Quick review 10/20-10-25

[HolRae]

This is my first dining review. I enjoy following all the great ones on here and find them very helpful so thought I should give it a try.
This is my my 20+ trip to the World. It is my second solo trip. I am staying at Pop Century for the first 4 nights followed by 2 nights at the Grand Destino Tower at Coronado Springs. I have the deluxe dining plan for the first stay and will be oop for the end.
I left my house at 3 am to catch my flight on Sunday. The first flight went smoothly. The second flight was delayed just before boarding. We took off about 1/2 an hour late so no big deal. About an hour and a half into the flight the pilot announced we would be making an unscheduled stop in Atlanta. (I have flown from Ohare to MCO many times but this was the first time we ever had to stop for gas in Atlanta). After refueling we were on our way once again to Orlando.
I took magic express to Pop, dropped my stuff off in the room and headed for the skyliner.
I really enjoyed this. It’s like a bus that is always there with better views. I headed to Epcot. I grabbed a couple Food and Wine items before heading to Soarin for my fast pass.
This is the Black Pepper Boursin Soufflé form the Cheese Studio. Sorry I ate half of it before remembering to take a photo. I really liked this.

Up next was Smoked Corned Beef with crispy potatoes, cheese curds, pickled onions, and beer-chees fondue. This is from Flavors from Fire. It was my favorite last year and still very good this year. It was a huge serving. I called it quits on the booths after this so I would have room for dinner at Le Cellier.

 

[HolRae]

I arrived at Le Cellier about 20 minutes early for my ADR and was seated very quickly. I started with the Montreal 75 - Dillon’s Craft Gin #22 with Neige Sparkling Wine blended with Peach Purée and fresh lime juice. I also ordered a glass of water.
This is not a good pic but I enjoyed the drink.
For my appetizer I ordered the Artisan Cheese Plate - Selection of Canadian, French, and House-made Cheeses with Seasonal Accompaniments. My photos of the cheeses did not turn out at all but here is the menu descriptions.
The Black Diamond Cheddar and the House-made Ricotta were my favorites. I did not care for the Mimolette.
I choose the Le Cellier Filet Mignon - AAA Canadian Tenderloin, Mushroom Risotto, Asparagus-Tomato Relish, Truffle Butter Sauce. This steak is amazing. I know Le Cellier doesn’t always get great reviews but I have had this steak many times and have never been disappointed. It is the only Canadian beef on their menu. I have tried the filet at Jiko, Cali Grill, and Yachtsman and they don’t even come close for me. The mushroom risotto is perfect and truffle butter makes everything better.
I was getting very full at this point but dessert is included so why not. I had the Maple Creme Brûlée - Maple Whipped Cream, Shortbread Maple Leaf Cookie. I love creme brûlée and this was done very well. The sugar was perfectly crisp with yummy cream underneath.

After dinner I headed back to the room and called it a night.

 

[HolRae]

Day 2
I got up early to book ADR for California Grill Brunch in April. Then I got ready and headed to Magic Kingdom for extra magic hour. I arrived at 7 am and there was basically no line. I spent half an hour shopping on Main Street. I was the only one in the shops. It was a great time to browse. I then headed to 7 Dwarfs Mine Train but noticed Cheshire Cafe was open so I stopped for Cheshire Cat Tail. I ate it before i even thought about taking a pic. It was very good. I asked for a glass of water but they don’t have that there. The cast member gave me a glass of ice though and I filled it at the drinking fountain next door. I got to 7DMT at 7:35. I rode that and the Tea Cups, Small World, Haunted Mansion, and Jungle Cruise before heading to the Plaza for my 9am ADR

I was seated immediately and started with a Mimosa - Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut with guava-passion, orange, pineapple juices. This was really good.
I had the Lobster-Fried Green Tomato Eggs Benedict- Two poached eggs with lobster served on top of a crispy fried green tomato with Hollandaise sauce served with breakfast potatoes. I substituted fruit for the potatoes.
This was a huge serving of pineapple, cantaloupe, and honey dew diced up really small.
This is one of my favorite breakfast entrees. The tomatoes are crispy and the eggs are poached perfectly. (Not sure why the pic is upside down).

 

[HolRae]

After Breakfast I walked to the Contemporary and took a bus to Disney Springs. I spent some time wandering and browsing in the shops. I still have a hard time figuring out where everything is there. I had an ADR for Wine Bar George. I was seated upstairs by a window. It was fun to people watch as I enjoyed my lunch.
I started with the George’s Sangria. This was fruity and refreshing.

with the deluxe dining you can choose 3 small plates or 1 small plate and 1 entree. I went with 3 small plates. I choose Warm Spiced Olives - lemon/chili peppers. I enjoyed these but there were too many for me to eat at one time.
I also choose House-Made Meatballs - triple cheese polenta/tomato sauce. These were really good also and with the polenta it felt like more of an entree.
My third small plate was Burrata - seasonal tomatoes/olive oil/grilled bread. This was excellent also.
Then it was time for dessert. I decided to try the Olive Oil Cake - candied olives/lemon marscapone. This was very different. I am glad I tried it and it wasn’t bad but not sure I would order it again.

 

[HolRae]

After lunch I picked up a cupcake at Sprinkles. Red Velvet is my favorite. This will be breakfast on day 3 before HS extra magic hours.
Then I headed back to the resort to relax and cool down before heading to Epcot for dinner at Coral Reef. I arrived on time and was seated qucikly at a 2 top next to the tank. It was a great table. I saw rays, sharks, and even a turtle. They had a special menu for the 30th Anniversary of The Little Mermaid.
The choices seem to be the same as before just some of the names are changed. I started with a Magical Star Cocktail - X-Fusion Organic Mango and Passion Fruit Liqueur, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Pineapple Juice, and a souvenir Multicolored Glow Cube. This is very fruity and goes down easy.
For my app I choose the Mushroom (Lobster-style) Salad - Wild Mushrooms, Hearts of Palm, Tomato, Avacado Purée, Lavash Crisp. I was a little unsure about this but was also curious. This is one of the new meatless items.
I really enjoyed it. It was very light with lots of flavor.
I was also given a basket of rolls and butter. They were just basic rolls and plain butter.

My entree was Shrimp and Grits - Sautéed Shrimp, Cheddar Cheese Grits, Local Corn Succotash, Andouille Sausage, Creole Spice Emulsion. I loved this. Everything was very flavorful and worked well together.
For dessert I had the Chocolate Wave - Warm Flourless Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Curls, Raspberry Gelato. This is one of my favorite desserts on property. It is so chocolate and rich and yet seems light at the same time. It is so good I dug right in and forgot to take a picture. It stormed during dinner so the skyliner was down. I walked around The Boardwalk for awhile and then walked over to Hollywood Studios and caught a bus back to Pop.

 

[HolRae]

Day 3
I started the day with my cupcake from Sprinkles before heading to Hollywood Studios for extra magic hours. The bus was waiting when I arrived at the bus stop. We arrived at 6:15 and walked right in. I headed to Galaxy Edge and got in line for Smugglers Run. It said 45 minutes but I was off in Less than 30. I wandered a bit and had a drink at Ogas. I had the Tarine Tea - Gold Peak Unsweetened Tea, Peach, Huckleberry, and Mint. This was very refreshing.

I ride a couple of rides in ToyStory Land before heading to Epcot.
I did a few food booths for lunch. At Brazil I got the Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Tomato, and Onions. At Morocco I got the Spicy Hummus Fries with Cucumber, Tomatoes, Onions, Tzatziki, and Chipotle Sauce. I found a table in the shade to eat these. They were both fresh and crispy. The hummus fries were a decnt portion. The pork belly not so much.

Next I stopped at Mexico for Taco de Puerco: Shredded Pork Belly on a Corn Tortilla with Salsa Verde. I liked this so much I went back and got a second one.
I rode a couple of rides and wandered around World Showcase before hopping on the Skyliner back to Pop.

 

[HolRae]

Day 3 dinner was at Monsieur Paul. I choose the Prix Fixe Menu Degustation. This was 2 credits plus $29. For my drink I went with champagne.


They brought butter to the table and then someone came around with a basket of bread. There were 3 choices - baguette, garlic olive roll, Swiss cheese roll. I chose the garlic olive roll. It was very good.




First course - Semi-cooked Oyster - Emulsion, Fennel, Lime Caviar


Second Course - Escargot Tart with Parsley Coulie, Whipped Cream and Ricotta with Garlic, Marinated Vegetables


Third Course - Seared Scallop with Creamy Polenta and Tomato Purée


Fourth Course - Chilled Peach Soup with Verbena Sorbet


Fifth Course - Veal Tenderloin Duo - French-style Sweet Peas, Ricotta


Sixth Course - Choice of Three Imported French Cheeses. My picture of the cheese did not work out. They brought out a cheese board with 6 cheese to choose from. There was also a small plate of accompaniments.

Seventh Course - Choice of Dessert. I went with La Sphere - Milk chocolate sphere, chocolate almond cake, praline and chocolate cream, light hazelnut biscuit, with chocolate ice cream, warm chocolate and Cognac sauce.

I enjoyed this meal a lot. Each course was delicious. I was full at the end but not too full.
After dinner I watched Epcot Forever for the first time and really enjoyed it. I was not a fan of the latest Illuminations. I thought this was a good change for a temporary show.

 

[mullysisters]

Great reviews. I enjoyed reading your report.

 

[HolRae]

Great reviews. I enjoyed reading your report.

Thanks for reading. Day 4 will be coming up soon.

 

[HolRae]

Day 4
I slept in a bit before taking the Skyliner to Epcot and walking over to Yacht Club for breakfast at Ale and Compass. They have ala carte as well as buffet. The buffet includes choice of one entree. I went with the buffet. I started with hot tea- Twinings Summer Berry Green Tea. The only place I can find this tea is in Disney. I always stock up at the Tea Caddy in Epcot.


My plate from the buffet- croissant, fresh berries, assorted cheeses, meats, capers, whole grain mustard, smoked trout spread, butter, cheese danish, and a cinnamon roll in the center.


For my entree I choose the Shrimp and White Cheddar Grits with Poached Eggs, Chorizo, and Charred Tomato Stew. These grits were really good.


After breakfast I went into Epcot for my 4th visit and picked up the passholder coasters before heading to Disney Springs. I did some shopping (not just browsing this time). I had lunch at Morimoto Asia. I ordered an iced black tea for my drink.


For my appetizer I choose Portobella Mushroom Fries with mentaiko mayo. These took a very long time to come out, over 30 minutes. The entire meal was very slow. The table next to me called the manager over twice to complain about the slow service. I’m not sure what the issue was but I think it may have been just our server. Other tables didn’t seem to be waiting. When the fries finally came out they were hot and fresh and delicious.


For my entree I had the Morimoto “Buri-Bop” - Korean-style yellowtail rice bowl served in a hot clay pot, finished with egg yolk, prepared table side. This was a very cool presentation. I only took a picture of the finished dish.


At this point I was getting anxious to get back to the room and drop off my packages before heading out to Animal Kingdom so I skipped dessert and asked for my bill which took forever. This was the second time I have dined here. The first time I was very impressed. This time not so much but I do think it was just the server.

 

[ThreeBoyMama]

Really enjoying your report. Sounds like you had a fantastic time!

 

[HolRae]

Day 4 Dinner
For dinner on day 4 I booked Circle of Flavors, Harambe at Nght. This was originally scheduled to be the last one but just this week they added dates through April. It started with a Welcome Reception at the train station,followed by a stop at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, and we ended at Harambe Market. Each stop hada selection of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks including beer, wine, and cocktails. There were multiple food options at each stop also. As we arrived we were given a Harambellini (Sparkling South African wine blended with a bright burst of passion fruit, orange, and guava juices).

At this stop I tried the Meat Pie - minced beef pastry with tomato-date jam and the Kitfo - Mitmita-spiced Ahi tuna with ginger aioli.



We then boarded the train to Rafikis Planet Watch Station. Here there was a virtual reality experience with the lions and a character meet with Timon and Rafiki. There were several food and drink options. I choose the Wanjohi’s Dawa- A refreshing blend of tequila and the sweet heat of pineapple, mango, and ancho chili.


I tried 3 food items here. First was the Charcutamtata- Chef Mwanga’s selection of meats and cheeses. Second was the Kachumbari - Petite greens, local tomatoes, cucumber, sweety drop peppers, and citrus with citrus vinaigrette.

The last item I tried had was the Boerie Roll - South African Farmers Style Sausage, peppadews, and pickled vegetables.

 

[HolRae]

At Harambe Market each window had an animal theme with food choices inspired by that animal. There was also a bar set up with choice of drinks. A separate dessert station as well as popcorn and shaved ice were also located in the market place. There was a table set up to make you own necklace as well.


I tried the Safari Sunset- The fresh flavors of passion fruit, strawberry, orange, and guava juices blended with rum.


I started with the Leopard station. I had Sustainable Fish with coriander-fennel slaw and Dhania chutney as well as the Grilled Lamb with goat cheese polenta and roasted garlic sauce.


Next up was the Lion. I choose the Char-grilled Steak with herb infused mealie and chakalaka in a red wine sauce and the Tandoori-marinated Chicken with fingerling potatoes, kool slaai, and mango samba.


My third stop was the Cape Buffalo. Here I got Cape Malay Shrimp Curry- sustainable shrimp, Cape Malay green coconut curry, and fragment basmati rice. I also tried the Macaroni and Cheese.



Stop number 4 was the Elephant. Here I had Smoked Honey-glazed Pork Belly with white bean purée, caramelized apple-bacon chutney, and curry apple gastric and the Kofta Fritters with pickled vegetables, pomegranate,and tamarind-molasses dipping sauce.



My last stop was the Rhinoceros. I choose the Vegetable Samosa - Potato and Pea Samosa, Pickled Vegetables, and tamarind dipping sauce.(I did not get a photo of this).

Up next was dessert. I picked the S’mores-inspired Macaron - Smoked Marshmallow and chocolate with Graham Macaron. I also had a Passion Fruit Forzen POP with strawberry crisp pearls and candied citrus.



I grabbed a box of popcorn on my out and they were handing out goodie bags with a souvenir glass.

I loved this whole experience. I was a little hesitant to do it solo but I met some great people through out the evening and had a great time. I liked all of the food and drink options that I tried. I would do this again.

 

[HolRae]

Really enjoying your report. Sounds like you had a fantastic time!

Thank you. It has been a great trip.

 

[Thmacs1]

Your reviews are fantastic! We did Harambe Nights in September and thought it was a fabulous evening.

 

[HolRae]

Day 5
Breakfast today was another red velvet cupcake from Sprinkles. I ate it in the room before dropping my bags a luggage services and heading to Animal Kingdom. I took advantage of the extra magic hour and headed for Flight of Passage. Posted time was 60 minutes but I was done and headed to Navi River in less then 40 including a bathroom stop. So not too bad. Navi was a walk on. Then I headed for the safari. I took the Gorilla Trail and spent some time watching them. They were all out and quite active. Then I used my fast pass and rode the safari again. I then wandered through Asia and checked out some of the stores before heading to lunch at Tiffins. This restaurant is beautiful and so peaceful after a crazy morning in the park.
I started with the Annapurna Zing - Bombay Sapphire Gin, Passion Fruit purée, Mint, Lime, Ginger Beer, Glowing Lotus Light. This is one of my favorite drinks ever. I also ordered an Iced Tea- unsweetened jasmine vanilla.


The server brought out some bread ( I think it was pomegranate) with an olive oil dipping sauce.


For my appetizer I ordered the Duo of Appetizers - Charred Octopus, Spiced Chickpea Falafel. These were both great.


For my entree I choose the Surf and Turf - South African Braai Spiced Beef Tenderloin, Seared Scallops, Potato Pave, Grilled Vegetables, Maitake Mushrooms, Dhania Butter, Cola Demi-glacé. I order the tenderloin medium rare. Everything was done perfectly.

Up next was dessert. I choose the Passion Fruit Tapioca Creme - chocolate crumble, citrus fruits. This was very light and a great ending to the meal.

 

[HolRae]

Day 5 dinner was at Toledo. It was so convenient to hop on the elevator and go up two floors and have dinner. The restaurant is beautiful. I started with a Tequila Daisy - Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Torres Magdala Naranjas del Mediterranco, Grapefruit, Lime, Hibiscus, Soda Water. This very strong but so good.


I ordered ‘Aceitunas’ Marinated Olives - citrus, garlic, crushed red pepper as my appetizer . This was served hot with toasted bread.


For my entree I went with the Scallops - favs hummus/olives/harissa vinaigrette/roasted carrots/yogurt powder. These were delicious. Everything was cooked perfectly and worked well together.


I asked for dessert to go. I ordered ‘The Toledo Tapas Bar’ - A progressive dessert tasting with the flavors of Spanish coffee, crunchy chocolate, raspberry mousse, and lemon curd.

 

[hereforthechurros]

Day 5
Breakfast today was another red velvet cupcake from Sprinkles. I ate it in the room before dropping my bags a luggage services and heading to Animal Kingdom. I took advantage of the extra magic hour and headed for Flight of Passage. Posted time was 60 minutes but I was done and headed to Navi River in less then 40 including a bathroom stop. So not too bad. Navi was a walk on. Then I headed for the safari. I took the Gorilla Trail and spent some time watching them. They were all out and quite active. Then I used my fast pass and rode the safari again. I then wandered through Asia and checked out some of the stores before heading to lunch at Tiffins. This restaurant is beautiful and so peaceful after a crazy morning in the park.
I started with the Annapurna Zing - Bombay Sapphire Gin, Passion Fruit purée, Mint, Lime, Ginger Beer, Glowing Lotus Light. This is one of my favorite drinks ever. I also ordered an Iced Tea- unsweetened jasmine vanilla.
View attachment 447214

The server brought out some bread ( I think it was pomegranate) with an olive oil dipping sauce.
View attachment 447213

For my appetizer I ordered the Duo of Appetizers - Charred Octopus, Spiced Chickpea Falafel. These were both great.
View attachment 447215

For my entree I choose the Surf and Turf - South African Braai Spiced Beef Tenderloin, Seared Scallops, Potato Pave, Grilled Vegetables, Maitake Mushrooms, Dhania Butter, Cola Demi-glacé. I order the tenderloin medium rare. Everything was done perfectly.View attachment 447216

Up next was dessert. I choose the Passion Fruit Tapioca Creme - chocolate crumble, citrus fruits. This was very light and a great ending to the meal.
View attachment 447217

Does the Annapurna zing always come with the lotus light? So pretty. I’m jealous of your eats. I did a solo trip recently and yours puts mine to absolute shame!

 

[OasterP]

Day 5 dinner was at Toledo. It was so convenient to hop on the elevator and go up two floors and have dinner. The restaurant is beautiful. I started with a Tequila Daisy - Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Torres Magdala Naranjas del Mediterranco, Grapefruit, Lime, Hibiscus, Soda Water. This very strong but so good.
View attachment 447230

I ordered ‘Aceitunas’ Marinated Olives - citrus, garlic, crushed red pepper as my appetizer . This was served hot with toasted bread.
View attachment 447231

For my entree I went with the Scallops - favs hummus/olives/harissa vinaigrette/roasted carrots/yogurt powder. These were delicious. Everything was cooked perfectly and worked well together.
View attachment 447233

I asked for dessert to go. I ordered ‘The Toledo Tapas Bar’ - A progressive dessert tasting with the flavors of Spanish coffee, crunchy chocolate, raspberry mousse, and lemon curd.
View attachment 447232
View attachment 447234

Everything you had here looks amazing to me, and I'm not even hungry! Sounds like a great trip!

 

[HolRae]

Does the Annapurna zing always come with the lotus light? So pretty. I’m jealous of your eats. I did a solo trip recently and yours puts mine to absolute shame!

Yes I think it does. I read a report somewhere that said you could request it without and they would take a couple dollars off the price. The drink was included with the dining plan so I did not ask about it.