Near Spur-of-the-Moment Trip Day 5: Downtown Disney, Kona Cafe, and Il Mulino
This trip has been unusual in a couple of respects. First, I didn’t go to MK until the fourth day of the trip. Second, I didn’t go to Downtown Disney until the fifth day of the trip, that is, until today. I typically go to DD within the first few minutes of any trip to WDW and to MK within a day or two at latest. Perhaps because of Perry being at Epcot or because MK isn’t my wife’s favorite park or because I’m to the age where I prefer not fighting the heavy crowds, MK was pushed farther down the priority list.
But that doesn’t explain DD. Whatever the reason, I decided to remedy this situation by spending a good portion of the day shopping.
But, first things first: breakfast, and not just any breakfast: Tonga Toast at Kona Café. Kona is one of those spots that seems to be well-respected by Disney aficionados, but largely overlooked by the casual visitor. We had reservations for 8:00, but changed them to 9:10 in order to practice the important art of laziness. At 9:05,we walked to the counter and were seated within another 5 minutes.
My wife had planned on ordering the French toast. After placing her order, I prevailed upon her – nice guy that I am – to go for the Big Kahuna instead. With this latter, she could sample a wide variety of Kona favorites, including what turned out to be her favorite: macadamia pineapple pancakes (the included French toast, no so much). The pancakes were so light that even without the delicious toppings, they would be a tasty treat; but the combination of fluffy pancake, macadamia nuts, and pineapple – seemingly made from fresh pineapple – makes for a special morning.
My choice was no less inspired. The Tonga Toast – banana-stuffed French toast made with sourdough bread and glazed with cinnamon to the uninitiated – is such a rich item that I order it only on occasion; but, when I do, it’s definitely a treat. This morning was no exception, with the sweet sausage side a satisfying counterpoint. I’m not a coffee drinker, heretic that I am, so drank the nectar of the gods: a combination of orange, passion fruit, and guava juices aptly named Lilikoi Juice (“aptly named” if Lilikoi means “mmmm!!!”).
Stuffed, I waddled from the premises, ready to expend my new-found energy in serious walking. First, though, we stopped to check on Perry. I won’t gross you with the details – strange that we humans, supposedly superior to our canine friends, spend our time contemplating, discussing, and otherwise obsessing over their stool, while they seem to care nothing about the condition of ours – but suffice it to say we left concerned and agreed to have the kennel personnel give him some Imodium.
We returned to POFQ and boarded a boat to Downtown Disney. The weather this week has been very pleasant, warm, but at times slightly cool, and nothing like the oppressive heat inexorably heading toward central Florida within a few weeks. So the boat ride was very nice. The captain wasn’t talkative; I remember captains in times past regaling us with stories of the river (no pirates, but, at least, tree houses). This time, though, there was virtually nothing. The tree houses were there, though, better than ever. The captain for the return trip said little, too, but did note that the 60-something tree house villas are nearly complete (May or June), are three bedrooms, house nine people, and are DVC, if I remember correctly. They look very good, with a new dock for boats.
Soon we were at Downtown Disney. I won’t describe every shop, but we had a good time. Unfortunately, the balloon – which rises 400 feet in the air for what must be an incredible view – was grounded due to high winds. We had walked all the way from one end to the other, so took the boat back to where we had started, and rode back to POFQ for a well-deserved nap.
Following the nap, we checked on Perry – his stool was better; aren’t you happy I told you? – and then drove to The Boardwalk. My Tonga Toast had taken up residence in my belly, so I wasn’t too hungry; but my wife, all 94 pounds of her, as the metabolism of a hummingbird, so was starving. I had hoped to score entry to Spoodles, but the line was very long, so gave up. Instead, we walked to the entrance to Epcot, then decided to take the boat all the way to the Swan and check out a new restaurant: Il Mulino New York Trattoria. I was wearing short – no diner should be subjected to such a sight – but was admitted post haste (probably so that I’d be seated before the retching began).
So how was the meal? Excellent. The Caesar Salad – Insalata Caesar for those of you who speak only Italian – was one of the best Caesars I’ve had in a long time. It’s so hard to get a good Caesar anymore, it seems (stupid Salmonella), so I was very pleased. I wasn’t terribly hungry, so ordered a ravioli with ricotta and a tomato sauce; my wife ordered the Tortellini All Panna (meat tortellini with peas and a cream sauce). The cream sauce really tasted like cream and was wonderful, if understated. We spurned dessert being so full, but the server treated us to a complimentary Limoncella, a sweet liqueur.
We then drove back to Epcot and checked on Perry. He seems better.
Tomorrow we switch hotels to Coronado Springs. I will miss POFQ, my petite mistress of the Sassagoula River.
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