Deluxe DDP and Food & Wine???…loosen your buckle a notch cause here we go!

[shadowryter]

Well another vacation has come and gone. Though this one was not exactly a National Lampoon Vacation, it did have a moment or two that could have sent it careening in that direction. But I’m getting ahead of my story…:goodvibes

First I’d like to introduce my little cast of three.

Me…Linda…I’m an at home mom who loves to design all things Disney. You may have found me on the boards where I take requests and add a little pixie dust to your trips and celebrations. I’ve been nursing an injured rotator cuff in my right shoulder for several months but I push on. This will be my 8th trip to the “World” and 2nd Disney Cruise.

Dan…My DH…He works very hard to make these vacations come true and I believe he is hooked on Disney Cruising. Which I find funny since our first cruise on the Wonder last December was labeled “kiddie cruise.” He learned that it doesn’t matter how old you are…you are never to old or young for a Disney cruise.

Heather…My DD…She turned 21 in September and can’t wait to sample the booze on this trip. Lol! Both her and I plan to celebrate our very close birthdays…a mother/daughter celebration. This is Heather’s 7th trip and 2nd cruise.

Trip dates…Leaving Oct 18th…returning Oct 23rd.

Where are we going?…First five nights at Disney’s Coronado Springs with a day at SeaWorld. We have tickets for MNSSHP…a first…and plan on attending Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival…also a first. We also have the deluxe dining plan and I wonder if my new dress will fit by the time the cruise part arrives.:rolleyes1 Dan and Heather have already decided that they will ride the new Star Tours 100 times…:upsidedow Next it is 4 nights on the Disney Dream where we plan on dressing like prates for the pirate party and since I failed once more at snagging the coveted Palo Brunch I plan on touring the ship and taking lots of photos. Not to mention sampling as many exotic drinks as I can. Heather’s all for that.:lmao:

By now some of you may know that I am terrified of flying and that the only reason I agreed to it after 16 years of being grounded was because my dear hubby made me a bet. Want to go on the Dream in 2011?….Well you better get your wings. I called his bluff and we were sky bound before I knew it. But if I could have foreseen the future and knew that I would end up in a wheel chair on day one…would I have still done it?:scared1:

[dato63]

Sounds like a great trip. WDW, MNSSHP, Sea World, and the Dream. Not ot mention a cliffhanger with a wheel chair to boot! :crutches:

Looking forward to hearing all about it!

[RGirl]

This sounds exciting! I'm in!!!

[msmith1026]

I'm in as well!!

Sorry to hear about your shoulder, I know how painful that can be. I had shoulder surgery on my right shoulder a year ago--torn rotator cuff, labrum and impingement. Now my left shoulder is acting up. No tear, but back to PT I go!!

Can't wait to read about your trip.

[Enchanted88]

I'm in!! Sounds like a great time! Can't wait to read more!

[shadowryter]

Sounds like a great trip. WDW, MNSSHP, Sea World, and the Dream. Not ot mention a cliffhanger with a wheel chair to boot! :crutches:

Looking forward to hearing all about it!
Thanks for joining in.:goodvibes

[shadowryter]

This sounds exciting! I'm in!!!
Welcome to my TR.:goodvibes

[shadowryter]

I'm in as well!!

Sorry to hear about your shoulder, I know how painful that can be. I had shoulder surgery on my right shoulder a year ago--torn rotator cuff, labrum and impingement. Now my left shoulder is acting up. No tear, but back to PT I go!!

Can't wait to read about your trip.
I do hope that it never comes down to surgery.:scared1:Thanks for joining in.:goodvibes

[shadowryter]

I'm in!! Sounds like a great time! Can't wait to read more!
Welcome to my TR. It was great...once I got through the wheelchair part that is....:lmao:

[shadowryter]

Oct 18th...We're going to Disney World!

We had a fairly early flight out of T.F. Green and our airport limo pick-up was 4:55 am. Yikes. We all went to bed around 11 and it was around that time that Heather told me that she wasn’t feeling well and lost her voice. I was wondering if this would mean a cancellation but she insisted she was okay…just her allergies. No strep (I checked) no ear infections…she gets them all the time even at 21. I was so stressed about flying that I couldn’t sleep. That and worrying about my daughter. Just the thought of boarding a plane at 7:55 am was enough to deprive me of much needed sleep and before I knew it the alarm was blaring at 3 am. I think I fell asleep about the last 20 minutes or so. Dan and I were up and moving and I got Heather up, still worrying about her and the flight.:eek:

The limo was arrived on time and after a quick check of the house we were on our way to the airport. Our driver was very chatty which was nice. It kind of took my mind off of things. I think Heather dozed in the seat behind us. We arrived at T.F.Green, our baggage was tagged and we did the truffle shuffle as Heather puts it, through security. I had my 311 bag all set and for some reason Dan was chosen for the body scan. Heather and I were told to go through the metal detector and we waited on the other side gathering up our shoes, carryon’s and such. :cool1:

I was glad that I opted to pay for Early Boarding as we were A16, 17 and 18. When it came time to board there was no business class so we were basically first after wheelchairs and blue sleeves. We had our pick of seats though this didn’t make me feel any better about everything. Heather wanted the window seat…good for her. I sat in the middle with long legged Dan on the outside. They went through the usual seatbelt, air mask, just in case routine but this was a bit different. The flight attendant was a riot. He told us that in case of a water landing just grab your closest neighbor to use as a floatation device. If the cabin pressure should be lost and the air masks fall if you have small children be sure to place your mask on yourself first then…choose your favorite. I must admit that the take off wasn’t bad at all and once in the air we got our bag of peanuts, about 20 nuts, (Dan counted them) and a small bag of 100 calorie crackers with a glass of coke that I swear the three of us maybe shared one whole can.:lmao:
Flying the friendly skies at 38,000 feet….Not!
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0695.jpg
Looking better from the ground
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0697.jpg
The next thing I knew we were approaching MCO. I guess I fell asleep during the last two hours. (bless pure exhaustion)The flight attendant told us that there was a very special birthday today. A man celebrating his 74th and his first time flying. The cabin broke out in cheers and applause as we were reminded to wish the pilot a happy birthday on the way out. When we landed and my heart was sound in my chest, as once more the flight told us the weather and such and ended by saying…“Now, get off!”:rotfl2:

I loved this guy. I felt at ease. Flying wasn’t as bad as I remembered. Since we had Disney’s Magical Express we just followed our way through, which was a long walk but easy to find. We were directed to the line for Coronado Springs and was on the bus within 10 minutes. We were on our way to Disney!
Sign at DME
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0698.jpg
The ride to Coronado Springs was 35 minutes. We checked in and found that our room was ready. The woman behind the counter didn’t seem like she was having the best day. There was no magical welcome or barely a smile. She gave us our KTTW cards and packet and showed us where are room was. My only request was to be close to the buses which I tried to do with online check-in but a glitch wouldn’t let me make my requests…so I called.

We made our way through the beautiful landscaped grounds to Cabana’s 8B, a gorgeous Southwest theme with a white sand beach in front of a lovely lake. Our room was just as I expected, lovely bedding of turquoise and white and rich dark furniture. I loved the subtleness of the hidden Mickey’s though our toiletries were lacking a bit. We explored our room a bit more, then took short walk to bus stop #4 where we waited no more than 5 minutes to board a fairly un-crowded bus.
Lovely room
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0703.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0702.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0706.jpg
Vanity with skimpy toiletries:cool:
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0707.jpg
Hidden Mickey’s in pillow and throw
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0710.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0711.jpg
Itty bitty washcloth critter
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0720.jpg
Our packet for our 5 night stay
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0719.jpg

Next stop…Lunch at Downtown Disney and the beginning of the worse day of my vacation.:scared1:

[Enchanted88]

Wow, it sounds like you had a pretty hysterical flight attendant! :rotfl: That is too funny what he said about chosing your favorite child! hahaha I'm sure it makes the passengers feel way more at ease when flight attendants are light hearted like that!:thumbsup2

The room looks great! I've never stayed there before, but from all of the pictures I have seen of it, I'll definately have to stay there in the future!
They sure didn't give you very many toiletries, did they?! haha:lmao:
Great TR so far!! Can't wait to read more!

[NancyLuvsMickey]

I'm here and sorry I'm late... :rolleyes: Work has been crazy!!! :scared1:

Can't wait to take another TR with you... Ok, I'm ready, let's get going... popcorn::

[shadowryter]

Wow, it sounds like you had a pretty hysterical flight attendant! :rotfl: That is too funny what he said about chosing your favorite child! hahaha I'm sure it makes the passengers feel way more at ease when flight attendants are light hearted like that!:thumbsup2

The room looks great! I've never stayed there before, but from all of the pictures I have seen of it, I'll definately have to stay there in the future!
They sure didn't give you very many toiletries, did they?! haha:lmao:
Great TR so far!! Can't wait to read more!
The flight attendant was really funny. He made a nerve racking flight so much easier. We never knew what he would say next. The rooms at CSR are quite lovely especially after the renovations. The toiletries increased daily after the MouseKeeping envelopes were left. Problem is we never used them and they were piling up.:rotfl:

[shadowryter]

I'm here and sorry I'm late... :rolleyes: Work has been crazy!!! :scared1:

Can't wait to take another TR with you... Ok, I'm ready, let's get going... popcorn::
Now there's nothing wrong with being fashionably late.:goodvibes Glad your sharing the ride with me.:cool1:

[shadowryter]

Oct 18th…part 2


We took the bus to Downtown Disney Marketplace and did some shopping. For what you might ask? Well those of you who read my TR from last year might remember the non-stop Vinylmation hunting that occurred throughout our stay. The one thing we did plan on looking for was a 9 inch purple Vinylmation for Heather so could have it autographed by the characters and princesses on the Dream later in our trip. For the life of me there was no purple to be found and we ended up with a white one which was the color I searched for last year and had to settle for yellow. Follow me yet?

After a few Vinylmation’s and pins we were off to Earl of Sandwich for lunch. I really like this place but it was really packed so we got into the cattle call and made our orders all the while scanning the area for a vacant table which was impossible to say the least. Just as we got our order and started to look a family left their table and I made a bee line for it that would make any wide receiver proud.

Once settled we realized that Dan had the wrong sandwich(labeled wrong) so I returned it
only to realize that the correct one was at our table(also labeled wrong).After some running back and forth we enjoyed our meal as Dan and Heather were making plans to head to D-Street for the coveted purple Vinylmation.
The Original 1762 - fresh roasted beef, cheddar and creamy horseradish sauce
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0721.jpg
All American - roast turkey, buttermilk ranch, cranberries, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and roma tomato
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0724.jpg
Hawaiian BBQ - roasted ham, grilled chicken, Hawaiian BBQ sauce, Aged Swiss cheese and fresh pineapple
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0722.jpg
I grabbed a couple of shots on our way to the West Side and this is where I got myself in a whole lot of trouble. They had a new Lego sculpture just outside the store…a really cool Maleficent as the dragon with a knight and sword. I couldn’t settle with taking a shot from where I stood…no I had to climb the really short wall to get a better peek. Bad decision. I slipped and banged my leg just above the ankle on the bone. It hurt. I crawled back up, took the shot and continued. About halfway to D-Street I paused to look to see that I had a lump on my shin about the size of half a large orange! OMG! What’s with that? I continued and it wasn’t until we were in the store that I started to feel woozy. A CM saw my distress as well as Dan and Heather’s and they went to get me a chair but by now I was seeing stars…literally and I realized that I was about to pass out. I got into the chair and the CM was trying to figure out how to call 911...really? In a few minutes I was surrounded by a couple of EMT’s who took my vitals, asked a a whole lot of questions, cleaned the wound, patched me up, added an ice pack for good measure and then put me in a wheelchair. Arrrggghhh! I felt soooooo incredibly stupid. Sorry no pic of me in the chair.
Halloween Mickey
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0726.jpg
The shot that started it all
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0730.jpg
Still paused for a pic of Buzz and Woody
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0731.jpg
So Dan was pushing me around DTD and I was so bummed. He got me on the bus and returned the chair. When we got back to Coronado Springs he went inside, explained the situation as he was told by the EMT at D-Street and they gave us a wheelchair to use throughout the rest of our stay. Still bummed. I got back to our room and elevated my leg and Dan knew I was craving Gelato earlier so he went to Rix to get me some, only by the time he and Heather returned it was a mountain of melted goo which he placed into a towel and handed to me. What a mess and chocolate to boot. It was good….messy….but good.

We had an ADR for Artist Point at 9 pm and as the time neared I tried to walk on my own. The ice pack along with the wheelchair ride seemed to be working so against the wishes of Dan and Heather I decided to leave the chair behind. We took a long slow walk to El Centro where we grabbed a taxi and headed to the Wilderness Lodge. Once there we checked in early and got our little buzzer thingy. Dan and Heather did some looking around while I decided to go outside to try and get some night shots with my new camera. I limped my way out back and down the stairs to the scenic vista. It was a bit steamy out there but I played around with some camera settings, got some shots and made my way back. Our buzzer was singing away by the time I met up with the rest of my family and we were seated right away.
Night shots of WL outside and in
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0738.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0751.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0754.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0757.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0760.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0764.jpg
Now the last time we ate at Artist Point, Heather was 7 and it was a character breakfast with Pocahontas, Meeko, Captain John Smith and company. I was excited to visit it after all these years as a signature dining experience. Our sever though over zealous when it came to the menu was great. He moved the tables around to accommodate my injured leg and then we enjoyed one of the most scrumptious meals I have honestly ever eaten.
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0788.jpg
Artist Point Menu
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0766.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0767.jpg
Grand Margarita - 1800 Repasado Tequila, Grand Marnier, Sweet-and-Sour, and fresh Lime Juice
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0774.jpg
Raspberry Rapids - Frozen Coconut Cream and Pineapple Juice with Bacardi Silver and Chambord - so good!
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0773.jpg
Sourdough Bread
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0775.jpg
Butter with black sea salt
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0776.jpg
Kettle-steamed Penn Cove Mussels - with Sourdough Panzanella
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0777.jpg
Mixed Field Greens Salad - with shaved Asian pear, sunflower seed granola, Rogue creamery blue cheese, pomegranate seeds and Ice Wine vinaigrette - I loved this!
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0780.jpg
Dungeness Crab Cake - with Asian slaw and shaved radish - crab cakes are Heather’s favorite!
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0779.jpg
Char-grilled Buffalo Striploin Steak - with marble potatoes, garden vegetables, and Shiraz Gastrique - Absolutely incredible!
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0782.jpg
Baked Peach Upside-Down Cake - with sweet and sour caramel sauce and roasted peach ice cream - Dan and Heather said this was fantastic!
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0785.jpg
Chocolate Indulgence - Valhrona Chocolate Ganache with Salted Chocolate Ice Cream, Amarena Cherries, and Chocolate "Pop Rocks - really good…but chocolate overload!
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0786.jpg
To be continued next post...

[shadowryter]

Once dinner was finished it took forever to get a taxi back to CSR. We waited around a half an hour, me with my bum leg just looking for a place to sit. We were finally back at our resort and despite my injury I still took some shots of a nearly empty El Centro, which was odd because there was a conference of some kind going on. Then it was back to our room and a much needed nights sleep.
Night shots of El Centro
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0792.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0794.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0796.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2018th/DSCN0797.jpg
Coming up…A day at Sea World via the Linx 50 bus…never again!

[RGirl]

Wow - great pics!!! And your AP dinner looks yummy.

So sorry that you had to experience an injury. I hope that it doesn't impact too many days of your trip.

[dato63]

The pics of your resort/room are lovely. And I enjoyed the pics of the Lego Buzz/Woody - too cute.

Seeing pics of WL makes me smile - it was the very first resort we ever stayed at.

Oh my, reading about your leg made me wince. I do hope it has healed well since then.

[janeb]

I'm sorry if I am out of place here. I love, love, LOVE all of your disigns!
We are planning our family trip (family of 12) in December 2011. I would love to have some of your amazing creations to make the five grand kids trip that much more awesome! If you have time, could you please make invitations for the following? I understand completely if you are extremely busy and will settle for absolutely any you have time to do.....

ANY KIND of Christmas disign...... (prefer: Micky, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, etc
or Toy Story / Cars)


Invite #1. To:Disney World, Gavyn and Easton, for Dec 12 - 19

#2. To: Disney World, Rebecca, Emily & Olivia, for Dec 13 - 19

#3. To: Cinderella's Royal Table, Rebecca, Emily, Olivia, Gavyn &
Easton 12/14 - Lunch (no time please)

#4. MVMCP - December 14, 2011 7:00 pm, Rebecca, Emily, Olivia,
Gavyn & Easton

#5. Donald's Safari Breakfast at Tusker House 9:00 am, Rebecca,
Emily, Olivia, Gavyn & Easton

I really appreciate any of these and once again, I hope I am posting in the correct spot. :confused3

[shadowryter]

I'm sorry if I am out of place here. I love, love, LOVE all of your disigns!

Hi there, Thanks...but this is not my DISign thread. If you look in my signature you will see the words..."My DISigns". Click on that and then go to the last page of the thread where you can make your request. I'll see you over there.:thumbsup2

[janeb]

I copied the request to the other thread, thanks for your help! :thumbsup2

[shadowryter]

Wow - great pics!!! And your AP dinner looks yummy.

So sorry that you had to experience an injury. I hope that it doesn't impact too many days of your trip.
Thanks...I do go overboard when it comes to my camera. AP dinner was fantastic as far as the leg goes???:sad2:

[shadowryter]

The pics of your resort/room are lovely. And I enjoyed the pics of the Lego Buzz/Woody - too cute.

Seeing pics of WL makes me smile - it was the very first resort we ever stayed at.

Oh my, reading about your leg made me wince. I do hope it has healed well since then.
CR was really nice. Those lego creations at DTD are unbelieveable. I really like WL...so much that we'll be spending a few days there next fall.:yay:My leg is still an issue. I go see my doc this Tuesday.:sad2:

[shadowryter]

Oct 19th…A Day at SeaWorld!

We got up kind of on the late side, me first followed by Dan and finally Heather. We had a morning ADR for Kona Café and had I not felt so rough we might had made it. So we decided to forego breakfast and get ready for our adventures at SeaWorld.

This was the first time we would be at the World without our own transportation so I knew we needed to adapt. I had read about the Lynx bus that you could catch at the Ticket & Transportation Center that would drop you off near the vicinity of SeaWorld and pick you up after and for only 2 bucks per person each way, it seemed like a deal. Notice, I said seemed……We took the wrong bus due to dear hubby’s instruction’s and ended at Magic Kingdom and since the monorail was kind of busy we opted to take the ferry across the lagoon to get to the buses. We had a pleasant ride and went directly to the buses where we found Lynx #50 just arriving.

We waited for the driver to return who I guess was taking a break and by 10 am we were on board. The ride was quick, stopping occasionally to pick up riders and then we were dropped at the stop. I heard it was a little walk but a bit further than I anticipated mostly due to my limping status. We got off the bus, walked down the road and then had to cross the parking lot to the main entrance. Now early on I thought since we were only spending one short day at the park that I would take advantage of Quick Queue Unlimited, SeaWorld’s version of Fast Pass. Twenty each felt reasonable to not wait forever, but….there weren’t any lines. Think twice about this as for us it was extremely quiet. We never really needed it or really used it.
The Monorail resorts from the ferry...
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0798.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0802.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0803.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0807.jpg
We knew we wanted to eat at Sharks Underwater Grill and had no problems getting a reservation for 2 pm. So we walked around and took in the sights, did some shopping and listened to some little pot and pan band…Cute.
Shots around the park
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0812.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0819.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0826.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0827.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0835.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0836.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0839.jpg
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0838.jpg
All of sudden the skies turned black and the wind was blowing things over. Thank goodness it was time to eat. I checked us in and we were taken to our table right away. I was pleased to see that our hostess was leading us to the front of the restaurant to a nice table right in front of the tank. In 2004 we sat way at the back and though I thought the view was spectacular this had to be better…and it was.
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0855.jpg

We ordered drinks and apps and somehow all chose the same entrée. The menu was similar just about 5 bucks more per entrée than in 04...not bad.

Sea Dragon's Punch - Bacardi Dragon Berry, fresh lime juice, sweet & sour with a splash of cranberry
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0857.jpg

Sea Turtle Splash - Dark Rum, Coconut Rum, Blue Curacao, Melon Liqueur, Pineapple Juice with a splash of sour mix
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0856.jpg

Shark Attack - Blend of cognac, amaretto, crème de noyaux and tropical juices
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0858.jpg

Heather said I should have taken a picture of all the drinks together as we had a kind of stop light thing going on. Lol! She was right.
Rolls and butter
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0859.jpg
Stuffed Mushroom Trio - Stuffed Chorizo Mushrooms topped with Habanera Cream Sauce, Ancho Chile Buerre Blanc and Tomato Citrus Sauce. Served on fresh baked crouton and accompanied with a mustard chimmi churri slaw
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0860.jpg

Soup of the Day - Lobster Bisque
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0861.jpg

Shrimp Pasta Alfredo - Jumbo shrimp, Sun dried Tomatoes, Onions, Mushrooms and Penne Pasta tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce and topped with fresh Parmesan cheese…delicious!!!
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0867.jpg
Too full for dessert….
After lunch we settled a bit and toured the park before heading to Manta. With my injury I knew that I couldn’t handle it so I found a place to sit and wait while Dan and Heather got in line…a short line.
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0878.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0879.jpg
To be continued next post...

[shadowryter]

Once off Manta we headed to Kraken which I was able to ride. Next was Wild Artic and it’s all we could do to keep from laughing as the door you exit kept shaking and opening. That’s not the way I remembered it at all. Lol! We got a glimpse at a Beluga, a peek at one Polar Bear ( not sure if it was Klondike, Snow or an offspring or someone all together different.)
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0886.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0890.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0030.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0008.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0022.jpg
We caught some cute Halloween decorations as SeaWorld only does Halloween on the weekends. We went shopping again, grabbed a Shamu bar, picked up our photos and headed out of the park.
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0006.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0032.jpg
No Sea Lion and Walrus show, no One World with Shamu, and the observation tower was closed due to high winds. Basically I paid close to $300 for not much. The park closes at 6 and it really needs some TLC. It was quite honestly, vacant and kind of sad. The highlight of my day was honestly, Sharks Underwater Grill and though I feel this was our last trip to SeaWorld, Heather swears it was worth it just to ride Manta.
Various shots of SeaWorld
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0872.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0873.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0884.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0885.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0895.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0904.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0001.jpg
Our Park Photo…aawww…Baby Shamu…too cute!
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/10-19-20112.jpg
We left the park at closing and there wasn’t any great rush. We stood at the stop and a bus showed after nearly 20 minutes just to tell us we had to cross the street and go to that stop. Huh??? We crossed and waited about another 20 minutes and wouldn’t you know it was getting dark fast. Dan was sure we would die at that bus stop until another group of people joined us and the bus showed up shortly after. My hubby is definitely a country boy where as I used to take the bus to get around when I totaled my car…(a whole different story!)so I kind of knew how buses worked but I don’t think I would do it again. The Lynx #50 is not for us but it is definitely a cheaper alternative. Maybe when the park doesn’t close so early.

Next...Yet another change in dinner plans???

[amytheobald]

I m subbing in!

[Dismamx2]

Great TR and fab pics! We've requested Cabanas 8A or B for our first visit, even your pic of maps etc is getting me excited :lmao:. Sorry to hear about your injury!
Looking forward to reading some more :goodvibes

[shadowryter]

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo152/shadowryter_photo/OurHouseThanksgiving-1.jpg

[janeb]

Some of our group has come up with invitations for part of our reservations.; I would still love to have these:

1.) Some kind of "welcome letter" to Gavyn & Easton for Dec 12-19 and a second welcome letter to Rebecca, Emily and Olivia for Dec 13-19

2.) An invitation to Mama Melrose's for Sunday Dec.18 at 4:55 pm
One for Gavyn & Easton and One with Rebecca, Emily & Olivia

3.) One last question; someone made me tickets to MVMCP, but they print on the entire page, I have a MAC and have spent hours trying to shrink them - would you have a way to possibly make 5 tickets on one page, so I could just print them out, cut apart and laminate them? If so, you would be a life saver - I have almost made myself crazy on this MAC trying to reduce (finally called tech support, "they say" it isn't possible - I find that hard to believe, but that's another story:confused:)
If you have time for this last one, the names would be the same as above, Rebecca, Emily, Olivia, Gavyn & Easton and the date is Dec 14th.

Thank you so much.....your work and all of the work on here is amazing!
We appreciate all you do.:worship:


I'm sorry if I am out of place here. I love, love, LOVE all of your disigns!
We are planning our family trip (family of 12) in December 2011. I would love to have some of your amazing creations to make the five grand kids trip that much more awesome! If you have time, could you please make invitations for the following? I understand completely if you are extremely busy and will settle for absolutely any you have time to do.....

ANY KIND of Christmas disign...... (prefer: Micky, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, etc
or Toy Story / Cars)


Invite #1. To:Disney World, Gavyn and Easton, for Dec 12 - 19

#2. To: Disney World, Rebecca, Emily & Olivia, for Dec 13 - 19

#3. To: Cinderella's Royal Table, Rebecca, Emily, Olivia, Gavyn &
Easton 12/14 - Lunch (no time please)

#4. MVMCP - December 14, 2011 7:00 pm, Rebecca, Emily, Olivia,
Gavyn & Easton

#5. Donald's Safari Breakfast at Tusker House 9:00 am, Rebecca,
Emily, Olivia, Gavyn & Easton

I really appreciate any of these and once again, I hope I am posting in the correct spot. :confused3

[NancyLuvsMickey]

We love the Kraken!!! :thumbsup2 And we've always enjoyed Sea World... I hope they do the TLC and keep the park up to snuff...

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Subbing Linda! I'm so sorry you injured yourself on the first day! I hope it got better as the trip went on. Can't wait to read more!!!!!!

[shadowryter]

Hi everyone. I hope you all had a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving. I apologize for the lapse in my TR. It was not for lack of trying I assure you.:goodvibesLife had been busy and a bit unkind the past couple of weeks. My dad's car died so i've been doing my parents errands and bringing him to look for a new one and my mom just got out of the hospital after suffering from congestive heart failure.:scared1:It was a scarey time but she will be ok. She's home and doing well under my watchful eye. So on with these responses and this TR.:thumbsup2
I m subbing in!
Welcome.:cool1:
Great TR and fab pics! We've requested Cabanas 8A or B for our first visit, even your pic of maps etc is getting me excited :lmao:. Sorry to hear about your injury!
Looking forward to reading some more :goodvibes
Thanks...You will love CSR!
We love the Kraken!!! :thumbsup2 And we've always enjoyed Sea World... I hope they do the TLC and keep the park up to snuff...
I hope so too.:goodvibes
Subbing Linda! I'm so sorry you injured yourself on the first day! I hope it got better as the trip went on. Can't wait to read more!!!!!!
Welcome...we'll see.:rolleyes:

[shadowryter]

October 19th...continued

Once back we took the Disney bus to our resort and by now lunch was just a memory. We had an ADR at Citrico’s for dinner but due to my injury we let it go in favor of the local flavor of the Pepper Market. I reminded Dan that next time signature dinners will be charged for a no-show so we better start showing. He agreed and then we entered a new dining experience.

Our server was very sweet and explained how you make your orders at the different stations and when you are done you pay on your way out. Seemed easy. We ordered drinks and then went about checking out the different offerings, our ticket stamped after each order.
Mango Blueberry Basil Margarita - Camarena premium silver tequila, coconut rum, orange juice, mango, blueberries and basil served on the rocks with a cactus lemongrass salt rim
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0045.jpg
Pineapple Margarita - Camarena premium silver tequila, ginger liqueur, agave nectar syrup and fresh lime juice served on the rocks with a cactus lemongrass salt rim.These were $12.50 and worth every penny!
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0046.jpg
Ribs, fries and slaw
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0048.jpg
Philly Cheese steak - sandwich roll, onions, bell peppers, Swiss cheese
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0052.jpg
Margherita pizza- mozzarella cheese, plum tomatoes and basil
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0054.jpg
Market Nachos - chicken, Pico de Gallo, sour cream, jalapenos and cheese sauce
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0053.jpg
Chocolate Mousse cake
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0042.jpg
Strawberry Cake
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0043-1.jpg
Big M&M cookie
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0041-1.jpg
With our dining plan our server explained that this was counter service and told us to get the most out of our plan we should get 4 drinks and another dessert. So she got us 4 bottles of water which we took with us and we grabbed another cookie on the way out. It was a great meal.

On our way back to our room we took a walk to the Dig Site to see the pool and nosed around the property for a while. My bum leg was feeling a little stiff so we decided to call it a night. I thought I was doing pretty good though, so I told Dan that tomorrow I wanted to return the wheelchair in case there was someone there who really needed it.
A couple of images around El Centro
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0060.jpg
I was just fascinated by this ceiling:lmao:
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0059.jpg
The Dig Site…Really neat pool
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0069.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0067.jpg
The bridge by night
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0071.jpg
The view from the beach
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2019th/DSCN0073.jpg
Next…A visit to Animal Kingdom and MNSSHP…Oh-oh, should I have kept the wheelchair???

[mellie mel]

Enjoying reading about your trip. Wow, that leg injury day one must have been a bummer! I had a one day loss at DW when I decided to ride Mission Space. I don't typically have motion sickness, but that ride did me in for an entire day and it was the first and only thing I rode that day other than the bus. Can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip.

Melanie

[dr&momto2boys]

Great TR! I love your pictures! Sorry about the injury.
How in the world do you have time to do a TR and designs for others? You're amazing! We all appreciate it!

[shadowryter]

Enjoying reading about your trip. Wow, that leg injury day one must have been a bummer! I had a one day loss at DW when I decided to ride Mission Space. I don't typically have motion sickness, but that ride did me in for an entire day and it was the first and only thing I rode that day other than the bus. Can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip.

Melanie
Thanks for reading. I can relate to you with Mission Space. The first time I rode it I was fine. My DD wanted to ride again and after that I was disoriented for sevral hours after. I had to sit for a long time and waited as they rode a third time. Now I ride the slowpoke version.:lmao:
Great TR! I love your pictures! Sorry about the injury.
How in the world do you have time to do a TR and designs for others? You're amazing! We all appreciate it!
Hi there, my time is spaced out. Usually have to wait until DH goes to work in the evening. He plays WOW and other games.:rolleyes1He's getting his own laptop soon despite the fact that the desktop is all his.:banana:

[shadowryter]

October 20th

Animal Kingdom then on to Mickey’s Halloween Party…


We each got up at our own pace…me first as usual. Heather said she was feeling better but I could tell that she really wasn’t. My leg didn’t seem any worse for wear but it was very swollen and discolored. Despite that I decided that I would return the wheelchair and move along on my own. I took my time walking to El Centro taking some pictures of the grounds on the way, where we caught the bus to the Animal Kingdom.
Shots around Coronado Springs
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0081.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0082.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0084.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0085.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0088.jpg
When we arrived it didn’t seem all to busy as it did in past trips. I had the backpack so I got to go through the checked bag line while Heather and Dan cruised on easily through and waited for me which wasn’t a long wait at all. We knew that we wanted to see the Festival of the Lion king and arriving early we found ourselves surrounded by characters and since we never had our pictures taken here it was a great opportunity. Heather and I moved around getting our Photopass pic’s taken while Dan kind of stood back and watched. He hides from the camera all the time unless the mood strikes him…or I do. Lol! We had our photo taken with Meeko, Thumper and his girlfriend, Goofy and Donald. The line for Mickey and Minnie was super long and show time was nearing so we got in line and soon entered the theater.
Expedition Everest from the bridge (enhanced image)
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0092A-1.jpg

Some friends of Donalds
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0093.jpg
Our character pictures
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0094.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0095.jpg
Honestly…this one with my camera came out better than the Photopass one
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0096.jpg
We got a great seat and the show was just as wonderful as I remembered it, which was 7 years ago. When the show ended we all felt it was time for a snack and a turkey leg would do the trick. I took a couple of shots of the Tree of Life, running into Devine along the way. I’m still so fascinated by her and the way she moves…the look on peoples faces when they see her for the first time.

We stopped at Tril-O-Bites where we purchased our coveted snack and looked for a place to sit but ended out standing. At this point we were being approached by some curious birds as well as some onlookers that I believe never saw a turkey leg before. Let’s just say that they did not respect our personal boundaries and got a wee bit too close as far as Heather was concerned. “I could feel his breath on my neck,” she told us later.
Festival of the Lion King
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0106.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0111.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0114.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0119.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0121.jpg
Devine
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0122.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0122A.jpg
Dan with our snack
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0131.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0132.jpg
Some curious (scavengers) onlookers
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0133.jpg
Tree of Life (enhanced image)
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0127A-1.jpg
We didn’t do all that much and I feel responsible for that. We did ride Expedition Everest, and Prehistoric Whirl and did some shopping per usual but soon it was time to leave for our reservation at Grand Floridians Garden View Tea Room. So we made the long leisurely stroll out of the park and headed for the buses. I have noticed through the years and our visits that we are spending less and less time at AK. Don’t get me wrong I do love this park and over the years we have done everything that there is to do but next time we will skip this one…I don’t know maybe when Avatar land opens.:goodvibes

Continued on next post....

[shadowryter]

We took the bus to the Ticket and Transportation center where we caught the ferry back to the Magic Kingdom to take the monorail to the Grand Floridian. Whew! I checked us in and feeling terribly underdressed we waited about 15 minutes before we were called to our table. This is a very small place compared to others so I could see why you definitely needed ADR’s to get in. A bride to be and her wedding party were really upset when they were turned away. Seems it doesn’t matter if you are getting married the next morning at the GF. No ADR no entrance.
View from the ferry (enhanced image)
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0140A-1.jpg
The GF in all her glory
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0145.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0147.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0149.jpg
When we were seated I felt a little better seeing all kinds of people in all kinds of dress. Our MNSSHP t-shirts didn’t seem so out of place. It was extremely casual to very tea-like I’d guess you’d say. Our sever Dottie was an absolute sweetheart. We place our order and our first ever tea began. Heather chose the Princess Kate Tea with Vanilla Earl Grey, me the Grand Tea with the Garden View Blend and Dan the Russian Earl Grey, also with the Grand Tea. Dan and I got cute little china tea pots while Heathers was of the pressed pot kind. Heather also had a glass of champagne, while Dan chose sparkling wine and I pushed it up a notch with the Iron Horse Cuvee, something I have always wanted to try.
Our Garden View Tea experience
Princess Kate Tea
Potted shrimp and toast points with Veuve Cliquot Champagne
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0155.jpg
Vanilla Earl Grey with pressed pot
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0159.jpg
Assortment of fruits and cheeses
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0161.jpg
Cheese biscuits
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0162.jpg
Special pastries
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0173.jpg
The Grand Tea
Tea sandwiches ( watercress and cucumber…egg salad…shrimp salad…curry chicken salad and gorgonzola with pear) with Domaine Ste-Michelle sparking wine and Iron Horse Cuvee (ok…they look alike)
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0163.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0156.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0157.jpg
Tea with and without cozy
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0158.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0166.jpg
Scones and jam tarts
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0172.jpg
Tea pastries….Pistachio swan and chocolate strawberry
Pina colada swan with mini éclair
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0176.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0177.jpg
Our wonderful server, Dottie
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0174.jpg
Dan didn’t think that this would be a filling meal but it certainly was. I loved trying the Iron Horse Cuvee but honestly I don’t know what all the hype is all about. I loved this dining experience and would definitely do it again…maybe get a bit dressed up next time though.

Enhanced images you wonder? I've been playing around with a new Photoshop plug in...thus the larger images. More will come, I'm afraid.:thumbsup2

Next…On to Magic Kingdom and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!

[fi46re129]

I'm in! I just found you TR and loving it so far!

I've always wanted to do the tea at GF. The pics look great!!!

[jecskc]

Joining in !! We are sailing on the Dream in April, but doing the parks first. So I am interested in your perspective on that. Thanks so much for sharing !!

[Grumpy's Wife]

I don't think I've ever read a review of the Tea. Thank you and it all looks delicious.

I absolutely love the picture of the ferry boat with the castle in the background. It looks like a postcard. Beautiful!

[Mich123]

Thanks for reviewing the tea--I agree with the previous poster--I don't think I've seen a tea review before. I think I might have to consider it! How much time did it take? I'm trying to figure out how to squeeze it in...

[shadowryter]

I'm in! I just found you TR and loving it so far!

I've always wanted to do the tea at GF. The pics look great!!!
Thanks for joining in. The more the merrier.:goodvibes
Joining in !! We are sailing on the Dream in April, but doing the parks first. So I am interested in your perspective on that. Thanks so much for sharing !!
First...you will love the Dream.:thumbsup2Next...we've tried it both ways...Cruise then parks...parks then cruise. I like the parks first, then you have the cruise to relax. There's lot's to do but it's still relaxing. The other way around I was so relaxed from the cruise that by the time we started the parks I wanted it to end by day 3 and we had 4 more days to go.:lmao:But that was just me.:goodvibes
I don't think I've ever read a review of the Tea. Thank you and it all looks delicious.

I absolutely love the picture of the ferry boat with the castle in the background. It looks like a postcard. Beautiful!
Thanks so much.:goodvibes
Thanks for reviewing the tea--I agree with the previous poster--I don't think I've seen a tea review before. I think I might have to consider it! How much time did it take? I'm trying to figure out how to squeeze it in...
The tea was great...I believe it took around an hour and a half. We took our time. Enjoyed each course and our tea and champagne. We chose to go on our MK day that way it's just a monorail or boat ride away. You have to squeeze it in. You won't be disappointed.:goodvibes

[shadowryter]

Hi all...I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday. As for me I had a lovely, quiet day. We opened our gifts after dinner and it was just....peaceful.:goodvibes

Well I just wanted to sneak in another installment of my TR before we all ring in the New year. So here goes.

October 20th...Continued

Time to party with Mickey

We left our tea full, but I was a bit disappointed. You see I had ordered a mini birthday cake in honor or Heather’s 21st. I ordered it in plenty of time, talking personally to Pat at Private dining, emphasizing that last year the birthday cake I ordered for Dan at the GF Café never appeared. She sounded shocked and wanted all the information even though it was last December. She said she would personally see to it that my cake would be there…it wasn’t. No one even knew about it and after the missing castle cake in 2008...this was strike three. I will NEVER order a cake again from the Grand Floridian…EVER. Was I shouting??? Sorry about that. Rant over. Lol! I think I’ll just stick to the Contemporary Resort and chef Brian’s creativity. He blew us away with last years anniversary cake and I’m hoping for a repeat performance for our Halloween cake next October.
A reminder of what Chef Brian can do….
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/100_1702.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/100_1699.jpg
We hopped on the monorail and headed to the Magic Kingdom. This was to be our first Halloween event here at the world and I was looking forward to it. Okay, well maybe not as much as Dan and Heather since Christmas time is my favorite time to visit. We entered the park around 5:30 or so. CM’s all decked out in their Halloween finest looked at our tickets and placed a MNSSHP band around our wrists. We were ready to party.
We did some shopping down Main Street then headed for Pirates of the Caribbean one of our favorites. I took a pictures along the way taking one of Mickey and Minnie in front of the castle and then we got a picture of the three of us on the bridge with the castle in the background.
Welcome to Mickey's Party
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0179.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0186A.jpg
Some enhanced images of Main Street
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0185A.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0188A.jpg
Halloween Street Lamps
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0184.jpg
M&M in front of the castle
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0192A.jpg
Our Castle picture
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/31004880000.jpg
We had about everything we wanted to do and see pre-arranged in our heads so you know what that meant. The main attraction was to see Mickey’s Boo to You Parade but most important was to see the ride of the Headless Horseman. We found our spot in Frontier Land where I could grab a great video and then we would duck out while the parade was going on to seek out the Seven Dwarfs and get our picture taken, something we missed last year during the Christmas Parade because we were just to frozen to wait….and the line was sooooo short. The time arrived and I crawled on top of a platform with my bum leg to get an awesome video. The horseman came and went and the darn camera refused to focus on anything except the spotlight from behind his entrance.L Not a happy camper. We were ready to leave but realized we were boxed in… so we settled down to watch the parade which we all thoroughly enjoyed and never got to see the Seven Dwarfs because the line was about 2 hours long.
Headless Horseman rides (not my image)
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0208A.jpg
Boo to You Pictures…not the best…sorry
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0209.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0211.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0212.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0214.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0219.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0226.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0227.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0238.jpg
Before heading over to the Haunted Mansion, we ducked into a shop to find our party pins and Vinylmation. Plenty of pins but no Vinylmations…A CM noticed our shirts and said she didn’t realize they had a new style. My DH quickly told her that I made the designs and shirts to which she called out other CM’s who oooohed and aaahhed over them. What happened next was cool and completely unexpected as she presented me with a Magical Moments certificate for my awesome T-shirts.
My Magical Moment
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/10-20-20111.jpg
After we rode HM we stopped for a picture in front of the hearse. I also got a couple of great shots of the mansion and the pet cemetery. We got in line to have our pictures taken in front of Cinderella’s coach when we realized that Hallow Wishes would soon be starting so we reluctantly left and spent the next half hour trying to get out of Fantasy Land and to the front of the Castle. We finally landed a great spot in front of the castle forecourt where I got some great video and pictures.
Continued next post...

[shadowryter]

Haunted Mansion queue
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0194.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0197.jpg
Madame Leota
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0193A.jpg
Pet Cemetery
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0201.jpg
Our Spooky Hearse shot
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/31004880001.jpg
Haunted Mansion
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0207.jpg
Hallow Wishes ( some shots with my camera and some HD shots while recording video from the same camera)
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0241.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0246.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0254.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0258.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0259.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0262.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0263.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0264.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0268.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0269.jpg
Once the crowd dispersed we decided our Tea was long gone and made our way to Tomorrow Land where we did some shopping before stopping for a bite at Cosmic Rays Starlight Café. (Notice…we do a lot of shopping!)We all opted for a bacon cheeseburger with soda or ice tea and a little carrot cake for dessert. Again we were on the dining plan so we wanted to make the best of it. After our dinner we headed to Space Mountain. Yep, most would have ridden this before eating but the wait was over forty minutes so there was plenty of time to digest.
Good ole bacon cheeseburger and fries at Cosmic Rays
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0281.jpg
Carrot cake…cake was dry…frosting was grainy…ugh!
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0283.jpg
Space Mountain photo
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/10-20-20112.jpg
We headed back to Frontier Land to go to a shop that Heather wanted to check out the first time but failed to mention it. We always seem to be zig-zag across the park after dark. I feel a bit disoriented at times and find you can go in circles and dead ends if you are not careful. My throbbing leg was getting the best of me. I began to wish that I hung onto that wheelchair but what was done was done. We approached the second parade and had to wait as the Headless Horseman was riding once more. My camera was in hand and I just watched him ride by. I guess I was tiring a bit.
Continued on next post...

[shadowryter]

Random Halloween shots
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0288.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0289.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0290.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0292.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0297.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0293.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0295.jpg
By 11:30 we were making our way out of the park, stopping at every store that we passed. Before we knew it the crowd was pushing through and we were still shopping. I took some neat photos of the Train Station after dark, all spooked up as well as a cute Mickey Pumpkin balloon light. Then it was off to the buses and back to Coronado Springs where we had to stop at the store in El Centro and get Heather some medicine for her cold which didn’t seem to want to leave her.
Train Station
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0300.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0302.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0301.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0304.jpg
Mickey Boo
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2020th/DSCN0309.jpg
Coming up next…Robert Irvine…Food and Wine Festival and after three tries…finally... Le Cellier…

[shadowryter]

Happy 2012 everyone....Let's get this TR rolling before we ring in 2013.:lmao:

October 21st...F&W with a little Robert Irvine on the side.

Despite that Heather was feeling ill the night before we were all up bright and early and eager to start our day at Epcot. This was going to be our first experience with the Food & Wine Festival and we were all looking forward to it. Having browsed the brochure and searched online prior I knew what we were looking at pretty much and also knew that our first stop would be the Festival Center where we could do some shopping of course, hoping to add to our pin and Vinylmation collection. But that would wait a bit as we headed directly to Soarin’ to grab a Fastpass. The wait at this point was barely 20 minutes so we got in line. After Soarin’ we headed to Test Track but it was down, so off to Spaceship Earth where we all got a chuckle out of our futuristic pictures. Back to Test Track which was still down, so off to Mission Space before it was time to honor our Soarin’ Fastpass. Wait line 90 minutes…Thank goodness for FP.

World Showcase would be opening in about a half hour so we made our way to the Festival Center and took our time looking through all the goodies. We found some cute pins and a Vinylmation that Heather and I had to have and since a Halloween Vinylmation was not offered I thought why not? After we made our purchases we picked up a F&W Passport and thought it would be fun to have it stamped at each country as we dined around World Showcase. It was then that we were circling the pavillion to see what else we could find when I heard a familiar voice.

OMG! Is that Robert Irvine? Well it was. He was doing a cooking demonstration for a few dozen lucky viewers that were seated within a gated area enjoying what I’m sure was a pricey show. I stood at the back and watched for awhile and then was joined by Heather and Dan who had wondered off. My new camera has a great zoom so I used it to get a better glimpse. Not realizing that as I stole some shots of the Food Channel icon that I was accidentally blocking someone’s view, who quite rudely reminded me that I was in their way. Now, had they not been rude I might have moved quicker. So here I am basically standing on one foot and here they are ( a man and his wife, I guess) sitting on a comfy bench watching from the back wall as if they expected that no one would dare cross their path. Needless to say I got my picture, shot them a dirty glare and left. When Dan found out he wasn’t happy and said he wished he had heard their comments. But it all ended peaceful and we left with out purchases and headed for WS and the F&W Festival.
F&W sign at Epcot entrance
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0311.jpg
F&W Center signage
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0320.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0321.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0319.jpg
Robert Ervine
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0318.jpg
F&W pins and Vinylmation(not my picture but Heather and I did get the cute Vinylmation and both of these pins.)
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/food-and-wine-vinyl-1.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/food-and-wine-festival-merch.jpg
Once at World Showcase we found ourselves in front of the Australia booth. I wasn’t sure what to do but saw the cute little tables set up. So Dan grabbed a table and Heather and I started for our first country and we just continued eating and drinking around the World.
Australia
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0323.jpg
Shrimp on the Barbie with Berry Pepper Citrus Glaze,
Grilled Lamb Chop with Potato-Goat Cheese Salad and Shiraz Reduction and Norman Estates Shiraz
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0322.jpg
Caribbean
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0327.jpg
Frozen Rock Coconut Mojito
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0324.jpg
Frozen Dragon Berry Colada
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0325.jpg
Heather enjoying her Mojito
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0328.jpg
China
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0332.jpg
Black Pepper Shrimp with Sichuan Noodles
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0331.jpg
Pork Pot Stickers
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0329.jpg
Xinjiang Barbecue Chicken Stick
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0330.jpg
Poland
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0335.jpg
Kielbasa and Potato Pierogie with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0333.jpg
Belvedere Strawberry Chiller
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0334.jpg
Italy
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0338.jpg
Cannoli al Cioccolato(Chocolate Covered Cannoli Shell Filled with Sweet Ricotta Cheese, Chocolate, and Candied Fruit)
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0337.jpg
To be continued on next post...

[shadowryter]

Wow...do these photos look bigger for some reason???
Hops and Barley
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0341.jpg
Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine Lobster Roll, Pumpkin Mousse with Ocean Spray Craisins and Orange Sauce and Cream Stout
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0340.jpg
Japan
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0344.jpg
Spicy Tuna Roll, Sake: Junmai Ginjo Masumi, Tokyo Sunset
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0343.jpg
New Zealand
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0346.jpg
Seared Sea Scallop with Kumara-Red Curry Puree and Apple Radish Salad and Lamb Slider with Tomato Chutney
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0345.jpg
Portugal
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0348.jpg
Linguica Sausage with Onions, Peppers and Olives
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0347.jpg
Belgium
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0354.jpg
Steamed Mussels with Roasted Garlic Cream and a Baguette
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0351.jpg
Belgium Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream, Guylian Belgian Chocolate Seashell Truffles and Godiva Chocolate Iced Coffee
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0350.jpg
Close-up of cute little shells which were actually seahorses
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0353.jpg
France
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0356.jpg
Escargots Persillade en Brioche (Garlic and Parsley Snails in Brioche)
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0358.jpg
Crème Brûlée au Chocolat au Lait (Chocolate Milk Crème Brûlée topped with Caramelized Sugar)
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0359.jpg
Parisian Cosmo Slush (Ciroc Vodka, Grand Marnier, Cranberry Juice)
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0361.jpg
Ireland
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0363.jpg
Lobster & Scallop Fisherman’s Pie and Guinness Draught
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0362.jpg
We never planned on hitting all the booths but I did want to finish with Dessert and Champagne and Hawaii. The problem was we were full and I do mean full and in just a few hours we had ressie’s at Le Cellier. OMG…I wasn’t going to miss it again.

Coming up....our misadventures at Le Cellier...

[ChaMakay1923]

Jumping on board... it was nice to FINALLY put a face to the name! :thumbsup2 So sorry you got injured! Hope it wasn't a break, as the way you described how the reaction occurred afterwards, getting lightheaded and woozy, reminded me of the time I broke my thumb.. I was the same way.. didn't feel anything until a half an hour afterwards...then the birdies started showing above my head. :rotfl:

[debrapagliasotti]

Joining in! We are doing MNSSHP and F&W this Oct as well :thumbsup2

[shadowryter]

Jumping on board... it was nice to FINALLY put a face to the name! :thumbsup2 So sorry you got injured! Hope it wasn't a break, as the way you described how the reaction occurred afterwards, getting lightheaded and woozy, reminded me of the time I broke my thumb.. I was the same way.. didn't feel anything until a half an hour afterwards...then the birdies started showing above my head. :rotfl:
Hi there and welcome to my TR. Getting ready for that next vacation? No...it wasn't a break. It is an extremely bruised bone. Blunt force trauma. Yes...I've been to see my doctor. If I'm lucky it might be healed by my trip this October... Yes...that long.:scared1:

Joining in! We are doing MNSSHP and F&W this Oct as well :thumbsup2
October is such a great time to go. The weather is great...you have Halloween at the MK and the F&W at Epcot. Can't wait to go back myself.:cool1:

[shadowryter]

Oct 21st Continued…

We left the F&W Festival and headed back to Test Track where finally after being down all day it was up and running and with a 20 minute wait, you couldn’t go wrong. Or could you? We hopped in line and waited….and waited….and waited. See where I’m going with this? It would seem that all Fast Passes had to be honored and then there was the free pass because it kept going down. What promised to be 20 minutes turned into 2 ½ hours and the people in line were getting restless and angry to say the least. Even when we were close…we weren’t and this is why. When we finally reached the top and got in line for the pre-show…yeah forgot about that one. I stood back and watched. For every 6 to 10 of the regular line 20 to 30 of the FP line was being admitted. Not fair you say?
Cute topiary leaving Word Showcase
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0364.jpg
Our Test Track Pic(don't ask what Dan is doing???:rolleyes1)
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/31004880002.jpg
Heather in her future vechicle?
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0365.jpg
By the time we rode and got outside it was dark and time for our Le Cellier ADR, at 8:50. We checked in a little early and took in the garden by night, still quite lovely. We made our way inside and was told it would be just a couple of minutes…more like a 40 and this was why. You see a bridal party came waltzing in, party of 8, I believe. They did not have reservations but lo and behold seems they were from Canada and miraculously they just happened to have a table for them but that meant that we were put on hold. I guess it just wasn’t our night. They was no place to sit as the bridal party and another party of 4 also waiting took up all the space. I tell you I was ready to sit on the desk if I wasn’t able to rest my leg soon. The host tried to be chatty asking us where we were from. When Dan answered Massachusetts it was odd that he became quite standoffish at that point. My imagination? I don’t think so. Why? Don’t know that either.

We were finally seated and greeted by our over zealous waiter. We chose to order cokes all around and then placed our orders. Our drinks arrived rather quickly followed by our apps. Heather had the Cheddar cheese soup which she said was unbelievable while I ordered the salad…so good. Dan had the Seared Diver Scallops and that didn’t turn out so well. First bite and I could hear the crunch from across the table. Yep…sand. The second scallop was great and the third…more sand. The problem wasn’t the sand though…when Dan told our waiter he was in utter disbelief to the point that he didn’t believe it could happen. “I assure you that this has never happened. The scallops are double washed.” Well someone dropped the ball. He did offer to bring him another but Dan wasn’t in the mood for more sand. On to entrees…Heather had the baked Halibut which was baked too long because it was dry. Dan and I had the famous Mushroom Filet Mignon over risotto. It was to die for. So incredibly good. We finished with dessert and left, deciding that after all the misses trying to dine here in the past that Le Cellier wasn’t for us and we would not be returning any time soon. Sorry Le Cellier lovers. It just wasn’t what we expected a signature dining experience should be.
Garden at night
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0368.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0374.jpg
Famous Pretzel bread and rolls with butter
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0396.jpg
Seared Diver Scallops ~ with Wild Mushrooms, Black Garlic, Apple-radish Salad, Ephemere Beer Reduction
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0399.jpg
Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup ~ made with Moosehead Beer and Bacon
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0398.jpg
“Chefs Gardens” Specialty Greens ~ with Peaches, Plums, Toasted Pecans and Goat Cheese
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0400.jpg
“Le Cellier” Mushroom Filet Mignon ~ with Wild Mushroom Risotto, White Truffle-Butter Sauce and Micro Chervil
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0402.jpg
Broiled Alaskan Halibut ~ with Long Bean, Cippolini Onions, Asparagus Tips and Shellfish Butter Sauce
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0401.jpg
Trio of Chocolate ~ Canadian Club Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Sorbet, Warm Chocolate-Almond Cake
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0405.jpg
Lemon Cheesecake ~ with Citrus Salad and Mandarin Gelee
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0406.jpg
Caramelized Apricot Peach Cake ~ with Stone Fruit Salad and Apricot Sorbet
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0410.jpg
We slowly made our way out of Epcot, stopping to take a few pictures here and there. There was hardly anyone around except for the CM’s who were cleaning and organizing. It was a nice ending to a very long day.
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0413.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0414.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2021st/DSCN0418.jpg
Next….Our Disney Hollywood Studios day…how many times can you actually ride Star Tours????

[Johndough]

Joining in. I'm loving your pictures, especially of the fireworks! Can't wait to hear the rest of your trip.

[Mich123]

Great pics of F&W--can you tell me how this works? Do you get a wristband or do you pay per item? I think your pictures could help me convince DH that we need to go to WDW in the fall.

Your picture of Robert Irvine made me laugh--is he poured into his shirt? :lmao:

[Grumpy's Wife]

I love how you took a picture of the country and then the food. It all looks so good.

Even though it's morning here I could so go for a bowl of that cheddar cheese soup and pretzel bread.

[shadowryter]

Joining in. I'm loving your pictures, especially of the fireworks! Can't wait to hear the rest of your trip.
Thanks for reading...more coming up.:goodvibes
Great pics of F&W--can you tell me how this works? Do you get a wristband or do you pay per item? I think your pictures could help me convince DH that we need to go to WDW in the fall.

Your picture of Robert Irvine made me laugh--is he poured into his shirt? :lmao:
The F&W is free with admission to Epcot. We used our deluxe dining plan snack credits for the food at the booths and our KTTW card for the drinks. It worked out quite well. You should try it. We're going back this fall for our second go round. As fas a Robert Irvines shirt goes???Who cares.:lmao::love:
I love how you took a picture of the country and then the food. It all looks so good.

Even though it's morning here I could so go for a bowl of that cheddar cheese soup and pretzel bread.
I'm a photo nut if couldn't tell already. I seem to get a new camera each year trying for that perfect picture without going broke buying a DSLR. But I see one in my future.:cool1:

[shadowryter]

Oct 22nd….Disney Studios…Mama Melrose and a whole lot of Star Tours…

I crawled out of bed at the crack of dawn, grabbed my camera and snuck outside. I wanted to capture some sunrise photos that I had seen posted on the boards. So much better in person I must say. I used various articles to get my beautiful shots…a post top, a trash can…whatever I could fine to get the clearest shots of the sunrise over the lagoon at Coronado Springs. I went back to our room and got my crew moving. I heard a clunk from behind the bathroom door followed by a low, “Oh no.” A few minutes later I found out the somehow Dan ripped the TP holder off the wall so now we had to make a stop at guest services. I explained what happened to a smirking CM who took forever to find the right code for the incident and schedule a repair, ending with a cheery, “Have a magical day and please don’t break anymore things in our hotel room."
CSR…early morning
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0424.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0428.jpg
Sunrise
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0429.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0432.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0431.jpg
Beautiful resort
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0434.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0435.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0436.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0438.jpg
Once at the Studios, we were greeted by some cute topiaries of Mater and Lightening McQueen, then we made a beeline to Star Tours. I might add that this was also an extra magic hours morning and I couldn’t believe that Heather and Dan were up and at ‘em but sick or not Heather swore she would ride ST at least a million times. Lol! When we arrived the line was basically just beginning. We grabbed a Fast Pass and headed on in. With ride #1 finished and the line still short we turned around and started ride #2, but once buckled in we realized that Dan’s belt would not hold so the three of us got off and waited to board the next shuttle. Once on board and buckled in securely we got a laugh when CP30 announced the rebel spy and displayed a very unflattering photo of myself for all to see. After my embarrassment it was decided that we would go for #3 before heading to Starring Rolls Bakery for some coffee and a snack or two. After all three rides in less than 1 hour…pretty good. Time to eat.
Cute Topiaries
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0439.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0441.jpg
Starring Rolls was packed but as we got into the long line a table opened and I claimed it. Heather chose to sit while Dan and I stood in line. She said she wanted nothing but I knew better than that. So many goodies…so hard to choose…I’ll take three of each please.
Cherry Turnover
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0454.jpg
Cheese Danish
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0456.jpg
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0460.jpg
What’s inside
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0461.jpg
Napoleon…Heather’s fav
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0457.jpg
Chocolate/chocolate chip muffin
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0459.jpg
I guess you could say we were hungry but Dan polished off most of it. Once we finished our coffee and snacks (all on the snack plan by the way) we were off to ride Twilight Zone Tower of Terror…twice, then it was time for our Star Tours Fast Pass where we all rode #4, grabbed yet another FP and rode again. At this time I’m feeling pretty good. I expected to get sick but didn’t. Dan and Heather were trying to figure out how many scenarios we had witnessed but it was time to move on. There was still so much park to see.
TOT
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0462.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0463.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0464.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0465.jpg
The man himself
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0448.jpg
Star Tours queue
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0451.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0453.jpg

Continued next post...

[shadowryter]

Rock ‘n Rollercoaster was jammed so we walked around, did some shopping and before we knew it our ADR for Mama Melrose was popping up. This was a new dining experience for us and I wasn’t sure what to expect.

We checked in and were seated only minutes later. I love the atmosphere of this restaurant. Bright and sunny in the awaiting area but then you enter and the ambiance just draws you in. The dark wood and red and white checked table cloths as well as little white lights strung throughout. I was very impressed. We came here for what seemed like fantastic flatbreads and we were not disappointed. We ordered a carafe of sangria along with appetizers. Then there was bread with a wonderful dipping oil and those flatbreads…just as I had hoped they would be. So delish. We finished with desserts and on our way out gave our compliments to the chef…explaining our disappointment in Le Cellier the night before. They sounded shocked…then grateful…then shocked again. But we really enjoyed dining at Mama Melrose’s and will definitely be returning.
Mama Melrose Menu
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0472.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0473.jpg
Sangria for 3 or more
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0486.jpg
Bread and Oil
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0491.jpg
Fresh Mozzarella and Vine-ripened Tomatoes with Marinated Sweet Onions, Balsamic Drizzle, Basil-scented Olive Oil, and Sweet Basil Leaves
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0488.jpg
Crispy Calamari For Two topped with Peppers and Onions served with a side of spicy Marinara and Sauces
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0490.jpg
Grilled Chicken Flatbread with Sun-dried Tomato Pesto, Pancetta, Asiago Cheese, and fresh Chives
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0492.jpg
Wild Mushroom and Arugula Flatbread with Balsamic Sweet Onions and Goat Cheese Pesto
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0493.jpg
Pizza Margherita with fresh Mozzarella, Tomato Sauce, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and fresh Basil
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0494.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0500.jpg
Chocolate Cannoli Cake Chocolate Cake filled with Cannoli Filling and Nutella served with a Chianti Red Wine Sauce and garnished with a Hazelnut Florentine
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0506.jpg
Gelato Spumoni
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0505.jpg
A little Mama's ambience
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0480.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0485.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0499.jpg
After our fantastic meal we headed over to the Back Lot Tour. I hadn’t ridden this one since 97 and I believe for Dan it was our honeymoon in 89. The MGM Studios had just opened the day before our wedding. It was brand new back then. When we were leaving Catastrophe Canyon we realized the Stunt show was in progress…oops we missed it again. That was the last show of the day. We looked through the great props and then headed over to take in The Beauty and the Beast stage show. Beauty and the Beast has always been Heather’s favorite Disney movie, as a little girl and now a young woman. We had to see it again for nostalgia sake and she was too young to remember it back then.
Random Back Lot Tour shots
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0511.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0520.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0525.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0528.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0529.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0537.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0541.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0542.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0544.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0546.jpg
Continued next post

[shadowryter]

Beauty and the Beast
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0007.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0557.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0560.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0561.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0564.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0573.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0577.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0585.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0601.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0002.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0004.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0006.jpg
We left the show and I thought where we might go next, reminding Heather and Dan that the park did not close at 7 like we thought but at 9. But we also had dinner ressie’s for Yachtsman Steakhouse at 9ish so if we were to make it in time we would have to leave about an hour or more ahead of time. They made their way to the other side of the park and what else…Star Tours…OMG…more? 5 times not enough??? Really? Reluctantly I rode #6 and this time Heather got to be the rebel spy. Her pic was just about as bad as mine. I didn’t feel so bad. We I came out after #7 that was it. I felt queezy and just wanted to sit. I thought we were leaving for Yachtsman but then I saw the looks on my little girl and my little guys face when they still had Fast Passes. I decided to sit it out as they disappeared into the abyss know as Star Tours and finding a bench nearby I plunked myself down with my shopping beside me and my cell phone in hand.
More Star Tours
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0012.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0020.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0016.jpg
I waited for quite a while but what happened next made it worth it. All through the day the Studios held the Jedi Training Camp and now that it was dark made no difference. I sat there when all of a sudden I heard that familiar music, the dark, unmistakable tones. Darth Vader had arrived as he did all day. The difference was I was watching this time. They seemed to come out of the woodwork, from near and far, dragging their children by their little hands, running across the park pushing strollers, sometimes double ones. So many men and fathers running as fast as their little legs would carry them all in the hopes of seeing Vader. It was quite a scene. You really had to be there.
So close to 8:30 my little ones appeared. Having ridden another 3 times they were quite happy and didn’t seem to mind that we were about to loose another ADR which I had so carefully planned months ago. They rode ST 10 times in one day and I only made it to 7...oh well.
We made our way out of the park, closing it out and shopping along the way. Once back to our resort we needed something for dinner and returned to the Pepper Market for another wonderful and filling dinner. We had to head back and call it a night because I had to pack up and get ready for tomorrows check-out.
Leaving the DHS
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0026.jpg
Vinylmation Station
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0027.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0039.jpg
Market Nachos - chicken, Pico de Gallo, sour cream, jalapenos and cheese sauce
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0034.jpg
Chicken Quesadillas - grilled chicken, peppers, onions and cheese
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0035.jpg
Steak Burrito - savory steak, rice, beans and cheese with ranchero sauce
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0036.jpg
Pomegranate Mojito
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0037.jpg
A couple of hidden Mickey’s
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0040.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0042.jpg
Our little friends ready for bed
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2022nd/DSCN0030.jpg

Next….Goodbye Coronado Springs….Hello Disney Dream!

[jecskc]

Enjoying your TR !! I can't wait to see your photos of the Dream.

[oboedm]

Signing on to your TR! Can't wait for your next update!

[shadowryter]

Enjoying your TR !! I can't wait to see your photos of the Dream.
Hi there and thanks for reading. Disney Dream on the way.:thumbsup2
Signing on to your TR! Can't wait for your next update!
Thank you for joing in. It's been a while since my last post so I guess I better get a move on.:goodvibes

[shadowryter]

Well hi everyone. It's been a while since my last post. I've had internet issues again and had my whole house rewired yesterday. So far so good. Fingers crossed. So now that Disney World is just about out of the way it's on to our cruise. So here we go.

Day one ~ The Dream is a Wish Heart Makes…How we managed to sample 38 desserts in only 4 nights!

I had just about everything packed the night before and after waking Heather and Dan we we’re all ready and set to check out of the Coronado Springs Resort. I had a town car pick up scheduled for 10 am for our port arrival at 11 am, so I called the front desk at around 9:30 to let them know we were ready to leave. I thought we would have to cart our bags to El Centro and was pleasantly surprised when bell services arrived to transport our luggage and us to the front on one of those cute little golf cart things that we had been dodging for the past 5 days. The bell person stayed with us as we were already checked out and right on the dot our town car arrived. We had a very pleasant 45 or so minute drive to the port and when we arrived the place really seemed kind of vacant. The green tarp walls that we remembered from our last cruise were now gone and once through the gates it was on the way to security which took all of 2 minutes to pass through.

Now being silver Castaway Club members we went to our designated check in and by the time I collected our silver status lanyards, got our boarding number and rested for a few they were already calling us. We were #3...compared to last years #5. We went through the Mickey ears, whizzed right on, had our picture taken and then stood at the entrance of the atrium of the Dream. A young woman asked our family name not once but three times. I plainly said Kuzian….with a K…but we were announced as the Guzian family and got quite a laugh out of it. Oh well.
Our boarding pass
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0044.jpg
Mickey says, “Welcome Aboard.”
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0045.jpg
We made our way directly to the lunch buffet at the Enchanted Garden, got a table and stood in line. It took a little while but it was well worth the wait. After picking up all sorts of goodies we finished at the dessert section where Dan and I sampled a few yummies and Heather opted for gelato asking the cute cm behind the counter for a chocolate chip cookie which is replied in a charming Italian accent… “I give you two.”
Delicious buffet choices
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0046.jpg
Potato Leek soup
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0048.jpg
Mint Chocolate Chip Gelato with 2 chocolate chip cookies
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0049.jpg
Assortment of desserts
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0050.jpg
Beautiful chandelier out front of Enchanted Garden
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0052.jpg
Elevators outside Enchanted Garden
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0053.jpg
When lunch was over we started to look around the ship heading up to deck 11 where we grabbed a tall drink and a lounge chair. At this point my leg was in need of some rest and it was welcomed. Drinks finished it was time to head to our cabin but the yellow tape was still up which was removed just as we arrived. We headed to our cabin and was in awe as soon as we opened the door. Of course I had seen the pictures online but to see things in person was something. Our cheese and crackers and bottle of Asti on ice was waiting for us, so we dug in, noticing tat we only had 2 glasses and Heather was 21 so none for her…No but next time I think I have to ask for 3 glasses. No fun toasting our cruise with plastic. We also had our first Silver Castaway Club gift which was kind if cool. Loved the bag and water bottles along with the little key ring. Dan and Heather fought over the Rice Crispy flip flops and that was fine we me. Never had a taste for those. Lol! While they snacked I began to decorate our cabin door since everything was neatly placed in our backpack.
Welcome aboard drink
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0055.jpg
Our cabin - 10134
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0060.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0061.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0064.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0065.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0070.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0071.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0072.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0076.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0078.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0082.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0096.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0097.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0098.jpg
Fruit and Cheese
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0062.jpg
Asti on ice…note 2 glasses
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0063.jpg
Continued next post...

[shadowryter]

Various papers and tickets
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0068.jpg
Close up of cheese and crackers
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0084.jpg
Our Silver Castaway Club gift…really cool
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0087.jpg
Our finished cabin door with my makeshift Mickey pirate. (long story short…ran out of colored ink so I made Mickey a bandana to match the ones I made for ourselves.)
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0088.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0091.jpg
Next came the safety drill sans life jackets. It was quicker and more efficient than the Wonder and we were headed back to our cabin in no time where my package that I sent to the port was waiting for me. The package upon inspection was crushed and the inside was just as bad. I packed this thing so carefully but I think a lot of the glow bracelets were activated so I spent the next half hour replacing them and hoping that anything else wasn’t damaged. I was so relieved that I had brought extras in a solid cardboard tube. Putting this aside for now we were headed up to the Sail Away party until I heard a knock at our door. Our room steward carried in 2 pieces of luggage. 2...as in 2 of 3???I was told not to worry about the third and that it would most likely be delivered a little later. So off to the party!

Next....Sailing away with the mouse

[oboedm]

Great update! I love all of the pictures of the room and can't wait to hear about the Sail Away party!

[shadowryter]

Thanks Paula....
Disney Dream....Day One...Time to sail away...

The party was just getting started when we arrived so we grabbed our Sail Away drink and found a spot on deck 12 overlooking all the action. It was such a beautiful day not like last time where we literally froze no matter where we went. I admit that I kind of missed the music that played during the Wonders party but this was fun also. Soon we heard the ships horn… “A dream is a wish your heart makes,” and we were off. We found a place to sit with our drinks and drank in the sunshine as we slowly moved out of the port and into the open sea.
Sail Away Party
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0104.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0106.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0109.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0112.jpg

http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0119.jpg
Sail away drink
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0120.jpg
Leaving Port Canaveral behind
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0125.jpg
Heather enjoying her drink
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0128.jpg
We slowly made our way back to our cabin so we could relax and get ready for tonight’s Golden Mickey’s. When I opened the door there was no more luggage and we were out to sea. Now what? Now I had to make a report of the missing piece…like what color???? Great black on black. Any idea how many people have black luggage? The importance of personalizing your suitcases…just in case and as we were to learn later on.

The Golden Mickey’s was great just like I remembered from the Wonder. This time we all made a promise that we would catch all the shows unlike the last time where we missed two of them for one reason or another. I won’t go into details. Don’t want to spoil it for you but it was a cute show.
The Golden Mickey’s
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0130.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0132.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0136.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0149.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0151.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0154.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0163.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0192.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0193.jpg

http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0256.jpg
Elevator Mickey hand
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0194.jpg
After the show we hustled back to the cabin to find our beds turned down and this cute little guy.
Cute towel swan
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0196.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0197.jpg
Heather’s bed
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0198.jpg
Our little misfit piece of luggage decide to come home and I was so relieved. We made a quick change but regardless my leg was throbbing from the last 5 days at Disney and I could barely put weight on it. I bit the bullet and we made it to dinner at Animators Palate, though almost ½ hour late. We were seated and met our servers Pogi from Hungary and Simona from Solvakia. I explained my injury and that was why we were late. Pogi took our meal orders while Simona took our drink orders and that was where things took a funny turn.

Continued next post...

[shadowryter]

All three of us loved the sound of the Blueberrilicious so we all ordered the same drink. Problem was when it arrived it was horrible…I mean really bad. When Pogi came over to ask about our drinks I had to tell the truth. He said we were not the first ones to complain, so we ordered a different drink and it was fantastic…so good. In the meantime Pogi told us that the head server would be coming around and that we should make a complaint. I couldn’t do that so when we were asked how everything was we said excellent. I wasn’t going to get anyone in trouble over a poorly made drink. Pogi came by once again and asked if we said anything to which we said no. I don’t understand why he and Simona took this so personally but Pogi said he was going to make it up to us and would be bringing us a sampling of every dessert that night. Sounded like fun, besides how many could there be? When our entrees were finished desserts arrived. OMG…how many are there really? Regular…sugar free and yes…kiddie desserts. We had a good laugh and managed to sample all, though Dan did more than just sample.
Blueberrilicious….not so licious - tequila, fresh blueberries, passion fruit juice, triple sec and sour mix
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0211.jpg
Golden Breeze - vodka, amoretto, Galliano, orange juice and pineapple juice
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0210.jpg
Herb Focaccia and Ciabatta bread with roasted garlic dip
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0203.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0205.jpg
Clever little palate knives
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0208.jpg
Black Truffle Pasta Pursettes - Pasta purse filled with truffle scented cheese and coated with a delicate Champagne sauce
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0216.jpg
Baked Potato and Cheddar Cheese soup - with bacon bits and chives
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0217.jpg
Sesame-flavored Rock Shrimp and Caramelized Onion Cheesecake - with Asian barbeque sauce, topped with micro greens
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0218.jpg
Me and my crew
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0215.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0213.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0232.jpg
White Shrimp Pennette Pasta - tossed with basil and a Reggiano Parmesan cream sauce and topped with Parmesan cheese wafer
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0219.jpg
Marinated Angus beef tenderloin - served to order on Wasabi mashed potatoes with Bok Choy and a Tamarind barbeque reduction
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0220.jpg
Animators Trio of Veal - Grilled tenderloin, pulled shank and Tortellacci pasta with a sun-dried tomato and sage reduction and garnished with a potato crisp
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0229.jpg
Here comes desserts...
Crunchy Walnut Cake - dark chocolate mousse and raspberry coulis
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0237a.jpg
Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake - with whipped cream and raspberry coulis
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0238a.jpg
Lemon Mousse - with mango coulis and dark chocolate
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0239a.jpg
Pineapple Financier - almond cake served with whipped cream
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0240a.jpg
Cookies and Cream Sundae - vanilla ice cream, chocolate wafer cookies and whipped cream
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0246a.jpg
Shots of AP
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0249.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0250.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0252.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0254.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0234.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0231.jpg

Next…Day two on the Dream and Nassau…Let the downpour begin!

[NancyLuvsMickey]

Heather’s bed
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2023rd/DSCN0198.jpg

I had to look twice at the picture of Heather's bed... The first time I saw the two white things on the wall I thought to myself "why does she have 2 toilet paper holders by her bed??? Where is she sleeping???" :eek:

Then it dawned on me that the 2 white things are lights... Duh...:lmao:

[shadowryter]

I had to look twice at the picture of Heather's bed... The first time I saw the two white things on the wall I thought to myself "why does she have 2 toilet paper holders by her bed??? Where is she sleeping???" :eek:

Then it dawned on me that the 2 white things are lights... Duh...:lmao:
:rotfl2:

[shadowryter]

Disney Dream...Day Two...Nassau, shopping and a little rain!

I woke at a decent hour and I stood out on the verandah and watched as we neared Nassau. You could see the Atlantis Resort and it looked like it was going to be a perfect day with blue skies and puffy white clouds. Dan soon joined me and said he was in need of a good cup of coffee so we decided to try Cabanas for breakfast. Heather, still not feeling her best, wanted to sleep a bit more so Dan and I got ourselves ready but realized our do not disturb sign was missing. I happened to catch our stateroom host in the hallway who quickly remedied the problem. Once the sign was in place, we locked our sleeping daughter in and climbed one flight above to Cabanas.

The food choices were wonderful and there was a lot. I opted for my breakfast favorites as did Dan. We luckily and immediately found a table and with the crowd I was sure that we wouldn’t. Once seated we grabbed some coffee and juice and enjoyed our meal and some pleasant conversation with the couple next to us who happened to have a teenage grandson who was also sleeping late. LOL! When we finished I made my way back to the buffet line and got bacon and hash browns for Heather. Some OJ and a cup of coffee and we were on our way to wake our sleeping daughter and get ready for Nassau.
Breakfast selections
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0257.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0258.jpg
Cabanas sign with Finding Nemo seagulls
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0260.jpg
Sand sculptures of the Disney Parks Worldwide
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0259.jpg
We returned and gave Heather her food. I went directly to the slider and threw open the drapes to see that we had a visitor anchored beside us in port. I went outside and people were waving to us so we returned the gesture. It was so picture perfect outside; a beautiful yet balmy breeze was in the air and I knew I had to get my daughter moving if we were going to enjoy our stop at Nassau. Once Heather ate her breakfast she popped in the shower and soon we were heading through security and down the gangway.
Aida
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0262.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0263.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0264.jpg
We didn’t have any particular plans for this morning. Unlike our last visit we did the Atlantis Casino and aquarium tour and we hadn’t planned on a repeat of this. But there was something that Heather really wanted to do and once I convinced Dan that the Straw Market wasn’t a taxi drive arrive, that’s just where we headed. The market was interesting…lots of white tents pitched together. Some of the islanders selling their wares were actually in between and behind others. Our very first stop displayed some beautiful and unusual jewelry. The woman made her pieces from shells, sea glass and bone held together with either gold or silver wire and they were absolutely gorgeous. Her knowledge of the glass was particularly interesting. For instance red sea glass is from bottles used for poison back in the day. After making a few purchases here we made our way down the road to the other vendors. A quick stop at Senior Frogs and we headed back. The sun was blazing hot and I am allergic to it but I was smart enough to carry my red umbrella with me which I used to duck out of the sun when needed.
The Dream from Senior Frogs
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0270.jpg
An ocean view
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0269.jpg
Senior Frogs sign
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0271.jpg
On our way through I noticed the sign for the famous Tortuga Rum Shop. I heard so much about this place that it was definitely on my list of places to visit in Nassau. We went down the narrow street and entered into air-conditioned bliss. The next half an hour or so was checking out all the flavored rums and goodies and of course the infamous rum cakes. We left with enough rum allowance for one, (yep…light drinkers here) a couple of real cool Tortuga tee shirts and naturally an assorted 6 pack of flavored rum cakes.
Shots taken at home…
Tortuga Rum…Spiced, Light, Pineapple, Vanilla and Mango
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0324-1.jpg
Tortuga rum cakes…Coconut, Golden, Pineapple, Mango, Banana and Chocolate
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0325.jpg
Rum cakes in cute little hexagon boxes
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0337.jpg
Not as big as you think???
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0340-1.jpg
We made our way back past the Straw Market and stopped at our favorite jewelry outlet. Making a few more purchases and getting a hefty discount for our shopping choices we headed back to the Dream a few dollars lighter but very happy. Now I was forewarned that the vendors in Nassau can be quite pushy but I never really witnessed that. Yes they were all trying to catch your attention and we were kind of bombarded by women who kept shouting, “Hey lady want your little girl’s hair braided?” I heard this about a dozen times to and from the port and turned to Heather at one point who was sporting a cute short do. “Awww, mommy’s little girl want her hair braided?”
Heather’s earrings…left to right…blue and purple bone…Conch…black and blue sea glass…The blue is from old Milk of Magnesia bottles…ick. She actually searches the beaches for this stuff…incredible!
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0421.jpg
My necklace and Heather’s two. The one's on the left and right are a georgeous pink. This shot doesn't do it justice. Notice the clever little catches. I really love this.
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0426.jpg
The Festival House (better shops than last time but didn’t buy anything here)
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0279.jpg
As we approached the Dream we looked back at the Straw Market and some very dark ominous skies. We took our time, taking photos and videos along the way and by now realized it was past lunch.
Something's brewing
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0272.jpg
Disney Dream and Aida
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0276.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0274.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0283.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0291.jpg
Looking way up
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0287.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0289.jpg
Continued next post...

[shadowryter]

A couple shots of Nassua
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0281.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0294.jpg
We boarded the ship and headed back to our stateroom so we could drop off our packages and find somewhere to eat. Dan had pizza in mind but as we were about to head out it started pouring. I looked out and people were running everywhere to the Dream and the Aida. I wanted lunch but was afraid I might slip on wet floors with my bum leg so after a bit of attitude from my disgruntled hubby we called room service.

We had a big order…kind of wanted one of everything at this point. Lol! They said it would be about a half hour but I swear it was much sooner. There was a knock at the door and lunch was served.
Caesar Salad
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0303.jpg
Mickey bars for dessert….hey they forgot one:confused:
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0304.jpg
6 pack of diet Coke
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0305.jpg
BBQ hot wings (2 orders)….so good!
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0307.jpg
Ham and cheese
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0308.jpg
BLT
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0309.jpg
Cheese Burger…better than upstairs
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0311.jpg
Ahhhh….My Mickey bar at last….OK….Dan and I shared one :o
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0313.jpg
While enjoying our bountiful lunch we all watched Aladdin on television as the rain outside slowly began to subside.
Random shots
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0301.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0302.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0300.jpg
About two hours before the showing of Villains’ Tonight we all decided we’d dress before the show so there would be no rush for dinner afterwards and we wouldn’t be late this time. Besides it was slow going for me and I had to share the bathroom with Heather.
By the time we were ready there was still plenty of time to kill so we made our way into the atrium where the professional photographers were set up. We had our pictures taken on the stair case and by the statue of Admiral Donald and still had some time so we headed for the District Lounge where we met Oscar the bartender and some really yummy drinks.
District Lounge
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0317.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0318.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0319.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0324.jpg
Godiva Chocolate Martini...Absolut Vanilla, Godiva chocolate liquour, White creme de cocoa, Frangelica
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0320.jpg
Melon Vine...Barcardi melon rum, Sauvignon blanc, Sweet and sour topped with pineapple juice

http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0321.jpg
Peach Margarita...made with Patron Silver
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0323.jpg
More shots
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0316.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0315.jpg
Continued next post...

[shadowryter]

Our Cruise Pictures
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/10-24-20111.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/10-24-20112.jpg
We finished our drinks and headed out stopping along the way so I could take a picture of Heather seated in a gilded chair in front of one of the murals.
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0329.jpg
Aida leaving port...Nassau revealed
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0327.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0326.jpg
Next...Villians Tonight and some more surprises at dinner!

[NancyLuvsMickey]

Cool looking jewelry!!! My daughter would have a blast shopping at the Straw Market, she LOVES jewelry!!! :lovestruc

I really need to get my kids passports so we can go on a cruise... Someday... :rolleyes:

Beautiful pictures of you, Dan and Heather... :thumbsup2

[newtexan]

jumped over from your disign thread to read along, love the photos you've taken

[WDWnut9230]

I love this thread. We'll be going on the Fantasy this September, so this gives me some great ideas, of what to be looking for and what to do. Thanks for sharing!!

[oboedm]

Loved the update! Definitely makes me want to go on a cruise ASAP! Did you feel safe while walking around in Nassau? Some people say that they didn't feel safe, and I have never been. :)

[shadowryter]

Cool looking jewelry!!! My daughter would have a blast shopping at the Straw Market, she LOVES jewelry!!! :lovestruc

I really need to get my kids passports so we can go on a cruise... Someday... :rolleyes:

Beautiful pictures of you, Dan and Heather... :thumbsup2
Loved the Straw Market though I heard it hads moved indoors...no more hot sun and tents.:goodvibes
jumped over from your disign thread to read along, love the photos you've taken
Welcome to my TR and thanks for reading.:cool1:
I love this thread. We'll be going on the Fantasy this September, so this gives me some great ideas, of what to be looking for and what to do. Thanks for sharing!!
Thank you...it will be the Fantasy in October for us...can't wait.:yay:
Loved the update! Definitely makes me want to go on a cruise ASAP! Did you feel safe while walking around in Nassau? Some people say that they didn't feel safe, and I have never been. :)
You should do a cruise...as for myself...I'm addicted now.:rotfl:I felt pretty safe in Nassua but we didn't venture to far off. Visited mostly where a lot of people were around plus Dan is 6 ft 3 and around 225 lbs. A bit intimidating when needed.:lmao:

[shadowryter]

Day Two...Disney Dream...continued

We entered the theater but decided to try the balcony this time. Almost front and center…can’t complain about that and the view was fantastic. The show was great and had every villain that you could possible imagine in it. I’m glad we saw it as I vowed we would. Well two down…one to go. I might add that flash photography was not permitted which is why the quality isn’t that great, besides if you are too far away you won’t get much using a flash…but others did. At one point I saw a CM looking my way but he spotted the one behind me and reprimanded him in a nice way. No flash means no flash not flash a lot.
Villains Tonight
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0340.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0355.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0358.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0388.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0398.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0401.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0411.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0423.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0431.jpg
After the show we did some shopping and then returned to our stateroom to find our next little towel guy greeting us so cool wearing his sunglasses and our pillow was flipped over to display the message of the Dream…I love this!
Our towel critter
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0435.jpg
Dream pillow
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0436.jpg
We found our way up top to take in the night time view of Nassau…a beautiful sight. After a couple of pictures we headed to the Enchanted Garden and we were on time. We were hoping to be seated at one of the lovely booths that I had admired through pictures before our cruise and at lunch the day before but were seated at a nice four top. We were soon greeted by Pogi and Simone and made our drink and food orders. We all ordered the same drink and it was fantastic and Simone seemed to beam at that fact.
Nassua at night
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0440.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0441.jpg
Summer Leafs - Rum, pomegranate, peach Schnapps, Cranberry juice and soda water
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0452a.jpg
Multi-grain Loaf and Country Current Bread with Chickpea-Garlic Purée
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0448a.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0447a.jpg
North Atlantic Lobster Ravioli - (for three) with roasted garlic and sweet Basil scented tomato juice…I took a bite before I remembered to take a picture so I tried to camouflage it by strategically rearranging the ravioli.
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0453a.jpg
Caramelized Sea Scallops with roasted asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes and pearl pasta garnished with caramelized leaks and veal jus reduction
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0456a.jpg
Pan Seared Sea Bass with Fava beans and pea risotto and a sweet chili glaze
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0457a.jpg
Roasted Pork Tenderloin seasoned with smoked salt citrus flavored polenta cakes and oven roasted carrots, parsnips and caramelized Granny Smith apples
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0458a.jpg
Our dinner was delicious and we had saved just enough room for dessert when all of a sudden Pogi comes around the corner carrying a large tray and began to place dessert after dessert on our table. On my. I thought it was just last night not tonight too? I nibbled a bit off of each and spent most of my time taking pictures of all of them.
Chocolate Truffles and Mango Gelee….I think this is what it was called. It wasn’t on the menu but it was really good.
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0459a.jpg
Sweet Temptations - A trio of Esterhazy Cake, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Chocolate Silk Mousse
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0462a.jpg
Steamed Lemon Buttermilk Pudding with Citrus Reduction
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0463a.jpg
Silky Dark Chocolate Mousse with Whipped Cream and Berries
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0464a.jpg
Banana Foster Sundae Rum-glazed Bananas, Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, and Caramel Sauce
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0465a.jpg
Continued next post...

[shadowryter]

Strawberry Shortcake with Whipped Cream and Fruit Coulis
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0466a.jpg
"Sacher" Chocolate Torte with Apricot Sauce
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0467a.jpg
Esterhazy Cake Almond Meringue soaked in Maraschino Liqueur and layered Pastry Cream
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0468a.jpg
After a very filling dinner I stopped to take a picture of the fountain and a young couple approached and asked if I would take a picture of them in front of it. I took a couple of them and then they did the same for us.
Enchanted Garden
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0442.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0443.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0454.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0472.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0471.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0475.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0478.jpg
We took a stroll to the top deck and found a place to sit and relax by Currents. There was a sultry breeze but it still felt good. We no sooner claimed our spot then we were greeted by a waiter and decided why not…we’re on vacation. So we ordered drinks and relaxed until it was time to call it a night.
Two Bahama Mama’s and a Rum Runner
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0493.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0494.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0495.jpg
Disney Dream deck 12 by night
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0486.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0483.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0482.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0496.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0488.jpg
A little windy
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0491.jpg
Our Professional Pictures
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/10-24-20113.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/10-24-20117.jpg
Long walk back
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2024th/DSCN0480.jpg　
Next….Day three….Castaway Cay and Pirate party X’s 2

[jecskc]

Loving your TR !!! Thank you so much for sharing. Your pictures are amazing and I love all of the food porn. I was especially interested in your Nassau day. We weren't sure if we were even going to get off the boat on our Nassau day, but your post made me rethink it. So we might see .......

We have 46 more days nd we are so excited about our cruise. Can't wait to read more !!!

[newtexan]

food looks amazing.
your family of three looks so happy

[shadowryter]

Loving your TR !!! Thank you so much for sharing. Your pictures are amazing and I love all of the food porn. I was especially interested in your Nassau day. We weren't sure if we were even going to get off the boat on our Nassau day, but your post made me rethink it. So we might see .......

We have 46 more days nd we are so excited about our cruise. Can't wait to read more !!!
Hi there, thanks so much for reading. We had a great time at Nassau both times really. You're going to love cruising on the Dream.:goodvibes

[shadowryter]

food looks amazing.
your family of three looks so happy
Thanks....you can't help but smile on a Disney cruise...:goodvibes

[shadowryter]

Day Three…Disney Dream…Castaway Cay Day and Partying like Pirates

Dan and I made the decision the night before that we would strike out early in the morning and have breakfast at the Royal Palace. Heather was a big “No,” and another morning of sleeping in. Normally I would have coaxed her to go out with us but she was still fighting a bad cold now believed to be a sinus infection…something she gets all the time. I let her know we were locking her in and I don’t know if she ever heard me or not. We entered the Royal Palace and was seated immediately. I just love the look of this restaurant…so pretty and regal. We received our menus and ordered coffee and juice along with a little pastry each. Both our breakfast entrees were delicious. Not huge…just right.
Chocolate Croissant
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0506.jpg
Strawberry Muffin
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0507.jpg
French Toast and Pineapple Stack - Layers of French toast and grilled pineapple topped with strawberry coulis, maple glaze and fruit salad
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0511.jpg
Traditional Eggs Benedict - Toasted English muffin with grilled Canadian bacon served with poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce, grilled Roma tomatoes and link sausages
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0512.jpg
The Royal Palace
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0515.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0513.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0528.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0529.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0539.jpg
I took quite a few shots of this chandelier because I wanted to get the perfect shot. Dan stood back and waited and when I joined him he was chatting with the CM at the podium who stood there and pointed to the chandelier and said with a charming French accent, “1-2-3-4-5...6-7-8...yes, she got them all.” I guess I did. Lol! After breakfast Dan and I took a leisurely stroll around the ship so I could get some shots before returning to roust Heather out of bed so we could get ready for Castaway Cay.
Shots around the Dream
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0533.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0534.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0542.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0544.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0545.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0546.jpg
Admiral Donald
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0532.jpg
Grand Atrium and staircase
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0537.jpg
Another chandelier
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0543.jpg
Continued next post...

[shadowryter]

While Heather got ready Dan and I stood out on the verandah and watched as people disembarked. Someone way already parasailing over the island. How cool was that. I knew with my injury that I wouldn’t be able to ride bikes like last time. So I watched as dan and Heather collected their bicycles and pedaled away. I told them I would meet up with them at Serenity Bay and would be seated somewhere where I could see them arrive. Of course I had no idea where that would be at the moment.
View from Deck 10
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0547.jpg
Para sailor
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0548.jpg
See how far out
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0550.jpg
The Disney Dream
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/10-25-20112.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0551.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/10-25-20113.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0554.jpg
Heather and Dan at the bike rentals
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0555.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0556.jpg
I wondered around with camera in hand but got a little tired walking around so I decided it was time to go to the adult beach. I hoped on the tram along with another couple from Canada and we ended out back where we started the day. The stop by the ship. I didn’t realize at the time that you had to take the tram to the family beach and then switch to another tram which would take you to Serenity Bay. I waited with my Canadian friends and somehow got into a discussion about how I injured myself. Seems the woman did something similar. She said it would have been better if she broke it. Six weeks in a cast and your done…No, a bruised bone is much worse and will take 6 to 9 months to heal. I didn’t believe it then but I sure do now. After playing tag with the trams I finally made it and by then I was a bit hungry and lunch was just being served. So I got in line, grabbed a hand wipe and checked out the offerings while I waited for my family to join me.
A couple of random shots
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0558.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0559.jpg
Back to the dream…again
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0560.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0562.jpg
Lunch…yes…a plate of meats…everything was good except the fish which was kind of dry
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0564a.jpg
Dessert…Pineapple upside down cake, Banana bread…islands cookie
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0565a.jpg
Continued next post...

[shadowryter]

In all honesty, I think I preferred my meal at Cookies Too last year…just wasn’t impressed with this.
Finally I saw Dan and Heather who had walked all the walk from the bicycle rentals. They were both red-faced and in need of a drink. Dan told me that his bike squealed so bad that you could hear him coming a mile away. He got a lot of funny looks and we got a good laugh over it. After cooling down a bit we made our way to the adult beach stopping at the Castaway Air Bar to get Konk Cooler. We approached the bartender and hey…it was Oscar from the District the night before. We ordered our drinks and knew they would be good…which they were.
Konk Cooler - A refreshing blend of light and dark rum, coconut crème, passion fruit, pineapple and orange juices
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0572a.jpg
Deep Blue Sea - Bacardi rum, blue curacao, sweet lemon mix
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0570a.jpg
After enjoying our drinks we made our way to the shore where Dan and Heather took off their shoes to walk in the surf. I wanted to do this so badly but I knew my balance was off and was just too afraid too I guess. So I walked along the sand while Heather and Dan had so daddy/ daughter time. They had a blast really. Picking up shells and putting them down because you can’t take them off the island.
Serenity Bay
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0567.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0573.jpg
Heather found a shell
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0578.jpg
Dan found a sand dollar
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0580.jpg
A serene view
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0585.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0588.jpg
After about 2 hours or so on the beach, Dan discovered he was hungry and Heather wasn’t but I convinced him to grab something to eat before the food was all gone. And I was right, he managed to get a plate but the buffet was definitely and quickly closing. After his snack we slowly and reluctantly made our way back to catch the tram to go back to the ship. It was such a beautiful day not like the previous year where we literally left the island after only a couple of hours because it was that cold. We met up with a young couple who asked if I would take a picture of them and they in turn took one of us. You meet so many nice people on a Disney cruise. It was time to go back anyway as soon the Dream would be departing Castaway Cay.
Dan’s bit of lunch
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0598.jpg
The Dream
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0596.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0599.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0609.jpg
The picture taken by the nice couple
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0615.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0614.jpg
The view from above
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0617.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0619.jpg
Dan was still hungry so we went to check out the fast food offerings at Luigi’s Pizza and Tow Maters Grill. I remembered the quick service food was really good on the Wonder, so it had to be good here. We made our orders and found a quiet place to sit and watched as the Dream slowly pulled out of port, her blaring horn making it not so quiet.
Luigi’s Pizza - Pineapple pizza
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0620.jpg
Tow Mater’s Grill - Brats and chicken tenders with fries
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0621.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0622.jpg
Fillmore’s Favorites - Ham sandwich and a plate of fresh fruit for dessert
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0625.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0626.jpg
We went back to our stateroom after checking out the gift shops and took it easy for a bit watching the sun set. Mickey’s Pirates IN the Caribbean party was in an hour or so and though it was meant mainly for the kiddies we wanted to check it out.
Sunset on the Dream
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0628.jpg
Next….Time to party with Captain Mickey…dinner at the Royal Palace…Party time with Jack!

[newtexan]

love the photos

great update

[shadowryter]

love the photos

great update
Thanks...:goodvibes

[shadowryter]

Disney Dream...Day Three...continued

Party time with Captain’s Mickey and Jack!

Heather and I kind of threw at home pirate outfits together but Dan wanted to wear a Tee shirt that I made him. I also made some home made bandanas. The kind the pirates wore. I found the info online. Though I thought the cute little bandanas they give you at dinner were just that…little. I decided long ago that I would make my own. I’m not a stranger to sewing here. Being tall I always made my own pants and jeans so I wouldn’t be wearing flood pants. Today the ones you buy are way too long for this girl. That and the fact that I was a ballroom dancer for 12 years. Yes…think Dancing with the Stars. I’ve sewn more rhinestones, beads, sequins and chiffon to last a lifetime. A little ole bandana wasn’t going to hold me back. I think they came out great and once dressed we were all ready to party pirate‘s.

Mickey’s party was just starting when we arrived. We noticed they were selling some cool glowy drinks and felt better knowing adults were welcomed. We grabbed three of these and made our way to the show. After a lot of Mickey and friends and music and dancing we were off to the Royal Palace for our pirate dinner.
Our glowy drinks(sorry for the blurry pics...seem I didn't have my focus set properly. But I wanted you to see them.:o)
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0632.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0633.jpg
Mickey's Party
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0635.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0001.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0008.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0017.jpg
Now those of you who have read my TR from last year might recall how disappointed I was to arrive on pirate night to receive the Princess menu. I wanted my Pirate menu…the one I had drooled about and waited for. So I was really happy to be seated at our table and see those Pirate menus. Only disappointment was they weren’t one of the ones you could take for a souvenir, just a regular menu.
Our Pirate Pics
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/10-25-20118.jpg
Love this one of Dan
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/10-25-20117.jpg
Can you believe Heather is still sick here
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/10-25-20116.jpg
Pogi and Simona came to our table and Pogi was a bit disappointed when he saw we had our glowy drinks. Seems he wanted to surprise us with our drinks in these glasses. Sorry Pogi. We ordered our drinks and our entrees and the food was just as fabulous as the previous nights. I breathed a sigh of relief when dinner was finished and we were given the dessert menu. Finally…Well that relief was too soon but because around the corner came Pogi and…you guessed it. A whole bunch of desserts and cap it all off, he remembered that I was celebrating my birthday and you guessed it…more dessert. OMG…I worked so hard to loose 20 pounds before our vacation and I was afraid to step on my scales once home. UGH!
Double Crowned - (for 3) - Crown Royal, Chambord, Cointreau, Cranberry Juice, Sour Mix
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0024.jpg
Johnny Cake with a pigeon pea relish
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0031.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0033.jpg
The Buccaneer's Sun-Ripened Pineapple - fresh island pineapple with a coconut covered banana and orange glaze
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0034.jpg
Black Beard's Jumbo Crab Cake - with golden raisin-carrot and coconut slaw served with a spicy Calypso dressing
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0036.jpg
Caribbean-style Conch Chowder - with sherry, sweet peppers, onions, tomatoes, thyme, and garnished with diced potatoes and crispy bacon bits
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0037.jpg
Pirates Golden "Pot Stickers" -Oriental pork "Dumplings" deep fried and served with a Tamarind-Ginger Soy sauce and pickeled vegetables
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0038.jpg
Captain Hook's Macadamia Nut-dusted Mahi Mahi - Jasmine rice and sautéed pineapple on a mild curry sauce
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0039.jpg
Jack Sparrow's Barbecue Marinated Beef Short Ribs - Rubbed beef short rips with tamarind-barbecue sauce and served with onion red bliss mashed potatoes and plantain chip
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0043a.jpg
Continued Next Post...

[shadowryter]

On To Desserts...
Angel Food Cake - with strawberries and whipped cream
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0047a.jpg
Fruit Cobbler - with vanilla ice cream
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0048a.jpg
Rum Soaked Chocolate Cake - with raspberry glaze and whipped cream
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0049a.jpg
Floating Island - crisp meringue, vanilla anglaise and marinated fruits
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0050a.jpg
Banana-Chocolate Crepe - with mango coulis and coconut
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0052a.jpg
Crunch Time Sundae - Rum Raisin Ice Cream, Pineapple, Whipped Cream and Croquant
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0053a.jpg
Sweet Temptations - a trio of fruit cobbler, floating island and chocolate cake
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0054a.jpg
Celebration Cake
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0056a.jpg
After dinner we returned to our stateroom to freshen up and get ready for Club Pirate…the adults version of Pirate night. We stayed up on deck 12 to get a good view of the fireworks and then the show that followed with Captain Jack. Once the DJ took over we stayed for a couple of tunes and then headed down. To my dismay…the Pirate buffet was in full swing. Unlike last year we were too cold and simply forgot about it. This year…just to darn full from all those desserts. Oh well…there’s always next time.
Another cute towel creation
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0061.jpg
Club Pirate
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0062.jpg
Party getting started
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0064.jpg
Overhead view of Aqua Duck
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0065.jpg
Fireworks on the Dream
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0074.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0079.jpg
Enter Captain Jack
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0086.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0089.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0095.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/DSCN0097.jpg
Video clip of the party…notice the wind - this is HD...don't know why the image is smooshed
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/th_DSCN0103.jpg (http://s481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2025th/?action=view&current=DSCN0103.mp4)
Note: You must have Flash Player 11 to play this clip


Next…Our last full day on the Dream…sigh…a bit of Tequila, shop ‘til you drop and Believe

[NancyLuvsMickey]

Love the beach pictures... I wish you could just stay there a week, instead of just visiting via ship for 1 day...

OMG!!! I think I gained your lost 20 pounds just by looking at the food pictures!!! :scared1: Delicious!!! :thumbsup2

[shadowryter]

Love the beach pictures... I wish you could just stay there a week, instead of just visiting via ship for 1 day...

OMG!!! I think I gained your lost 20 pounds just by looking at the food pictures!!! :scared1: Delicious!!! :thumbsup2
I know what you mean. Love CC.:love:I just recently came back to my pre-cruise weight. Now another 20 pounds and I'll be ready for the next one.:goodvibes

[shadowryter]

Disney Dream…Day Four…Our last day

So this being our last day on the Dream you would think that Heather would get up early to join her mom and dad for breakfast…Not! So Dan and I left her behind once more.We made our way to the Enchanted Garden and upon checking in I was delighted to see that we were heading to one of those adorable circular booths. Sure enough we were seated and I couldn’t have been any more pleased. Ha!!! See what you missed out on Heather. I snapped a picture of Dan and he of me for proof and we headed to the buffet. There was so much to choose from but I kept with my usual favorites as did my hubby.With coffee and some OJ and a bowl of Muesli which Dan had never had we enjoyed a lovely beginning to our day.
The Enchanted Garden
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0113.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0114.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0115.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0116.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0117.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0119.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0120a.jpg
Shots Outside Animators Palate
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0108.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0109.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0112.jpg
We returned to find Heather up, showered and dressed and when I suggested we go shopping and she was all for it. I admit we spent quite a lot of time in the shops. I wanted to purchase some items as gifts for my parents because the last time I didn’t know that the gift shops would not be open on disembarkation day so I had to make up for this. That and the fact that they were taking good care of Muffy our cat. We went a little crazy with the buying but there was so much that I saw that I liked, including, a t-shirt for each of us, a cool inaugural sweat shirt for Heather, a neat hat for dad so he’d get rid of his old crappy one, a couple of mugs, a Mickey watch (also for Heather…her first) and finally an extra bag to carry it all home in.
Heather deciding to join us
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0122.jpg

Well at this point the old story holds true…shopping makes you hungry. We returned to our stateroom to drop off our purchases when I read in our Navigator that there was going to be a Tequila and Margarita tasting later that afternoon. So we headed down to guest services where I inquired about the tasting and was told there was seven openings left. So I grabbed three and we headed back up to check out some quick service food options.
Mushroom and Ham and Blue cheese pizza
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0123a.jpg
Ham and Turkey sandwich and Veggie Wrap
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0126a.jpg
Island Mai Tai - Drink of the day minus souvenir glass
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0125a.jpg
Chicken Tenders and fries - These we just so good
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0127a.jpg
After lunch we started to wonder around the ship and found ourselves on deck four and some nice comfy lounge chairs. It was nice to sit outside and just relax with nothing but the ocean in our view. After a while we went to check out the living art work. These were so cool and it made me wish that my leg wasn’t so sore so we could search for all of them. By now it was time to buy some photos and I knew I would be purchasing at least 20. I must admit that I like the way the Shutters is on the Dream. You can look for your photos using the kiosk or find your album with all your photos that are stored for you. A lot better than searching through hundreds of pictures to find yours. Though I did notice that there was a family in our album that wasn’t mine. We just told the CM who fixed it right away. Once the photos and a nice album were paid for it was time for another purchase…our next Disney cruise.
Deck four of the Dream
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0128.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0131.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0132.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0135a.jpg
There was only one person in front of us so we waited. In the mean time I saw someone wearing one of my designs on their t-shirt and quickly introduced myself. We had a lovely chat and I apologized for not making our meet on day one and explained why. Soon it was time to book our cruise. It was fast and easy. 10 percent discount and only half of the regular deposit. Oddly enough she had us all set in the same stateroom that we had now but I told her how the noise from Cabanas was just a bit distracting so we went down one level to deck nine. With our purchases now complete it was time for Tequila.

We found our way to Evolution and arrived a little earlier than we should have when who did we happen to run into but our favorite bartender Oscar. He was happy t see us again and said that this was his first tasting so he was excited and a little nervous. We knew he would do just fine and left so he could prepare for the tasting.
One of the hallways leading to The District
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0137.jpg
These round walls turned out to be bathrooms…lol
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0141a.jpg
Evolution
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0146.jpg
Continued Next Post...

[shadowryter]

After wandering around with my camera we noticed that some more people were gathering outside so we joined them and soon Oscar and his assistant met us at the door and invited us all to come in and pick a seat at the bar. Oscar waited until everyone was seated but there was still some vacancies. I admit the tasting was very interesting. Oscar was very knowledgeable about tequila and explained about where it comes from and the process of making it. Now I have never down tequila shots. I have heard and seen the bit with the salt and lime but I was totally clueless. I more of a mixed/frozen fruity type gal I guess. After downing three shots we were treated to not one but two margaritas, a traditional one and a fruity one…mango. Oscar also showed us a bottle of the most expensive tequila in the world….note, I said showed. We had a great time and I thought I did pretty well….well that was until I stood it and then things got fuzzy real quick. Ok…so I’m a light weight when it comes down to it. Heck, Heather had just turned 21 and she did a whole lot better than I did. By the time I got to the round bathroom I was giddy as anything.
Heather and Dan at tasting
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0145.jpg
Tequila set up
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0147.jpg
Traditional and Mango Margarita’s
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0150.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0151.jpg
At this point I decided to take it easy for a bit so I could get started at the task of packing with a clear head. This is always my job and I made it a little easier on myself by putting things away that I knew we would not use again during the course of our cruise. By now all I had was a change of clothes in the morning our pj’s and personal items. The extra bag I bought was packed to the brim, that and all those Vinylmation’s and stuffy’s as was our backpack. Just enough room to fit the rest of what had to go in our carryon’s.


Next it was getting dressed for dinner but first there was Believe. We sat in the balcony once more and I won’t give away the story but Believe was everything it was said to be. I was so proud of myself because we did catch all the shows and they were great.
Disney’s Believe
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0154a.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0160.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0177.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0185.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0189.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0209.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0214.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0236.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0241.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0247.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0278.jpg
After the show we entered our room to find another cute towel animal to greet us. There was also Heathers Vinylmation and my frame mat that we had left at guest services for the characters to autograph, that a bag of Hershey Kisses as a thank you .I had pre-paid the tips and also made my own customized envelopes so I carefully marked each accordingly and gave Dan the one for our stateroom host who was totally blown away by his personal envelope and very thankful. He was a great guy. Our room was always clean and he helped us with so much including finding our lost piece of luggage.
I picked up a few last minute items including our rum cakes and Tortuga rum which I carefully packed between layers of cushiony clothing. Then I had to pach Heather’s rather large bear that we got at the Wilderness Lodge not to mention a good-sized stuffy of Marie from the Aristocrat’s that she got for her friend Abby. All along I’m thinking why couldn’t she buy a nice piece of jewelry like she did for her other friends? Dan placed our luggage outside of our door where they were just starting to pick it up and we headed downstairs to our last dinner at The Royal Palace.
Towel Lobster
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0287.jpg
Heathers Vinylmation
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0432.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0433.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0435.jpg
My Photo Mat
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0430.jpg
Continued Next Post...

[shadowryter]

We were greeted by Pogi and Simona and ordered our drinks. We enjoyed yet another fantastic meal followed by every desert of the night. I asked Pogi and Simona if I could get a picture of them and they were happy to stand still for a second after which Pogi asked a fellow server if he would take a picture of all of us. Afterwards we gave them each their tip envelope and both of them were more interested with the personalized envelope than what was inside. They were just so cute. We couldn’t locate our head server and decided to wait in the morning at breakfast. I had a few things to still get together before we could call it a night.
Pogi asked us early on if there was anything we had that we would like to have more of? Yes…one of everything please. But Dan really liked the Black Truffle Pasta Pursettes that we had on our first night at Animators Palate. So much so that I never got a sample from his so Pogi brought a plate for each of us. I have to admit these were really yummy.
Black Truffle Pasta Pursettes (take 2)- Pasta purse filled with truffle scented cheese and coated with a delicate Champagne sauce
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0295.jpg
Imperial Illusion - Absolut Mandarin, Apple Pucker, Blue Curacao, Pineapple Juice
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0300a.jpg
Warm herb brioche with an Olive Spread
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0297.jpg http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0299a.jpg
Escargots Gratines - herb-marinated snails with finely chopped mushrooms, topped with garlic butter and breadstick
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0301a.jpg
Belle's French Onion Soup with gruyere cheese crouton
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0302a.jpg
Royal Palace Aged Angus Grilled Beef Tenderloin and Lobster Medallions - sautéed snow peas and marquis potatoes with a cognac reduction
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0303a.jpg
Roasted Wild Boar Tenderloin - sweet carrot and onion potato cake with a red currant reduction
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0305a.jpg
Mango Cheesecake with whipped cream and fruits
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0306a.jpg
Chocolate Ganache served with Breton Sable and mango coulis
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0307a.jpg
Peanut Butter Mousse - dark chocolate infused with peanut butter, chiffon cake, and whipped cream
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0308a.jpg
Grand Marnier Souffle infused with fresh orange zest and served with creme Anglaise
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0310.jpg
Do you know I have yet to try this. First time I didn’t order it. This time so busy taking pictures that I didn’t realize my dear daughter got to it first.
Strawberry Short Cake Sundae - strawberries, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and Angel Food cake
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0312a.jpg
Tahitian Vanilla Creme Brulee with Macaroon
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0313a.jpg
Sweet Temptations - trio of peanut butter mousse, mango cheesecake and Tahitian vanilla crème brulee
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0314a.jpg
Pogi and Simona
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0315.jpg
All of us
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0316.jpg
Next…Time to say Goodbye…Not the luggage again???

[shadowryter]

Disney Dream…Day Five…more adventure awaits

All’s Quiet in Port Canaveral
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0317.jpg
I was the first to get up and quietly hustled to the verandah to see we were in Port Canaveral. I got myself ready and got up Dan and Heather. We fully intended to go to breakfast but there was an announcement that reminded all that if your flight was before 12 noon you should disembark now…well…we didn’t want to take the chance. So after one last check we headed downstairs to the Royal Palace in order to give Guy his tip envelope. He wasn’t available so I had no choice but to leave the tip with another CM who promised me he would receive it and tell Pogi and Simona why we couldn’t stay. We made our way out pretty fast and I was beginning to wonder if we should have stayed for a small bite and a sad farewell…that was until we started to collect our luggage and realized we were one short. Can you believe it…the same bag that we lost on day one…missing again?

The next hour was spent looking up and down the aisles of not just our section but all of them. Heather stayed with our bags while we and some helpful baggage handlers also tried but no luck. I was getting into panic mode as we were told we needed to fill out some forms. Maybe someone with the same bag just took it and left without checking. How does someone do that? At this point I could barely walk and was just about in tears. Suddenly Dan shouts….“Is it this one?” Hard to believe but it was there all along. It just got pushed back and knocked over under the other luggage. Once that luggage was moved…Voila! Crisis over. And to think, if we had gone to breakfast our luggage would have been in view by the time we left the ship. Oh well.

We hopped on our DCL bus and headed to MCO for our flight of 11:55. We had plenty of time so we took our seats and relaxed. It was about 10 minutes into our drive when I noticed it was getting hot. The air conditioner was blowing warm air and it was not nice at all. A few minutes later our driver informed us that the airconditing was down.

What??? Great and it happened to be a warm morning. The drive from then on was super uncomfortable and when we arrived which seemed like an eternity he let us all off and told the CM that was ready with new riders that they needed to get another bus. But at least we were off of it.

We still had plenty of time. Enough to shop at the Disney store, Universal and Seaworld stores. Then we grabbed a quick though early lunch at Panda Express which was quite good. We don’t have one of these in our neck of the woods…ok, maybe Boston but who’s going to drive 60 miles to go get it?

Soon we were boarding Southwest for the flight back to Providence RI. I purchased the Early Bird check-in for both ways so we had an A boarding pass and that was fine with me. Our airport limo was waiting for us when we landed and before you knew it we were home.
On Our Way
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0321.jpg

Upon arriving there was a couple of things I needed to check. Mostly was did the Rum and Rumcakes make it. Yes…they did but I did have a note inside my bag that said it was searched. Only thing was Heather’s stuffy, Marie, was nowhere to be found. So I wonder…did she fall out? Was she stolen? I guess I’ll never know. We did call Disney and get another one so that worked out. Oh and by the way two days later after returning from tropical weather we had a snow storm. In October….and my first white Halloween
Six inches of the white stuff…still got over 150 Trick or Treater’s
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr174/shadowryter/Disney%20in%20October/Oct%2026th/DSCN0346.jpg
Well...sad as it is...this TR is finally done. I want to thank those who have followed along with me and my family on our journey of land and sea. It’s been a blast and I can’t wait to start my new PTR so I can tell you about my plans for our next adventure.
Thanks again! See you on the boards!
Linda

[jecskc]

I loved your TR. We leave for our land and sea trip in a week. We are sooo excited. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.

[shadowryter]

I loved your TR. We leave for our land and sea trip in a week. We are sooo excited. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.
Hi there, thanks so much for reading. You are going to love the Dream. Have a magical time.:goodvibes

[NancyLuvsMickey]

I can't believe your vacation is already over... :sad1:

Thanks for letting me tag along on vacation... I really enjoyed it... :thumbsup2

And coming home to snow in October... Yikes!!! :scared:

How's your leg doing??? Is it getting any better???

[FayeCummings]

Wow! Despite the mishap with your leg, it sounds like the trip of a lifetime!!!! I feel like I was there with your beautiful pictures and wonderful descriptions!!! I didn't think I could get any more excited about our upcoming trip but I am!! Can't wait to set foot on the Fantasy!!!! And although we are not visiting WDW this time, after your TR I can't wait to go there too!!!!! Hope your leg heals quickly and doesn't slow you down too much!!!

Faye:):yay:

[shadowryter]

I can't believe your vacation is already over... :sad1:

Thanks for letting me tag along on vacation... I really enjoyed it... :thumbsup2

And coming home to snow in October... Yikes!!! :scared:

How's your leg doing??? Is it getting any better???
I know....good news is we have another trip this October.:banana: Glad you enjoyed reading. Some time it's hard to grab the attention of folks on the DIS just due to it's enormous size and amount of members so I apprecicate it very much when someone takes the take to join my TR. Let's hope no snow on our return.:scared1: My leg is another question. I'm hoping this won't be a problem...but I'm trying to prepare myself for whatever the outcome is. If you want to know more I welcome you to join my PTR which I'll be posting today. Take care. See you on the boards.:goodvibesLinda

[shadowryter]

Wow! Despite the mishap with your leg, it sounds like the trip of a lifetime!!!! I feel like I was there with your beautiful pictures and wonderful descriptions!!! I didn't think I could get any more excited about our upcoming trip but I am!! Can't wait to set foot on the Fantasy!!!! And although we are not visiting WDW this time, after your TR I can't wait to go there too!!!!! Hope your leg heals quickly and doesn't slow you down too much!!!

Faye:):yay:
Hi Faye, thanks so much for reading. I seem to snag a following from my DISign thread and that's fine with me.:woohoo: Glad you liked my TR. I'm currently working on my PTR for our next trip and I'd love to see you over there. Take care and have a magical day.:goodvibesLinda