Chunkymonkey and Chubbyhubby Feed the Force!! A May 2015 TR - Update 10/29 Trip Epilogue!

[chunkymonkey]

I see what you did there with the picture of the cider doughnuts....HIDDEN MICKEY Love it! Also, that birthday cake is just outstanding! Your friend is super talented. Looks too pretty to eat!

LOL I was wondering if someone would notice that!
Thanks!
Yeah the cake was amazing! It almost tasted as good as it looked..almost. It was so pretty no one wanted to cut it!

Loving your report, it looks like you all have so much fun

Thank you so much! We sure did! It was an amazing trip. Lots of firsts for us and we can't wait for our next trip to do it all over again!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Day 7 Part 3: An Evening at the Garden Grill and ending with Illuminations

We were sooo ready for our dinner at Garden Grill! After going on LWTL so many times on this trip, we can finally get some closure by eating all the produce we saw being cultivated on the ride. I guess we wouldn't feel complete until we ate there.

We checked in and waited for a few minutes for our table to be ready. In the meantime, we perused the menu and helped ourselves to some infused water they had in the waiting area.

I think complimentary infused waters should be the norm at every WDW restaurant!

Pretty soon we were brought to our table. CS immediately begins to recant her experience about how Duffy gave her a big aggressive bear hug and messed up her hair. But I'm like...he's...a bear. LOL

Our server came by to explain the meal to us and then took our drink orders. Think CS and I got iced tea and DH got a diet coke. Even before we got our drinks, our first visitor came...

The lighting is always a bit dim and wonky in GG. So I tried to do my best with a point and shoot.

Soon our first dishes began to arrive...the yummy hydroponically grown salad! I must admit I like this salad much better than Ohana's. Although it wasn't quite as good as the one we had a Rebel Hangar.

And probably my favorite part of GG...the insanely fluffy and warm dinner rolls!

I have a confession...I love carbs.

I easily ate about 4 of these. Maybe 4.5. I ate more than CS and DH combined. I just love them...and with the honey butter...sooo yummy.

They seemed a bit stingy with the honey this time, but it was fine. I had other things to eat!

Soon we were visited by Farmer Mickey himself...

I told him I liked his crops.

Now it was time for our main entree. From L to R: Sliced beef filet over mashed potatoes, mahi mahi with a red pepper chutney/sauce over rice, and turkey breast with stuffing.

We got around to stuffing our faces with the food. Everything was really good! Although I liked the mahi mahi, I didn't really like the sauce on it so I scraped most of it off (I am not a huge fan of red bell peppers which is what it tasted like). Everything else was great though.

Here are the sides we got in addition to the mashed potatoes and stuffing which were served with the meats. I was actually pretty amazed at the number of sides you get with this meal. I love sides!!

Everything was really tasty and delicious. It was seasoned well and all the meats/fish were cooked just right. Everything was served at the right temperature too...hot and fresh! The last time I was at GG was probably 4 years ago and I thought our food was served a bit too cold, as if it had been sitting around for a while, but this time GG definitely redeemed itself and was one of our favorite places to dine on this trip!

We got more visitors!!

We also ordered another helping of the Mahi Mahi and the stuffing and our server was happy to oblige.

I should have asked them for an order without the sauce for me but in actuality I was quite full at this point. CS and DH didn't really have a problem with the sauce so they ate most of it anyways.

We must have been there a while because we saw the same characters again! Didn't think we were there that long though so they must have been very quick with their "rounds"!

Hello Farmer Mickey...again!

Finally, it was time for dessert! We were stuffed but we thought the blueberry cobbler was quite good. Definitely needed ice cream instead of the whipped cream it is served with, but we were so full we all ate just a few bites of it anyways.

It was a delicious meal and definitely a highlight of the trip! We just had a lot of fun and we left really satisfied.

We had some time before Illuminations so we just walked around. CS went to meet a friend of hers that was also visiting Disney so she went off on her own. DH and I walked around the World Showcase but at some point we must have split up because I ended up with my very own PP pic with Tigger!

This one is from my camera:

This one is from the photopass:

CS must be rubbing off on me...

We all met up again before Illuminations and staked out a spot...I think I remember we were in front of Morocco, it was relatively uncrowded for Illuminations that night so we were able to sit down in front of the water. CS told me that her friend, who was traveling with her family and has 2 young boys, went to Animal Kingdom earlier that week, and one of the boys was bitten by a spider! His arm had swelled up so they had to go to the ER. It sounded so crazy - can you imagine, a spider bite! He was ok after he was treated but it was their very first time to Disney. Not sure if that experience left them with a good memory of Disney. They didn't go to the parks the next day after the spider bite but they did go to Epcot today so that's why CS was able to meet up with them. It sounded like they were having fun though but they weren't into all the planning so they had no idea about ADRs or FP+ so that may have affected their experience overall.

Anyways, here we are at Illuminations!

I really love this show!

Here's some video I took:

After the show ended we made our way out of Epcot. We had a long day, we didn't take any breaks at all, but we still went shopping in Mousegears, because, well, it's Mousegears!
I HEART that store!

We bought a few last minute gifts and things then headed back to the buses. We really needed to sleep because the next day was our last day at WDW and it also happened to be the start of the 24 hour day at MK - opening at 6am! How early do we actually get there though?

Yawn...stay tuned.
​

 

[Angeejoe]

For some reason your Wednesday post & today's post won't show me any pics. Just says "IMG" for the pictures, not sure why . I can see every picture in any other post.

 

[soniam]

For some reason your Wednesday post & today's post won't show me any pics. Just says "IMG" for the pictures, not sure why . I can see every picture in any other post.

I think DIS has been having problems all day. My avatar, and other's, keeps disappearing and reappearing. Maybe the same issue with her photos.

 

[Angeejoe]

I think DIS has been having problems all day. My avatar, and other's, keeps disappearing and reappearing. Maybe the same issue with her photos.

Can you see them? I can only see the videos

 

[Elevationist]

For some reason your Wednesday post & today's post won't show me any pics. Just says "IMG" for the pictures, not sure why . I can see every picture in any other post.

I've been having this problem since yesterday, too. Even weirder was when I logged in yesterday, my own avatar had reverted itself to a picture of Belle... which I haven't used as my avatar in almost a year! I went into my account and switched to back to my photo, so that was an easy fix. But I'm still not seeing a LOT of images in people's posts, including any of Su-Lynn's.

 

[Angeejoe]

I've been having this problem since yesterday, too. Even weirder was when I logged in yesterday, my own avatar had reverted itself to a picture of Belle... which I haven't used as my avatar in almost a year! I went into my account and switched to back to my photo, so that was an easy fix. But I'm still not seeing a LOT of images in people's posts, including any of Su-Lynn's.

Ok well at least it's not just me, I thought I was going nuts!

 

[Elevationist]

Ok well at least it's not just me, I thought I was going nuts!

Ha! When I saw your post about it here, I literally said outloud, to nobody in particular as I'm sitting in my empty office at work: "Oh good, so it's not just me!"

 

[soniam]

Can you see them? I can only see the videos

I was able to see her pictures, but I sometimes can't see some avatars. I think it also differs on a cell, because one person couldn't see my avatar on a cell but others on computers could

 

[Elevationist]

I was able to see her pictures, but I sometimes can't see some avatars. I think it also differs on a cell, because one person couldn't see my avatar on a cell but others on computers could

And then here I am, on a computer, not seeing your avatar.

 

[Angeejoe]

Ha! When I saw your post about it here, I literally said outloud, to nobody in particular as I'm sitting in my empty office at work: "Oh good, so it's not just me!"

I was able to see her pictures, but I sometimes can't see some avatars. I think it also differs on a cell, because one person couldn't see my avatar on a cell but others on computers could

I'm on my iPad which I always use & never have an issue. I can see ever picture except from the last 2 updates. It's just strange

And then here I am, on a computer, not seeing your avatar.

 

[LindseyJo22]

Love your Garden Grill review! I think it was definitely a highlight of our trip too. Hoping to start my own trip report to stave off the post-Disney depression

 

[SimplyGoofy]

I'm sorry I've been gone for so long! I'm all up-to-date on your TR!

I love that you randomly ran into Tracy! Wasn't she delightful?

The Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum may have been a bit stronger than it tasted....

It sounds like any future visit I make to Trader Sam's or the outdoor bar will have to include food!

I love your review of the Rebel Hanger. I considered making an ADR when they announced them, but our schedule was already crazy enough! If I ever go back during SWW and they have it again, I'll have to make time for it!

The last full day of Disney is always sad. I look forward to hearing what you thought of the 24-hour day!

 

[chunkymonkey]

For some reason your Wednesday post & today's post won't show me any pics. Just says "IMG" for the pictures, not sure why . I can see every picture in any other post.

Oh no, sorry! I don't know why it won't show up. I use the same site for pictures (google) all the time. I see most people's pictures. Maybe it's the connection/wifi issues? BTW, do you have an avatar/picture? Because I don't see yours.

I think DIS has been having problems all day. My avatar, and other's, keeps disappearing and reappearing. Maybe the same issue with her photos.

I do see some avatars and some with question marks. However, I usually think it's because they don't have an avatar or picture uploaded to begin with.

I've been having this problem since yesterday, too. Even weirder was when I logged in yesterday, my own avatar had reverted itself to a picture of Belle... which I haven't used as my avatar in almost a year! I went into my account and switched to back to my photo, so that was an easy fix. But I'm still not seeing a LOT of images in people's posts, including any of Su-Lynn's.

Oh no, I'm sad!!
Hope the issues get fixed soon.

Love your Garden Grill review! I think it was definitely a highlight of our trip too. Hoping to start my own trip report to stave off the post-Disney depression

Thanks! Yes please do! I would love to see your perspective on GG! I find writing TRs are very therapeutic in dealing with the post-Disney blues. Hence I write a lot of them...

I'm sorry I've been gone for so long! I'm all up-to-date on your TR!

Yay! Hi Jenny! Glad you made it back!

I love that you randomly ran into Tracy! Wasn't she delightful?

It was one of the best experiences of our trip! I love that we randomly ran into each other and loved meeting her! She is soo sweet!

It sounds like any future visit I make to Trader Sam's or the outdoor bar will have to include food!

Yes! Everything looked so delicious. If we weren't eating at Ohana I'd definitely have ordered some food. Next year, since we're staying at the Poly we're definitely going to make some time for Trader Sams!

I love your review of the Rebel Hanger. I considered making an ADR when they announced them, but our schedule was already crazy enough! If I ever go back during SWW and they have it again, I'll have to make time for it!

Yes your schedule was very packed! It was really fun though, and I'd definitely recommend going if they have it again!

The last full day of Disney is always sad. I look forward to hearing what you thought of the 24-hour day!

It was sad! But we did get to enjoy most of the day.

 

[bcwife76]

I didn't realize you were going to be there during 24 hour day....oh boy, this next part of your TR is going to be a doozy I bet ;-)

 

[pepe3penelope]

I'm here!!!!!!! Loving it so far! We have never been to WDW before. We are locals to Disneyland. A lot of the things you are talking about at the parks are kinda confusing me. At a later time, I think I'll just have to ask questions as I go along.

Here are my first set of thoughts & questions. As I mentioned, so jealous about Star Wars weekends. The festival topiaries & color schemes look fabulous! DH also has a green thumb. I'll show your pics later to him!

Loving your food porn! We also love food & we would most likely eat the same things!

 

[cinderkelly]

I enjoyed your Garden Grill review . I always thought it looked like fun!
Sad to see this TR is coming to an end, but at least you have another coming up in like 5 months!!
I still can't see your photos in the GG chapter either, and I was having the same thing Billie mentioned, for a day my avatar reverted back to the first one I ever used......weird!
Can't wait to read what happened on the 24 hour day! I'd love to try it someday but I doubt I could make it the whole 24 hours!

 

[chunkymonkey]

I didn't realize you were going to be there during 24 hour day....oh boy, this next part of your TR is going to be a doozy I bet ;-)

LOL. We booked the trip before they announced the 24 hour day so this was just extra icing on the cake. We were really tired by the end of the trip though. So let's just see how long we last...

I'm here!!!!!!! Loving it so far! We have never been to WDW before. We are locals to Disneyland. A lot of the things you are talking about at the parks are kinda confusing me. At a later time, I think I'll just have to ask questions as I go along.

Yes, ask away! It always surprises me how much difference there is between DCL and WDW, although I think they are trying to make things a bit equal. WDW is more of a destination where you spend a few days and can be completely immersed in the experience. DL I think can be must more of a day trip, especially if you live in Southern Cal. I went to DCL a lot when planning my wedding (almost 7 years ago). We got married in Temecula so every chance we got to go to California, we did, and it usually included a day at DCL/DCA! I haven't been for so long though so I know lots of things have changed. Maybe it's time I visited the west coast!

Here are my first set of thoughts & questions. As I mentioned, so jealous about Star Wars weekends. The festival topiaries & color schemes look fabulous! DH also has a green thumb. I'll show your pics later to him!

The Star Wars Weekend was amazing. So many different character meets and experiences. Crowds were high though, as expected so I'd definitely want to book those Character Meals so that you can get character pics without having to wait in really long lines.

The F and G was awesome. It's actually quite similar to the Food and Wine festival which I was sad to be missing this year but it was all good as F and G also has great food kiosks with beverages and wine too!
There were lots of different exhibits about planting and growing stuff in your home garden, and there were seminars and talks too. DH attended the chili pepper one. Now his peppers are spicier, which is exactly what he wanted to achieve. LOL

Loving your food porn! We also love food & we would most likely eat the same things!

Thanks! Food at WDW is one of the reasons I go! So much fun to eat there. You'll love Epcot - especially the World Showcase. Each country has one or multiple restaurants, usually a table service, a quick service, and a snack counter, so there are so many options to eat and the food is tasty!

 

[kastoney]

Hope everyone had a happy labor day weekend. I'll be back with another mini TR!

Thanks for the rundown of the berkshires. It looks like a great time and some amazing food was had.

Pretty soon we were brought to our table. CS immediately begins to recant her experience about how Duffy gave her a big aggressive bear hug and messed up her hair. But I'm like...he's...a bear. LOL

Poor sis. How ever did she escape the deadly bear hug ; )

Soon our first dishes began to arrive...the yummy hydroponically grown salad! I must admit I like this salad much better than Ohana's. Although it wasn't quite as good as the one we had a Rebel Hangar.

This looks delicious and how cool to eat food from the land while revolving over the land.

I have a confession...I love carbs.

Do they have a carbs anonymous group, because I so could stand a little bit of recovery.

Soon we were visited by Farmer Mickey himself...

Great picture and love,love, love overall Mickey.

Everything was really good! Although I liked the mahi mahi, I didn't really like the sauce on it so I scraped most of it off (I am not a huge fan of red bell peppers which is what it tasted like). Everything else was great though.

This looks so good, though I'm with ya on the red pepper sauce.

Here are the sides we got in addition to the mashed potatoes and stuffing which were served with the meats. I was actually pretty amazed at the number of sides you get with this meal. I love sides!!

Wow that is a lot of food. Gonna have to check it out one of these days

I really love this show!

Love this picture, especially with space ship earth in the distance. Gorgeous!

 

[Angeejoe]

I can finally see your pics again! Your mini TR at the concert shed looked awesome!