*4/10*GF Cafe & final thoughts* Dead Lizards & Deluxe Dining: A December Trip Report

[michellem1118]

Joining in for the rest of the journey... seems fitting, since I'm gonna blame wigd for the spring break trip I just booked.

 

[stace208]

Joining in and loving your report so far! You've got some great pictures and I love your tie dye T-shirt!

Can't wait for more!

 

[shannn]

I am so glad you and triple P mentioned the sky.... I say that all the time and get looks like I have 2 heads! I even took pictures of the sky in October because it was so blue!
WOW! Amazing pictures of the Osborne lights! Sam better watch out! Looks like you will have to have another trip with Courtney so she can get on Muppets. I think it's a memory lane trip for us because we grew up watching them
for TOT! Isn't it the best!! And so much fun because it is different every time!

Tracy

The sky is amazing at Disney!! I can't believe how much I loved TOT. I had a totally different expectation than what it was.

I so thought you really did flip out about the dead lizzard in your hotel room then I realized it was a confrontation in your brain! You should kicked their hinnies! Bring me with as the bouncer next time!

I'm not a great bouncer, unfortunately. Figure I'd just run away quietly! Besides we were ready to get our Disney on!

Oh, and I loved it too. Dragged Calvin on it in Oct '07 and he loved it. DW Cherie went along too, and the picture of her is priceless. Full on scream. She doesn't love it.

In fact, I think I went on it alone because everyone else chickened out. Then later in the week, Cherie agreed, and because she did, Calvin went along too, and ended up liking it.

My favorites are still Expedition Everest, Rockin Roller Coaster, Test Track, Tower of Terror, and Soarin.

Soarin & Tower of Terror went on to my favorites list for sure.

I had the laugh scream going the whole time. It's an amazing feeling...you really are in the air!! I would love to go with y'all some time. How fun!

I think your DHS photos are great! I got some on Christmas night but I agree it is hard to capture on film! I am glad you had a great day, it sure seems like it! And I bet dinner was fab! I can't wait to hear all about it!

Thanks. I did take Sam's camera, and I took a lot of bad ones, but some of them came out pretty well. You can see when I get to them that my fireworks pictures aren't nearly as good as his.

DHS looks AMAZING!! All of the lights are beautiful! I can't wait to see this in December!! how fun that you got to meetup with another DISer!! I can't believe you rode TOT!! I'm not sure if I will ever have the nerve to ride that ride!!

We had a great meetup with Dawn & family. I really wish we had gotten to hang out with them again, but we never seemed to have another overlap in our days.

Hi Shannon! I was a bit behind but am all caught up now! You have some awesome pictures of Osbourne lights! So very clear! I hate that our DIS meet for that night didn't happen, I guess that happens when you have sick travelers and you have to go to plan B. Glad we got to meet up the next day!
Love that T-shirt you had made! Very cool! Looks like you and Courtney were off to a great start!
Don't you think Old Key West studios are nice and roomy? Perfect for a girls get-a-way with the two queen beds! Although it could use a refurb...

We really like OKW & especially the 2 queen beds. A DVC guy was telling me that they were in the middle of a refurb for OKW. I loved the music that the buses played for it~ I'm a big Buffet fan, and it was so cool to turn into OKW and hear his music start playing.

We completely understood that your plans had to change. I'm glad we got to meet up on Monday although I wish that we had had more time to talk. Oh well, next time, right?

Joining in for the rest of the journey... seems fitting, since I'm gonna blame wigd for the spring break trip I just booked.

Yep, just repeat after me: It's all wigd's fault!!

Joining in and loving your report so far! You've got some great pictures and I love your tie dye T-shirt!

Can't wait for more!

Thanks. The tshirts were made by a fellow DISer. I had fun taking pictures too.

 

[shannn]

As we ran/walked down the street, I felt a tap on my left shoulder. Courtney was ahead of me so I was confused, but I turned around. Nothing. I mentally shrugged my shoulders and kept walking. A few minutes later it happened again, but this time I thought I heard a snicker. I quick turned to my right and there was Treyner right behind me! He said Dawn wanted him to jump on me, but we'd rather not land on our behinds so he didn't. He wished us a good dinner and ran off.

I loved the atmosphere in the Brown Derby. It was beautifully lit with lots of dark wood everywhere. We waited for a few minutes until they came and led us to a small table overlooking the center floor of the restaurant.

Courtney & I both decided to order a cocktail. It was called a "Hollywood" and was vodka, chambord, and pineapple juice.

It was good~ light and refreshing, although I was hoping for a little fancier presentation from something called a Hollywood!

For some reason, I forgot to take pictures of our appetizers.
Courtney got the Blue Jumbo Lump Crab Cake - with potato crust, green cabbage slaw, Dijon mustard, and remoulade sauces. She said it was delicious, and she talked about it lots after that as the best appetizer she had.

I got the Cremini Mushroom Chevre Raviolo - with tomato-fennel sauce and shaved parmigiano-Reggiano. It was wonderful and in my notes I wrote "I want to lick the plate."

For our entree, we both got (you'll see that we really have similar tastes. We order the same thing a lot!) Char-grilled 12 oz Rib-Eye Steak - with herb-roasted fingerling potatoes, Cremini mushrooms, Cippolini onions and Cabernet syrup.

Now, I have to admit that I really don't remember much about this steak. My notes say that it was perfectly cooked with a sweet sauce.

For dessert,
I got the Double Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee with a dark chocolate dipped biscotti (of course).

This was good, but not the best creme brulee I've ever had. I did enjoy the biscotti with it and broke off little pieces into the creme brulee for an added chocolate crunch.

Courtney got the Strawberry Cheesecake - with shortcake crust and strawberry Grand Marnier caramel sauce.

This was amazingly delicious!! I had one bite and it was one of the best cheesecakes I've ever tasted. I will order this if I ever go again, for sure.

They also brought Courtney a delicious looking birthday cupcake which she blew out the candles on and then got a box to take home.

Here's a picture of Courtney with both her desserts!

When we left the restaurant, the park was closed (our ADR was 7:45 & the park closed at 8:00). The walk down Hollywood Boulevard was beautiful. I've never seen this park at night, and it was definitely gorgeous. I took a few pictures before we walked out to the buses.

Originally, we had talked about trying to hit the EMH at Magic Kingdom this night. But honestly, the hours of driving and then a full day at the parks had sapped me of energy. I was still willing to try, but I was relieved when Courtney suggested that we just go back to OKW and have an early night. We were hoping for an early start the next morning and I was ready to drop!

Coming up next:a rope drop and a rat!

 

[Native NYer]

Ahhh the Brown Derby The cheesecake looks so good.
The "Hollywood" is fantastic. I always order that drink as a French Martini. I guess Disney has to come up with names to match their restaurants

 

[wigdoutdismom]

When the girls and I went this past trip we shared the same deserts as you and Courtney had they were yummy! I liked them both!
Loved the empty park pictures! I had to stand for the longest time one night to get that same picture between park guests walking by.

 

[yinyanggirls]

Yum! Dinner looked good! I love the idea of leaving after the park is closed. I think you'd be able to get a whole different vibe from it.

 

[ladybugmom]

Oooh that food looks delicious!! And the empty park pics are beautiful!!

 

[All7OfUs]

Hi Shann! I'm here, really, I am!!! I sometimes forget to get my hiney over to the TR side, when Jordan's PTR keeps me glued to the silliness! I like reading TRs, because often their paces are a little slower and I can read a good long update and make my comments at leisure! Anyway, enough babbling....

I liked DHS too! I really, really want to catch it at night in Sept to see it all lit up in neon. GB's pictures made it look so purty!! I love movies and theater and can't wait to see a bunch of attractions we didn't make it to last time.

TOT is one of my faves too! I love it!!! Doing it at night looks like a blast. We've got a season of Twilight zone, so I'm doing my studying for finding the hidden treasures there.

Your meets look so fun, too. Someday, I hope we can meet up in our 2nd 'home'. Meantime, we'll have to plan our Nashville meet so it's a real humdinger!

OK, onto the HBD update...

 

[All7OfUs]

Lovely, lovely dinner!! I think you're right- a little more pizazz (sp?) should have been in order for a cocktail called a Hollywood! Hmmm...

I think of all the things you ordered the cheesecake looks/ sounds the best! I love cheesecake! I love creme brulee too, so it'd sure be a tough decision.

You and courtney just look so beautiful this evening! So happy and gleeful. How often can you use that word outside of a Disney context?! The snow, the cool looking window displays, the lights, the friends... I'd say you had a perfectly scrumptious day. glad you got an early evening to rest up for the next day!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Gorgeous photos of the Studios...I know what you mean about the "atmosphere" there...it's like you walked back into a movie from the 30s or 40s...all of that old detailing and movie memorobilia....Fabulous...

The Osbourne lights look fantastic......I have to see them one day...

Hollywood Brown Derby looked lovely and the food absolutely yum...if LL hadn't already umm...brainwashed...I mean influenced me to go...your report and photos sealed the deal...

How lovely to have the park kind of to yourselves...

Great update...

 

[manntra]

Okay....a rat???? What is going on here?
Dinner looked delicious! That drink sure sounds good but I agree on the presentation I love chambord!
I'm not a cheesecake fan but that did look good.....I am trying to remember your favorite creme brulee....was it at Fulton's?
Great pictures on the way out! I think you are doing a great job with Sam's camera!

Tracy

 

[jenjolt]

I'm here and all caught up!!!! I loved your night photos of DHS!!! So gorgeous!!!

I have to agree that cheesecake is amazing at DHS...so good and so rich!! I'm glad I had Leslie to share with!!!!

Can't wait to hear more about your trip!

 

[shannn]

Ahhh the Brown Derby The cheesecake looks so good.
The "Hollywood" is fantastic. I always order that drink as a French Martini. I guess Disney has to come up with names to match their restaurants

The cheesecake was super yummy!! And the drink was definitely good too.

When the girls and I went this past trip we shared the same deserts as you and Courtney had they were yummy! I liked them both!
Loved the empty park pictures! I had to stand for the longest time one night to get that same picture between park guests walking by.

I loved seeing the park empty. I loved it in Epcot in October too. I'm going to have to plan more late-night dinners for sure!

Yum! Dinner looked good! I love the idea of leaving after the park is closed. I think you'd be able to get a whole different vibe from it.

It was amazing. So beautiful, all lit up but quiet! And such great photo ops!!

Oooh that food looks delicious!! And the empty park pics are beautiful!!

DHS is a gorgeous park for sure! (I first typed DH and had to go back and edit this. He's gorgeous too, but not quite a park!)

Hi Shann! I'm here, really, I am!!! I sometimes forget to get my hiney over to the TR side, when Jordan's PTR keeps me glued to the silliness! I like reading TRs, because often their paces are a little slower and I can read a good long update and make my comments at leisure! Anyway, enough babbling....

I liked DHS too! I really, really want to catch it at night in Sept to see it all lit up in neon. GB's pictures made it look so purty!! I love movies and theater and can't wait to see a bunch of attractions we didn't make it to last time.

TOT is one of my faves too! I love it!!! Doing it at night looks like a blast. We've got a season of Twilight zone, so I'm doing my studying for finding the hidden treasures there.

Your meets look so fun, too. Someday, I hope we can meet up in our 2nd 'home'. Meantime, we'll have to plan our Nashville meet so it's a real humdinger!

OK, onto the HBD update...

Glad you're here! I loved TOT!! I absolutely must get Sam on it our next trip!!

Lovely, lovely dinner!! I think you're right- a little more pizazz (sp?) should have been in order for a cocktail called a Hollywood! Hmmm...

I think of all the things you ordered the cheesecake looks/ sounds the best! I love cheesecake! I love creme brulee too, so it'd sure be a tough decision.

You and courtney just look so beautiful this evening! So happy and gleeful. How often can you use that word outside of a Disney context?! The snow, the cool looking window displays, the lights, the friends... I'd say you had a perfectly scrumptious day. glad you got an early evening to rest up for the next day!

We were definitely gleeful!! It was a perfect start for our trip. A quick stopover to see the castle and ride the HM and then the beauty that is DHS at night at Christmas-time. That night was actually one of my favorite nights~ something about the start of vacation that's just so lovely!!

Gorgeous photos of the Studios...I know what you mean about the "atmosphere" there...it's like you walked back into a movie from the 30s or 40s...all of that old detailing and movie memorobilia....Fabulous...

The Osbourne lights look fantastic......I have to see them one day...

Hollywood Brown Derby looked lovely and the food absolutely yum...if LL hadn't already umm...brainwashed...I mean influenced me to go...your report and photos sealed the deal...

How lovely to have the park kind of to yourselves...

Great update...

It does feel like walking into one of the old movies of the Hollywood era. I've got to get Courtney back there to ride the Great Movie Ride!! HBD was a great place to go, and I still want to try that Cobb Salad!

Okay....a rat???? What is going on here?
Dinner looked delicious! That drink sure sounds good but I agree on the presentation I love chambord!
I'm not a cheesecake fan but that did look good.....I am trying to remember your favorite creme brulee....was it at Fulton's?
Great pictures on the way out! I think you are doing a great job with Sam's camera!

Tracy

A Rat! hmmmmm..

Fulton's was definitely my favorite creme brulee~~ milk chocolate!! I started to get the hang of Sam's camera after a while although honestly I'm happy enough to turn the photographer job back over to him. It gets where you're only thinking about things in terms of pictures!

I'm here and all caught up!!!! I loved your night photos of DHS!!! So gorgeous!!!

I have to agree that cheesecake is amazing at DHS...so good and so rich!! I'm glad I had Leslie to share with!!!!

Can't wait to hear more about your trip!

Welcome Home!!! I can't wait to hear about y'all's trip either!

The cheesecake was wonderful. If I ever get back there, I'm ordering it for sure!

 

[shannn]

What did Kathy call it? Oh yea, tripus interruptus!!

Just had to note with y'all that I have a new ticker! Sam apparently had been planning something for my 40th birthday in October which didn't work out, so he came in this morning and suggested we should go for a quick trip to Disney!!

He said he would have surprised me, but that would have taken away half the fun for me~~ the planning. He's right....

So, I immediately starting researching options! Renting points, perhaps?

 

[manntra]

Awesome news about your birthday trip Shann! Sam is so great!! And he is right....planning, planning, planning! Where are you thinking of staying if you rent points?
Oh and I figured out your rat situation after I wrote that duhhhhh!!

Tracy

 

[KathyRN137]

Hooray for the new ticker!!

I just wanted to pop in and say "Hi!" Now I'm going back to read!


Kathy


Okay, All caught up now!

Your pix of the Osbourne Lights turned out so well... mine from '05 were all blurred.
Luckily, thanks in part to you, I will get a second shot!!

Hmmm. October Trip. Food & Wine Festival. Renting Points....

Of course, I'm thinking Beach Club or Boardwalk!


Kathy

 

[Happydog]

What a great update! Dinner looks like it was heaven! Seems like a great first evening, and I agree, easy does it, and have a great start the next morning! Can't wait to hear all about it!

 

[All7OfUs]

What did Kathy call it? Oh yea, tripus interruptus!!

Just had to note with y'all that I have a new ticker! Sam apparently had been planning something for my 40th birthday in October which didn't work out, so he came in this morning and suggested we should go for a quick trip to Disney!!

He said he would have surprised me, but that would have taken away half the fun for me~~ the planning. He's right....

So, I immediately starting researching options! Renting points, perhaps?

Funny! I just found out about this over on Kathy's thread!! So I had to come over ASAP and find out what I missed!! Hooray!!! So happy for you, and YES you get to plan again!

 

[shannn]

Awesome news about your birthday trip Shann! Sam is so great!! And he is right....planning, planning, planning! Where are you thinking of staying if you rent points?
Oh and I figured out your rat situation after I wrote that duhhhhh!!

Tracy

He's pretty awesome all right. He's actually kind of uncertain about the whole idea of going to Disney without the kids, but he's willing to give it a shot. I'm going to have to convince him that it's a fun!! I'm wide open on the points ideas. I LOVE planning Disney trips!

Hooray for the new ticker!!

I just wanted to pop in and say "Hi!" Now I'm going back to read!


Kathy


Okay, All caught up now!

Your pix of the Osbourne Lights turned out so well... mine from '05 were all blurred.
Luckily, thanks in part to you, I will get a second shot!!

Hmmm. October Trip. Food & Wine Festival. Renting Points....

Of course, I'm thinking Beach Club or Boardwalk!


Kathy

The Osborne lights were gorgeous!! Hm..... I have to admit that those places had crossed my mind.

What a great update! Dinner looks like it was heaven! Seems like a great first evening, and I agree, easy does it, and have a great start the next morning! Can't wait to hear all about it!

Dinner *was* wonderful, and it was a perfect day!

Funny! I just found out about this over on Kathy's thread!! So I had to come over ASAP and find out what I missed!! Hooray!!! So happy for you, and YES you get to plan again!

I'm really excited. I love having TWO tickers!!