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Who Invited My Mother In Law? A Moderately Deluxe TR All New X 3 & PTR Link 2/3 !!
- Thread starter shan23877
- Start date
afwdwfan
DIS Dad #460
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2010
Well, it is a shame that you had to waste so much time waiting in line, but at least the better than average character experience makes it worthwhile.
Well, you know, math in Italy is so much different than it is here.
I'm sorry the manager was difficult about it. Hopefully, they didn't overcharge you and this won't come back to haunt you.
Merry0405
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Dec 15, 2002
I am loving your TR! Your daughter is adorable. My husband and I are heading to Disney next month - he just turned 50 and he's never been! I haven't been in years so we are really looking forward to it. I'm learning so much from your report, thanks for taking the time to write it
cindianne320
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2010
Love all the character interactions. Was Maddie ever afraid of characters? I'm afraid DS is going to be... He'll be 4 when we go.
I hope your Dining Credits were right in the end!
I hope your Dining Credits were right in the end!
shan23877
I make lists about my lists
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2011
We were back at CBR in no time, and Maddie was pleased to see that her guys had been behaving nicely in her absence.
Bryan and I had agreed to some pool time, and on this day Bryan and I took turns swimming with Maddie and soaking our very tired feet in the hot tub. After about an hour at the pool returned to the room where we offered Maddie the iPad and took the opportunity to squeeze in a power nap. Refreshed, we showered, put on our fanciest vacation clothes and headed to dinner.
Who can resist a photo shoot at the fountain (or accesorizing with a plastic lei for that matter?)
[/CENTER]
20 minutes after we got to the bus stop we caught a MK bus. On our way to dinner we popped into the Magic Kingdom and hit the Emporium. Maddies beloved BBB shoes from the previous year had gotten a little snug, and she felt that they needed to be replaced. We stopped for a quick PP shot (which was awful and not worth sharing) before leaving.
We took the short walk to the Contemporary Resort, and arrived at the second floor in short order. Dinner this evening would be our first true Signature Meal.
We checked in at the desk on the second floor of the CR, and our stroller was quickly taken to the stroller valet area.
We waited for about 5 minutes and then we were escorted by a friendly CM onto the private Cali Grill elevator. Our CM friend dropped us off and we got our first glimpse of the California Grill.
As you get off the elevator, the bar will be about 20 feet in front of you on the left. The restaurant spreads out around the bar and the far wall is comprised entirely of windows. We were seated on the coveted right side of the room, but I cant believe that theres a bad view in the house. From our table, I was looking directly across the Seven Seas Lagoon at the Grand Floridian (and the sun setting behind it), and Maddie was staring straight at her beloved castle. Poor Bryan was stuck looking at me.
Our server arrived quickly and took our drink orders. Once hed delivered them we began to order. The menu at the California Grill changes daily, featuring the most seasonal fruit, vegetables, and seafood available. Maddie started with fresh fruit (again), I chose the 3 cheese flatbread with sundried tomato, and fresh basil pesto. Bryan was torn between the sushi of the day, the flatbreads, and the wild mushroom gnocchi but in the end the gnocchi won out.
Bryan and I were nice and shared tastes of our appetizers, and we agreed that both were amazing. Maddie ate most of her fruit, so I can only assume that she enjoyed it.
When ordering wed consulted our server because I simply couldnt decide between the featured fish entrée and the filet mignon. The server (who was entirely professional and knowledgeable) simply said The filet has been voted best in Florida for the last 5 years. Now I dont know if thats true, but I ordered it anyway. I may not be the most sophisticated foodie, but I know good steak so I was eager to see how it stacked up against some of the best beef that the Midwest has to offer. Bryan was swayed by the best in Florida sales pitch as well (we were on the DDP, so we werent worried that he was just trying to get us to order more), and Maddie shocked us by choosing macaroni and cheese over the childs steak that was offered. She was behaving beautifully, so we chose not to push.
Our server delivered our bread once hed cleared our starters, and without making a fuss about one of us being 5 years old, also dropped off a bowl of goldfish crackers along with it. It was a touch that delighted our little princess (and her dad).
We enjoyed watching the gorgeous sunset as we waited, and as it began to get dark Maddie became enchanted with the view. We asked for a booster seat so that she could see the lights of the castle change a little more ease.
Our entrees arrived shortly after the sun set. Bryan and I had chosen the Teriyaki Glazed Filet Mignon served over asparagus and accompanied by Truffled Smashed Potatoes.
The verdict? While I would have preferred my steak with out the glaze, there was no denying that this was one excellent cut of beef. It was tender, unbelievably lean, and very flavorful. The potatoes were delicious, and the asparagus was perfectly cooked.
Maddie was a little too taken with the view to enjoy her meal, but thats okay. She was still being a very, very good little princess.
Finally it was time to order dessert. We wanted to order 3 different items so that we could all try them. It was somewhat difficult to find anything that was chocolate free for Bryan, but we ended up with the sugar free option- Peaches & Cream fresh peaches, olive oil cake, vanilla panna cotta, and vanilla ice cream, Heathers Cookie Plate hot chocolate milk cappucino, and a selection of fresh baked cookies, and Rice Krispy Sushicereal treats wrapped up with fruit leather and Swedish fish to resemble sushi accompanied by marshmallow wasabi and fondant pickled ginger.
I was a little dubious about the sugar free Peaches and Cream. Peaches arent my favorite fruit, and sugar free (healthy) isnt usually something I seek out when ordering dessert. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I took my first bite.
The olive oil cake was moist and flavorful and overall superb, but the dish was perfect when all of the components were eaten together. Bryan and I agreed that it was the best dessert weve ever had-at Disney or anywhere. The Cookie plate was good, but didnt live up to the whimsical description. The sushi was both adorable and tasty. Maddie thought that it was really, really funny.
We settled up with our server (bill was $205yay DxDP!!) and he invited us to enjoy the observation deck for as long as wed like. Since it was just 9 pm, we didnt plan to watch Wishes from there but we wandered outside to enjoy the view anyway. It was simply breathtaking. I would love to end a lovely meal by seeing Wishes from that location some day.
Ive obviously not been to the California Grill since the renovations, but I would make a reservation there again in a heartbeat. The food, service, and location were all top notch. Bryan and I really enjoyed having a more adult dinner after a week of character meals, but surprisingly Maddie says that she really enjoyed it too! Please dont be afraid to dine here with your little ones (there were several children there), but it would be an excellent place to enjoy a little adults only time too. Well be back at the California Grill sooner rather than later, and I for one cant wait.
Finally we used the restrooms and hit the private elevator to be escorted downstairs. While we waited for the valet to return our princesss carriage, we had ourselves a little photoshoot.
We walked slowly toward the bus stops at the Magic Kingdom and found a bus waiting for us when we arrived. Unfortunately it was packed with a group of teens (a choral group I assume) who appeared to be travelling unchaperoned. When the driver played the princess announcement as Maddie entered, the all SHRIEKED at the top of their lungs and looked around frantically to see what princess would be joining them for a trip to CBR. Maddie was the one who finally had to point out to them that SHE was the princess.
As we made the longish trip back to CBR, the teens began to sing along with one of the young men whod begun to play the ukulele (why oh why would anyone bring a ukulele to the Magic Kingdom?). They sang loudly for the entire trip. Across the aisle from us was a teen girl who was not a part of that group, and she looked mortified that anyone would do that- and so did her parents. I actually felt sorry for them because they were wearing First Visit buttons, and I really didnt want those inconsiderate kids to be their first impression of Disney.
After what seemed like an eternity we arrived back to the peace and quiet of Aruba. One of us was paying the price for skipping nap time.
We got her into her PJs and settled into bed to watch a little TV before turning in. We set our alarms for 5:45 am for our last morning at WDW.
I promise that I'll be back tomorrow to do replies from all of your comments (I really appreciate all of them!). I wanted to get all of it done tonight, but unfortunately I've been getting the update together while piecing a quilt, uploading pictures for calendars, and trying to get our Christmas cards together. Sometimes multi-tasking backfires. I promise to get caught up soon!
Bryan and I had agreed to some pool time, and on this day Bryan and I took turns swimming with Maddie and soaking our very tired feet in the hot tub. After about an hour at the pool returned to the room where we offered Maddie the iPad and took the opportunity to squeeze in a power nap. Refreshed, we showered, put on our fanciest vacation clothes and headed to dinner.
Who can resist a photo shoot at the fountain (or accesorizing with a plastic lei for that matter?)
[/CENTER]
20 minutes after we got to the bus stop we caught a MK bus. On our way to dinner we popped into the Magic Kingdom and hit the Emporium. Maddies beloved BBB shoes from the previous year had gotten a little snug, and she felt that they needed to be replaced. We stopped for a quick PP shot (which was awful and not worth sharing) before leaving.
We took the short walk to the Contemporary Resort, and arrived at the second floor in short order. Dinner this evening would be our first true Signature Meal.
We checked in at the desk on the second floor of the CR, and our stroller was quickly taken to the stroller valet area.
I loved these light fixtures above the check in desk
Next to the private elevator
Next to the private elevator
We waited for about 5 minutes and then we were escorted by a friendly CM onto the private Cali Grill elevator. Our CM friend dropped us off and we got our first glimpse of the California Grill.
As you get off the elevator, the bar will be about 20 feet in front of you on the left. The restaurant spreads out around the bar and the far wall is comprised entirely of windows. We were seated on the coveted right side of the room, but I cant believe that theres a bad view in the house. From our table, I was looking directly across the Seven Seas Lagoon at the Grand Floridian (and the sun setting behind it), and Maddie was staring straight at her beloved castle. Poor Bryan was stuck looking at me.
Our server arrived quickly and took our drink orders. Once hed delivered them we began to order. The menu at the California Grill changes daily, featuring the most seasonal fruit, vegetables, and seafood available. Maddie started with fresh fruit (again), I chose the 3 cheese flatbread with sundried tomato, and fresh basil pesto. Bryan was torn between the sushi of the day, the flatbreads, and the wild mushroom gnocchi but in the end the gnocchi won out.
The Fruit
The Gnocchi
The Flatbread
The Gnocchi
The Flatbread
Bryan and I were nice and shared tastes of our appetizers, and we agreed that both were amazing. Maddie ate most of her fruit, so I can only assume that she enjoyed it.
When ordering wed consulted our server because I simply couldnt decide between the featured fish entrée and the filet mignon. The server (who was entirely professional and knowledgeable) simply said The filet has been voted best in Florida for the last 5 years. Now I dont know if thats true, but I ordered it anyway. I may not be the most sophisticated foodie, but I know good steak so I was eager to see how it stacked up against some of the best beef that the Midwest has to offer. Bryan was swayed by the best in Florida sales pitch as well (we were on the DDP, so we werent worried that he was just trying to get us to order more), and Maddie shocked us by choosing macaroni and cheese over the childs steak that was offered. She was behaving beautifully, so we chose not to push.
Our server delivered our bread once hed cleared our starters, and without making a fuss about one of us being 5 years old, also dropped off a bowl of goldfish crackers along with it. It was a touch that delighted our little princess (and her dad).
We enjoyed watching the gorgeous sunset as we waited, and as it began to get dark Maddie became enchanted with the view. We asked for a booster seat so that she could see the lights of the castle change a little more ease.
Our entrees arrived shortly after the sun set. Bryan and I had chosen the Teriyaki Glazed Filet Mignon served over asparagus and accompanied by Truffled Smashed Potatoes.
The verdict? While I would have preferred my steak with out the glaze, there was no denying that this was one excellent cut of beef. It was tender, unbelievably lean, and very flavorful. The potatoes were delicious, and the asparagus was perfectly cooked.
Maddie was a little too taken with the view to enjoy her meal, but thats okay. She was still being a very, very good little princess.
Finally it was time to order dessert. We wanted to order 3 different items so that we could all try them. It was somewhat difficult to find anything that was chocolate free for Bryan, but we ended up with the sugar free option- Peaches & Cream fresh peaches, olive oil cake, vanilla panna cotta, and vanilla ice cream, Heathers Cookie Plate hot chocolate milk cappucino, and a selection of fresh baked cookies, and Rice Krispy Sushicereal treats wrapped up with fruit leather and Swedish fish to resemble sushi accompanied by marshmallow wasabi and fondant pickled ginger.
I was a little dubious about the sugar free Peaches and Cream. Peaches arent my favorite fruit, and sugar free (healthy) isnt usually something I seek out when ordering dessert. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I took my first bite.
The olive oil cake was moist and flavorful and overall superb, but the dish was perfect when all of the components were eaten together. Bryan and I agreed that it was the best dessert weve ever had-at Disney or anywhere. The Cookie plate was good, but didnt live up to the whimsical description. The sushi was both adorable and tasty. Maddie thought that it was really, really funny.
We settled up with our server (bill was $205yay DxDP!!) and he invited us to enjoy the observation deck for as long as wed like. Since it was just 9 pm, we didnt plan to watch Wishes from there but we wandered outside to enjoy the view anyway. It was simply breathtaking. I would love to end a lovely meal by seeing Wishes from that location some day.
Ive obviously not been to the California Grill since the renovations, but I would make a reservation there again in a heartbeat. The food, service, and location were all top notch. Bryan and I really enjoyed having a more adult dinner after a week of character meals, but surprisingly Maddie says that she really enjoyed it too! Please dont be afraid to dine here with your little ones (there were several children there), but it would be an excellent place to enjoy a little adults only time too. Well be back at the California Grill sooner rather than later, and I for one cant wait.
Finally we used the restrooms and hit the private elevator to be escorted downstairs. While we waited for the valet to return our princesss carriage, we had ourselves a little photoshoot.
We walked slowly toward the bus stops at the Magic Kingdom and found a bus waiting for us when we arrived. Unfortunately it was packed with a group of teens (a choral group I assume) who appeared to be travelling unchaperoned. When the driver played the princess announcement as Maddie entered, the all SHRIEKED at the top of their lungs and looked around frantically to see what princess would be joining them for a trip to CBR. Maddie was the one who finally had to point out to them that SHE was the princess.
As we made the longish trip back to CBR, the teens began to sing along with one of the young men whod begun to play the ukulele (why oh why would anyone bring a ukulele to the Magic Kingdom?). They sang loudly for the entire trip. Across the aisle from us was a teen girl who was not a part of that group, and she looked mortified that anyone would do that- and so did her parents. I actually felt sorry for them because they were wearing First Visit buttons, and I really didnt want those inconsiderate kids to be their first impression of Disney.
After what seemed like an eternity we arrived back to the peace and quiet of Aruba. One of us was paying the price for skipping nap time.
We got her into her PJs and settled into bed to watch a little TV before turning in. We set our alarms for 5:45 am for our last morning at WDW.
I promise that I'll be back tomorrow to do replies from all of your comments (I really appreciate all of them!). I wanted to get all of it done tonight, but unfortunately I've been getting the update together while piecing a quilt, uploading pictures for calendars, and trying to get our Christmas cards together. Sometimes multi-tasking backfires. I promise to get caught up soon!
smidgy
dimples
- Joined
- Aug 27, 2006
great pictures!! what beautiful views. we have eaten at clif. grill once, and really loved it. we were there at just the right time. I think we watched wishes form the observation area, after the entree and before our dessert. it was great.
maddie looked pretty, as always!!!
so sorry about the loud teens on the bus ride back. I know kids like to have fun, but it sure would be nice if they consider everyone else. esp. when you are all cramped together, and everyone is tired.
maddie looked pretty, as always!!!
so sorry about the loud teens on the bus ride back. I know kids like to have fun, but it sure would be nice if they consider everyone else. esp. when you are all cramped together, and everyone is tired.
Stringbean&Wingnut
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2010
Yay for a wonderful meal at CG!!! We loved it there as well, I'm curious to see what the renovations will bring! Maddie's dessert sushi is awesome!!
hstrickland
Way Down South...
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2009
Great pictures of Maddie, as usual
The flowers at EP are absolutely gorgeous!! We've only been to the F&G Festival once and loved it. Now that all the kids are in school, it's hard to get away in May.
Cali Grill is one of our favorite signatures. And you're so right...the view is beautiful at sunset. The sushi dessert is adorable!! The first time the waiter recommended it to the kids, I was a bit skeptical. Yall's dessert looks heavenly, too!! Yay
for the DxDp!! We've always found it to be a really good deal for our family since we like the signatures. Do you think you will do again on future trips??
Looking forward to more!
Heather
The flowers at EP are absolutely gorgeous!! We've only been to the F&G Festival once and loved it. Now that all the kids are in school, it's hard to get away in May. Cali Grill is one of our favorite signatures. And you're so right...the view is beautiful at sunset. The sushi dessert is adorable!! The first time the waiter recommended it to the kids, I was a bit skeptical. Yall's dessert looks heavenly, too!! Yay
for the DxDp!! We've always found it to be a really good deal for our family since we like the signatures. Do you think you will do again on future trips??Looking forward to more!
Heather
mickeystoontown
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2006
Oh my word! The views from the California Grill are amazing and that's coming from someone who's deathly afraid of high places. The food looks pretty darn good as well. Yep, I think that I'd suffer through my fear of heights in order to eat one of those scrumptuous looking steaks.
KatMark
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2007
Oh my....that meal does look very good. I will have to work on Mark in bringing a nicer shirt and a pair of khaki's so we can go there (he hates dressing up on vacation).
Love how Maddie seemed to be enjoying herself and how sweet of the waiter to bring her goldfish crackers.
Ugh....that must have been a very unpleasant bus ride.
Love how Maddie seemed to be enjoying herself and how sweet of the waiter to bring her goldfish crackers.
Ugh....that must have been a very unpleasant bus ride.
CandleontheWater
Forever in love with Hathaway Browne
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2007
My gosh, that steak looks delectable! The flatbread doesn't look half bad either! I've done Cali Grill twice, and both times were awesome, so glad to see that you also had a great experience, Disney meals can be so hit or miss sometimes.
I also tend to stay away from fruit based desserts (I don't want anything healthy impinging upon my indulgence) but your description of the peaches cake may make me change my mind!
It also cracks me up that Maddie's idea of "business casual" attire is a princess wedding dress and a pink lei. I just love her sense of style!
I also tend to stay away from fruit based desserts (I don't want anything healthy impinging upon my indulgence) but your description of the peaches cake may make me change my mind!
It also cracks me up that Maddie's idea of "business casual" attire is a princess wedding dress and a pink lei. I just love her sense of style!
katt789
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2010
Cali grill looks so awesome!! The view is great too!! I'm glad you guys enjoyed it! I would definitely love to have a meal there and finish it off with wishes from the deck! Awesome!
UGH! I'm pretty sure we encountered those teenagers at a few points too...
UGH! I'm pretty sure we encountered those teenagers at a few points too...
Fantasyland Mom
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
You already know that I've been away from the DIS and I had A LOT of catching up to do, but I'm happy to say I'm all caught up! Just a few comments:
When I have no plan and some free time, I always end up shopping, too. Mousegears is tied for my favorite place with the Emporium.
We haven't tried Via Napoli yet, and that's a mistake. I always get into my head that we need to try something "different," and then the kids never end up eating. I am definitely putting VN on my list for next trip. I've come to the realization lately that they will ALWAYS eat pizza, even when they refuse everything else. Might as well get some really good pizza and please everyone, right!?
That Snow White is the whitest, snowiest Snow White I've ever seen, even in that heat
!
I agree with you on the Sharpie thing (both about hoarding them and them being dumb for a place filled with children). That's why we've never done the KidCot stations. We stopped at one once, then realized they had Sharpies and have skipped them ever since! Maybe we should just bring our own Crayola Washables or some crayons and let them try it
. Hmmm...idea!
We did a date night once to California Grill and loved it. Not a bad dish to be had! I've been wanting to go back, but now that we refuse (WITH GOOD REASON) to take my MIL back, it's just us with the kids. I'm glad she did so well there. It sort of inspires me to try it with my crew. Sort of. You can't really lose with that view, right?
When I have no plan and some free time, I always end up shopping, too. Mousegears is tied for my favorite place with the Emporium.
We haven't tried Via Napoli yet, and that's a mistake. I always get into my head that we need to try something "different," and then the kids never end up eating. I am definitely putting VN on my list for next trip. I've come to the realization lately that they will ALWAYS eat pizza, even when they refuse everything else. Might as well get some really good pizza and please everyone, right!?
That Snow White is the whitest, snowiest Snow White I've ever seen, even in that heat
!I agree with you on the Sharpie thing (both about hoarding them and them being dumb for a place filled with children). That's why we've never done the KidCot stations. We stopped at one once, then realized they had Sharpies and have skipped them ever since! Maybe we should just bring our own Crayola Washables or some crayons and let them try it
. Hmmm...idea!We did a date night once to California Grill and loved it. Not a bad dish to be had! I've been wanting to go back, but now that we refuse (WITH GOOD REASON) to take my MIL back, it's just us with the kids. I'm glad she did so well there. It sort of inspires me to try it with my crew. Sort of. You can't really lose with that view, right?
afwdwfan
DIS Dad #460
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2010
That must have been a great meal. Delicious steak, awesome view, and Maddie on her best behavior just enjoying seeing her castle. Really, why wouldn't you want to go back there?
Sorry about the bus ride. That would be a bit intimidating, especially to a family who are first time guests.
Sorry about the bus ride. That would be a bit intimidating, especially to a family who are first time guests.
ronnmel
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2010
You are very lucky that Maddie would choose fresh fruits and steak over other choices!
I was perfectly fine with my choice of ADR for this next trip until I read your update. Teriyaki chicken and Filet Mignon are my two favorite meat so to put them together sounds heavenly. But it's so expensive... what to do, what to do???
I was perfectly fine with my choice of ADR for this next trip until I read your update. Teriyaki chicken and Filet Mignon are my two favorite meat so to put them together sounds heavenly. But it's so expensive... what to do, what to do???
marDgreen88
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2011
I'm so glad you enjoyed your California Grill dinner! It sounds absolutely wonderful... and that view just can't be beat!
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