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

[shannn]

Since we had an ADR at Narcoosee's this night (and probably no park time), we decided to stay in the MK a while longer before heading back for our naptime. First, the kids had a date with a certain magic sword. Morgan was sure that he was going to be the next king!

Some help from sister and her wishing wand from CRT:

But he had to accept defeat and settle for his wishing sword from CRT:

And then it was sister's turn:

We went then to use our Jungle Cruise FPs. Jungle Cruise was such a disappointment this time. In 06, Granmouse absolutely loved this ride and giggled at every corny joke they told. We loved our skipper and even took a picture with her. This time, we were in the back of a very full boat and we couldn't even understand most of the spiel from the CM. I was so sad not to see Granmouse's silly giggles.

After our cruise, Sam wanted to take the kids on The Swiss Family Treehouse. Now, I actually love the treehouse, but I like to take my time and look at all the details. I know with the kids along this would be impossible, so I opted out of the excursion. I decided instead to get a snack...my favorite MK snack...located quite near the SF Treehouse...


yummmy pineappley goodness!!
A Dole Whip Float!!



Unfortunately, I have no picture because Sam was busy taking this:

(Yes, that would be a sexy treehouse pose for Lil....)

and this:

and a bunch of other pictures of the backs of the kids' heads as he chased them through the treehouse.

All week we had promised the kids that they would have time to shop so we decided to stop by the Main Street Emporium on our way out of MK that afternoon. I didn't take pictures, but I'll try to remember what we bought.

I got:
red Mickey tees for me & my BFF
pens like these except they had the traditional characters on them instead of the fairies:

mickey bobblehead karate dude for Morgan's karate teacher:

Each of the kids were allowed to pick out one "fuzzy friend" which is a very big deal for them as they like to sleep with their friends (shhh...don't tell Morgan's classmates. It's not cool to sleep with fuzzy friends, I hear) I think you can guess whose is whose:

With that, we bid a tearful goodbye to the Magic Kingdom. We had other places on our agenda for Saturday, but this would be the last time we'd glimpse the castle turrets on this trip!

Coming up next: napping, swimming, and eating ocean creatures!

 

[Happydog]

What a great post! I love the kiddo photos the stone pics are a hoot! I am looking forward to your dining review b/c I am considering Narcoosee's for our summer trip! I agree that the jungle cruise CMs can be hit or miss... You'd think they had the same training!!!

 

[ladybugmom]

Awww!! Don't you hate saying goodbye to the MK?! It's soooo sad!! The pic of Lily on top of the stone trying to pull out the sword is hilarious!! And a Dole Whip--YUM!!

 

[kcandbella]

I was cracking up at the "sexy treehouse pose!" Cute pics! Looks like a lot of fun!

 

[shannn]

What a great post! I love the kiddo photos the stone pics are a hoot! I am looking forward to your dining review b/c I am considering Narcoosee's for our summer trip! I agree that the jungle cruise CMs can be hit or miss... You'd think they had the same training!!!

Thanks! I thought the stone pics were cute too.

We enjoyed Narcoossee's. Review coming up!

Awww!! Don't you hate saying goodbye to the MK?! It's soooo sad!! The pic of Lily on top of the stone trying to pull out the sword is hilarious!! And a Dole Whip--YUM!!

It is hard saying goodbye to the MK. Honestly, it is so my happy place!! (Although I have to say that the World Showcase really moved up on my list on this trip. The kids were finally old enough to appreciate it, I think.) I can't wait for the new Fantasyland to open. It looks so cool!!

Love me a Dole Whip!

I was cracking up at the "sexy treehouse pose!" Cute pics! Looks like a lot of fun!

She does have a quite a way of posing about her!

 

[shannn]

When the kids had gone swimming on Wednesday night, the slide had been closed for the night. We had promised them that they could go swimming again when the slide was open. Since we were checking out of the Poly on Saturday, this was our last chance to fulfill that promise. We headed back on the boat, and the kids ran to change into their swimsuits. I had a momentary panic that Lily was going to mess up her makeover (Morgan couldn't WAIT to wash that scratchy stuff out of his hair, and he jumped in the shower immediately), but I couldn't tell her she couldn't swim. So, I just sucked it up and let her go at it. Daddy decided that he would swim with them and Granmouse worked the camera. (Sam put it on sport mode and she just kept on shooting!) Mom & I excused ourselves to have a little time in the lounge and volunteered to keep an eye on the rooms after that!

They look like they had a great time!

Continued in the next post

 

[shannn]

After swimming and then napping, we headed out for our ADR at Narcoosee's. It was pouring down rain as we jumped on the monorail to head to the Grand Floridian. We had thought about taking the boat, but the rain changed our minds about that. We soon arrived at the GF monorail station, and walked into the beautiful lobby.

We walked around gawking for a few minutes. Looking back, we should have asked for directions, but I had seen Narcoosee's from the boat several times so I didn't figure it should be that hard to find. Wrong! We walked out into the steady rain next to a beautiful pool, then headed toward the nearest building. We stopped under an awning to take a breather and realized we didn't see anything like the beautiful building on the water that we knew to be Narcoossee's. Finally, after wandering for a bit we saw a beautiful rainbow and realized that it was actually pointing toward the restaurant!

We went in to wait for our table, and Sam stepped out on the porch to take a few pictures in the beautiful twilight.

When we walked in, they greeted us with a basket of dry, warm towels which was so appreciated. The greeter oohed & aahed over Lily (and Minnie) and Morgan (and Stitch). She'd probably seen a million kids that night, but she sure didn't act like it. We were the only ones in the lobby and we were quickly seated at a table right by the windows with a perfect view of the MK. I could not get over how beautiful this restaurant is. It's would be worth eating here even if the food wasn't good, but it definitely was! It was also quiet and calm.

Our waiter came quickly and took our drink order. Grammie ordered a glass of wine and I ordered a magic star cocktail. (I thought we had gotten a picture, but I guess not.) The kids really enjoyed the blinking ice cube. In fact, I've bought them each one for their stockings. Morgan really wanted his Sprite put in a wine glass. The waiter explained that he couldn't do that, but he did bring Morgan a stemmed water glass, which made him happy. (He wanted a glass for "toasting")

For our appetizers:
Sam had the "Fried Calamari - Served with a pepperoncini relish, tomato coulis, and Tuscan olive oil."

He said it was good and well cooked. Calamari can be chewy at times, but this wasn't.

Granmouse had the "Romaine Salad - Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese."

She said this was pretty much what you expect. It was also huge!

Grammie and I both had the "Narcoossee's Seafood Bisque - A hearty soup of Maine rock crab and a sourdough crostini."

This was good, creamy and rich. It was a small portion, which was fine with all the food we had coming!

The kids both had the fruit.

It was a beautiful bowl and the berries went quickly, although neither of them ate the melon.

We weren't very adventurous in our entree ordering. All three of the women (myself, Grammie, and Granmouse) had the "Steamed Whole Maine Lobster - Served with drawn butter, potato gratin, and steamed broccolini." It's really hard not to order the $59 entree when you know you can!

This was so delicious!! The lobster had been scored so it just fell out of the shell. It was juicy and wonderful. The potatoes were actually good too; although we were mostly about the lobster. Grammie gave Morgan a claw of hers. He asked for more, and I think I actually heard her growl!

The kids got Mickey pasta with the sauce on the side (Yawn!)

Sam got the "Crab-crusted Yellowtail Snapper - Served with Meyer lemon-butter sauce, crushed Fingerling potatoes, and haricot vert. "

He said it was perfectly cooked and wonderful. The lemon sauce could have been overpowering, but since it was on the side he was able to control the amount he ate. Although he raved about it, this was the one dish that I wasn't that impressed with the presentation.

For dessert:
The kids had the Make Your own S'mores

This was such a CUTE idea! They had a great time building and eating their s'mores.

Granmouse had the "No Sugar Added Dessert - Mango sorbet with melon, pineapple, and berries."

She said it was exactly what she wanted after the big meal. She loves mango so she was thrilled with this choice being on the menu.

Sam and I got the "Key Lime Creme Brulee "

It had an interesting taste tangy and sweet.

Grammie had the "Almond-crusted Cheesecake - Inspired by the Year of a Million Dreams and served with Lambert cherry sauce."

This was the one time I wished I hadn't gone with the creme brulee. One taste of this and I was envious. It was so very good!!

We really enjoyed Narcoossee's. It absolutely deserves it's signature standing. The food was delicious and the view was amazing. The only thing that was lacking a bit was the service. Our waiter was incredibly slow to get our drinks, refills, desserts, and to bring us our check. He wasn't particularly personable, and I wished for a bit more. Besides him, this was a perfect meal!

After our meal, the rain had stopped so we decided to take the boat back to the Poly. The electric light parade was ending so we enjoyed that while waiting for the boat. We also got a few pictures with the kids and their new fuzzy friends.

(How cute is this dress! I would ABSOLUTELY recommend the girl who made it if anyone needs dresses made.)

(I don't know what's up with this expression. He really did have a good night!)

Coming up next: Lots more castle pictures, Moving out of the Poly, a hopping Saturday

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Oh my but your dinner at Narcoosee's looked divine! I'm thinking about that for Marc and I for my birthday trip....

Lily's dress is adorable. It sure isn't hard to dress her up, she is a darling girl! Maybe Morgan was just tired of smiling for the camera in that picture....
You all did take a few!

 

[wyodisney]

The dinner looked fabulous. Lily and Morgan look a little tired, but they sure have been good on your trip. I think that is great!

 

[pooh'smate]

I LOVE Lily's dress. I would love to have her info. Your meal looks yummy and I don't even like lobster.

 

[Happydog]

YAY! I was waiting for a good review of this restaurant and I am glad it got one!!! It is definitely on our list for Summer. Great pool pics!!!! You know even the princess still looked like she was princess material in that pool!!! Everyone looked like they were having soooo much fun!

 

[ladybugmom]

Oh--I cannot wait to finally be able to swim in the Poly pool!! And that food looks INCREDIBLE!!! My mouth is watering!! And I would LOVE the info on who made Lily's dress!!

 

[manntra]

A few pages behind! I love the pictures of Lily and Morgan with the sword. Lily has such concentration on her face with her wand! So cute to be helping her brother!!
Your dinner looks scrumptious!! That lobster looks perfect and the soup looked yummy too! I would have ordered exactly as you!!
Lily's dress is adorable! I love all of her little outfits!!

Tracy

 

[praisehisname]

A Dole Whip Float!!

Mmmm...6 more days...

They look like they had a great time!

They absolutely look they are having an amazing time!

We really enjoyed Narcoossee's. It absolutely deserves it's signature standing.

Couldn't agree more! We had dinner there our last night, and it was the perfect ending to the trip!

 

[kcandbella]

Narcoosee's does look amazing! I would also love the info for the dress--it is adorable!

 

[All7OfUs]

Does that meal ever sound luxurious!! Great pick, I'd say. Even better pick going with the lobster! I love the EWP! So very old-school Disney.

I cracked up a little about Granmouse "growling".

 

[shannn]

Oh my but your dinner at Narcoosee's looked divine! I'm thinking about that for Marc and I for my birthday trip....

Lily's dress is adorable. It sure isn't hard to dress her up, she is a darling girl! Maybe Morgan was just tired of smiling for the camera in that picture....
You all did take a few!

It was a wonderful dinner, and such a beautiful restaurant!!

Morgan probably was tired of smiling and probably just tired in general!

The dinner looked fabulous. Lily and Morgan look a little tired, but they sure have been good on your trip. I think that is great!

They were probably tired. We had been go,go,going for days at that point!

I LOVE Lily's dress. I would love to have her info. Your meal looks yummy and I don't even like lobster.

The lobster was yummy! The girl who made that dress also made the dress Lily wore on Saturday night which I ADORE!! She sells on esty under the name "amacim" Her dress are just gorgeous and so affordable!

YAY! I was waiting for a good review of this restaurant and I am glad it got one!!! It is definitely on our list for Summer. Great pool pics!!!! You know even the princess still looked like she was princess material in that pool!!! Everyone looked like they were having soooo much fun!

We really did have a great time. My kids loved the slide in the pool! That's one of the reasons I've been going back and forth between where to make our DVC home resort.

Oh--I cannot wait to finally be able to swim in the Poly pool!! And that food looks INCREDIBLE!!! My mouth is watering!! And I would LOVE the info on who made Lily's dress!!

The Poly pool was so much fun! I love the zero entry pools so much. Narcossee's is a fabulous restaurant. I gave the information about the dress above. She was fabulous to work with.

A few pages behind! I love the pictures of Lily and Morgan with the sword. Lily has such concentration on her face with her wand! So cute to be helping her brother!!
Your dinner looks scrumptious!! That lobster looks perfect and the soup looked yummy too! I would have ordered exactly as you!!
Lily's dress is adorable! I love all of her little outfits!!

Tracy

I got a little obssessive over their clothes, I'm afraid. But it was so much fun to shop for them! And they're still at the age where they'll wear anything I put out for them, too....

Mmmm...6 more days...
They absolutely look they are having an amazing time!
Couldn't agree more! We had dinner there our last night, and it was the perfect ending to the trip!

I've got 13 more days until my yummy pineappley favorite!

Narcoosee's does look amazing! I would also love the info for the dress--it is adorable!

That dress is the "pillowcase" kind, so it was super easy and comfy for her too.That etsy seller's not going to know what's hit her, huh?

 

[manntra]

Shann,

If a slide is important in your DVC home decision then you should check out the slide and "water park" area at Kidani. The slide is long and curvy (I'm short and curvy ) and there are water cannons and buckets that drop on you etc. Lots of fun....and both AKV have zero entry pools.

Tracy

 

[shannn]

Really? I haven't even looked at Kidani. I've been looking at Beach Club or Boardwalk. I'll check it out!

Shann,

If a slide is important in your DVC home decision then you should check out the slide and "water park" area at Kidani. The slide is long and curvy (I'm short and curvy ) and there are water cannons and buckets that drop on you etc. Lots of fun....and both AKV have zero entry pools.

Tracy

 

[shannn]

Saturday morning we got up and started packing up our bags since we were transferring back to the ASMu family suite. Since you get leis every time you come into the hotel, we had piles of them. As we were packing them up, I had a brainstorm. Rather than trying to buy 27 of something (which I was having trouble doing!), I would see if I could get together 27 leis to bring home to my students. I ran down to the IPO office (concierge) and asked if they had more leis. She gladly gave me however many more leis I needed (like 10 I think) and then told me to wait. She also gave me 28 Celebrate buttons and 28 maps of the resort! I gave the buttons to my Math class (at lot of whom are still wearing them on their backpacks). The maps are really cool because you can actually compare them to the maps of the real Polynesian Islands, and the buildings are laid out the same as the real islands. I laminated the maps, and I'm going to use them to teach map skills later on in the school year. I thought it was really cool that she got together all that for me!

They picked up our bags and assured us that they would be ready and waiting at the ASMu when we returned there that afternoon (remember that!) Taking one last long walk through the beautiful grounds of the Poly and filling up our mugs one last time, we got on the monorail and took the loop around to the Contemporary.

This was our first time here so walked a bit and then easily found the entrance to Chef Mickey's for our late morning breakfast.

We got there right at our ADR time of 10:00 and decided to skip the big plate picture (don't we have enough pictures??). We only waited a few minutes before being led to our table.

The restaurant was bright and clean and really cheery. It didn't look as though they had been serving breakfast for several hours and the buffet looked nice as well.

We ordered drinks~ they had all kinds of juices (apple, orange, pineapple, and others), soft drinks, and (of course) coffee. I'll go ahead and share our plates even though I honestly can't remember if we filled them first or if some of the characters came by...

On Morgan's plate, there was a pancake, a waffle, tater tots, eggs, bacon, and a biscuit.

On my plate, there were potatoes, breakfast pizza (eh), cheesy hash brown casserole (yum), biscuit with gravy, and bacon.

On Lily's plate, there was a cinnamon bun, eggs, waffle, tater tots, and grapes.

On Grammie's plate, there's watermelon, french toast, potatoes, eggs, bacon, and a biscuit.

The food was a very typical breakfast buffet. It was okay, and everyone got full, but (of course) we weren't really there for the food. The characters were coming!! The kids were practically vibrating as they waited for our first visitor.

And, it was....

PLUTO!

You can definitely see the excitement on Lily's face as she gets her first hug. This is one of my favorite pictures from the trip!

He's having a great time, I think!

She continues to be in lurve with him!!

One of my favorite things was the interaction between the characters. Here Pluto and Goofy see each other across the room. They run to embrace.

And then reenact the famous scene from karate kid.

Morgan is absolutely cackling with laughter at this point.

And then, it's GOOFY

Morgan is practically falling over himself.

He's chanting over and over again, "You're my favorite, You're my favorite." Goofy hides his head "Aw shucks" and Morgan cackles again.

I'm pretty sure my face is going to split I'm smiling so big.

And then there's MICKEY

Lily couldn't wait and flung herself at him for a hug!

Poor guys had to hold the book on their heads to sign them.

Here comes DONALD (why not Daisy, huh?)

I included this one only to say~ look at Lily's eyes. Do you see her catching a glimpse of her true love over there?

Continued in the next post because I'm at my picture limit.