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Hey Howdy HAA Everyone!

Welcome back to Happily Adventures After! 

We’re thrilled to have you here for this week’s edition of HAA Disney: Give me a Review. We’re thrilled to have you join us for this week’s edition of HAA Disney: Give Me a Review, your virtual concierge for all things Disney! Just like the “Hey Disney” feature with Alexa at Walt Disney World, we’re here to sprinkle a little magic into your planning. Whether you’re gearing up for a trip to Disney World, Disneyland, or the Disney Cruise Line, or you’re looking to uncover the best dining and hotel options, we’ve got you covered with honest reviews and insider tips.

Today, we’re diving into our experience at Summer House on the Lake in Disney Springs. Spoiler alert: While we were excited for this highly-anticipated dining experience, it didn’t quite go as planned. Let’s dive into all the details!

While we waited, we explored the cookie bar—a delightful little nook offering some sweet treats for those with a sweet tooth. After being seated, we were thrilled to have a table toward the back, providing lovely views of Lake Buena Vista. The atmosphere felt both calm and chic, with a laid-back vibe that fit perfectly with our day.

What We Ordered

For our meal, we decided to try a variety of dishes. Here’s what we enjoyed:

• Appetizer: Truffle Fries with Parmigiano and Aioli – $15.95 USD
• Costa Mesa Salad: Queso Fresco, Corn, Pico de Gallo, Avocado, Quinoa, Crispy Tortilla, Chipotle Crema, Lime Vinaigrette – $18.95 USD
• Buena Vista Cobb Salad: Avocado, Egg, Corn, Cucumber, Tomato, Bacon, Blue Cheese, Herb Vinaigrette – $20.95 USD
• Grilled Tequila-Lime Chicken Tacos: Corn Tortillas, Crunchy Slaw, Salsa Verde, Guacamole – $20.95 USD
• Rigatoni alla Vodka: Peas, Pecorino, Tomato Cream – $21.95 USD
• Mason’s Breakfast for Dinner: silver dollar pancakes, maple syrup, choice of bacon or sausage (add blueberries or chocolate chips) $9.95 USD
  • Our server and the kitchen staff were kind enough to bring pancakes from the kids’ menu for one of us, because someone in our travel party just wanted pancakes! That was very kind.

For dessert, we couldn’t resist trying a little bit of everything:

• Gooey Lemon Cake – $13.95 USD
• Brown Butter Rice Krispy Treat – $4.95 USD
• Brownie – $4.95 USD

To accompany our meal, we ordered two lemonades (approx. $4 each) and a Shirley Temple (approx. $4).

Final Total Cost

• Total Cost Before Discount: $143.85 USD
• Total Cost with 7% Tax: $153.92 USD
• Total Cost After 10% Discount: $138.53 USD
• Total Cost in CAD (1.41 CDN rate): $195.33 CAD

Service

One thing that stood out was the excellent customer service. Our server was attentive, polite, and made sure we had everything we needed. Our server was quick to drink refills, and always brought us extras of anything (ie. napkins, ketchup, etc) when needed. Our server was very personable and oh so kind! We could not have asked for a better server. The kitchen team worked well despite the rain-related rush, and our meal flowed smoothly without long wait times between courses.

The Meal

We were excited to try Summer House On The Lake after hearing great reviews. While the truffle fries were a tasty start and the salads were fresh, the appetizers didn’t particularly stand out. The entrees were the highlight of the meal, with flavourful dishes like pasta, tacos, and pancakes that really impressed us. Unfortunately, the desserts, especially the Gooey Lemon Cake, were too sweet and underwhelming.

Sadly, after leaving, we all felt unwell and experienced food poisoning-like symptoms, which left a sour note on the entire experience. While the ambiance and service were enjoyable, we couldn’t shake the feeling that something went wrong with our meal that night. We hope it was just an off night and would be open to giving it another try in the future.

Overall, the food was decent, but not exceptional, and for the price, it didn’t quite live up to the hype. Despite our hopes, we felt it wasn’t worth the cost.

Pros and Cons of Dining at Summer House On The Lake

Pros:

1. Great Location: Situated in Disney Springs, Summerhouse on the Lake offers picturesque views of Lake Buena Vista, enhancing the dining atmosphere.
2. Charming Ambiance: The restaurant has a lovely, relaxed vibe, making it a nice spot to unwind after a busy day at the parks or resorts.
3. Excellent Customer Service: The staff was attentive and friendly, ensuring a pleasant dining experience despite the busy conditions caused by the weather.
4. Variety on the Menu: The menu features a diverse range of options, including salads, tacos, pasta, and desserts, catering to various tastes.
5. Delicious Desserts: The desserts, particularly the Gooey Lemon Cake, received positive feedback and were a highlight of the meal.

Cons:

1. Delayed Seating: Despite having a reservation, there was a significant wait (about 30 minutes) before being seated, which was frustrating.
2. Underwhelming Food Quality: While the presentation was appealing, many dishes did not meet expectations in terms of flavour and overall satisfaction.
3. Post-Meal Illness: All diners experienced food poisoning shortly after the meal, raising concerns about food safety and quality control.
4. Crowded Indoor Seating: The downpour caused many guests to seek indoor dining, leading to a crowded atmosphere that might detract from the experience.
5. Inconsistency: Given the negative experience related to food safety, there are concerns about the consistency of the dining experience, making future visits uncertain.

Overall Experience

The setting and service at Summer House On The Lake were genuinely lovely, with a warm and inviting ambiance that made for a relaxing meal. The décor added charm, and the friendly staff made sure we felt welcome throughout our visit. It seemed like the perfect place to unwind after a day away from the Walt Disney World parks, and we had high hopes based on glowing reviews from friends and online sources.

Unfortunately, our excitement turned to disappointment as the food quality didn’t meet expectations. While the appetizers and entrees were decent, all three of us experienced stomach discomfort soon after the meal, leading us to believe something was off. While this could have been an isolated incident, it left us hesitant to return. We had hoped to recommend Summerhouse on the Lake, but the negative experience has made us cautious about revisiting in the future.

Overall Rating

2.75 out of 5

We rate Summer House On The Lake a 2.75 out of 5. While we appreciated the inviting atmosphere and commendable service, our experience was marred by food quality and subsequent illness. The lovely ambiance created high expectations, but the dishes fell short of the tantalizing descriptions and rave reviews that drew us in.

Despite our reservations, we’re open to giving Summerhouse another chance, recognizing that every restaurant can have an off day. However, the memory of our post-meal discomfort makes us cautious about returning anytime soon. We truly wanted to love this restaurant and hoped to make it a regular stop at Disney Springs, but we’ll need time to overcome this setback before considering a revisit.

Join the conversation on our blog and podcast as we continue to explore and share the magic of Disney. Your stories and insights enrich our community, and we can’t wait to hear about your adventures. Stay tuned for more tips, updates, and behind-the-scenes looks at all things Disney right here on Happily Adventures After!

Have a blessed and amazing day,
London