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How Did Breakfast at Ohana Measure Up?

Restaurant Reviews By September 8, 2022 Tags: , , No Comments

One of the many popular restaurants at Walt Disney World resides at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Guests can enjoy breakfast or dinner at this table service location. As you might imagine, getting an advance dining reservation here can be tricky. For my most recent trip, I used MouseDining.com to acquire my original reservation. I also used it to change it several times to get the exact day and time I wanted. Eventually, I got a late breakfast time slot. I wanted a late slot since I knew I would be staying up before typing blogs after an evening at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Could Ohana repair the damage to my system from little sleep and scary food from the Halloween party at Magic Kingdom? Would the food be so average that it would not wake me up after typing until 4am? Would I even make my 11:20am reservation?

Good news I woke up in plenty of time. We arrived at The Polynesian Village Resort with plenty of time to make a reservation. We did experience similar delays to being seated as we experienced at Topolino’s Terrace the day before. After we were seated, we quickly got a fruit plate and breakfast pineapple bread. As usual, fruit just tastes better in Florida compared to most of the USA. The pineapple bread tasted fine but nothing special.

One of the least positive parts of this breakfast relates to the coffee. The coffee tasted like standard boring hotel coffee. I did quickly point out to my dining companions that therefore you can buy upgraded coffee with this breakfast. Of course, this breakfast comes with POG juice. Also, this place supported my diet soda addiction by bringing me a Coke Zero.

Early in our meal, they brought us waffles. Since we were dining at Ohana, we got Stitch and Mickey waffles. These Stitch shaped items make only Stitch guests get to see at Ohana until September 27th when characters return to this breakfast.

Related to characters returning, the current price of breakfast here is $25/adult. I expect price to increase when characters return though.

Back to the food, the waffles provided normal quality. I preferred the Stitch waffles over Mickey waffles. Yet, you may find Mickey tastes better.

The skillets come with plenty to enjoy. I learned from another guest that you can order ham without pineapple. Yet, I wonder why you would do that. The ham with pineapple tasted great. However, many people feel the ham is not as good as before theme parks closed in 2020. I found the sausage tasted average for table service dining. The eggs were very well prepared. They were not as good as eggs for breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace. The potatoes were well seasoned. I found them a great compliment to the other elements of these skillets. Finally, the biscuits were just okay.

Was this breakfast worth our time and money? I think it was. For $25 to get unlimited refills of any of these breakfast food items here currently makes a decent value. Considering larger breakfast buffets over at Universal Orlando start at $27, this price looks okay for Ohana. I could easily visualize a parent saying to everyone in group: “eat up, guys…if you want more food before our 3:00 dining reservation, you are on your own.” Then they might say something like: “If you leave here hungry, it is your own fault.”

Though I currently feel this makes a great value at $25, we will wait to see what price is starting September 27th with Stitch and friends returning to harass dining guests. Can you find a better breakfast on the property? Yes, you can. Can you find it at this price? No, you probably cannot. In fairness, I have several guest reports about Ohana not as glowing as mine. Reports seem to vary significantly. You can decide if this works for your group though. Remember, there are many reasons this restaurant ranks high in terms of Walt Disney World reservations searched for. For many people, this breakfast measures up very well. As always, eat like you mean it!

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Smoked Brisket Sandwich at House of Blues Disney Springs

Restaurant Reviews By September 6, 2022 No Comments

With over twenty table service dining options at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, you will not get bored in terms of dining. If you desire a certain type of cuisine, you should be able to find it at Disney Springs. One of the top five most searched for Disney Springs reservations, using MouseDining.com, is the House of Blues. Over the last five months, people have been searching for reservations far more than previously. I have visited the House of Blues in other cities. When my travel companion suggested dining here, I made an advance dining reservation for a weekday evening.

When we arrived for our evening meal, the check-in process rated as very awkward. The restaurant staff struggled to find my reservation. However, once that was resolved, we were seated on time for our dining reservation. I appreciated being seated on time after several long waits for other dining reservations during my August trip.

The servers showed incredible care and courtesy. Many of them lacked experience there but they worked hard. My companion saw some coloring pages. The coloring pages enable you to color a picture of the Blues Brothers. Since I would be visiting Universal Orlando the following day, it seemed odd to be see tribute to the Blues Brothers when the Blues Brothers show happens at Universal Orlando. Yes, I understand the ownership structure of House of Blues. Yet, it still seemed off in this setting. Back to the coloring pages, my companion only got orange and blue crayons but did a fabulous job making Jake and Elwood look good with those two colors.

The servers did seem to push the alcoholic beverages a bit too much. Apparently, on this night, ordering a soft drink counts as a mistake. I state that since I never got a refill of my beverage during my meal. If you are familiar with my dining reviews, you know I have a diet soda addiction, so this stressed me a bit. Still, I did get a beverage to go after completing my meal.

On this evening, I selected to order the “Smoked Brisket Sandwich.” This sandwich comes with a brioche bun, Memphis BBQ sauce, and house-made slaw. This sandwich also came with fries as a side. The sandwich cost $17. In terms of initial appearance, this sandwich looked adequate.

So how was the sandwich? In a few words, it lacked quality of similar sandwiches at Orlando theme park restaurants. Before discussing that, the portion size of the brisket exceeded normal expectations. If looking for a sandwich being over-filled, this one qualifies.

Promotional Photo from House of Blues

However, the rest of the sandwich failed to measure up. The taste of the brisket rates as average. It depended on the BBQ sauce for flavor. If you enjoy a sweet style BBQ sauce, you will like that aspect, however. The bun quality seemed average at best. The slaw with this sandwich tasted okay but did not fit on sandwich if you desire that. Also, the fires were simply average. I expected a larger bun but with the smaller bun it makes the portion size of brisket look bigger.

The brisket sandwich here looks smaller than a comparable one at Hard Rock Café over at Universal Orlando. As you may have detected, I expected far more from this sandwich from the House of Blues. I had heard great things about these sandwiches so maybe you will have a better experience. Still, I found this sandwich lacking. As always, eat like you mean it!

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What to Expect at a Magical Breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace

Restaurant Reviews By September 1, 2022 Tags: , No Comments

During my most recent trip to Orlando, I got an advance dining reservation for one of the most difficult places to get a reservation on Walt Disney World property, Topolino’s Terrace. Yes, I got this reservation about thirty days before using MouseDining.com alerts. So, do not lose hope if your desired dining options are not available 60 days in advance. Before discussing our wonderful breakfast experience, I should use the proper name for this restaurant. The full name is Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera. As I have written before, this place gets lots of hype but is well worth it!

For my plan, I wanted a late breakfast before we attended Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party later that day. I surprised my spouse by telling her that we were going to the party that morning via a semi-creative method. I desired a late breakfast to give her time to plan and relax before a long night in Magic Kingdom.

Since that was just a breakfast with my spouse and I, I had concerns about the character breakfast aspect. Characters interacting with past middle-aged males can lead to awkwardness. Yet, I knew my spouse wanted to do that. However, I will cover more about that in a moment.

Now, Topolino’s Terrace resides on the top floor of Disney’s Riviera Resort in the EPCOT resort area. Walt Disney World says you can take in sweeping rooftop views here. They tell the truth about that. The view from here rates as excellent. Based on our schedule, I did not have time to truly enjoy that view though. Even the view from the small area once you get off the elevator offers some great views.

To get to Topolino’s Terrace, you will need to enter the Riviera Resort. From the lobby area, follow signs to the east elevators down the hall from lobby. You should see signs indicating that. Once it is time for your reservation, you will take the elevator to the top floor where the restaurant resides. I suggest using the “My Disney Experience” app to do mobile check-in. Our reservation was for 12:05pm. Since breakfast hours end at 12:15pm, I believe this is the last seating for breakfast for the day. I checked in on time. We eventually moved to the waiting area. Our table was called at 12:33. During this trip, being seated later than your reservation became commonplace.

We were seated. Soon after, our excellent server Michael came to greet us. He brought us the Topolino’s version of POG juice.

As usual, we quickly got the breakfast pastries brought to our table. They tasted remarkable. In fact, I asked for more later in our meal. Soon after our pastries arrived, Minnie Mouse came to greet us. My spouse wore her Minnie Mouse shirt and ears to breakfast. She got some photos to earn “street cred” with younger family members that adore Minnie. These character interactions like all during this breakfast seemed effortless for all. They lead to some excellent conversation (well, conversation by us toward characters not speaking of course).

If you are an adult adverse to character interaction, this setting alleviates much of that awkwardness. I fail to enjoy characters as a grey-haired male, but these characters added to our breakfast enjoyment. Considering you get to meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy, if casual character interaction merits you attention, this breakfast does that very well. Also, the character in their themed outfits adds to this experience. By the way, do not ask Mickey or Donald why they have not put a ring on Minnie and Daisy respectively. They might just walk away from you.

Now, breakfast here costs $42 for adults. That may seem high to you. However, for a character breakfast at Walt Disney World, that price rates as reasonable. In addition, once you understand how the system works at Topolino’s then the value starts to rise. Each adult guest gets to choose one main entrée. On this occasion, I chose the Butchers Steak entree. My spouse ordered “Two Eggs Any Style.” The other entrées offered are:

Frittata Gruyère

 

Avocado Toast

Fruit Plate

Wild Mushroom Scramble (Plant-Based)

Sour Cream Waffle

Side portion seen in photo

Smoked Salmon

Bread Pudding.

 

The key to ordering here revolves around ordering everything you want all at once. You only get one main entrée. Yet, you can have as many sides as you want and/or smaller versions of the other entrée also. As Michael pointed out, they just ask that you order this all at once. In theory, you could order one main entrée which already comes with some sides. Then, you could get as many of the other entrées in smaller form at same time. I thought of it as buffet you just order all at once. In future reviews, I will break down the pros and cons of each breakfast entrée. I suggest no matter what entrée you select, that you ask for a sour cream waffle.

If you dine here getting a pastry or two and then just one entrée, this place will be nice but lacks value. However, if you order an entrée and two smaller entrees as sides, this place offers a solid value. Michael even asked me directly about an annual pass discount. Over the last few months, we have seen less and less checking by Cast Members for dining discounts.

The service here reaches top notch level. For example, my spouse noticed some kids had themed waffles on a stick with their meal. Michael brought some to her. The best part of this breakfast meal, besides maybe the characters, involves the wide variety of menu items and flavors you can enjoy. In fact, I have yet to find anything lacking in solid flavor and quality here.

On the negative side, the process to get a reservation here adds stress. Of course, MouseDining.com can help with some of that. The check-in process could be better also. For breakfast at least, if you desire a quiet setting, this would not be the best place with all the character interaction. Though I really enjoyed my meal without characters, the food by itself falls below being worth $42. Also, like many table service meals, picky eaters will be overpaying. Of course, if you desire truly signature dining, the dinner menu fulfills that. The evening cuisine tastes so much better. Still, the breakfast quality offered here exceeds most places.

Once again, I really enjoyed this breakfast. In fact, it made Ohana breakfast the next day look weak by comparison. Spoiler…we had a great experience at Ohana also. Would I do this again? I can answer positively to that. Be on the lookout for more specific reviews of the breakfast entrees here at MouseDining.com As always, eat like you mean it!

 

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Skipper Dan’s Dan Dan Noodles from Skipper Canteen

Restaurant Reviews By August 30, 2022 Tags: No Comments

During my most recent trip to Magic Kingdom to enjoy Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, I decided to dine at “Skipper’s Canteen.” Of course, as a theme park food blogger, I must point out the official name of this restaurant is “Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen.” I think you can see what most people refer to this place as Skipper’s Canteen. Also, this table service dining restaurant correlates to the Jungle Cruise attraction. I rode the Jungle Cruise attraction later in the evening after a meal at Skipper’s Canteen.

If you have ridden Jungle Cruise, then you know to expect lots of “corny” jokes. The Skipper’s Canteen continues that trend. So, expect plenty of jokes but do not expect good jokes.

On the evening I went I used mobile check-in for my advance dining reservation made with assistance of MouseDining.com. I then got comfortable in a chair in the covered outdoor waiting area. The Cast Member outside suggested I wait there. A few minutes later, I got a push notification from “My Disney Experience” telling me that my table was ready. I checked with the Cast Member. They said to continue to wait that my table was not actually ready yet. I understand these mix-ups happen. However, my spouse checked inside and was told that our table was indeed ready. Like I said, these things happen. Also, with Disney technology, we should know to double-check based on large number of glitches that commonly happen.

My main intention to visit Skipper’s Canteen involved ordering a new menu item, the “Skipper Dan’s Dan Dan Noodles.” These basically replaced the “Perkins Thai Noodles.” For the record, Disney Parks Blog recently said several new items existed here. However, a few of those have been around for a while. These noodles started appearing on menu at Skipper’s Canteen in mid-July unlike the Hangar Steak advertised as new but it arrived way earlier in year.

This noodle entrée costs $26. The menu description reads “thin noodles tossed in a savory spicy chili sauce topped with crispy pork, pickled mustard greens, radish, and cucumbers.” The server warned me that these noodles would be spicy. Yet, they used to do with the Perkins noodles sometimes also. I would not define the Perkins noodles as spicy previously.

Dan Dan Noodles with Tofu

So how were these when I had them? In fairness, these noodles did offer some legitimate spice. I would define it as spicy by theme park levels. Still, this would not be as spicy as if you ordered this at a more authentic dining establishment somewhere else. In comparison to the “spice heat” level of several of the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party food items I would try later, this paled in comparison on spicy heat scale.

The flavor of this deserves consideration. The spice level fits this dish well. Most importantly, the components all brought decent flavor with them. Compared to Dan Dan Noodles served at other area theme park resorts, this makes a better option. Also, the seasoned pork brings a nice flavor to this dish. The pork also came well prepared.

My Dan Dan Noodles

However, this one comes with a higher price point than other places. The standard peril of being hungry within Magic Kingdom causes budget concerns. Yet, $26 for this within Magic Kingdom rates as expected. I found the portion size a bit smaller than expected though. Though the vegetables provide nice flavor, I struggled with the texture of them. I have issues with some cooked vegetables regarding texture so this might not be a surprise.

As expected, this new menu item fits the pattern and theme at Skipper’s Canteen. The food here will rarely blow you away. However, the food should always function as a good option. Can you find better options at Walt Disney World? Yes, however, at this price point within Magic Kingdom, a better value for this level of food might be tough to find. You will need to enjoy a touch of spicy food with your meal for this one. All in all, I see this new menu item as a good inclusion to Skipper’s Canteen. As always, eat like you mean it!

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Chicken Donut at Raglan Road Disney Springs

Restaurant Reviews By August 25, 2022 Tags: , , No Comments

If you read this article title correctly, you may now be intrigued, confused, or perhaps both. When I planned my visit to Raglan Road restaurant in Disney Springs, this newer appetizer caught my eye. My love and admiration for well-prepared donuts can be found throughout the internet. However, I do not believe I have ever consumed a chicken donut. Is Raglan Road trying to merge flavors like Salt & Straw does with ice cream? Perhaps Ian Malcom, from the Jurassic Park movie, would say, “Your chefs were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” After I try this, will I think of doughnuts the same again? Will I run to Everglazed, also in Disney Springs, to remember what extravagant doughnuts should look and taste like? I ordered this with excitement and a touch of fear all at same time.

Despite that, I visited Raglan Road intending to enjoy (or survive) this “donut.” Raglan Road enjoys creating unique menu item titles and descriptions. The “Chicken Donut” menu description starts with the words “(yes you read that correctly).” Apparently, I joined a large group of people fascinated but checking our glasses when reading this item on menu. The rest of the menu description continues by telling us to expect a savory donut hole stuffed with chicken, wild mushrooms. This donut comes topped with savory maple glaze, crispy chicken, and bacon crumbs. Just so our parents do not scream at us for this food decision, the chefs provide us a pickled salad to balance the donut. The “Chicken Donut” costs $18.

Photo by Jon Self

Before discussing the quality of this appetizer, I have a few clarifications for Raglan Road. Though this donut portion size would not compete with extravagant theme park doughnuts, this fails to be a donut hole. In fact, when I ordered it, it came in shape of a doughnut with a hole in middle. If you are visualizing a doughnut hole from your favorite local doughnut shop, think again. Also, this creation tastes crisp on the outside with “filling” on inside. I would have called this a chicken filled doughnut.

Photo by Jon Self

So how did this taste? First, the pickled salad tastes exactly as it should. I would have preferred the carrots a bit softer, however. Also, expect the carrots to soak up more of the vinegary taste. Yet, the quality of this pickled salad rates high. For the record, I generally dislike pickled salads but enjoyed this. Having eaten the “donut”, the salad balances it very well.

Regarding the donut proper, the outer coating felt very crisp—probably too much when I had it. Yet, if trying to create imagery of fried filled doughnut, that outer shell works. I, and others with me, though outer shell created a difficult barrier to cut though

The portion size for these rates as above average. This functions as a sharable appetizer. Yet, guests may find the $18 price tag a bit high for something donut size with a tiny salad.

The best aspect of this donut revolves around the filling. When you get a bite containing some outer crispy shell, the filling, and some salad, this appetizer works great. I found myself surprised how well the flavors balance. Individually, the salad and outer coating decrease in enjoyment. The bacon crumbles taste great. However, for my donut, the bacon moved to one section. I experienced bacon overload in that bite. Despite that, the bacon and maple glaze serve this donut well. Also, the filling tasted fabulous. I would have loved more of that by itself.

Photo by Jon Self

On the less positive note, the nature of this donut leads to a battle for your taste buds. Clearly, many flavors demand your attention as you eat this. Some guests will experience too many flavors. However, my main criticism involves the filling being overwhelmed. The outer shell tended to dominate the quality filling in many bites. The combination of fried texture and softer creamy texture sounds great. Still, in this case, on this night, we got too much fried texture.

Promotional photo from Raglan Road

Would I order this again? I might. However, I would not plan an evening at Raglan Road just to get this appetizer. Yet, if I went with a group and someone wanted to order it, I would not discourage them.

Promotional Photo by Raglan Road

Raglan Road offers great entertainment during your meal. Perhaps, in addition to the quality of food, that explains why this restaurant consistently ranks high in terms of Disney Springs restaurants being searched for in terms of reservations. MouseDining.com can help with this type of reservation, of course. As always, eat like you mean it!

 

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What Should I Expect When I Dine at Space 220?

Restaurant Reviews By August 22, 2022 Tags: No Comments

If you have an advance dining reservation to Space 220 in Epcot, consider yourself lucky. In terms of desired table service dining options at Walt Disney World, this place ranks as one of most desired on the resort property. This themed dining experience functions with a prix fixe menu. The lounge/bar area enables guests to order a la carte, however. This relatively new restaurant resides near the Mission Space attraction. The anticipation and fanfare for this place opening was impressive.

If you display the proper balance of skill and luck to get an advance dining reservation at Space 220, there exist a few things for you to know before you arrive. When you arrive, you may find a queue awaiting you. However, once you get inside, you get your boarding pass for your trip to “space.” From there, you are escorted down a hallway to the elevator to go to space. Be prepared at this point to be asked if you have eaten in space before. If you came up with a funny answer, I would love to hear them. While traveling in this elevator, you can view down toward Epcot or above to see where you will end up in “space.” The theming builds on you travelling 220 miles into space thus the name Space 220.

Photo courtesy of Vacationeers Podcast

At the end of your space elevator ride you will “dock” with the space station. At this point, a Space 220 agent will meet you as you leave the elevator. You then take your boarding pass down to the space agent at the end of a corridor. At this point, you have arrived at the “Centauri” space station in this thematic presentation.

Whether you enjoy this theatre style presentation of you taking an elevator to space or not, you must compliment the skill at which it is done. The screen technology could be better. Still, it serves this restaurant very well.

Once you are seated, you should be able to casually view the “video screen/windows.” The screen technology functions as quality entertainment. Some guests felt that the characters periodically floating by “outside” take away from overall theme after a little while.

Photo courtesy of MainStMagic.com

Okay, so, how does the food taste? Just to be clear, a common narrative about Space 220 has developed online that the food tastes poor. That narrative qualifies as unfair. The key question involving Space 220 relates to price point. This place will hurt your bank account. The lunch option cost $55 and the dinner cost $79. Remember, these prices reflect quality table-service dining with the price fixed menu. The lunch comes with an appetizer and entrée. The dinner also includes a dessert. If an alcoholic beverage is desired, you should plan on paying top dollar. In simple terms, plan on spending a significant amount of money for your space meal.

Photo courtesy of Main Street Magic Podcast

The flavor quality of the appetizers (they call them liftoffs here) rates above average. The most mentioned standouts are four-fold. They are:

Big Bang Burrata (Burrata di Mozzarella, Grilled Artichoke Hearts, Arugula, and Sunflower Seed Romesco)

Starry Calamari (Fried Calamari, Italian Cherry Peppers, Spicy Marinara, and Roasted Pepper Citrus Aioli)

Blue Moon Cauliflower (Tempura Fried Cauliflower, House made Hot Sauce, and Blue Cheese Dust)

Neptune Tartare (Yellowfin Tuna, Yuzu Ginger Miso, Soy, Avocado, Radish, Mango Coulis, Micro Greens, and Sesame Crackers)

Photo courtesy of Vacationeers Podcast

At least in terms of value with the prix fixe menu, the entrées struggle a bit in terms of being worth the money paid. In my opinion, the lunch entrées fail to measure up. They taste good but nothing special overall. For example, you can select burgers, steak salad, pasta dishes, chicken, and steak & frites.  The dinner entrées reflect the higher price. Still, most guests find the price paid not worth the money spent even on the theming. Once again, the food here tastes good. However, you will wonder if the steak, duck, or salmon you ordered was good value. On a more positive note, I have only heard good things about the desserts at Space 220.

Photo courtesy of MainStMagic.com

As you can tell, I find it tough to recommend the Prix Fixe menu table service dining here. However, I suggest you make a reservation for the Space 220 Lounge. Of course, MouseDining can help with that. Still, the lounge dining option allows you to just order what you want. I have heard very few complaints about dining at the lounge. The only real criticism involves not being able to see the “windows/screens” very well since facing the bar.

Photo Courtesy of Vacationeers Podcast

In my opinion, for most people, this restaurant qualifies as a one-time experience. I doubt many people will desire to come back for the table service dining prix fixe menu very often. I can see people enjoying the lounge options often though.

On the positive side, this place offers great air conditioning, excellent theming and video technology, great service, food arriving quickly at the table, and above average food quality. On the negative side, I see questionable value of prix fixe menu, high beverage prices, and the setting is dark making reading menu tough.

Photo courtsy of Main Street Magic Podcast

If going here, get yourself a lounge reservation or try walk-up there. You can enjoy the “space” experience for way less money that way. As always, eat like you meant it!

 

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Six Best Walt Disney World Table Service Burgers

Restaurant Reviews By August 13, 2022 Tags: , No Comments

In a previous article, I suggested the best table burgers within the four Walt Disney World theme parks. In terms of burger quality, the better options reside outside the theme parks. A few counter service locations at the Walt Disney World Resort offer quality burgers at the resort hotels. D-Luxe Burger, in Disney Springs, provides a good counter service burger. Some excellent burgers can be found at lounges around Walt Disney World Resort. My top suggestions for those type places would be the Bison Burger at Geyser Point or The Three Bridges Signature Burger over at Three Bridges Bar and Grill.

However, you may be a burger person, but your group wants to do a table service dining experience. If you are that type of person, I have numerous suggestions for places where you can get a quality table service burger. In most cases, your burger might taste more gourmet than their table service dining entrees.

Before elaborating, my recommendations come from chatting with many theme park media colleagues.  Though I have some strong opinions about these burgers, this list functions as a consensus of various perspectives. Once again, this list of six burgers only includes table service options not lounges or counter service options.

Photo courtesy of Main Street Magic Podcast

We will start this burger quest with lunch options. I have two excellent burgers only available during lunch dining hours. First, we will go to visit Steakhouse 71 in the Contemporary Resort. The Stack Burger arrived on the scene with immediate praise. Respected theme park experts called it the best burger on Walt Disney World property. Now, that praise should be considered. However, that pronouncement looks a bit overblown. In fairness, it makes my list. Back soon after Steakhouse 71 opened, I reviewed it. I agree that it makes a great burger. Everyone will consider it very good. Yet, not everyone will declare it the best on property. The Stack Burger features a signature blend of beef, American cheese, lemon aïoli, red onion, house-made pickles, on a brioche bun. This burger comes with a choice of side. I suggest the parmesan fries over petite wedge salad or pasta salad.

Back in July, I wrote an article with suggestions of the best table service burger in each theme park. All those burgers cost $21 or more. This Stack Burger costs $20. I suggest this burger tastes better than anything The Plaza restaurant will create for less money. The pro dining move when visiting Magic Kingdom would be to take an afternoon break to visit Steakhouse 71 for the food there. As you might expect, you will need a dining reservation even for lunch. However, you can mobile order this burger at lunchtime to speed up returning to Magic Kingdom if desired.

Photo by Jon Self

In terms of value for a burger on Walt Disney World property, a clear winner resides at STK Steakhouse in Disney Springs. From 11am until 3pm on weekdays, STK sells Wagyu Burger and Fries for $9.99. Before you think this is a tiny slider, think again. This burger features a 7oz Wagyu beef patty. Also, the beef patty itself tastes better than most table service burgers on Walt Disney World property. This burger comes topped with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, special sauce. You can pay an upcharge of $3 each for grilled onions, egg, or bacon. Adding avocado will cost $3.50.

Photo by Jon Self

I found this burger offers great value. In fairness, even if it was just average, it costs $10 with fries. You will need to search for a long time to find a decent burger and fries at a theme park resort for under $10. Fortunately, in this case, this burger tastes good!

Now, if you want a burger for around dinnertime for an evening meal, I have three suggestions. Now, all of these may be purchased at lunchtime also. First, the Bacon and Vermont Cheddar Burger at Ale and Compass sits atop many people’s list for table service burgers. This place resides within Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort in the Epcot Resort area. Menu description tells us that this burger comes with caramelized onion on a parker house bun with applewood-smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, and herbed mayonnaise. This burger costs $20. In simple terms, this burger represents doing a standard bacon cheeseburger but doing it very well.

Photo courtesy of BrianAndAmanda.net

The other two suggestions come from Disney Springs restaurants. Ironically, one specializes in chicken and the other in Italian food. The Art Burger at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ makes another example of a normal style burger done well. The Art Burger features two beef patties topped with American cheese, Art’s special sauce, tomato-bacon jam, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles on a brioche bun. Then, you get house-made barbecue chips drizzled with icebox dressing. The burger and chips cost $18. In terms of quality and value, that works nicely.

Of all places, Terralina Crafted Italian offers guests a “Crafted Burger” for $21. This burger comes with house made truffle potato chips and garlic pickles. Also, the mixture of ground chuck and brisket creates a distinctive burger patty. The toppings of arugula, tomato, pickled red onion, cheddar cheese, chili-sage aioli within the toasted bun makes a solid burger. As odd as this sounds, the burger tastes light for such a hearty sounding burger.

Photo courtesy of Main Street Magic Podcast

No discussion of burgers at Walt Disney World should leave out the Lobster Thermidor Burger at Grand Floridian Café. I have already done a full review of that burger so click here for more specific about this excellent creation. Also, you can even get this burger for breakfast.

Walt Disney World offers some excellent burgers. In my opinion, these six burgers rate as the best table service dining options at Walt Disney World. Please give these a try and let me know if you disagree. If you think I left out a table service one, leave a comment or tell me via twitter (@pastorjonself). Of course, if these burgers sound good to you, consider setting up some alerts at MouseDining.com to book your advance dining reservations to enjoy then. As always, eat like you mean it!

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What Should We Do for Weekday Breakfast at Disney Springs?

Restaurant Reviews By August 10, 2022 Tags: , No Comments

I have developed a reputation for above average knowledge of food in Disney Springs area of Walt Disney World Resort. However, I learned something new today about dining at Disney Springs. I will get back to that but let me elaborate on something else first.

Regarding this reputation for Disney Springs dining knowledge, I think that might be exaggerated. Sure, most of the reviews I have written for MouseDining.com correspond to Disney Springs locations. Yes, I scheduled two entire days earlier this year just to dine in Disney Springs. Okay, maybe I booked a hotel in the Disney Springs area so I could walk to Disney Springs to eat for a trip later this year. I, also, took three different queries asking me about Disney Springs options today from theme park media or podcasters. Also, I just scheduled a podcast interview to simply talk about Disney Springs restaurants for a week from today. Even the friend of MouseDining, Jeremy Stein, let me come on his podcast to talk about some Disney Springs restaurants (among other things).

I have a day job, so I do not consider myself an expert on food. Yet, I eat, and I know things. Yes, I spell my name “Jon” with no “H” because the letter “H” is “Ew!” However, I would be slightly offended if you looked at me talking about food saying “You know nothing” like a famous pop culture “Jon” was told.

Remember I said I learned something today about dining at Disney Springs. As you may have guessed, it relates to breakfast. I get asked intermittently what to eat for breakfast during the week at Disney Springs. In fact, I often laugh when asked this. I suggest places like Earl of Sandwich, Everglazed Doughnut, Starbucks, and maybe even Erin McKenna Bakery NYC. Now, some Disney Springs restaurants offer phenomenal weekend brunch menus. What about Monday through Friday? The choice rate as basic. I love Everglazed and Starbucks. Yet, if you can wait until 10am for breakfast, I have a table service weekday breakfast for you to consider.

In fairness, I recently learned Raglan Road opens Monday through Friday at 10am for breakfast. I eat and know things, but I did not know this. That makes this place the only table service dining option available for breakfast during the week at Disney Springs. The breakfast menu items will be offered from 10am to noon during weekdays.

The breakfast menu items offered here are limited. Yet, guests dining at this time may also order off all day dining menu also. Three of the breakfast menu items listed are:

FULL IRISH-Full Irish Breakfast with Cheshire heritage pork Irish banger, black & white pudding, Irish bacon, roasted tomato, mushrooms, and fried eggs with boxty potato cake for $25. This item also appears on the weekend brunch menu.

BACON AND EGGS- Scrambled or fried eggs with boxty potato cake and Irish style rashers or American bacon for $19

FRENCH TOAST- Vanilla French toast with fresh fruit compote and crispy bacon for $19

Phot Credit: Raglan Road promotion photo

Yet, the fourth and final breakfast menu item comes with the unique name “Hipsters Lament.” I guess our Irish themed restaurant created some humor in a recovery breakfast of sorts. Maybe this menu item helps people who drink and do not remember. Still, the “Hipsters Lament” features smashed avocado, Irish bacon & poached eggs on sourdough. This also comes with chive butter, boxty potato cake and roasted tomato. This costs $21. Like the “Full Irish”, this appears on the weekend brunch menu as well.

So how is the “Hipsters Lament” for breakfast?  Well, if you need something to replenish your system, this menu item meets that need. The avocado does not overwhelm this breakfast item. I mention that first since this is basically super powered avocado toast. The bacon and eggs come to your table well prepared. Still, they offer solid flavor but nothing extraordinary. The most common weakness voiced about this menu item would be the potatoes. The butter and tomato enhance this entrée. However, the quality rates as good but once again nothing special.

With a price point over $20 for breakfast, this lament could be for your bank account. Yet, with the portion size, this makes a filling breakfast. If a day of Disney shopping comes after breakfast, this choice will fuel you well to shop and avoid dropping

Would I go to breakfast at Raglan Road just to order this? I would respond negatively. However, if your group wants a sit-down style breakfast outside the theme park, this breakfast menu deserves consideration. If your plans include some time at Disney Springs, this breakfast provides a better option than the counter service/snack choices that are your alternative. I respect this review is a “wishy-washy” endorsement of Raglan Road weekday breakfast. Still, if one person in your group wants breakfast, then others can order off the main menu.

Now, my dining review schedule changes often. Still, I currently have two different advance dining reservations at Raglan Road for upcoming trips to Disney Springs. Though I cannot strongly endorse this menu item wholeheartedly, Raglan Road added several new menu items this summer. I plan to try some of them soon. Of course, MouseDining can help with getting challenging advance dining reservations like Raglan Road. Thanks for reading. As always, eat like you mean it!

 

 

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A Reason to Dine at Boatwright’s Dining Hall

Restaurant Reviews By August 8, 2022 Tags: No Comments

With the assistance of MouseDining.com, I recently acquired two very hard to get dining reservations for my Orlando area “work” trip.  As a result of this good fortune, I needed to adjust my dining schedule slightly. I cancelled a dining reservation in Disney Springs since it no longer worked with the new dining schedule. Since I also have a carriage ride scheduled at 7:00pm at Port Orleans-Riverside for that evening, I decided to book Boatwright’s Dining Hall at Port Orleans-Riverside. In the tiny circle of theme park food bloggers, this place earned a reputation for being average at best. Yet, my decision led me to question everything I know about advance dining reservations at Walt Disney World.

Photo courtesy of BrianAndAmanda.net

I will attempt to explain. Then, I opened the My Disney Experience app. I went to make a dining reservation as I have done countless times. I searched for dinner times on the night desired. However, I did not see Boatwright’s available. I thought this perhaps was a glitch. Due to this, I checked other sources. I still saw no reservations available that night at Boatwright’s. This place, in the past, rarely filled all their reservations. I knew the food quality improved since reopening. However, I still sat surprised looking at no reservations available.

I did devise another plan that I think my spouse will appreciate before our carriage ride (BTW, she does not know about that- I think!). Yet, I needed to do more research into why a lowly regarded dining option would be full on a moderate crowd level weeknight. Yes, the food quality rates higher now. However, guests staying at Port Orleans-Riverside can take a relaxing boat ride to Disney Springs from their resort.

I found a plausible answer. Boatwright’s Dining Hall offers an all you care to eat option. The “All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Chef’s Platter” costs $35 here. This platter comes with ribs, Nashville hot chicken, smoked sausage, barbecued beef brisket, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, roasted corn with Cajun butter, and green beans. The concept of unlimited food to a Walt Disney World guest sounds unbelievable. However, this table service location offers a $35 meal with unlimited food featuring 3 different types of meats. If my memory serves correctly, this all you care to eat options appeared on this menu only a few years ago. Perhaps coincidentally, the reservation at Boatwright’s got a little tougher to get here. Also, guest satisfaction went up slightly since reopening.

So how is this chef’s platter? I shall start with the best part, the barbecued beef brisket. By no means will this cause you to feel this is the best barbecued food you have ever had. However, the beef works being tender and full of positive flavor. In addition, the meat comes with the right level of juiciness. I think that the meat has a bit too much fat on it. However, I have heard other people I trust say this brisket tastes as good as other dining options at Walt Disney World.

The other two meat options, Nashville hot chicken and smoked sausage, bring positives to the table. Both provide decent flavor. In my opinion, this flavor works but not as much as the brisket. The quality of meat that the chefs start with pales in comparison to other Walt Disney World dining options though. Still, this is all you care to eat. If you find a piece you do not like, skip that one and ask for more.

The mac & cheese, corn, and green beans simply serve as filler for this meal. The corn and green beans do offer some needed nutrition for your vacation but not much else. Regarding the mac & cheese, the quality ratings from guests show inconsistent flavor and texture. Since Walt Disney World restaurants tend to offer well above average mac & cheese, please bear this in mind.

The mashed potatoes rank high in terms of this side dish on Disney property. The side comes prepared well with lots of butter to amplify the flavor.

Overall, with the exception of perhaps the brisket, nothing served with this platter tastes far above average. However, did I mention it was all you care to eat for $35? Sure, not everything with this meal shines. Yet, even outside the Disney bubble, you might struggle to find a table service place providing this type setting with this level of unlimited food for $35. Sure, they exist but not many as in years gone by. As always, eat like you mean it!

If you are staying at one of the Port Orleans hotels or nearby, Boatwright makes a reasonable option to consider. Unless you are unlucky like me, reservations can be acquired inside the 60 days window here. However, based on my experience, I suggest booking early and/or setting an alert at MouseDining.com. As always, eat like you mean it!

 

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Mama Makes Some Good Mac and Cheese at Walt Disney World

Restaurant Reviews By August 4, 2022 Tags: No Comments

As we have learned over the last decade or so, almost any subject will cause people to have differing opinions. Cuisine preferences function as a good example. For example, you might love going to Ohana for breakfast. However, I might visit on same day you went but really disliked Ohana. I realize I just offended Ohana fans, but this type thing happens. For the record, have a reservation to Ohana for breakfast in a few weeks so we will see how it is before characters come back there.

Two people can visit the same restaurant while ordering the same items then feel very different about their dining choices. As a person who writes lots of theme park food reviews, I attempt to be sensitive to this fact. Just because I enjoy a meal does not mean you will have a similar experience. I strive to be sensitive to that aspect of life when writing food reviews.

Photo Credit: Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin”

A good example of this phenomenon revolves around the concept of “Mac & Cheese.” Most USA residents love macaroni and cheese. However, many international guests fail to get the USA obsession with this comfort food. I, on the other hand, feel that the only thing better than some cheese would be more cheese. For those of you living with various dairy intolerances, I formerly apologize on behalf of MouseDining.com for this article.

Photo courtesy of Main Street Magic Podcast

 

However, if you are a fan of mac and cheese, then you have a strong feeling about what variety tastes best. To Walt Disney World’s credit, most mac and cheese on property tastes good. However, some of the table service mac and cheese options taste incredible. Walt Disney World restaurants offer some excellent upgraded mac and cheese options. A solid suggestion would be the “Shrimp Mac and Cheese” at Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Many guests rave about the “Lobster Mac and Cheese” at Tiffins Restaurant within Animal Kingdom. Even though my focus rests on table service dining, the mac and cheese at Polite Pig in Disney Springs tastes excellent. Many guests glow when talking about the mac and cheese offerings at the Boathouse in Disney Springs also.

 

Yet, in my opinion, the best mac and cheese on the property resides at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’. I suspect many of you reading this saw that comin’. The great and powerful Chef Art Smith has made a career out of classic Southern comfort food. The combination of this style and locally grown ingredients evaluates this place. If you get “Momma’s Mac and Cheese” as a side, the cost will be $8. The mac and cheese side arrives at your table within a small cast-iron style skillet.

Photo courtesy of Main Street Magic Podcast

The aroma and presentation start the enjoyment of this mac and cheese. Since people start tasting with their eyes first, this mac and cheese gets off to a good start. The pasta offers a soft well-prepared texture. The hot creamy cheese with a crispy coating looks and tastes as good as you would expect. The crispy coating holds in the warmth of this pasta and cheese goodness. For you mac and cheese aficionados, this mac and cheese get a 10 out of 10 on the cheese pull test.

Photo Courtesy of Main Street Magic Podcast

People tell me this mac and cheese side functions as a sharable side. I disagree. As we learned on the TV Show, Friends, Joey does not share food. You may feel that way if you order mac and cheese here.

Chopped BBQ Pork Plate

So, you know, this mac and cheese side comes standard with the “Chopped Pork Barbecue” here. In case you were wondering, the pork barbeque entrée also offers great flavor. Also, the Homecomin’ menu shows a “Kitchen Plate” option. For $19, guests may order a sampling of three different house-made sides. The choices are cheddar cheese drop biscuits, mashed potatoes, this mac and cheese, braised kale and collards, succotash, roasted sweet potatoes, southern slaw, and grits.

If searching for great southern comfort mac and cheese, Homecomin’ should be your primary choice. Of course, the reason reservations become challenging to acquire here involves more than just this mac and cheese. However, this quality menu item does not slow people down from wanting to dine here. Of course, MouseDining can help with your desired advance dining reservations while at Walt Disney World. Personally, MouseDining just helped me get a noon reservation here less than 30 days in advance. Of course, MouseDining also just helped me get a Topolino’s Terrace and Ohana reservation less than 21 days in advance for same time. As always, eat like your mean it!

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