Mouse Extra

The folks over at Epcot have decided to try to take better advantage of water side dining. For many years, the only eatery on the water was the Rose & Crown and the counter service in Mexico. Well, we now have a new table service spot in Mexico, La Hacienda de San Angel.

I had heard some mixed reviews of the place before going so I had some trepidation. The menu is somewhat limited and well, a tad pricey. But hey, what isn’t at the Mouse. I looked over the menu and saw some interesting choices. The appetizers looked good. And they had tequila flights.

I have to say that I really liked the place. First of all, the decor is light and pleasant. There is plenty of window space and even people farther away from the windows are seated higher to offer a decent view of the water and perhaps Illuminations. The queso fundido was a touch salty but over all pretty good. However, I really liked the mixed grill that I shared with my wife. And at about 50 bucks, it was not a bad deal. Plus, there was plenty. The steak was solid, but I really enjoyed both the chicken and chorizo.

Of course, I also had the tequila flight which might have helped to make the experience more enjoyable. There were also numerous specialty margaritas similiar to the ones over at La Cava del Tequila, another personal favorite.

As a side note, the restaraunt provides overflow seating for the counter service during lunch hours. We enjoyed a seat there during one rather hot day for lunch. It was a pleasantly cool spot. In any event, count me as one reviewer who very much enjoyed the new spot on the lagoon and I hope Disney continues in this direction.

Cinderella’s Happily Ever After dinner located at 1900 Park Fare in the Grand Floridian is a royal character buffet featuring Cinderella, the Prince, Lady Tremaine, Drucilla, and Anastasia. A definite dining experience for children of any age.

This is certainly an entertaining character meal for kids and adults. When the snobbish Lady Tremaine greets your table you can’t help but laugh; and while the always sincere Cinderella may be the most photogenic of the bunch, the evil step sisters steal the show.

The buffet line up includes culturally diverse choices from around the world. If one so desired they could make four trips up to this buffet without having the same thing twice. I know I did. The buffet is set up not in the typical manner with all salads, sides, pastas etc. grouped in one spot. Instead, the items are separated by cuisine style. For example, the Nicoise salad can be found near the beef bourguignon and the edamame salad is next to the stir fry selection. Highlights include the numerous salads and soups including their famous chilled strawberry soup.

My family felt that out of all of the character meals we have tried, this was one of the better ones. The food and the step sisters are worth the price ($40+ for adults, $20+ for children).

Today’s posting is from Brooke, contributing writer to Mouse Extra

One of my favorite types of coffee in the world is Kona coffee. I can drink that stuff all day (and often do). So, it should be no surprise that at Walt Disney World I am going to try to get the stuff at least once during a vacation. Lets be honest, the only thing rarer than a good cup of coffee at the Mouse is a good slice of pizza.

At the Kona Cafe in the Polynesian Resort, you can get a great pressed pot of Kona coffee. You can also get a terrific assortment of brekfast foods. I am a big fan of the macadamian pineapple pancakes and the tonga toast (think banana stuffed into french toast). To me, there is no better way to start a morning before traipsing around the Magic Kingdom. You can also try such dishes as the Big Kahuna (which is basically everything on the menu) and the Samoa (sort of like Eggs Benedict).

The Polynesian Resort mixes a beautiful setting with great food

But, it does not stop at breakfast. Dinner is fantastic here. The rolls served before your meal are tremendous. The macadamian butter is to die for. I love the pan asian noodles. Other items that meet high praise are the steak with pineapple glaze, the cocunut almond chicken and the sticky wings appetizer. Even picky eaters who might not want to try exotic items will be ok here. When Disney des ethhic foods, they tend to tone it down for the american guest. It seems work well here. 

The Kona Cafe makes a fine choice for lunch, as well. Its a great way to escape the maddening crowds at the Magic Kingdom for a few hours. The resort is beautiful, once of the most enjoyable at the Mouse. Plus, the food is far better than anything in the park. Many of the exceptional dinner items are present for lunch.

Recently, the good folks at the Be Our Guest Podcast did a review of the Kona Cafe. Mike from that show said that the Kona Cafe is his personal favorite restaurant at WDW. And I tend to agree with him. Its right there in my top 5 with places like Boma and Teppan Edo.

Just remember to get the coffee.

Today’s posting is from Mike, contributing writer to Mouse Extra

It wasn’t long ago that I raved about the value for your dollar that can found while dining at Trail’s End.  The buffet at the Fort Wilderness Campground received more praise from me than just about any other dining destination at Walt Disney World.  But things have changed a bit, and my view isn’t quite what it once was. Read the rest of this entry »

Located next door to the 50s Prime Time Cafe (in fact, they share bathrooms) is the Hollywood & Vine buffet restaurant. The design of the place is that of a 50s diner. A CM with one of those old-fashioned paper hats, checks you in out front. Then, you must wait to be called and there can often be a significant wait even if you have a reservation. Read the rest of this entry »

Located at the intersection of Sunset and Hollywood Boulevards is the signature restaurant of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Hollywood Brown Derby. The place certainly produces the feel of the classic hollywood look. You half expect Bogart to come out of the mens’ room or bump into Errol Flynn waiting for a table. I suppose they would have to be wearing mouse ears, but still the look is there. Its thematically perfect. Read the rest of this entry »