1st time F&W, MNSSHP, Africa Trek & no kids! (Updated 5/11/14)

[khertz]

What a great party night! I love that you were able to get the fun Photopass locations. We never did come across them on our MNSSHP night, and that was really the only thing I had on my list that I regret not doing.

I've never watched the parade and fireworks from the train station, but it looks like a great perspective! Your costumes were GREAT! Too bad it was too hot to wear them.

 

[saintstickets]

What a great party night! I love that you were able to get the fun Photopass locations. We never did come across them on our MNSSHP night, and that was really the only thing I had on my list that I regret not doing.

I've never watched the parade and fireworks from the train station, but it looks like a great perspective! Your costumes were GREAT! Too bad it was too hot to wear them.

The train station is not a bad location at all. You're a bit far away for the fireworks but it's great for the parade. We'll save the costumes. Maybe next year?

 

[natebenma]

And I'm caught up again!



What a day!!!

The GFV tour looked awesome. Great breakfast, too.

I have a deep, dark Beaches & Cream secret.
I have never been there for lunch, dinner or an ice cream. *Ducks* as a whole can of whipped cream is thrown at my head! My Beach Club friends think this is a travesty. I did try breakfast there in July 2009 when they were trialing a quick serve breakfast. Wish they made that permanent. BTW- your sandwich looks incredible. Now I am drooling and want one.

I have that Beach Club pin.

Too bad the costumes did not work out for MNSSHP, but it sounds like it was a good call. Loved your photos, and not your photos, too. I do that as well- in the photo folders for each of my trips I have a file called Other Peoples Photos. MEK has a few photos represented there, but don't tell her! Occasionally I will use one of these in my photo albums.

Your picture of the BOG door is stunning. I'm not sure I have seen anyone post this before, and definitely not in that kind of detail.

Wow, that restaurant is gorgeous. I love how you captured the iconic pictures like the slashed portrait and the rose.

I am surprised that it is snowing in October in Florida, but then again, we got snow here in April yesterday, so there you go.

I love your vantage point for the castle projection show with the other Main Street buildings in the shot, and your Hallowishes photos are great!

 

[saintstickets]

And I'm caught up again!



What a day!!!

The GFV tour looked awesome. Great breakfast, too.

Glad you're caught up! It was a fantastic day and we were really surprised by the breakfast. We thought it would just be soft drinks and a cookie.

I have a deep, dark Beaches & Cream secret.
I have never been there for lunch, dinner or an ice cream. *Ducks* as a whole can of whipped cream is thrown at my head! My Beach Club friends think this is a travesty. I did try breakfast there in July 2009 when they were trialing a quick serve breakfast. Wish they made that permanent. BTW- your sandwich looks incredible. Now I am drooling and want one.

HOLD THE PHONE!!! You mean the host of the Yacht and Beach Club forum has not been to B&C?!?!?! OMG...they're gonna make you sit in the creepy chairs over at the Boardwalk until you repent!

Too bad the costumes did not work out for MNSSHP, but it sounds like it was a good call. Loved your photos, and not your photos, too. I do that as well- in the photo folders for each of my trips I have a file called Other Peoples Photos. MEK has a few photos represented there, but don't tell her! Occasionally I will use one of these in my photo albums.

We won't tell MEK. She has so many adoring fans and TR's to follow, she'll probably never see it here!

Your picture of the BOG door is stunning. I'm not sure I have seen anyone post this before, and definitely not in that kind of detail.

Wow, that restaurant is gorgeous. I love how you captured the iconic pictures like the slashed portrait and the rose.

It was definitely the subject and not the photographer. That is THE best themed restaurant in WDW!

I love your vantage point for the castle projection show with the other Main Street buildings in the shot, and your Hallowishes photos are great!

Thank you ma'am! I like to try different angles to take the normal, everybody takes that picture, shot. It's not a bad place at all to sit and watch and you're under roof if it starts to rain too!

 

[saintstickets]

Back to the TR....

One last thing about MNSSHP….don’t wait until the last minute to purchase souvenir pins. There were still 10 days left in MNSSHP and they were sold out. We had to buy mystery pin sets to get anything that had MNSSHP on it and there was only one place left in all of MK that had them! Here is what we found…




WEDNESDAY October 23, 2013
Our plans for this day are Hollywood Studios, back to F&W and then a 6:30pm ADR at….well, you’ll have to wait and see.

We were up and going fairly early. We had our first FP+ at 9:10am. We decided to catch the boat to HS instead of walking. The Yacht & Beach Club resorts are beautiful!










Across the lake is where we will be staying in June, 2014




And during that June, 2014 trip, we have ADR’s here




Most of you probably know that Kouzzina by Cat Cora is closing permanently September 30, 2014. The food is primarily Greek/Mediterranean. We have ADR’s in June for both dinner and breakfast. Cat Cora is a good ole Mississippi girl, born in Jackson and she received her BS in Exercise Physiology and Biology from my alma mater, The University of Southern Mississippi. How she went from that degree to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY must have been influenced by her father and grandfather who both were in the restaurant business (her father in Jackson, MS and her grandfather in Skopelos, Greece). She is well known on the Food Network and Bon Appetit magazine with restaurants around the world. The lease at the Boardwalk ends 9/30/14 and I have not been able to find out whether she or Disney decided to not renew. Either way, I am looking forward to dining there in June. We have to support the home girl!!!

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[saintstickets]

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A nice, quick boat ride and we have arrived






Our first FP+ is




And of course we had to get a PP+ pic




Next up is




And to follow suit, another PP+ pic




We were TRYING to look scared but the lady behind us was not putting on for the photo!

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[saintstickets]

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After these 2 quick rides (it was only 10:00ish – don’t you just love Fast Pass!!), we decided to stop at Starring Rolls Café for breakfast.




We had a cream cheese Danish, apple turnover and a banana split dessert item. Doesn’t everyone have dessert for breakfast?




We walked around a while and made our way to the Disney Animation studio.




We have never been in here and thanks to the DISboards, we read where you can take a short class to learn how to draw some of Disney’s signature characters. Neither of us will ever be considered a Da Vinci but here are our drawings

DW


And mine



The “class” takes a vote on which character to draw and Minnie was chosen. As you can see, I had to be different and perform a “Mickey-ectomy” and draw the main man! It was fun. The place is air-conditioned and you get a free souvenir as a bonus!

Can you guess where we went next?



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[saintstickets]

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Of course it was Toy Story Mania. Our scores were pitiful




But I won anyway!! WOOHOO!! (Not that the score matters…the heck it doesn’t…I won…I won…I won. Doing the happy dance )


Back out on the “Street”, there is usually some activity happening. They were giving us a math lesson.






A few PP+ pics






We didn’t do it, I tell you…We was framed!




Corny, I know but I bet you smiled!

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[saintstickets]

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We decided to head back to EPCOT and F&W. On the boat ride back… the poor Dolphin is getting a refurb. I wonder if anyone notified PETA?




Another resort pic




A quick shot in the lobby




We took a quick bathroom break and freshened up before heading to the World Showcase. I love watching these guys in the American pavilion



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[saintstickets]

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Now for some of the F&W kiosk samplings!

Poland – Kielbasa & Potato Pierogi with caramelized onions and sour cream




Next was an Artisan Cheese selection from the…er…the Cheese kiosk. Yup, that’s what it was called! Real original, right? We don’t have a pic but it was a sampler of Beecher’s Flagship Reserve served with honey, La Bonne Vie Triple Crème Brie served with apricot jam and Wyngaard Goats Gouda with craisin bread. They were all VERY good!

We’re still trolling and next was China – Mongolian beef in a steamed bun



Notice that fancy eating table? It was the top of one of PUSH's cousins!


Followed by Australia – Grilled lamp chop with mint pesto & potato crunchies




If I were to rank these 4 F&W samplings, I’d have to say 1) cheese, 2) kielbasa, 3) Mongolian beef & 4) lamb chop. The mint pesto on the lamb chop just didn’t do it for us. It wasn’t bad and we like mint pesto but on this day, it was our least favorite.


We had been looking for a F&W pin each time we were in the World Showcase but to no avail. Just like the MNSSHP pins, they were sold out everywhere. We were told to try the Festival Center (former Wonders of Life Pavilion) that is between Mission Space and Ellen’s Energy Adventure. There was only one pin left




It’s not a bad pin but c’mon Disney…for someone that LOVES to get us to spend our money, you gotta have a selection that lasts at least until the last week of F&W!

While we were at the Festival Center, we registered for a seminar and a culinary demonstration on Saturday. More on that later. Back to the room again to change for our ADR tonight!

Okay…I know you are about to die to learn where we were eating…right? RIGHT?!?

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[saintstickets]

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Mark another restaurant off of our bucket list…here is where we ate this night




Inside the restaurant




As you know, Bluezoo is located in the Dolphin resort. It is fairly upscale and while there is not a strict dress code (this isn’t Victoria & Albert’s!), one would feel at home in business casual attire. Now for the best part…THE FOOD!!

Karen was our server and as usually happens to us, we met someone from our home State. She happened to be from the Mississippi delta and had lived in Hattiesburg (across the river from where we live). She had not been back in many years but I think she enjoyed talking about places we all knew.

For the meal, DW started off with a glass of Tolloy pinot grigio from the Vigneti delle dolomiti region. All those fancy words just mean it’s from the northern alpine region of Italy. Why can’t they just say that? Because they would not be able to charge as much! I had a Sprecher brand black Bavarian beer. Both were really very good.

For appetizers, DW had the Teppan seared jumbo sea scallops with braised beef short ribs in a cauliflower puree




I had Bluezoo’s New England style clam chowder with salt cured bacon (hey…ANYTHING with bacon’s gotta be great. As Emeril says, “Pork fat rules!”)




I remembered to take pictures when we were about half way finished; they were both soooo good.

For our entrée, DW had their Dirty South Swordfish that was rubbed with a barbeque spice and served with smoked tasso risotto, rock shrimp and littleneck clams.
(Sorry the pic is so fuzzy. Maybe I should not have had that 16th beer? Not really, just an amateur photographer)




My entrée was the daily fish special. Today it was grilled salmon served with a lobster, crabmeat, Dijon mustard and chive sauce




We decided to share a dessert at Karen’s recommendation and chose the Vanilla Rum Millefeuille. This is a caramelized puff pastry with vanilla bean ice cream, vanilla rum cream and caramel-vanilla syrup




My oh my….now that was a meal!!!

For our rating…without a doubt, an A+. Great atmosphere, excellent food, fantastic service and a reasonable price (by Disney standards). This is definitely a place we will try again and again.

The place was not crowded at all when we arrived at 6:30 but by the time we left, it was about ¾ full. As is the case in most Disney restaurants, plenty of people were coming in straight from the parks and had on shorts and t-shirts. As I previously stated, they are not strict on the dress code but you’ll probably feel more comfortable in long pants & a collared shirt for the guys and capris, long pants, skirt or sun dress for the ladies.

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[saintstickets]

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After all the food we have had today, we were glad to walk the short distance back to the BCV. It was a nice night and I love the resort at night







Anyone for a dip at Stormalong Bay?




How about a late night movie on the beach?




It has been a great day today…what day isn’t great at Disney? We’ve done a fair amount without feeling too rushed. It’s not very late. We watch the high fireworks from Illuminations on our way back to the room. Time for some shuteye. We have to get up early tomorrow and make our way to Animal Kingdom. At 8:45am, we’re off on our three hour Wild Africa Trek!!!

 

[RKew]

Love that guy balancing....

 

[khaleesi]

Yay for Animation Class!!!!! My attempt will be showing up on my TR at some point. I think it might be one of the best experiences offered at The World. Very cute drawings!!

That kielbasa and pierogi look really yummy.

I think I read on the Disney food blog that it was a mutual decision between Cat and Disney not to renew. And I think I remember Todd English from 'Top Chef'. The inside of the restaurant looks way too fancy for me. Haha.

 

[annmarieda]

Such great updates!!

I am sad Kouzzina is closing... I wish it were not true. I really have enjoyed my breakfasts there.

You both look so brave (even when you are trying to look scared) on those rides. Course... I am to chicken to go on either of them... so maybe that is why you both look so brave to me.

Your drawings are both so great! I love animation academy!!

Your food and wine samples look/sound great. I tried a couple of them last fall (the pork and the mongolian beef) I must say I really enjoyed the mongolian beef!

Blue Zoo looks like a nice place to eat! I can see why you would say dressing in more than shorts and tee might be a more comfortable attire.

 

[saintstickets]

Love that guy balancing....

Ditto!

Yay for Animation Class!!!!! My attempt will be showing up on my TR at some point. I think it might be one of the best experiences offered at The World. Very cute drawings!!

I look forward to your drawing. I agree, where else can you get out of the weather and get a free souvenir at Disney? Thanks for the compliment. They are really great in how they teach you to draw the characters so the CM deserves the credit.

That kielbasa and pierogi look really yummy.

It was!!

I think I read on the Disney food blog that it was a mutual decision between Cat and Disney not to renew. And I think I remember Todd English from 'Top Chef'. The inside of the restaurant looks way too fancy for me. Haha.

I understand now that a new restaurant will be opening within a month after Kouzzina closes so sometime around the end of October or the first of November. No news on what it will be. Todd English has been on lots of shows; has 16 or 17 restaurants around the world and written numerous books. The place was very nice inside but it didn't feel haughty or snobbish at all. The food is well worth a try in the future if you get the chance.

Such great updates!!

Thank you ma'am!

I am sad Kouzzina is closing... I wish it were not true. I really have enjoyed my breakfasts there.

We had reservations a couple of years ago but then had to cancel because they were undergoing a refurb. I'm looking forward to going there.

You both look so brave (even when you are trying to look scared) on those rides. Course... I am to chicken to go on either of them... so maybe that is why you both look so brave to me.

Uh oh...you might have stumbled on my secret...try to make a scared face and then you are so intent on doing the face that you forget to be scared!

Your drawings are both so great! I love animation academy!!

Thanks for the compliment. We are planning on giving it another try in June and October!

Your food and wine samples look/sound great. I tried a couple of them last fall (the pork and the mongolian beef) I must say I really enjoyed the mongolian beef!

We didn't have anything that we disliked the whole time we were there. Some things were more pleasing to us than others but that's what is so nice about F&W...you can try appetizer portions for a decent price without having to waste an entire meal trying something new. Then if it's something you really like, the next time you are a restaurant, you can try the big boy version!

Blue Zoo looks like a nice place to eat! I can see why you would say dressing in more than shorts and tee might be a more comfortable attire.

It's not necessary but as they say, when in Rome....

 

[natebenma]

What is up with the pin availability??? I hear the same thing about the Star Wars Weekend merchandise as well.

The Yacht & Beach Club resorts are beautiful!

Couldn't agree more!

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We didn’t do it, I tell you…We was framed!




Corny, I know but I bet you smiled!

Sounds like a lot of fun at HS- you certainly did the headliners justice.

Nice job on the drawings. Did the instructor give directions to draw either or did you do the Mickey alternative freestyle? That may be the first time I have seen the main mice as subjects.

The F&W offers all looked great.

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Inside the restaurant

Blue Zoo looks like a beautiful restaurant and the food all sound super good.

Do you happen to have a photo of the picture that is in the background of this photo?

This is a picture that is in a seafood restaurant that we went to in February in Mexico and they look similar.



Now like Kat Cora is a local gal for you, Todd English is a homeboy for those of us near Boston, but unfortunately even though his places have great reputations, I have never been to one of his restaurants.

Speaking of Kouzzina, I am disappointed to hear that it is closing. Greek/Mediterranean food is my favorite type of cuisine, but I haven't been able to convince my family to dine there. I have made the cinnamon chicken that is on the menu, from a recipe I found on the DIS

I love your nighttime pictures of the resort. Looks light the light is out on top of the lighthouse again.

Another pretty terrific day!

 

[MEK]

Of course I missed this update and its a mega one and I'm short on time!

Beautiful night shots!

Love your breakfast.

Cute picture on RnR.

Dinner looks delish and you barely had to walk anywhere. So convenient!

If you think your scores on TSM are dismal you should see our last scores. Yeah - one of us didn't even break 100,000 and that someone wasn't me.

 

[saintstickets]

What is up with the pin availability??? I hear the same thing about the Star Wars Weekend merchandise as well.

I understand not wanting left over merchandise that has a date on it but one would think Disney would be able to plan better than this.

Nice job on the drawings. Did the instructor give directions to draw either or did you do the Mickey alternative freestyle? That may be the first time I have seen the main mice as subjects.

The "class" selected Minnie Mouse but the CM leading us told us the differences between the two without drawing Mickey. I had to give it a try.

The F&W offers all looked great.

We enjoy "grazing" around the world during F&W and had something positive to say for almost everything we tried. I guess we liked it...we're going back this October!

Blue Zoo looks like a beautiful restaurant and the food all sound super good.

Do you happen to have a photo of the picture that is in the background of this photo?

This is a picture that is in a seafood restaurant that we went to in February in Mexico and they look similar.

No picture of the picture in the background of the picture.
It does look very similar though.

Now like Kat Cora is a local gal for you, Todd English is a homeboy for those of us near Boston, but unfortunately even though his places have great reputations, I have never been to one of his restaurants.

Speaking of Kouzzina, I am disappointed to hear that it is closing. Greek/Mediterranean food is my favorite type of cuisine, but I haven't been able to convince my family to dine there. I have made the cinnamon chicken that is on the menu, from a recipe I found on the DIS

DW and I love Greek/Med food too. Even in our little city there are three different Greek/Med restaurants so we get to go often. I'm looking forward to Kouzzina but if it is as great as I expect, it will make our local places seem like they need to be on Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives"!

I love your nighttime pictures of the resort. Looks light the light is out on top of the lighthouse again.

Thank you and you would think they could afford a light bulb, wouldn't you? Could be that they have to replace the old incandescent bulb with one of those new cork-screwy ones and they can't find one that big!

Of course I missed this update and its a mega one and I'm short on time!

Yeah, yeah, yeah...I know...you're having to get ready for your trip to WDW...again!! Geesh!! (I'm just jealous)

Beautiful night shots!

Just proves that even a blind hog can find an acorn every once in a while! (How's that for a Southern colloquialism?

Love your breakfast.

Cute picture on RnR.

Dinner looks delish and you barely had to walk anywhere. So convenient!

Food comment, ride comment, food comment....hmmm...you driving somewhere to get something to eat soon?

If you think your scores on TSM are dismal you should see our last scores. Yeah - one of us didn't even break 100,000 and that someone wasn't me.

I wonder who that was? Did this person risk their man-card on Kali River Rapids?

 

[natebenma]

I understand not wanting left over merchandise that has a date on it but one would think Disney would be able to plan better than this.

You would think Disney would have some better planners in their merchandising departments, but ask any mom with a girl under the age of 10 how impressed they are with the availability of Frozen merchandise...