Relax Keep Calm A Taking It Easy Adult Trip to Food and Wine The End!! 5.21.15

[LoJoDisney]

Hi! I just found your report today & got all caught up! It's great!

I love all of your pictures of the different stations at Food & Wine because I've never been.

We went last September too, but stayed at CBR. We are going this September and switched to POR! I was so so so nervous switching because I love CBR, but your pictures of POR make me less nervous. I think we might try the Alligator Bayou rooms too! I totally agree with you that picking your resort is one of the hardest things!

I love your post about Elsa and taking over all the parks. It's so true though! We rode Maelstrom last September for the first AND last time, so sad

I'm sorry you fell and hurt your leg!! It seems like it rained & rained some more on your trip. Fortunately, even when its crappy weather...you're still in DISNEY!!

I'm trying to finish my Trip Report up so I can start a pre-trip report too, I guess at least we have motivation to finish them!

Looking forward to the rest of your trip!

 

[TinksThree]

This is just a beautiful picture. I miss POR. It has been almost 5 years. Love it!! You take such pretty pictures.

Thank you! POR is just so very photogenic! I am ready to get back and take more pictures in a few weeks!

How awesome that you got to ride Maelstrom and the Backlot tour one more time. I love your Maelstrom pictures. So nice to document it before it was gone. It was a must do for us and I will miss it.

I love looking at pictures of lost attractions so I knew I wanted to document these two rides as much as possible!

Do you think your FP's were cancelled because of the weather? I could imagine that Mine Train might close in that type of downpour. I don't know about Splash.

I am pretty sure because of Rob's TR (DisneyKid4Life) and I really figured the parade was cancelled too which was my main reason for going to MK...well one of. But I also learned in his TR that the parade went on as scheduled.

That is some crazy rain! We had a day like that at AK once in 2001 when the remnants of some hurricane blew through. So sorry about your fall. OUCH!

I couldn't believe that rain! If it had been a hurricane, I would have expected it but this just hovered! When Keith saw how my leg bent, he thought I had broken it!

EVIE!!!!!!!

OK, sorry, I got distracted...

So now it is Evie, Ariel and Stacy...hmmmm....

I just realized that your 7DMT FP was right after mine. Of course, the result was the same.

You know what? I remember that now! We discovered that in my PTR and that was the area I'd hoped to spot you! I totally forgot that!

Yes, the one thing that did happen was indeed the parade (thank goodness). But so sad that you never made it over to say hi. I would have been easy to spot too. I was the one on Main Street without a poncho.

I know! I'd really hoped to make it over there...dumb rain!

Ah the benefit of a Disney vet... knowing when a wait time is not as it seems. Good call.



I believe you.

Yes, I saw those people turning around and thought, "It;s really okay!" but who was I kidding, I didn't want them to make the line get long!! (Just kidding!!!) Oh the rain....

Hi! I just found your report today & got all caught up! It's great!

Oh my, thank you and welcome!!!

I love all of your pictures of the different stations at Food & Wine because I've never been.

Thanks, again! Food and Wine is so great and the extras are fun although we didn't do any of the special dining experiences this go around.

We went last September too, but stayed at CBR. We are going this September and switched to POR! I was so so so nervous switching because I love CBR, but your pictures of POR make me less nervous. I think we might try the Alligator Bayou rooms too! I totally agree with you that picking your resort is one of the hardest things!

We stayed at CBR once and it is so great! POR is really awesome and so peaceful! I would interchange the two and have an awesome experience at either one. They just are special in their own way! When at POR, be sure to check out YeeHaw Bob and also you can go to French Quarter. The walk can be about 10 minutes one way depending on where you start but it has a different vibe. POFQ is where we will be in May and I am just as excited!

I love your post about Elsa and taking over all the parks. It's so true though! We rode Maelstrom last September for the first AND last time, so sad

I really like Frozen but I was getting tired of seeing it everywhere I went so I threw some sarcasm in...I'm big on sarcasm (friendly sarcasm!)! So sad you only got to go on Maelstrom once but I'm glad you got to ride it before it was shuttered!!

I'm sorry you fell and hurt your leg!! It seems like it rained & rained some more on your trip. Fortunately, even when its crappy weather...you're still in DISNEY!!

Thanks! I'm just glad it was just a bad bruise and not worse! And I say that ALL OF THE TIME...I'd take Disney and crappy weather any day over no Disney!!

I'm trying to finish my Trip Report up so I can start a pre-trip report too, I guess at least we have motivation to finish them!

Looking forward to the rest of your trip!

I am wanting to do a bit of a PTR too...but my clock is ticking faster and faster!

 

[TinksThree]

We stayed in our room for a long time while it rained. A quick trip out to our car had us pass the quiet pool:



We contemplated forfeiting the ADR we had and just grabbing a quick service. The rain was still coming down pretty good and we had finally dried out. But eventually we decided to give it a shot! I left all but essential (aka Magic Band and phone) belongings in the room so pictures are of the weak quality. Thankfully I had brought along my rain jacket so I didn't have to fight with a poncho!



We got to the bus stop and waited a brief time. Soon we were headed to our destination:



The rain was slacking off somewhat and by the time we got into Future World, it was only a slight sprinkle. We were heading to one of our favorite restaurants and this was also a reason we decided to brave the nasty weather and make the ADR!



VIA NAPOLI!!!!

The ADR was around 8:30 pm and we were seated almost immediately.



We were handed our menus and began trying to decide what to order!



I ordered a Sangria because I love VN's Sangrias!!





At least I look dry!!



Our table was against a window with a garden outside, so the view was quaint!





Then the food came! We ordered the Arancini - fried risotto balls filled with mozzarella and meat ragu for an appetizer:



This was an excellent choice! I could have made a meal on these!

We each got our own pizza. Keith ordered the Pepperoni Signature Pie - tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni:



And I ordered the Capricciosa - Signature Pie - tomato sauce, mozzarella, eggplant, artichokes, ham, mushrooms:



As always, the pizzas were delicious!! Via Napoli has really spoiled me on pizzas!!

While we ate, Illuminations was occurring and we could see reflections in the window next to our table. After we finished eating, we made our way outside and took a leisurely walk to the front. Epcot was closed for the night but no one was rushing us out. It was a lovely night for a stroll through an empty Epcot!







But the best part was being able to see Hallowishes across the lake (that was actually taking place at Magic Kingdom!):









We stood at a railing watching the fireworks in the distance and then we headed out through Germany...



And then we made it to Mexico...



Before making it to the front exit...







Soon we were back at the resort and ready to crash! Our next day is a free day and it is wide open! But reflecting back on this rainy Tuesday in September, it had its ups and downs. The rain was a damper but we really didn't let it bring us down (except for my slip and fall..I definitely came down on that one!!). We missed out on things planned but we added a lot of unplanned things too. Overall I'd rate this day pretty great even with the downers!!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I have to say, that after the rain finally stopped it turned out to be a lovely evening. And thankfully in time for Hallowishes. At the very least, you clearly made the most of the evening as best you could. Still sad, obviously, that you didn't make it over.

 

[LoJoDisney]

I'm glad you made it to your dinner reservation! YUM! It looks so good. We are going to Via Napoli for the first time this September!

I don't know if you mentioned this earlier...but what building were you in at POR & how was your walk to the food court/busses?

 

[TinksThree]

I have to say, that after the rain finally stopped it turned out to be a lovely evening. And thankfully in time for Hallowishes. At the very least, you clearly made the most of the evening as best you could. Still sad, obviously, that you didn't make it over.

Yes, when the rain ended, it was very lovely and we enjoyed having a relaxing peaceful evening at Epcot...seeing Hallowishes from a distance! I agree..still sad!!

I'm glad you made it to your dinner reservation! YUM! It looks so good. We are going to Via Napoli for the first time this September!

I don't know if you mentioned this earlier...but what building were you in at POR & how was your walk to the food court/busses?

Via Napoli is one of our favorites and I always recommend it to people! I hope y'all enjoy it as much! It's SO good!!!!

I don;t think I actually said, but we were in Building 25. The bus stop was very close. There are 5 stops and I think we were the west bus stop but it only took a few minutes to walk to the bus stop. Going to each stop wasn't too bad either but that would be my biggest complaint...so many stops!! However it is because I just want to get to the park and forget about everyone else. I'm just impatient!! As far as the food court, it was a little but further but the walk wasn't bad, maybe 5 minutes. And the main pool was about the same distance away. In the mornings we would go to the food court and then take a little path to the bus stop in the front.

 

[TinksThree]

Wednesday morning...and our trip is almost over! It always seems the week looms ahead when we arrive on a Saturday and then suddenly it is Wednesday!! This Wednesday was a "free" day since we had used a ticket day on Saturday. Today we really didn't have any plans. Oh I had ideas, but nothing firm (except our supper ADR)! Thoughts about Splitsville, mini-golf, and I'd even planned a beach day. I had looked up several different towns to visit along the Gulf of Mexico. We had planned on meeting up with one of Keith's former Air Force buddies that lives in Tampa Bay. In the end, the rain that seemed to hang over Florida deterred this idea. And it was a good thing because by the end of the day, Tampa was soaked and floating! And Orlando, for the most part, escaped any major downpours!

With no real plans, we took our time and headed to Downtown Disney around 10:27 am.
I know this since I did document some times for TR purposes!!



We made our way to the boat dock...







and soon we were setting sail along the Sassagoula River!







We stop at PO French Quarter (20 days and I'll be here!!!)





After about 20 minutes, we see our destination in the distance:





We exit the boat and are greeted to DTD!



I have a stop in mind though!!



The Marketplace had recently opened and I had been dreaming of shopping here! I'm not a huge shopper but this place seemd so awesome (and I wasn't disappointed!!)!! I left Keith on a bench outside to do some people watching and headed in! Here are a few things I saw while browsing!















After making more purchases than even I had planned and getting it all shipped to the resort (I LOVE this perk of being on Disney property!), we set out walking through DTD:





We actually stood here for 10-15 minutes watching the workers at THE BOATHOUSE's future site...which is now open, and I think this place looks pretty great!!



And of course there was the maze that guided us all around DTD!



We had not eaten breakfast and it was lunch time so we set out looking for food. We settled on something new and it was SO GOOD!!!!



We both chose the brisket sandwich. Deliciousness!!



We sat outside under the trees and ate in quiet peacefulness:





Continued if the following post...

 

[TinksThree]

HWY 61...I took this picture because we travel this road often! For those that don't know, HWY 61 travels from Memphis to New Orleans and The Blues were born here! The portion from Memphis to Vicksburg goes through the heart of the Mississippi Delta. BB King has an amazing museum in Indianola and Jim Henson is from Leland (there is a museum all about Kermit there!). In Clarksdale, there is The Ground Zero Museum and The Shack Up Inn (interesting lodging! Very different!!) And in Greenville, there is Doe's Eat Place...a delicious and famous restaurant. I am actually about to drive that way when I hit submit today! Madison goes to college in a town on HWY 61. But this road does, as I said, go through the heart of The Delta and there isn't much but soybean, cotton and corn fields. In the winter, it is cold and desolate looking. In the summer, it is green where the crops are but it is FLAT!!! And, there is a lot of poverty... If you are ever on a road trip, I suggest a trip along HWY 61, especially if you haven't been to Mississippi! Well enough of this public announcement!! But obviously, I saw this sign and had to take a picture!









Lunch complete, we set out in search of something to do. I tried to talk Keith into going to Splitsville, but he wasn't interested since the kids weren't with us.

As we are walking, I noticed these apples...



Then we decide to give Characters in Flight a go!!





While we wait to purchase tickets, we watch a flight in process. But then the wind picks up, so we decide to forego the ride since the balloon was blowing to and fro! I had been texting Madison and this was the result of this conversation:





Once the decision to not do Characters in flight was made, we decided to head back to the resort:















Once back at the resort, we head to the main pool where the afternoon is spent in the sun and swimming! Until a shower comes, clearing the pool, so we head to the pool bar (Muddy Rivers I think it is called) and indulge in a few beverages! My favorite, the Pina Colava!!



And another drink whose name escapes me but it was delicious too!



After a few hours, it is time to get ready for dinner!! So back to the room we walk...





Continued in the following post...

 

[TinksThree]

We make our way to Magic Kingdom and then to the monorail:





We were heading to:



Our ADR was for 8:00pm and it was 7:45 pm so we sat in the walled up area of the Polynesian (I am ready to see the new improved Poly!!):



And then our buzzer goes off...



45 minutes after our ADR time! This is my one complaint about Ohana...an ADR is just a suggested time and we always seem to wait 45 minutes to 1 hour for a table and get seated way after our ADR time!!

But we had nothing to do, so we enjoyed our time! We could see the castle in the distance when no one was standing in front of us:



Some poor food porn pictures (thank you I-Phone!)















And of course...DESSERT!!!!!



While we ate, the entertainment surrounded us:



And we were able to see and listen to Wishes (although seeing it looked much better in person!!)





And Wednesday was complete!! It was a wonderful, relaxing, peaceful day. I love days at Disney where we just go with the flow and see where the wind carries us!!

Next up, probably the BEST day of the trip!!!!! Lots and lots of pictures so beware!!!!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

I got to use the boats more last trip staying at WL and quite liked it. One of these days I'll have to take a boat to DTD.

UGH those DTD Walls. Brutal. Especially at night.

Aww that's too bad you missed out on Characters in Flight. This is definitely something I want to do.

These conversations kill me.

Nothing wrong with a relaxing go with the flow Disney day. I'm kind of in that mindset more often now as well.

 

[TinksThree]

I got to use the boats more last trip staying at WL and quite liked it. One of these days I'll have to take a boat to DTD.

The boats are such a fun way to be transported about WDW! It is one of our favorites!!

UGH those DTD Walls. Brutal. Especially at night.

They were brutal!! They took a lot away from visiting DTD. I hope to see a huge transformation in a few weeks! Disney Springs sounds great...so growing pains are necessary but it seems like it takes Disney FOREVER to finish anything!

Aww that's too bad you missed out on Characters in Flight. This is definitely something I want to do.

I still plan to do this but with less wind! Groupon has a coupon for $10 which I'd jump on if I knew we would do the ride!



These conversations kill me.

Glad you enjoy them!!
Nothing wrong with a relaxing go with the flow Disney day. I'm kind of in that mindset more often now as well.

After having gone so many times, it gets easier and easier for me! But I love experiencing the things outside the parks and am learning to appreciate them more and more.

 

[saintstickets]

Madison goes to college in a town on HWY 61.

So that's where she ended up. DD goes to DSU? I'm assuming you mean the college on US61 north of Vicksburg and not the one south-ASU.

If you are ever on a road trip, I suggest a trip along HWY 61, especially if you haven't been to Mississippi!

And then you can go south on US61 to see the antebellum homes in Natchez (my birth town)! Shall we open up a Mississippi tourist blog here on the DISboards?

While we wait to purchase tickets, we watch a flight in process. But then the wind picks up, so we decide to forego the ride since the balloon was blowing to and fro!

I've got to try this one day!

Once back at the resort, we head to the main pool where the afternoon is spent in the sun and swimming! Until a shower comes, clearing the pool, so we head to the pool bar (Muddy Rivers I think it is called) and indulge in a few beverages! My favorite, the Pina Colava!!

That's a nice way to spend an afternoon!!

45 minutes after our ADR time! This is my one complaint about Ohana...an ADR is just a suggested time and we always seem to wait 45 minutes to 1 hour for a table and get seated way after our ADR time!!

We experienced this during our last trip too. I know it's hard to get people to leave but the wait time is easily fixed by not booking so many at a time. I guess as long as people keep coming they'll keep over booking.

And of course...DESSERT!!!!!

That was a great dessert!!!

Nice day and great update. Looking forward to more.

 

[TinksThree]

So that's where she ended up. DD goes to DSU? I'm assuming you mean the college on US61 north of Vicksburg and not the one south-ASU.

Oh most definitely north of Vicksburg!! Yes, much to Keith's chagrin she followed a boy but she likes it there. Not going to the 'Burg hurt somewhat!


And then you can go south on US61 to see the antebellum homes in Natchez (my birth town)! Shall we open up a Mississippi tourist blog here on the DISboards?

I think we should! I could go on and on about Windsor Ruins, Grand Gulf Military Park, and Natchez and Vicksburg have so much! And then there is Onward where Teddy Roosevelt went bear hunting! BTW...did you see the news where a black bear was snacking on a couples' porch in Natchez last week?

We experienced this during our last trip too. I know it's hard to get people to leave but the wait time is easily fixed by not booking so many at a time. I guess as long as people keep coming they'll keep over booking.

I agree and we are those people that keep coming regardless!!

That was a great dessert!!!

So good...one of the best on property in my opinion!!!

Nice day and great update. Looking forward to more.

Thank you!! Shouldn't be too long for an update! I have two days left but Thursday is huge! Triple the pictures!!

 

[TinksThree]

WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES!!! PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!

Thursday, September 25th, dawned very early for me! I left Keith snoozing while I headed off to Extra magic Hours at Magic Kingdom!! I haven't mastered the going solo route but I knew I wanted to do/see things at a pace I enjoyed without any eye rolling!! So, I sucked it up and headed out alone! And it was still very early! EMH began at 8am and I had a goal: The Welcome Show! I have missed it the last few trips and was determined to see it this time! This is the show that makes me get the warm and fuzzies and maybe a few tears in my eyes! So I made my way to the bus stop at 7am!





A bus isn't too far behind me so I manage to make great time and arrive very early! So I manage to grab a few pictures and find a place to sit next to a tree.













While sitting by the tree, a very nice older gentleman sits next to me and starts talking. He is there with 10 grandkids! And it's his first trip, so we talk for 20 minutes or so. Then the mayor walks out!!



And I wonder how can I politely stop the conversation to focus on what I was there for! But one of his children or grandkids walks over and he goes to stand with the family. So with that, I am fully focused!!

























Continued in the following post...

 

[TinksThree]

And then we are welcomed onto Main Street USA! I let the masses do their mad dash to the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Elsa/Anna while I do what I came to the Magic Kingdom to do!! Enjoy Main Street and the Halloween/Fall decorations!





























And then, I finally begin my trek down Main Street!!











Once down Main Street, I linger around the hub a bit!!! I loved all of these statues!!



Why "hello!" my Avatar!!













Continued in the following post...

 

[TinksThree]

Mickey and Walt...Walt and Mickey...ahhhhh.....





About this time, I decide it is time to go see what rides have short waits! So through the castle I go!





Looking back down Main Street towards the Train Stations (from the castle):



FantasyLand isn't looking too bad yet!







And now it's time to ride!!



But where to first?!?!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Glad you were able to make it to your Via Napoli dinner. One good thing about the rain is it can clear the crowds out. Walking around a very un-crowded EPCOT is really nice

I love "off days" - let's you just kinda relax and do things you might not normally do and plan for a meal at a resort without taking away from park time. Definitely looking forward to checking out that Co-Op Marketplace (not sure how much my wallet is looking forward to it). Bummer about the wind and not doing Characters in Flight but seems like a nice relaxing day all in all.

Great spot for your table at 'Ohana - so great to be able to see the castle and Wishes and get in on that even when not in the park.

Wow, that must be quite overwhelming to go to Disney your first time with 10 grandkids! I'd be tired out after that! Glad you got there and got to enjoy the Welcome Show!

Love your little photo shoot of the Halloween decorations. Especially the Halloween character statutes - love those!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Obviously I highly support your decision to go it solo to start this day. It is so very nice to just have "me" time and not have to worry about anyone else. And to use that time to get to EMH AND in time for the welcome show!!!!!!

First trip with 10 grandkids. I love that.

This is a big thing I love about the solo travel. Let everyone else run around from attraction to attraction. All the more reason to slow down and really enjoy

LOVE this picture.

 

[ksl5f123]

Your Wednesday looked very relaxing. I just knew you were headed to Ohana! I think I would be a little crazy with that long of a wait that late at night. We usually eat at 5:15 sharp! It looked yummy though.

I LOVE the welcome show. It looks like you got a great spot for pictures. It is so fun to take your time walking down Main Street! There are so many little things to see. I wonder where you went first..

 

[TinksThree]

Glad you were able to make it to your Via Napoli dinner. One good thing about the rain is it can clear the crowds out. Walking around a very un-crowded EPCOT is really nice

I totally agree! Rain does not deter me...except for the torrential downpours!

I love "off days" - let's you just kinda relax and do things you might not normally do and plan for a meal at a resort without taking away from park time. Definitely looking forward to checking out that Co-Op Marketplace (not sure how much my wallet is looking forward to it). Bummer about the wind and not doing Characters in Flight but seems like a nice relaxing day all in all.

I have learned to value the "off days"! My pocketbook most definitely didn't like Marketplace Co-Op and it has already started crying for the trip in a few weeks!

Great spot for your table at 'Ohana - so great to be able to see the castle and Wishes and get in on that even when not in the park.

I always cross my fingers for a good table. This was our 2nd meal to see Wishes while eating...great timing!!

Wow, that must be quite overwhelming to go to Disney your first time with 10 grandkids! I'd be tired out after that! Glad you got there and got to enjoy the Welcome Show!

Can you imagine?!?! But he was so nice and you could tell he was having a good time...but it may have been the first day!

Love your little photo shoot of the Halloween decorations. Especially the Halloween character statutes - love those!

Thank you! I really loved being alone so I could take my time and soak it all up!

Obviously I highly support your decision to go it solo to start this day. It is so very nice to just have "me" time and not have to worry about anyone else. And to use that time to get to EMH AND in time for the welcome show!!!!!!

First trip with 10 grandkids. I love that.

This is a big thing I love about the solo travel. Let everyone else run around from attraction to attraction. All the more reason to slow down and really enjoy



LOVE this picture.

This is one of my most favorites EVER!!

I knew you'd give me a thumbs up for going solo!! It was really so nice and I loved taking my time walking around and taking it all in! Usually we are dashing to Space or BTMRR and just wave as we rush down Main Street. This was a great lesson learned!!

Isn't that awesome about the grandkids!? I hope one day (a long time down the road!!!) I can do that!!

Your Wednesday looked very relaxing. I just knew you were headed to Ohana! I think I would be a little crazy with that long of a wait that late at night. We usually eat at 5:15 sharp! It looked yummy though.

It was extremely relaxing! It seems like we always wait forever at Ohana! Keith never wants to eat until 6pm at the earliest! I have my aunt and uncle going in May so a few suppers at an earlier time...I'm interested to see how this all pans out!!

I LOVE the welcome show. It looks like you got a great spot for pictures. It is so fun to take your time walking down Main Street! There are so many little things to see. I wonder where you went first..

I did have a really good spot! It wasn't super crowded either which helped! I think my first stop is not going to be something people would guess...at least I don't think so since it isn't an attraction I've talked much about in the past!!