Most Recent Reviews
Review of Trail's End Restaurant
Reviewed by Tanasigirl Review Date: 09/27/2016
Rating: (9) Recommended
We ate here on September 17, 2016, and it was our first time. We love Ft. Wilderness Campground and this gave us a reason to come by and wander through.
For a buffet, it is the most reasonably priced in WDW. No characters and that's fine with me. Rustic atmosphere with very attentive and pleasant staff. Buck met us at the door and asked if we'd ever eaten dinner with a buffalo. Well, we have now, at least its head.
The food is standard, comfort-food fare. I really liked the fried chicken because the coating was light and crispy. The brisket was great. Ribs were just okay. The mashed potatoes, mac 'n cheese and salads were fine. It is not the huge, expansive menu of most buffets in WDW. They have real brewed iced tea and even sweet tea for us Southerners. A very pleasant surprise.
The only downsides (besides eating too much) were the small area where the food was displayed and the dessert selections. The area was pretty tight most of the evening and although there were tables open and people waiting outside, the staff brought them in incrementally to keep the buffet area from getting unmanageable. At least they were addressing the issue. The desserts, while looking nice, were mostly flavorless. I ended up with the apple pie/cobbler as the better option with ice cream on the side.
It can be a time-consuming commute to enjoy all this food. We were staying in PORS, so we took a bus to the Magic Kingdom and then a boat to the campground. It is a short walk from the marina to the restaurant. Of course, being a beautiful night with a full moon, we had no complaints. Just plan ahead and you'll be fine. Tell Buck we said "hi."
Pros:
Great price for a buffetCons:
Long commuteReview of Kona Cafe Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by Tanasigirl Review Date: 09/27/2016
Rating: (9) Recommended
With ADR, we ate here on September 12, 2016, as we toured our way through the monorail resorts. A favorite first-night pastime. We decided to share two appetizers since the sweet bread and macadamia nut butter cannot be ignored.
We shared our favorites sticky wings and the California Luau roll. The sticky wings have a wonderful Polynesian glaze with just the right amount of mustard drizzled on top. Over time the portion size has gotten smaller, so I think this time we got 5 wings. The sushi was excellent. I had not had this one before with the pineapple included.
The restaurant is on the second floor of the lobby and is open-air, so it can be a bit loud at times. It has never stopped us from coming. Great wait staff and nice atmosphere to enjoy.
We were staying at the PORS, so we took a bus to the Magic Kingdom and then rode the resort monorail around to the Poly. Easy-peasy.
Pros:
Sticky wings!!!Cons:
Can be noisyReviewed by Tanasigirl Review Date: 09/27/2016
Rating: (9) Recommended
We attended our first MNSSHP on Tuesday, September 13, 2016. It was a very low crowd from what I gather, so we had no trouble with lines at all.
We were allowed in the park at 3:45. They move you to the right and you go behind the shops of Main Street for a second to get your treat bag and your first handful of treats. We had a couple of fast passes and an early dinner reservation to keep us busy till the party started at 7.
The monsoon lasted from 5-7, but it didn't slow us down. They canceled the first parade and closed a few rides for lightening. Otherwise, we ran from one ride to the other until the rain finally stopped and the party could begin.
We were not interested in characters or candy stations, just the atmosphere, fireworks, and parade. It was fun to see how elaborate some are with their costumes. We did a little, but just to fit in.
The Happy HalloWishes were tremendous! Loved the Oggie Boogie part. The Headless Horseman and the ghost outside the Haunted Mansion were unable to join us due to the weather, so that was a bit sad. But we watched the Boo to You parade from Frontierland and that was the best thing we did. Much lower crowds and the zombie version of the Dapper Dans was very entertaining.
They list all these restaurants that are to be open, but they don't stay open very long. So, we ended up at Pecos Bill late at night, which is not a favorite.
All in all, a great night for us. We were there from 3:45 pm till about 1 am. If you can do those hours and can keep a chill attitude, it's a lot of fun. We sat up at the train depot from about 12:15 till 12:45 just watching the lighting on Main Street change color.
Oh and go early in the season and in the week like we did. Much more manageable crowds. Boo to you! Happy Halloween!
Pros:
Great parade and fireworksCons:
MonsoonReview of Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar
Reviewed by Tanasigirl Review Date: 09/27/2016
Rating: (9) Recommended
Our first visit was September 14, 2016. It is a small inside bar with more seating outside on the water. We really wanted to sit in the diving bell, so since we got there at opening time, we were able to. Very cute decor telling the adventures of Jock. Even saw Reggie's cage.
My hubby and I shared two appetizers for lunch and the portions were just right. We had the Calimarion (calamari) and it was very well done. We also enjoyed the Rolling Boulder sliders. Great flavor!
It was a quiet day, so a very pleasant stop.
Pros:
Rolling Boulders slidersCons:
NoneReview of Earl of Sandwich
Reviewed by Tanasigirl Review Date: 09/27/2016
Rating: (9) Recommended
We stopped by the Earl on September 13, 2016. Our favorite is the Original (roast beef). Love this sandwich! Ample portion and flavorful. The Earl Grey Lemonade was refreshing and tasty.
It's best to visit in off times because once this place starts filling up, it can run out of seating quickly. But always on our list.
Pros:
The Original 1762Cons:
Busy at timesReview of Riverside Mill Lunch/Dinner
Reviewed by Tanasigirl Review Date: 09/27/2016
Rating: (9) Recommended
We stayed at the PORS September 12-17, 2016 and ate lunch twice at the Riverside Mill. The first time we came when it was slow, so we really enjoyed the atmosphere. The working waterwheel was cool from inside the building.
We shared an Angus Bacon Pimento Cheeseburger with cole slaw the first visit. While really liked the burger, the cole slaw was just average. Plenty for both me and my hubby.
The second visit was different because we came when it was busy and it was really slow and loud. So, we won't do that again. But the BBQ Pork Sandwich with the Housemade Chips cheered us up. They put the cole slaw on the sandwich (by request) otherwise, I wouldn't have gotten it again. But on the sandwich it was fine. I love the chips, so that's a must-do for me.
In short, the food is good, but the atmosphere can change with the crowd size.
Pros:
Pimento CheeseburgerCons:
Crowded at peak timesReview of La Hacienda de San Angel
Reviewed by featheredbuddy Review Date: 09/28/2016
Rating: (10) Recommended
Our food was great. Our waitress was great too. Our steak was tender and cooked to perfection. We had great seats for the fireworks. I was reluctant to try eating here and am so glad I did.
Pros:
Good food Cast members are really nice and helpful.Cons:
noneReview of Kringla Bakeri og Cafe
Reviewed by featheredbuddy Review Date: 09/28/2016
Rating: (10) Recommended
The school bread , troll horn and pretzel are great. The cast members are always very nice year after year.
Pros:
Great foodCons:
noneReviewed by featheredbuddy Review Date: 09/28/2016
Rating: (10) Recommended
The breakfast was very good. Our waitress was great. The experience started our day with a great start. The characters took their time at each table and we never felt rushed.
Pros:
Good food Cast members are really nice and helpful.Cons:
noneReview of Backlot Express
Reviewed by featheredbuddy Review Date: 09/28/2016
Rating: (8) Recommended
The food was much better than last time we were here. The meal was large enough to share.
