Oh Florida! An East Meets West Girl's TR: 8/9 p56 & 8/17 p57

[SimplyGoofy]

Mmmm.... Blue Moon.

Your picture of the Characters in Flight balloon is fabulous! I always wonder whether it would be more fun to ride it at night or during the day... maybe both!

All I know is that whatever I ordered, it had a high alcohol content and I suddenly felt very…..well this is a family board, so shall I say “impaired”.

Nope, that never happens to me...

How rude of the cab driver. I hope you were stingy with your tip.

What cool and interesting Epcot pictures!

 

[Nermel9]

I'm a bit behind, due to my computer issues lol, but I'm catching up! Wow, you're brave going to DTD in basically just a bathing suit! (I know, not really, but still! ) Splitsville sounds awesome, I think we're going to go there to bowl next week, and we're eating at Raglan Road first, but I know Brandon is going to want some of that sushi, I just know it, no matter how stuffed he might be from RR! I like sushi, but I'm very specific about what I will eat (I don't like anything with eel, or anything that tastes too ocean-y! ) but almost everything on the menu looks pretty good!

Wow, I can't believe that cab driver! Some people are so rude!

I love that you guys went in the pool when you got back to the resort. I asked Brandon why we never do that and he didn't really have an answer, so maybe I'll get to do that next week! I've always wanted to but I'm usually so tired I just want to get to my room and get to bed! But whatever, it's vacation!

Ooh, I love those foggy pictures of Epcot!

 

[saintstickets]

Splitsville, the Bowling Alley. I think we both knew that we could make reservations inside, but I don’t think either of us knew that outside seating was possible.

We figured out that they served sushi here. I feel like we had that nailed down before the menus even arrived. Our server assured us that the sushi was top notch.

All I can tell you guys is if you like sushi, this place is awesome. Everything was really delicious. It was the most perfect, impromptu choice for dinner. We couldn’t have planned it any better, even if I was in my bathing suit bottoms.

I'm with you...all those sushi options look great! Now I've got another place to put on my bucket list to try!

So let’s count up my alcoholic beverages, shall we?

Two glasses of wine at the Turf Club. (Not counting the one we had at the spa) Two beers at Splittsvile. And another draft at the Hole in the Wall. Can you say “Feeling NO pain?”.

Our bartender was great! Did I have 2 beers here? Cynthia? I think I only had one. I’m not that much of a lush…or am I?????

All I know is that whatever I ordered, it had a high alcohol content and I suddenly felt very…..well this is a family board, so shall I say “impaired”.

Hey...it's a well known scientific fact that an adult beverage has positive effects on your heart and is equivalent to 15 minutes of mild cardio exercise. I read it on the internet so it has to be true!!

Before we knew it we were back at our villa. And then we decided that it might be fun to take a 1am dip in the pool.

No pictures from that. Sorry.

Oh man....no pics? I somehow believe that there was a noodle involved in this scene.

Loved your update....looking forward to more!

 

[PrincessInOz]

WOW! I've never considered eating at Splitsville. But looking at the Sushi, I think I need to adjust my viewpoint!

Looks like a great night.

 

[Pluto0809]

Here's a link to the photo thread I was telling you about. It's quite an interesting read.

Weird-Odd-Strange-Disturbing Photo Thread

Sounds like a fun night at DTD. I'm not a fan of sushi but that outdoor seating area looks really nice. I may have to check out the menu to see if there is anything I will eat.

I'm drooling over that huge pin board in the background of your lobby shot. The resorts have some of the best boards!

Yuck! Rain in Epcot is just no fun because there is not a lot of shelter anywhere.

 

[afwdwfan]

Let’s just say that the price I booked for the next size up car (a standard car) is $350. I feel like we can smoosh to save $200. lol

WOW! Yeah, you can be uncomfortable for a couple of hours for $200.

We saw an empty high top table and asked a server what we needed to do to sit there. She said, “first come, first serve”.

Yes, Please.

Our derrières were in those seats faster than we could say “table for two”.

Good to know!

All I know is that I love sushi, Denny hates it, and I rely on others to pick my poison because, honestly, there isn’t one sushi dish on that menu that I wouldn’t try.

Yeah, I'm with Denny on this one...

All I can tell you guys is if you like sushi, this place is awesome. Everything was really delicious. It was the most perfect, impromptu choice for dinner. We couldn’t have planned it any better, even if I was in my bathing suit bottoms.

Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I've heard good things about this place and the sushi. Although I'll be opting for something else if I ever go there.

Our bartender was great! Did I have 2 beers here? Cynthia? I think I only had one. I’m not that much of a lush…or am I?????

If you don't remember how many you had, you had at least one more than you think.

No pictures from the cab ride home. All I can tell you is that when we told the driver we were going to OKW he said, “Awwwww Come ON. You’re killing me”, as if to infer that he was angry with us because we weren’t going further then OKW.

That did NOT sit well with Cynthia. Or me, for that matter. Hey, a fare is a fare. And we needed a ride. So suck it up buddy.

That's frustrating. I can't believe they stop the Disney transportation before DTD closes though! DTD is never a priority for us so I've never really paid any attention to that, but it would really be frustrating to spend an evening there and then have to take a cab. Especially with a cabbie with an attitude.

Another restaurant first, but who was our DIS meet? Find out in the next update!

not sure what the restaurant is, but I'm guessing you're at Beach Club? That is either a beach ball or Captain America's shield.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Once again, I'm playing catch up. I'm going to be sending you a message about your quiche picture. You two really did shut Downtown Disney down. I've never heard a back review of Splitsville which makes me mad because I canceled our ADR there for our last trip.

I've never been to a spa, or had a "real" manicure or any type of massage. Sounds like I'm missing out on a good experience. My mother absolutely loves going for pedicures so we give her a gift certificate for mother's day and Christmas every year.

 

[nilla]

Not liking your review of Splitsville, since sushi and bowling are two things Kristin really does not like, but I absolutely LOVE. Well, I LOVE sushi, and like bowling. But you get the point.

I am with you in that I never know what is what when I get sushi, but would probably like everything on that menu. It all looks so good!

 

[KatMark]

5 people and all the luggage. It will be tight but I'm sure the boys can suck it up for the short ride.

Sometimes the best plans are the impromptu ones. I don't eat Sushi (neither does Mark), but I've heard really good things about the sushi at Splitsville.

Where is the Hole in the Wall? Is that something new? Why am I not placing it. Too much to drink? Oh my...but glad you woke up feeling pretty decent the next morning. IF I were an exerciser, runner or bike rider, I still don't think I could do it on vacation. So kudos to you my friend.

It looks like the Beach Club. Meeting Pat and Marv?

 

[MEK]

I got so behind there for a while but I'm all caught up! I'm loving the different perspectives from both of y'all, it's a lot of fun to read and sounds like an awesome trip so far!

:Welcome: back Marissa! Glad you are back and able to catch up. Hopefully we will get an update soon from Cynthia. She is one busy girl, but should be home now. Fingers crossed.

Mmmm.... Blue Moon.

I know, right? I love Blue Moon. I am going through this phase where I LOVE draft beer. I just love tasting different types and like just about every draft beer except for dark ones. For some reason I just haven't acquired a taste for dark beers. Sometimes Denny and I will just drive to a pub just to taste test a couple drafts. We make sure we get four different beers so we can sample them.

Your picture of the Characters in Flight balloon is fabulous! I always wonder whether it would be more fun to ride it at night or during the day... maybe both!

Well, I can tell you that we went up first thing in the morning a couple summers ago and it was wonderful. We were the first costumers of the day so we got to stay up twice as long and we had the whole balloon to ourselves. So for that reason I would recommend early morning, but I bet the sunsets are just fabulous in the evening.

Nope, that never happens to me...

Sure. Sure it doesn't!

How rude of the cab driver. I hope you were stingy with your tip.

I think Cynthia paid him and I'm pretty sure she mumbled something to the effect of "this guys not getting a tip...."

What cool and interesting Epcot pictures!

Thanks! That's the first time I've seen that much fog in the park. It looked pretty cool.

I'm a bit behind, due to my computer issues lol, but I'm catching up! Wow, you're brave going to DTD in basically just a bathing suit! (I know, not really, but still! )

I'm so glad you got your computer straightened out. Welcome back! Yeah - the whole bathing suit shorts thing - that is NEVER going to happen again. I will always make sure I have a REAL pair of shorts the next time I might go right from swimming/the spa to dinner. No wonder I had to drink heavily!

Splitsville sounds awesome, I think we're going to go there to bowl next week, and we're eating at Raglan Road first, but I know Brandon is going to want some of that sushi, I just know it, no matter how stuffed he might be from RR! I like sushi, but I'm very specific about what I will eat (I don't like anything with eel, or anything that tastes too ocean-y! ) but almost everything on the menu looks pretty good!

Tell him to leave some room because that sushi was really good. I highly recommend it. I would totally go back there for the sushi!

I agree - I don't like anything that tastes too fishy (or ocean-y as you put it!), but I never find that to be a problem with sushi!

Wow, I can't believe that cab driver! Some people are so rude!

His costumer service skills were clearly not that well refined!

I love that you guys went in the pool when you got back to the resort. I asked Brandon why we never do that and he didn't really have an answer, so maybe I'll get to do that next week! I've always wanted to but I'm usually so tired I just want to get to my room and get to bed! But whatever, it's vacation!

I am sure that my 5 or 6 adult beverages had something to do with it!

Ooh, I love those foggy pictures of Epcot!

Thanks, I do too. I didn't expect it to be so foggy like that.

 

[eandesmom]

If I already responded to this, I apologize. I have had the WORST computer nightmares all around at work and home these past few weeks. Add in vacation, where I was quite good and stayed off the computer almost completely and the phone to a large degree and I really have no idea if I am coming or going. Especially since computer (and thus, photobucket) issues are still ongoing! And poo Hank (my 17-18 year old kitty) is not doing well.

So I figure I'll reply to this, and the next update and then TRY to get one of my own up before I head to the fabu bday shindig at DL! Hank has a vet appointment right before I have to leave and I am dreading really bad news.

I was hoping for a DIS meet today. I knew amazingact21 (Alicia) and her family were going to be in the park and they had an ADR at Crystal Palace. I texted her (or she texted me) since we were all done with breakfast. She had Landon at the baby care center outside CP. So we headed over to meet them.

Oh that Landon! I could eat him up he is so cute!

Sorry Cynthia - You are blurry!

That's ok, it's still proof I went on the ride!

I wish I had a picture of the gift card because it was super cute. You’ll just have to trust me on that!

I think I have a picture, we shall see!

I don’t have any pictures of the inside of Pirates. Is it possible we skipped it? Was it down? I have NO clue!

Nah, I am pretty sure we rode. Not postive though!

Suffice it is to say - we rode BOTH. But in which order I do not know. Does it matter?

No it does not!

 

[KatMark]

Cynthia, sorry to hear about your kitty.

 

[eandesmom]

I know Cynthia and her family are going on a spring break trip to Hawaii, so I am moving forward with an update in her absence.

thank you for forging onward!!!!!!!!!!!

All I can say is “NO FAIR!"

it really was a tease that darn mine train, all trip

My pictures stink, in part because I probably STILL had my distance lens on.

Not bad if you ask me

In case you were wondering - the quiche was good, but salad right out of the bag with nothing on it but a little dressing….well - not exactly my favorite. Just sayin!

I had the tuna nicoise I think. We will see if I have a picture!

We did get a glass of wine with our promotion, so after we changed into our robes we sipped some wine. Ahhhhh.

it was ahhhh!

After the massage we sat in another room where we were offered flavored water. I sat and sipped water and wine while I waited for Cynthia. That was quite lovely and I was feeling very, very relaxed.

I can’t remember how long I sat there. Long enough to need a bio break from all the water I drank. Figures. But my massage guy did tell me to stay well hydrated because he had released a lot of toxins into my blood stream. Yeah - not sure if I buy that either.

We could have hung out there longer, but Cynthia wanted to drop off the gift card and the gift for our DIS friend Kat. Kat was due to check in to SSR the next day and we wanted to leave it for her at the desk.

Well, we did make a slight detour but I will cover that in my update

Boo to the computer woes!

Yay for a PR! That is awesome!

And double yay for a spring break trip! I know you've been busy so no worries. You'll get all caught up again.

Oh my word, it has been such a nightmare I can't even explain it and it's not fixed anywhere yet! The PR was cool and unexpected.

Cynthia is wrapping up her trip at Aulani. She has posted some really fun and amazing pictures on FB. Hopefully she will post a few here when she does her next update.

I'm not sure about amazing on the picture front but we did have a great time!

So in upcoming trip news Denny and I are going back to Williamsburg for a few nights in June. Since we purchased a discounted annual pass we figured we might as well use it one more time before it expires.

In addition to visiting colonial Williamsburg, we are also going to spend a day in Norfolk visiting the waterfront, Nautilus, and doing a naval yard boat tour. I am also planning a morning in Historic Jamestown, which is a national park site. I have been to Jamestown settlement, but not to Historic Jamestown (they are two different attractions). There are several wineries in the area that I have not visited yet. And, of course, we will spend an entire day in Colonial Williamsburg.

I am looking forward to this long weekend getaway.

that sounds like fun!

Now let me just say that I had a bathing suit top on, my swimming shorts that I use as a bottom, and a t-shirt. Those shorts - well they are TIGHT and not really the most appropriate dinner wear. But neither of us felt like going back to OKW to change, so we decided to head to DTD where our very “casual” attire would blend in better. Cynthia was smarter than me. She actually brought a “real” pair of shorts. Smart thinking, girl.

Ok I do not remember you wearing tight shorts or that I planned ahead but I'll trust you on that one. LOL! It wasn't what I would have normally worn to dinner that is for sure

I am sure Cynthia will remember.

I will try!

We found ourselves here.

Why? Well, it’s a bar. And it was starting to rain, so we had to seek shelter somewhere. And it IS a bar. DOH!

It was starting to POUR. That was a funny bar.

So let’s count up my alcoholic beverages, shall we?

Two glasses of wine at the Turf Club. (Not counting the one we had at the spa) Two beers at Splittsvile. And another draft at the Hole in the Wall. Can you say “Feeling NO pain?”.

Our bartender was great! Did I have 2 beers here? Cynthia? I think I only had one. I’m not that much of a lush…or am I?????

We had two at the Turf club? LOL! I'll have to look at my receipts. Totally possible.

No pictures from the cab ride home. All I can tell you is that when we told the driver we were going to OKW he said, “Awwwww Come ON. You’re killing me”, as if to infer that he was angry with us because we weren’t going further then OKW.

That did NOT sit well with Cynthia. Or me, for that matter. Hey, a fare is a fare. And we needed a ride. So suck it up buddy.

He was a Jerk. It did not sit well at all. I think we did hot tub...not swim....

Cynthia may have decided to go for a run this day. I can’t remember. I decided to run over to SSR and use the health club. I had joined the gym at work a couple months before our trip and I had really gotten into using the elliptical at a fast pace. I decided it might be a good workout to run over to the SSR club, do an elliptical work out, and run back.

I did run!

This was the private pool near our villa and I think we decided to use it that morning.

Yep, you were there and I was so hot and sweaty from my run (and detoxing I am sure from our evening) that I jumped in the pool in my running clothes! We even walked to check in/out with me still in them lol!

We actually had a lunch reservation and a DIS meet, so we put our ponchos on and just kept walking.

We were lucky to make it to the International Gateway before it started to pour again. We actually saw Alicia, Alex, and Landon on our way out the park. I think they were just arriving.

We stopped to say “hi” and then the rain came AGAIN.

We pulled the tops up on our ponchos and high tailed it to here

I think I have pics of us. It was POURING! At a certain point we just had to run, we were late!

 

[eandesmom]

I think Cynthia paid him and I'm pretty sure she mumbled something to the effect of "this guys not getting a tip...."

that sounds about right

 

[eandesmom]

In the interest of moving us along....I'll add in things that are different than what Mary Ellen shared

After meeting the adorable Landon (sorry but he stole the show), I had down our rides in this order

whether that is really how it played out, is another story lol!

However, we did in fact eat at BOG. And, as I thought, I did have the Nicoise Salad!

It was quite good though as with Mary Ellen, the actual salad part was just ok. The tuna and egg were fabulous, the potatos fair to middling. I don't recall there being any haricot verts though and I seem to remember missing their presence. But really, I was in it for the tuna so all was well.

After what I would consider a fabulous morning at MK we headed to SSR and the Spa. We did have a little lounge time by the pool if memory serves before we checked in, but we didn't go in the pool.

I am a spa junkie. I admit it. And when DVC tempted me with free wine and free add on's I didn't need my arm twisted. I went for the sports massage with a scalp oil massage add on (ok they work it better but that's what it was!)

Official Verbiage

Sports Massage
50 minutes / $145
80 minutes / $200

Created to help athletes prepare for peak performance and recover afterwards, this massage is a combination of rigorous strokes and facilitated stretching.

Warm Oil Scalp Treatment
$25

Now at this point in my life I was getting fairly regular massages. Largely due to major neck pain but certainly the running which was ramping up in miles, added new aches and pains. Apparently I was a bit more financially liquid a year ago as that little indulgence has dried up. Oh wait, it's all going to race fees now. LOL! I was trying to figure out why I felt so broke this month and then I added up what I paid in race registrations just this month alone and almost had a heart attack.

I digress.

This was one of the best, if not THE best, sports massage I have ever had in my life. It was absolutely amazing. The right kind of deep tissue but with the spa ambiance...oh my word. I felt like a new person!

Albeit one with very greasy hair! So Mary Ellen might have felt odd in her shorts but I felt pretty icky with my hair (not so much I wanted to deal with washing it at the Spa though...it would have washed off all the lovely massage lotion and I didn't want that.

A funny thing happened on the way back from the relaxation lounge to our locker.

WE WENT IN THE MENS LOCKER ROOM!

We didn't mean to and figured it out really fast but, we made a wrong turn on the way down.

And really, we had only had one glass of wine at this point I swear! Once we found our lounge/lockers, we were tempted by the heated chaises but did want to get the gift taken care of.

and here it is!

As usual my pictures are lame imitations of Mary Ellen's so I don't have much to add there as far as dinner and drinks go.

I know I have my receipts somewhere but am going to take a guess at the Sushi.

Super Tuna
Ahi tuna, tempura shrimp, cream cheese topped with seared ahi, avocado, eel sauce, tempura flakes and spicy mayo

I am honestly not sure on this one, it may be

Fantasy Roll
A sushi dream come true! Fresh salmon, ahi tuna, cucumber, avocado and steamed shrimp are rolled in soy paper and drizzled with kimichee ponzu sauce

and of course, the classic

California Roll
Sushi rice, Kani Kama krab, cucumber and avocado

I have to admit the fact that they used Kani Kama krab kind of bugged me, even if that is really common. As a west coaster, it's often real crab used and obviously, that's better!

Still, it all was REALLY yummy.

My pictures from the Hole in the Wall didn't load well at all, I have loading issues often with photobucket where the image doesn't fully load so need to look and see if the originals are actually any better. not that I took many pictures, it was raining!

But about the bar. It was really weird! We were actually AT the bar, not a table, and the seats were really low for the height of the bar. Awkward, the bar was kind of in your face. Either the bar was too high, or the seats too low...or too much wine was had before the bar. LOL! I do remember whatever Mary Ellen ordered there seemed to hit her kind of at once but either way when we got back after mr. cabby cranky pants, we decided a hot tub was in order to make us extra sleepy. I think we basically got in, and right back out!

Either way, I know I slept well!

I will probably not get caught up on our next morning before I head to DL on Thursday. I tried to upload those pictures on Sunday (that's how far behind on photobucket I am, sigh) and a bunch went wonky on me, not to mention I didn't do any editing. That fiasco aside, there is an important update I NEED to get up on my DL TR before I get on that plane for the big birthday party so that is my next to do! Not to mention the fact I really need to figure out what I am wearing to Alison's birthday dinner! I am SO excited, I did at least book my shuttle to get me to the hotel after I land, still need to figure out my return, I have a few things up in the air there so may have to hold on booking that until that day. I also have a few running updates that I'll put on the runDisney PTR/TR as well if I have time.

I will also try to get any replies caught up as I think I missed a few!

 

[MEK]

Welcome Back Cynthia!!!! So happy to see an update from you! I obviously have no time to comment, but I will...eventually....I have to work overnight tonight. Maybe I'll get a bit of free time.

So sorry to hear about Hank. Poor old fur baby. I hope he's OK. He's obviously had an amazing life.

 

[MEK]

I'm with you...all those sushi options look great! Now I've got another place to put on my bucket list to try!

Put it right on the list! It was good and it was fun! I will definitely be back, but NOT with Denny!

Hey...it's a well known scientific fact that an adult beverage has positive effects on your heart and is equivalent to 15 minutes of mild cardio exercise. I read it on the internet so it has to be true!!

Well, if that's the case then I should get in GREAT shape on every Disney trip!

Oh man....no pics? I somehow believe that there was a noodle involved in this scene.

Believe me - if we had a noodle it would have been involved. But Cynthia corrected me - we actually went in the hot tub, not the pool. That actually makes more sense.

Loved your update....looking forward to more!

 

[PrincessInOz]

What a great set of FP+ rides!
Nice looking BOG salad. I'm guessing from your comments that it looked better than it tasted.
YAY for a massage. Wish I were having one right now.
Love the sushi pictures.

 

[afwdwfan]

Now at this point in my life I was getting fairly regular massages. Largely due to major neck pain but certainly the running which was ramping up in miles, added new aches and pains. Apparently I was a bit more financially liquid a year ago as that little indulgence has dried up

Well, spas/massages aren't really my thing, but I can see where it would be a nice luxury to deal with the aches and pains of running. I'm glad you were able to get a good massage there.

Oh wait, it's all going to race fees now. LOL! I was trying to figure out why I felt so broke this month and then I added up what I paid in race registrations just this month alone and almost had a heart attack.

A funny thing happened on the way back from the relaxation lounge to our locker.

WE WENT IN THE MENS LOCKER ROOM!

How did @MEK leave out that detail?

Still, it all was REALLY yummy.

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Not my thing, but I'm glad you liked it.

I will probably not get caught up on our next morning before I head to DL on Thursday.

Have a good time at the birthday party!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

In addition to visiting colonial Williamsburg, we are also going to spend a day in Norfolk visiting the waterfront, Nautilus, and doing a naval yard boat tour. I am also planning a morning in Historic Jamestown, which is a national park site. I have been to Jamestown settlement, but not to Historic Jamestown (they are two different attractions). There are several wineries in the area that I have not visited yet. And, of course, we will spend an entire day in Colonial Williamsburg.

I am looking forward to this long weekend getaway.

Sounds great! I could use a weekend getaway myself.

Yup. Splitsville, the Bowling Alley.

Interesting choice. I never would have guessed that one!

We figured out that they served sushi here. I feel like we had that nailed down before the menus even arrived. Our server assured us that the sushi was top notch.

Alrighty then. She didn’t need to tell us twice.

Me neither. I would have asked to see the rest of the menu.

Two glasses of wine at the Turf Club. (Not counting the one we had at the spa) Two beers at Splittsvile. And another draft at the Hole in the Wall. Can you say “Feeling NO pain?”.

I don't think I still would have been walking!

No pictures from the cab ride home. All I can tell you is that when we told the driver we were going to OKW he said, “Awwwww Come ON. You’re killing me”, as if to infer that he was angry with us because we weren’t going further then OKW.

That did NOT sit well with Cynthia. Or me, for that matter. Hey, a fare is a fare. And we needed a ride. So suck it up buddy.

Seriously, dude. It's kind of your job.

Spoiler alert - I have since give up the elliptical completely. I only bike and run. The elliptical seemed to really trash my thighs and leave a lot of lactic acid floating around. I had a terrible time running on this trip because my legs always felt fatigued. So sorry elliptical, I do not miss you.

Not that running is any better, but at least the scenery changes. The elliptical just doesn't look like any fun at all.

Between the clouds and the fog, it made for some crazy looking pictures.

Wow, you're not kidding!

I don't recall there being any haricot verts though and I seem to remember missing their presence.

Don't worry, I wouldn't have been able to tell if they were there or not!

WE WENT IN THE MENS LOCKER ROOM!

But about the bar. It was really weird! We were actually AT the bar, not a table, and the seats were really low for the height of the bar. Awkward, the bar was kind of in your face. Either the bar was too high, or the seats too low...or too much wine was had before the bar.

Maybe you were at the kids table!