Day 11 – Festival of Fantasy | Part 8 | Dine Around Disney 2014

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Magic Kingdom; Cinderella’s Royal Table (Character Breakfast); Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe (Counter Service); Festival of Fantasy Parade; California Grill (Signature Dining); Wishes

Dine Around Disney 2014 Trip Report Index! (And here is the Pre-Trip Report!)
All the photos for this day are on my Flickr. Full Florida 2014 collection of photos here!

August 24th, 2014 | …Continued from Part 7…

After a couple of hours rest, we got ready for our dinner reservation at California Grill at the Contemporary. We’d marked it down as our anniversary dinner – just a few weeks late A heads up if driving to Contempo – stay in the far right lanes when you go through the toll gate, so that you don’t miss the exit for it. We’ve done this in the past and had to drive ALL the way back around, and it’s not a short trip!

We were looking forward to our meal here as heard good things about the restaurant. We were also excited to be able to watch Wishes. We got there a bit early so as to request a table by the window – they were happy to meet our request, and we waited in the bar lounge whilst they got a table ready.

Whilst waiting, I had a Pina Colada, and Steve and Liam had a coke – we paid out of pocket for them (around $15 with tip). We were soon called to our table which was covered in Mickey confetti, and given our menus.

And the view from our table was outstanding!

All signature dining seems to start out with a bread basket, with a flavoured butter. I should have written dwon what each one was in each restaurant, but I forgot…

When it comes to the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan at a table service restaurant you are entitled to one appetizer, one entrée, one dessert and one non-alcoholic beverage per person (usually refillable) Signature restaurants are 2 credits per person.

In all honesty, this was so long ago now, and my notes from our last few days in Orlando were, uhm, zero, so I don’t remember too much detail of the food any more. I’m certain it was very good though, our server was very attentive and chatty, and we liked it enough to book to go back on our next trip. Here’s what we had…

Appetizers…

Me: Oshizushi – tuna-avocado tempura, salmon-tobiko tartar, chili-soy glaze ($24)

Him: Yuzu-Marinated Sashimi – yellowfin tuna, salmon, izumidai, hamachi, wasabi oil ($24)

The Boy: Dragon Roll – spicy and tataki tuna, shrimp tempura, avocado, dragon sauce, hijiki shirataki salad ($25)

The food presentation was wonderful, and the sushi and sashimi that we had was very good too. Liam attempted sushi, but wasn’t a fan – it means hubs and I shared his app.

As we finished our appetizers, we saw the Electric Water Pageant float by on Seven Seas Lagoon – not the best photos I’m afraid!

Entrées…

Me: Lamb Porterhouse – lemon-roasted artichokes, fregola, Marcona almonds, sun-dried tomato vinaigrette ($49)

Him: Bison Tenderloin – Benzinger olive oil potatoes, candied rhubarb, Vidalia onions, Madeira fig demi-glace ($50)

The Boy: Oak-Fired Filet of Beef – heirloom tomato risotto, baby vine tomatoes, tiny basil, tomato butter ($49)

The meats were tender and full of flavour, and some unusual accompaniments too which made for very interesting dishes.

Desserts…

Me: Sundae Sampler – unique and playful sundaes with a nostalgic twist: Frangelico toffee, reverse root beer float, and banana split ($13)

Him: Seasonal “Backyard Barbecue” Tasting – Walrhona chocolate and smoked marshmallow s’mores, strawberry shortcake with sweet cream, and spiked cherry-lime mojito ($13)

The Boy: Chocolate Pudding Cake – luscious chocolate cake with Nutella filling, meringue kisses, and Chantilly cream ($14)

I had already seen desserts going out with mini bottles on the plate, and I said to Steve “I MUST have THAT!” and so, despite the fact that I don’t like root beer, I did, cos I like cute little bottles!!

As we were celebrating our anniversary, they also added a congratulations chocolate to both mine and Steve’s dessert plates.

As our desserts arrived, Wishes began – the restaurant dimmed down the lights and piped the music in. Rain had started to fall, and I’m glad we were inside watching them from such a fantastic vantage point! Seeing them from up here, we couldn’t believe quite how far behind Cinderella Castle the fireworks go off from!

California Grill

Bill Total: $277.97 (6 Credits) {Tip: $52.20}

DxDDP Running Totals: Bill: $3423.04 | Credits: 100/126 | Tips: $478.23

It really was a perfect ending to a perfect day!

Read about the day before:
DAY 10 – Hellfire:
Villain’s Unleashed; Hollywood Brown Derby (Signature Dining); Rosie’s All-American Cafe (Counter Service); Fantasmic

Read about the day after:
Day 12 – The Lion Sleeps Tonight:
Animal Kingdom; Tusker House (Character Lunch); Jiko The Cooking Place (Signature Dining) « Coming soon!

Read ALL the days!

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