3 Generations Wandering the Wilderness from "Cabin" Camping to Club Level-FW & WL

[hstrickland]

Day 9
Dinner at Artist Point
Part 1




Getting back to our regularly scheduled program … I think we left off with us leaving Typhoon Lagoon in the rain.



When we returned, we had a few hours to kill before dinner. Thank goodness for Club Level since it was raining! I grabbed my favorite location by the window with the power outlet for the computer.



Snagged this photo while checking emails….a little of the construction going on while we were there.








The kids found some neat activities down below on the first floor. There were cast members playing games and keeping the kids occupied while the rain came down outside.









While we were getting ready for dinner, Stephen and MaHopie were meandering around downstairs. Stephen decided he wanted to get a characterture done (unfortunately, no pics of Stephen). And since Big Brother had this done…Jesse and Faith had to do it, too.









This guy was great!!! Very good with the children!













Dinner time!!!



We had a few minutes before dinner – early, we were! So why not get some family shots?!









Very nice to have dinner ressies in the same resort ….especially considering the weather was less than cooperative.



Not sure Jesse was supposed to be playing on this , but I thought I would grab a quick shot before telling him to get down.








Daddy’s little girl…







Located right in the heart of the Wilderness Lodge, Artist Point offers signature dining for all.








We were seated fairly quickly…the restaurant wasn’t busy in the least.








Beautiful décor ….unfortunately I didn’t get many pictures. I was a little off my game on this particular evening.


















A few more family shots….









Continued to next post….




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[hstrickland]

Continued from previous post...




Day 9
Dinner at Artist Point
Part 2




Something new that the kids enjoyed…. Mickey Straws. The simple things that make kids smile!










The wait staff was good, but nothing memorable…if that makes sense. No complaints.



So now for some appetizers…




Smokey Portobello Soup ….FABULOUS!!! Mom ordered this, and I should have, too! Outstanding it was!!! Really.








Bill had the tuna! Again….FABULOUS!!!! And a beautiful presentation.










Our Entrées


Seared Diver Scallops…. Tasty good!









Cedar Plank-roasted King Salmon….good!








Pan-fired Ahi Tuna Lion and Glazed Pork Belly….TASTY!







Chargrilled Filet Mignon….good!








The kids had the chicken…not bad….







Hopefully I identified those entrées correctly. I’ve forgotten what we actually ate.



Since we over indulged in bread and appetizers, there wasn’t much room for dessert. However…each of you know that if crème brulee is on the menu, I’m gonna order it!!!








It was really good, but not my favorite at Disney.



Overall, we had a very nice dinner in a very relaxing venue. If staying at the WL, we would definitely return!





After dinner, Bill, Pop and I decided to take a boat ride over to the MK for a bit of shopping on Main Street. MaHopie and the kids grabbed a movie from the CL lounge and hit the beds.



Not sure why Photobucket refuses to allow me to edit this picture (that’s why it’s so big). Bill traveled in his Artist Point attire, while Pop and I took it down a couple of notches. Glad I threw on the running shorts since we had some rain.








What’s a trip to Disney without a few silly hat shots???







I know…we look a bit simple….not quite right...









The weather was a bit iffy – a little sprinkle here and there, but it didn’t stop our fun. Lots of people out on this drizzly night. When heading back, we were able to catch a bit of the fireworks. Nice way to end the night.



Another great evening with my fabulous family!!!!





Up next…our crazy-mad dash to 7DMT!!!!




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[SusieBea]

Love Artist Point! Glad your meal was good. We ate there again earlier this month. I also enjoy the Portobello soup (every time we eat there LOL) Funny thing about it is, that, usually you can get a ADR there same day! What's up w/ that?

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

It's so nice that the Wilderness Lodge had activities for the kids to do in the rain. Sometimes a little rain is nice to make us slow down and enjoy the resort.

All the food pictures from Artist Point look fabulous. Glad you enjoyed the meal.

 

[Benchley]

We've eaten at Artist Point a couple of times and thoroughly enjoyed it. The Grand Marnier flight was superb, I now ensure I have the 150 year old as a special treat each visit

 

[Pinkocto]

Great update! You certainly had the rain this trip. Glad the kids enjoyed the lodge's activities

Dinner looks great. I've had an ADR there twice and have canceled it both times. One day I'll get there.

Too fun you went over to MK.

Awwwe....how nice! And way awesome that y'all get to do a cruise together in May. Not that far off...7 months Which ship? Is your mom going also?

Mom is coming too. It will be over Mother's Day again. First we're doing a 5 night on the Magic with my friends and then since it's over Mother's Day mom figured why not go all out and go on the Fantasy too. Who am I to argue? I need to do some overtime to pay for it all but if she's up for it that's all the encouragment I need We'll have one day inbetween cruises and we're just going to stay at Port Canaveral instead of going to WDW.

 

[hstrickland]

Home again today with Jesse....he's still sick At least I'm getting lots of Dis time in between being a nursemaid

Love Artist Point! Glad your meal was good. We ate there again earlier this month. I also enjoy the Portobello soup (every time we eat there LOL) Funny thing about it is, that, usually you can get a ADR there same day! What's up w/ that?

I know!!! We thought the same thing. One would think that the food is subpar if they judged the restaurant by the amount of guests. Go figure. I'll definitely return.

It's so nice that the Wilderness Lodge had activities for the kids to do in the rain. Sometimes a little rain is nice to make us slow down and enjoy the resort.

All the food pictures from Artist Point look fabulous. Glad you enjoyed the meal.

Every time I see your name "Grumpy's Wife", I laugh. My mom like to call my dad Grumpy at times...I could so see that being her Dis name.

Very nice to have activities downstairs. And believe it or not, Jesse sat right there and didn't move. So whatever those CMs were doing must have been quite intriguing!

We've eaten at Artist Point a couple of times and thoroughly enjoyed it. The Grand Marnier flight was superb, I now ensure I have the 150 year old as a special treat each visit

Hmmm.... That does sound tempting. Not even sure we had a drink that night for whatever reason. I'll have to keep that flight in mind. Thanks

 

[Pinkocto]

I hope the kids feel better soon

 

[hstrickland]

Great update! You certainly had the rain this trip. Glad the kids enjoyed the lodge's activities

Dinner looks great. I've had an ADR there twice and have canceled it both times. One day I'll get there.

Too fun you went over to MK.

You'll make it there one day....not like you don't ever go to Disney You're like the most frequent flyer I know! Too bad Disney doesn't give points for visits!

Mom is coming too. It will be over Mother's Day again. First we're doing a 5 night on the Magic with my friends and then since it's over Mother's Day mom figured why not go all out and go on the Fantasy too. Who am I to argue? I need to do some overtime to pay for it all but if she's up for it that's all the encouragment I need We'll have one day inbetween cruises and we're just going to stay at Port Canaveral instead of going to WDW.

Wow!! Nice trip.... or should I rephrase that and say trips plural I thought I remember you saying that you were doing a cruise that was close to ours. Think y'all go a week before us. We leave the last of May. You should definitely have a great tan when you finish cruising

I hope the kids feel better soon

Thanks, Pam! Kinda glad Bill isn't here....at least he will hopefully stay well.

 

[hstrickland]

Day 10
Crazy-Mad Dash to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Part 1




A little background info….



When booking FPs, I did not make a FP for 7DMT. I know, I know…. Apparently I wasn’t thinking clearly at all!! My thought process was this: We’ll do RP and hit the big rides first, therefore I won’t need a FP for this ride. Ok … stupid idea. It’s a new ride in a new part of the MK. Who knew the wait time at RD would be 90+ minutes long?!?!



So…after chatting with several of the CMs in the lounge during the week, our only shot of getting to ride this was to do EMHs – opening at 8am. However, this means we had to be in line by at least 7:30am or before. Thank goodness we don’t have problems getting up early! This did throw a wrench in my itinerary. Remember…I’m a huge planner, so I had to regroup.




Good Morning Disney!!!








First stop….the lounge for a grab-n-go breakfast.








Remember… the early bird catches the worm! We were bound and determined to make it!







Apparently others had the same idea.



Time to start walking quickly!!!







Ok yikes!!!








I’m assuming this crowd was going to do the same thing we were….mad dash to the mine train! While standing in line, we reviewed our plans on how to get there in record time. 4 adults and 3 children….MaHopie and Pop tag teamed Faith, and Bill and I got Jesse and Stephen. And I reiterated several times….make sure you grab a hand!!! OR you might get left behind (just kidding...kind of) It’s gonna be chaos!!




Come on Bill!!! You’re behind!!!













The kids were excited!!! The Strickland Family is always up for a good challenge! Adrenaline pumping!














And so it begins…people start moving towards the entrance! Crazy closeness let me tell ya!!!








And this is the closest we got to the Frozen cast… oh well. I failed again with the FPs for that...









Alrighty, folks….here we go! Can you spot Bill??!! We’re ahead of MaHopie and Pop!! The race is on!!!!







When we finally made it to the ride, it was complete chaos!!! Holy cow!!! People didn’t know which way to go nor did we know where the lined formed. Pop, Hopie, and Faith somehow got ahead of us, but no big deal.














Quite honestly, I was a bit concerned that the wait was going to be an hour plus. The line looked horrendous. But then they opened the queue and the line kept moving and moving and moving….getting us closer and closer and closer! I was sooooo excited!!!




And true to form, dad and I started snapping pictures!













Silly….but we enjoy entertaining ourselves













Continued to next post….




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[hstrickland]

Continued from previous post….




Day 10
Crazy-Mad Dash to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Part 2




The attention to detail is quite remarkable…but no surprise.














Even the queue is detail oriented and interactive, also….perfect for small children! And big kids like us









The others were several trains ahead of us, and Faith didn’t mind letting us know


















Lots of pics….. Had to share them! They might be a bit out of order…sorry.























Told ya….lots of scenic pictures!







Didn’t want y’all to miss any details....










We can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel! We have finally arrived!! Actually, we didn’t stand in line but maybe 20 minutes tops! I had been texting Erin(DisneyDoc5) through this whole process giving her a play-by-play (we do silly things like that). I knew that she would appreciate my madness being that she’s a RD geek herself.









And it’s finally our turn!! And would you believe it……GOT THE VERY FIRST CAR!!!!! Didn’t ask, didn’t request…it just happened!!! Talking about pixiedust!!




AND…..how perfect for Bill’s video! Click on the link below to experience the ride. Sorry about the sound…we were using the camera and not the GoPro.




Link to video




The very short ride was over in a hurry…kind of disappointing to be frank but still good.




A couple of pics on the way out…




















And really??? …. Are you flippin’ kidding me????!!!!








It wasn’t even 9am yet and the wait was 110 minutes! U N B E L I E V A B LE !!!! I’m here to tell ya…would never happen for this chica! Never ever.




Sooooooooo glad we did the crazy-mad dash for 7DMT! Worth it for sure ….we always love a good adrenaline rush- and I’m not referring to the ride But wouldn’t do the mad dash again for this. We’ll just be sure to get a FP next time!!!





​

 

[WDW2012]

We went in August and were not able to get FP+ for mine train so we did the same mad dash only it was 1,000 degrees out Like you, the wait seemed longer than it actually was and we thankfully only waited about 35 minutes because I think the kids would have thrown me on the tracks if we had to wait almost 2 hours!!

 

[Pinkocto]

Loved all the pictures! I haven't done the stand by line, so haven't seen all those fabulous details. The first time I road it I felt like it was too short too and was disappointed. The second time it was much better and the third time I actually enjoyed it.

Kudos to you guys doing the mad dash!

 

[Pinkocto]

You'll make it there one day....not like you don't ever go to Disney You're like the most frequent flyer I know! Too bad Disney doesn't give points for visits!

I need to move to Florida

Wow!! Nice trip.... or should I rephrase that and say trips plural I thought I remember you saying that you were doing a cruise that was close to ours. Think y'all go a week before us. We leave the last of May. You should definitely have a great tan when you finish cruising

Yep, good memory, we'll be the Fantasy cruise right before you guys. I think right? Ours ends May 23. It'll definitely feel like two separate trips. It's going to be awesome! I should be near my goal weight by then, hoping to bring some cute outfits.

Thanks, Pam! Kinda glad Bill isn't here....at least he will hopefully stay well.

There's a silver lining in everything. I hope you don't get sick either.

 

[hstrickland]

We went in August and were not able to get FP+ for mine train so we did the same mad dash only it was 1,000 degrees out Like you, the wait seemed longer than it actually was and we thankfully only waited about 35 minutes because I think the kids would have thrown me on the tracks if we had to wait almost 2 hours!!

Yep! 2 hours is too long!!!

On the run in August weather I know!!! The heat's a killer!

Loved all the pictures! I haven't done the stand by line, so haven't seen all those fabulous details. The first time I road it I felt like it was too short too and was disappointed. The second time it was much better and the third time I actually enjoyed it.

Kudos to you guys doing the mad dash!

Why thank you I'm quite proud of my RD abilities You would be the smart one that got FPs and didn't have to put your family in harms way just to ride a coaster

I need to move to Florida

....or at least closer!

Yep, good memory, we'll be the Fantasy cruise right before you guys. I think right? Ours ends May 23. It'll definitely feel like two separate trips. It's going to be awesome! I should be near my goal weight by then, hoping to bring some cute outfits.

Good for you, Pam!!!! Keep it up Just think of all the new clothes

 

[kastoney]

Your dinner @ artist point looks great, especially that salmon. I'm still kicking myself for not eating there last trip.

Love the mad dash to the mine train. We had a FP for it so we missed the queue, which looking at your pics is kind of disappointing since the queue games are longer than the ride ; ). Clearly I'm with you in the it's too short camp. But fun none the less.

 

[pas130]

Hope Jesse is better super soon love the SDMT pics! We rode three times or four last trip and we all loved it. No way I could do the standby though and my hubs is not the rope drop Or run to a ride guy...

 

[Lisa29]

Great report, I am really enjoying reading.

The lines for the ride have been so crazy!

 

[RGirl]

Hi Heather!!!

I love the idea of actually taking the time to do the caricature drawings. I bet that would be super-fun for Maddie and Willow to do together!!!

Willow and I loved AP so much on our last trip! I’m so excited to be staying right there at the WL and be able to dine at such a great restaurant. Looks like y’all had a great dinner there too. That portobello soup was amazing, wasn’t it? Until my dinner at Remy, I think it was the best soup I had ever had!

Oh my goodness!!! The 7DMT dash looks HORRIFYING!!! I’m so glad you did it though - I loved all the pictures, and it sounds like it was a great, albeit short, ride!

 

[hstrickland]

Happy Saturday Morning!!!



Thought I would spread some Halloween cheer with an old photo from our MNSSHP adventures






Bill returned from his Disney conference yesterday! He snagged some WL construction photos which I will post later once Photobucket stops giving me such hard time Can't believe I'm actually making progress on this TR Hopefully we'll be done before Thanksgiving!!​

Your dinner @ artist point looks great, especially that salmon. I'm still kicking myself for not eating there last trip.

There's always that next time Right??!!

Love the mad dash to the mine train. We had a FP for it so we missed the queue, which looking at your pics is kind of disappointing since the queue games are longer than the ride ; ). Clearly I'm with you in the it's too short camp. But fun none the less.

I concur!

We kept thinking....those poor people that stand in line for 2hours+ are gonna be disappointed Even though the queue was too cute...we'll be doing FPs next time - I can assure you!!

Hope Jesse is better super soon

Thanks Everyone is well...knock on wood.

love the SDMT pics! We rode three times or four last trip and we all loved it. No way I could do the standby though and my hubs is not the rope drop Or run to a ride guy...

Running through treacherous crowds with 5 kiddos would not be advised! Stick to the FPs...much safer FPs for the Strickland Clan next go round!!!!

Great report, I am really enjoying reading.

The lines for the ride have been so crazy!

And I'm sure they will remain crazy for quite some time It's amazing to me what people will do to see an attraction (people like me )

Hi Heather!!!

I love the idea of actually taking the time to do the caricature drawings. I bet that would be super-fun for Maddie and Willow to do together!!!

Yep....y'all have to do it! I'm actually having them framed and gonna hang them upstairs in the bonus room.

Willow and I loved AP so much on our last trip! I’m so excited to be staying right there at the WL and be able to dine at such a great restaurant. Looks like y’all had a great dinner there too. That portobello soup was amazing, wasn’t it? Until my dinner at Remy, I think it was the best soup I had ever had!

You might have said this in your PreTR, but are y'all doing the DDP??? Guessing you will do AP again. What about Whispering Canyon?

And another question...did you book a courtyard view? Not that it really matters...can't imagine you being in your room much

Oh my goodness!!! The 7DMT dash looks HORRIFYING!!! I’m so glad you did it though - I loved all the pictures, and it sounds like it was a great, albeit short, ride!

Short is an understatement but fun! The kids really enjoyed it, especially Jesse. He's not into the big rollercoasters, so this was right up his alley.