The Remy Experience - Disney Dream

On a recent 3-night sailing on the Disney Dream, I had the opportunity to experience Remy for dinner.  The Disney Cruise Line website touts Remy as “Offering the most luxurious dining onboard, Remy is an adult-exclusive restaurant serving the finest French fare for dinner.”

Excited, and a little nervous to dine outside of my comfort zone, I did a bit of research to be prepared for the evening.  It was a bit of a challenge to find current menus on line – they are constantly changing to reflect trends in fine dining and the freshest ingredients available. 

Now, time for a bit of honesty.  I’m a picky eater.  My husband would say that I’m VERY picky.  I also have a shellfish allergy, but the day of our Remy reservation I went all in with a sense of adventure – committing to at least trying everything presented. 

It was FABULOUS!  Each course surprised me more than the last – beautifully plated, elegantly presented, and each and every guest in the restaurant felt like a VIP.  Dinner wasn’t rushed, but perfectly timed to enjoy every bite as well as conversation with my dining companions.   We enjoyed the live violin played several times throughout the evening by a feature musician as well.

                    

        Dinner: $95 dining charge per person

·         Remy Champagne Brunch: $60 charge per person; $30 charge per person extra when adding the Champagne pairing

·         Remy Dessert Experience: $55 charge per person; $25 charge per person extra when adding the wine pairing

·         Petites Assiettes de Remy: $50 charge per person (includes a wine pairing with each course)

o    This event can only be booked onboard

·         Remy Wine Pairing Experience: $105 charge per person

Dinner

At dinnertime, the following dress code is enforced: 
Men: A jacket (such as a sports, suit or tuxedo jacket) is required, with dress pants/slacks and shoes. Ties are optional. Please no jeans, shorts, sandals, flip-flops or tennis shoes. Jackets are available to borrow if needed.

·         Ladies: Cocktail dress, evening dress, pant suit or skirt/blouse are required. Please no jeans, shorts, capri pants, sandals, flip-flops or tennis shoes.

Now, I have to warn you – I’m going to share my experience and spoil some surprises.  If you prefer to be surprised, stop reading here, call your Travel Planner, and book this amazing experience.  You’ll never be able to do it for a lower cost and what an experience! 

Upon check in, we were escorted into the Maritime Lounge on the Aft of the ship to wait for our table to be ready.  This is a lovely area full of comfortable seating and dark wood – cigars and drinks are available here as well.  We were escorted into the dining room, and shown a bottle of wine in the display that was featured in the movie Ratatouille. We were also greeted by Remy himself perched in one of the crystal light fixtures, and introduced to the sommelier.

The restaurant is beautifully decorated in golds and deep reds, with simple center pieces.  We were seated near the windows just before sunset over the ocean – not many other opportunities to see a sunset like that.  Our service team was spectacular – replacing napkins with alternate colors if they clashed with outfits, and arranging silverware appropriately.  Though I had never dined in a restaurant like this, I didn’t feel out of place or awkward – they walked us through each step kindly and smoothly.

We were given a water menu, sparkling, still, or flat in a wide variety.  Then, our server presented us with a champagne drink, with a touch of candied fruit to increase the bubbles.  What a fun way to start a decadent meal!  We were given the option to select an American Menu, a French-inspired menu, or items ala-carte.  We all selected the American option at the recommendation of our server and she encouraged us to trust the chefs – one the head chef at Victoria and Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian and the other, a chef with 3 Michelin stars.  

Next came the Amuse Buche.  A single spoon was presented, each with a small, bite sized morsel.  Our assistant server explained that it was a tomato soup explosion, and best eaten in one complete bite.  We appreciated the advice and tried it – huge smiles on our faces as we understood what she meant about explosion.  The creamy tomato soup was delightful, and its presentation even more so.

Our next dish was a martini-style glass with a foie gras and hazelnut combination.  I was surprised that this was served warm, but I liked the taste – like a rich soup with a big of sweetness and texture at the bottom from the hazelnuts. 

Next on the menu was the tomato Gelatin.  It was presented with a glass of tomato water and a sauce added after serving.  One of the diners in our group was Gluten free and each course was accommodated for her – in this case, there was no “chips” on the tomatoes and she had separate bread as well.  Multiple types of tomato made up the beautiful plate, but the center “cherry tomatoes” had a jellied consistency and were very interesting. 

I knew the next course was salmon – even though the menu was in French, I could decipher that much.  The salmon came wrapped up with a variety of sauces and a foam on the presentation.  I was surprised it was raw and it looked like a play on sushi.  I don’t love seafood, but I tried it and enjoyed it more than I expected.  Again, the presentation took center stage here and it was just beautiful. 

Following the salmon, we had a halibut filet.  This was perfectly grilled and accompanied by root vegetables and a creamy sauce that was delicious.  It also included toiles as garnish, left off of the plate for my gluten free companion.

Our next course was the “main course” I believe, and it was served under a silver dome, which was later removed in unison by the attentive staff with a flourish. 

This course was Waygu beef from Australia surrounded by different types of onions.  Though Chef recommended medium-rare, everyone at our table opted for medium and really enjoyed this course.  The beef was tender and flavorful – certainly the star of the evening.

After relaxing for a bit, we were offered a selection from the cheese cart.  Our server asked us if we had a preference or preferred for her to prepare a selection of cheeses for us.  We each received a small plate with six cheese options that she explained  - from the regions to the taste, and accompaniments such as honey and dried fruit.  We were able to taste our way around France with her selections and enjoyed this immensely.

Napkins were switched for our final course- dessert!  This hazelnut chocolate dish was delightful, and the gold flakes sprinkled on top added to the decadence of the experience.  My favorite part was the cookie texture of the bottom, but all of us enjoyed this very rich treat.

Several of my dining companions ordered coffee.  We were informed that Chef doesn’t like for coffee to be served without a sweet treat and we were offered a variety of chocolate bark pieces with fruit and nuts, along with small candied cakes and mocha and hazelnut tarts.  I think that we were all too full to try more than a bite, but again they were beautifully presented.  Our gluten free friend was offered gluten free lollipops rather than these chocolate treats.

The chef himself came out to check on our meal and we shared our compliments.  It wasn’t a meal, it was a complete experience and one like most of us had never had before. 

Just before leaving, our service team offered all of us a small box of house made chocolates to share as well as a long stemmed red rose.  The entire experience was just that – an experience for the senses.  The sights, smells, sounds, textures, and above all, the tastes were spectacular and far exceeded my expectations. 

If you enjoy fine dining, Remy is a must try on your next cruise.  This can be reserved during your online check in.  

I'd love to help you plan your next Disney Cruise Line adventure.  My services are 100% to you and I offer exclusive on board credit to all cruise guests - please contact me for details. 

Katie@HiHoVacations.com

Top Ten Fish Extender Gifts for Disney Cruises (and What's a Fish Extender, Anyway?)

Top Ten Fish Extender Gifts for Disney Cruises (and What's a Fish Extender, Anyway?) 

Photo Credit: Heather Tyler

First time cruisers can often be overwhelmed by information as there are so many tips and tricks to having an amazing cruise.  Disney fans often go above and beyond with matching shirts, planned meet ups, special events and more.  Fish Extenders tend to be a more confusing option because of the ambiguity of the name.  Here's the breakdown...

Fish Extender groups are formed on facebook prior to debarkation of the cruise.  This is sort of an organized "secret santa" exchange where guests will purchase gifts to other cruisers and deliver throughout the cruise secretly into holders hung outside the door - often from a metal fish (hence the name "Fish Extender").

Gifts can range from candy to artwork, and it is all up to the giver what they wish to gift.  Usually items are given as a family gift or as individual gift, and can be delivered anytime during the cruise.  Be sure to label your items with a "from" tag as well!  Here are ten ideas for Fish Extender gifts that are both fun and useful.

10. Ornament - who doesn't love ornaments to remember their cruise by?  Keep them simple (and unbreakable) and you may have a winner.  Check out https://www.facebook.com/branchesdesignco/
for reasonable prices and great ideas on custom wooden ornaments.

9. Games - sometimes families find some downtime on a cruise and having a deck of cards or a small game is fun.  There are many versions of Yahtzee on line that you can print, and just include dice.

8. Cups - Because of the complimentary soda on the pool deck, cruisers often like to have bigger cups than the courtesy cups provided.  Sometimes cups are over done, but they can be very useful.

7. Magnets - the doors on cruise staterooms are magnetic.  Adding magnets for customization is fun and helps you find your stateroom quickly!  Lots of ideas here, and inexpensive to make!

6. Beach toys - Most Disney Cruises stop at Castaway Cay, with some of the most beautiful sand you've seen.  Kids love to build sandcastles and watch the waves knock them down, but sand toys are expensive and hard to come by.  Consider shovels or small pails, but be aware of packing room that may be needed.  Beach balls can also be fun!

5. Disney jewelry - most female cruisers enjoy bracelets or necklaces featuring your favorite mouse, but not all.  Lean toward classy rather than flashy for most wear.

4. Bags - from cosmetic bags to tote bags, these are some of the most used items!  Inexpensive, easy to pack and personalize, and always appreciated.

3. Coasters - These are easy to transport (especially the cork coasters) and useful for guests once they're home.  Think twice about ceramic due to packaging and weight.

2. Survival kit - these have come in handy on more than one cruise!  A small package of tissue, tylenol, shout wipe, sewing kit or safety pins, pen or marker, clip with magnet - all helpful to replace forgotten items if necessary!

1. Sundae Kits - sometimes these are overdone as well, but with the complimentary "Eye Scream" on the pool deck, having a small package of cookies, sundae topping, and sprinkles with a disposable bowl and spoon can be a nice change from the cones available on deck.

Regardless of what you choose to give, the other families will love your gifts!  And don't worry if this is overwhelming  - you'll still have a great time without participating!  Overall, very few guests participate, but its one more fun option for your cruise!

Let me know if you have questions - I'd love to help you plan your Disney Adventure!

Katie
katie@hihovacations.com