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

[02AggieGirl]

Thanks so much for all the pictures of the Neverland Club!! All my kids haven't been old enough to go but it's great to know about for future trips!!!

 

[Upanova]

Loving this TR! Everyone looks fabulous! Did you do all the balloon captions in Photoshop? Loving all the animated GIFS too!

 

[PrincessPaczki]

Hi! I have loved reading your trip report. Thank you for sharing your pictures with us. They are really nice. I don't know if anyone has asked, but what kind of camera do you use? We are celebrating our 25th this year, and I was wondering, which do you prefer, CR or the POLY CL? We love the GF also but want to try something new. You have given us some great ideas on places to eat that we have never tried before. Can't wait to read more. Thanks

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Hi Heather! I have been a few days behind, we have been super busy entertaining out of town guests/family/etc.! I was going through Disney withdraw!

Loving the HW updates, I seriously am going to make chix pot pie tomorrow that looked SO good! I'm tempted to switch my Sci Fi to 50's in a few weeks if I can find available times, we have never tried it.

My DS9 was enjoying your report with me and wants to go to the Neverland Club now! I can't wait to hear about V & A!!!
Erin

 

[amandaw]

The Neverland Club looks so cool! Reid would have so much fun in there. Think I might seriously consider letting him go there one night on our next trip so Ed & I could have one nice, quiet dinner.

 

[hstrickland]

My Aunt & Uncle used to take my cousins to the Neverland Club and they *loved* it!

Well...you're getting married soon...so be prepared in a few years to take your little one...or perhaps little ONES

Mission space is a no go for me too. DH takes DS now. Haven't figured out DS19 yet....he's in Boot camp now...willing to jump out of a plane but no ToT

WHAT??!! Seriously?! ....That's funny, Pas!

Oh I hope DS is potty trained next year. All my kids would LOVE to go to the kids club!!! I would love to go too, but I'm slightly older than 12....

Too bad for you...no Neverland Club! I would be working on the potty training NOW...a night out at WDW without the kids

Thanks so much for all the pictures of the Neverland Club!! All my kids haven't been old enough to go but it's great to know about for future trips!!!

From the looks of your signature, your kids will be old enough next year So worth it!!!

Loving this TR! Everyone looks fabulous! Did you do all the balloon captions in Photoshop? Loving all the animated GIFS too!

Thanks so much! I use Photoshop for all the basic enhancements...super easy. Last year when I did my TR, I used none of them...and really don't know why Guess I really wasn't aware that they were there

Hi! I have loved reading your trip report. Thank you for sharing your pictures with us. They are really nice. I don't know if anyone has asked, but what kind of camera do you use? We are celebrating our 25th this year, and I was wondering, which do you prefer, CR or the POLY CL? We love the GF also but want to try something new. You have given us some great ideas on places to eat that we have never tried before. Can't wait to read more. Thanks

Welcome First let me say congratulations on 25 years!!! That's awesome! WDW is a wonderful place to celebrate...DH and I celebrated 10 years at the GF...just a fabulous resort, as you know I don't blame you for wanting to try something new. I'm on a mission to try all the resorts at least once. If I had to choose between those 2, I would have to pick the Poly. HOWEVER...I think it really depends on your personal preferences and taste in resorts. Last year I think I looked at every picture of the Poly that I could find then at the BC, AKL, etc! Then read tons of info on my top 5 resorts. It was ridiculous! Then we finally decided. The Poly does have a very relaxing feel, very tranquil atmosphere...especially at night sitting on the beach...watching Wishes...drinking a LapuLapu...peering across the lagoon at the Castle...underneath the palm trees Can you tell I think the Poly is romantic? They are both awesome resorts with pros and cons. I'll be anxious to see what you decide. Oh...and the camera....we have a Nikon D5000...easy to use...makes great pictures even on AUTO. Good luck with the planning!!

Heather

 

[RGirl]

Wow!!! The Neverland Club looks amazing!!!! I am tempted to check my DD in and go out for a night on my own - something I have never done even at home! I can't wait to hear about your dinner!!!!

Makes perfect sense! That is quite a ways! I had to Google Walla Walla...never heard of it...learned something new last night

Yeah, I never really imagined myself living somewhere like this, but it is actually a lovely little town and such a nice place to raise a child. I definitely miss the city sometimes and I DESPISE how hard it is to travel from here, but overall it earned it's recent USA Today title of "friendliest small town" (or something like that).

 

[hstrickland]

Hi Heather! I have been a few days behind, we have been super busy entertaining out of town guests/family/etc.! I was going through Disney withdraw!

I know how that is! When I miss a few days on the Dis, I feel lost

Loving the HW updates, I seriously am going to make chix pot pie tomorrow that looked SO good! I'm tempted to switch my Sci Fi to 50's in a few weeks if I can find available times, we have never tried it.

I love Sci-Fi, but DH doesn'tThe atmosphere is so cool...very different. I wanted to go back, but he said no. 50s is great, too! If you've never tried it....might be a nice change of scenery To get the most out of the experience, you really have to play into the whole "mama's kitchen" thing...lots of fun!

My DS9 was enjoying your report with me and wants to go to the Neverland Club now! I can't wait to hear about V & A!!!

I think I would take your son up on his wishes and send the kids there for a night As you know, there are plenty of great restaurants close by...Citricos, being my new favorite!
Erin

The Neverland Club looks so cool! Reid would have so much fun in there. Think I might seriously consider letting him go there one night on our next trip so Ed & I could have one nice, quiet dinner.

It's certainly not the Dream's Childcare but it was great, nevertheless. He would enjoy it and y'all would enjoy it more!!! Like I was telling Erin, there are soooo many great restaurants to choose from around the MK Resort area.

Wow!!! The Neverland Club looks amazing!!!! I am tempted to check my DD in and go out for a night on my own - something I have never done even at home! I can't wait to hear about your dinner!!!!

Do it! Why not!? She would have a great time playing with the other kids.

Yeah, I never really imagined myself living somewhere like this, but it is actually a lovely little town and such a nice place to raise a child. I definitely miss the city sometimes and I DESPISE how hard it is to travel from here, but overall it earned it's recent USA Today title of "friendliest small town" (or something like that).

No kidding! I'm not surprised...the weather looks nice...not too hot, not too cold. But you better keep that info under your hat...or you'll have tons of 'outsiders' moving in

Heather

 

[disneylovin24]

Haven't been on in a few days so I had a few updates to catch up on!

Those onion rings at 50's Prime Time look out of this world!

I love how you daughter will go on ToT but your sons won't

The pictures from the ride look cool, I love how the ride picture got you with your camera out

 

[hstrickland]

Haven't been on in a few days so I had a few updates to catch up on!

Those onion rings at 50's Prime Time look out of this world!

I love how you daughter will go on ToT but your sons won't

The pictures from the ride look cool, I love how the ride picture got you with your camera out

Faith is my risk taker...not sure if that's a good thing or bad thing She wants to ride RRC and EE but she's not tall enough....have to wait a couple of years...she's only 43 inches.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Trying this again...the DIS ate my first post.

I remember getting a big kick out of the antics at 50's as a "kid" dining with my parents. I haven't been recently but may have to visit the bar to get some of those onion rings!!! And the atmosphere is just so cute!

Tell Faith she has inspired me. I think I may have to give ToT a try if she loves it so much. I have, thus far, been too chicken. does she have any tips?

The Neverland Club looks so cool!!! And how great that you can enjoy your evening without worrying about the kids!

 

[hstrickland]

Trying this again...the DIS ate my first post.

I remember getting a big kick out of the antics at 50's as a "kid" dining with my parents. I haven't been recently but may have to visit the bar to get some of those onion rings!!! And the atmosphere is just so cute!

Tell Faith she has inspired me. I think I may have to give ToT a try if she loves it so much. I have, thus far, been too chicken. does she have any tips?

The Neverland Club looks so cool!!! And how great that you can enjoy your evening without worrying about the kids!

Glad to know Faith has been such an inspiration No matter how much she told her brothers that they were 'babies' for not riding, they still wouldn't budge...no ToT for them! Go for it Christine!!! Just one time.....

 

[emma212010]

What??!! You and your mom haven't drug your BF to Disney, yet??!! Do you think he would like it or not? Then he can be silly with yall!

Oh he'd love it!! He already listens to my rambles about all things Disney! Poor guy! He's a great sport though! One day he'll visit and fall in love just like we have! I'll make sure of it!

 

[emma212010]

Awww!! Neverland Club looks adorable! I'm glad the kids had a great time! Can't wait to hear about your adult night out!

 

[hstrickland]

Oh he'd love it!! He already listens to my rambles about all things Disney! Poor guy! He's a great sport though! One day he'll visit and fall in love just like we have! I'll make sure of it!

He's a good man then if he listens to that!!

 

[hstrickland]

Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian
Part 1
6pm Seating
Day 7​

After dropping off the kiddos, we jumped back on the monorail for a very short trip to the GF. It would have been nice to walk, but I wasn’t sure that I could make it in my heels. We all have been looking forward to this meal for months…like 180 days prior to the trip when I made the reservation!

As we exited the monorail, I immediately started thinking about another trip to the GF…I missed its relaxing and elegant atmosphere. Lots of people find it stuffy, but we haven’t encountered that at all. My children even like this resort…in fact, if you ask DD5, she will tell you that she wants to stay at the hotel with the pretty red roof!

I’ve always enjoyed watching and listening to these guys. They create such a sense of tranquility and elegance at the resort…but not in a pretentious kind of way.

We were a little early for our 6pm seating, but decided to venture over and see what was in store for us. I’ll be really honest, I was a bit nervous about the experience…we like good food, enjoy trying new restaurants and don’t mind paying for nicer places….however…we’ve never dined in a Five Diamond restaurant….it was going to be different to say the least.

As we opened the door, the hostess greeted us by name telling us that our table was ready. I felt as though I was entering another world. It didn’t feel like Disney at all…and I mean that in a positive way. The main dining room is small and elegant. There is a beautiful painting on the ceiling and a fireplace. There’s a harpist that plays music throughout the evening. The music in the background is soothing and unobtrusive. The lighting is low, and the tables are perfectly arranged. As we were seated, someone presented everyone with a menu engraved with our own name which you can keep as a souvenir.

There is a dress code, which requires jackets for men (ties are optional) and ‘dinner attire’ for women. Most ladies were wearing skirts or dresses….some more ‘dressy’ than others. There were a variety of people dining, from solo to a group of 6…not just couples. I wanted to really look around and basically be nosey, but didn’t want to appear ignorant At first, I was a little uneasy…didn’t quite know how ‘relaxed’ this experience would be.

As you can see, this isn’t your local Applesbee’s Restaurant! The place setting was just beautiful!

You are waited on by 2 servers, a man and a woman. In the past, they referred to themselves as Victoria and Albert, but ours did not. We were very fortunate to have Chris and Terry…both extremely experienced and specialized in what they did. In fact Terry told us that she has been there since it opened…and you could certainly tell.


I was also leery about photographs. There are differing opinions on this topic…some say it’s perfectly ok to make pictures…others say it should be off limits due to the fact that it might disturb others around you. So…basically, I scanned the dining room ever so carefully to see if others had cameras. Much to my surprise, the majority of the guests had them…that made my day!! Now I wasn’t going to be as self-conscious when getting pictures. However…I didn’t use my flash but a couple of times…the flash would be a bit obtrusive in such a quiet setting.

Here’s a quick peek at our menu. Chris reminded us that he would explain everything in detail after we looked over it. There were 6 courses plus the Amuse-Bouche (These are different from appetizers in that they are not ordered from a menu by patrons, but when served, are done according to the chef's selection).

If you notice, each item on the menu has a wine paired with it. You can choose a wine pairing which is $60 per guest. Or, you can split that pairing…which is what DH and I decided to do. Not sure if I could do 7 glasses of wine in one evening! Basically each of us got 3oz. of wine with each course….plenty!


Something else that I thought was so very neat….they brought us a small stool to put my camera on. Then brought out a small hanger type item that attached to the table for my purse. I didn’t get a picture of this but should have.


So let’s get started with this culinary adventure…and be reminded that this menu changes almost daily. I’ll apologize in advance for blurry or dark pictures. We were not using the flash, so it can be a bit difficult when trying to make a picture in a hurry…without bringing attention to yourself…I was trying to be discrete. I’ll go ahead and say this, too…EVERYTHING we were given was out of this world delectably good. I can honestly say that there was nothing that I didn’t particularly care for.

Amuse-Bouche

The chef chose lobster as his main ingredient…4 different bit size food items. I’m not completely certain, but there was lobster bisque, lobster pâté, and I forgot what the other two choices were called.

Before we ordered, Chris explained everything in detail…any questions we had, he was happy to answer with a very polite smile.


First Course

There were 3 items to choose from, one of which was a caviar for an additional cost.


This is a Jamon (bacon) Wrapped Gulf Shrimp with Athena Melons paired with a Riesling.

Applewood Smoked Buffalo “Waldorf” paired with a Pinot Gris.

Second Course


There were 3 choices, one of which was the abalone for an additional cost of $30.


Diver Scallop with Braised Fennel and Blood Orange Gastrique paired with a Bisson Bianchetta

Monterey Abalone with Toasted Capers and Preserved Lemon paired with a Pape Blanc

Third Course


There were 3 choices listed…no additional add ons for the third course.


Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Tortellini paired with Estrella Inedit.

Roasted Quail with Asian Pears and Serran Ham Jus paired with Cerretto Rossanna.

So essentially we are half way through our meal and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience thus far. Although the food portions are very small, it’s perfect. With six courses plus, they have to be tiny. Both Chris and Terry were exceptional servers. It amazed me at how knowledgeable they were with the variety of wines and the types of foods that were available. Our water glasses were never left empty…dishes were cleared immediately. The wait staff seemed to be in stealth mode…I never felt like they were on top of me or bothering us at any point…the utensils, glasses, and dishes just disappeared without notice.


This is certainly not just dinner at another restaurant, but a true dining experience!


Stay tuned….Up next….Course 4, 5, and 6!

 

[onelilspark]

Oh man, I'm so jealous. Geoff and I have this on our list, but we haven't gotten around to it yet. We opted for Party for the Senses last year in October, and our trips since then have been too short!

 

[Cinderella's slipper]

We dined here twice in the past and thoroughly enjoyed our evening. It was a wonderful experience, beyond the amazing food. The service and atmosphere are outstanding. My sister and I dressed for the occassion wearing long dresses, while our husbands dressed accordingly. They were both memorable evenings and we highly recommend this restaurant.

 

[hstrickland]

Oh man, I'm so jealous. Geoff and I have this on our list, but we haven't gotten around to it yet. We opted for Party for the Senses last year in October, and our trips since then have been too short!

As you know, I'm a huge Disney Dork...but would you believe that I've never heard of Party for the Senses??!! I had to Google it...now I know Good grief...that sounds like fun! Wish I had known about it when DH and I were there a couple years back for the Food & Wine...oh well! If you like outstanding food with a different flare, try V&As...you will love it!

We dined here twice in the past and thoroughly enjoyed our evening. It was a wonderful experience, beyond the amazing food. The service and atmosphere are outstanding. My sister and I dressed for the occassion wearing long dresses, while our husbands dressed accordingly. They were both memorable evenings and we highly recommend this restaurant.

Isn't it great!? I'm already waiting for the day that we can return...definitely an experience. DS10 said he wants to go We told him in a couple of years...I'm kinda interested in trying the Chef's Table...just not sure that it's worth the money. I'll have to do some more investigating

 

[onelilspark]

As you know, I'm a huge Disney Dork...but would you believe that I've never heard of Party for the Senses??!! I had to Google it...now I know Good grief...that sounds like fun! Wish I had known about it when DH and I were there a couple years back for the Food & Wine...oh well! If you like outstanding food with a different flare, try V&As...you will love it!

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2010/...-food-and-wine-festival-party-for-the-senses/

My family did V&A's back in 1998. I was 13 and my brother was 10 (this was before their rule against kids.) It was for Father's Day. I can't wait to go back when I can actually appreciate it!