*1/3 New Trip Report* Pole Dancing and Food Porn

[2xcited2sleep]

Fantastic updates! I've really enjoyed catching up this morning before heading off to work.

Your Norway lunch looks pretty good! I just might be convinced to try it sometime. Agree the Cinderella picture is beautiful!

You got tons of great Epcot shots!!

I hate Mission Space too - way too close quarters for me!

Thank goodness you were able to find all your cards at 50's PTC! That could have been disaster!

Love the Yoda shirt and saying!

Swimming at 10pm and singing with your son in line are way fun vacationy things to do!!

Keep those updates coming!!

 

[manntra]

Forgot to tell you I put the Yoda quote on my desk calendar at work!
Oh my gosh!! I just love the pictures with the Princesses'!! Especially the one of Lily and Cinderella! What a cute pose! So cute that she points out their likeness on her dress...Have to agree about Aurora!! Sorry! Belle and Cinderella were beautiful
Your food looked really good and I didn't realize there was an appetizer buffet.

Tracy

 

[praisehisname]

I keep hearing all these good reviews of Akershus. It really sounds good!

 

[shannn]

So, I have a few photopass pictures to share from our Epcot morning before I go into our evening ( remembered to bring my photopass CD home):

 

[shannn]

Wow, and I always thought it was more than one credit on the meal plan.....
I just love the picture of Cindy and Lily with the dress pose. Is it framed and in Lily's room?
We enjoyed our food at Akershus too! Baylor would have been very happy if it had just been the cold buffet....

I need to frame that picture of Lily & Cindy. I think it's one of the best I have of her. She just looks SOO happy too.

I think Akershus is a great deal for only one credit!! It will probably be our go-to princess stop after this. This cold buffet was excellent, especially since it was such a hot day.

YAY!! Loved this update!! Akershus was one of our favorites!! I can't wait to go back in May. What cute pictures with the princesses!! Lily looks like she is in HEAVEN!!

We were pleasantly surprised with Akershus all the way around. Lily does LOVE the characters.

Lots of very purty princess pictures this time around. My sons wouldnt' have anything to do with Belle- no way, they said. Had it been Jafar, that would have been a totally different story!

We loved the food here. But loved it sooooo much more back in 2001 when we first went here. Back then, it really was VERY, very Norwegian, with tons more fishy stuff-OHHH, I can remember the mackeral in sour cream... Ah well, another Disney restaurant tragedy. I mean really, whoever heard of Mickey shaped ravioli in Norway??!!



On the other hand- OH my heck!! I could eat that rice cream cloud of heaven on a plate all day long!! I am making sure to hit Norway again specifically to get that fluff of yummy again!! WOW!
They sell sides of it at the Kringla if you just want that.

Morgan tolerated the princesses although he was a bit embarrassed. We like Akershus, and I'm fairly glad it wasn't more Norwegian. After subsiding on bread & cheese for six weeks when I lived there (I'm NOT a fishy fan at ALL!!), I was more than happy with the Disneyfied fare. I loved everything about Norway, except the food!! My plan is to stop at Kringla next time. I've really got to try that school bread!

Fantastic updates! I've really enjoyed catching up this morning before heading off to work.

Your Norway lunch looks pretty good! I just might be convinced to try it sometime. Agree the Cinderella picture is beautiful!

You got tons of great Epcot shots!!

I hate Mission Space too - way too close quarters for me!

Thank goodness you were able to find all your cards at 50's PTC! That could have been disaster!

Love the Yoda shirt and saying!

Swimming at 10pm and singing with your son in line are way fun vacationy things to do!!

Keep those updates coming!!

Thanks, I'm glad that you're enjoying the report. Sorry I haven't been around as much this week. For some reason, school has been kicking my butt lately!

Forgot to tell you I put the Yoda quote on my desk calendar at work!
Oh my gosh!! I just love the pictures with the Princesses'!! Especially the one of Lily and Cinderella! What a cute pose! So cute that she points out their likeness on her dress...Have to agree about Aurora!! Sorry! Belle and Cinderella were beautiful
Your food looked really good and I didn't realize there was an appetizer buffet.

Tracy

Thanks! She loved showing everyone her dress and picking out her favorites. The ones who weren't on the fabric were so sweet to admire "all their friends" on her dress!! It was cute.

The appetizer buffet was yummy.

I keep hearing all these good reviews of Akershus. It really sounds good!

It was really good. We enjoyed it a lot.

 

[shannn]

I realized when I started looking at our pictures that we did a little more touring that afternoon before we headed back to the resort. I didn't take a lot of notes this afternoon, so this update is mostly pictures.

The kids played drums in Africa.

We saw Germany:

We spent quite a while exploring the German train village:

The best part of course was when Godzilla attacked the village!! (in a form of Disney's ever present lizards!)

Then we headed through Italy where we saw Snow White greeting people. (We didn't get in line since we had just met her earlier.)

We saw the fife and drum band at the American pavilion and the kids were mesmerized.

By this time we were hot, tired, and our feet hurt. (In fact, Grammie felt guilty and loaned me her scooter for a little while on our way back!) I had seen just enough in each pavilion to know that I really wanted to come back when I could stop and explore. We basically did a drive-by, and I know I missed so many cool things. But it was time to go for now. We had made it halfway around the WS in a few hours and we were all ready for a nap.

Here's some proof of how beat we were:

NOW coming up next: WS evening and LeCellier

 

[Happydog]

I agree with WigD - -the pic of Lily and Cinderella was just perfect, they are both a mirror image of eachother!

Looks like you had a very very full day but enjoyed it! A power nap is always a necessity! Can't wait for Le Cellier!

 

[ladybugmom]

LOVE the PP pics!!! They turned out great!! Ya'll do look tired!! Love your VB bag, though!! Can't wait to hear about Le Cellier!!

 

[All7OfUs]

Hi Shannon!

Love your WS pix! They are all so great, but then again this is one of my most favorite parts of all WDW!! You all do look really pooped! Glad you took a break- it looked so hot out!

One of the highlights for me is always the train village. I really hope I can get a picture of the godzilla attacks on the poor little villagers this time!

 

[manntra]

Hey there! Loved your WS pics and your PP pics! They turned out great! Yes, you do need to frame Lily and Cindy--such a pretty picture!

 

[praisehisname]

Love the WS pics!

 

[wyodisney]

I just read the whole trip report thus far. What a great time you had!! Your kids are adorable. I am going in December with some friends and can't wait. I am anxiously waiting the rest of your trip report, especially the Le Cellier Dining experience. I have never eaten there and I have ADR's there for a trip I am making in January.

 

[shannn]

I agree with WigD - -the pic of Lily and Cinderella was just perfect, they are both a mirror image of eachother!

Looks like you had a very very full day but enjoyed it! A power nap is always a necessity! Can't wait for Le Cellier!

I do have to get on that picture. Maybe I'll look for a frame this weekend. We are very pro naps!!

LOVE the PP pics!!! They turned out great!! Ya'll do look tired!! Love your VB bag, though!! Can't wait to hear about Le Cellier!!

Thanks. I do love my bag. I am completely enamored with that pattern. It has my very favorite colors in it!! I may have to get a Hipster before my December trip. I don't think I need that big old bag oon an adult trip.

Hi Shannon!

Love your WS pix! They are all so great, but then again this is one of my most favorite parts of all WDW!! You all do look really pooped! Glad you took a break- it looked so hot out!

One of the highlights for me is always the train village. I really hope I can get a picture of the godzilla attacks on the poor little villagers this time!

I loved WS. In all the times I've been there, this was actually my first time in the WS! It was extremely hot ~~ record highs were being set for October. I think the high that day was around 93.

I can't believe we didn't get any pictures of the gorilla attacks. I loved that!! The kids were so in love with all the lizards. It's funny what makes them happy.

Hey there! Loved your WS pics and your PP pics! They turned out great! Yes, you do need to frame Lily and Cindy--such a pretty picture!

Thanks Tracy! I'm trying to choose which pictures should go on our Christmas cards now. It's a tough call!!

Love the WS pics!

Thanks!

I just read the whole trip report thus far. What a great time you had!! Your kids are adorable. I am going in December with some friends and can't wait. I am anxiously waiting the rest of your trip report, especially the Le Cellier Dining experience. I have never eaten there and I have ADR's there for a trip I am making in January.

I'm glad you're enjoying things. My kids can definitely be adorable. They can also be royal pains...you know how it is!! Le Cellier coming up!

 

[shannn]

Does anyone know how to link to a certain post? I'd like to link my dining reviews in the first post but I don't know how.

~~~~~

We headed back to the Poly for our nap and I once again congratulated myself on my planning. (How obnoxious is that?) It started raining one of those BIG afternoon rains that Florida is so famous for, and we were snug in our comfy beds. It was so cozy to lay there and listen to the rain and know that the kids were going to be rested for our night-time adventure. My family literally knows nothing about what's going on while we're at Disney~~ they leave it all to me. There's something about watching my planning all play that's so satisfying. I love knowing that I planned the fun and the time-outs that make everything go so smoothly.

Anyway, when we awoke and got dressed for our evening, things were damp but the brunt of the storm had passed. We headed back out to Epcot, this time opting to take the resort monorail and change at the TTC. Yes, it's longer, but we enjoyed the ride. (Especially riding past the wedding pavilion so that I can point it out to Sam as where he will be giving away his daughter. )

We got to Epcot around 6:00 so we had time to walk around before our 7:50 ADR at LeCellier. It was a beautiful night, and as we walked around the WS we got to see the sun going down. It was definitely a drive-by of the pavilions on that side of the WS, and I saw just enough to know I want to see much more!

Sam couldn't resist taking lots of pictures since the light was just beautiful! I'm not really a dawn kind of girl (I'd rather be looking at the back of my eyelids) but I do absolutely love twilight!)

We did a drive by of England where we glimpsed Winnie meeting people. The kids weren't interested in standing in that line so we didn't. I was REALLY hoping to meet Mary Poppins as Morgan is in love with that movie, but alas it didn't happen.

We walked a little past the bridge so that Sam could take a picture. How beautiful is this?

Then, of course, there were pictures from the bridge.

Then we headed to France.

Morgan and I enjoyed strolling the streets.

When we got to Morocco, we realized that it was getting close to time for our ADR, so we reluctantly turned around and planned to return on Friday or Saturday to see more of the WS.

Next Post: Le Cellier

 

[shannn]

We arrived at Le Cellier at 7:45 for a 7:50 ADR. We checked in and waited about 15 minutes before we were seated. This was the first time we'd really had a wait, but it wasn't bad considering how busy they seemed to be.

The kids enjoyed what else? Looking for lizards in the landscaping.

I was truly nervous about this restaurant choice. I had read so many amazing reviews and I had talked it up to Sam as such a great deal. I totally hoped it lived up to the hype.

We were led to a table toward the back of the restaurant and met our server. She was a very nice girl with a quiet personality. Morgan had his DS because I wasn't sure how the waiting would be and Lily had some crayons and paper.

I ordered a glass of wine (Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling) and it was good. (I know I'm supposed to drink red wine with beef, but I just don't like it. Honestly, as a life-long Lutheran, red wine just makes me think of communion. I know~~ how bizarre is that!)

We ordered our appetizers and they came fairly quickly:

Grammie had the crab and corn custard "Lump Crab and Sweet Corn Custards - with Paprika Aioli"

She really enjoyed this. She ate two of the custards and thought it had great flavor. Granmouse tried one and she didn't think it had enough crab flavor.

Morgan got the carrot sticks (he asked them to leave off the celery):

He pronounced them "very good."

Lily had the cheese soup.

She took one bite and decided to share Morgan's carrots.

Sam & I had the trio which included the lump crab custards, Tomato Stack - with Caramelized Onions, Cucumbers, Crumbled Blue Cheese, and Yuzu Vinaigrette, and the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup - Made with Moosehead Beer and Smoked Bacon Cup.

I thought the tomato stack was delicious & freah, the cheese and vinaigrette were the perfect accomplishment to the tomatoes, the crab custard was just "eh", and the soup was amazing. I totally wished that I had just gotten soup and I think I hogged most of it!!

She also bought the bread basket which everyone enjoyed.

Somewhere in the middle of all this yumminess, Morgan suddenly raises his head from his DS, picks up his glass, and asks for a toast. His toast:
"Cheers to Disney World!"

Sam and his Mom both got the Kansas City rub. "Coffee-rubbed Kansas City Strip Steak - with hazelnut butter and cream cheese mashed potatoes

Granmouse said it was "absolutely delicious, but for someone with a big appetite!"
Sam said it was "very good" which is HIGH praise from him. He's mentioned it several times since then, so I guess I'll be trying for ADRs there for our next trip for sure.

The kids both had the kid's steak.

They both love steak so they ate it all. They both shared the KC rub as well and Lily really enjoyed it.
Morgan's review: "I think they're good because it's homemade. It's really great."

Mom got the mushroom filet. "Le Cellier Mushroom Filet Mignon - with wild mushroom risotto, white truffle and herb butter sauce"

She just walked by and looked over my shoulder and said: "Le Cellier. Mmmmmmmm." Her review at the time was: "tender. melts in your mouth. Wonderful!"

I got the mushroom filet, but I'm not a fan of risotto, so I substituted for the mashed potatoes.

This was one of the best steaks I've ever eaten. It really did melt in my mouth. I would place it right up there with Ruth's Chris and Morton's, my two favorite steaks before this.

Morgan has recently gotten a hang-man obsession going so we played Disney hang-man for much of the meal. Lily was industriously coloring. When I asked her what she was drawing, she said "Mommy working in the garden in the rain." She had really been drinking the Disney Kool Aid, because in the real world I don't do gardening! I'm more of call in a gardener and watch HIM garden kind of girl.

Dessert:

Granmouse & Sam both got the "Chocolate "Moose" - Chocolate Mousse rolled in Toasted Chocolate Crumbs with Maple Leaf Antlers"

They both enjoyed it and especially loved the presentation.

Mom and I both got the Maple Creme Brulee

It was an interesting taste. The caramelized top tasted like maple sugar candy and I had to keep stabbing Sam with my fork to stop him from stealing it all.

The negative of the whole night came during the desert course as we sampled their coffee and were not impressed!

As we were finishing up, the restaurant had cleared out.

This meal would have been totally worth it's $156.03 price for the 4 of us. We actually spent $31.08 for the tip and my glass of wine. I completely understand why this reservation is so difficult to get. It's that good!

Epcot was basically empty when we left the restaurant so of course Sam had to get some night shots.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Amazing, beautiful, gorgeous, I could go on and on, your pictures are just nothing short of spectacular. Tell Sam that I'm in awe!
He needs to give you some lessons before next month....

 

[wigdoutdismom]

I'm in total agreement with your Le Cellier review. Did you happen to dip some of the bread into the soup? Yummmmy
We have been lucky enough to score reservations at Le Cellier each of our last four trips. It's our favorite! The mushroom fillet....mmmmm, mmmmm, good!
Are you eating there in December?

 

[wyodisney]

I am glad to hear how good LeCellier is. I am looking forward to my dining experience there. Sam is an awesome photographer. I love all the pictures.

 

[lmillercrew]

OH MY GOSH!! I was gone on vaca for a week, and it's taken me a week just to catch up on YOUR TR! I haven't even begun reading the others.
You are having an amazing vacation so far.
I'm glad that you are feeling better. I saw that you were not feeling so well a while ago. Now that I'm caught up, I can comment on your new posts.

 

[ladybugmom]

Thanks. I do love my bag. I am completely enamored with that pattern. It has my very favorite colors in it!! I may have to get a Hipster before my December trip. I don't think I need that big old bag oon an adult trip.

I just LOVE my Hipster!! I have that style in several VB patterns!!