Ancient Purple
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2012
I am safely back home in Phoenix and my feet have already filed for divorce, but that is the chance you take.
So, let's get to the report:
Day 1 - October 28, 2012
We had two 5-day PH passes we bought from AAA here in Phoenix. They included free parking, so we drove from Mission Viejo (where my spouse lives) up the I-5 and right into the Mickey & Friends parking garage. It couldn't have been easier. Minutes later, we were on the tram, got dropped off, went through the bag check and then went to the special lanes for 4+ day PH passes.
The special lane took us about two minutes to print our names on the back of our tickets and head in.
Our first stop was City Hall where we picked up our "Happy Anniversary" buttons (celebrating our fourth). We proudly put them on and right off the bat, we were getting anniversary wishes from CMs and guests. (Disclosure here: I am in a same-sex marriage, married in California on Nov. 1, 2008 before Prop. 8 passed). Everyone was very happy and had lots of questions and treated us well.
Next stop was the photo shop on Main Street to get our Photopass+. That was a bit of a wait as the line was long, but we got the pass and headed to the Plaza Inn for a Fried Chicken Dinner. Verdict: the chicken was fantastic, the potatoes were very good, the gravy was good but hotter than molten lava, and the green beans were tragic, rubbery tragic. Still, we enjoyed the meal and then ventured over to PotC.
We wandered around the park for several hours and really enjoyed the Halloween decorations. I thought it was well done.
We got back to Rivers of America in time to see Fantasmic! which was a fine show. The only disappointment was the guy in front of us who insisted that his son be on his shoulders so that he could see, while the rest of us were not as lucky.
After the show, we headed to Main Street and had a ton of photos taken by the CMs. Lots of great character and Halloween shots. Then, a few more rides before heading home. We rode the Matterhorn which is much faster, bumpier and a bit more scary than before, and the lack of padding will be felt. Big Thunder Mountain at night is pretty intense as well, but we loved the rides.
Pluses for the day: Happy Anniversary wishes, the fried chicken, Fantasmic!, PotC.
Minuses for the day: the long line at the photo shop, green beans, children on parent's shoulders.
Day 2 - October 29, 2012
We didn't use our pass today, but attended MHP. We got into the park around 3:30 and the masses on Main Street were sizable, but once we got our locker and headed to Tomorrowland, we had no problems at all. We did Star Tours (great redo!) and then Astroblasters where my husband cheated and won (well, that's my story). We then headed to Ghost Galaxy Space Mountain and it was pretty terrifying. I would go on it again.
We stopped for some snacks and then headed over to do PotC again and HM. Wonderful rides. After meandering the park a bit and having more photos done, we parked ourselves on Main Street for the fireworks. They did not disappoint. A great show and lots of screaming at the end. Wonderful.
Then we hit the Trick or Treat trails. We each ended up with about 10 lbs of candy. Great stuff and lots of Craisins and top notch candy.
We then decided to go on Alice in Wonderland. We waited about 15 minutes, got on our caterpillar and move 10 feet before stopping cold. The ride broke down and we were escorted off. We returned about 20 minutes later. Got in line, was just about ready to go on the ride and it broke down. We decided not to tempt fate and went to Main Street for more photos and a corn dog, which is pure heaven.
Pluses for the day: lots of candy, corn dogs, screaming like a little girl on Space Mountain.
Negatives for the day: Alice in Wonderful being down.
Day 3 - October 30, 2012
This was DCA day. We lined up in the special 4+ PH line and it was very short. The gates opened at 9:30 AM and we were escorted to the FP line for RSR. We were informed that RSR was down until noon for preventative maintenance. So, we got our FPs and then headed to Carsland where we rode Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, which was really fun and then Luigi's Flying Tires which really needs some work. The concept is great, but the ride really doesn't do much of anything and getting the tires to float along for a few minutes and then bump another tire could be a lot more fun, but this just failed to be anything more than slightly amusing. I will say, however, that it was fun to have everyone in line sing along with Dean Martin to "That's Amore." Hilarious.
We then stopped at Flo's V8 Cafe and had the Chicken Tamale with Scrambled Eggs and the French Toast with Bananas and Caramel. We also got a side of bacon. The Tamale was fantastic, and the French Toast was decadent. The bacon, however, was awful. Cold, dry, tasteless.
As we left Flo's we were seeing people lined up for RSR as they were opening in a few minutes. We got in line and waited 40 minutes in the standby line. The ride is worth the hype. A lot of fun and so entertaining. Then, we realized that we still had our FPs so we decided to come back and try it at night.
We headed out of Carsland and then had lunch reservations for Blue Bayou. We crossed the pavilion and into DL and meandered our way to BB. We checked in for our 2 PM reservation and asked for a waterside table. We were told the wait would be 30 minutes and we had no problems with that. Twenty minutes later, we were at the table next to the river watching people sail by on their way to visit Capt. Jack Sparrow.
For lunch, I had the Monte Cristo with the salad and my husband had the special which was the Wild Boar Chops with the Tower of Terror Potato Stack and the Gumbo. Everything was great. The boar chops were tender and divine. My Monte Cristo was delicious despite how dense and heavy it was. Of course, every time I took a bite, my cardiology wept tears, I am sure. At the end of the meal, our server brought us a serving of chocolate mousse with a candle lit atop and several staff came over to wish us a happy anniversary. Service was stellar, the food was excellent, and the venue was worth every penny. Such a good time.
We walked around New Orleans Square a bit and then my other half went to go see Voices of Liberty as a friend of his is in the group and I hit PotC. After spending some time on Main Street, we headed back to DCA to catch the neon lighting at dusk in Carsland. Just do this. It is so charming and adorable and gives you a great feeling to see the street come alive at night.
We then took our FPs for RSR and got in line. Ten minutes later, we were in a car and the ride seem very different at night. After our fun, we got a beverage and relaxed. We both agreed that RSR at night was much better than during the day.
We then did Turtle Talk with Crush and Crush picked on me a bit. Then to Tower of Terror where I did more little girl screaming.
With that, we decided to call it a day.
Pluses for the day: a wonderful lunch at BB, RSR at night.
Minuses for the day: bacon, bacon, bacon, and bacon.
Day 4 - October 31, 2012
It was Halloween and we decided to go over to DCA first for a couple of hours before heading over to DL for MHP. DCA was empty. We walked on every single ride except TSMM which cost of five minutes of wait time.
We did stop at the Carthay Circle Bar for a martini. We got the house martini and it was fabulous. The highlight was when the bartender took a chunk of ice and put it in this compression device which turned the ice into a crystal clear sphere. She put this in the martini glass and poured over the martini before adding the truffled olives. Oh my.
We then walked around DCA and did the rides and then headed over to DL for Mickey's Halloween Party. The Main Street crush was still going on but we made our way to Fantasyland and did most of the rides there. Following that, we stopped at the Jolly Holiday Bakery for the Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup and the Chicken Salad Sandwich on Brioche. The Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup were killer. So delicious. The Chicken Salad Sandwich was problematic. The bread to filling ratio was about 5 to 1. There was just too much bread and you could barely taste the Chicken Salad.
After eating, we hit Tomorrowland again and then decided to hit the treat trails. We had just finished up a treat trail to the left of It's A Small World when the fireworks started. WOW! What a very different perspective and so much fun. We were right under the fireworks that go off behind the castle. Also, there was a light show being pushed onto It's a Small World. A wonderful location.
We then decided to go to HM and get on. We walked right into the foyer and were in our Doom Buggy in just a few minutes. We then had a Churro and hit a few more treat trails and then headed home.
Pluses for the day: a perfect martini, a grilled cheese sandwich and soup, lots of treats.
Minuses for the day: a sad Chicken Salad sandwich.
Day 5 - November 1, 2012
This was our official anniversary day. And what a day it was. We stood out like sore thumbs as we made our way in ties and jackets to... Club 33.
I had pulled in a few favors and was able to get a 1:00 reservation and present it as a surprise to the love of my life. Dining at Club 33 was on his "bucket list." So, we got into the park, took the train to New Orleans Square and waited five minutes to the exact time of our reservation when my husband lifted the copper cover and pressed the red button.
Slowly, the door opened and I could hear people behind us whispering, "That's Club 33. I wonder who they are." The door opened about five inches and a soft voice said, "May I help you?" We announced our name and time of reservation and the door opened wider with a soft, "Come in. We've been expecting you." We stepped into the foyer and were told to wait a moment.
Then, the phone rang and we were told to take the French Lift up to the next floor. We arrived and another CM escorted us to a lovely corner table for four where we could see the beautiful dining room.
Everything was so regal and perfect. Our waiter arrived and introduced himself and said, "According to my notes, it is your anniversary, so I am here to give you VIP treatment." He asked questions about how long we had been married and then told us the luncheon set up. I ordered a Gin and Tonic and my spouse ordered a Rum and Coke. We reviewed the menu and I went for the Filet while my hubby chose the Moroccan Lamb Sirloin. We places our order and were invited to help ourselves to the salad, meat, cheese, seafood and bread bar.
We relaxed a few moments and toasted the day with our drinks. We then went to the buffet. I was thoroughly impressed with the bread station with flavored oils. Very classy. I also loved the Pumpkin Curry Soup served in demitasse cups. I got some Caesar Salad, assorted meats and cheeses and some seafood.
Returning to our table we dove in. Everything was wonderful fresh, especially the seafood. The bread was excellent and the flavored oils were exquisite. Just lovely.
Our mains arrived and we were not disappointed. The filet was fork tender and the succotash was smokey and delicious. My husbands Moroccan lamb was over the top delicious. I just adored the cinnamon and cardamon overtones in the sauce.
We then contemplated the dessert table, but before we could get up, our server arrived with an anniversary treat: two chocolate mousse cakes made up to look like Mickey Mouse. Completely adorable (and delicious).
We still hit the dessert bar and had a lovely time trying out the different items. Here are a few I really enjoyed:
After lunch, we were invited to go out onto the balcony and see New Orleans Square from a very different vantage point. It was a great view and so much fun.
We then decided that we were going to head home and relax until our dinner reservation at Napa Rose. We headed home, took a nap, ran some errands and then got dressed up for our meal at Napa Rose. And what a meal it was.
After arriving we walked in and told the host we had reservations at 8:30 for the Chef's Counter. We were escorted to seats 5 & 6 and had a full view of the kitchen. Our waiter welcomed us and said that we could handle dinner three ways: order from the menu, order the Vintner's Menu, or turn our dinner over to the creativity of the chef. We took the last option. The waiter noted an allergy I had and also our likes and dislikes.
Moments later we had a basket of lovely fresh bread and cheese crackers followed by an amuse of a pork and shrimp meatball with apple and celery jam. Then many, many courses followed: salad, appetizer, the mains and desserts. At all times, we were asked what we liked and didn't like and if we wanted something else. Also, we got to speak to the chefs and workers who were genuinely happy to answer our questions. In a nutshell we had:
Goat Cheese Canolli with Slice Tart Apples and Mushrooms
Smiling Tiger salad (beef and lobster tempura, coconut-lime dressing with cilantro pesto and Sriracha dots)
Steelhead Trout Sushi with Wild Rice Salad
Diver scallop with lobster beurre blanc and red bell pepper
Sheep's milk Cheese Ravioli with Chanterelle Mushrooms
Matsutaki mushrooms over an uni/butter risotto
Main course for me: Angus beef, Candied ancho chiles, Huckleberry sauce, Roasted root vegetables
Main course for husband: Colorado double chop of lamb with parsnip foam over root vegetables
House-made S'mores
Pear and mascarpone cake with fresh pears, red grape sorbet, and white wine sabayon.
While we were watching the kitchen madness, we saw one of the dessert chefs chop up a large number of bananas into small chunks. She then put it into a plate and gave it to the sous chef who took a lid off a pot stirred what was in the pot, dumped in the bananas, stirred it again, and then put the lid one and set it aside. We were very curious as to what it was, so we asked the waiter.
The waiter went over the the sous chef and inquired. The sous chef came over and said that he is from South Asia and wanted to make the staff something to eat after the kitchen clean up so he was making black rice and bananas cooked in coconut milk. He asked if we would like to try some. We instantly said YES! OH. MY. What a wonderful treat. It was delicious and so simple. What a truly wonderful part of the meal.
After we had indulged quite handsomely, we paid our check and thanked the kitchen staff and headed home.
The entire day was one of the best celebration days ever. So wonderful.
Day 5 - November 2, 2012
This was supposed to be our last day at the parks, but, quite frankly, we were exhausted and I had to head back to Phoenix the next day. So, it was a quiet day for us and we ended up at Langer's Deli in L.A. for a #19 sandwich and then had pizza for dinner.
It was a fantastic trip and a wonderful anniversary.
Closing comments
1. Despite the concerns I have read about regarding the new special lines for 4+ PH passes, the process was easy and quick.
2. The longest wait we had for a ride was RSR in the afternoon, which was 40 minutes. Even during MHP on Halloween, most rides were walk ons including HM and PotC.
3. Despite the crush on Main Street during the MHP party transition, the crowds were completely manageable.
4. The Photopass+ is a complete steal at $70. Just get it! We ended up with five ride photos and 120 other photos taken by Disney staff. All of those have now been uploaded and I am making them special with frames and the like. Again, GET THE PHOTOPASS PLUS!
5. The size of strollers is completely out of control. Some of them are getting to be as large as Smartcars.
6. CMs and other guests were very supportive of a same-sex couple celebrating our anniversary time in the park. Lots of guests asked respectful questions, and the CMs were great about making sure we were having a great time. A great feeling.
7. Mickey & Friends Parking Garage is well laid out and managed. It was super easy to get in and out of. I wish Disney would redo the parking lot at my local mall. It is a mess.
8. Club 33 is worth every penny. Every. Single. Penny.
9. The Chef's Counter at Napa Rose is a heck of a lot of fun. Best meal we had all week.
10. My goal is to make blisters illegal.
If you have any questions, let me know.
So, let's get to the report:
Day 1 - October 28, 2012
We had two 5-day PH passes we bought from AAA here in Phoenix. They included free parking, so we drove from Mission Viejo (where my spouse lives) up the I-5 and right into the Mickey & Friends parking garage. It couldn't have been easier. Minutes later, we were on the tram, got dropped off, went through the bag check and then went to the special lanes for 4+ day PH passes.
The special lane took us about two minutes to print our names on the back of our tickets and head in.
Our first stop was City Hall where we picked up our "Happy Anniversary" buttons (celebrating our fourth). We proudly put them on and right off the bat, we were getting anniversary wishes from CMs and guests. (Disclosure here: I am in a same-sex marriage, married in California on Nov. 1, 2008 before Prop. 8 passed). Everyone was very happy and had lots of questions and treated us well.
Next stop was the photo shop on Main Street to get our Photopass+. That was a bit of a wait as the line was long, but we got the pass and headed to the Plaza Inn for a Fried Chicken Dinner. Verdict: the chicken was fantastic, the potatoes were very good, the gravy was good but hotter than molten lava, and the green beans were tragic, rubbery tragic. Still, we enjoyed the meal and then ventured over to PotC.
We wandered around the park for several hours and really enjoyed the Halloween decorations. I thought it was well done.
We got back to Rivers of America in time to see Fantasmic! which was a fine show. The only disappointment was the guy in front of us who insisted that his son be on his shoulders so that he could see, while the rest of us were not as lucky.
After the show, we headed to Main Street and had a ton of photos taken by the CMs. Lots of great character and Halloween shots. Then, a few more rides before heading home. We rode the Matterhorn which is much faster, bumpier and a bit more scary than before, and the lack of padding will be felt. Big Thunder Mountain at night is pretty intense as well, but we loved the rides.
Pluses for the day: Happy Anniversary wishes, the fried chicken, Fantasmic!, PotC.
Minuses for the day: the long line at the photo shop, green beans, children on parent's shoulders.
Day 2 - October 29, 2012
We didn't use our pass today, but attended MHP. We got into the park around 3:30 and the masses on Main Street were sizable, but once we got our locker and headed to Tomorrowland, we had no problems at all. We did Star Tours (great redo!) and then Astroblasters where my husband cheated and won (well, that's my story). We then headed to Ghost Galaxy Space Mountain and it was pretty terrifying. I would go on it again.
We stopped for some snacks and then headed over to do PotC again and HM. Wonderful rides. After meandering the park a bit and having more photos done, we parked ourselves on Main Street for the fireworks. They did not disappoint. A great show and lots of screaming at the end. Wonderful.
Then we hit the Trick or Treat trails. We each ended up with about 10 lbs of candy. Great stuff and lots of Craisins and top notch candy.
We then decided to go on Alice in Wonderland. We waited about 15 minutes, got on our caterpillar and move 10 feet before stopping cold. The ride broke down and we were escorted off. We returned about 20 minutes later. Got in line, was just about ready to go on the ride and it broke down. We decided not to tempt fate and went to Main Street for more photos and a corn dog, which is pure heaven.
Pluses for the day: lots of candy, corn dogs, screaming like a little girl on Space Mountain.
Negatives for the day: Alice in Wonderful being down.
Day 3 - October 30, 2012
This was DCA day. We lined up in the special 4+ PH line and it was very short. The gates opened at 9:30 AM and we were escorted to the FP line for RSR. We were informed that RSR was down until noon for preventative maintenance. So, we got our FPs and then headed to Carsland where we rode Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, which was really fun and then Luigi's Flying Tires which really needs some work. The concept is great, but the ride really doesn't do much of anything and getting the tires to float along for a few minutes and then bump another tire could be a lot more fun, but this just failed to be anything more than slightly amusing. I will say, however, that it was fun to have everyone in line sing along with Dean Martin to "That's Amore." Hilarious.
We then stopped at Flo's V8 Cafe and had the Chicken Tamale with Scrambled Eggs and the French Toast with Bananas and Caramel. We also got a side of bacon. The Tamale was fantastic, and the French Toast was decadent. The bacon, however, was awful. Cold, dry, tasteless.
As we left Flo's we were seeing people lined up for RSR as they were opening in a few minutes. We got in line and waited 40 minutes in the standby line. The ride is worth the hype. A lot of fun and so entertaining. Then, we realized that we still had our FPs so we decided to come back and try it at night.
We headed out of Carsland and then had lunch reservations for Blue Bayou. We crossed the pavilion and into DL and meandered our way to BB. We checked in for our 2 PM reservation and asked for a waterside table. We were told the wait would be 30 minutes and we had no problems with that. Twenty minutes later, we were at the table next to the river watching people sail by on their way to visit Capt. Jack Sparrow.
For lunch, I had the Monte Cristo with the salad and my husband had the special which was the Wild Boar Chops with the Tower of Terror Potato Stack and the Gumbo. Everything was great. The boar chops were tender and divine. My Monte Cristo was delicious despite how dense and heavy it was. Of course, every time I took a bite, my cardiology wept tears, I am sure. At the end of the meal, our server brought us a serving of chocolate mousse with a candle lit atop and several staff came over to wish us a happy anniversary. Service was stellar, the food was excellent, and the venue was worth every penny. Such a good time.
We walked around New Orleans Square a bit and then my other half went to go see Voices of Liberty as a friend of his is in the group and I hit PotC. After spending some time on Main Street, we headed back to DCA to catch the neon lighting at dusk in Carsland. Just do this. It is so charming and adorable and gives you a great feeling to see the street come alive at night.
We then took our FPs for RSR and got in line. Ten minutes later, we were in a car and the ride seem very different at night. After our fun, we got a beverage and relaxed. We both agreed that RSR at night was much better than during the day.
We then did Turtle Talk with Crush and Crush picked on me a bit.
Then to Tower of Terror where I did more little girl screaming.With that, we decided to call it a day.
Pluses for the day: a wonderful lunch at BB, RSR at night.
Minuses for the day: bacon, bacon, bacon, and bacon.
Day 4 - October 31, 2012
It was Halloween and we decided to go over to DCA first for a couple of hours before heading over to DL for MHP. DCA was empty. We walked on every single ride except TSMM which cost of five minutes of wait time.
We did stop at the Carthay Circle Bar for a martini. We got the house martini and it was fabulous. The highlight was when the bartender took a chunk of ice and put it in this compression device which turned the ice into a crystal clear sphere. She put this in the martini glass and poured over the martini before adding the truffled olives. Oh my.
We then walked around DCA and did the rides and then headed over to DL for Mickey's Halloween Party. The Main Street crush was still going on but we made our way to Fantasyland and did most of the rides there. Following that, we stopped at the Jolly Holiday Bakery for the Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup and the Chicken Salad Sandwich on Brioche. The Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup were killer. So delicious. The Chicken Salad Sandwich was problematic. The bread to filling ratio was about 5 to 1. There was just too much bread and you could barely taste the Chicken Salad.
After eating, we hit Tomorrowland again and then decided to hit the treat trails. We had just finished up a treat trail to the left of It's A Small World when the fireworks started. WOW! What a very different perspective and so much fun. We were right under the fireworks that go off behind the castle. Also, there was a light show being pushed onto It's a Small World. A wonderful location.
We then decided to go to HM and get on. We walked right into the foyer and were in our Doom Buggy in just a few minutes. We then had a Churro and hit a few more treat trails and then headed home.
Pluses for the day: a perfect martini, a grilled cheese sandwich and soup, lots of treats.
Minuses for the day: a sad Chicken Salad sandwich.
Day 5 - November 1, 2012
This was our official anniversary day. And what a day it was. We stood out like sore thumbs as we made our way in ties and jackets to... Club 33.
I had pulled in a few favors and was able to get a 1:00 reservation and present it as a surprise to the love of my life. Dining at Club 33 was on his "bucket list." So, we got into the park, took the train to New Orleans Square and waited five minutes to the exact time of our reservation when my husband lifted the copper cover and pressed the red button.
Slowly, the door opened and I could hear people behind us whispering, "That's Club 33. I wonder who they are." The door opened about five inches and a soft voice said, "May I help you?" We announced our name and time of reservation and the door opened wider with a soft, "Come in. We've been expecting you." We stepped into the foyer and were told to wait a moment.
Then, the phone rang and we were told to take the French Lift up to the next floor. We arrived and another CM escorted us to a lovely corner table for four where we could see the beautiful dining room.
Everything was so regal and perfect. Our waiter arrived and introduced himself and said, "According to my notes, it is your anniversary, so I am here to give you VIP treatment." He asked questions about how long we had been married and then told us the luncheon set up. I ordered a Gin and Tonic and my spouse ordered a Rum and Coke. We reviewed the menu and I went for the Filet while my hubby chose the Moroccan Lamb Sirloin. We places our order and were invited to help ourselves to the salad, meat, cheese, seafood and bread bar.
We relaxed a few moments and toasted the day with our drinks. We then went to the buffet. I was thoroughly impressed with the bread station with flavored oils. Very classy. I also loved the Pumpkin Curry Soup served in demitasse cups. I got some Caesar Salad, assorted meats and cheeses and some seafood.
Returning to our table we dove in. Everything was wonderful fresh, especially the seafood. The bread was excellent and the flavored oils were exquisite. Just lovely.
Our mains arrived and we were not disappointed. The filet was fork tender and the succotash was smokey and delicious. My husbands Moroccan lamb was over the top delicious. I just adored the cinnamon and cardamon overtones in the sauce.
We then contemplated the dessert table, but before we could get up, our server arrived with an anniversary treat: two chocolate mousse cakes made up to look like Mickey Mouse. Completely adorable (and delicious).
We still hit the dessert bar and had a lovely time trying out the different items. Here are a few I really enjoyed:
After lunch, we were invited to go out onto the balcony and see New Orleans Square from a very different vantage point. It was a great view and so much fun.
We then decided that we were going to head home and relax until our dinner reservation at Napa Rose. We headed home, took a nap, ran some errands and then got dressed up for our meal at Napa Rose. And what a meal it was.
After arriving we walked in and told the host we had reservations at 8:30 for the Chef's Counter. We were escorted to seats 5 & 6 and had a full view of the kitchen. Our waiter welcomed us and said that we could handle dinner three ways: order from the menu, order the Vintner's Menu, or turn our dinner over to the creativity of the chef. We took the last option. The waiter noted an allergy I had and also our likes and dislikes.
Moments later we had a basket of lovely fresh bread and cheese crackers followed by an amuse of a pork and shrimp meatball with apple and celery jam. Then many, many courses followed: salad, appetizer, the mains and desserts. At all times, we were asked what we liked and didn't like and if we wanted something else. Also, we got to speak to the chefs and workers who were genuinely happy to answer our questions. In a nutshell we had:
Goat Cheese Canolli with Slice Tart Apples and Mushrooms
Smiling Tiger salad (beef and lobster tempura, coconut-lime dressing with cilantro pesto and Sriracha dots)
Steelhead Trout Sushi with Wild Rice Salad
Diver scallop with lobster beurre blanc and red bell pepper
Sheep's milk Cheese Ravioli with Chanterelle Mushrooms
Matsutaki mushrooms over an uni/butter risotto
Main course for me: Angus beef, Candied ancho chiles, Huckleberry sauce, Roasted root vegetables
Main course for husband: Colorado double chop of lamb with parsnip foam over root vegetables
House-made S'mores
Pear and mascarpone cake with fresh pears, red grape sorbet, and white wine sabayon.
While we were watching the kitchen madness, we saw one of the dessert chefs chop up a large number of bananas into small chunks. She then put it into a plate and gave it to the sous chef who took a lid off a pot stirred what was in the pot, dumped in the bananas, stirred it again, and then put the lid one and set it aside. We were very curious as to what it was, so we asked the waiter.
The waiter went over the the sous chef and inquired. The sous chef came over and said that he is from South Asia and wanted to make the staff something to eat after the kitchen clean up so he was making black rice and bananas cooked in coconut milk. He asked if we would like to try some. We instantly said YES! OH. MY. What a wonderful treat. It was delicious and so simple. What a truly wonderful part of the meal.
After we had indulged quite handsomely, we paid our check and thanked the kitchen staff and headed home.
The entire day was one of the best celebration days ever. So wonderful.
Day 5 - November 2, 2012
This was supposed to be our last day at the parks, but, quite frankly, we were exhausted and I had to head back to Phoenix the next day. So, it was a quiet day for us and we ended up at Langer's Deli in L.A. for a #19 sandwich and then had pizza for dinner.
It was a fantastic trip and a wonderful anniversary.
Closing comments
1. Despite the concerns I have read about regarding the new special lines for 4+ PH passes, the process was easy and quick.
2. The longest wait we had for a ride was RSR in the afternoon, which was 40 minutes. Even during MHP on Halloween, most rides were walk ons including HM and PotC.
3. Despite the crush on Main Street during the MHP party transition, the crowds were completely manageable.
4. The Photopass+ is a complete steal at $70. Just get it! We ended up with five ride photos and 120 other photos taken by Disney staff. All of those have now been uploaded and I am making them special with frames and the like. Again, GET THE PHOTOPASS PLUS!
5. The size of strollers is completely out of control. Some of them are getting to be as large as Smartcars.
6. CMs and other guests were very supportive of a same-sex couple celebrating our anniversary time in the park. Lots of guests asked respectful questions, and the CMs were great about making sure we were having a great time. A great feeling.
7. Mickey & Friends Parking Garage is well laid out and managed. It was super easy to get in and out of. I wish Disney would redo the parking lot at my local mall. It is a mess.
8. Club 33 is worth every penny. Every. Single. Penny.
9. The Chef's Counter at Napa Rose is a heck of a lot of fun. Best meal we had all week.
10. My goal is to make blisters illegal.
If you have any questions, let me know.
