Be Our Guest Review

Location: Magic Kingdom
Type: Counter Service
Rating: 5 Stars

This trip I made my second visit to Be Our Guest. I don't really like french cuisine so I don't have much interest in eating there for dinner. Back in 2013, we had to wait in line for 30-45 minutes to eat lunch.

It was actually the reservation we had the hardest time getting. It does suck having to make reservations for a counter service restaurant but it was worth it. We checked in and walked right on into the Beast's castle. Several people were trying to get in without reservations and were basically being turned away.

The ordering process was very easy and my food arrived fairly quickly. I got the carved turkey sandwich with pomme frites and the Master's cupcake for dessert. I don't normally get dessert at a counter service restaurant, but I needed to try the gray stuff.

Obviously.

My dad got the Croque monsieur with pomme frites and the Master's cupcake. My step-mom got the roast beef sandwich with greens and the eclair a l'orange for dessert. Unfortunately, I didn't ask about their food, but they did say they really liked it.

I loved my sandwich. Why else would I get it again? The turkey is moist and flavorful. The dijonaise and onions add a nice kick. I could use more of both, but I'm a huge fan of raw onion and mustard.

Then, there's dessert.

Denise got the eclaire a l'orange which she enjoyed, but that doesn't matter. What's really important is the grey stuff. Dad and I both got the Master's cupcake which is topped with the gray stuff. This cupcake was fantastic. The actual cake part was fluffy and just chocolatey enough. And the gray stuff was light but flavorful enough. They worked together and separately.

The theming in this restaurant is probably some of the best. It really feels like you stepped into Beauty and the Beast the movie. We've eaten in the West Wing before and it is very well done. I recommend checking it out, but it is kind of dark in there. It makes sense with the theming, but I personally don't like dark restaurants.

This time we ate in the room with the music box. The theming in here is more subtle but equally beautiful. I've never eaten in the ballroom. It's a very awe-inspiring room and I would like to eat there someday, but I'm always afraid it will be super loud.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

All-Star Movies Review

During my last trip to Disney, I stayed at All-Star Movies. My family was more of a Moderate or Deluxe group growing up because we were a family of 5.

I picked Movies because it was cheapest and has the most appeal to me. I stayed in a standard room and requested a king bed in the Mighty Ducks' section. My requests were granted.

My room was in the back of the building. It wasn't anything special to look at, but that is fine by me. Plus, it was really quiet. I was maybe a five-minute walk from the food court and busses. That isn't bad and I wouldn't pay for a preferred room because it isn't worth it. I was also really close to the food court for All-Star Music. Some nights I took advantage of this and would ride the Music bus if it came first.

I can't speak to the size of the room if it had two beds, but it was perfect with the one king. There was enough room for me to stretch if needed. And there was a decent amount of storage. I especially like the little peg hooks on the wall.

The room was in great condition. It's also a little bland, but all I was doing was sleep so that doesn't bother me.

And the bed. It was probably the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in. It was soft but not too soft. I got some great nights of sleep in that bed.

The theming is very dramatic, but that's what appeals to kids. And me. I loved seeing massive hockey masks or dalmatians. They even extend the themeing to the sidewalks in the different areas.

The food court was pretty standard. I usually just got a drink with my refillable mug and a cheese danish. That's because I didn't want to wait for a hot meal and I really like cheese danishes. Most of the time it was hopping with people and they seemed to be enjoying themselves.

I was happy with my stay at All-Star Movies and I would gladly visit again.

Have you ever stayed here? What was your experience?

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical "Review"

Location: Fort Wilderness
Type: Dinner Show
Rating: 5 Stars

Haha...see what I did there?

Horrible attempts at word play.

The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is a family tradition and a must do for me. I'm actually not the biggest fan of the food, but it's a personal preference thing not because of the quality.

This is a family-style all you can eat food situation. You can also have your choice of drink including beer and sangria.

Plus, it's a muscial dinner show with tons of corny humor.

The show follows the Pioneer Hall Players which is made up of three "couples". They sing, dance, and interact with the audience. It's very funny and it still gets me even though I've seen the show almost 10 times. My favorite parts are when the cast comes off stage and jokes with the crowd.

It's definitely a bunch of campy and corny humor. Kid's will like it because the jokes are accessible. This style is definitely my things, but everytime I see the show the audience is lovoing it. So, it's not just me.

The food is fried chicken and ribs with some sides. Usually there's cornbread with honey butter, baked beans, corn, and mashed potatoes. Then, there's strawberry shortcake for dessert.

I don't like fried chicken and ribs, but my family usually likes it. I love the cornbread. This last trip I think I ate a whole loaf by myself. The mashed potatoes were creamy and delicious. Last time the corn looked wierd but tasted fine.

Obviously I like carbs.

Normally, the strawberry shortcake is a favorite, but not this last trip. It was kind of dray and underwhelming.

The waitstaff is always great. They are also funny and full of puns. I love that they keep the show alive and carry the theming even when the cast is gone.

Yes, this is kind of pricey, but I think it's worth it. You get good food and a wonderful show. It always makes me happy and I wish I could be one of the Pioneer Hall Players. Dream job.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Crystal Palace Lunch Review

Location: Magic Kingdom
Type: Table Service (Buffet)
Rating: 5 Stars

On this most recent trip, I had lunch at the Crystal Palace. It was a Sunday and our reservations were at 1:30 PM. I have eaten here before but not in a few trips and only for breakfast. So, it was sort of a new experience. And I was traveling with my dad and stepmom.

We checked in just before 1:30 and were seated in about 10 minutes. It was crowded, but they were cranking people through.

Our waiter (I wish I could remember his name) was amazing. He was friendly and fast, but would talk to the people at his tables. Maybe he was from up north because he had a very New York frantic energy about him. Being from the north that doesn't bother me at all. My only complaint-he kept bringing me sweet tea. I know it's a weird thing to complain about. And it's not really a complaint at all. He would bring me a new tea whenever I was like half-way done. I just ended up drinking a lot more than I normally would.

The food was delicious and definitely seasoned. The broccoli I had was very garlicky and the mashed potatoes had a lot of pepper. It wasn't too much for me, but it was pretty aggressive.

I got the ziti with meatballs from the kids' buffet and I loved it-especially the meatballs. The salad bar was diverse and also delicious. I got the caesar salad and Mediterranean salad.

Typically, I don't eat a lot of meat just because I don't really like the taste. But my parents partook of the meat carving stations. They got several kinds (sorry I don't remember which ones) but they raved about them.

For the most part, the dessert was good. The brownie was kind of dry so I only had one bite. Such a disappointment. The key lime pie and sugar-free raspberry tart were OK and would have been better if they were chilled. But the cheesecake was amazing. I am a cheesecake person, but normally it's so rich that I can't eat a lot. This was perfect. The flavors blended well and weren't too heavy or rich. I wanted to eat another piece when I finished.

Now, onto the characters. I'm not a huge character interaction person. I'm just awkward because I don't know what to do. At Crystal Palace, you meet Winnie the Pooh and friends. So, there was Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and Tigger. Just like the waitstaff they got around fast but gave time to the people and kids who wanted to do more. Tigger is always a crazy one to meet and this was no exception.

The character handlers were also great. They took pictures for you and would take several. I also saw a couple do things to make the kids smile in their pictures.

I really enjoyed my time at The Crystal Palace. The characters were entertaining and the food was delicious. Now don't get me wrong, it is expensive. You can find good food for a lower price, but if you are willing to spend the money I recommend it.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Day 9, Part 3: Now, it's time to say good-bye

It was around 11 and we needed lunch so we headed to Columbia Harbor House. We've never eaten here before because we aren't really fish people-especially my dad and I.

So, I got chicken nuggets and an Arnold Palmer slushie. I was also feeling a little crazy so I got the chocolate cake. I'm really a wild lady!

We heard that it's good to sit upstairs and people watch so that's what we did. The food was very good and it was a nice, cool, and quiet in there. The slush was good but could've used more tea.

Then it was time to mosey on out of Magic Kingdom. Good-Bye and See you soon-hopefully.

Denise wanted to stop at the Grand Floridian to do some shaping so we took a boat there. .I really just sat down and caught up on my trip notes. I was tired and really needed a nap. It was really hot and humid which I think I took out my energy.

Magical Express was picking us up around 2:10. We rested at the Poly in the lobby for about an hour. I took some last-minute pictures.

2397, 3311, 3314, 3320, 

My dad talked to the DVC guy about the new Wilderness Lodge DVVC and he said that they were doing tours of the Poly bungalows.

Unfortunately, the next one was at 2 so we couldn't go. If only we knew earlier in the week. It would have been nice to see them in person.

Our Magical Express was on time. I took a nap-finally-so it felt like we were at MCO in no time.

We learned we were TSA pre-checked so going through security was a breeze. It's always nice to get that but especially at MCO. And we were settled at our gate by 3:30.

I was sad to be leaving, but it was a great trip and I wasn't as sad as I normally would be.

Steps walked: 12,797
Miles Travvelled: 7.23

Thanks for reading!
Holly