet & Sour, Peanut and Spicy Mustard - Neither of us tried the peanut sauce, but the sweet and sour was fantastic with the dumplings and the shrimp. The Spicy Mustard was awesome with the turkey and the steak.


Salad with Honey Lime Dressing - Alice hates salad but actually felt this was quite good. I love this dressing, it is light and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.


Pork Dumplings - the last time I was underwhelmed by these. This time...YUM! The wrapper was crispy, the filling was flavourful and the sweet and sour sauce was the perfect compliment.


Honey Coriander Wings - these are always to die for! This time they were easily the biggest chicken wings I have ever seen!


Stir Fried Veggies - I didn't touch these but Alice had 2 helpings, so they must have been pretty good


Noodles - While I was disappointed that there were no potatoes, these were SO much better than the noodles I had in August 2008. They were thinner and had a more earthy, soy based sauce. They were accented with juilienne carrots and green onion I believe. Not the potatoes, but definitely improved.


Left to Right: Turkey, Steak, Pork - The turkey is always my favorite. The steak was actually cooked to a lovely medium and unfortunately the pork was like...a hockey puck LOL. The shrimp (not pictured) were nice and tender.


Bread Pudding!! - Mmmmmmmmmm! Best dessert ever! I could easily have polished off the entire bowl.

For those who are interested, the menu board out front of Ohana lists the price as $32.99, that INCLUDES the $4 surcharge.

Our drinks (which i will add pictures of) were:
Glowtini $9.75
Sunken Treasure $8.25
18% Gratuity $3.24
Tax $1.17
TIW Savings -$3.60
TOTAL $18.81

Our meal cost:
2 @ $32.99 = $65.98
18% Gratuity $11.88
Tax $4.29
TIW Savings -$13.20
TOTAL $68.95

We give Ohana:
4/5 for Service
4/5 for Food
5/5 for Ambience

OVERALL = /5

[TinkerBelle_325]

Hi!

I'm getting all my pics uploaded and ready to post this evening. Today was UNBEARABLY hot! We went to Animal Kingdom and I swear we nearly had heat exhaustion and that was with drinking 3 bottles of water each.

We ate lunch at Wolfgang Puck Express. Was fantastic. Going to California Grill for dinner, expect TONS of pics this evening

[oybolshoi]

Any chance you can snag a couple of menu pictures and post them here? I'd like to see some updated info on CA Grill since that's probably where we're going to take the nephew and his wife for dinner one night this fall.

Thanks in advance if you can, and if not, no biggie. Just have a great time!

[Twinkly-Tink]

I'd like to see menu for CG too! We're there for first time on 16th June - really looking forward to it and hoping it's not all sushi (as DH doesn;t do fish!!)

[MickeyNicki]

Originally Posted by TinkerBelle_325

Hi!

I'm getting all my pics uploaded and ready to post this evening. Today was UNBEARABLY hot! We went to Animal Kingdom and I swear we nearly had heat exhaustion and that was with drinking 3 bottles of water each.

We ate lunch at Wolfgang Puck Express. Was fantastic. Going to California Grill for dinner, expect TONS of pics this evening

The one review I am waiting for, take tons of pics for us! Have a wonderful dinner!

Originally Posted by oybolshoi

Any chance you can snag a couple of menu pictures and post them here? I'd like to see some updated info on CA Grill since that's probably where we're going to take the nephew and his wife for dinner one night this fall.

Thanks in advance if you can, and if not, no biggie. Just have a great time!

That is a great idea Bren! You take pics tonight and I will take them on Thur and lets see if they are the same

[oybolshoi]

Originally Posted by MickeyNicki

That is a great idea Bren! You take pics tonight and I will take them on Thur and lets see if they are the same

I wouldn't be surprised to see differences.

[TinkerBelle_325]

Hi Guys!

I'm so sorry I forgot the menus! But I can tell you about the new items I noticed.

First Courses
- Lobster and Corn Beignets with Corn Remolade
- Maine Lobster Risotto with Midnight Moon Goat Cheese
- Crispy Rock Shrimp with Asian Greens

Sushi
- soft shell crab roll

We didn't have entrees so I didn't look at those

Here is a pic update to make up for it!

Kona Cafe - Sat May 30th

Our dinner at Kona was on our arrival night. As I knew Alice had only purchased a 3 day base pass we were not able to go to a park that evening. Instead, I decided we should take a cab to Wilderness Lodge so that I could show Alice around. Plus, we had to rub Humphrey's nose for a good trip

From WL we took a boat to the Magic Kingdom, activated my annual pass voucher and hopped on the monorail to the Polynesian. Alice was blown away by the waterfall and gardens in the middle of the Great Ceremonial House. We checked in to Kona at 7:55 for our 8pm ADR. We were given a pager, made our way to Tambu, sat and the our pager went

We were seated at the side of Kona closest to Ohana in a lovely booth for 2. We knew we HAD to order Lapu Lapu's, what is a trip to the Poly without a tropical drink??

Inside the restaurant

By the time we were seated we were STARVING! We had been up at 6, on the road at 7, ate breakfast at Cracker Barrel at 9:30 and hadn't had a real "meal" since.


Yummy Bread! - We devoured this! It is the best bread and butter in the world to me


Chopsticks - I think Alice has a better picture, but these have the funniest saying on them! Check them out the next time you are at Kona.


Sushi! Front: Volcano Roll Back: Shrimp Tempura Roll - We debated over the sushi for a while. We knew we wanted some it was just a matter of which rolls. Our waiter explained they had just added a Chef's Choice Sushi Sampler. It consisted of 4 volcano rolls, 2 crab cake rolls, 2 salmon, cream cheese and jalapeno rolls and 2 hamachi and citrus rolls. We passed, but it was definitely interesting. Perhaps the offerings will change frequently?

I LOVE this volcano roll. It is perfectly spicy and the carrot and cucumber provide texture. The spicy shrimp mayo with tempura crunch is "lick the plate" good!

The shrimp tempura roll was wonderful as well, but it just cant beat California Grill's shrimp tempura roll in my mind.


Teriyaki New York Strip - This is one of my favorite steaks and I was actually happy to see they changed the side to sticky rice. You need rice with teriyaki in my book.


Coconut Almond Chicken - I was shocked when Alice ordered this. She literally HATES salad. She thinks lettuce tastes like grass and that is why she ordered a side of rice. But shockingly, she loved it! I think it was the strawberries and pineapple that sold her.

Our meal at Kona Cost:
Lapu Lapu 2 @ $13 (this seems LESS expensive to me, but was just as big as I recall!)
Evian $4.50
Volcano Roll $13.99
Shrimp Tempura Roll $12.99
Coconut Almond Chicken $16.99
Teriyaki NY Strip $27.99
Side of Rice $2.29
18% Gratuity $18.86
Tax $6.81
TIW Savings -$20.95
TOTAL $109.47

We give Kona:
5/5 for Food
4/5 for Service
5/5 for Ambience

OVERALL 1/2 out of 5

Wolfgang Puck Express - Mon June 1st

June 1st was our Animal Kingdom morning. We decided to take a bus (we mostly took taxis because we were very short on time for this trip) so as we approached bus stop 2, about 25 feet away, we realized the AK bus was there. We sprinted over and hopped on. It was 8:20, we had expected to wait 10 mins or so, but I knew if we missed it chances are we would be waiting 20 to 30. Well as it turns out that would have been the better choice. It was UNBEARABLY hot that day. Like 103 with the humidity and not a single cloud in the sky. We stayed at AK from 8:30 till 2.

At 1:30 we lined up for Flame Tree BBQ. The lines were about 10 people deep, and were no longer under the awning but out in that relentless sun. We waited 15 minutes and didn't move up 1 person before bailing. We opted to take a taxi to DTD and take refuge in:


Wolfgang Puck Express!

Funny story: As we approached the counter I believe we looked a bit worn out from the heat...a bit might be an understatement...we probably looked like this and some of this

The cast member at the register asked where we had beem to which we weakly replied: "Animal Kingdom." He said he used to work there and that it was the hottest park, that it is ALWAYS at least 5 degrees warmer there

We ordered a chinois chicken salad, a bbq chicken quesadilla, a side of mac and cheese and a creme brulee. He laughed and said "going for the good stuff?" when I ordered the creme brulee and I explained I had had it before and it was my favorite dessert.

I whipped out my TIW card and he gave me 10% off (WPEx doesn't participate in TIW but they will give 10%) then he said..."wait...because you like the creme brulee I'll give that too you too!" Awesome! Then he continued and said "Hmm.." and hit the computer screen a few more times and the total popped up at $24.08!

When we got to our table, our sever brought us a side of fries, which we did not order. He winked and said again "YOUR side of fries."

So lets do the math
Chinois Chicken Salad $10.95
BBQ Chicken Quesadilla $10.95
Side of Mac & Cheese $3.95
Creme Brulee $3.95
Fountain Drinks 2 @ $2.65
Fries $3.95

That SHOULD be $37.43! and we got it all for $24.08 Guess we made a friend!


Fries - These are crispy and delicious! And they were unexpected!


Mac & Cheese (side) - Creamy, cheesy and rich. YUM!


Chinois Chicken Salad - BEST SALAD EVER! Napa Cabbage, Red Cabbage, Carrots, Asian Honey Mustard, Roasted Chicken and fried wontons....PERFECT!


BBQ Chicken Quesadilla - This was fantastic! The smokey bbq and creamy ranch were a great combo and inside it was gooey and cheesy.


Creme Brulee - Best CS Creme Brulee, in fact, I think it is better than the one at Chefs de France - a better sugar crust and a creamier custard.

We give WPex
6/5 for Service
5/5 for Food
5/5 for Ambience (more for Air Conditioning at that point )

OVERALL out of 5!

[TinkerBelle_325]

I'M BACK!

I am uploading all my pics as we speak AND I have a clear pic of the California Grill Menu

I'll update tonight!

[milmore104]

Can't wait. I have to talk DH into WPE this trip. It looks so yummy!

[TinkerBelle_325]

California Grill Menu

SUSHI
Yellowfin Tuna Three Ways…Poke, Tartare and Tataki 21
Sashimi…Yellowfin Tuna, Salmon, and Hamachi 19
“Snake in the Grass”…Barbecue Eel with Shrimp Tempura, Avacado, and Cucumber 22
“Medusa Roll”…Crispy Soft Shell Crab with Asparagus, Spicy Mayonnaise and Yuzu Pepper Sauce 20
Tempura “Malibu” Roll…Halibut, Cobia, Hamachi, Tuna Tartare and Spicy Sesame Sauce 20
Spicy Kazan Roll…Crab, Shrimp, Bay Scallops, Tuna and Fireball Sauce 20
California Roll…Jumbo Lump Crab with Avacado and Cucumber 20
Yoshie’s Deluxe Sushi Platter…Maki & Nigiri 25

FIRST COURSE
Lobster and Corn Beignets with Marscapone Cheese and local Sweet Corn Remoulade 16
Spring Salad with Florida Peaches, Candied Pecans, Point Reyes, and Raspberry Vinaigrette 13
Maine Lobster Risotto with Midnight Moon Goat Cheese, Lobster Oil, and Meyer Lemon Beurre Blanc 18
Asian Rock Shrimp Salad with local Citrus, Hearts of Palm, Red Onion, Soy Reduction, Wasabi Cream 16
Sauteed White European Asparagus with Citrus Gratinee, Micro Argulua, and Tomato-Lemon Vinaigrette 14
Hearts of Romaine with Roasted Garlic Dressing, Marinated Anchovies, Olives, Aged Parmesan, and Croutons 10
Zellwood Sweet Corn Bisque with Corn and Bacon “Hushpuppies” and Cumin Crème Fraiche 10
Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli with Sundried Tomatoes, Pesto, Shiitake Mushrooms and Basil 13

MAIN COURSE
Seared Pork Tenderloin with Goat Cheese Polenta, Button Mushrooms and Zinfandel Glaze 32
Filet of Beef with Cheesy Idaho Potato Mash, Buttered Asparagus and, Teriyaki Barbecue Sauce 44
Pan-roasted Pacafic Halibut with “Stir-fry” Vegetables, Sticky Rice, and Ginger-Soy Hijiki Broth 35
Duo of Lamb T-Bone, Marble Potatoes, Fiddleheads, Chickpeas, Salsa Verde, and Spring Vegetable Vinaigrette 40
Sauteed Soft Shell Crab, Celeriac Puree, Vidalia Onions, Sea Beans, Caper Berries, and Zellwood Corn Emulsion 35
Crispy Free Range Chicken with Handmade Cavatelli Pasta, Porcini Bolognese, Ramps, and Confit Tomato 32
Hand-crafted Spring Pea and Mascarpone Ravioli with Morel Mushroom, Pecorino, and Sweet Carrot Jus 26
Wild King Salmon with Heirloom Carrots, English Peas, Mushrooms, and Pinot Noir Mushroom Reduction 38

[MickeyNicki]

Hey welcome home! We just arrived tonight....just posted my first review but here is a hint, it wasnt a good one

[TinkerBelle_325]

California Grill - Mon Jun 1st

We arrived at the Contemporary at 7:45pm for our 8pm ADR. We proceeded to the 2nd floor to check in and I asked the hostess if Ron, my favorite California Grill server, was working; luckily he was

I requested a table in his section and said that a window would be even better as it was Alice's first time. She handed us a pager and said they were running about 20-30 mins behind but we were welcome to head up to the lounge.

We hopped on the elevator and noticed that it was busy, but not crowded in the lounge. We grabbed a table and comfy chairs by the windows and....(this was becoming the theme of our trip) a few moments after we sat our pager went off.

We were escorted past the bar and into the very first section along the windows where I spotted Ron and a lovely two-top dusted in Mickey Confetti right at the window

Now, Ron had been quadruple seated having 4 tables start all at once, us, two other couples and a family of 6. He recognized me and whispered "We will keep you here till the fireworks...why don't you look over the menu for 10 or 15, then I'll take your wine order...then we'll start"

I thought this was incredibly smart. He was making me happy - I was guaranteed a window table for Wishes - and he was making his life easier - starting the other three tables and staggering ours slightly.

After 15 minutes Ron returned to take our wine orders. I got a glass of Conundrum ($13) and Alice got a glass of Selbach Riesling ($14).

We were still considering our sushi options, so Ron left to get our wine while we decided.

He returned and we ordered:


SUSHI!
Top = Snake in the Grass
Middle = Spicy Kazan Roll
Bottom = Shrimp Tempura Roll

As usual, the sushi here is phenomenal! The Shrimp Tempura roll was light and refreshing, the tempura was perfectly crisp, the fruit was sweet and crunchy and the orange ginger sauce was the perfect accent.

The Spicy Kazan roll is out of this world. It is spicy without being overly so. It has the perfect combination of seafood for me: tuna, shrimp, crab and scallops and that fireball sauce...OMG I swear I nearly lick it clean off the plate.

I did not try the Snake in the Grass....yes I know....the sushi lover didn't try...but eel freaks me out Alice said it was very good, but the weakest of the three rolls in her opinion.


Close up - Shrimp Tempura


Close up - Spicy Kazan Roll


Close up - Snake in the Grass


Cheese Board
Right to Left
1 - Creamy, almost runny cow's milk cheese, very milky in flavor with an edible rind
2 - Tete du Moine - one of my FAVORITE cheeses, cow's milk, firmer and shaved off with a griolle, swiss-like in flavor
3 - Silky and smooth cheese with a Roquefort style mold on the rind
4&5 - Firm, crumbly cheese with a strong, slightly bitter flavor

4 was supposed to be a blue but im allergic. I can have 3 because the mold is on the rind, not in veins through the cheese

I am a recent fan of cheese boards. I cannot find my menu but all the selections were good. I felt the cheese board I had a Jiko in Oct 2008 was stronger, but this had Tete du Moine, one of my absolute favorites! The candied nuts and the honey comb were our favorite pairings.

Just after our cheese plate we were able to watch Wishes from our table


Warm Sourdough Bread with Sea Salt topped Butter - This was so fresh that it was still warm, and I love the touch of the crunchy grains of sea salt on top of the butter.


Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli (half a ravioli, shared 1st course presented separately, nice touch)

This is a first course that we always order. It was creamy, tangy and had the perfect acid balance in the tomato broth. I could have eaten a few of these


Valrhona Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce

The pairing for the night was Strawberry, but I'm not the biggest fan (I prefer Raspberry) so Ron offered us Vanilla with Chocolate sauce. My god this was great! I've had this before, but never with vanilla, the subtle sweetness and creaminess helped balance the intense chocolatey richness.

Our meal cost:
Conundrum $13
Selbach Riesling $14
Evian $8.50
Sonoma Ravioli $13
Cheese Board $18
Shrimp Tempura Roll $14
Spicy Kazan $20
Snake in the Grass $22
Valrhona Cake $12
18% Gratuity $24.21
Tax $6.56
TIW Savings -$26.90
Additional Gratuity $10.79
TOTAL $149.16

Because Ron was fantastic, and because he kept us at the table for 3 hours I gave him a $35 on a $110 check. He was well worth it

We give California Grill:
6/5 for service
5/5 for food
6/5 for ambience

Overall = 1/2 out of 5!

[TinkerBelle_325]

Originally Posted by MickeyNicki

Hey welcome home! We just arrived tonight....just posted my first review but here is a hint, it wasnt a good one

Hi Nicki!

Glad you arrived safely

I'll check out your review right now! Sorry that it wasn't a good one You will LOVE the California Grill! Ask for Ron and tell him Megan who he served the other night sent you We have had him as our server every time. He is fun and has excellent timing!

[KatMark]

Originally Posted by TinkerBelle_325

I'M HERE!!

Hi guys!

We arrived safe & sound

We were upgraded to a Junior Suite at Coronado! Its in Casitas 3 on the 2nd floor, so not refurbished but TONS of space and exactly where we wanted

The weather is fantastic, sunny and very hot.

Tonight we ate at Kona and everything was delicious. I haven't uploaded my pics yet, but I will tomorrow

I think I've been living under a rock. How the heck have I not kept up with your report? I am so sorry to be late getting back in on it after your first post. I wonder if you were in the same suite we were at CSR. We too were upgraded to a junior suite in Casitas 3 on the 2nd floor last September for our 25th. I'm going to go now and catch up on all that I missed.