Where did this heat and all these people come from? The new PTR/TR link 5/7

[kschafer]

I love that parade! Thanks for taking me there this morning!

Happy to share

Great pictures of the parade!

You really don't like Stitch, huh?

what gave it away?

Maybe the first quarter is working..... just slowly.

I hate this waiting, it makes me nervous!

Great parade pictures!!!

Thanks Jackie. It was my first time seeing it and although I didn't think it was as magical as Spectro, it was fun!

As always Katie I am enjoying ALL of your outstanding pictures!! You have gotten so many great shots!!! It's so fun to read through your report and gaze at all the pics!!!! That gummi bear cake is AWESOME and I too may "steal" it from you!!! LOVE IT!!!!

SO GLAD to hear how wonderful Beth is feeling and that she is able to really get going back to things she is so looking forward to in life!! What great news!!

I hope you get that job too!!! I will be thinking good thoughts your way during the holiday weekend!!!

Awesome parade pics!! The pic of Mickey and Minne looking at eachother is wonderful! I love capturing moments like that too!! You and Shelby sure saw and did a lot at the MK!!!!

I'm happy you guys are enjoying the TR because I'm having fun sharing it!

Hopefully I will make it to see Beth this coming week. I still haven't delivered her Disney presents!

I need some good thoughts...thanks!

I've never seen that parade, so I really enjoyed looking at your pictures! Was that the Dapper Dans performing before the parade started? Too bad they never turned around; their costume colors are awesome!

Yep, that was the Dapper Dans! They came out of the building behind us, walked across the street and sang a song, walked down that side of the street stopping a couple times then back past us on their way into the building

I was thinking the same thing!

I'm hoping!!!

 

[kschafer]

Awesome parade pictures!!! I love the one of Mickey and Minnie looking at each other too
at the IASW escapee...and yeah where is her leg? That is one odd picture!! It can't be an employee because they don't just walk around in costume....there were some schools/ choruses there that week I think..right? Anyhoo that is funny!!
Great news for Beth...so happy everything is working out for her...she must be so relieved
for the interview

Tracy

I'm thinking it was a random person with a VERY different definition of style!

I'm getting nervous about the job...I know he said it would be Tuesday before I heard anything but I thought they might actually call and offer the job to their first choice yesterday and give them the holiday weekend to make a decision then call the rejects on Tuesday. Totally guessing but it still has me on edge

Love your parade pictures, Katie. The one of Mickey and Minnie looking at each other is priceless. I love how you "described" Stitch...too funny.

I took several pics of the couple but that was my favorite! I don't really mind seeing Stitch in the park but I can't stand the shows with him

Great update! I never get the chance to sit and watch the afternoon parade, I haven't seen one in a long time--It might have been the "Mickey Mania" one that was back in the late 90's I think to tell you how long it's been, maybe we will watch when we go next time (hopefully next year but time will tell)

My touring plan was designed to include every parade and fireworks show, I'm such a sucker! Good luck with your next trip hopes!

Love your parade pictures. I haven't seen any of the parades in years but will at least see one this time.

I love them all! Definitely make time to see them!

Glad to hear that Beth's operation went well.

Like everyone else, I've got everything crossed for you.

Thanks for sharing the pictures of the MK parade. They are beautiful! Yes - I love Mickey and Minnie looking at each other. I wonder if they were sharing a private joke or a private spat?

I interpreted it as a loving glance

Finger, toes, legs, arms...all crossed for you

Thanks so much!!!!!

Thanks for letting me see the parade through your camera lens! One of these days I'll actually get to watch an afternoon Disney parade....

Oh Michelle Next trip, you MUST make the boys stop for it!!

 

[praisehisname]

I know he said it would be Tuesday before I heard anything but I thought they might actually call and offer the job to their first choice yesterday and give them the holiday weekend to make a decision then call the rejects on Tuesday.

Even if you don't get the job, you'll never be a reject!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Looks like a fun afternoon! Sorry the backsides of the colorful gentleman were not more worthy of viewing. Looks like they are doing some refurb on Main Street? What store is closed?

Thanks for the vicarious trip to the happy place.

Keeping good thoughts in mind for you on the job front.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Any news on the job? I really hope this is meant to be for you. I'll cross my fingers. Job stress is seriously not fun. Been there, done that.

Great update and photos!! We have never actually sat to watch a parade. I guess we're not really "parade people". LOL!!! But I love looking at the pictures! I must put "sitting down to watch a parade" on my next time list.

 

[nocomment711]

Joining in a bit late, but your pictures are amazing, can't wait to see more! (=

 

[brookelizabeth]

I'm SO happy to read of Beth's awesome results!!! It brought tears to my eyes just to imagine not being able to hug your loved ones without pain. I will surely remember her situation each time I hug Henry or Joe - and will say a prayer for her at the same time! Praise God she's doing better!!!

I'll be praying for you and the job too - keep us posted!

Loving the report, I think it's great that you two shut MK down and then were up and at 'em the next day for a breakfast ressie! I always think I'll be able to do that...but never can. Wonderful parade pics - I think I'll make Joe watch it this coming trip...

 

[MHTeacher]

Loved your pictures of the afternoon parade. We watched it during our May trip, and I thought it was really cute.

 

[kschafer]

Even if you don't get the job, you'll never be a reject!

Aww Thanks! I needed that! This waiting is killing me!!

Looks like a fun afternoon! Sorry the backsides of the colorful gentleman were not more worthy of viewing. Looks like they are doing some refurb on Main Street? What store is closed?

Thanks for the vicarious trip to the happy place.

Keeping good thoughts in mind for you on the job front.

Yeah, I suppose backsides aren't always a bad thing! compared to the elephants and rhinos from earlier in the trip, this is an improvement!

Any news on the job? I really hope this is meant to be for you. I'll cross my fingers. Job stress is seriously not fun. Been there, done that.

Great update and photos!! We have never actually sat to watch a parade. I guess we're not really "parade people". LOL!!! But I love looking at the pictures! I must put "sitting down to watch a parade" on my next time list.

No news...I was told it would be Tuesday before I heard from them. Unfortunately, this has been the pattern for the last 3 summers in a row, it's getting VERY old!

I am totally a parade person so I made sure each one was worked into the touring plans (food was first priority, parades and fireworks second, attractions third )

Joining in a bit late, but your pictures are amazing, can't wait to see more! (=

You really aren't too late, still on day 3 Yeah...taking my time!

I'm SO happy to read of Beth's awesome results!!! It brought tears to my eyes just to imagine not being able to hug your loved ones without pain. I will surely remember her situation each time I hug Henry or Joe - and will say a prayer for her at the same time! Praise God she's doing better!!!

I'll be praying for you and the job too - keep us posted!

Loving the report, I think it's great that you two shut MK down and then were up and at 'em the next day for a breakfast ressie! I always think I'll be able to do that...but never can. Wonderful parade pics - I think I'll make Joe watch it this coming trip...

Glad you have time to Dis again Brook!

Yes, Beth's results are something to be very grateful for! she told me she intends to do justice to this gift she has been given

Oh trust me, the only reason we managed to close and open the park consecutively is because we were running on excitement. We definitely slowed down as the days went on!

Loved your pictures of the afternoon parade. We watched it during our May trip, and I thought it was really cute.

I had missed it in 2008 so I was glad we made it work this time!

 

[kschafer]

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY EVERYONE​

Day 3 finished!

After the parade finished, we headed out of the park and hopped the bus back to CSR. I called Mom and Dad who said they would leave to meet us there. After getting turned around once, they found us and we walked to our room together. Shelby and I changed clothes for dinner and soon we were on our way. We made a brief stop in the gift shop to say hi to this cutie!

Then drove to the Grand Floridian. A bit of advice to anyone driving there for dinner…either valet park or simply park at MK and take the monorail. I could not believe how FAR the self-parking lot was from the resort (like, through the valet parking lot and across the street! Much too far on my poor blistered feet!)

We didn’t anticipate the long walk and were cutting it close so we quickly walked through the GF lobby and asked for directions to Narcoossee’s because I knew it was a separate building but thankfully it wasn’t far. We didn’t wait long before our buzzer went off and we were seated

First came the bread

I ordered the margarita, it was good but not exceptional

Shelby ordered the mango mojito she had tried the night before. The waitress brought it and Shelby questioned whether it was a mango or regular mojito because it was clear and had not been the night before. The waitress was pretty snotty when she said it was the correct drink. After the waitress left, Shelby took a sip and it was indeed a regular. When she returned, Shelby told the waitress it was the wrong drink and commented on the color. She got pretty snippy with Shelby and told her all the mojitos look the same but took it away as asked. You can imagine that she must have felt pretty dumb when she returned with the correct drink that was obviously a different color! The waitress turned into a big kissa$$ after that!

For appetizers, my parents shared
Roasted Beet Salad - watercress, Frisée, goat cheese, candied pecans, and Orange-Honey vinaigrette $14

Shelby got
Crab Cakes - Southern Slaw and Cajun Remoulade sauce $13

And I went with the cheese plate (this is AllEars description, I have no idea how often they change)
Artisanal Cheeses - Humboldt Fog, Fourme D'Ambert, and Reypenaer VSOP $15

I don’t care for beets so I didn’t try the salad, my parents thought it was decent but nothing special. Shelby’s crab cakes were very good, she had never tried them before and again thought she would go for something new. But I won the appetizer award! My cheese plate (a wonderful mild blue cheese with honey comb, a soft either goat or sheep with cranberries and an aged gouda with I think a rhubarb compote served with a couple different kinds of bread crisps) was fantastic! I got this tonight because I knew it would be too much appetizer for just me, I was so glad for the excuse to order it!

For entrees, Mom and Dad split
Tanglewood Farms Chicken Breast - "loaded" mashed potatoes, spinach, and bacon vinaigrette $29

It was quite good but the vinaigrette was pretty strong and I think they tired of the acid flavor by the time they finished their share.

Shelby ordered
Grilled Filet Mignon - Potato Gratin, Haricots Verts with Garlic and Tomatoes, and Choron Sauce $40

I think she thought it was OK. The filet serving seemed small compared to other Disney dining locations but the potatoes were very good though!

And I went with
Surf and Turf - twin medallions of filet mignon, lobster tail, potato gratin, broccolini, and Choron sauce $59

Overall, I must say I was totally underwhelmed. The filet was overcooked, I didn’t really care for the sauce and I have only had lobster once before and either I don’t care for it or I have yet to try good lobster. I would have been pretty disappointed if I had paid OOP for that!

We shared our desserts with Mom and Dad. Shelby ordered
Gelato Sampler - chocolate, raspberry, pistachio and cappuccino $7

The chocolate was good. Shelby loved the raspberry and pistachio and I was the only one who had the cappuccino but it was also very good.

Shelby was happy with this choice but mine dessert was AMAZING
Almond-crusted Cheesecake - with lambert cherry sauce $8

I have seen pictures of this and heard others say how good it was but pictures and descriptions do not do this dessert justice!! It was mind-blowingly good!!

Overall, I don’t think I would ever go to Narcoossees without being on deluxe dining. I would however consider going and just doing appetizers and dessert if I were paying OOP.

After dinner, we took a few minutes to walk out onto the deck

And spent some time looking around the resort.

I think I would have to agree with the opinion of others, this resort is truly lovely. The flower arrangements just blew me away.

But I don’t see myself ever staying here, it’s just not me, I like something more relaxed and I would feel out of place here

A few more pictures as we were leaving.

Mom and Dad dropped us off at CSR and Shelby and I went to the room to attempt to skype with our families. Unfortunately, we had terrible luck connecting to the internet. I called the technical service number and they spent almost ½ hour walking me though various attempts only to decide that I had a bad cord! I then had to call housekeeping and ask for a new cord but by the time they arrived, my kids had already gone to bed…bummer!

At this point we decided to make it an early night and head to bed ourselves so we would be up and ready for EMH’s the next morning at Epcot

 

[Charleston Princess]

Sorry to hear you were underwhelmed by Narcoosee's, but those crab cakes do look delicious!

The Grand Floridian is a beautiful resort -- so elegant! It would be easy to pretend we were living in a different era there!

 

[klacey1]

Sorry for your snotty waitress at Narcosee's, but I hope the crab cakes + dessert made up for it!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I keep going back and forth on Narcoossee's. I'd like to try it for the cheesecake alone but I wouldn't get the lobster there, when I live in New England. I don't know. Maybe just go for apps and desserts?? That might be a good plan. What do you think for Marc & I??

Your poor blistered feet.

It's so nice you were able to have dinner with your parents while you were down there.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Sorry to hear it was a disappointing night between Narcoossee's and the internet cord. The view from your table looks divine and your parents are just adorable. I'm sure you guys had a lovely time visiting despite the snotty waitress and underwhelming flavors. This restaurant is still on my "someday" list. It usually gets such high marks. Perhaps you just had an off night/bad service?

I agree with you that the Grand Floridian is gorgeous and a great place to visit but just not a place I can feel comfortable. It's like my grandmother's living room and the good china. I keep worrying I'm going to break something!

Can't wait to hear what you did the next day!

Happy 4th of July!!

 

[jenjolt]

Awww...what a bummer about dinner!!! Especially the service at the beginning!

I have to agree with you the GF is simply beautiful!! I love walking around that resort!!!!

Still praying for you about the job!!! I know something is going to work out for you!!!!

 

[MEK]

Katie -

I had to laugh as you were describing the self parking at GF. It horrendous. It is the worst self parking on the planet! BW is a close second, but at least at the BW you have a chance of finding a closer parking spot!

Your meal was almost exactly what I got last September and I would agree with you on the lobster and filet. My filet had a nice flavor, but it wasn't spectacular. My lobster was a bit chewy. It wasn't the best. Just a ho-hum meal. There are so many better places to eat.

Despite that, its a lovely location and I'm sure you had a nice time visiting with your parents.

 

[dd50]

Never eaten there but have no desire to either. I love the GF tho. It is beautiful. Two of my girls always wanted to stay there ever since they laid eyes on it.

 

[brookelizabeth]

The picture of your Mom and Dad in front of the car is so sweet! It looks like he's about to open the door for his lady, and she's standing there in a floral dress just looking so ladylike. Adorable!

Sorry to hear about your meh meal - all the food sure LOOKS delicious though. The cappuccino gelato sounds heavenly to me about now!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Your parents are adorable!

Thank for the report on Narcoossee's. The food looks great in the pictures...but then looks aren't everything!

 

[MHTeacher]

Thanks for the report on Narcoossee's---I've even thought I'd like to eat there at some point. Don't you just love it when someone is all attitude, when they think they're right (like your waitress with the drink), and then when it's proven that ...aha- You were right and they were wrong!

Glad you got to meet up with your parents and enjoy dinner together. They're such a cute couple.