Category Archives: Disney Dining Reviews

Disney Drinking – Rose & Crown’s Scotch Flight

Posted on by

RM-Epcot-Food&Wine-Landscape2Back in 2014…When my husband, Raymond, and I were planning our 25th anniversary trip to Walt Disney World, mainly to enjoy Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival, we had a nearly unobtainable to-try list.  We armed ourselves with lists of foods we wanted to try and dining experiences we’d reserved – mostly, we were going for the limited, special offerings only found during Food & Wine.  Except for one.

Thanks to my friends on the Mighty Men of Mouse Podcast (great, unique show for Disney World fans) I’d heard about an incredible deal and fantastic treat offered as part of the regular menu at the Rose & Crown Pub in Epcot’s United Kingdom pavilion.  It’s the Single Malt Scotch flight – an incredible experience for a relatively great price ($18 as of 1/15).  We are huge fans of single malt scotch and our absolute, hands-down favorite is Lagavulin.  When we heard the flight’s line-up, (Glenkinchie, Oban, Lagavulin) we knew we could not pass up the chance to give it a try.RM-Rose&Crown-Bar

First of all, we love the atmosphere in the Rose & Crown at any time, but during Food & Wine, the place is hopping!  And in a great way.  We were making our way around the World Showcase, having started with the first food booths closest to the Canada pavilion.  We were pacing ourselves, moving with purpose and knocking a bunch of dishes off our must-eat list.  Then – I said, “There’s the Rose & Crown – we’ve got to do the Scotch Flight!”.  We were grinning like crazy as we practically ran through the door.RM-Rose&Crown-Bar-Menu

We were able to step right up to the bar even though there was a big crowd of some pretty happy Epcot guests already there.  We didn’t have to wait long to place our order, but had enough time to strike up conversations with the Texans on our right and the friendly young couple on our left.  When the bar tender asked what he could bring us, we explained the draw was the scotch flight and the Lagavulin, in particular.  Like any well-trained bar tender during Food & Wine, he offered to bring us glasses of ice water to keep us hydrated.  Within a couple of minutes, the scotch flights arrived.RM-Rose&Crown-Scotch-Flight2

We took our time with our samples.  Sipping, savoring, we moved from left to right.  Each scotch had its own personality.  The Glenkinchie was the lightest in color and flavor and very smooth.  The Oban seemed richer, with a smokier aroma and taste, it had more complex layers of flavor to me than the Glenkinchie, but if you’ve ever fallen in love with Lagavulin, you’ll understand why it was our favorite part of this experience.  It’s not for everyone.  Lagavulin has a very strong aroma (or nose, if you prefer) and the smell and flavor of peat smoke (with subtle hints of many other flavors) is what we love about it.RM-Rose&Crown-Scotch-Flight

We stayed in the Rose & Crown for close to an hour chatting with our bar-mates and slowly sipping our scotch.  Yes, this stop did slow us down in our pursuit of the sights, sounds, and tastes of the Food & Wine Festival that day.  But we didn’t mind one bit.

Have you tried a beverage flight at Walt Disney World?  What was it and would you recommend it to us for our next visit?

 

Disney Dining: Yak and Yeti at Animal Kingdom

Posted on by

Welcome to “Saturdays with Nick”!  Today Nick (and Barbie) take us inside one of the most well-themed restaurants in Disney World – Animal Kingdom’s Yak and Yeti!  I’ve never been inside this restaurant…well, until now and thanks to this article, I cannot wait to give it a try in person!

Disney Dining: Yak and Yeti at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By: Nick

Located in Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Asia section is perhaps one of the most beautifully themed restaurants in all of Walt Disney World, Yak & Yeti.

As with almost everything in WDW, there is a back story.
Yak & Yeti is a house owned by a wealthy merchant who has fallen on hard times. To supplement his income, he has converted his home into an establishment that well-to-do travelers might seek out in India. It is filled with items collected by the owner and his family on their travels throughout Southeast Asia.

You can spend plenty of time just looking at all the incredible items scattered throughout.

My favorite dining area is on the second floor. We request a table by the window overlooking the courtyard, making it a great place to people watch as you enjoy your meal.

My wife and I ate here during it’s opening week in 2007, and the food quality has not slipped a bit in the ensuing years.

On our most recent trip, my wife and I both ordered the same dish, the Chicken Lo Mein – Lo mein noodles, carrots, cabbage, green onions and bean sprouts. Served with chicken $17.99.

Yes, you can get Chicken Lo Mein at any Chinese restaurant, but this is the best either of us has ever had! Perfectly cooked chicken, noodles and vegetables. I could go for some right now!

On past trips we’ve had the Baby Back Ribs – slow-roasted ribs, hoisin BBQ sauce, chicken fried rice, sweet chili slaw: $25.99.

The ribs are very tender, and the spice tangy, but by no means overwhelming. The fried rice is amazing.

Crispy Mahi Mahi – filet of mahi mahi, Japanese bread crumbs, Cantonese sweet and sour sauce, jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables: $23.99.

The mahi mahi is crispy on the outside, yet light, flaky and juicy inside. The chili sauce is lightly spicy and the vegetables are always fresh.

Duck with Anandapur Glaze – roasted half duckling, orange wasabi glaze, jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables: $23.99.

The duck was delicious, and the sauce a perfect compliment.

Yak & Yeti is owned by Landry’s Inc., which also owns the Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex Restaurants located at Walt Disney World, and they do not accept the Tables in Wonderland Card, but do give a 10% to Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members at lunch and dinner.

Have you eaten at Yak and Yeti?  What did you think about this unique restaurant?

Disney Dining: Worth Two Table Service Credits?

Posted on by

 

RM-California-Grill-MenuIf you’ve chosen a Disney Dining Plan (or are thinking about it), you may be wondering – WHY do some “signature” dining restaurants, character dining experiences, and dinner shows require the use of TWO table service credits?  I get asked about this quite a bit and let me tell you – if you select some dining package other than the one for just quick service dining, you might find yourself puzzled and perplexed by the restaurant choices!

Yes, you could totally save time and money by avoiding the restaurants/experiences that burn two of your table service credits for one meal, but then again, some of the most popular and highly coveted reservations are at these two-credit places.  What to do…how to choose…  Ah, once again, the beauty of having my own blog is a place to express my own opinions!  However, I’d love to start a discussion here, so go ahead and share your opinions along with mine.  I’m pretty thick-skinned, so if you don’t Citricos-Windowagree with me, shout on out.  For the benefit of readers that don’t have a lot of (or any) dining experience at Walt Disney World – your opinion matters!  All points of view are welcome.  Plus, I’m only talking about restaurants in which I have previously dined.  If I haven’t tried a particular dining experience, it won’t be on the list.

For ease of understanding, I’m using three categories to discuss the two-credit dining choices I’ve experienced.  These are:  Definitely Worth It, Might be Worth It, and NOT worth it at all.  Ready?  Let’s go!

Disney Dining: Worth Two Table Service Credits?

Definitely Worth It:

California Grill (Disney’s Contemporary Resort):  This place is fabulous.  The food, the service, the atmosphere – all top shelf.  The big bonus though, is the ability to watch Wishes from the outdoor viewing area no matter what time your dinner reservation was for.  It’s a pretty grown-up place, but is surprisingly kid-friendly.  My own experience can be found here.

Hoop-Dee-Doo-Musical-ReviewHoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review (Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground):  Dinner (all you care to eat) and a show!  Adult beverages included!  It’s basic food (fried chicken, ribs, sides, strawberry shortcake), but filling and tasty.  The show’s good with singing, funny skits, and great characters.  Full review here.

Might be Worth It:

Jiko – It’s one of our most favorite places to eat and it’s got the added bonus of being at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.  If you’re looking for a romantic evening out OR your children have more sophisticated palates, Jiko might be a great choice.  Animal Kingdom Lodge is not only gorgeous, but the savannah viewing area just off the resort’s lobby is a wonderful place to hang out before dinner.  Arrive early to allow plenty of time for exploring and animal watching.

Citricos (Grand Floridian Resort and Spa)– The food and service are amazing.  This is a place I’d The Flying Fish Cafe / Walt Disney World Boardwalkpick for a romantic dinner for two or for a grown-up evening out.  Get to the Grand Floridian early and enjoy a cocktail in Mizner’s Lounge before dinner.  I love the restaurant’s décor and quiet elegance. (Review here.)

Flying Fish Café (Boardwalk) – Like Citricos, but in a completely different setting.  Food and service are excellent and the Boardwalk is a great place to visit.  Arrive early or stay late – the Boardwalk has a lot to offer by way of street performers, shops, lounges and bars. (Review here.)

Le Cellier (Epcot’s Canada Pavilion) – You may have noticed that, up until this point, all my recommendations have been outside the parks.  Le Cellier is extremely popular and some people find it overrated.  We like it, though, and have never had a bad meal there.  It’s dark and cozy inside, which is often a great respite from the Florida sun and Epcot crowds.  If you’re going to be in Epcot and want the convenience of enjoying a pretty good steak dinner without leaving the park, Le Cellier’s a good choice for dinner.  Try the cheese soup!

NOT Worth It:

Magic Kingdom / Cinderella CastleFairytale Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table – If you want a character dining experience, there are tons of 1-credit choices!  Unless you feel you must burn two credits just to say you ate in Cinderella Castle, it’s not worth it!  If you want to eat in a castle, chose Beast’s abode in Fantasyland and dine at Be Our Guest.  If you must dine with princesses, head on over to Epcot and enjoy Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall.  Personally, I’m particularly fond of dining with the Fab Five at Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary Resort) or with Cinderella, her Prince, Lady Tremaine and the Step Sisters at 1900 Park Fare (dinner / Grand Floridian Resort and Spa).  And, if I’m NOT at Cinderella’s Royal Table, I at least have to option of buying (and enjoying) an adult beverage if I choose.

Pizza Delivery – There are absolutely times when in-room dining holds a certain appeal, but Pizza Delivery at WDWblowing two table service credits to get a pizza, two single-serving, non-alcoholic beverages, and two desserts is a very poor use of those credits.  The pizza at Walt Disney World is notoriously awful.  Grab some snacks from a quick-service place or sundries shop (if one is handy) to take back to your room and save the table service credits for something truly extraordinary.  No food delivered to your resort room will be extraordinary in a good way.  Ever.

Your turn!  Agree with my assessment?  Have places to add?  Tell me what places you think are two-credit worthy!

 

 

Disney World’s Resort Loop Pub Crawl – Mizner’s Lounge

Posted on by

Grand Floridian Society OrchestraWhen we find ourselves with a few minutes to spare before a dinner reservation in the Magic Kingdom resort area, we like to choose a spot along the monorail route to enjoy an adult beverage and relax for a while.  Once in a while we hit more than one lounge in a single day, so we call this habit the Resort Loop Pub Crawl (others call it the Monorail Bar Crawl).  Recently we found ourselves with a good 30 minutes we could use for just such an endeavor and chose Mizner’s Lounge at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.RM-Monorail

We decided on Mizner’s for three reasons:  Our dinner reservation was at Citricos (also at the Grand Floridian), we’d never been to Mizner’s before, and the awesome Grand Floridian Lobby Society Orchestra (long name, amazing sound) plays literally just outside of Mizner’s doorway.  We’d gone back to our room at Bay Lake Tower to clean up after a busy day that started with rope-drop at the Studios and ended with an afternoon in the Magic Kingdom.  By the time we boarded the monorail in the Contemporary, we were more than ready to sit down and be still for a few minutes.   We arrived to find Mizner’s only about half-full and were able to find a table for two by a window.

RM-Mizner's-LoungeLike everything in the Grand Floridian, Mizner’s is open, airy and bright with an upscale, fancy-feeling atmosphere.  Seats are available in well-cushioned chairs at the bar and in big, comfortable club chairs at tables situated throughout the lounge’s interior.  We were starving, but resisted ordering a snack from Mizner’s very tempting menu to save our empty stomachs for the delights at Citricos (review here).  We chose a Cabernet from the impressive (and expensive) beverage menu and settled back to enjoy our glasses of wine and listen to the Orchestra play some of our favorite Disney tunes.

As far as Disney lounges go, Mizner’s was more family friendly than most and had a hushed, subdued crowd.  Like us, the other guests appeared to be there for relaxation and quiet conversation.  Maybe Mizner’s is livelier later in the evening, but for a place to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail, it was perfect.

What’s your favorite lounge on the resort loop?