Tiki-tastic Graduation Celebration - May 2016 TR - Updated 2/9 - D-Luxe Burger and Ample Hills

[Fantasia79]

Wow! So nice of them to meet you regardless of policy. Strange they'd offer up that's it's because of Shanghai. Can't wait to hear more about club level!

 

[jandlinz]

Joining in! I can't wait to hear about the Poly.

 

[chunkymonkey]

What a nice greeting at the Poly! You must have been so tired!
It must be so nice to stay at Club level with the yummy snacks! Can't wait to read more!

 

[westcoastfldisneygirl]

YAY for yummy club level snacks! You also had a great view!

 

[Saphire5742]

What a wonderful CM for taking it upon herself to still go out and greet the CL guests!
Very nice room view.
Can't wait to read more...

 

[kadrachb]

Touring Disney Springs and Dinner at Raglan Road ​

After getting up, we ended up getting to the bus stop around 4pm (our ADR was for 6:15pm). And I have to say, Town Center is BEAUTIFUL, they did a great job and I’m excited to see it when all the stores are opened. We did stop in a couple, but my main goal was the Sperry store. I did find a pair of shoes I liked – but they’d have to wait!

We stopped in the Ganachery, and got a free sample of their dark chocolate mint ganache. It was sooo good. We almost bought chocolate, but also decided that we may save that for later (we sadly never got back, next time!).

Checking into the reservation early, around 5:45pm, because it was about to POUR. So we got a buzzer and walked around the gift shop. I’m about 40% Irish (genetic ancestor testing FTW) from my mom’s side. Sadly, we couldn’t find anything with her maiden name of McGeady on it.

We were seated right before the first Irish Dancers left the stage, and were seated so we could see the middle stage and the front stage. The entertainment was great – I loved the dancing and the musicians!

To start, Kenny got a mojito and I got the whiskey punch. We also got soda bread and a reduction of Guinness to dip it in – which was amazing!

I ended up getting the cluck curry – which was delicious! It came with a side of almond rice, and the curry had peppers, onions, and chicken. I have to say, those were the best tasting vegetables I’ve ever had!

Kenny got Mammy’s Roasted Chicken, which was served with carrots (barely), mashed potatoes, and a red wine jus. His dinner was also amazing (I definitely stole a few bites). The chicken was very moist and tender.

For a first dinner at Disney, Raglan Road hit it out of the park for us! Both dishes were delicious, and I’d recommend them to anyone.

After dinner we headed out to the bus stop, and while waiting for the bus it started to POUR. I mean, full-on storm soaked to the bone. They were changing drivers at the time too, so we stood out in the rain for probably 7 minutes. And when we got back to the resort, we RAN to the building. It was so cold. I finished unpacking and then changed my shirt and got us some desserts from club level

There was a peanut butter mouse like thing (top) which was so good I’m pretty sure I ended up eating two more, a fruit tart, and a raspberry cheesecake. All very good! But, you can definitely find the fruit tart and cheesecake are regular buffets.

After I showered, Kenny ran out to his car to finally get his suitcase. By the time he got back it was 9:50pm, and we headed to the lounge to watch the fireworks. I think this was when I finally start to like the Poly. Watching fireworks from the lounge was amazing, and piping in the music while eating dessert was paradise!

It was then time for bed – I’ll leave you guys with some pictures of our turndown service in our room! These pictures were actually taken a little later in the week.

We sadly didn't have a balcony because we were on the 2nd floor - but the doors do open! Which was nice, a couple nights I sat in the chair with the door open.​

Also, we found an apartment we LOVE! It's in Rockville (the part they are now trying to call North Bethesda), and it's in a high rise building – I just finished applying so hopefully we’ll hear soon! The only downside (next to rent) is that it isn’t available until 8/30, and I start classes on 8/29. But, we’ll work it out! If we get it, that is.

 

[kadrachb]

Wow! So nice of them to meet you regardless of policy. Strange they'd offer up that's it's because of Shanghai. Can't wait to hear more about club level!

I think she was a special one, because everyone else in her position just stood in the lobby every time I saw them! I did see her go out and greet other people during the day when I was waiting for Kenny.

Joining in! I can't wait to hear about the Poly.

, and thanks for joining in!

What a nice greeting at the Poly! You must have been so tired!
It must be so nice to stay at Club level with the yummy snacks! Can't wait to read more!

I didn't really think flying out at 6:15am would be that bad. And I'm even thinking to myself now "I mean, it wasn't TERRIBLE, I think I'd do it again" ... I may just be forgetting how exhausted I was!

YAY for yummy club level snacks! You also had a great view!

I know, I loved the view! It was also really nice because with the curtains open you could hear the music they were playing at the pool and it was very relaxing. Also it was nice because we could tell when they pool was a little -too- crowded!

What a wonderful CM for taking it upon herself to still go out and greet the CL guests!
Very nice room view.
Can't wait to read more...

I think she was greeting anyone she could find! I really wish I remembered her name, I was just so tired.

 

[westcoastfldisneygirl]

I love the Raglan Road photos! H and I have an ADR there Saturday night, I can't wait. We will have to try the Guinness reduction!

Good luck with the apartment!

 

[Fantasia79]

Getting to the parks, and starting with Disney springs is the best way to start a trip. I can't believe how much more, relaxed I was doing our past trip that way.

Agreed, fireworks from your resort is nothing short of magical.

Congrats in the place!

 

[kadrachb]

I love the Raglan Road photos! H and I have an ADR there Saturday night, I can't wait. We will have to try the Guinness reduction!

Good luck with the apartment!

The Guinness reduction came with the bread service - I definitely want to find a recipe for it! Let me know what you guys get, and I hope you enjoy it!

Getting to the parks, and starting with Disney springs is the best way to start a trip. I can't believe how much more, relaxed I was doing our past trip that way.

Agreed, fireworks from your resort is nothing short of magical.

Congrats in the place!

We really like starting with Disney Springs because there isn't a rush to do anything. The fireworks really did put the icing on the cake of the Poly, especially being in the air conditioning watching them.

 

[kadrachb]

A Magical Morning! – Day 1, Part 1
​

To start off our first day, where else would we head to other than Magic Kingdom?! I have to say, staring out at the Castle from the lounge while eating breakfast especially hyped up the morning! After eating (which I think club level offerings do a great job with the breakfast items, I do wish there was some more protein other than hard boiled eggs), we headed to the monorail! During our first trip together at Disney (I went when I was little with my parents) we stayed at the Contemporary because Kenny was in love with the fact that it ran through the building!

But, we arrived around 8am at the gates! Kenny got selected for extra screening (this turned into a contest to see who could get selected at every park… you’ll see what happens later!) And we were standing waiting for the opening show!

After the show, we headed into the park and got the obligatory pictures in front of the castle…

And by 9:05am we were in line for Merida! By 9:20am we had met her (we were 3rd in line!). She congratulated me on finishing my princess lessons, and her mother always tells her that if she wants to finish – she actually has to go to them!

Off to meet two more princesses now – Cinderella and Rapunzel! Neither of the interactions stood out to us. But fun anyways!

Meeting princesses –really- makes us hungry, so we stopped by Gaston Tavern! Knowing that the LeFrou’s brew is waaayyy too sweet for us we settled for the melted ham and cheese pretzel! It was delicious and held us over until lunch. It's nothing to write home about though.

Next to meet, the man himself, Gaston! As always, he was hilarious, and even gave some random guy my signature book . I have to say, I think everyone needs to meet him!

By now it was around 10:15am – and we were right on time with my plans! We headed over to ride Space Mountain.

Afterwards, it was Monster’s Inc. Laugh floor! I think my favorites are Mac and Cheese, and I would never want to skip this attraction! I think it gets overlooked, but I’m such a fan of Monster’s Inc.

Then to the teacups, we were going to meet Alice, but she now meets with the Mad Hatter and the line was crazy long! We decided to skip it today, but never ended up making it back. So the teacups it was! Kenny made me do all the work on spinning though .

And, our second to last ride before lunch… 7DMT! One of my absolute favorites!

I adore the ride videos!

Our last ride was Little Mermaid Journey Under the Sea – which I could probably ride a bunch of times and not get sick of the music! But it takes FOREVER to wind through that queue!

We had a 12:15pm ADR for BOG, so we promptly made our way over and checked in. We decided to sit in the Music Box room because even though I love the West Wing, it’s a little too dark and we can never find a table, and while the ballroom is BEAUTIFUL! Its also crazy, so the music box room allows us to feel a little more relaxed!

This is probably in our top 5 places to eat now, we’ve done it every year. I got the Roast Beef sandwich, and normally I’m not a fan of roast beef, but last year Kenny got this and I loved it. The spread they put on it is delicious!I

Kenny got the turkey sandwich, which he liked. But it’s a turkey sandwich so not much to say.

As for our cupcakes, we got the Master’s Cupcake (my favorite cupcake in all of WDW), and the Lemon Meringue which was our first time trying, and it was also pretty good. The Master's Cupcake has the grey stuff on it, which kind of tastes like cookies and cream, on top of chocolate cake. The Lemon one was on yellow cake, with a lemon filling if I remember correctly.

BOG didn’t disappoint this year. One thing I have to say though is we could have definitely split a sandwich between the two of us and gotten a soup on the side.

While we were eating, I tried to get a FP+ to meet Ariel after dinner or during the afternoon, but it kept showing on the app as having no more FP+ available for those times. I thought it was weird because in the past two years we’ve never had trouble getting a FP+ that night. I instead made one for Peter Pan, and switched our Peter Pan FP for later in the week to meet Ariel… but I was disappointed because I was wearing my Ariel bow and tank!


Up next, you ask? A Magical Afternoon!

 

[Saphire5742]

Looks like a Fantastic meal at Raglan Road. And nice that you had a good view of both stages. I love Irish music and dancing.

I agree about the Gaston meet. He is hilarious and everyone should absolutely meet him.

I could also ride Under the Sea multiple times and not get tired of it. Especially the part with that song!

Sounds like a great first morning at MK. Can't wait to read more!

 

[kadrachb]

Looks like a Fantastic meal at Raglan Road. And nice that you had a good view of both stages. I love Irish music and dancing.

Raglan Road was great! I also appreciated that our server didn't try to talk to us or take orders while the dancing was going on, because there would have been no way to hear her!

I agree about the Gaston meet. He is hilarious and everyone should absolutely meet him.

He's definitely gotten better these past 3 years, our first year he never interacted with Kenny, but they seem to be training them to interact with men who may not challenge them to a push-up contest more too!

I could also ride Under the Sea multiple times and not get tired of it. Especially the part with that song!

I would hum the songs to myself! I love that movie, and the songs, and the ride....

Sounds like a great first morning at MK. Can't wait to read more!

I need to head over to your TR soon! Maybe I can get to it today!

 

[kadrachb]

A Magical Afternoon! – Day 1 Part 2​

This will be a short post!

After lunch we headed over to see how long the wait was for Ariel, and it was 40 minutes, so we decided to skip it and go meet Donald and Goofy instead!

The wait time was only 15 minutes, and its pretty true to the posted.

Donald was very impressed with me graduating, but prayed that I’d do well in graduate school! It was quite funny.

Donald Duck's #1!​

After this meet and greet, we get to go into one of my personal favorite gift shops… the big top shop! I absolutely love the smell of this place. We looked around a little bit, and then decided to go see Mickey’s Philharmagic! One of my favorite shows, it’s a must-do!

Once we were leaving the theatre, since there are FP+ kiosks right there, I just thought maybe I’d check for an Ariel FP+, maybe the app wasn’t working correctly. And guess what? I WAS RIGHT! This made my day, so we got a FP+ for 8:30pm – 9:30pm to meet Ariel.

There was actually a lot of FP+ for her left for the night, and even when I would double check on my phone it showed as none available, so I guess there are still bugs with app or they hold back FP+ just for the kiosks.

Moral of the story: Next time you’re looking for a FP+ and its not on the app, go to the kiosk!

By this time it was about 1:40pm, so we deiced to go back to the resort to swim and nap, as we were wiped out! It was hot and humid. As we walked out, we saw Tinkerbelle supposedly only had a 10-minute wait, so we said, why not? It would save us using a FP+ later.

However, the 10-minute wait turned into a 35-minute wait (at least we were inside!), and we met Tink. I’ve never been a huge Tinkerbelle fan, and don’t follow her spin-off series. But the whole set up with Pixie dust and such is really cute before you meet her.

Then we took a boat back to the Poly, and got some much needed sleep and swimming time in!

Up Next: Dinner at 1900 Park Fare, and wow, I’m really loving this app for FPs!
(can you guess how many more I got?)

 

[westcoastfldisneygirl]

Great photos! You did most of my Disney favorites-7DMT, BOG, Space Mountain

You were right-dinner at Raglan Road was amazing! We enjoyed our ADR last weekend. H had the Lambo and I had the Risotto with chicken!

 

[Sarahh1027]

Fingers crossed that you and Kenny get the apartment!!!!

Your Be Our Guest lunch looks awesome- Music Room for lunch is where it's at!!!

What a fun first day!

 

[Saphire5742]

Donald was very impressed with me graduating, but prayed that I’d do well in graduate school! It was quite funny.

Donald's the best!

 

[kadrachb]

Great photos! You did most of my Disney favorites-7DMT, BOG, Space Mountain

Space Mountain is one of Kenny's all-time favorite rides. He feels like he could just ride it all day long! I feel that way about 7DMT.

You were right-dinner at Raglan Road was amazing! We enjoyed our ADR last weekend. H had the Lambo and I had the Risotto with chicken!

Glad you enjoyed it! I really like the atmosphere, and the good food just adds to it!

Fingers crossed that you and Kenny get the apartment!!!!

So this has turned into a very long story which may be explained in my next post!

Your Be Our Guest lunch looks awesome- Music Room for lunch is where it's at!!!

What a fun first day!

BOG lunches are the best. Especially because I *love* beauty and the beast (Belle is my favorite princess! Followed by Aurora and Ariel), one of my favorite disney movies.

Donald's the best!

I love interacting with Donald and Daisy. We got some cute Donald Interactions the past few trips - but we got to see him in his Sailor Outfit later in the week!

 

[Saphire5742]

We got some cute Donald Interactions the past few trips - but we got to see him in his Sailor Outfit later in the week!

Lucky you! I wish I had seen him in his sailor outfit

 

[kadrachb]

So I was *trying* to have this up before I left for work last week, but that obviously didn't happen! Work has me SO BUSY, I pretty much worked from 7am - 10pm last night, so start expecting my updates on weekends or Tuesday nights (when I have off from my night class portion)!

Dinner at 1900 Park Fare – Day 1 Part 3​

After a wonderful nap (I definitely think even naps are better at Disney), we got ready for dinner and walked over to the Grand Floridian! It only took about 10 minutes, and we arrived earlier than planned, so we checked in and sat in the lobby (which I love!)

Before going to the lobby we took our picture in front of the mural…

​

And it probably took about 15 minutes for the pager to go off. Once getting in and taking drink orders, we met Prince Charming right away!

​

He asked how Kenny and I met, as he was trying to find someone for Anastasia… But we weren’t so helpful.

We then went and got some food. One my plate (starting in the back and going clockwise): Pork, some type of succotash (I think), roll, key lime chicken, mashed potatoes, and clams.

​

I have to say, the only things I didn’t like was the pork and succotash, which was a little too spicy for me. The lime chicken was amazing! Very flavorful and even though the lime was strong it wasn’t overpowering. The mashed potatoes and clams were pretty standard – but not bad!


This is one of Kenny’s plates; the only difference is the ravioli and carrots.

​

I think the ravioli was good, but he wasn’t overly fond of it. He went back and ate a lot of that lime chicken though!

My second course was…. Strawberry Soup!

​

I have to say I liked the dispenser better last year, this year we had to ladle it out which was kind of messy. But still delicious!

And then they had salmon with avocado… two of my favorite things, so even if I was stuffed I had to try some!

​

1900 PF does a very good job on their fish for being a buffet, also I think they add some differing flavors and specialties to their buffet and it keeps it interesting. This was most definitely the best buffet we had this year.

Oh yeah! And during dinner we met some other characters.

After prince charming, we ran into Cinderella…

​

Followed by Lady Tremaine, who we had a chat about Ursula, as I was wearing my little mermaid bow.

​

Then Anastasia came over, and we told her that we chatted with Prince Charming and our brainstorming session didn’t do a lot…

​

And before Drizella came over, Kenny and I shared a plate of your average buffet desserts. I think I could eat the whole tray of those mini-fruit tarts!

​

Then… Drizella! We complimented her on how well she was using her inside voice today.

After dinner we decided to take the monorail over to MK, and mosquitos while waiting were eating us. We also got stopped on the monorail for probably for 15 minutes, and Kenny got these great shots of the GF…

I’ll leave you with those for now!


And yes, if you were wondering what Kenny's shirt says, it's: My favorite disney princess is my girlfriend.
And yes, I did buy it for him for christmas.
And yes, I did make him wear it.