With 6 Todd will eat your egg roll! Nicki, Todd, Katmark & Family Xmas! UPDATED 1/2

[KatMark]

Now I know why I love writing a live review, I can remember everything a lot better! Trying to recall things after 2 weeks is stressing out my brain

Need any help, ask me. Oh wait, I'm older than you and will forget more.

After our wonderful lunch at Chefs Des was saving room for her dessert...no it wasnt on the menu but it was at the French Bakery next door. Honestly it doesnt look like they are moving quickly on the remodel..hopefully it will be done soon.

Her favorite item is the lemon meringue tart. She really enjoyed it and offered me a bite but I am not a fan of meringue

Never did see that tart for some reason or other.

As we strolled along the countries Andy and I popped into Tangierine Cafe and I picked up some bakalava for Mark and myself. I had a walnut one and he had the pistachio. These were not good, they were too stale

They didn't look very appetizing.

I had a glass of Rosa Regale from Italy. In the past I have been given a small dark chocolate with my wine but this time they charged me a quarter . The wine was excellent, crisp and cold, a bit sweet and just perfect with the dark chocolate, it really enhances the flavor of both items

Ummm...what was I doing at this time? Did I have my Slushie?

Whats Germany without caramel? I told Todd he could pick and he ordered a pecan covered caramel chocolate pretzel stick. He thought it was ok, he wished he had the one without the nuts...but I loved it!

Here's my picture I got of Todd with his pretzel:

Our day was split between Epcot and HS, had to see the lights! It was time to catch a boat and see what other snacks we could find...I was on a cupcake hunt you know!

More food, woohoo!

It was a nice boat ride over to HS, the kids and the guys went off to Rockin Rollercoaster while Kathy and I had some sister time and shopped and took pictures and just laughed and laughed.

It was the "shopping time" we were supposed to have at DTD...and so glad I had you to myself for awhile.

I was making a beeline for Starring Rolls because I have been reading all about their gingerbread cupcake. Not realizing what time it was I was a bit upset to find the door was locked! Poor Kathy was pulling and pushing on that door but it wouldnt budge! We saw people inside and went to the other door where a CM told us they were closed! The horror! I begged to come in because I just wanted one lil ol' cupcake!

And they let us in! Not before giving Kathy 2 free cookies..Des ate the chocolate ears but I dont know what happened to the rest

If I recall, she ate ALL four ears and then ate one of the cookies later.

Rushing over to the case where the cupcakes are I was shocked to find just the red velvet and butter finger! Oh no! Have no fears, another CM pointed to the second case, so I turned quickly to find it was EMPTY! OH NO! But these CM's are just too wonderful to let me go away empty handed, they want into the back and got me one! The people were incredible!

So here it is, in all its glory, I present - THE GINGERBREAD HOLIDAY CUPCAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

That was the nicest thing those people did...and all so friendly. We really should write guest relations and tell them about them going above and beyond! They rocked.

We quickly grabbed a seat and I started right in on the little sucker. It was super moist, very gingerbread-y and the cream cheese was excellent, light and creamy and not too sweet. Kathy had to keep reminding me to save some for Todd Aw man, I wish I bought two, but I did save some for him because that is what a nice wife does right?

The two of us mosied over to the rollercoaster where we met everyone and Todd ate his half of the cupcake and then wanted something else! Popcorn? Pretzel? OK!

Popcorn, just excellent!

I want some Disney popcorn NOW!

And a souvenier mug, holiday style, with soda for just $5! Bargain! I have been using mine every day, a great way to relive our trip

Love that mug and I use it every night at dinner.

Deciding on a rest stop before seeing the Osborne Lights and getting our picture with Santa Goofy I spied with my little eye an alcoholic menu! Right by Backlot Tours...

Kathy and I bought ordered a Snowball...this drink was fantastic! Very creamy and not too sweet and just delish...I have been making them at home as a treat after a busy day or not so busy day at the office

I wish we were sitting there right this minute and having another one while we people watched. I just left you nine days ago and miss you so much.

We hopped in line for Santa Goofy and the four of us are just chatting up a storm when a husband and wife who were sitting there say "Can I ask you a question? Are you MickeyNicki and Todd?" YUP - RECOGINIZED AGAIN! Todd is used to it but Mark couldnt believe I was ID'd Turns out she knew of Kathy and my trip and had been following along! Small world huh?

I reallyl think Mark was in shock. And I'm not sure why? We've done several DIS meets at Disney (Mary and the girls), etc. He should be used to this by now.

A great time was had by all and everyone loved the lights but we had to get moving...see we had late reservations at the Yachtsman, what seemed like a great idea when we booked it now not so much as we were all exhausted but no way could we cancel so lets get our butts on a boat and sail over to the Yacht Club!

I have to go do something now, but I'll be back to comment on your Yachtsman update soon.

 

[scanne]

So we will be in WDW next Christmas (2013) and I think I will focus on cupcakes as opposed to getting on any rides! That gingerbread cupcake looks amazing!

Also, we ate at YS over the summer and it was heavenly. Will definitely return....I could not show restraint with those onion pull apart rolls. I think I had 3...yikes!

Thanks for the review! Enjoying everything!

 

[MickeyNicki]

Great report as always Nicki! So far looks like you are having lots of fun. And lots of good food!

Thanks Chris! It was a wonderful trip, hope we can do this every year!

All of that food looks yummy!

I agree completely about the gingerbread cupcake! I had one (ok, 2!) while I was there (a week before you guys!) and they were so good!!

We lucked out with the food, it was great! The cupcakes were so yummy, they should open up cupcakes shops in the parks...sell nothing but cupcakes, it would be a huge hit!

Oh those Yachtsman sides look fantabulous! I ate there with DD10 last January and there's no way we could have eaten anything more than our entrees so I didn't order any sides. I'll have to find an opportunity to bring DH and DS17, my eaters back there so we can try them!

Loving following your trip! So much fun!

It took 6 of us to eat those sides, they are very good portions and we didnt even finish them!

Oh my goodness!! Steak, steak and more steak (and bread) - this is my dream meal! You've gotta love it when you have a meal that everyone enjoys!

I never met a steak I didnt love...I could eat red meat every night! And with that thought..we are having chicken tonight

cool starring rolls opened up for you two! cupcake looks yummy!

dinner looks amazing! where's that drooling smilie dude

It was so nice of them...I would have been seriously bummed out if we missed it

Oh my..I want the gingerbread cupcake now!!! It's great they let you all in...pixie dust and those yachtsman steaks.....Yum!!!

It is so cool you got recognized..you are a DIS superstar. Sorry I've been MIA..darn work

I want one right now too! Never had a bad meal at the Yachtsman but I will say the filet at Le Cellier with the truffle butter...well that was better but the NY strip at YM was better than the filet. Dis superstar...lol, Todd will get a kick out of that one

More food, woohoo!

I have to go do something now, but I'll be back to comment on your Yachtsman update soon.

Its always more food with that man! I love the picture you took..between the two of us we had some great shots huh? Did Des email you her photos? You were looking for the birthday pin for Mark while we were eating the bakalava...remember Todd had it last and we couldnt find it? I had the best time roaming HS with you...I think you and I should do a girls trip to WDW...what do you think? I LOVE THAT IDEA!

So we will be in WDW next Christmas (2013) and I think I will focus on cupcakes as opposed to getting on any rides! That gingerbread cupcake looks amazing!

Also, we ate at YS over the summer and it was heavenly. Will definitely return....I could not show restraint with those onion pull apart rolls. I think I had 3...yikes!

Thanks for the review! Enjoying everything!

Yes, it is a must to go out of your way for cupcakes in WDW, the heck with the rides and shows I could easily kill off a ton of those rolls...but I know I would pay for it later lol

 

[KatMark]

I think you and I should do a girls trip to WDW...what do you think? I LOVE THAT IDEA!

WHEN DO WE LEAVE?

 

[MickeyNicki]

WHEN DO WE LEAVE?

You say the word sister and we are outta here!

 

[jedijill]

Mmmm, onion rolls. I need to put Yachtsman on my list for May.

Jill in CO

 

[KatMark]

You say the word sister and we are outta here!

If I get the time off in June to go with Mary and the girls, you should try to come for a weekend.

But I like the idea of just us "sisters" going together.

Mmmm, onion rolls. I need to put Yachtsman on my list for May.

Jill in CO

Jill, you must! It was out of this world good.

 

[dvc4life]

Love Yachtsman's. So good! It is one of our favorites.

And your snacks. . . . . yummmmmmm.

 

[WDWaddictt]

That cupcake looks soooo yummy. I hate the fact I am going to miss that when I am there in Feb. boo

Glad you guys had such a great time!

 

[KatMark]

Our reservation at the Yachtsman was for 8:30, we arrived around 8:15 and we had to wait about 15-20 minutes. We were all so exhausted I dont know how we made it but we did! This was Mark's big celebration meal and none of them have ever been to a signature restaurant before so this was a huge treat for all of us!

I was surprised some of us didn't fall asleep at the table; but it was so cold in there, I don't think we could have.

I think every one had sodas, I had ice tea and I love the sugars that come with it

Andy had a beer if I remember correctly.

Suddenly we were all starving, shocking to all of us, and I told the server to bring a ton of bread..and he took that literally!

Sourdough and onion pull apart rolls...he brought over 3 butters and 3 garlics too...holy moly this was outstanding. Slather one of those onion rolls with butter and garlic, YUM! I had some restraint and just had the one, but I really wanted more!

That bread was to die for. Oh my...I could have just eaten that all night.

Everyone loved it and Mark commented that he would love to eat there again, I sure hope they do!

My filet melted in my mouth and had so much flavor...it was out of this world. I didn't care for the spinach as much as you (I've had better at Lawry's...but it was good).

We actually did one Signature years ago -- Hollywood Brown Derby, but we hated it. Yachtsman is already on the list for next year.

 

[tinacaplan]

Great updates! But you coulda given me a little hint over on FB that you had started this thing! You had a great view at the Dolphin. One of these days that'll work out for me and actually be cheaper than staying at a mod, but it hasn't happened yet.

Your pictures are getting me so excited for my trip! I feel like I'm going to Disney for the first time all over again...every time I see something holiday-related, I just think...oh, wow! I'm going to get to see that??!!

Anyway....more food...I have to try that wine in Italy. And Chefs is an excellent lunch choice. Wasn't thrilled with dinner there, but lunch is awesome. Their soups and salad are fantastic, as is the croque monsieur. I had the same thing the last two times I've been there.

That gingerbread cupcake at Starring Rolls looks amazing. I have got to try that. Needless to say, not doing a lot of top shelf dining with Max, so there will be plenty of room for snacks.

Yachtsman is so good! Mark and I had our anniversary dinner there last summer and I ate so much...well...let's just say it wasn't pretty. That mac and cheese is one of the greatest things I've ever eaten and that was on top of amazing steaks and appetizers! We had a great waiter there, too. So glad you enjoyed your meal there!

 

[rachel09985]

Love the reviews so far!

I just found out I am taking a trip there Jan 5th-9th (2 of those days being for work) and am so excited!!! Now I am trying to figure out where to eat. Yachtsman is about the only signature Corey would eat at so I am thinking I should do something different but I don't know what yet!

 

[jecskc]

Loving the reviews as usual. It is fun seeing Kathy's comments, too. I want to do a girls trip someday. Right now though, my family would be so mad at me if I went without them.

 

[LisaKeys]

Time at DS looked great. How nice to run into someone else that was following you here on the DIS.

I am so glad you didn't cancel your ressies at the Yachtsman. It is our favorite restaurant at WDW. When my husband and I, along with my eldest daughter and her husband went in January '11, one of our first dinners on the DxDP was at Yachtsman. We loved it so much, we cancelled a ressie later in the week so we could return. Our waiter both times (2nd time requested) was David - he was great! The New York Strip is the only PRIME grade steak they have there. Prime is hard to come by at restaurants. It melts in your mouth! I love the peppercorn sauce.

I'll bet you all slept well that night!

Looking forward to reading more soon.

 

[MickeyNicki]

Mmmm, onion rolls. I need to put Yachtsman on my list for May.

Jill in CO

Have you been there before? If you not you will LOVE it so much it will be a must do for every trip

I like the idea of just us "sisters" going together.

I like this too...lets make it happen soon!

Love Yachtsman's. So good! It is one of our favorites.

And your snacks. . . . . yummmmmmm.

We love Yachtsman too...we cancelled it this past Oct for Le Cellier and while we loved LC I wish we had kept YM

That cupcake looks soooo yummy. I hate the fact I am going to miss that when I am there in Feb. boo

Glad you guys had such a great time!

I bet you will have great Valentines Cupcakes in Feb!

My filet melted in my mouth and had so much flavor...it was out of this world. I didn't care for the spinach as much as you (I've had better at Lawry's...but it was good).

We actually did one Signature years ago -- Hollywood Brown Derby, but we hated it. Yachtsman is already on the list for next year.

I am so glad we kept the YM even though we were all so tired...the food perked us up, for a short time at least! I forgot you ate at HBD a few years ago..you didnt like it right?

Great updates! But you coulda given me a little hint over on FB that you had started this thing! You had a great view at the Dolphin. One of these days that'll work out for me and actually be cheaper than staying at a mod, but it hasn't happened yet.

Sorry about that but I knew you would find me one way or another! I really enjoy the Dolphin, I hope Todd lets me book our 11 night Oct stay there, it would be so much easier

Your pictures are getting me so excited for my trip! I feel like I'm going to Disney for the first time all over again...every time I see something holiday-related, I just think...oh, wow! I'm going to get to see that??!!

You two are going to have the most fun! Take in every minute of the decorations, they are truly gorgeous

Anyway....more food...I have to try that wine in Italy. And Chefs is an excellent lunch choice. Wasn't thrilled with dinner there, but lunch is awesome. Their soups and salad are fantastic, as is the croque monsieur. I had the same thing the last two times I've been there.

The wine is great, you must make a stop there.

That gingerbread cupcake at Starring Rolls looks amazing. I have got to try that. Needless to say, not doing a lot of top shelf dining with Max, so there will be plenty of room for snacks.

Get there early before they close on you ha ha

Yachtsman is so good! Mark and I had our anniversary dinner there last summer and I ate so much...well...let's just say it wasn't pretty. That mac and cheese is one of the greatest things I've ever eaten and that was on top of amazing steaks and appetizers! We had a great waiter there, too. So glad you enjoyed your meal there!

It was an amazing meal, we all left full and happy!

Love the reviews so far!

I just found out I am taking a trip there Jan 5th-9th (2 of those days being for work) and am so excited!!! Now I am trying to figure out where to eat. Yachtsman is about the only signature Corey would eat at so I am thinking I should do something different but I don't know what yet!

Thank you! Thats great news that you are going back again, have a wonderful time!

Loving the reviews as usual. It is fun seeing Katy's comments, too. I want to do a girls trip someday. Right now though, my family would be so mad at me if I went without them.

You should do a girls trip, I hope Kathy and I can do one soon!

Time at DS looked great. How nice to run into someone else that was following you here on the DIS.

It happens more than you can imagine! Todd is used to it by now

I am so glad you didn't cancel your ressies at the Yachtsman. It is our favorite restaurant at WDW. When my husband and I, along with my eldest daughter and her husband went in January '11, one of our first dinners on the DxDP was at Yachtsman. We loved it so much, we cancelled a ressie later in the week so we could return. Our waiter both times (2nd time requested) was David - he was great! The New York Strip is the only PRIME grade steak they have there. Prime is hard to come by at restaurants. It melts in your mouth! I love the peppercorn sauce.

We love it so much, I could eat steak every single night! Next time we go I have to get the NY StripI'll bet you all slept well that night!

Looking forward to reading more soon.

More coming right up!

 

[jedijill]

Have you been there before? If you not you will LOVE it so much it will be a must do for every trip

I have been before but can't wait to go again!

Jill in CO

 

[WDW2012]

Subbing. Looks like you all had a great time. Looking forward to the rest.

 

[Moira222]

Her favorite item is the lemon meringue tart. She really enjoyed it and offered me a bite but I am not a fan of meringue

mmmmm Lemon Meringue is one of my absolute favorites.

As we strolled along the countries Andy and I popped into Tangierine Cafe and I picked up some bakalava for Mark and myself. I had a walnut one and he had the pistachio. These were not good, they were too stale

ooh and baklava too. you're killing me here!

I had a glass of Rosa Regale from Italy. In the past I have been given a small dark chocolate with my wine but this time they charged me a quarter . The wine was excellent, crisp and cold, a bit sweet and just perfect with the dark chocolate, it really enhances the flavor of both items

Whats Germany without caramel? I told Todd he could pick and he ordered a pecan covered caramel chocolate pretzel stick. He thought it was ok, he wished he had the one without the nuts...but I loved it!

I was not hungry till I started looking at these photos. THat wine looks good too - I love pairing wine with chocolate, esp dark chocolate.

So here it is, in all its glory, I present - THE GINGERBREAD HOLIDAY CUPCAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

oh I can see following you will be dangerous Nikki -- you like all my favorites!

Pretzel, the best in the world!

Can you believe I've never had a mickey pretzel? GASP!

And a souvenier mug, holiday style, with soda for just $5! Bargain! I have been using mine every day, a great way to relive our trip

did they let you get it filled around the parks? that would have been a great bonus. but it is a great looking mug. I love my DDP mugs and use them every single day.

Kathy and I bought ordered a Snowball...this drink was fantastic! Very creamy and not too sweet and just delish...I have been making them at home as a treat after a busy day or not so busy day at the office

that is EXACTLY what my eyes went to when I looked at the menu. that looks delicious.

Love how you are famous at DisneyWorld!

oh my gosh is that a dish of roasted garlic cloves? how freakin' fantastic! I love roasted garlic spread on a warm roll, or mixed in with potatoes.


Your steaks and dishes look fabulous. I need to go take a walk now and get over this false hunger becuase everything looks so yummy!

Am I right that you were not using a DDP but TIW for everything? Was it worth it to purchase the TIW card?

 

[disnut1149]

Hi Nicki,
OMG, the Snowball drink sounds great!! I'm going through withdrawal. I don't know how I'm ever going to wait for my next trip!! I love your reviews. I can never get enough of them!!
Joan

 

[Destructsean]

Great Yachtsman review!

One of the few restaurants I haven't tried, but always hear great things about.