This review reflects our experience from March of 2017.
Paul and I have always wanted to dine at The Wave…of American Flavors, which is located on the lower level of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. On our most recent visit, we were lucky enough to stay at Bay Lake Tower, which is adjacent to the main Contemporary building. Since it was our first trip with an infant and we were super close by, it was the perfect opportunity to visit.
As I mentioned, The Wave is located on the lower level of the resort. There is a separate bar/lounge area near where you check in. The bar area is quite dark, but provided ample seating and would a fun place to meet friends for a drink.
After waiting a few minutes, we were brought back into the main part of the restaurant. We were both surprised at how large (and bright, much brighter than the bar) it was. Also, it was 5:30 and only about 1/3 of the tables were full. The atmosphere is modern and upscale, but we did see a few other families with young children and our host was quick to bring over a high chair for our son.
Since we had flagged several allergies (milk, egg, etc) on our reservation, we were given a copy of the allergy menu. We told our waitress that we were vegan and she asked if we would like a copy of the vegetarian menu as well. We were pleasantly surprised, as we didn’t know that one was offered. She left it with us to look over while she got the chef.
Chef Laura came out a few minutes later and was happy to help. We were both interested in the Tamari Noodle Bowl, but noticed it wasn’t listed as egg allergy friendly and wondered if it could be veganized. She explained that previously, the noodles used contained egg but the ones they were currently using did not (This was a good reminder about how often Disney changes suppliers, and that it is always good to ask!). That made the dish totally vegan as-is. The other items on the vegetarian menu that could be veganized were a salad and a pasta dish. The vegetarian burger did contain egg. Chef Laura also said the house bread was vegan, and brought us some oil to dip it in. She also offered to make something custom for us if didn’t want anything from the menu. We stuck with noodle bowl.
A few minutes later, our noodle bowls arrived.
The bowls were a very generous portion of Udon noodles with mushrooms, carrots, onion and sugar snap peas in a spicy tamari broth. The whole thing was topped with three large pieces of seared tofu with tomato and sesame seeds. We have eaten many tofu dishes at Disney World before, and this was our favorite. The broth was flavorful but light (as opposed to oily) and the tofu was cooked perfectly. The vegetables were very fresh. It reminded us of the quality we had experienced at Citricos, but for a lot less money.
For dessert, we had a special treat! We ordered a cake from Erin McKennas to celebrate our baby’s first visit (Erin McKennas can deliver cakes from their Disney Springs location to most table-service restaurants). We chose a brownie cake with mint frosting, and it was delicious. However, this meant that we did not inquire about vegan dessert options at The Wave. Hopefully next visit!
Overall, this was one of our favorite dining experiences on property so far. The food was great, and a good value. The service was very fast and friendly. For two entrees and two adult beverages, our bill was less than 50 dollars.
Would we go back?
Yes! In fact, we loved it so much that we canceled a reservation later in the week to dine there again.
Price?
$$
Paul & Tara
UPDATE: Since visiting in March, they have been revamping the vegetarian menu.
