Coming to you Live from Disney World! SEE NEW THREAD

[jabead]

I am certain I missed something. Where is the post for the scavenger hunt rules? Gotta start my planning.

Jabead, where are you in Central Illinois? I grew up in Peoria and Pekin.q

Hi Niki!

The Scavenger Hunt game is for the November team of reporters only, but if you are interested then the link is in my signature. I haven't decided yet whether to have any kind of game for the January team or not. If there is though, I will be making an announcement here in late December with all the details.

I'm from Lexington, which is about 20 miles north of Bloomington-Normal and right off of both Interstate 55 and Route 66.

Thanks again for putting all this together Barb! It must take a good chunk of time each day, but there are many of us reading that appreciate it.

As far as updates for our trip - we leave in just 10 days! We are driving, so even though we leave on 12/6, we won't arrive until 12/8. We're spending the first 2 nights at POR, with dinner scheduled our arrival day at Raglan Road. The next morning, we have breakfast scheduled at GFC. Other than that, we'll be sticking to counter service and we'll have the free QSDP when we check into Pop on 12/10.

It will be DD's first trip and she'll turn 1 year old on 12/11. I purchased tickets to MVMCP that night, in the hopes that she'll have one of her night-owl nights which she always seems to have when I'm most tired and want to go to bed early. I know it probably won't work out that way, but maybe we can get her to sleep in the stroller while DH and I enjoy the late night activities at the party.

Here's what I'm most looking forward to eating:
Dole Whip (maybe add a float)
Jalapeno cheese pretzel
Corn dog nuggets
Trying the nutella waffle at sleepy hollow
We're going to attempt a lunch at BOG, but if it's too crowded then I'll get my CHH fix instead!

Jill

Hi Jill!

I'll get the additional information added to your trip info. Also, have you decided yet whether you are going to try doing live updates during your trip? I know that with a one year old, it might be difficult but if you would like to give it a shot I would be happy to have you on the team. Maybe you could save up your pics and send them all to me during nap time?

 

[disneychristmasx3]

Good morning everyone! Since we have not yet received any live updates this morning, I thought I would look ahead to December.

We have 5 Live Reporters who have dual membership on both our November and December Teams. Therefore, as long as they send at least one update in November, they qualify to participate in both the November Scavenger Hunt and the game I have planned for the December team (details coming soon in the next post). Assuming that they all participate in the November Scavenger Hunt, this game will not conclude until around December 9th. At that time I will announce the final results and congratulate our top winners.

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER TEAM MEMBERS

ILikeWaffles - Jess will be introducing her husband, Pete, to the magic of Disney World. They arrived in Orlando on 11/24, but will spend a few days at Universal Studios first. They will then be staying in a Royal Guest room at POR from 11/28 - 12/7. Jess was able to snag a dinner reservation at Be Our Guest on the 29th. Jess has started her PDR and she is doing live updates for us during her trip!

DsnyMama - Amber will be at the AK Villas and CSR from 11/26 - 12/5, along with her kids, Ava and Levi. This time she's leaving her hubby home, but taking Grammy Suzanne along. This will be Grammy's first-ever trip to WDW and she is very excited to try all the delicious food there. Suzanne has apparently been drooling over it for 59 years now...boy, that's a lot of drool! Hope you have a fantastically delicious 1st trip!!! Amber's PTR and PDR She has offered to live updates for us during their trip!

sunnysideup3 - Jillian, Nate, & son, Eli, will be taking a surprise (for Eli) vacation to WDW from 11/29 - 12/8. Jillian has offered to do live updates for us doing their trip! Here is sunnysideup3's PTR.

disneydivamama will be at Disney World from 11/30 - 12/9 and has volunteered to do live updates for us!

AlohaPolynesian will be at WDW from 11/30 - 12/3 and has offered to do live updates for us!

And now, I am very happy to announce our...

DECEMBER TEAM of LIVE REPORTERS

Dalmara will be at Disney World from 12/3 - 12/14 and staying at AOA. Dalmara has offered to do live updates for us!

jmm476 Jill & family will be at Disney World from 12/8 - 12/14. For the first two nights they will be staying at POR and then on 12/10 they will be transferring to Pop Century. From then on, they will be on the free QSDP. Also it will be her DD's first trip to Disney World and she will be celebrating her 1st birthday there on 12/11. Jill will either be doing live updates or a dining report when she returns home!

Mariep26 - Marie & family will be at WDW from 12/8 - 12/15 and Marie has offered to do live updates for us!

ses1230 is celebrating her birthday at Disney on Dec. 8th, along with her DH, DD7, DD4, and her DMom. They are staying at AKV Kidani (unless our waitlist for BLT comes through) from 12/8 - 12/15. ses1230 has offered to do live updates for us!

JessiLynn015 will be at Disney World from 12/8-12/17 and has offered to do live updates for us!

Rarity will be at WDW from 12/9 - 12/15 and has volunteered to do live updates for us!

DisWishes720 will be at Disney World from 12/10 - 12/16 and has volunteered to do live updates for us!

grrrlennyl will be at WDW from 12/12 -12/20 with her partner celebrating their anniversary. They will be staying at the AoA Resort in the Little Mermaid section. She has started a PDR and will be doing live updates for us from a Vegan point of view during her trip!

krhst25 will be taking a family trip to Disney World from 12/13 - 12/21 trip. It will be her parents first time there. krhst25 has offered to do live updates for us!

emmebear and her DD will be at Disney World again from 12/14 - 12/17 and she will again be doing live updates for us!

jodywgirl and family of 7 will be at WDW from 12/14 - 12/21 and have offered to do live updates for us! Here are their Dining Plans.

wildelady and DS8 will be there from 12/14 -12/28 and staying offsite but have 1 night at the CBR and 1 night at the Hard Rock. wildelady has offered to do live updates for us!

HoneyBeeM and her little bro will be taking their first ever siblings-only road trip to Disney World to visit their sister (who is in the DCP)! They will be be there from 12/15 -12/21 and her DB thinks they're staying at CBR, but she's actually changed their ressie to BWI with a possible split stay at the Contemporary. Also HBM will again be doing live updates for us!

debrapagliasotti - She and her family will be taking a holiday trip to Disney World this year! They will be at the Boardwalk from 12/18 - 12/28. Here is her PTR. Debra has offered to do "live" updates for us, if we can keep this going until December!

disneychristmasx3 will be celebrating the holidays at WDW from 12/20 - 12/27 and has volunteered to do live updates for us!

As you can see, we have no one for the last few days of December, as well as on New Year's Day. So if anyone is going to be at Disney World during that time, please consider doing some live reporting...even if it's just a few updates.

If I have forgotten anyone who has previously volunteered their services...please, please, please let me know. Also please let me know if I have made in errors in your above-listed trip information or if your plans have changed. And of course, if there is additional information regarding your trip (such as your dining plans, resort, who is traveling with you, etc.) that you would like to share with us, then feel free to post it here on the thread. If you would prefer though to keep this information private and/or your dining plans a surprise, then that is perfectly fine too.

I'll be sending out a mass PM to all the December reporters in the next day or so. This will include my info for sending us your live updates. I will ask that you confirm your desire to participate in the live updates by either posting here on the thread or sending me a return PM.

Thanks so much to all our December volunteers for being willing to share small pieces of your trips with all of us. With your help, it looks to be a fun-filled month with lots of fresh Disney food porn and holiday cheer!

Oh, and stay tuned for the details of the December game!

We have just one small change. We are now arriving on the 19th. We were trying to stay until the 29th as well but there were no more free dining rooms available for those last 2 days!

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

So excited! I leave on Friday and have tweaked my ADR's a bit. This is what we have planned so far:

Rose & Crown Dinner
Via Napoli Dinner
California Grill Dinner
Kona Cafe Lunch
LTT Lunch

I know those are popular restaurants but I am a vegetarian and am going with my mom who is not - so hopefully I can share some photos of a variety of foods for you guys

 

[jabead]

We received an update today from sanapp.

She and her DD were at DHS today and DD had this snack...

sanapp said, "DD loves popcorn and the Holiday Mickey bucket is adorable!"




Then they had an early dinner at...


Hollywood Brown Derby




For her appetizer, sanapp had...

Blue Lump Crab Spring Rolls, Snow Crab Claw, and an Asian Slaw with spicy Miso Aïoli


sanapp said, "The crab spring rolls were good, but a little fishy."





DD had this for her appetizer...

sanapp said, "DD got a bowl of strawberries. This wasn't on the menu, but our waitress Cheryl didn't mind getting them.
Then DD had french fries and grilled chicken which she enjoyed." (no picture)





For her entree, sanapp chose...

Charred Filet of Beef over a Zellwood Corn and Pancetta Risotto, Arugula Pesto, and Pickled Rainbow Carrots



sanapp said, "I had the filet which was cooked perfectly."




Then for dessert, DD had this...

Hidden Treasures
Vanilla Ice Cream, Oreo Cookie Crumbles, Gummy Snakes, and a Toll House Cookie



sanapp said, "Of course DD had the hidden treasure. She loved eating the worms since her face was painted as Nala.
I had the chocolate 3 ways which was good, but not great!!!"

Chocolate Three Ways—Praline Milk Chocolate Cream, crunchy Ganache, and Orange-Chocolate Mousse​

 

[Rarity]

Consider me still a go!

WRT additional information on our trip - it'll be my sister and I. We'll be staying at Pop Century and using the DDP. It's been at least 14 years since I last visited WDW, and I honestly don't remember much about it, so I still feel like a total newbie. This is also our first time being in the World during the Christmas season.

My sister turns 25 December 17th, but we'll still be celebrating her birthday while we're there. Our trip's also a "life is looking up" celebration. We've had a rough couple of years (especially me), but we're doing a lot better emotionally and financially.

I'm excited to do a bit of live reporting! Can't wait to see what you've come up with for the December team. And thank you for all that you do!

 

[jmm476]

Hi Jill!

I'll get the additional information added to your trip info. Also, have you decided yet whether you are going to try doing live updates during your trip? I know that with a one year old, it might be difficult but if you would like to give it a shot I would be happy to have you on the team. Maybe you could save up your pics and send them all to me during nap time?

That sounds like a good plan. I have to set aside my commando touring ways to make sure that nap time happens every day for DD and DH. If I have something to work on during nap time, that will help. You can count me in!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[DisWishes720]

Reserved for the details of...


HOLIDAY ROULETTE


Coming soon!

Can't wait for this! I will be there with my DH, our DS (18 months) and my parents and brothers are meeting us later in the trip. I can't wait to eat myself silly!

 

[soontobewed07]

So I'm going to take the plunge we will be in Disney 1/16 to 1/23 staying at BWV. I'm hoping with a 6 month old and 5 year old I can get enough pictures there will be 3 adults

We have booked:
H&V
Via Napoli
Boma
Crystal palace
Les chefs (may change)
La hacienda
The plaza ( may change)
Tusker house

Hoping to try for CS:
BoG
Cosmic rays
Tspp
Boardwalk bakery
Wgpe

 

[disneydivamama]

4 more days until we leave! We are so excited!

On this trip will be me, my DH, and our very excited almost 3 year old ( who looks like she is almost 4!) and yes, we at bringing her birth certificate....because no one in the world believes she is 2.... My DH was diagnosed with celiac disease a year ago, so this will be his first gluten free Disney trip. Thank goodness the world is so awesome with food allergies!

Our Adr's:

The Plaza
Whispering canyon
50's prime time
Crystal palace
La hacienda
Tusker house
Le Cellier
Cinderell's royal table
Liberty tree tavern
Ohana
Akershus
Tony's
Chef Mickeys

Highlights: MVMCP and the Candlelight Processional, FLE!

Lodging: Wilderness Lodge

Must do snacks: nutella waffle, dole whip, carrot cake cookie, and any cupcake! (for me and dd). DH: dole whip, Mickey bars, and babycakes!

 

[jabead]

I received a couple of updates last night and a couple more this morning. I was though working on the details of the Holiday Roulette game (which btw is now complete and posted on this page, see my signature for link ) so didn't get them posted. I'll post the two short text updates now and then the two longer emailed updates will be posted tonight. Sorry for the delay.

Pam (mousiemom) & family had dinner last night at Magic Kingdom's...


COSMIC RAY'S

1/3 Pound Angus Bacon Burger & French Fries x 2, plus Chocolate Cake for dessert

Frozen Lemonade​

 

[jabead]

The other text update was received this morning from Jess (ILikeWaffles) and was our First Update of the Day.


She and Pete are again at Universal today and Jess sent these pics of her breakfast from Islands of Adventure's...


Moon Bakery

Warmed Chocolate Croissant


Jess said, "I had this at the cashier's recommendation. It was messy, but delicious. I also had a seasonal toasted marshmallow hot chocolate. It had the perfect amount of marshmallow flavor and was a great addition to the croissant."

Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate​

2 Scavenger Hunt Points Earned

 

[Dalamara]

SO excited that we will be leaving for WDW in less than 6 days!!! I will be attempting to do live reports for the very first time, so I am taking Jabead's idea to post my plans ahead of time. First off, the who's, the why's, the when's, and the where's:

Who:
ME! - Dalamara or Becky is fine too. Disney buff since childhood, and rabid Beauty and the Beast fan. I'm serious, call security if the Beast is out during my BOG dinner.
BFF - Squizz or Liz. Big Peter Pan, and Alice fan, and anything Faeries or Mermaids. Her main goal on this trip is to meet Periwinkle.

Why:
This is a BFF trip that is a long time coming. We haven't seen each other in FOREVER, as we've lived many states apart for the last several years. My Mom wanted to go with us, as she's always wanted to go to Disney during the Holidays, but she's just not healthy enough right now unfortunately. However, she insisted that I still go. She was SO happy that I'm getting to see my BFF again after so long, that she scraped all her little Mom pennies together, and is paying for our room for us. She is on a limited income so this was especially generous and awesome. GO MOM!

When:
Dec. 3rd - Dec. 14th!

Where:
Art of Animation Little Mermaid Room!

We have several ADRs, but a few unplanned days as well. Plus 2 days of Universal Studios planned. Here's what we have planned for meals so far (that's a lot of uses of the word "plan" lol):

Dec. 3rd - ARRIVAL DAY!! - Check-in, relax a bit, then off to DTD for dinner at T-Rex
Dec. 4th - Universal Studios - The Three Broomsticks + park snacks
Dec. 5th - Epcot Day - Les Chefs de France lunch + snacking around the world
Dec. 6th - Open Afternoon - MVMCP with dinner at Pecos Bill's (the open afternoon may turn into a mad scramble for the new BatB pins that are being released)
Dec. 7th - DTD Day - Dinner at Fulton's Crab House (I absolutely despise seafood, but my BFF has wanted to go to Fulton's for years, so being an awesome BFF I said I'd go lol)
Dec. 8th - Magic Kingdom Day! - DINNER AT BOG!!! + Fireworks Dessert Party (BFF is betting money on me sobbing when I finally meet the Beast after loving him from afar since I was 12) + A Dole Whip is definitely on my radar
Dec. 9th - Hollywood Studios Day - Lunch at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater + Dinner at 'Ohana
Dec 10th - Universal Studios Day #2 - No set plans food-wise today
Dec. 11th - Animal Kingdom/Epcot Split Day - Yak & Yeti Lunch + Biergarten Dinner
Dec 12th - Free Day - No set plans
Dec. 13th - Park Day - Not sure which yet
Dec. 14th - Late Flights Home - Possibly DTD for lunch and maybe catch the Hobbit if the theater isn't too crowded

A lot of these restaurants are firsts for both my BFF and myself, so we're SUPER excited! Pardon the long post, this is my first "trip report" of any kind, and I hope it is OK. I also hope that everyone will enjoy my live updates, as much as I've enjoyed following along with the ones before mine.

 

[happy2012]

Hi Barb! Just wanted to sneak a peak @ this thread today. I just wanted to let you know we ate @ Planet Hollywood for lunch & it was good. The min after we took pics of our meals, the manager walked passed our table 700x & asked us how everything was & even bussed our table!! Either he knows we are dissers of thinks we write in a food mag. We were LOL!!! Just thought I'd share that story here. Now back to being "logged out" HAHAHa!!!

 

[debrapagliasotti]

December roulette sounds fun. We have 27 ADRs x 6 people (2 adults, 2 Disney adults & 2 kids) X 11 days and a whopping 120 snack credits (we are doing DxDP -- all TS) and some CL snacks and while I dont know how well I will do with points, I can promise pictures since I am sending in "live updates".

I will post our ADRs in the next couple weeks (have to make sure I dont need to change any...again ) and will also be doing a DR upon return home.

Thanks so much Barb for all your work in this wonderful thread! Its honestly the first thread I check on when I come to Dis.

 

[Ginamarie]

Can't wait for the December fun! It looks like there are a lot of great ADRs coming up and some fun new reporters too

 

[jabead]

Ok, how about some more updates...let's begin with one sent to us by Gina (Gina99) from her lunch on Sunday at DHS'...


Mama Melrose

Kids' Appetizer - Apple Slices


Gina said, "We had to cut the peels off."

"Mateo shoving the apple into his mouth. He approved of the ones without the peel!"

Crispy Calamari
topped with Grilled Peppers and Onions and served with Dipping Sauces

Gina said, "This was Armando's calamari. He said it was great and the citrus dipping sauce was the best!"

Fresh Mozzarella and Vine-ripened Tomatoes
with Marinated Sweet Onions, Balsamic Drizzle, Basil-scented Olive Oil, and
Sweet Basil Leaves


Gina said, "We all loved the cheese but the tomato was overwhelming after a bit."

"A Bellini cocktail and a beer for poor mom and dad!"

Kids' Mickey Pizza


Gina said, "This was quickly devoured!"

Piccata di Pesce
Fresh Fish Sautéed in a White Wine Lemon Butter Sauce with Caperberries,
Spinach, and Whole Wheat Pasta


Gina said, "This was Armando's fish meal. He enjoyed it and found it nice and light."

Oven-baked Chicken alla Parmigiana
Breaded Chicken Breast with Marinara Sauce, topped with Melted Mozzarella
and served over Spaghetti


Gina said, "The chicken was large but quite salty. I was waiting for them to bring the extra Parmesan cheese for the pasta, but that never happened. I was sad about that.

Family Dessert Plate (Includes a sample of each of their desserts)
Seasonal Panna Cotta - No Sugar Added Vanilla Flavored Custard
with Seasonal Fruit Compote
Tiramisù Semifreddo - Layers of Mascarpone Cheese, Lady Fingers,
and Marsala Wine over Coffee Sauce served “Half-frozen”
Chocolate Cannoli Cake - Chocolate Cake filled with Cannoli Filling topped
with Nutella Ganache and served with a Chianti Red Wine Sauce
Chocolate Amarettini Cheesecake - Chocolate-flavored Cheesecake with a Cookie Crust, Almond Cream, and Italian Amarettini Cookies



Gina said, "My hubs loved the tiramisu. My fave was the almond crusted cheesecake. I had high hopes for the Nutella tart but found the crust way to thick. Neither of us liked the panna cotta. It was like old pudding."

Kids' Dessert - Spaghetti & Meatball Cupcake


"Gabe was in awe of the size of this cupcake!!!"

​

3 Scavenger Hunt Points Earned for Bellini cocktail, picture of Mateo, and Fish Entree

 

[jabead]

Then Gina sent this update from yesterday.

Gina said, "Finally today the kids passed out and I took advantage to walk around new Fantasyland and get some LeFou's brew. It was super sweet and was missing something - like vodka!!!"

First Gina trying the LeFou's Brew,

And then Armando trying it.

​

3 Scavenger Hunt Points Earned

 

[jabead]

Then we received an update this morning from sanapp.


She and her DD were at Animal Kingdom this morning and had breakfast at...




Tusker House

sanapp said, "DD and I had Tusker for breakfast. Finally a cup of coffee I enjoyed. I Love the juice too.
OHHH and those Krispy Kreme donuts. We really enjoy Tusker." ​

 

[ses1230]

HOLIDAY ROULETTE

Sounds like fun, I can't wait to get started! 11 days to go!

 

[jabead]

And then sanapp & her DD had dinner tonight on the Boardwalk at...


Flying Fish Cafe

Blood Orange Margarita
Patrón Silver Tequila, X-Fusion Mango and Passion Fruit Liqueur, Monin Blood Orange, and Sweet-and-Sour



sanapp said, "DD and I went to Flying Fish for dinner. I started with the blood orange margarita. This was good."




"I then had the crab cake which was good, but a tad spicy."

Crispy Maine Coast Jonah Crab Cake
with Savory Vegetable Slaw, Roasted Red Pepper Coulis,and Ancho Chile Rémoulade

Surf & Surf
Note from jabead: Can't find this on any of the online menus.



sanapp said, "Next I had the surf and surf. I LOVED the cauliflower puree on the bottom!!!!"

Seasonal House-made Sorbets
with Fresh Berries and a crisp Tuile



sanapp said, "I was quite full, so I chose the sorbet for dessert and the raspberry was my favorite."

Kids' Appetizer - Seasonal Fruit Skewers and Honey Yogurt



sanapp said, "DD had the fruit skewers with only strawberries. Quite a pattern here. DD then a big bowl of plain Mickey Pasta which she enjoyed. (no pic) For dessert she had the white chocolate puzzle and cupcake.
She enjoyed playing with this, but did not eat it."

Mickeys Chocolate Puzzle
White Chocolate Puzzle, Sugar Paints, and Creamy-topped Chocolate Cupcake


sanapp said, "We enjoyed Flying Fish!"


​

2 Scavenger Hunt Points Earned