15th Anniversary trip on DxDDP with a small diversion to the ER!! *completed 8-29-11*

[deenbrad]

So we got to Epcot and it was hot. I think it was the hottest day we were there. I think all we did in FW was ride Nemo then decided we should head back to WS for our lunch at Via Napoli. As we were walking I got a panicked phone call from my sister saying she locked herself out of my house with her keys, the dog and her phone (calling from neighbor's phone) inside!! I told her if they couldn't break in she could call a locksmith and I'd just give him my cc over the phone.

Arrived at Via Napoli. Again, seated in under 5 minutes. I do not remember our server's name and the receipt says Clar? She was a very nice young Italian girl. As she went to get our drinks my sister called back to say the boy next door managed to take the knob off the door so I was very relieved!

For starters I ordered:

Fritto de Verdura - crisp fried vegetables, marinara piccante - this was the best part of my meal. Eggplant, zucchini, & mushrooms. The sauce was good too.

I ordered DS fruit cocktail (eaten by myself and DH). I think DH just ordered a salad.

For our entree we all ordered their Margherita pizza, the only difference being DS's was smaller.

As you can see this one was pretty burnt, as was the one given to DH (as in black on the bottom). We sent them back and received replacements pretty quickly. Not impressed. Now I will go out on a limb here and say that I can be a pizza snob. As I've said before I'm originally from NY. That being said I've lived in GA for 14 years and have learned to not expect too much from pizza. But this to me was pretty much flavorless. So we moved onto dessert!

Thought I took pics but I guess not. DS again got a build your own gelato sundae. DH ordered the pistachio gelato and I, against my instincts, ordered the tiramisu. Now the fact that I like tiramisu at all is odd since I hate coffee but usually I'll eat the cream off the top. Unfortunately this cream was covered with a very thick layer of pure cocoa. Seriously it was like 1/4" thick. I had a little hill of cocoa on my plate after scraping it off! After that, it was pretty good!

This is a place I will not go to again on my next trip. After that? Maybe. I've heard good things about it but like I said, not impressed!

Covered by DP - 97.82

 

[deenbrad]

It was following our lunch at Via Napoli that everything went downhill. Let me preempt my story by saying I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS TO BE ANY FAULT OF THE RESTAURANT!!

We started walking back to FW and I told my DS that I heard there was Pokemon stuff in Japan. If you have a boy around the age of 8 then you know how thrilled he was! Once in the store he said he had to go to the bathroom so we left and took him. On the way back in he said his stomach hurt pretty bad so of course I told him he probably needed to go some more.

Goes back in then says he's ok. Walk as far as Morocco and he's just not doing well. Back in the bathroom there. Comes out and we get to France where he freaks out that he has to go again. Back to Morocco (which is the closest bathroom to France??) and that's where we stayed. He went in with DH and was literally lying on the floor with severe stomach cramps. Now when your kid is 8 you no longer follow them into the bathroom so you have to assume when they say they pooped that day they did. So we were rather confused at this child who had such pain in his stomach? He ended up laying in my lap outside the bathroom writhing in pain saying he couldn't breathe good. His stomach was hard as a rock.

A nice man waiting for his family said he knew that nearby cast members had radios and did I want him to get one? (this as DH went to look for someone in the other direction) Yes, please. He brought back a very nice woman whose name I really wish I had. She called the paramedics for us immediately. She had another guy bring over the defibrillator (talk about giving a mommy heart failure).

The paramedics arrived pretty quickly and gave us the option of carting us up to the front so we could get to an Urgent care or they could take us to and ER. We're about 20 minutes into this and DS is still in terrible pain so we decide on ER. Once he was on the stretcher he started falling asleep. His color was pretty gray on the way to the hospital.

Magically, as kids do, he felt so much better around 5 minutes after we were put in a room in the ER. Diagnosis: heat exhaustion. I am a crazy woman pushing the water when it's so hot out so I couldn't imagine him being dehydrated?? Apparently you can have this and not be dehydrated. He wasn't. They checked his urine (to see if he was dehydrated) and listened to his belly - which was soft by now - and said everything was moving in there. So he was fine. Thank God. Basically needed a nap in a nice cool ambulance?

They sent us on our merry way with the directions of take it easy that night and nothing too heavy for dinner (Really? Cause we have reservations at Narcoossee's and I promised the kid some steak!)

Now we were wondering how to get back to our hotel? Apparently if you stay on Disney property they will pay for your cab back from the hospital! Thought that was nice.

So in short I'd really like to thank the dad that helped us out by getting the CM (and giving DS his spray fan!) and the CM herself. I wish I had names but you just don't think of stuff at times like that. We went back to Epcot a few days later and I looked for her but she wasn't in same location.

Edit: I just wanted to add that it looks like that insurance we were hit up for booking our trip through Disney is going to pay off in this case! They should be covering my deductible for the ER visit! So you never want to need it but it's nice to know it's there just in case!!

 

[joyboy]

Enjoying your review from Newnan Ga.

 

[danalee]

As one mommy to another...that would have scared the crap out of me! (no pun intended) Glad to hear he was better quickly

Disney CM's helped my mom out in Animal Kingdom one day when she got sick, they were there in a flash and took the best care of her a good thing to know if your ever in that situation

Love the reviews by the way

 

[undertheseas]

Oh goodness, what a scary situation! I'm so glad it turned out well and it was nothing worse. I'm always worried about the heat down there, now I'm going to be even more paranoid. It's nice to know how well Disney handles it!

 

[deenbrad]

Enjoying your review from Newnan Ga.

Really can't get over how many people close to me are on here! We used to live in Newnan. Moved to PTC around 4 years ago. Still in Newnan all the time for La Parrilla & have to go to Dynasty if I want good chinese!!

 

[deenbrad]

As one mommy to another...that would have scared the crap out of me! (no pun intended) Glad to hear he was better quickly

Disney CM's helped my mom out in Animal Kingdom one day when she got sick, they were there in a flash and took the best care of her a good thing to know if your ever in that situation

Love the reviews by the way

Thanks! It was definitely scary - as I'm sure it was with your mom. They definitely made a difficult situation easier!

Oh goodness, what a scary situation! I'm so glad it turned out well and it was nothing worse. I'm always worried about the heat down there, now I'm going to be even more paranoid. It's nice to know how well Disney handles it!

I'd recommend the spray fan! DS used the one the guy gave him while he was sick the rest of the trip. I meant to pass it along when I left but unfortunately I packed it! It definitely helps just to have that little mist. Plus I bought him a hat and wet his hair and then put on the hat! Needless to say I was a little worried about him getting overheated again!

 

[emmysmommy]

Wow... so sorry your son (and you) had to experience that scare. Glad to know he was feeling better soon but what a stressful time!

Thanks for sharing your reviews.

 

[smiths02]

How scary! Glad he is okay. Now I am getting paranoid about taking my 5 year old early July. I guess I better bring the stroller after all (he is really almost too big, but epcot especially may be too much walking in heat).

 

[deenbrad]

Wow... so sorry your son (and you) had to experience that scare. Glad to know he was feeling better soon but what a stressful time!

Thanks for sharing your reviews.

Thank you! Fortunately I'm one of those people who can handle it ok! Until it's over then I fall apart!

 

[deenbrad]

How scary! Glad he is okay. Now I am getting paranoid about taking my 5 year old early July. I guess I better bring the stroller after all (he is really almost too big, but epcot especially may be too much walking in heat).

I would definitely have a stroller for a five year old. We rented one when DS was 5 and he really appreciated having a place to rest. Who wouldn't!?

 

[chocolateMinnie]

poor child - and poor you. Nothing worse than a sick child except a sick child on holiday.

Enjoying your reviews - sorry you didn't enjoy Boma breakfst - it's our favourite in the world :

 

[deenbrad]

poor child - and poor you. Nothing worse than a sick child except a sick child on holiday.

Enjoying your reviews - sorry you didn't enjoy Boma breakfst - it's our favourite in the world :

I was very happy that it was so short. You do so much planning but obviously we are not the ones in control!

I didn't dislike Boma and am wondering if I caught it on a bad day? Their scrambled eggs were the best of the trip!

 

[deenbrad]

Tonight was the first night we were supposed to go to Narcoossee's - the one restaurant of my ADR's that I was the most excited about. Had the timing all right for Wishes and everything. But as I've already said, I am apparently not in control. My DS was supposed to "take it easy and eat light" so we just hit up the food court at Pop.

What I can say about Pop is they have a big variety of food. I just didn't find any I loved. It filled us up though and I suppose that's the point of counter service food.

DS, eating light, had a hot dog and some fries. By this point I wasn't too worried. He was ready to run a marathon by now.

DH ordered the Chicken Med Flatbread. He really enjoyed it but I didn't taste it.

I decided on the shrimp lo mein. It was ok. It's a food court, can't expect much better and I wanted lobster for dinner!!

So to try to make myself feel better about my dinner I got this:

Now this impressed me!
Hot fudge sundae with chocolate and mint chocolate chip ice cream, whipped cream and nuts. Couldn't finish it but it was yummy! And it's included as dessert on the dining plan!

Covered by DP approx 39.00 (I didn't write down prices @ the food court and it's not all online)

 

[deenbrad]

Today we woke up with a brand new shiny happy attitude about our vacation. DS was nice and healthy and we were very happy about it! Off we trekked to MK with water bottles and handy new spray fan in the backpack!

I originally had a 9:25 reservation for breakfast at Crystal Palace until I read on here about getting into the park before they opened. How cool! So I tried several times a day to get an earlier reservation but never could until some wonderful person on the DIS recommended bumping the reservation up to four people. TaDa!! Got an 8:30 and the park opened at 9!

Once again we waited around 5 minutes and when we got to the table this was there:

I of course noted on all of our reservations that it was our anniversary but this was the first recognition of it.

I think I had a smile plastered on my face the whole time I was here. The place is beautiful - just a perfect atmosphere. We had a wonderful server, Jud, who kept my diet coke refilled the whole time we were there.

This was our first ever character breakfast and I thought it was so much fun to see all the kids' reactions! DS was happy to meet them all. Jud explained that Tigger would be by first but we had time to get some food.

Sorry, I didn't take any food pics. I think it's amazing that anyone can get buffet pics. I'm always so stressed that either I or DS is taking too long as it is! Though I didn't take pics the food was very good! The Pooh's puffed french toast is yummy (though really sweet - duh!) and they had the best strawberries I've ever had! I think I went back for more three times!

One more pic to show just how healthy DS was looking by now!

Covered by DP - 74.60

 

[deenbrad]

We arrived at Liberty Tree approximately 1/2 hour before our reservation. The CM suggested we come back. Actually her words were "you could enjoy the park for a half hour or you can enjoy our lobby." She said it very nicely though! Upon our second arrival we waited (again) probably around five minutes.

On my receipt it says our server's name was Joseph but he introduced himself as Eric. Eric was very nice but seemed a little flustered. It was a very busy place.

For starters I asked if they could do a half order of the Crab and Spinach Dip For Two: Blue Crab, Spinach, and Cream Cheese with Warm Flatbread. He explained they could not do a half order but I could get it anyway on the DP.

It was pretty good. I think it could use stronger flavor. I only managed to eat half. DS & DH only ate some of the flatbread.

DH ordered the

Declaration Salad: Field Greens tossed in your choice of our
Tavern Strawberry Vinaigrette or Garlic-Buttermilk Dressing. He chose the strawberry vinaigrette and loved it. I found it a little sweet but I guess it's supposed to be!

DS ordered the chicken noodle soup as his starter and the macaroni & cheese for his entree.

This all came together while we were working on our appetizers. He did not like the macaroni (definite mac & cheese snob) so Eric traded it for pizza. I think he realized when it arrived that he ate pizza right before getting sick the day before because he barely tasted it. He ended up eating our entrees instead!

DH chose

Pilgrims’ Feast: Traditional Roast Turkey served with Herb Bread Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, and a Garden Vegetable
He enjoyed this immensely and the plate was cleaned (with a little help from DS).

My choice was

New England Pot Roast . . .Our Tavern Keeper’s Favorite: Braised Beef in a Cabernet Wine and Mushroom Sauce served with Mashed Potatoes and
Garden Vegetables
This was very tender and delicious. I had to remind myself of my goal to eat half of my food so not to overstuff!

For dessert I ordered

Apple Tart: Shortbread Crust, Sugared Apples, and Butterscotch Ice Cream (I substituted with Vanilla).
Doesn't it look delicious? It was...ok. Nothing to write home about! Just kind of seemed to be missing something?

DH ordered

Seasonal No Sugar Added Sorbet (I think it was raspberry?)
He this! Actually gave the chef his email address in hopes for the recipe. Not that he cooks.

DS had another build your own sundae and Eric was nice enough to bring him extra toppings when he asked.

Overall a very nice dining experience. One I'd likely repeat in the future. DH didn't want to go back that week though when I suggested it.

Covered by DP - 79.78

 

[deenbrad]

If someone can teach me how to add links to my itinerary I'd be very happy!

 

[deenbrad]

We were supposed to eat at Raglan Rd this night. But since I wanted to reschedule my meal at Narcoossee's I moved up Flying Fish and scheduled Narcoossee's for our actual anniversary the next night.

So off we went to the Boardwalk. Flying Fish is right there when you walk through the Boardwalk Inn. They gave us a pager and we watched the Boardwalk performer juggling for a few minutes.

We were walked to our table and presented with our menu:

Not a great pic but a nice recognition!

Our server was Bob and he was wonderful. Very knowledgable and very nice. Joked a lot with DS.

For starters I ordered

Our Signature Flying Fish Café “Crispy Maine Coast Jonah Crab Cake”
Savory Vegetable Slaw, Roasted Red Pepper Coulis, and Ancho Chile Rémoulade
This was very good! I ate the whole thing other than the slaw - I didn't love that!

DH ordered Epcot Land Pavilion Bibb and Aruba Red Oak Salad, Candied Walnuts, Red Crimson Pears, Gorgonzola Dolce, and Artisanal Walnut Oil Dressing (only without the gorgonzola!) This was a very good salad. I had a little bit of appetizer envy

I had DS order his salad and Bob told him he had to have at least two bites of it or no dessert! Of course in the tradition of kids listening to anyone but their parents, DS ate the two bites!!

For our entrees DS ordered the Grilled Beef Skewers and french fries. He very happily ate every bit!

DH ordered Our Chefs’ Eco-Friendly/Sustainable Fish Selection: Oak-grilled Organic Scottish Salmon. This salmon was amazing! I am a seafood lover. I typically like all fish, with the exception of salmon. I find it WAY too fishy. This, Bob explained, is flown in packed on ice (not frozen) from Scotland. It was so fresh and delicious and not at all fishy. DH loved it and ate it all!

My entree was (and I don't know why I didn't order fish!) Our Signature Flying Fish Café “Char-crusted Certified Black Angus New York Strip Steak” I ordered it medium rare and that's the first thing I check when I receive a steak. I cut into it and it was cooked perfectly. BUT when I tasted it there was something sweet about it. Had DH taste it and he agreed. I asked Bob about it and apparently when they char it they use some sort of a sugary glaze. He very kindly offered to replace it with one that did not have this on it.

While I was waiting for my replacement steak Bob offered to buy us dessert tonight. I explained we already had dessert covered by the DxDP. He then offered us some wine? No thanks. Not really a wine fan. He said "fine, I'll just head down the boardwalk and get the boy some candy!" Thinking he was joking we laughed. Sure enough when he brought us our check he showed up with a little box of swedish fish for my son! Very kind!

Replacement steak was delicious and again I had some issues only eating half! But it was time for dessert!!

DS ordered the paint your own puzzle dessert

He had a lot of fun painting his teeth and directly eating the icing. It also comes with a little cupcake. He painted some of the icing on that as well then ate just the top!

DH knew right away he wanted something with chocolate so he ordered

Trio of Sinful Chocolate Indulgences
°White Chocolate-Almond Crème Brûlée,
Almond Florentine and Cranberry-Orange Biscotti
°Decadent Flourless Chocolate Torta, and Raspberries
°Chocolate Bread Pudding, Cherry and Tahitian Vanilla Accents (He asked to replace the bread pudding with another Torta though)
He absolutely loved every bit of it, well except the almond florentine which I gladly traded for my cranberry-orange biscotti!!

I was torn about dessert. Having loved the creme brulee at The Wave earlier in the week I decided to order

White Chocolate and Almond-scented Crème Brûlée,
Almond Florentine and Cranberry-Orange Biscotti
This was AMAZING. I practically licked the bowl. This is a very generous portion and though I was already full I managed to finish it! There is just the right amount of almond taste to this to make it incredible. I'd highly recommend it!!

So now we were so stuffed and ready to roll out of the restaurant. Well here comes Bob with this to celebrate our anniversary:

From his description it was “Our Chef’s No Sugar Added Specialty”
Walnut-crusted Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake
Luckily neither of us are overly fond of cheesecake or we would've never gotten out of there! We did our best to pretend we ate some though. It was so pretty!

Flying Fish is a Signature restaurant and 2 credits each. I was a little hesitant thinking it might be stuffy but it wasn't at all. I know the dress code is collared shirts for men but there were men there wearing t-shirts.

I would absolutely go back again. The food and service were both amazing!

Covered by DP - 172.18

 

[Jonesloonybin]

We were at Pop at the same time!! We stayed the 1-10th. I agree that the Pop food court was crazy busy most of the time. We did enjoy the sundaes with our DxDDP. We were able to get brownie sundaes! YUM!

I am sorry to hear that your son wasn't feeling well. That was a VERY HOT day. We ended up springing for a stroller a couple of those hot days because dd7's asthma was flaring up. This was our first experience with Love bugs (and WDW) and they were annoying but manageable. I can't imagine how bad it must be in Sept.

We ate at a lot of the same places. I can't wait to read more of your reviews!

Terri

 

[undertheseas]

Great reviews! I can't wait to read about narcoossee's, that place is my favorite!