Thanks for all the positive feedback!
Now on with the reviews...
DAY FOUR
Today we wanted to do some shopping at DTD, so we decided where else would we eat lunch but Earl of Sandwich! Now I went here two years ago and I absolutely loved this place. I thought the sandwiches were fresh and the potato salad was very yummy! I was hoping that we would have this experience again.
When we got there it was really crowded (about 12:30-ish). I also noticed there were lots of 'suits' there and I figured they may have come from the Hilton or one of the other DTD Hotels since its just a short walk away. We got on line (which moved quickly), and were trying to figure out what exactly you were allowed to get as a 'dessert' with the dining plan. I wasn't really in the mood for something sweet so I was hoping that I could get chips. Well, when you get up to the register there is a sign and it reads: '
Disney Dining Plan Guests may choose from any of our sandwiches, a cookie, brownie, or muffin for dessert, and a fountain drink'.
Now, I found this place to be the LEAST accomodating restaurant (both counter and table service) to the dining plan. I am thinking because it is not Disney owned (it isn't, right?). If it is, then I am wondering why they are so strict there. I mean obviously, I can see people trying to take advantage ordering their homemade ice cream sandwiches or a side like potato salad. But for them to not offer chips as a dessert was kind of strict to me. Anyways, I ended up ordering a tuna melt, choc chip cookie (seeing a pattern here?), and an iced tea. I am bringing up the iced tea because I remember it being particularly good here. Or maybe I was just thirsty, but I really enjoyed it!
OK, so the tuna melt. It was rather good, the bread was grilled nicely and the cheese was very melty (I think it was swiss), however they put some kind of spice in the tuna that I did not care for at all. I couldn't put my finger on it, so I don't know for sure what it was, but I didn't really like it. However, minus that spice, this was a pretty good sandwich. I would suggest paying extra for soup or potato salad as the sandwiches didn't seem to fill us up that much. We were having an early dinner, so for us it was fine, but if you are hungry I don't think it will cut it. The cookie, of course was delicious!!
So, about that early dinner...We were booked at Hollywood & Vine for a 4:40 ressie with the FDP. We did FDP last year at Mama Melrose (which I disliked intensly), and I figured a buffet would suit both of our tastes. Plus I had read the menus on the DIS and other sites and it seemed they put some different and unique dishes out on the buffet so I figured, hey lets give it a try!
Before I get on with the review I want to state that I don't like Disney's policy with the FDP about people having to eat early. It makes me a little upset. I understand that Fantasmic starts at 9, and people need to get a good seat (even in the 'special section'--which I will comment on later), but I don't really enjoy eating my dinner so early, so I don't know why I can't just take the chance and eat a little later (5:40 would have been acceptable to me!)
OK, so we got the Hollywood & Vine at 4:38. It was brutally hot that day. There were LOTS of people waiting outside and I thought for sure we were going to be waiting a while. A word of caution - there is no indoor waiting area for this restaurant. Sci-Fi Dine-In has an indoor waiting area, but H&V and 50's Primetime (which are connected) do not seem to have one (although I didn't look inside 50's so I am not 100% sure, but I know H&V didn't have one).
We were actually seated rather quickly and by 5:00 we were ready to attack the buffet. Our waitress was nice, however she was a bit slow. She took our drink order, and didn't come back for a while before she brought our drinks. We also witnessed about 6 empty tables not being sat with still LOTS of people waiting outside...not sure what was going on there that night.
Onto the food...I got some baked salmon, tomato-basil polenta, mashed potatos, a yummy garlic pasta dish, and some ceasar salad. I wasn't impressed with the salad or the polenta, however the salmon and pasta was really good. I think the buffet chages from time to time so I am not sure if these exact dishes will be offered at all times. The ceasar salad was your run of the mill ceasar that they serve all over the parks, nothing that special there. The salmon was spiced with garlic and herbs and it was very tasty. The past was pretty simple with garlic and oil and some herbs, but again very tasty. The tomato-basil polenta didn't excite me. I thought they skimped on the spices here, it didn't have much taste.
For dessert I wasn't too impressed. They had mini cheesecakes, rice krispy treats, and self serve ice cream. It was good, just not much in the way of choice.
This meal was pretty good, but I don't think we will go back. I think that if I am going to go to a buffet, Cape May Clam Bake wins hands down over this one. I am more into the New England style seafood than the home cooking type food offered at this place. It does seem though that for a family with a broad range of tastes, this would be a good choice. The kids section seemed to offer the run of the mill kids foods, mac & cheese, chicken fingers, pizza. While the adults can enjoy some different food offerings.
I know this is a dining review but I have to comment on the FDP and the seating at Fantasmic for it. Like I said before, we did FDP last year too. And while it is extremely convenient in that you don't have to line up 2 hours in advance for a good seat, it really isn't worth it that much because the section they have for the FDP is off to the side. I think that they should at least have a center section reserved for the FDP crowd. OK, I will get off my soap box now...
Sorry there were no pics today, in fact I am not sure if there are anymore food pics. I'll try to throw in some pics of other things (i.e., castle) just to get some visuals. I have to be more conscious of taking pics of my food next time before I go and devour it!
Stay tuned for day five and once again lunch at POFQ food court and dinner at Rose and Crown
