LIVE from the Contemporary

[mikkiwikki]

Now that I have internet access I decided to start my trip report.

We did a split stay - start at POP and end at Contemporary
11/25-11/30 at POP (for the kids)
11/30-12/07 at Contemp. (for the hubby)

Yes - that is right 12 glorious days at disney :banana:

We had a standard room at Pop.
We are now staying in a Garden Standard View room at CR facing the beach!

The Players?

Myself - Loving Mom to two dahrling children folk & a very Dedicated Disser.

Hubby - Mr. GrumpyPants. He basically is along for the ride, but is very resourceful, as youll see

Aidan - 8 yo and our child who fills us with questions every day, and just as much joy an admiration. LOVES all things furturistic

Sandy - 6yo - Deeply ingrained in the child pop psychology phase - (aptly named) "IfnyousayYESIllsayNO-ism...and vicey versa". Loves all things princess, and fairies. Tink being her all time fave...although Sleeping beauty is currently edging her out of the fave spot



Here is a sampling of the food reviews coming

California Grill (D) 11/25
Flying Fish (D) 11/26
Brown Derby (L) 11/27
Crystal Palace (B) 11/28
Citricos (D) 11/29
Contempo Cafe (B)
Narcosees (D)
Kona Cafe (B)
Liberty Tree Tavern (L)

will need to go back and fill in those details later..We are off to the Polynesian - Kona for breakfast and I will update as I have time.


Gotta go have breakfast!!

I LOVE THE CONTEMPORARY

[OhMari]

I forgot that the Contemporary has free access to the web. Glad you are giving us a live report.

My dh had his laptop along and I tried to use it, but found out I was so exhausted every day, I couldn't do it.

Hope the weather is warm today, I heard it is going to get cold again, the next couple of days. But it is still great to be at WDW without being hot and sticky.

[DARuss]

How cool. A LIVE report. Hey how about a pic of the BLT while you are close by too? :rolleyes1

Waiting on the updates. Lucky you. Hope the weather isn't too bad. Let us know how the crowds are. We are thinking about a trip this time of year in the future. :yay:
Good luck and have a GREAT trip. :thumbsup2

[mikkiwikki]

I forgot that the Contemporary has free access to the web. Glad you are giving us a live report.

My dh had his laptop along and I tried to use it, but found out I was so exhausted every day, I couldn't do it.

Hope the weather is warm today, I heard it is going to get cold again, the next couple of days. But it is still great to be at WDW without being hot and sticky.

HI - Yeah Nice having the access! the computer setup is a bit challenging as it will only allow you to open one window at a time...which can be problematic if you are wanting to look up menus etc on other sites...while typing...but I will do my best.

I also found that I dont have the ability to upload pics...because I dont have my USB cable for my camera...which is a minor pain because Ill have to write the report and go back and load the pics. Aside from this Im committed to updating this report so that I dont forget any of the great details.

[piney]

What is the weather like? We are arriving on Saturday and I am clueless what to pack: jeans, capris, shorts? t-shirts, sweater, sweatshirts? Is it warm enough to swim??

Thanks!!!!:flower3:

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Have you tried the Contempo Cafe yet if you have what did you think about it?

[mikkiwikki]

What is the weather like? We are arriving on Saturday and I am clueless what to pack: jeans, capris, shorts? t-shirts, sweater, sweatshirts? Is it warm enough to swim??

Thanks!!!!:flower3:



Hi I have to say it was COLD yesterday! a Floridian we met on the monorail yesterday said it is NEVER this cold in florida in november...we went for the last 3 thanksgivings and never had it as cold as it was yesterday...it was like 40 degrees. BUT that said the temp is climbing...forecast as a high of 69 today and up to 79 by end of week.

I would recommend getting the weather forecast before traveling...as I didnt even check!
Just to clarify we did go swimming on 11-26 through 28th but then 29th & 30th it was too cold! I think it will warm up again before we leave though

[mikkiwikki]

Have you tried the Contempo Cafe yet if you have what did you think about it?

Hi CR Resort Fan 4 Life! I loved all your posts, which were fundamental in our deciding the contemporary for this trip!

YES! we tried Contempo Cafe yesterday for breakfast....As soon as I get home Ill start uploading pics...with a better description of the meal. I took pics of the kiosks that you can order your meal from...as well as the lighted displays that greet you upon entering the area with the days menu.

I think the layout worked very well. Very fast and efficient. As I said as you approach there is a big 5 foot lighted display with the days menu. Then to your right are the kiosks...you can make your choices of anything from the grill, or you can grab items from the cooler, to the left of the grill area.

My husband got an Adult breakfast platter which came with french toast, eggs, bacon and potatoes....I had a breakfast grill eggs, ham & cheese sandwich which was on sourdough bread....The only complaint I had with it was there was more ham on one half of the sandwich ..and the other half was lacking..and had too much cheese...

Kids got child platters, that included eggs, grapes, sausage. My daughter also got a bagel with cream cheese. They have one of those conveyor belt 'toasters' where you can adjust the heat and speed of the belt - to get your bagel just right.

The eggs were perfectly cooked,and the kids ate them all up which they usually dont do.

After getting your food you go through one of 3 cashiers, and then to your left is the condiment section with mayo, catsup, napkins, salt/pepper etc.

There is also an area to fill up your refillable mugs, and the coffee section...(complete with nescafe :headache: ) as an aside... I now despise nescafe but there is a 'real coffee' vendor on the first floor of the contemporary where you can order espresso.

Again I apologize for not having pics...but they are coming!!! This just a preview. We also ate at Narcosees last night which was FAB. Ill add these to the first post...so we have a full list of eateries in the same place.

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Hi CR Resort Fan 4 Life! I loved all your posts, which were fundamental in our deciding the contemporary for this trip!

YES! we tried Contempo Cafe yesterday for breakfast....As soon as I get home Ill start uploading pics...with a better description of the meal. I took pics of the kiosks that you can order your meal from...as well as the lighted displays that greet you upon entering the area with the days menu.

I think the layout worked very well. Very fast and efficient. As I said as you approach there is a big 5 foot lighted display with the days menu. Then to your right are the kiosks...you can make your choices of anything from the grill, or you can grab items from the cooler, to the left of the grill area.

My husband good Adult breakfast platter which came with french toast, eggs, bacon and potatoes....I had a breakfast grill eggs, ham & cheese sandwich which was on sourdough bread....The only complaint I had with it was there was more ham on one half of the sandwich ..and the other half was lacking..and had too much cheese...

Kids got child platters, that included eggs, grapes, sausage. My daughter also got a bagel with cream cheese. They have one of those conveyor belt 'toasters' where you can adjust the heat and speed of the belt - to get your bagel just right.

The eggs were perfectly cooked,and the kids ate them all up which they usually dont do.

After getting your food you go through one of 3 cashiers, and then to your left is the condiment section with mayo, catsup, napkins, salt/pepper etc.

There is also an area to fill up your refillable mugs, and the coffee section...(complete with nescafe :headache: ) as an aside... I now despise nescafe but there is a 'real coffee' vendor on the first floor of the contemporary where you can order espresso.

Again I apologize for not having pics...but they are coming!!! This just a preview. We also ate at Narcosees last night which was FAB. Ill add these to the first post...so we have a full list of eateries in the same place.Thanks for posting your review and don't worry about the pictures because next Saturday my family and I are checking into the Contemporary, so during that time we will get to try the Contempo Cafe.

[piney]

Hi I have to say it was COLD yesterday! a Floridian we met on the monorail yesterday said it is NEVER this cold in florida in november...we went for the last 3 thanksgivings and never had it as cold as it was yesterday...it was like 40 degrees. BUT that said the temp is climbing...forecast as a high of 69 today and up to 79 by end of week.

I would recommend getting the weather forecast before traveling...as I didnt even check!
Just to clarify we did go swimming on 11-26 through 28th but then 29th & 30th it was too cold! I think it will warm up again before we leave though

Thanks! I have piles of clothes all over the house, trying to decide what to take :upsidedow

[OhMari]

Thanks! I have piles of clothes all over the house, trying to decide what to take :upsidedow


There is a washmachine on the 4th floor. The one good thing about sweatshirts and fleece, you can wear it in the morning, take it off during the day and put it on back at nite. My dh wore the same sweatshirt 3 times and I washed it before we left the BC and he wore it 3 more times.


mikkiwikki
Don't worry about pictures, we can wait.

Me and my dh walked right pass the Cafe, and hardly anyone was in there. We actually didn't think it was open, till someone walked passed us and went in and got a coffee-blech.

Let us know how today went, weather wise too.

DisneyJo, who is a regular poster on this board, made the mom's panel and she is flying in tomorrow. I told her, it is cold, but she can leave her winter boots at home.

[mikkiwikki]

There is a washmachine on the 4th floor. The one good thing about sweatshirts and fleece, you can wear it in the morning, take it off during the day and put it on back at nite. My dh wore the same sweatshirt 3 times and I washed it before we left the BC and he wore it 3 more times.

I agree fleece is the way to go...I have one fleece and it has served me well

[Echo queen]

Love your live report. Is there a door to hang my over the door organizer or should I bring one that hangs in the closet on a hanger type hook? Thanks:thumbsup2

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

There is a washmachine on the 4th floor.Don't you mean on the 2nd floor of the Garden Wing building, because that is where the laundry room is located.

[mikkiwikki]

Love your live report. Is there a door to hang my over the door organizer or should I bring one that hangs in the closet on a hanger type hook? Thanks:thumbsup2

Hmm - Let me see....Keep in mind..we are in a standard garden view room so the config of the Tower rooms might be different.

When you enter there are two closets in the hall to your right....I suppose you could hang your over the door hanger there. The doors in the bathroom are sliding doors so you would not be able to hang it there. However there IS a towel hanger on the wall that goes all the way up to the ceiling. Its like a ladder...made out of chrome (for that contemp look) I suppose you could hang your over the door hanger there in the bathroom as well.

Hope that helps!:thumbsup2

[mikkiwikki]

Don't you mean on the 2nd floor of the Garden Wing building, because that is where the laundry room is located.

We are on the second floor ...(there is no 4th floor) and yes I can confirm along with CR Resort Fan 4 Life that this is where the laundry room is ...No coins needed. You just swipe your room key to operate the dryer and washers, as well as to purchase soaps! Very convenient! They have about 7 dryers and 7 washers. We have never found them to be all full, always plenty of space. there is a TV in the laundry room with closed captioning turned on

Hope this helps someone.:cutie:

[mikkiwikki]

What is the weather like? We are arriving on Saturday and I am clueless what to pack: jeans, capris, shorts? t-shirts, sweater, sweatshirts? Is it warm enough to swim??

Thanks!!!!:flower3:

Definitely was chilly enough for me to wear my sweater yesterday...Had it on all day along with capris. The kids had light coats and shorts. My husband had on a light coat as well. High yesterday was forecast to be 69....Today the high is forecast to be 79...We will see...I hope we can shed the light coats today. We are off to Epcot!

As I said on Saturday I will add all my pics and a full report. I just started this for any questions people had about the Contemporary - as long as I am here!

[mikkiwikki]

There is a washmachine on the 4th floor. The one good thing about sweatshirts and fleece, you can wear it in the morning, take it off during the day and put it on back at nite. My dh wore the same sweatshirt 3 times and I washed it before we left the BC and he wore it 3 more times.



Don't worry about pictures, we can wait.

Me and my dh walked right pass the Cafe, and hardly anyone was in there. We actually didn't think it was open, till someone walked passed us and went in and got a coffee-blech.

Let us know how today went, weather wise too.

DisneyJo, who is a regular poster on this board, made the mom's panel and she is flying in tomorrow. I told her, it is cold, but she can leave her winter boots at home.

Ok I just lost a BIG post a wrote up because this keyboard - if you hit the back arrow just deletes your entire post if you havent submitted it!!:scared1: So needless to say Ill quickly rewrite what I just spent about 20 minutes typing.

We went to the magic kingdom yesterday and had a magical day. It was chilly enough for light coats. but we all wore sandles. So not too cold.

We slept in and arrived in Liberty Square...spent some time perusing the shops...and then had lunch at LTT. Went on BTM...then Haunted Mansion. The kids loved it! The wait times were very reasonable. 10 mins max! Then we explored Tom Sawyer Island. My kids love the caves. Next it was back to Pecos Bills for dinner and later Spectro Magic. This was my first experience with that parade and I have to say it is absolutely magical!:banana: I got the whole thing on my movie camera.

Thanks for staying tuned!!

[OhMari]

Don't you mean on the 2nd floor of the Garden Wing building, because that is where the laundry room is located.
Sorry, I hi-jacked the thread and was talking about the BC.

Back to our regular TR~~no more hi-jacking.

I bet the crowd level is really low. Sort of like the calm, before the storm, Christmas week.

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Sorry, I hi-jacked the thread and was talking about the BC.

Back to our regular TR~~no more hi-jacking.

I bet the crowd level is really low. Sort of like the calm, before the storm, Christmas week.Oh ok my bad.

[Genieswife]

We are on the second floor ...(there is no 4th floor) and yes I can confirm along with CR Resort Fan 4 Life that this is where the laundry room is ...No coins needed. You just swipe your room key to operate the dryer and washers, as well as to purchase soaps! Very convenient! They have about 7 dryers and 7 washers. We have never found them to be all full, always plenty of space. there is a TV in the laundry room with closed captioning turned on

Hope this helps someone.:cutie:

We will be at CR in Feb and this will be our 1st time there. Quick question, when you swipe your card, is it charging your room? What if you don't want it to? One more question. Have you walked to MK yet? Just wondering how long of a walk it was. We also booked a GW/GV room

[sweetpee_1993]

We are on the second floor ...(there is no 4th floor) and yes I can confirm along with CR Resort Fan 4 Life that this is where the laundry room is ...No coins needed. You just swipe your room key to operate the dryer and washers, as well as to purchase soaps! Very convenient! They have about 7 dryers and 7 washers. We have never found them to be all full, always plenty of space. there is a TV in the laundry room with closed captioning turned on

Hope this helps someone.:cutie:

Then there have been updates to the laundry room since last December when we were there! OMG! This is like a huuuuge thing for me! Last year the machines were still the regular coin operated ones. The dryers had some serious issues and the room in general was so poorly ventilated. We normally can dry our clothes in those types of commercial dryers in 1 maybe 1 and a half of the 30 minute cycles. Last year it was taking more than 2 restarts just to get everything semi-dry. Once we got all the dryers running it would heat up that little room so much. It was like a freakin' sauna. We made our boys stand in the hall holding the door open just to try and get some air in there. I hope what you said means they've done something about the machines. I don't like to pack a ton of clothes and our trips are 9 nights. I generally do laundry at least once if not twice. Thanks!!!! :thumbsup2

[Echo queen]

Hmm - Let me see....Keep in mind..we are in a standard garden view room so the config of the Tower rooms might be different.

When you enter there are two closets in the hall to your right....I suppose you could hang your over the door hanger there. The doors in the bathroom are sliding doors so you would not be able to hang it there. However there IS a towel hanger on the wall that goes all the way up to the ceiling. Its like a ladder...made out of chrome (for that contemp look) I suppose you could hang your over the door hanger there in the bathroom as well.

Hope that helps!:thumbsup2

We will be staying in garden wing prefferd so it should be the same config as your room. The closet door sounds fine. I am packing right now, so excited. Have you seen the dream team yet?:banana: :santa:

[mikkiwikki]

We will be staying in garden wing prefferd so it should be the same config as your room. The closet door sounds fine. I am packing right now, so excited. Have you seen the dream team yet?:banana: :santa:

We have not seen the dream team yet!:sad1:

Oh well..tomorrow we fly Home and I will start uploading the over 900+ pics and food reviews! stay tuned!

We went to the MK today it was awesome...they were supposed to be taping regis and cathy lee...but it didnt start until around 3pm...so we had the park empty until that time...it was really great! we walked onto all the rides with no wait! :banana: :banana: :banana: I guess they start the full taping tomorrow...but we will be gone by then..that is when they open it up to florida residents for free. We experienced that last year... no thanks:scared1: glad we will be missing that!

More tomorrow...if I make it home haha

[mikkiwikki]

We will be at CR in Feb and this will be our 1st time there. Quick question, when you swipe your card, is it charging your room? What if you don't want it to? One more question. Have you walked to MK yet? Just wondering how long of a walk it was. We also booked a GW/GV room

Yes it is charging your room.. I dont know what other option you could have?

[Hollywoodhaha]

Cool!
I was live last time around that I went to disney. It was really fun to post on sites what I did that day

[WDWmemories]

Thank you for mentioning that the Contemporary has internet access. I always wonder if Disney resorts have internet, so it is good to know at least this one does. A good excuse to post your Disney World pictures in your live trip report :) Ah, but you can always do that from home. :happytv: While you are there, enjoy the magic!

[mikkiwikki]

Ok Im back and its SOOO sad.

:sad2: :guilty:

Im having a little bit of a hard time getting starting on my trip report due to my post partum disneyitis....so please be patient!

Ive updated the first post of this thread with the relevant details of my trip that I previously left out when I was toooo busy having fun at Disney.

Here come the Pics! No really I mean it this time! :rolleyes1

[mikkiwikki]

Ok - so I had some technical difficulties. Im ready! finally - and NOW it looks like all my readers have abandonded me - WELLl FINE!! :snooty: Be that way!!!....I don't require readers anyways...I will just sit over here,:sad1: and pout, and write my very own little trip report just for myself.

I don't need any readers. ;) Hmm... Seriously I hope someone reads this.

Ok but otherwise I will just post for my own guilty pleasure... :goodvibes

So here i go (finally) :duck:

Our family has been traveling to WDW on Thanksgiving for the past 3 years.
2008 makes it the fourth (and last) year in a row - Not because we didnt have a blast - because we did - but because my Husband's work schedule is going to change which will no longer permit the Turkey day trek to Disney - :sad1: boo hoo!

Anyways - Onwards and Forwards...

Day one - Arrival Day! 11/25/08

We left a COLD wintery NewEngland to arrive at MCO...fairly overcast....enroute to >>> Pop Century !!!! <<<

First after our uneventful NONStop - JetBlue plane ride -
(note intent daughter sporting the kewl JetBlue headphones)

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cc28b3127ccec58696be0cc400000090O18AaOWrRo3cMg e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

We jump on our Magical Express Bus a few pics - Note my sons exceptionally artistic Pop shirt.... I made it myself...He's checking out the pixie dust on the ME seats. Sparkly!!:wizard:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cc28b3127ccec5865154cde500000050O08AaOWrRo3cMg e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Looking at video
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cc28b3127ccec58642438d6300000040O08AaOWrRo3cMg e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

Magical Express Whisks us to Pop with such ease - (as they have on the past three trips) that I find myself wondering why anyone would pay to travel from MCO. but I digress.

We as a family have NEVER stayed at a value resort before and this is our first attempt AND WE ARE VERY NERVOUS. Let me just say that this resort eliminated any worry of us ever NOT choosing this category of hotels again. We LOVED POP.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cc28b3127ccec5878838ad3100000060O38AaOWrRo3cMg e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D3/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

We find our room
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cc28b3127ccec586ce9f8df900000050O08AaOWrRo3cMg e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

[OhMari]

I didn't know you stayed at POP.
We stayed there one nite, and my dh told me it was "sensory overload".
I actually thought POP rooms were cleaner than POR.

And, I'm here.

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Great pictures so far, I can't wait to see the rest of them.

[mikkiwikki]

We decide to take a cab over to CAli Grill for my wonderfully planned 5:30pm
dinner ressie (they open at 5:30)...its a perfect time with younger children.

So we go to the 14th floor and meet the receptionist - who checks her list to ensure that we are not great big FAKERS - imposters - posers...- insert some other hip word here. We are NOT - I say to her - we made this ressie like a YEAR ago...ring us in please! And thankfully she finds our ressie with ease...and is very pleasant and kind, and shows us up to our floor - floor 15!!:goodvibes Did I mention its gorgeous up there.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cc28b3127ccec586648c8dbf00000050O08AaOWrRo3cMg e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cc28b3127ccec586cbd5cd2900000050O08AaOWrRo3cMg e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

And whilst they are getting our table ready we are shown to the lounge for a drink - this is our view :banana:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cc28b3127ccec587093eedef00000050O08AaOWrRo3cMg e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Hubby perusing the menu.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cc28b3127ccec586d0da8db300000050O08AaOWrRo3cMg e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cc28b3127ccec5879a89ad8900000050O08AaOWrRo3cMg e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

What will we order - what wonderous deserts await? I have lots of pics of this meal but am at work and will post when I get home
(wanted to post something before I lost any and all readship!) Stay tuned.

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

We decide to take a cab over to CAli Grill for my wonderfully planned 5:30pm
dinner ressie (they open at 5:30)...its a perfect time with younger children.

So we go to the 14th floor and meet the receptionist - who checks her list to ensure that we are not great big FAKERS - imposters - posers...- insert some other hip word here. We are NOT - I say to her - we made this ressie like a YEAR ago...ring us in please! And thankfully she finds our ressie with ease...and is very pleasant and kind, and shows us up to our floor - floor 15!!:goodvibes Did I mention its gorgeous up there.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cc28b3127ccec586648c8dbf00000050O08AaOWrRo3cMg e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cc28b3127ccec586cbd5cd2900000050O08AaOWrRo3cMg e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

And whilst they are getting our table ready we are shown to the lounge for a drink - this is our view :banana:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cc28b3127ccec587093eedef00000050O08AaOWrRo3cMg e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Hubby perusing the menu.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cc28b3127ccec586d0da8db300000050O08AaOWrRo3cMg e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cc28b3127ccec5879a89ad8900000050O08AaOWrRo3cMg e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/Those pictures look amazing. :thumbsup2

[mikkiwikki]

Those pictures look amazing. :thumbsup2

WOW! I just posted those pics!

You are super speeeedy! ;)


We start out this trip at pop then transfer to Contemp in 5 days....I have some great CR room pics coming up...but Im trying to stay in sequence. this meal gives us a flavor of what is to come though at the contemporary!

[mikkiwikki]

Ugh - I TELL YOU! Work really gets in the way of my DISSIN:thumbsup2

NOW - where was I ?!?!

Oh yes - Daughter & son are loving the view.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cc28b3127ccec587d150eded00000060O38AaOWrRo3cMg e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D3/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

I tried to take a picture of the menu but failed miserably http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cc28b3127ccec586139bcd0b00000050O08AaOWrRo3cMg e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/

So here is the menu from allears
http://allears.net/menu/menu_cg.htm

Then the waiter came over and spread a little pixie dust:wizard:
Hubby thought this was very cute.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8cc28b3127ccec5862b824c3e00000050O08AaOWrRo3cMg e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

We are quickly shown to our table and the food starts to arrive...Hooray!
There was bread and Olive Oil to start - which we thought the oil was a bit tangy tasting. Not bad, just tangy. ;)

FIRST COURSE
I ordered "Hearts of Romaine with Roasted Garlic Dressing, Marinated Anchovies, Olives, Aged Parmesan and Croutons $9" This was very good, the olives were salty but not overly so. a nice compliment. to the dressing.

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A quick pic of the bread/oil
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My husband started with the
Yellowfin Tuna Three Ways - Poki, Tartare, and Tataki $20

My husband said this was amazing. He loved it.:love:
The wasabi was super fresh and had "a great dry heat" as my husband put it and we love sushi, and know good wasabi. He mentioned the 'Poki'? The Tuna with the green caviar on top....he said was so good - " I could have eaten a bucketload of it" His words not mine ":laugh:. The tuna tartare was a first for him, on the upper right in this pic. He said it was ok would try it again. He liked the Tataki at the bottom better than the tartare.

Overall a smashing success.

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the kids were just drawing at this point and hadn't received any food.

MAIN COURSE
I had the Yoshie's Deluxe Sushi Platter - Maki and Nigiri $24
I really loved the salmon - super fresh, and tuna. The white fish was my least favorite. The sushi wrapped with rice paper was a nice change as well.
Everything was excellent.

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My husband had the
Oak-fired Filet of Beef with Boniato Mashed Potatoes, Sauteed Haricot Vert and Teriyaki Barbeque Sauce $41

(however it wasnt haricot Vert - it was brocollini - we saw this everywhere down there)

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My daughter ordered the steak from the kids meal -
"Oak Fired Rib Steak with Yukon gold potatoes and seasonal vegetables $11.00" This was the only thing we did not like about this - it tasted burnt - charcoal flavored, and charred in places. My daughter really didnt like it. We probably should have mentioned it to the waiter, but she was happy with the green beans and potatoes.

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My son got the mac and cheese - He REALLY liked this and ate almost all of it. I was worried when it came out that It might be too dry ...or he might not like the texture of the noodles, but he scarfed it down. Excuse the piece of sushi on the side...He wanted to try some of mine and then decided it wasnt for him.
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Then for desert - They surprised us by bringing this out for free for my daughter@! It was excellent:cloud9: so it way made up for the kinda overcooked inedible kids steak (which I guess I really should have sent back- i think i was focused on my excellent sushi):confused:
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Hubby got "The Original" - The California Grill's legendary butterscotch creme brulee with a duo of banana cakes, and caramelized bananas $10.00
He said it was perfect- sweet but not overly so. very tasty - kinda blurry pic.
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I got the Apple TArt - I remember it being very warm and just fabulous. It was a pastry with apple /cinnamon and sugary syrup ...just great.
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My son got vanilla ice cream
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[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

All that food looks so good.

[Dawn68PA]

What a wonderful glimpse into the California Grill! We are very excited to eat here on our next trip!

[mikkiwikki]

What a wonderful glimpse into the California Grill! We are very excited to eat here on our next trip!

Thanks Dawn - You will LOVE it there :lovestruc
It was hands down one of the best meals of our trip! :goodvibes

We took a cab back to Pop after dinner.

(I promise Ill get to the Contemp review soon )

We were so happy that we had no neighbors at POP and it was really quiet, so we got a great nights sleep. We went to bed early because we were wiped, out. Tomorrow is EPCOT with the Flying Fish Cafe for dinner!! :banana:

[mikkiwikki]

Now I spend a fair amount of time planning our trips...after multiple changes around where we were going to travel on this date, we finally settled on Epcot, because my kids - after 3 trips decided that the big golf ball park was kinda special, and wanted to go there first! Much to my surprise.

My daughter was DYING to go on soaring again, and had been pleading for weeks - while my son just wanted to go on spaceship earth. Little did he know that it had been completely remodeled since the last time he went.

Now my kids were so excited they were up before the sunrise. Literally. It was 5am...iM NOT KIDDING. My daughter was so excited there was no calming her down.

I tried to take pity on my husband, and somehow got my son to go back to sleep. But I decided I too couldnt sleep, so I dressed threw on a baseball cap and head out the door with dear daughter and our recently purchased YOMD muggs to get the room coffee and some breakfast goodies. So I drag dear daughter out into the darkened night (much to her delight)

HOWEVER I was to discover that the food court doesnt open until 6:00am.

SIgh...WHAT TO DO....I decided to head to the lobby, where I found other guests in a similar predicament :smile: Luckily the TV room was open - so we hung out there until the food court opened. here are some pics. Note the BLACK sky outside the windows. yes it was that early.

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I just loved this cartoon room so bright and cheery. The kids loved it!
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You can see my YOAMD mugs on the floor as I stumble around trying not to fall asleep.
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Check out the cool decorations!
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We get to the food court get the breakfast goodies - back to the room ...all the while daughter slowing my down pointing out all the things that catch her eye (and there are a ton at pop) We dress - and bus it...off to EPCOT...blurry pic leaving POP for Epcot.

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[Echo queen]

How's the weather? thanks

[mikkiwikki]

Finished my Pop Report -

Here is a link to my first sight of the Contemporary Room during out stay
Lots of Pics! :goodvibes :goodvibes :goodvibes
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=29424356&postcount=62

:whoohoo: