The Bananas Take On WDW, dining edition, leaving for F&W today

[janabananas]

I plan on writing this as a continuous dining review for the year we have our Seasonal AP.

The we:
-Myself, Janabananas, aka Janet, turned 32 on my bday trip, 2011
I love all things Disney and love the immersion I feel when I am at WDW. No driving, I love the transportation. I tend to forget about regular life stuff when I am here. I love the food. I am generally a meat and potatoes kinda girl, however I do eat shellfish, mostly shrimp, but not fish, it is a texture thing. I alcoholic slushies! The France slushie kiosk is my mecca.... I would not call myself an adventurous eater, but I am willing to try new. I also do not eat anything spicy, and I also have to follow pretty strict dietary restrictions at home due to having CHF and cardiomyopathy. So when I am on vacation, I indulge!!

-DBF, Jaybananas, aka Jason, 35 and along for the ride
He goes because I love going. He was rather cynical (he says pragmatic and realistic) before going on our first trip, but when we got on property he was singing along too and really loves the opportunity to try all the food options available. Don't let him fool ya, he looks all grouchy but he lights up when he gets to ride Figment or sees the aquarium at the Seas or after watching the Tiki Birds at the Tiki Room. He is the adventourous one. He loves to eat anything, and anything spicy!! Except eggplant... go figure. He will eat anything you put in front of him, just so he can say he tried it. The exception to this, besides eggplants are desserts. He does not (usually) eat desserts, save fruits and sherberts or ice creams and the occasional berry or apple cobbler.


My boys, Nick 13 and Joey 8, are also along for the ride as well. They will be included in some aspects of the dining review, but they have very limited palates so most of their stuff is pizza, chicken nuggets, etc.



This is just an introduction to us. I will be adding MUCH more very shortly.

TRIP LIST
My Bday trip 2011

MK 40th anniversary trip

Nick's 13th birthday trip

[janabananas]

Just a bit more info on us. Neither one of us had been to WDW in several years. I hadn't been since 2008, and he hadn't been since 1998-1999. So for him a lot had changed, and some for me as well.

Neither one of us realized the amazing dining options available at WDW. When we starting planning and making our budget we figured we were going to be eating burgers and chicken nuggets everyday. Well after looking at the menu's of ALL the different restaurants to choose from we got really excited. However, we didn't have it in our budget to go too crazy (no signatures ),

We decided to go with QS bf & lunches and TS dinners at places that seemed semi-familiar to us, for example an Irish pub and sushi place. We threw in Kona Cafe because he REALLY wanted to check it out. He stayed there as a kid many years ago during a family trip and he was ranting and raving that we had to visit at least for dinner. Ohana was booked so to Kona Cafe we went.

We stayed at POP (that food court is BANANAS crazy!!, this becomes an issue)

We have Seasonal AP's and TIW and were ready to use them!

Review list

Day 1
Arrival & DHS bf/lunch
Dinner at Kona Cafe POLY

Day 2
Breakfast at Sunshine Seasons EPCOT
Drinking around EPCOT and Norway lunch
Dinner at Tokyo Dining and EPCOT at night

Day 3
AK bf and lunch at Flametree BBQ
POFQ beignets and dinner at Raglan Road DTD

Day 4
BF at POP, Dole Whip, and CHH MK

I must say after becoming addicted to the DIS, I found dining reviews and we have become obsessed with Disney Dining and Disney food porn.

[janabananas]

We arrived on property at 815am. I was in a super rush to get to DHS for RD so we could get to TSM. We ended up being about 10 minutes late for it.

We got to the TSM area and dbf reminded me that I had to take my heart meds. Duh me, I forgot about them in my excitement to get to TSM. He wouldn't allow me to get on TSM without taking my meds... What a pain!! In order for me to take my meds, I have to eat with them so I grabbed a cheese danish and a coke from the cart right in front of TSM and wolfed it down. The danish itself was actually pretty good and it became my go-to on the run bf choice. Dbf isn't a bf person so he skipped out.

It was a slow day apparently because we walked right on TSM with no wait whatsoever, then were able to get FP for later on around 1230pm.

We then walked over to Starring Rolls where I was disappointed that it was too early for the Yum-Yums to come out. I was excited to take a gander.

After some rides, we used our FP for TSM and were on the lookout for lunch.

Since we were in just around the corner from the Backlot area, we were gonna grab lunch at Studios Catering Co. But it was closed?? Darn it!! So we had to look on the map to find another place. We didn't have ADR's so no TS places and we wanted to do the Lights Action car show so we didn't want to go back to a restaurant up front. So we decided on the Pizza Planet.

I actually did NOT want to go there because I thought they only had pizza and have heard that Disney pizza is nasty. We got lost on our way to Pizza Planet so we ended up missing the car show. Oh well. But we were happy once we got there because we saw they had a chicken salad.



The chicken salad was actually pretty good. The dressing was light, there was quite a bit of chicken in it. We were expecting 4 strips of meat and a ton of lettuce. The real surprise was the hidden bits of canteloupe and peas. Who knew canteloupe would be good in a chicken salad??? The whole thing was light and refreshing on such a hot day. Pizza or a meatball sub would have been too heavy.

We got the magic text that our room was ready so we made our way to leave. On our way out, I found the Writers Shop. I wanted to go there after seeing a pic of a carrot cake cookie!! It was heaven!!

I was full from lunch, so I took it to go with the intention of eating it as a snack. But I forgot to take a pic of it before I took a bite, sorry!!




Next is Kona Cafe and Wishes on Poly Beach.

[Tracerr00]

Fun review so far and can't wait to read more! I have GOT to try that carrot cake cookie the next time I'm there. Would you believe that my sister and I ducked in during our last trip and I totally forgot it was there? I could kick myself!

Signing on for the rest of the family review!!

[UndercoverMama]

[bowbat]

Originally Posted by janabananas

I must say after becoming addicted to the DIS, I found dining reviews and we have become obsessed with Disney Dining and Disney food porn.

Right there with you! My husband walked by me the other day, saw what I was doing and said, "Are you looking at Disney food pictures online AGAIN?!" Why, yes. Yes, I am.

[janabananas]

Sorry about my absence. Life and illness got in the way. I got more coming!!

[janabananas]

We got there a bit early so we decided to go to the beach and figure out where to watch Wishes from. We then walked back inside and checked in at Kona Cafe.

We got a quiet corner table without any neighbors. We were happy about this because we didn't want to disturb anyone with our picture taking. We ended up getting neighbors who were also taking food pics so it worked out ok.

Our waitress was Mel. She was fantastic!!!

I ordered a Kona Cool Sundown and dbf had a Kona Fire Rock Pale Ale. We both enjoyed our drinks.


The bread was yummy. I heard so much about it and it was indeed worth the talk.

For apps, I had the duck potstickers. They were ok but I don't think I will order them again. Dbf had a special sweet potato soup that was not on the menu. He loved it, he still raves about it.



I had the rib eye for my entree. It was yummy but had quite a bit of grissle on it. I would suggest asking for the sauce on the side and dip your steak in in it then dump it on the potatoes. The sauce is good but overpowered my palate. Dbf had the tuna oscar. He really enjoyed it and was very satisfied with his choice. We did learn though that my eyes are bigger than my stomach and dbf makes a great garbage disposal!! I was also saving room for dessert.



For dessert I had the banana creme brulee. Dbf doesn't eat sweets so that was my job!! It was YUMMY!!!


We decided to order drinks to go so we could get to Wishes and grab chairs. I got the infamous Lapu Lapu (and well worth the acclaim btw, very strong) and dbf had a habanero lime margarita. He wanted it to be a bit hotter but he did enjoy it.



We got to the beach and watched Wishes. It was beautiful. You can hear the music on the beach. I would love to be in the MK next time I watch it though.

[janabananas]

We ate breakfast at Sunshine Seasons after I rode Soarin after RD (dbf won't ride it). I got a birthday serenade from the employees after we sat down. It was really sweet and made the day begin magically.
This was our first experience with a Disney breakfast. It was adequate, but not spectacular. We really weren't expecting greatness though. Luckily, they allow you to sub out foods. I didn't want the biscuit so I got extra eggs. Dbf didn't want his biscuit so he got extra french toast.



I did find out though that I really dislike Disney sausage and actually like Disney bacon and eggs. Dbf however liked the sausage, but he liked his bacon too so I couldn't steal it.

[janabananas]

In Mexico, we grabbed a Dos Equis beer. As we were leaving Mexico, we listened to the Mariachi band and watched the baby dance. So cute!



Off to Norway we went. We were both getting hungry so I had the ham and apple sandwich and DBF had the salmon and egg sandwich. They were both yummy!! Dbf still talks about his sandwich. We had a Carlsberg beer and shot of aquavit. (yuck) We also had a duck that wanted our food. Either him or his brother followed us to AK the next day.


China was next and I had plum wine and dbf had Tsingtao beer. I was getting tired so I sat on a bench while dbf looked around the pavilion.



We then went to Germany where I got a piece of caramel from the karamel shoppe and he got a beer from a side vendor. We were both happy with our choices!



Italy was next and we shared a glass of Rosa Regale wine. We looked around a bit, including the prices for the TS restaurants. We were a bit shocked.....



After Italy, we walked to USA and he grabbed a Bud Light.


Then Morocco welcomed us with open arms. I again rested while dbf looked around. We shared a Casa beer. We decided to make our way back to the hotel around this time. I was over exhausted... maybe slightly buzzed.



We continued our EPCOT adventure after a nap.

[janabananas]

We made our way back to EPCOT so we could make our Tokyo Dining ADR at 8:20pm. This time we started in Canada. Dbf had a Labatts. He loves the stuff as he is from the Buffalo, NY area. He cannot get it down here in my town. He was VERY happy. I had a Torontopolitan. It was YUMMY!!! It was still raining so we grabbed our drinks and made our way to the UK shops.



In the UK we shared a Harp. Good stuff, we both like Harp so it was an easy choice.




We had to walk fast, in the rain to Japan. I did see the kiosk with the Grey Goose slushies. I prayed it was still open after dinner.

We got to Japan and were seated immediately. We didn't get pixie dust to be seated by the window to watch Illuminations. In retrospect it wasn't a bad thing because we were too busy enjoying dinner and each others company to notice.
I had a Cherry Blossom Martini and Dbf had a large sake. Both were good.



We each had an appetizer to share. We had looked at the menu months ago and saw a pork belly app "Kakuni" and "Wafu" rib app we wanted to try. Instead of picking either/or, we decided on getting both.


The ribs were the winner. The Kakuni was good, but the ribs were FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC. The best ribs of our trip. We will be going back in two days for F&W, and we made reservations there so we could have the ribs again.

For dinner, I had the Shibuya (tempura chicken & shrimp) combo. Everything on the plate was great, except for the chicken. It was edible, but not great. Next time I want to try the shrimp and scallop tempura entree.


Dbf had the Fuji Bento Box. He was in HEAVEN!! The steak was the low point, but still good. The other parts of his box were just really good.


For dessert, I got a complimentary piece of chocolate ginger cake. So yummy! Even dbf who doesn't eat sweets liked it.


After dinner, we went downstairs and wasted time walking around the HUGE department store. I didn't want to leave.

We ventured back over to France. I was hoping for the Grey Goose slushie and I got it!! So refreshing. DBF got a Kronenbourg 1644. He wished he would have gotten a glass of wine because he said it was the worst beer of the day.The rain stopped, but it was still very humid out. ICK!!

[janabananas]

This was by far my worst park day. I had several freak the frak outs, including trying to get bf at Everything POP. I saw the crowd, flipped, and left. We got to AK later than I wanted to, around 945am, instead of 9am. Dbf decided he needed food before he could go on, so we stopped for danishes and a coke. Standard stuff, yummy though. He then decided he needed to look at animals, while I wanted to hit all the rides, eat, then look at the critters and go home. All great plans go to crap though. Speaking of crap, while he was looking at the animals a stork took a very large poo on him. HAHA

He ran like his hair was on fire and got cleaned up. The restroom was pretty close to the Safari so we went on that and saw the animals.

We did all the rides and walked the trails, and after Dinosaur and we had lunch at Flametree BBQ.

We had the rib/chicken combo and the turkey sandwich. We shared everything. The chicken was the big winner!! Next time we are going to get that and try the pulled pork. The ribs and sandwich were disappointments and not very good. The turkey sandwich was advertised as smoked, but it tasted just like roasted turkey out of the deli case from your local grocer. The ribs were pretty dry. They were just not as good as they were the previous time I had them. Our duck friend from EPCOT joined us (or at least his cousin or BIL did and a friend this time and more poop, this time I almost got pooped on)





After lunch, we decided we were done. I was hot and cranky and DBF got pooped on. BTW a month later he still talks about it...

Next is POFQ/POR/DTD/Raglan Road dinner.

[janabananas]

We got napped and cleaned up after our day at AK. We (me mostly) had wanted to check out POFQ/POR to see where we wanted to stay for our anniversary and to get a beignet.

We walked around a bit and I had a beignet. I wasn't impressed. I guess I will have to go to NOLA to get real one. We then hopped on the boat to POR to check it out too. The food court was impressive.

Next we jumped on a boat to DTD. Can I just tell you, if you are not in a hurry, take this boat ride. It is nice and relaxing and the driver we had was very interesting to listen to. I wish we could have launched about 20 minutes earlier though so we could have seen everything along the waterway.

We arrived in DTD over by Rainforest Cafe and made our way to Raglan Road. We took our time because we had an hour for our ADR.

We made it to Raglan Road about 15 minutes early. I asked if we could sit early, but they said no, unless you want to sit at a table by the bar. We took this option. We are pretty used to eating at the bar, instead of a table when we go out to restaurants at home, so this was not an issue for us.

We got the best waiter, Matt. So nice and helpful!! As for food, I knew I was gonna get the meatgasm app and a bowl of soup and cabbage side for dinner. OMG!! The meatgasm was SPECTACULAR!!!
Deep fried scallops, ribs, bangers, chicken. I was in meat heaven!! I wish I would not have ordered the cabbage, because it went to waste.




Dbf had the beef curry pie. It was just spicy enough for him to be happy.


I then got the "HOLY MOSES THIS IS GOOD" bread pudding!!! I have read so many great things about it and it met my expectations completely. I wish I would have had more room in my stomach to inhale the whole thing.


Followed by our alcohol indulgences for the evening. I got a sangria (no pic except a pic of an empty glass ) and a beer flight. I feel in love with Kilkenny, and had my stand by's of Magners, Harp, and Smithwicks.


Dbf had an Irish Whiskey flight and his own full size big boy Smithwicks.



After dinner, I got wonky (I think it was the meat, or maybe the beer?? ) So we made our way to the bus to go home.

We got to POP and went to bed. I was sad, because I didn't want to leave. I wanted to stay for another 4 days.

[janabananas]

We had a pretty late start this day. Dbf packed the car up. It was determined that I am not allowed around the car while I am on vacation because everytime I am around it I freak out.

We then went to Everything POP and grabbed bf. It was a bit later than the day before, so it was less crowded than OMG crowded.
I had the ham & cheese omelet. Pretty tasty, very ham and cheesy. I couldn't eat it all so dbf at the rest of it.


Dbf had the bounty platter. He was happy too. No danish today!


We made it to the Magic Kingdom and started our day.


We rode some rides, went to the Tiki Room, then noticed a tropical oasis...... The Dole Whip stand!!! Yes it was that good! Even dbf who doesn't like dessert the Dole Whip. We actually fought over it.


OMG more yummy snacks!!! If I wasn't walking so much I would have gained 10 pounds from all the Disney yum-yums!

After more rides, we had lunch at Columbia Harbour House. I had the shrimp and fries. I was happy with my selection. The shrimp breading was kind of thick, so I sucked the shrimps out. Dbf has the new Lobster roll and was very satisfied with it.


After riding Space Mountain we had to leave, so this is my good bye to the castle.


Dbf final insult to injury.... He was using the rest room before we left MK and his belt buckle popped right off!! He was so upset about that, that he forgot his sunglasses in the restroom.

What a trip!! I am gonna miss this place. I didn't want to leave. Can we just live at MK or at least on Disney property??? When I grow up I want to be a DVC owner!!!

[janabananas]

I had to go to the 40th anniversary for MK! I have been going to WDW all my life so I wanted to be a part of this special day.

So I started my morning at 5am, and left the house at 5:45am, and made it to the MK maingate by 7:18am!! Good timing, didn't even speed!


I grabbed bf at Kona Cafe. After such a nice dinner we had on my bday trip, I had to try the yummy macademia nut pancakes and ham and real coffee!! The pancakes were great, I had the sauce put on the side though. It was a bit too sweet for my taste.


The plan was to go to MK for rd, maybe ride rides, then jump around after the 40th ann presentation at 10am. Run over to EPCOT to ride Soarin, maybe TT?? Then get an idea of several hotels for my bday trip 2012 and our anniversary in January. So I wanted to check out BWV, then go to AK to ride EE, then look around AKL, then to DHS for RNR and lunch at HBD, then back to EPCOT for F&W, then to VWL to check that out, then back to MK for either Wishes or get car and go home...... DID NOT HAPPEN!!

I made RD, rode BTM and POTC as walk ons. I walked over to Main Street to watch the presentation. I left when it ended.

I made it over to EPCOT and rode TT and rode single rider line. I walked over to the Land and grabbed my FP for about 1.5 hours after lunch.

I walked over to BWV through FW & WS and HOLY MOSES was it busy. F&W started that day so it was packed. I missed the boat to BWV by 2 minutes. BOOOOO!! My legs started to fail me at this point. I was pushing myself and didn't hydrate. So I grabbed a water and looked around BWV and really loved the theming. So pretty.

I left and got the bus to AK. I got there and realized that I just could not walk to the back of the park and ride EE and walk back to get the bus to AKL to check that out. Time and pain were not on my side. I had a HBD adr to make and didn't want to chance being late. I took advil in the morning but it wore off and I didn't bring extra. Big mistake.

I walked looked around AKL and realized that it just wasn't us. So that is marked off our list. I made it back to DHS with time to spare so I rode RNR then made my ADR early.

This is when I got annoyed. I ate at HBD and had the Cobb Salad and Grapefruit cake. I am sad to say I was not impressed with the experience and won't be returning. The food was decent. The salad was very "Cobby". But I was hoping the cake had more grapefruit flavor. I might have been expecting too much though, considering I can grab a fresh grapefruit from my backyard tree. I love the tart & sweet. Oh, well.



The overall experience was disappointing, and I didn't find the staff friendly at all. The service was really slow although the place wasn't even 1/2 full. I also hate being held "restaurant hostage" at the end of a meal. Just let me pay already.

Well after sitting for an hour, I got up and realized that my legs and hips where toast... No joke. I was gonna go back to EPCOT and use my FP, but I decided to heck with it. So I grabbed a bus to WL and took a quick look around. We have a trip in Jan. planned and I was thinking of upgrading to WL.

We ended up getting a great rate and upgraded from POP to WL for our anniversary weekend!! AND decided that BWV was for us, so we booked that for Sept 2012.