2 days, 3 hours, 26 minutes (The End! Page 2 Post 28)
- Thread starter cj9200
- Start date
cj9200
DIS Dad #412
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2006
- Messages
- 5,448
Sadly this report is no longer live from WDW because we left this morning. How depressing. OK, tears wiped from my eyes, back to the memories.
I thought that today was a non-park day but Mom and SIL decided they were going to Hollywood Studios for the morning. Found out later that they took a wrong turn going to HS and ended up on a very scenic route. They only did the Little Mermaid and verified how packed the park was. DD and I were off to Downtown Disney for some shopping for her friends.
Later we all met up in the room to get ready V&A. The Boardwalk put up a stage on the lawn and a DJ was getting the crowd ready. They had party hats and noisemakers, so I went down to get one for each of us. Spent the rest of the time on our (large) veranda sipping cocktails anticipating the evening.
A short drive to the Grand Floridian and the keys were handed over to the valet attendants. After a few snap shots of the tree, gingerbread house and holiday decorations, we arrived about a half an hour before our 9:30 reservation. The hostess and host could not have been nicer and we were seated shortly after arrival (I did check with them when we got to the GF to see if we could be seated earlier).
What can I say about V&A? The place is a whole different world. You are pampered. Don’t like the fish dish, pick something else or we will create something special for you. Vegetarian? No problem. Leave the table and a new napkin is waiting for you when you return. The food is incredible. I won’t go through all of our selections here but it was amazing. I had a pork dish (for the fish course) and it was out of this world. Way too much food and such an indulgence, but what the heck. New Years at Vicki’s, a once in a lifetime experience that DD loved.
Three plus hours later and starting a New Year, we rolled out of the place and headed home. What a memory.
I thought that today was a non-park day but Mom and SIL decided they were going to Hollywood Studios for the morning. Found out later that they took a wrong turn going to HS and ended up on a very scenic route. They only did the Little Mermaid and verified how packed the park was. DD and I were off to Downtown Disney for some shopping for her friends.
Later we all met up in the room to get ready V&A. The Boardwalk put up a stage on the lawn and a DJ was getting the crowd ready. They had party hats and noisemakers, so I went down to get one for each of us. Spent the rest of the time on our (large) veranda sipping cocktails anticipating the evening.
A short drive to the Grand Floridian and the keys were handed over to the valet attendants. After a few snap shots of the tree, gingerbread house and holiday decorations, we arrived about a half an hour before our 9:30 reservation. The hostess and host could not have been nicer and we were seated shortly after arrival (I did check with them when we got to the GF to see if we could be seated earlier).
What can I say about V&A? The place is a whole different world. You are pampered. Don’t like the fish dish, pick something else or we will create something special for you. Vegetarian? No problem. Leave the table and a new napkin is waiting for you when you return. The food is incredible. I won’t go through all of our selections here but it was amazing. I had a pork dish (for the fish course) and it was out of this world. Way too much food and such an indulgence, but what the heck. New Years at Vicki’s, a once in a lifetime experience that DD loved.
Three plus hours later and starting a New Year, we rolled out of the place and headed home. What a memory.
cj9200
DIS Dad #412
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2006
- Messages
- 5,448
Wow, V&A for NYE dinner, how awesome!!! We ate there last year for our anniversary and it was just so incredible!! Glad you had a great trip.
For various reasons, I wanted this to be a memorable trip and V&A was a cornerstone to the week. I agree with you that it is an incredible experience. In the restaurant though, you would not have known it was NYE. They did not do anything because I guess they want to maintain the quiet atmosphere of the place. The Grand Floridian however had some things going on in the lobby.
This was shortly before midnight
They had a band playing, noisemakers, hats (nicer than the ones they passed out at the Boardwalk) and specialty drinks. All in all a good night.
cj9200
DIS Dad #412
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2006
- Messages
- 5,448
Mom and SIL were leaving today and DD and I were headed to the parks. Goodbyes were said and we walked over to Hollywood Studios. Made the rope drop and in fact were in the front of the line at the kickoff (I mean drop). The first goal was to get Fast Passes to Toy Story Mania. The dash began and we made it near the front of the line to get our FP. What a madhouse.
Then to Tower of Terror which was a good ride with many big drops. Then it was time for another FP, so over to Rock and Roller Coaster. By now our window for TYMM was open. Love the ride along with the rest of the masses. We will not talk about who won between the two of us. From there it was Star Wars, Muppets and then Disney Animation. We just missed getting into the Animation Academy where they teach you how to draw a character. DD is artistic and I thought she would enjoy it. It was close to our R&R FP so instead of waiting for the next show we went over to ride our limo. Maybe next time.
Time for lunch and we decided to head back to the resort. Long search (and somewhat amusing) we ended up at the Captain’s Grill at Yacht Club. First time here and it was pretty good. We had to eat relatively early because we had Hoop Dee Doo at 7:30.
The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing in the room and getting ready for the show. DD was running late and of course when we got to the bus stop it took forever for the bus to arrive. Made it to the MK and another wait for the boat to Ft. Wilderness. Long story about where we were sitting for the show but all was well as we got a table on the first floor. It has been a few years since I saw the show and it was as good as ever. DD got recognized by the “blonde” for her birthday,
DD’s moment of fame
After the show ended we took the boat over to the MK for some shopping and pics of the decorations.
Have to love the Castle all lit up
Saw the parade as we were exiting and had good luck catching our bus back home. Wound down a little bit before it was off to bed because we were getting up early for EPCOT opening.
Then to Tower of Terror which was a good ride with many big drops. Then it was time for another FP, so over to Rock and Roller Coaster. By now our window for TYMM was open. Love the ride along with the rest of the masses. We will not talk about who won between the two of us. From there it was Star Wars, Muppets and then Disney Animation. We just missed getting into the Animation Academy where they teach you how to draw a character. DD is artistic and I thought she would enjoy it. It was close to our R&R FP so instead of waiting for the next show we went over to ride our limo. Maybe next time.
Time for lunch and we decided to head back to the resort. Long search (and somewhat amusing) we ended up at the Captain’s Grill at Yacht Club. First time here and it was pretty good. We had to eat relatively early because we had Hoop Dee Doo at 7:30.
The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing in the room and getting ready for the show. DD was running late and of course when we got to the bus stop it took forever for the bus to arrive. Made it to the MK and another wait for the boat to Ft. Wilderness. Long story about where we were sitting for the show but all was well as we got a table on the first floor. It has been a few years since I saw the show and it was as good as ever. DD got recognized by the “blonde” for her birthday,
DD’s moment of fame
After the show ended we took the boat over to the MK for some shopping and pics of the decorations.
Have to love the Castle all lit up
Saw the parade as we were exiting and had good luck catching our bus back home. Wound down a little bit before it was off to bed because we were getting up early for EPCOT opening.
cj9200
DIS Dad #412
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2006
- Messages
- 5,448
Today was another early rise day so we can make the opening of EPCOT. Around 8:30 we were at the International Gateway entrance, this time second in line. I thought they let us in so we could walk to a holding area in Future World. Wrong! We stuck it out and at 10 minutes before the park opened, we were let in.
Dashed over to Test Track for Fast Passes and then to Mission Space. No line and we were able to ride it twice. Our FP was ready for TT and we quickly boarded our car. Unfortunately, the audio and video in the car did not work which really downgraded the experience. From there we wanted to do Spaceship Earth but the line was too long. DD loves Energy so we went to visit Ellen. After the three hour tour (OK, 45 minutes) we hit the Seas to look at the fishes. Instead of waiting to ride Nemo, we entered through the gift shop. From Seas we left the park for home.
Spent some time at the room until our 3:30 ADR at Yak and Yeti. We arrived too late to really do anything at the Animal Kingdom. Then there came a moment of pixie dust. We were standing in front of Expedition Everest watching and hearing the screaming riders when someone walks up to us. Nice Gentleman: We have two FPs we cant use, would you like them? Me: Huh? We have two FPs for Everest and you can ride right now. Of course, thank you, thank you, thank you. What a nice gesture and made our day.
Tempted the Yeti (although he was down this time) and made it to our ADR at Yak and Yeti. Both DD and I love this restaurant. I had the beef and broccoli and DD had the vegetarian lo mien. Food was good, beer was cold and we had the bonus of viewing the parade from our table.
After the meal, we wandered out of the park and back to the resort. The rest of the night was chilling out watching some football on TV and street entertainers on the Boardwalk.
Dashed over to Test Track for Fast Passes and then to Mission Space. No line and we were able to ride it twice. Our FP was ready for TT and we quickly boarded our car. Unfortunately, the audio and video in the car did not work which really downgraded the experience. From there we wanted to do Spaceship Earth but the line was too long. DD loves Energy so we went to visit Ellen. After the three hour tour (OK, 45 minutes) we hit the Seas to look at the fishes. Instead of waiting to ride Nemo, we entered through the gift shop. From Seas we left the park for home.
Spent some time at the room until our 3:30 ADR at Yak and Yeti. We arrived too late to really do anything at the Animal Kingdom. Then there came a moment of pixie dust. We were standing in front of Expedition Everest watching and hearing the screaming riders when someone walks up to us. Nice Gentleman: We have two FPs we cant use, would you like them? Me: Huh? We have two FPs for Everest and you can ride right now. Of course, thank you, thank you, thank you. What a nice gesture and made our day.
Tempted the Yeti (although he was down this time) and made it to our ADR at Yak and Yeti. Both DD and I love this restaurant. I had the beef and broccoli and DD had the vegetarian lo mien. Food was good, beer was cold and we had the bonus of viewing the parade from our table.
After the meal, we wandered out of the park and back to the resort. The rest of the night was chilling out watching some football on TV and street entertainers on the Boardwalk.
cj9200
DIS Dad #412
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2006
- Messages
- 5,448
This was to be Early Entry at the Magic Kingdom. OK, change of plans. Sleep in and go to Downtown Disney. We went to Downtown Disney and got tickets for Bolt. DD had seen it but was willing to do see it again. Waiting for the movie to start, we hustled to the Earl of Sandwich (a favorite counter service place). I had the Original (roast beef) and DD had macaroni salad. Good as ever.
Bolt was a funny movie. It has become one of my favorite Pixar movies. Behind Monsters Inc. but either slightly ahead or behind Wall-E. After the movie it was a quick trip off campus to purchase more spirits and then back to the Marketplace. One last stop looking for souvenirs. I bought a couple of T-shirts then it was, you guessed it, back to chill at the resort.
We had dinner planned at Chefs de France but because the MK was skipped, the reservations were canceled so we did not burn a park admission ticket. After looking at some menues online, we chose to go back to the Captain's Grill. Again, good food. I had the prime rib which was a good value at $21. DD had the Wild Mushrooms and Onion Tart.
This is a great salad choice. The Wedge.
Spent the rest of our last night watching the street entertainment and DD wanted to look at the Wayland Studio shop. She fell in love with a necklace that believe it or not was affordable. While she was watching a performer, I went back and bought it for her birthday. Shhh, dont tell her.
She was off to bed and I spent some time on the patio soaking in our last night here.
Bolt was a funny movie. It has become one of my favorite Pixar movies. Behind Monsters Inc. but either slightly ahead or behind Wall-E. After the movie it was a quick trip off campus to purchase more spirits and then back to the Marketplace. One last stop looking for souvenirs. I bought a couple of T-shirts then it was, you guessed it, back to chill at the resort.
We had dinner planned at Chefs de France but because the MK was skipped, the reservations were canceled so we did not burn a park admission ticket. After looking at some menues online, we chose to go back to the Captain's Grill. Again, good food. I had the prime rib which was a good value at $21. DD had the Wild Mushrooms and Onion Tart.
This is a great salad choice. The Wedge.
Spent the rest of our last night watching the street entertainment and DD wanted to look at the Wayland Studio shop. She fell in love with a necklace that believe it or not was affordable. While she was watching a performer, I went back and bought it for her birthday. Shhh, dont tell her.
She was off to bed and I spent some time on the patio soaking in our last night here.
cj9200
DIS Dad #412
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2006
- Messages
- 5,448
Woke up very early today. Depression over leaving had set in and I finished the postponed packing. Woke DD at 8:30 and after a while she was out of bed getting ready. We had the car loaded by 9:45 and after gassing up the car at the Hess station ($1.50 something a gallon) we were off back to the real world. It was a quick and uneventful trip and we were soon immersed with the mundane tasks of everyday life.
So sad to leave
I did not have another trip planned for the foreseeable future but there was a bonus by not going to the Magic Kingdom on Saturday. There was one day left on our 4-day park hopper that is good for another 6 months. On the drive home, I called member services for a short trip in June after school gets out. DD wants to bring the friend that came with us for a trip earlier this year. I told her I am not sure but I will give in. Right now we have a 1 BR at the Wilderness Lodge but are waitlisted for the Beach Club. Hopefully that will come through.
Final thoughts:
THIS WAS A GREAT TRIP! Everything pretty much went as planned. The room was fantastic. Victoria and Alberts was a night we will always have in our memory banks. Yes, we did not spend a ton of time in the parks but it didnt matter. We had fun all the same. Wished we would have finally seen the updated Spaceship Earth and with the rumored closing of Space Mountain, it would have been nice to ride it one more time.
Now it is time to look forward to the June trip and begin planning DDs Sweet sixteen next January. The plan is to bring a few of her friends for a weekend stay in a Grand Villa. Right now the idea is to let them lose in the parks for one day and the other day a manicures at the spa and dinner at the California Grill. Should be fun (for them). Pass me the Prozac.
Hope you enjoyed, thanks for reading. It is my intent to post a more detailed version with more pictures later. If it happens, I will let you know.
So sad to leave
I did not have another trip planned for the foreseeable future but there was a bonus by not going to the Magic Kingdom on Saturday. There was one day left on our 4-day park hopper that is good for another 6 months. On the drive home, I called member services for a short trip in June after school gets out. DD wants to bring the friend that came with us for a trip earlier this year. I told her I am not sure but I will give in. Right now we have a 1 BR at the Wilderness Lodge but are waitlisted for the Beach Club. Hopefully that will come through.
Final thoughts:
THIS WAS A GREAT TRIP! Everything pretty much went as planned. The room was fantastic. Victoria and Alberts was a night we will always have in our memory banks. Yes, we did not spend a ton of time in the parks but it didnt matter. We had fun all the same. Wished we would have finally seen the updated Spaceship Earth and with the rumored closing of Space Mountain, it would have been nice to ride it one more time.
Now it is time to look forward to the June trip and begin planning DDs Sweet sixteen next January. The plan is to bring a few of her friends for a weekend stay in a Grand Villa. Right now the idea is to let them lose in the parks for one day and the other day a manicures at the spa and dinner at the California Grill. Should be fun (for them). Pass me the Prozac.
Hope you enjoyed, thanks for reading. It is my intent to post a more detailed version with more pictures later. If it happens, I will let you know.
cj9200
DIS Dad #412
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2006
- Messages
- 5,448
Thank you, I will pass on your wishes to DD. It was a great trip, one of the best ever. I may try to do a more detailed TR later because I left out a lot of things and pictures. For the sweet 16 I am hoping to get the Grand Villa so I will be dialing member services soon. Have a great Disney year.
CJ
-
Loungefly's New 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' Floral Zero
-
Is Park Hopping at Disney Still Worth the Extra Money in 2025?
-
Photo Tour of The Beak and Barrel, Adventureland's New Pirate Bar at Disney World
-
New Oogie Boogie Bash Lunch Discount in Downtown Disney at Disneyland
-
Dark Universe Soundtrack from Danny Elfman Now Streaming
-
Jock Lindsey's HALLOWEEN Hangar Bar Full Menu Review at Disney World
-
New Disney Character Sweaters Now at Disney World
