EPCOT’s China Pavillion: Nine Dragons Resaurant

EPCOT seems to be the Disney Park with the most choices and variety of places to eat. The World Showcase offers very authentic dining experiences from each of the 11 countries showcased. The Nine Dragons Restaurant in the China Pavillion provides guests with a calming atmosphere and delicious meals.

Walking into the low lit building we instantly noticed that the loud noises and hustle of an always moving area were eliminated. The dark wood with colored glass features and the classical music gave a real calm feel. This was a nice break from a hot day.

The food that is featured here is just amazing. The two entrees featured above are a barbecue pork rice bowl and fried rice bowl. Both of these meals are served in a giant bowl and you would have to very, very hungry to finish it all. The rice had a ton of flavor and the meat was savory and tender. Another great entree that is very good and plentiful is the sweet and sour chicken with steamed rice. We must comment on the service we received on our many times here. They are excellent, your glass will never be empty and they are very appreciative and thankful for your business.

If you don’t want to or just don’t have time for a sit down meal there is an outside quick service that offers many of the same meals but more of a lunch sized serving of it. Nine Dragons Restaurant is a must do for us when we go to the World Showcase.

Thank you for reading and enjoy!!

PD

Non-Park Days at WDW – For Adults

Tags

Contemporary Resort, Dining, Disney

Sometimes you have a 7 day vacation but only 5 days worth of park passes. What to do with that down time? There are several great adventures you can get into for adults!

1. Monorail Crawl – Stop by each of the three resorts on the Resorts Monorail Line for an adult beverage or two and a snack. At the Grand Floridian, stop by the Mizner’s Lounge for a Pino Grigio (or latte) with an Orange Chocolate Biscotti. The Polynesian is a great place for the Kalua Pork Tacos and Rosita’s Margarita (or the NA Schweitzer Falls). Then onto the Contemporary’s Wave Lounge for some soft pretzels and dip along with a Jameson Irish Coffee (or a Sparkling No-Jito). Make sure you have reservations and a designated driver!

2. Disney Springs – Between dining, shopping and entertainment, this is one stop you want to make time for. There are fun dining experiences (Rainforest Café and T-Rex) and some fine dining establishments (The Boathouse and Portobello Country Italian Trattoria) and grab and go spots (Wolfgang Pucks and Earl of Sandwich) that will satisfy every guests appetite and wallet. As far as shopping goes, they have the largest Disney store and also small specialty stores. If you want to buy it and it’s Disney, chances are good you’ll find it here. Entertainments is varied. You can bowl, listen to live music or even watch the acrobats at Cirque Du Soliel. All fun and all right there.

3. Stay at the resort – Why leave, there’s plenty to do! We recently spent the day lounging around Port Orleans Riverside. We filled up our cups and headed over to Ol’ Man Island. Yes we went down the slide – you should try it! We had a light lunch of sandwiches and chips at the Muddy Rivers Pool Bar (along with a white sangria for me). We then changed and took a walk around to the French Quarter for a beignet at the Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory. They are a must! Time for a break and wait for the movie to begin (Big Hero Six). We could have gone for a bike ride or fishing but we were taking it slow, maybe next time!

PD

Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria

Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria

With it’s three wood-burning ovens, you will definitely find a real authentic Italian feel here. The décor is quaint and the atmosphere is loud and boisterous. It works here. We spoke with the manager from the Patina Restaurant Group and he was so enthusiastic about the cuisine and the staff. Nice to hear that.

My husband had the Carciofi Pizza, which is made with artichoke, fontina and mozzarella cheeses and truffle oil, no red sauce. The individual size is a large 12 inch pie. This was made to order and served fresh out of the oven. Very savory and way too much for one person (although Joe rolled away from the table).

I had the Piatti Alla Parmigiana – Tortino di Melanzane (Eggplant parm with roasted potatoes). It was nice not to have the eggplant over the usual pound of pasta! The eggplant itself was thinly sliced and lightly breaded. No heaviness at all here. The sauce was incredible! Not a huge portion but it was more than enough!

My niece had the Piatti Alla Parmigiana- Pollo (Chicken parm with roated potatoes). The chicken breast was butterflied and flattened. The breading again was light and crispy without being greasy. This also came with the roasted new potatoes which are lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, oregano and olive oil. This was delicious.

For desert we had the Tiramisu, Zeppole di Caterina and Pistachio Gelati e Sorbetto. Let’s just say that the Zeppole should be illegal! Probably one of the best deserts ever. The gelato was creamy and had a nutty brittle topper and the tiramisu was as good as any I’ve had. You could definitely share  – if you had to.

The prices are a little high but worth it in my opinion. I will definitely be visiting again!

Hidden Disney – Although the names of the three ovens are after actual volcanos in Italy (Etna, Vesuvio and Stromboli), the faces were inspired by Pinocchio’s misadventures on Pleasure Island. No Jiminy Cricket sightings, unfortunately!

PD

Top 5 Countries to explore in Epcot’s World Showcase

Epcot’s World Showcase has a total of 11 countries or pavilions featured inside the park. Each country is staffed by castmembers from their respective country so its like taking a mini vacation around the world. But here is a list of the top 5 countries I feel you should spend more time exploring.

5. Morocco

Morocco is probably the most accurate country in World Showcase. Back when Morocco was being built King Hassan II send Moroccan artists to design and create all the mosaics that can be seen in the pavilion. Interesting fact about Morocco is that the pavilion does not light up during illuminations because of religious reasons.  Take a walk around the pavilion and see the small maze of shops located on the side and rear. Be sure to stop at the Tangierine Cafe and grab some Baklava.

4. Japan

The beauty of Japan is the small things that you need to get up close to see.  First stop listen to the Taiko drummers and then take a walk along the left side of the pavilion to explore the koi ponds and the monkey puzzle trees. When your done visiting the fish take a walk into Mitsukoshi Department Store and you will see many interesting Japanese Souvenirs for sale. Be sure to try some of the snacks like Shrimp Chocolate or if that’s not your style head to the back and visit the Sake Tasting Bar.

3. China

Fans of Mulan will be able to find Mulan available for meet and greet here, but take some time walking the grounds and especially visiting the Terracotta Army. These replica figures are from around 210 BC but only discovered in 1974. The foot bridges, water features and bambo groves give you a sense of calm on the right side of the pavilion. You can also check out the Reflections of China film which is 360 degrees showing your the beauty and wonders of China.

2. France

Before you explore France you should grab yourself a Grey Goose Grand Marnier Slush. This will quench your thirst while you explore the romanticized version of Paris.  For those who love ice cream be sure to visit L’Artisan des Glaces for 16 flavors of ice cream and sorbet. France has some beautiful gardens and you can meet Belle and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast there as well.

1. Mexico

Mexico is number 1 for many reasons. First of all once you step inside the pyramid it is always nighttime. The first thing you will notice is the street vendors located in the middle of the building. Here you can grab some souvenirs from Mexico and even try on a sombrero. Next on the left hand side in the back you will notice a boat attraction you can ride. It’s called the Grand Fiesta Tour starring the 3 Caballeros. While on this journey through Mexico you will notice people eating dinner on the banks of the indoor river. That’s the San Angel Inn restaurant which features authentic Mexican cuisine. Before you leave be sure to visit La Cava Del Tequila for incredible tasting Margaritas or some shots of Tequila.

Honorable Mention?

This actually goes to Germany. To be honest I spend more time in Germany than any other pavilion. Eating at the Biergarten is a must do for me on every trip. I love to listen to the Oompah band and throw back and yard of beer while devouring German sausage. The pavilion itself has some great shops to explorer from the Wine tastings to the room with all the expensive German Christmas ornaments. And last to mention is the great Werther sweet shop to grab one of my favorite snacks,  the caramel popcorn with Werthers.

So in conclusion While I have Mexico at number 1 I think personally I would make Germany and Mexico a tie in my book.

What are your favorites or what stands out at these countries that I missed?

Olivia’s Cafe at Old Key West

Tags

Dining, disney dining plan, old west

Olivia’s Café at Old Key West

I’ll admit it, I go to these fantastic restaurants partly because I love checking out the resorts! They are so unique and beautifully themed  that they would stand alone anywhere but in WDW you have such over abundance of options. You can go from Victorian era grandeur to Flavors of Africa and then onto some fried chicken and ribs along with the show at a western show.

Olivia’s Café feels like going to a Mom & Pop diner at the seashore. It’s not overly grand and it’s not trying to be. It’s kitschy and nautical. There are pictures of families who have enjoyed the resort hanging on the walls like regulars and keepsakes lovingly framed. The staff is dressed appropriately for area (Old Key West, of course) in khakis and Hawaiian shirts.

The food, however is not just casually put together. The presentation as well as the flavors really stand out. Definitely makes an impression. I had the Seven Mile Sea Scallops and cannot wait to have it again. The scallops were lightly grilled and placed over polenta that was extra creamy. Olive oil tossed asparagus peeks out from under and crispy prosciutto tops off the dish to perfection.