“Dear Disney, please stop making me eat dessert!” A Free Dining + F & W Dining Review

Sorry it has been so long! I promise I wont leave you all hanging with just one day of Disney Dining left!;)

So....How do two adults end up in the middle of a princess fairytale dinner?

Well-my husband's family is Scandinavian, and his ONLY request all vacation was to eat at the “Norwegian Restaurant” that he ate at when he was little. I warned him, over and over again that is was now a princess dinner, and the food was far from authentic now. But he was still adamant about going there. :confused3

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I made the latest reservation possible that day - 8:30 pm. Hoping that it would help ease the pain of there being little kids EVERYWHERE. Nope - didn’t help! :lmao:

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we arrived, early to check in, at 8 pm, because I thought it would take a long time to be called. Our names were called less than 5 minutes later. I think my husband realized he had made a huge mistake of picking Akershus, when he saw that we had to get our picture with Belle.

:: Quick side note. I love meeting Disney characters but not if they are Face characters. I find the interaction completely awkward, uncomfortable and fake. I will run up to Chip and Dale any chance I get, but meeting Anna & Elsa... no thank you! ::

It was definitely the end of the night, because Belle was not feeling it. Belle seemed to have developed a thick Jersey accent, and said “Hey is it still raining outside?”
me - “uhh..no”
Belle -“ok good! Here you stand here and you stand here. We need to take a picture”


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Proof of awkward Belle! :rotfl2:


We were escorted by the hostess to one of the side dining rooms, and could tell they don’t have two tops very often. We were sat at a table in the middle of an aisle that was turned sideways so people could still squeeze by...barely.:worried:

Our waiter was nice. Nothing to spectacular, but nice. DH tried to make conversation with him, but he wasn't feeling too chatty. End of night exhaustion, I guess?!?!

We ordered Coffee, since is was freezing in the building.

DH and I both ordered the Traditional Kjøttkake (Norwegian Meatballs served with Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, and Lingonberry Sauce) & made our way to the Koldtbord.

DH really enjoyed the Koldtbord. He piled up on the fish salads.

The one downside to going right before they closed, was the fact that they were not refilling the Koldtbord. Most of the salad ingredients were gone. And there were no salad dressing left. The family in front of me had fun taking photos of the carrots that were a huge frozen solid block. The family asked for salad dressing and the girl working just looked confused and walked away.

I really enjoyed the grilled asparagus, the beet salad and the cheeses.

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Sorry for the half eaten plate of food. :rotfl:

After we got our cold plates, the first princess was Aurora ( sleeping beauty). Let me tell you other princesses- this is how to interact with adults! She is now my favorite princess after meeting her. She came to our table and asked if DH was “my prince charming” (they all asked this) and then (while still being in character) asked if we were “interested in getting our pictures taken or if we just wanted to relax and enjoy our dinner” When we said were were there to just eat, she said “ Wonderful! You know you don't see too many people doing that these days! Have a magical evening” and left. We were kind of hoping that the Princess Handler would tell the other Princesses to skip us, but NOPE!

Cinderella, came next, and seemed to stay at our table forever. Every bad prince charming and Midnight joke was told. When she left our table and made her way around to the one next to us, Cindy brushed her hands across DH neck and then left her hand there for about 1 minute while talking to the table next to us. Poor DH kept leaning forward to get her hand off of him. He leaned so far down he was almost in is plate of meatballs. Watch out Cindy! You have you OWN prince! :furious:

Snow White came last. Is it just me or does anyone else find her so boring. :faint: She seemed really offended when we told her we didn’t want our picture taken with her. Sorry Snow!

The Meatballs were good, nothing great. They certainly weren’t traditional in any sort of way. Akershus makes theirs with 100% beef, which most people would like. But I am used to a more Danish style meatball which is Pork & Veal. DH and I both got the same entree, so I cant comment on anything else. The Salmon looked like it would have been a good choice, from what I saw on other peoples tables.

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I cant really remember much about the desserts. I dont think we took more than one bite of each. They were Chocolate Mousse, Traditional Rice Cream topped with Strawberry Sauce, and Apple Cake with Cardamom Whipped Cream. The rice cream was the best. The apple cake could have been delicious , but it was very dry.


Would we eat here again? No, $50 for three meatballs – no thank you! This is one of those places we would have never eaten at if we weren’t on the DDP. If you are on the DDP, and have little kids this is a great use of credits though. I just wish we had gone to a different restaurant in the World Showcase. There are so many I want to try!

Any good suggestions?


Up Next: Breakfast at Kona Cafe
 
It was our last day at WDW :( We weren’t going to a park today, just to Downtown Disney for a few hours before we had to board the Magical Express back to the airport.

I originally had made reservations at Crystal Palace, but didn’t want to pay out of pocket for it, we used 2 DDP credits each at Artist Point. So I switched our reservation to Kona since we were paying OOP and their prices were very reasonable.

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I love the Poly! Only Pic that didn't include construction!:lmao:

I had heard incredible things about the Tonga Toast and was really excited about eating there. I have been to O'hana every trip to Disney so was happy to try something new at the Poly.

I knew the Poly was under construction, but wow was I shocked, It was awful.
I would be so upset if I was staying there! It really ruined the feel for me :(

The good news is that Kona was Great! We were seated right away at 10:15 am. Our waitress was very sweet older lady, but she was veryyyyyy slow.

We ordered a Pressed pot of the Kona Coffee to share.

I was all about the Tonga toast until saw this:
The Samoan:Poached Eggs with Hollandaise served over Smoked Pulled Pork Hash. You had me at Hollandaise!!:love:

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Don’t fret though DH ordered the Tonga Toast: Banana-stuffed Sourdough French Toast rolled in Cinnamon Sugar and served with a Strawberry Compote and your choice of Ham, Bacon, or Sausage.

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Everything was DELICIOUS!
The Coffee- Perfect.
The Samoan- sooo good. It was huge! Two people could definitely share this.
The Tonga Toast- it was the size of my head! DH was very happy with his selection. Of course we both tried each others. :thumbsup2

Would we go back? YES! I have heard some pretty weak reviews of lunch and dinner here, but the breakfast was amazing and the price point was cheap, considering how much food you get!

Up Next: Lunch at Wolfgang Puck Express
 
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Our last meal at WDW! :guilty: Why must it end !?!?!

As Mentioned earlier our plans for our last day changed quite a bit.
We originally planned on going to MK bright and early for breakfast at Crystal Palace, and a few rides. Then we decided to get breakfast at Kona Cafe instead ( great choice:thumbsup2). It was sooooo hot this day, and since our bags were already on the way to the airport, we didn't have a change of clothes with us. So we decided to head to Downtown Disney and use our free Disney Quest passes.

After going to Disney Quest for a few hours we had our last QS meals to use up. We decided on Wolfgang Puck Express in Marketplace. Earl of Sandwich looked good, but the line was long and there was nowhere to sit.

We went next door to Wolfgang and it was empty!

When I saw the menu, I got a little worried. Are you sure this is a quick serve restaurant? The menu looks way to nice! :rotfl:

If you are on the DDP, this is a HUGE deal! The food choices are amazing, the portions are massive, and OOP all of this food would cost you a pretty penny.

If your not on the DDP, don't fear though. Lots of great food options at reasonable prices. Next time DH would probably share a entree, and skip dessert anyways!

I ordered the Rotisserie Turkey Club with Avocado, Bacon, Tomatoes, Mixed Greens and Pepperoncini Aïoli served with House-made Chips.

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This was a perfect meal on a hot day. Very flavorful, fresh, and much larger than is appears in the photo.

DH ordered the Bacon-wrapped Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes, Port Wine Sauce and Onion Rings.

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OMG! this was insane. DH was very happy with his choice! All of his favorite foods on one plate. :lmao:

We both were so over dessert on our last day that we both just ordered the frozen yogurt. Nothing great, just chocolate or vanilla yogurt ( I had swirl) with your choice of topping. My topping was strawberries. DH took his plain.

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One thing worth noting though: You order your meal with a cashier, but you also have a waiter who serves your food, refills your drinks, and brings out your dessert at the end of your meal. We were not prepared to tip and had to dig deep in our pockets ( & purse) to find some cash!

Would we go back? Depends on what new things come to Disney Springs! ;) But I definitely recommend it!


Coming Up Next: Grand Total FREE DINING SAVING & Final Thoughts
 
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I hate mushrooms, but omg that mushroom soup at Artist Point is so delish. I would never share a bowl. LOL. I did not like the buffalo meat. If ever I go back to AP it will be for that bread with black sea salt and huge bowl of soup.
 
Great reviews! You went to a lot of places we're considering, so this was really helpful.

I NEED that macaron ice cream sandwich in my life!!! :hyper:

You also had practically the same order as DH and I for BOG lunch. Glad it was good!
 
I am enjoying your reviews!

Maybe even a little too much...I meant to google "Marriott" for another trip and somehow found myself looking up "macaroon" instead. :thumbsup2
 


I hate mushrooms, but omg that mushroom soup at Artist Point is so delish. I would never share a bowl. LOL. I did not like the buffalo meat. If ever I go back to AP it will be for that bread with black sea salt and huge bowl of soup.

DH hates Mushrooms too, but wanted to lick the bowl!

Next time I head to Wilderness Lodge, I plan on going to the Territory Lounge to order my favorites. (shhh...its cheaper there too) You can order the Soup & the Cobbler without eating at Artist Point! :cool1:

Great reviews! You went to a lot of places we're considering, so this was really helpful.

I NEED that macaron ice cream sandwich in my life!!! :hyper:

You also had practically the same order as DH and I for BOG lunch. Glad it was good!

Thanks! I'm obsessed with Macarons in my "real life", so when I saw the ice cream sandwich i knew I HAD TO GET ONE!

I am enjoying your reviews!

Maybe even a little too much...I meant to google "Marriott" for another trip and somehow found myself looking up "macaroon" instead. :thumbsup2

I do this all of the time while on the internet. I call it "Getting sucked down the Disney Rabbit Hole!" :rolleyes:
 
Great reviews!!

Your Kona breakfast eats made me so excited to try it on our next trip.

Artist Point looks so good! That soup.. OMG. I'm thinking we might have to make the trek to WL on our next visit, your food looked great!
 
For those of you interested in how much "savings" the Free DDP was for us - I have all of the expenses broken down for you.

I have "savings" in quotes, because the fact of the matter is, DH & I would HAVE NEVER ordered this much food if we weren't on the FREE DDP.


Free DDP for 2 Adults ( 6 nights)

12 Table Service Credits (TS) • 12 Quick Service Credits (QS) • 12 Snacks Credits • 2 Refillable Mugs

Refillable mugs 17.99 x 2 = 35.98 Total

Columbia Harbor House 2 QS
Seafood Macaroni & Cheese $10.99
Chicken Pot Pie with Steamed Fresh Broccoli $9.59
Seasonal Cobbler $4.19 x 2 = $8.38
Fountain Beverage $3.29 x 2 = $6.58

Total ( inc. Tax) = 37.85

Aloha Isle 1 Snack Credit
Dole Whip $3.99

Sunshine Tree Terrace 1 Snack Credit
Citrus Swirl $3.79

Sunshine Seasons 2 QS
Spicy Thai Green Curry Shrimp with Jasmine Rice $11.79
Tilapia Fish Tacos $11.79
Whoopie Pie $3.79 x 2 = $7.58
Coffee $2.39
Soda $2.99
Total (inc. Tax) = $38.74

L'artisan Des Glaces 1 Snack Credit
Chocolate Macaron Sandwich $3.99

Raglan Road 2 TS
Bangers & Booz $20.00
Braised Be Beef $26.00
Ger's Bread & Butter Pudding $8.50
Strawberry and Apple Crumble $8.50
Soda 2.75 x 2 = $5.50
Total (inc. Tax) = $72.61

Starring Roles 2 QS
Ham Sandwich with Apple $10.49
Turkey Sandwich with chips $10.49
Large Soda $3.19
Coffee $2.39
Butterfinger Cupcake $4.19
Olaf Cupcake $4.19
Total (inc. Tax) = $37.04


Sci fi Dine In 2 TS
Picnic Burger $16.99
Milk shakes 2 x $4.99 = $9.98
New York Strip $29.99
Doughnut $7.99
Candy Bar $7.99
Total (inc. Tax) = $ 77.69

Gaston's Tavern 1 Snack Credit
Warm Cinnamon Roll $4.19

Be Our Guest 2 QS
Tuna Nicoise Salad $13.99
Braised Pork $12.99
The Master's Cupcake $4.19
Strawberry Cream Cheese Cupcake $4.19
Soda $2.99 x 2 = $5.98
Total (inc. Tax) = $43.82

Artist Point 4 TS ( Signature Dining, 2 TS each )
Buffalo $49
French Press $6.79
Berry Cobbler $11 x 2 = $22
Filet $46
Soda $ 2.99
Total (inc. Tax) = $135.12

Flame Tree Barbecue 2 QS
Ribs and Chicken Combo $16.19
Pork Sandwich $9.49
Key Lime Mousse $4.19
Chocolate Mousse $4.19
Fountain Beverage $3.29 x 2 = $6.58
French Fries $2.99
Total (inc. Tax) = $46.47


Boma 2 TS
Adult Buffet x 2 = $ 75.98
Total (inc. Tax) = $80.92

Cafe Rix 2 Snack Credits
Cinnamon Rolls $3.99 x 2 = 7.98

Kringla Bakery 1 Snack Credit
School Bread $2.69

Food & Wine Festival 5 Snack Credits
Roast Bratwurst in a Pretzel Roll $5.00
Potato and Leek Waffle with Braised Beef $4.25
Belgian Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream $3.50
Kielbasa and potato pierogi with caramelized onions and sour cream $5.25
Lobster and seafood fisherman’s pie $6.25
Total = $24.25

Akershus 2 TS Credits
Two adult meals $ 47.99 x 2 = $ 95.98
Total ( inc. Tax) = $102.22

Wolfgang Puck Express 2 QS
Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf $16.00
Rotisserie Turkey Club $14.00
Frozen Yogurt $4.00 x 2 = $8.00
Fountain Drinks $1.95 x 2 = $ 3.90
Total (inc. Tax) = $44.41

Total Value of Free Dining = $803.75 :cool1:


OOP Expenses

This is the total Amount of $ we payed out of pocket during our trip.

I don't have the tips separated by Restaurant, but to put things in perspective, we tipped on average 20% at each Table Service Restaurant we ate at. We also tipped at La Cava Del Tequila, Victoria Falls & Wolfgang Puck Express.

Total OOP Tips (20% average) = $114.50

Pepper Market OOP
Biscuits & Gravy $6.99
Total (inc. Tax) = $7.41

Raglan Road OOP
Magner's Cider $7
Carlsberg $7
Total (inc. Tax) = $15

Artist Point OOP
Washington Wine Flight $17
Portobella Soup $10
Total (inc. Tax) = $28.76

Kona Cafe OOP
Samoan Benedict $9.99
Pressed Kona Coffee Pot $7.99
Tonga Toast $12.99
Total (inc. Tax) = $32.99

Food & Wine Festival OOP
Pavlova $3.50
Moose Head Lager $3.50
Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup $4.25
Griddled Greek Cheese $3.75
Chicken Gyro $4.25
Tzatziki Martini $7.75
Total (Sorry, no tax info! ) = $27

La Cava Del Tequila OOP
Blood Orange Margarita $13.50
Avocado Margarita $14.00
Total ( Sorry, no tax info! ) = $27.50

Victoria Falls OOP
Mt. Kilimarita $ 12.50 (? Don't remember exact price?)
Smoked Turkey $12.50 (? Don't remember exact price?)
Total ( sorry, no tax info! ) = $25

Total OOP Expenses = $278.16
 
Great reviews!!

Your Kona breakfast eats made me so excited to try it on our next trip.

Artist Point looks so good! That soup.. OMG. I'm thinking we might have to make the trek to WL on our next visit, your food looked great!


Whoa, its been forever since I read this thread, so apologies for the late reply!

Seriously, Kona is great! And now with the construction almost done, I'm sure the experience will be that much better!

Ive decided that Next time ( when ever that will be :guilty: ) we will just make a trip to Territory Lounge instead. They serve the Soup and the Berry cobbler there, which were deff. the highlights of the meal! Same food without the $100+ price tag!
 
Oh and for next time, the creme brulee and the cheesecake at WPE are both awesome. I highly recommend!
 
One of the first things I grab at Disney is a shaved ice cone in Epcot. Well, they are no longer served in cones (booo) but still absolutely delish and refreshing! Definitely something to add to the sweet tooth list :)
 
Thank you for sharing these reviews and your trip!!
I enjoyed reading them very much!
Great pictures, comments, and I really liked you sharing the end values.
Kona is in my opinion a great little place to enjoy a wonderful breakfast... love the food flavor, the portions, the service, and the overall value!
It has taken me so long to post on here because I am just now reading this after a long stretch away from the Dis.... oh well now that I am back, I am sure there is a 12 step program to help me control my addiction :)
 
Great reviews! We ate at a lot of the same places on our December 2014 trip. My DH had a similar request regarding Akershus. We had been here for lunch when DD was 5 and he really liked the food. I told him a gazillion times it was a Princess Character Meal but I think with his normal "Yes-Dear-Whatever-I'm-Not-Really-Listening-As-You-Are-An-Obsessed-Disney-Planner/Lunatic" response of just smiling and nodding, he never actually heard me. Therefore, when we showed up for our ADR, waited 20+ minutes while swatting off small children that were swarming like flies, he looked shocked and appalled. The food was good, and they seated us at a 3 top smashed up against the wall right by the kitchen door. Worked for us at it was about 4 steps away from the koltbord. The Salmon with Cod Smashed potatoes IS very good, btw. DD and I both had that. DH got the meatballs. I think I will have to get the recipe from allearsnet and just make it at home, though, as I don't anticipate us returning to Akershus anytime soon. Our Aurora was great as well. She recognized DD from our breakfast at CRT the previous morning (that princess breakfast was booked on purpose though.):crazy:
 

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