Just a quick report on our Dine Around dinner last night. We checked in before 445 at the Wave, about half the group was already there. We were put in a smallish seating area where they served us the first drink and a (tiny) cup of good butternut squash soup. The chef came out to introduce the soup.
Let me say that the first appetizers were small- one bite small. Prepare yourself for that but know that the main course at Citricos is a regular dinner size, and makes up for hunger to that point.
After about half hour (they gave a 5-10 minute go to the bathroom warning before leaving each location) we went up to the monorail. We had the last car each time reserved for the group. That was nice- no line and right into a car! No breakdowns, either.
Went to Polynesian, and outside to Trader Sams. At this point they gathered together those with allergies and their eating partners to make sure they were served correctly. Here we had the radish/beet bite, tuna, and the pork belly. For those that didn't eat fish there was a double portion (2 bites) of the beets. There was also the signature drink here, and those that wanted additional drinks were able to purchase. By the end of the evening a good portion of the group was quite...happy. It's a lot of alcohol.
On to Grand Floridian and up to Citricos. The food allergy group was seated at one large table and the others at another. The no fish got a double portion of the tender beef short ribs. There was red and or white wine, coffee if desired and nice fresh bread. We were here the longest-- after eating about 40 minutes they gave champagne to go and we lingered on the balcony for another half hour or so (inside, so I guess, on the 2d floor), then on to Contemporary.
We went to our place on the 4th floor balcony where there were hot drinks, cheese and the desserts. There was not a cheese board- they had them served buffet style (3 or 4 cheeses, two desserts). We got here about 730 or so, and had half hour to linger til the fireworks started. That was the best part- great view, music piped in. There are seats for about half the group, so when we got there many went and sat on the benches or put coats-- so if you want to sit- do that first!
There were 4 nice cast members that accompanied us thru the night.
Be prepared to chat with strangers, speak up if you don't want the alcoholic drinks, and don't panic with the small appetizers.
