3 Generations! 2 Resorts! 10 Days! DxDp! 3000 Pictures! - Saying Good-Bye!

[Zuzu03]

Hey Heather! Just jumped on board to say hello!!! Now I have to go back and read from the beginning! YAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!

Nancy

EDITED: Just got all caught up! LOVING it!!! And oh my goodness, your children have grown up so much in a year!!!! They're adorable!!! How cool the campfire must have been!!! But darn it all, NOW I have to put FW on the list - because I was like you and was not too thrilled about the whole camping thing, but the cabins look pretty cool! We've been over there a few times for the trail riding and when River Country was up and running (yes it HAS been a long time). So now we have to try the cabins for a few nights. CR is beautiful, haven't stayed there in a while, but that's creeping back up the list too! And I love your photo across Bay Lake of the my beloved Swalphin! And, getting up early and taking photos is one of my fave activities too! Can't believe how light the crowds were for you, that is awesome! Looking forward to more!!!!

 

[hstrickland]

Hey Heather! Just jumped on board to say hello!!! Now I have to go back and read from the beginning! YAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!

Nancy

EDITED: Just got all caught up! LOVING it!!! And oh my goodness, your children have grown up so much in a year!!!! They're adorable!!! How cool the campfire must have been!!! But darn it all, NOW I have to put FW on the list - because I was like you and was not too thrilled about the whole camping thing, but the cabins look pretty cool! We've been over there a few times for the trail riding and when River Country was up and running (yes it HAS been a long time). So now we have to try the cabins for a few nights. CR is beautiful, haven't stayed there in a while, but that's creeping back up the list too! And I love your photo across Bay Lake of the my beloved Swalphin! And, getting up early and taking photos is one of my fave activities too! Can't believe how light the crowds were for you, that is awesome! Looking forward to more!!!!

Hey there Nancy! So happy to hear from you! When I ran across your daughters TR, I couldn't believe it! I remember you talking about your Dolphin/Poly trip last year...you gave me the heads up about the Dolphin and Swan! I've read through page 5 of yalls trip....I'm hoping to finish it tonight...love all the pictures, and your daughter seems like lots of fun!

I would recommend trying FW cabins for a couple of nights...with a golf cart, of course. It's such a different feel than the other Disney Resorts...super relaxed, no hustle and bustle, etc. I totally remember River Country In fact, we have pictures of us swimming over there...and yes...it was a very long time ago When we rented the boats and road by there, I couldn't believe how "ghost town" it looked! You would think Disney would do something with that area....you can even see old docks over on Discovery Island....remember that place??? Wasn't it called that? Kind of eerie looking.

We had another great trip with my parents! Next year we are taking them on he Disney Dream for their 45th Wedding Anniversary...my sister and her family will also go....so....looking forward to that!

Now...let me get back to your DDs TR!

 

[02AggieGirl]

I am happy to see the positive review for Nine Dragons, our family has enjoyed it when we've gone.

 

[RGirl]

I am loving your report!!!! (I am a little out of place on the TRs having only been to WDW once (last year), but I have learned so much from reading TRs that I thought it was time to start posting on one.)

The cabins at FW look so fun - I think we would really enjoy staying there, although I wonder how long it takes to get to the parks.

I'm interested in your stroller rentals. Last year, I rented a stroller from some other company - it was very nice, but we stayed offsite and wrangling it onto the parking lot trams was a nightmare - it was a jogging stroller. We are staying on site this time so will have to deal with buses instead of trams. How were the strollers on the buses? Easy to fold and maneuver? I am an only parent, so I will need to be able to maneuver everything without assistance..... (Thought about doing without a stroller, but I don't think I can carry my 4-year-old DD from Epcot to BWV after IllumiNations and want to have the option of a stroller in thick crowds for safety.)

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

I say after reading your review I would definitly try nine dragons for lunch but I agree not worth it for dinner. The food did look very yummy actually it made me even hungrier than I already was before I read your update.

I cant believe how light the crowds were at epcot. That is great. and I am guessing one of the best perks of staying at CR is letting the kids fall asleep in the stroller and not having to pick them up to get them on the bus.

I cant wait to hear more and also about the new hacienda. I have grown such a love for mexican food over the past year so I am hoping I can talk my family into eating there next trip....well that depends on what your review has to say.

 

[hstrickland]

I am happy to see the positive review for Nine Dragons, our family has enjoyed it when we've gone.

It's one of those places that get tons of negatives...of course before we went I read ALL of them Guess I wasn't expecting much, but it turned out to be a really nice lunch! Sometimes I take those reviews with a grain of salt, ya know....everyone has different expectations and different tastes.

I am loving your report!!!! (I am a little out of place on the TRs having only been to WDW once (last year), but I have learned so much from reading TRs that I thought it was time to start posting on one.)

The cabins at FW look so fun - I think we would really enjoy staying there, although I wonder how long it takes to get to the parks.

I'm interested in your stroller rentals. Last year, I rented a stroller from some other company - it was very nice, but we stayed offsite and wrangling it onto the parking lot trams was a nightmare - it was a jogging stroller. We are staying on site this time so will have to deal with buses instead of trams. How were the strollers on the buses? Easy to fold and maneuver? I am an only parent, so I will need to be able to maneuver everything without assistance..... (Thought about doing without a stroller, but I don't think I can carry my 4-year-old DD from Epcot to BWV after IllumiNations and want to have the option of a stroller in thick crowds for safety.)

Glad to have you follow along! The DisBoards is such a great place to learn about WDW and get people's true opinions....and you're NOT out of place on the TR threads!! Last year when I was doing my first TR, these were the people who helped me out and taught me how to do one.

Orlando Stroller Rental is outstanding!!!! The stroller itself was fabulous and super easy to fold...basically one pull and it's folded up. I could do it with one hand. They have a few different types, and I believe we got the bigger one. As far as the buses go, it wasn't that big a deal...like I said, with one pull, it's folded....and those buses are big enough to accommodate lots of people and lots of strollers. Check out the Orlando Stroller Rental website...tons of info with prices, etc. Almost forgot...we rented a rain cover from them, too. And let me add....best $10 I ever spent!!!! If you visit FL, you eventually will have rain

And, yes, FW was great! I can't comment on the buses from park to park, but the boats seemed to be relatively fast and easy to get on and off.

Let us know if you have any other questions....everyone will be happy to help!

Happy Planning!
Heather

 

[hstrickland]

I say after reading your review I would definitly try nine dragons for lunch but I agree not worth it for dinner. The food did look very yummy actually it made me even hungrier than I already was before I read your update.

I cant believe how light the crowds were at epcot. That is great. and I am guessing one of the best perks of staying at CR is letting the kids fall asleep in the stroller and not having to pick them up to get them on the bus.

I cant wait to hear more and also about the new hacienda. I have grown such a love for mexican food over the past year so I am hoping I can talk my family into eating there next trip....well that depends on what your review has to say.

One of the reasons that I love the monorail resorts is for that very reason...usually we don't have to fold up the strollers. I guess when the kids are older and there are no more strollers, it won't be such a big deal.

I'm going to get the Hacienda review done today if at all possible. Getting ready to take DD5 to gymnastics, then have to get DS9 packed for CT...he's flying out tomorrow morning to go see my sister for a week....priorites, right?! Kids.....DisBoards....hmmmmmmOkay...just kidding

 

[hstrickland]

Next post on Hacienda will hopefully get finished tonight....however...I have 42 pictures for this post Guess I'll have to do two back to back. I don't think I can put that many pictures on one...perhaps I need to make some cuts.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Next post on Hacienda will hopefully get finished tonight....however...I have 42 pictures for this post Guess I'll have to do two back to back. I don't think I can put that many pictures on one...perhaps I need to make some cuts.

I vote for two back to back (without emotes...)! I'm eager to see if you found something interesting to eat there. I felt the menu was really lacking in traditional Mexican fare. IMHO, they really need to expand their menu (other than all that tequila they're pushing).

 

[hstrickland]

Day 3 - Epcot
Dinner - La Hacienda de San Angel
Reservation - 7:45pm​

After a quick dip in the fabulous CR pool, unpacking ALL the clothes, and a short rest...it was time to head back over to EP!!! We had been looking forward to this meal for quite some time....simply because it was a new restaurant and the atmosphere looked amazing. I was in high hopes that we would have a view of Illuminations....you shall see!

On our way over to the restaurant, I was snapping shots left and right. Are you surprised?!

For the most part, these 2 kids get along...but throw a 3rd one in the mix and it's all over!....and usually it's over for DD5!

We arrived at....

You know, I hear about these horror stories of people having ressies and still waiting an hour or so....honestly, in all the trips to WDW, and all the ADRs we have had....this has never happened to us. The hostess politely told us that the wait would be longer than expected....not really a big deal at all...it wasn't like we were in a hurry or anything. She gave us a pager that worked all the way over in....

We decided to ride.......

It's still the same ride! But nevertheless, we enjoyed it...very relaxing. I've always liked the Mexico area. San Angel Inn use to be one of my favorite places to eat, but last time we were there, the food was just so-so....however, I still think it's one of the best 'atmosphere' restaurants at WDW.

While waiting patiently, we snapped some more photos!....surprise! surprise!

We were finally paged after 30 minutes or so...not a bad wait at all since there was plenty to do! Immediately I noticed the beautiful decor of the restaurant!!! Very ornate, very Mexican...and in an upscale kind of way.

My mother made these 2 pictures...she was explaining to me the significance of the pineapple, but I don't remember....perhaps she can shed some light.

I was very impressed with the atmosphere of the restaurant...so far so good...now just hoping for a decent table by the window!!! Well....wish granted!

We were not directly by the window, but close enough that the view would be fine. One of the wait staff let us know that the music would be piped in and the lights would dim....not long now before Illuminations would begin! Most of the seating in the restaurant lends itself to a decent view, however, there is a room up front when you walk in that doesn't have windows viewing the lake. If you were there during Illuminations time, then you probably wouldn't want that room.

Chips n Salsa were immediately served by a waitress who said our waiter would be out shortly. The chips were very good, fresh, and crisp...salsa was outstanding!!!!

Our waiter came out and took our drink order...DH ordered a Dos Equis on draft and I had a margarita (super tasty)....he never made any mention of their tequila selection.

I had to literally STOP eating the chips n salsa....I knew I had an appetizer to eat as well as an entree!

Our waiter was sooooooo wonderful! And so super friendly!!! He kept all drinks filled and cleared dishes promptly.


Continue on to next post.....

 

[hstrickland]

...Continued from Hacienda

We ordered our appetizers and patiently waited for Illuminations. I had a feeling it was going to be a great view because there was no one sitting by the window in our section!

So.....first up.....APPETIZERS.....YUM! YUM! YUM!

*melted cheese with poblano peppers, chorizo, and flour tortillas

*roasted sweet peppers with lime and sea salt, served with mini "cantimpalito" chorizos

*taco trio featuring Rib eye taco with chipolte salsa, roasted chicken taco with salsa verde, and Chilorio (marinated pork) taco

Every appetizer above was outstanding!!!!! My parents live in Southern Mexico(Chiapas) They said that the appetizers were very authentic...much like what they eat in Tapachula. I could have made a meal on the appetizers....forget the entrees!!!!

By now, it was time for Illuminations....the kids had their noses pressed against the windows.

The lights were dimmed and the music started playing! It was a 'Magical' moment....just perfect!

Now....time for the MAIN COURSE!

*Roasted pork tender loin with mole negro sauce, served with esquites (roasted corn), sweet potato mash, beans and vegetables

*Flank steak served with spring onions, tamal with rajas, cactus leaves, and beans

*Mixed grill offering mahi-mahi, shrimp, scallops and vegetables, served with beans and fresh salsas...feeds 2

Well....once again...we LOVED every bit of it! The pictures don't really do the entrees justice...they looked much better in person!

Would you believe that we STILL had room for dessert??!!! We really didn't, but after viewing the list...I knew it wasn't an option to NOT get any.

*puff pastry filled with sauteed caramel apples and vanilla bean ice cream with Kahlua sauce

*Chocolate custard served with crunchy bunuelo strips and caramel syrup (couldn't get a good shot of this dessert)

All I can say is....WOW!!!!! The food was unbelievably superb! My parents even said they felt like they were back in Chiapas, Mexico! When we go back to EP, this is a place that we will most certainly return to...and hopefully get another front row seat to Illuminations. I will say this, though,....there are not a ton of choices on the menu...so if you decide to try it, make sure you look at a menu prior to your visit.

By the time we finished eating, it was rather late! Most everyone had exited the restaurant....so....what a great opportunity to get photos of an empty Hacienda!!!

I'm telling you....we basically closed the restaurant down!! Everyone was GONE!!

On our way out...the Mexico attraction looked so beautiful next to the dark sky!

See...Epcot is a ghost town...no people! And can you say TIRED!!???

One final picture of the Spaceship Earth, then it's time to head to the CR!

I see it!!! My beloved Tron Monorail...ready to take us back to the heavenly beds at the CR.....

This was truly a GREAT day!!!!! One good dining experience, one great dining experience and low crowds equals happy AND tired people!


Stay tuned....up next....Day 4 at the CR pool and Disney Quest!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

my mouth was salivating at those pictures. Sounds like a great choice and one I will definitely be adding to the list and hope I dont get out voted on. What a great way to end the day. I love the pics of the kids peeking out the windows watching illuminations.

 

[sjs314]

Everything looked yummy with the view of Illuminations how can you go wrong eating at La Hacineda. I debated about making a ressie there or at Rose & Crown our last night for Illuminations, Rose and Crown won out this trip.

Thanks for the great review. I have to say your kids are adorable and look so well behaved.

 

[RGirl]

Thanks for the helpful stroller info. I will check out the site.

La Hacienda looks amazing! I went back and forth on making an ADR there for our upcoming trip. As of now, I don't have one, but I am still flirting with the idea of trying to squeeze it in somehow.

 

[hstrickland]

my mouth was salivating at those pictures. Sounds like a great choice and one I will definitely be adding to the list and hope I dont get out voted on. What a great way to end the day. I love the pics of the kids peeking out the windows watching illuminations.

If you can talk your family into it, try to get a ressie around the time of illuminations...so neat for the kids! Some of the reviews on Hacienda have been less than favorable Although, I will say, I can understand why. If you are use to Tex-Mex kind of food, then you might not like it. There aren't any burritos, enchiladas, etc. on the menu. I would like to go back and try the tilapia...it sounded really nice. Our waiter was the one of the best we had while on our trip....just a really friendly person that seemed to love his job.

If you go...and it's horrible...don't blame me I'll plead the 5th!

 

[PrincessDis]

Sounds like the perfect day in Epcot.....I am putting La Hacineda on our to do list for 2012.........I'm already planning

 

[hstrickland]

Everything looked yummy with the view of Illuminations how can you go wrong eating at La Hacineda. I debated about making a ressie there or at Rose & Crown our last night for Illuminations, Rose and Crown won out this trip.

Thanks for the great review. I have to say your kids are adorable and look so well behaved.

We did Rose n Crown for lunch and loved it!!!! By the way...DH and I cracked up laughing at your statement..."look so well behaved"....if you only knew, Shelia!! We like to dine out, so they are use to restaurants, but there are times when they can make you want to crawl under the table with embarrassment. Put it this way...everyone at church holds their breath when Jesse walks through...ya never know with a 4 year old!

Thanks for the helpful stroller info. I will check out the site.

La Hacienda looks amazing! I went back and forth on making an ADR there for our upcoming trip. As of now, I don't have one, but I am still flirting with the idea of trying to squeeze it in somehow.

Glad that information helped...we've used them 3 times now and have been pleased each time. Good luck!

Did you get some great ADRs? Any character meals?

 

[RGirl]

Did you get some great ADRs? Any character meals?

Yes! I'm really excited about our ADRs for this trip. My daughter wanted to return to CRT and Akershus, so we will be repeating those. But we are also going to try Crystal Palace, Le Cellier, Tutto Italia, Kouzzina, and more. I'm really so looking forward to staying at BWV and being able to walk into Epcot for the F&W Festival - amazing!!

Looking forward to your next update!

 

[Yellowbellow]

Without a doubt - one of the BEST meals we had at Disney ! !!! ! ! What else can I say.
We live in Southern Mexico most of the year and this is REAL Mexician food - Loved It.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Well, that was certainly a ringing endorsement from you and Dad! I almost feel like I should take DH there to get his opinion. I didn't think the food or service was bad in any way, I just felt the menu was very limited for a Mexican restaurant.

I know this didn't happen to you, but there was a woman who was some sort of certified tequila expert (CTE?) who made the rounds to every table asking guests to purchase tequila shots and offering advice and while I'm sure she was very knowledgeable, I wasn't in the mood for the tequila schtick. Maybe because I was there alone with DD.

Your photos are so lovely that I feel like they could be in a menu! And, I feel the exact same way about San Angel. We used to love eating there, but DH crossed it off the list for our next trip (that's why I should probably take hime to LH). SAI is my favorite "atmosphere," too! But, yikes, what happened to it the past few years? The service, the food - oh, those horrible chips. It's sad because I want to like going there again. I even love sitting near the "water" watching the boats go by, going into all the shops while we wait (and wait and wait) for our table.

Love the Wishes photo - great review!