Coming to you Live from Disney World! SEE NEW THREAD

[jabead]

Then we received an update from Couchy & her DH, who had dinner tonight at my favorite Disney restaurant and her's...


California Grill



Couchy said, "Hello! California Grill before it closes.
Of course we both started with the Hendricks martini...mmm..."










Tuna Three Ways - Poke, Tartare, and Sashimi


Couchy said, "We started with this. We both enjoyed it. The sashimi was the favorite. So delicious!"






Atlantic Swordfish with Cauliflower Puree, Chili Garlic Butter, Carnival Cauliflower, and Lime Gastrique


Couchy said, "I ordered the swordfish with cauliflower puree. It came with a chili lime sauce and a garlic butter sauce, which I got on the side. This dish was incredible. I loved the lime sauce. Ahhhh."







Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Goat Cheese Polenta, Roasted Mushrooms, Zinfandel Glaze, and Sage


"DH had the pork tenderloin and polenta. The portion was very generous, which is good because his dish stole the show!
So very good."












"We decided to get some coffee to go with our dessert..."





Valrhona Chocolate Cake - Warm Chocolate cake with molten center, Gianduja Ice Cream, and Frangelico Chocolate Sauce




Couchy said, "OMG, what a great dessert! So rich the coffee was needed. Love this place!"






Couchy's very content DH!






Then later Couchy said, "We decided to watch some football at the Crew's Cup Lounge [Yacht Club].
I went with something completely different...




Pomegranate Splash
Skyy Infusions Citrus vodka, Stirrings Pomegranate liqueur, cranberry juice and soda water.


Couchy said, "I like it! Not my usual but good. DH got a Hendricks, no pic 'cause it's the same as dinner."

5 January Game Points Earned + 3 Bonus Points for Dessert menu, DH pic, and new cocktail

[jabead]

Meanwhile Niki Andiokno had dinner at the Polynesian Resort's...



'Ohana






Niki said, "Ohana's beautiful roasting meat. My fave are the shrimp. The steak was excellent and rare when I asked for it that way. Didn't like the chicken. But the pork had an Asian marinade and was good too."




"Gotta have a Mai Tai."




Captain's Mai Tai
Captain Morgan Original Spiced rum, Amaretto and tropical juices topped with a float of Myers's Dark rum.







Noodles & Stir-fried vegetables

2 January Game Points + 1 Bonus Point for new cocktail

[jabead]

Our last update of the evening was sent to us by Lauren (Giselle22).


She and her mom had lunch today at the...



Grand Floridian Cafe





The Grand Sandwich - Open-faced hot Ham, Fresh-roasted Turkey, Bacon, and Tomato with a rich Boursin Cheese Sauce and Fried Onion Straws



Lauren said, "We both ordered the Grand Sandwich. It was delicious! The cheese sauce is SO good, and we both thought they put on the perfect amount; enough to get the flavor in every bite and add a bit of richness, but not so much to make the meal really heavy. And this sandwich is loaded up, it's actually a pretty big meal! I took an extra pic after mom had cut hers up, so you can see how thickly they pile the meat slices."

5 January Game Points Earned

[jabead]

Good morning everyone!

I'm going to start this day with an apology to my Top 4 winners of the December Holiday Roulette Game. Ten days ago and way back in Post 1593, I announced our #5 Top Winner - grrrlennyl (Link to that announcement). I fully expected to announce the remaining 4 top winners in the days immediately following. But in my plans, I totally underestimated the early-January live reporting team. Each of our early January reporters hit the ground running upon arrival at Disney World and sent us so many great updates that I had no time to continue with my plan to announce the December winners. But I'm caught up now, so let's give this another try. I'm reposting my original announcement, since it's easier to copy and paste, then to write a new introduction.




We don't have any live updates yet, so I'm going to begin posting the results of the December Holiday Roulette Game . Despite the fact that we had only 17 contestants, those 17 managed to score a total of 287 points. That's an average of 17 points per reporter. While I'm grateful to all of you for the contributions which you made to the live thread, I would like to specially recognize our top 5 scorers for their efforts.

Today I am featuring our...


#4 - DisWishes720




DisWishes720 - Jenna stayed at the Beach Club along with her DH (BigT), and their 18 mo. old DS (TJ) from 12/10 - 12/16.
She scored 27 points with the many updates she sent us during her trip.


Here are some of my favorite pics from her updates.




From Main Street Bakery




Ham, Egg, & Cheese Croissant



From Gaston's Tavern





Cinnamon Rolls


Jenna said, "For breakfast we had the cinnamon buns from Gaston's Tavern. Delicious but I wish they were warm."






"TJ loved them though!"






From CRYSTAL PALACE




Jenna's DH (BigT), DS (TJ), and Winnie the Pooh







From the cart at MK: Turkey Leg





From California Grill





Veal Chop with Creamy OHenry Sweet Potato Hash, Wild Mushroom, Root Spinach, Chimichurri






From Beaches & Cream





Jenna, TJ, and a delicious No Way Jose


Jenna said, "This is the only picture we could get before he dug right in! The No Way Jose in all of its peanut butter glory!"






From La Hacienda de San Angel




Puerco en Salsa de Ciruela
Grilled pork rib eye, served with carrot puree, caramelized onions and plum sauce






From Katsura Grill





Spicy Tuna Roll






From Yorkshire County Fish Shop





Fish & Chips





From Teppan Edo




Filet Mignon






DisWishes720 said, "And our final post is of course a yummy Mickey ice cream bar from just outside Norway for our favorite little guy."

[Ginamarie]

Originally Posted by jabead

That would be great, Ginamarie! Do you need my number again, or do you still have?

Still have you in my phone


We have ADRs for Teppan Edo on 2-2 and
Trails End Buffet on 2-3

I'm still deciding if I want a breakfast or lunch ADR on the 4th. I will be along that day and not visiting a park, so I'm not sure if I want to do Kona Cafe or Whispering Canyon or wing it at a counter service spot.

[jabead]

And now for our...


#3 - disneychristmasx3




disneychristmasx3 and family celebrated the holidays at WDW from 12/19 - 12/27.
She scored 30 points with the many updates she sent us during her trip.


Here are some of my favorite pics from her updates.



From Riverside Mill





Her DS with his "Create your own Pasta"





From 'OHANA





Lo Mein Noodles & Stir-fried Vegetables







'Ohana bread pudding served a la mode with Bananas and Caramel Sauce






From Le Cellier



"Where we had more than our fair share of pretzel bread."









New York Strip Steak with Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes







Filet with Mushroom Risotto







Filet with Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes





And one of their desserts...




Chocolate Pecan Pie On-the-Rocks
Chocolate Whipped Cream, Graham Cracker Crumbs, Sugared Pecans, and Canadian Whiskey-Chocolate Sauce




From Mama Melrose




Charred Strip Steak
with Five-Cheese Baked Macaroni, Aged Balsamic-Shallot Butter, and Chianti Wine Reduction






From '50s Prime Time Cafe





Grandma's Chicken Pot Pie
A creamy Cheese mixture of Chicken, Mushrooms, Carrots, Celery, Onions, and Peas topped with a flaky Pastry







Traditional Warm Apple Crisp









"The boys with the Dad's Brownie Sundae and the Boston Cream Parfait. Both very good but they didn't make it through half since the desserts are enormous They also didn't do much damage to the vanilla milkshakes!"

[jabead]

And now for our...


#2 - emmebear




emmebear and her DD, Emme, were at Disney World again from 12/14 - 12/17.
She scored 33 points with the many updates she sent us during her trip.


Here are some of my favorite pics from her updates.





Art of Animation Resort's Christmas Tree






From Akershus Royal Banquet Hall





emmebear's Cold Plate







And then the Hot Food...including "the epic cheesy potatoes!"




















emmebear & Emme






And a couple more pics from Epcot...




Emme enjoying a Perry Cookie












From Cinderella's Royal Table




Princess Emme







The Pastries







Lobster and Crab Crepes - warm cheese-filled crepes topped with spinach, sauteed lobster, and blue crab meat with a poached egg perched on top and draped in Hollandaise sauce


emmebear said, "This was delicious. I got two orders."












From Storybook Treats










From Tusker House



emmebear's "first plate of deliciousness"...









And then a second plate...








A pic with the host...

[jabead]

The winner of our December Holiday Roulette Game and recipient of a (no) EXPENSE PAID TRIP TO DISNEY WORLD is...


#1 - krhst25




krhst25 - Kristin took a family trip to Disney World from 12/13 - 12/21 trip.
She scored 35 points with the many updates she sent us during her trip.


Here are some of my favorite pics from her updates.



From Landscapes of Flavor





Meatball Sandwich on Ciabatta with side Caesar salad







Bacon Cheeseburger with French Fries & Chocolate Chip Cookie






From Cinderella's Royal Table




Kristin's DD enjoying her cupcake




From Crystal Palace




Kristin said, "DD1 with her apple cobbler ice cream concoction."





From Hollywood Brown Derby




Warm Seasonal Fruit Cobbler with Crème Fraîche and Orange Blossom Honey





From Oasis Canteen




Funnel Cake







Characters from Wreck it Ralph






From Flame Tree Barbecue









Animal Kingdom Lodge Christmas Tree





From 'Ohana





Lapu Lapu





Pretzels from a stand near the Character Spot in Epcot Future World





From Coral Reef





Grilled New York Strip Steak
served with Roasted Potatoes, Mushrooms, Spinach, and Red Wine Sauce





Lotus Blossom Cafe





Shrimp Fried Rice with Egg Roll






Orange Chicken with Steamed Rice




And last some holiday-themed pics of the United Kingdom's...




Father Christmas Tree & Kristin's Kids






Kristin & Daughters

[jabead]

Now back to the live updates, beginning with our First Update of the Day sent to us this morning by butiflfeet.



She said, "Here is a breakfast of champions! We have a red velvet cupcake and a pineapple-rum cream cheese cupcake, both from Contempo Cafe. And also a chocolate beer cupcake from Captain Cook's. All were very good, the rum and beer were nice additions to the cupcakes."

2 January Game Points Earned for snack updates from 2 locations + 1 Bonus Point for First Update of the Day

[jabead]

Then butiflfeet sent us an update from her dinner last night at...



Be our Guest






butiflfeet said, "After taking a nap for about an hour yesterday, we pretty much all felt like this guy. We were all stiff and still tired from our early morning adventures." [they ran in the Half-Maration]






"But moods quickly turned for the better when we took our first steps into the beautiful restaurant.

Three of us had the potato leek soup to start..."






"It was one of the best potato soups I've had. Great texture and complex flavor, although slightly salty for my taste."




"Our mains consisted of..."




Grilled Strip Steak with garlic-herb butter, green beans, and pommes frites


"I had the NY strip steak. It was a perfectly cooked medium and it was one of the best steaks I've had at Disney World.
I could cut it with my butter knife."






Sauteed Shrimp and Scallops with seasonal vegetables served in puff pastry with a creamy lobster sauce


"My sister had the shrimp and scallops in puff pastry. She enjoyed the crisp pastry and the lobster sauce was very nice with the shrimp and scallops."








Thyme-scented Pork Rack Chop with au gratin macaroni, seasonal vegetables and red wine au jus


"DH had the pork chop with mac and cheese. He loved the pork chop and said it was perfectly seasoned.
The mac and cheese was a bit dry and all I could taste was salt when I tried a bite."







Layered Ratatouille with oven-baked zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, tomatoes and caramelized onions sliced and layered with quinoa served with a bell pepper sauce


"My mom had the vegetarian ratatouille dish and stopped short of licking her plate. I guess it was good!"







Lemon Meringue Cupcake - Vanilla sponge cake, lemon custard filling, flamed merinque icing and crunch






Strawberry Cream Cheese Cupcake - vanilla sponge cake, strawberry mousse filling, and cream cheese icing



"For desserts, we split the lemon and strawberry cupcakes. Both were wonderful! I loved the meringue on the lemon cupcake. And our server, Kimberly, (who was excellent by the way ) brought us some of the Grey Stuff to celebrate our Half Marathon. I thought it tasted nice but it was mostly sugar and maybe whipped cream, so you can't go wrong with that!"

2 January Game Points Earned + 1 Bonus Point for gargoyle pic

[jabead]

Next in this morning was an update from Lauren (Giselle22).


She said, "My dad, brothers, and aunt and uncle arrived last night. DH had some things come up at work and isn't able to come. We had dinner at Boatwright's since we're all staying at Port Orleans. I was a bad reporter and hardly took any pics--I think getting up at 2:30 am to run was starting to affect me by that point!"





Boatwright's






Pasta with Chicken - Spinach, Olives, Eggplant, Shallots, Goat Cheese, and Sun-dried Tomatoes with Orecchiette Pasta


"My brother had the pasta with chicken. He said it was okay but needed more chicken."








Vegetarian Jambalaya with asparagus, mushrooms, peppers, onions and tomatoes with rice


"I had the vegetarian jambalaya. It was decent, but definitely nothing special. I didn't feel like meat myself, but I told everyone that I had read a few good reviews about both the pork and prime rib, but nobody ordered any so I couldn't try it."



"I don't have pics of dessert but I want to mention them--we got butterscotch creme brulee, angel food cake bananas foster, and the bread pudding to share. The creme brulee was really thin and we didn't think it tasted like butterscotch at all (which is funny because I know another review had it and thought it was too butterscotchy. ). The bananas foster was NOT good. The angel food cake and ice cream were just what you'd expect, but the bananas were very weird and disgusting. They were strangely chewy. Ick! The bread pudding was the only dessert we thought would be worth ordering again."

3 January Game Points Earned

[jabead]

Then we received a lunch update from Niki Andiokno.


She and her DH were at Animal Kingdom today and had lunch at...



Flame Tree Barbecue



Niki said, "Here is my pulled pork sandwich..."




Pulled Pork Sandwich served with coleslaw






"DH with Ribs and Chicken Combo."






"We had to have the fabulous onion rings."







Niki also said, "I almost forgot. This was my boyfriend at Flame Tree. Very fresh. He kept biting me in the butt all lunch! These birds have become so aggressive."

3 January Game Points Earned + 1 Bonus Point for pic of DH

[DisWishes720]

[CENTER]Today I am featuring our...


#4 - DisWishes720




[B][SIZE="3"]DisWishes720 - Jenna stayed at the Beach Club along with her DH (BigT), their 18 mo. old DS (TJ) from 12/10 - 12/16.
She scored 27 points with the many updates she sent us during her trip.


Yay!!! This made my day! I wish we could go back right now and send you lots more updates!

[jabead]

We also received a snack update this afternoon from Lauren (Giselle22).



Aloha Isle



Lauren said, "We stopped mid-day for some pineappley refreshment. I got a dole whip, which was yummy as always! My uncle had a pineapple spear. He was a little disappointed that it was more of a chunk with the rind still on than a spear, so required a knife to eat. But he still enjoyed it."

1 January Game Point Earned for snack update + 2 Bonus Points for pic of Lauren and her uncle

[quietgirll]

Originally Posted by awfullybigadventure

"For me, this was BY FAR the best meal of our trip. Everything was right on point, and I am so glad we tried it!
We will definitely be returning!"

You have me totally second guessing my decision to not go there when we stay at POR in late April! Great review!

Trust me, it is so worth a trip, ESP since you'll be staying right there...I really hadnt planned on going, but I, so glad it worked out the way it did!