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

[courtney881]

Just putting my 2 cents in.....that was my FAVORITE place we ate! The atmosphere...the food!!! Everything was wonderful! I cannot even begin to describe how amazing the crab cake was! I don't even eat crab cakes and I would love to have about 4 of them right now! Yum, Yum, Yum. As for the cupcake, it made it all the way back to Knoxville and it was still wonderful 4 days later! I swear it weighed about a pound I agree with Shann, this was a wonderful day and having DHS to ourselves was really something!
I've started planning an October trip too and am planning on going back to Brown Derby!!!!!!! mmmmm Cheesecake

 

[praisehisname]

I was so freakin' scared when we strapped into that elevator, but as soon as the ride started I was completely mesmerized.

Yay!!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it and had fun!

I got the Cremini Mushroom Chevre Raviolo - with tomato-fennel sauce and shaved parmigiano-Reggiano.

This sounds yummy and is probably what I would have chosen as well!

Now I'm craving cheesecake...

Look at the icing on that! That's the best looking birthday cupcake I've seen on the reports. Usually they are the yellow cake with white icing and they look sad, IMHO.

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!!

I just celebrated my 40th at Disney with only me and DH, so I can tell you for sure that it's the best way to celebrate!

 

[shannn]

(By the way, did everybody notice that my friend who hadn't been to WDW since 1981 now has, count them....2 tickers going on??)

The next morning we were up and ready to meet the bus at around 8:00. (Did we even eat breakfast that morning, Court? I can't remember.) It was Epcot day!!! And I was so excited to have some grownup time in the World Showcase.

We took the bus to Epcot, and I realized what I've read about how far away the buses park from the front. I've only gotten to Epcot before by boat (from the BC) and by monorail (from the Poly) so I had no idea where the bus stops were. Anyway, we hiked over to the front and got in line nice and early at the gates. It was a beautiful day, and we were ready to go Soarin'! We stood in line with a sweet older couple~ she was a teacher too, and we had plenty to chat about. They were nice enough to take our picture too.

About that picture: first~ yes, it was Courtney's day to wear the tie-dye; second~ I look half asleep. Two reasons for that, 1) we hadn't had coffee yet (and I just remembered what we did for breakfast) and 2) I was fighting a horrible sinus infection. In fact, I had taken the day off from school on the Wednesday before to make sure that it wasn't anything more. But it wasn't so I was just taking Singulair and trying not to keep Courtney awake all night with my coughing. I was getting very little sleep and feeling pretty bad. (remember that for later.) Anyway, there's no sick in Disneyworld so I pressed on.

The line wasn't that long, although I made it a little longer because I asked to wait for the front row. Let me tell you, that is so worth it!! I love this ride and I was so excited to share it with Courtney!!

After getting out of Soarin', we decided to stop at Sunshine Seasons for some breakfast. I don't remember what Courtney got (jump in here!), but I just got a plain bagel & a Diet Coke. I'm not a fan of sweet breakfasts so this suited me fine. We sat for a few minutes and marveled at how long the lines were both for Soarin' and for the Fast Pass Machines!!

I had been texting that morning with Anita (wigdoutdismom) and talking about meeting up with them since they were in Epcot also. We left Sunshine Seasons and headed toward the fountains where they said they were. Before I could get through Innovations, I got another text and she said that they were at the steel drums. I can't believe I didn't take any pictures, but there they were right next to us. We watched for a few minutes and then decided to walk over to Spaceship Earth. We were going to ride it, but when we saw the line we changed our minds and decided we'd rather go to Mouse Gears. I had been talking up MG as my favorite place to shop since we got there, and Courtney wanted to check it out. I can't remember which trip we got which things, so I'll hold off on showing off my purchases until the end.

After leaving Mouse Gears, we were finally on our way to the World Showcase!

We made our way to France for our ADR at Les Chefs. They weren't quite checking people in yet, so we wandered around France for a while and encountered Pere Noel walking towards us.

We stood and watched him for a few minutes before turning around realizing that they were beginning to line up at Les Chefs.

Continued in the next post....

 

[shannn]

The maitre'd at Les Chefs was very funny and very French. However, somehow he skipped our names. Luckily Courtney had looked at where we were on the list and clued him in that he had skipped us. I would have probably stood there all day watching everything else that was going on around us!

Les Chefs is a beautiful restaurant. It's all glass and light inside and just reminded me of a French brassiere.

For our appetizers, I thought about getting the escargot, but I just couldn't turn down my favorite French treat: Soupe a l'oignon gratinee - the classic onion soup topped with grilled Gruyere cheese. Courtney had the same thing.

Now, I have to tell y'all that the best French onion soup (& creme brulee) I've ever had was actually in Paris. We went to this little tiny restaurant in Montmartre at the top of all those stairs and I had to get this meal. But this was a close second to that soup!! Yummmy!

After our appetizers, we were lucky enough to have a visit from our favorite rat! Yep, Remy from Ratatouille. He was absolutely adorable, as was the CM who was his escort.

He posed for me when I asked for a picture.

And so did Remy!

They sang Happy Birthday to Courtney and then they were off again to visit with other tables! It was hilarious to watch all these older people who were absolutely charmed by Remy. I know this is supposed to be a short term thing, but I hope it will stay for a while!

For an entree Courtney got the Croque monsieur et sa salade verte - The classic French toasted ham and cheese sandwich served with a green salad. (which she substituted for french fries.)

She said this was wonderful and you can see all the cheese melting out the sides!

I got the Gratin de macaroni - Baked macaroni with cream and gruyere cheese.

This was okay. I would have liked a bit more of the cheese. I felt like it was mostly noodles. The cream was wonderful though, and my kids would have loved it!

For dessert, Courtney got Crepe a la pomme et cannelle, glace vanille, caramel jus de pommes - Crepe filled with cinnamon, apple, vanilla ice cream and apple caramel sauce (of course, with a candle for her birthday!)

She said this was good, and I loved how they put the candle in her strawberry!

I got, of course, the Creme Brulee - Vanilla creme brulee served with a madeliene.

This was good, with just the right amount of crunch with no burnt areas in the top. It still didn't beat the chocolate creme brulee we had at Fulton's, but it was a yummy basic creme brulee.

This was a fun place for a lunch, and I will definitely put it on my list again. I'd probably order something else for my entree or maybe I'd just have the soup and a salad. Remy is precious and he made our meal!!

Coming up next: more World Showcase, a special birthday dinner, and a surprise!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Did we not get any pictures that morning????

What was wrong with us?

What I wouldn't give for some of that French Onion Soup right this very minute!

Great update Shannon! I need to get busy and get writing on this day of the trip!

 

[shannn]

Did we not get any pictures that morning????

What was wrong with us?

What I wouldn't give for some of that French Onion Soup right this very minute!

Great update Shannon! I need to get busy and get writing on this day of the trip!

Can you believe that? As I was looking at my pictures, I realized that I didn't get any pictures of me with Dawn (only ones of her family) or any pictures with y'all!! We ended up losing y'all in Mouse Gears that morning too, so we never really did say goodbye.

Oh yes, you know the surprise. I won't write about it yet!

 

[KathyRN137]

It was hilarious to watch all these older people who were absolutely charmed by Remy. I know this is supposed to be a short term thing, but I hope it will stay for a while!

Remy is precious and he made our meal!!

I have to admit that I do not care for French food, but I would consider trying Chefs if Remy is still there! The kids would love him (too!)


Kathy

 

[courtney881]

While Shannon opted for the bagel and Diet Coke, I got ...... a chocolate croissant thingy....forgot what to call it and some coffee...MUCH NEEDED coffee. Obviously I go for the sugary breakfast. I would like to also add that I LOVED Soarin!!! Even though there were moments when my fear of flying reared it's ugly head. That was such a great ride!
As for Mouse Gears....HEAVEN!!! I had so much fun just wandering and looking in that store. I kept having to call Shannon's cell phone to find her. Everytime we managed to meet up, I'd wander off and lose her somewhere..
Remy...what can I say but I love him! That was soo cute! The pictures are wonderful but you don't get the whole aaaahhhh moment until you hear him. And that ham and cheese sandwich...WOw! It was wonderful!
And yes, now I do have 2 tickers going...would have more if I could

 

[shannn]

While Shannon opted for the bagel and Diet Coke, I got ...... a chocolate croissant thingy....forgot what to call it and some coffee...MUCH NEEDED coffee. Obviously I go for the sugary breakfast. I would like to also add that I LOVED Soarin!!! Even though there were moments when my fear of flying reared it's ugly head. That was such a great ride!
As for Mouse Gears....HEAVEN!!! I had so much fun just wandering and looking in that store. I kept having to call Shannon's cell phone to find her. Everytime we managed to meet up, I'd wander off and lose her somewhere..
Remy...what can I say but I love him! That was soo cute! The pictures are wonderful but you don't get the whole aaaahhhh moment until you hear him. And that ham and cheese sandwich...WOw! It was wonderful!
And yes, now I do have 2 tickers going...would have more if I could

Oh yes!! I forgot to mention the fear and flying and her sweaty hands being rubbed on me! When we even talk about flying, she starts sweating.

 

[manntra]

I totally noticed your two new tickers Courtney!! Woo hoo!!
Your French lunch looked soooo yummy! I am all about cheese! All kinds! I am not an onion fan at all but I would eat that soup just for the broth and the cheese!
Great picture of Courtney with her birthday crepe!
Looks like a really fun day and so happy you got to meet up with Anita!

Tracy

 

[ladybugmom]

Yay for going back to WDW in October to celebrate your 40th!!! What a great DH you have!!!

Oooh--I just LOVE Soarin'!! It's my favorite ride!! And the food ya'll had at Les Chefs looks sooo yummy--especially the creme brulee!! And Remy is soooo cute!! Can't wait to hear about the surprise!!!

 

[yinyanggirls]

Yummmm. I seriously need to plan another trip just to try all the restaurants! For this trip we are avoiding anything with table clothes and wine glasses in the place setting.

 

[All7OfUs]

Soarin' is a great ride. So glad you got to get on here first thing!!

MouseGears is a fun shop. When we were freezing our hineys off in 2000, we bought our very first classic Mickey and Minnie sweatshirts in there. Always a nice memory to recall!

Your lunch looked so fun, and I'd say that Remy would have made it extra special for me too. It IS a lovely restaurant, I'll certainly agree with you there!

Can't wait to hear about the birthday dinner- Where'd you end up??

 

[Lady Lallie]

I'm all caught up. Whew. It's a lot of work to get caught up on the DIS after a Disney vacation.

*Your room at OKW looks great!

*I love your tie dye shirts.

*Your brown derby meal sounds delicious...and very familiar.

*Gotta love front row for Soarin!

*Les Chefs....mmmm. I missed eating there this trip for sure.

 

[praisehisname]

Yum! I'd make an ADR there just to eat that!

 

[shannn]

I have to admit that I do not care for French food, but I would consider trying Chefs if Remy is still there! The kids would love him (too!)

Kathy

Remy is adorable! I fell in love with him!

I totally noticed your two new tickers Courtney!! Woo hoo!!
Your French lunch looked soooo yummy! I am all about cheese! All kinds! I am not an onion fan at all but I would eat that soup just for the broth and the cheese!
Great picture of Courtney with her birthday crepe!
Looks like a really fun day and so happy you got to meet up with Anita!

Tracy

I am such a cheese fan. I absolutely adore it!! (When people ask me my favorite foods, I always say cheese & chocolate, although not together!) That soup was the best. It was a great morning, for sure!

Yay for going back to WDW in October to celebrate your 40th!!! What a great DH you have!!!

Oooh--I just LOVE Soarin'!! It's my favorite ride!! And the food ya'll had at Les Chefs looks sooo yummy--especially the creme brulee!! And Remy is soooo cute!! Can't wait to hear about the surprise!!!

I'm soooo excited for another October trip. I just love Halloween & the decorations during this time period! I can't wait to convince Sam that a solo adult trip can be fun!

Soarin' is definitely in my top 5 rides of all time. I just love it!!

Yummmm. I seriously need to plan another trip just to try all the restaurants! For this trip we are avoiding anything with table clothes and wine glasses in the place setting.

The restaurants are amazing. I love Disney dining! I really think they add to the whole experience. I think my hubby would be glad if I'd change my mind about that!

Soarin' is a great ride. So glad you got to get on here first thing!!

MouseGears is a fun shop. When we were freezing our hineys off in 2000, we bought our very first classic Mickey and Minnie sweatshirts in there. Always a nice memory to recall!

Your lunch looked so fun, and I'd say that Remy would have made it extra special for me too. It IS a lovely restaurant, I'll certainly agree with you there!

Can't wait to hear about the birthday dinner- Where'd you end up??

I love MouseGears! It just seems to have everything. We stumbled into it accidentally in 2006 and I was in love!

Dinner? Well, you'll have to see!

I'm all caught up. Whew. It's a lot of work to get caught up on the DIS after a Disney vacation.

*Your room at OKW looks great!

*I love your tie dye shirts.

*Your brown derby meal sounds delicious...and very familiar.

*Gotta love front row for Soarin!

*Les Chefs....mmmm. I missed eating there this trip for sure.

I love your lists!!
*OKW WAS wonderful. A perfect room for 2!
*A DISer made our shirts. I loved them!
*Brown Derby and Les Chefs were wonderful, although my all-time favorite meal is coming up!
*It is totally worth the wait for front row on Soarin'!

Yum! I'd make an ADR there just to eat that!

That soup was to die for!

 

[All7OfUs]

*Your brown derby meal sounds delicious...and very familiar.

Dinner? Well, you'll have to see!

Leslie, I sat and read your and Jen's entire TR last night, and loved it. I need to go back and comment soon!

But I did totally laugh out loud when I noticed that you guys had similar BD meals! Funny!

Shannon,

I'm waiting with much anticipation!

 

[shannn]

When we left Les Chefs, we decided to wander around the World Showcase some more. I was feeling kind of yucky, but I ignored it and pushed on. We walked around France a bit more, marveling at the beautiful windows and the kitchen shop. I pointed out the place with the slushies to Courtney, and we promised to be back when we weren't so very full!

As we went back over the bridge, of course, we encountered a photopass photographer and stopped for some shots! This photographer was actually the most creative we came across and put us in some alternate poses. (I look AWFUL in these pictures, but I'll post them just the same!)

(horrid!)

(passable)

(Okay, this one I kind of like)

The photographer noticed Courtney's birthday pin and offered to do another kind of picture as well.

Adorable!

We explored Canada next. I had never actually been up into the pavillion, only down into Le Cellier; so I was excited to explore a bit more. When we first walked up, we saw their version of Santa talking about the holidays in Canada.

I thought this doorway was beautiful!

I also thought the waterfall was gorgeous.

We went in and watched Martin Short & the circlevision movie. I really did think it was cleverly done with some beautiful pictures, but honestly I was feeling worse and worse. Now, I am known for getting sick whenever I don't get enough sleep. If I'm sleep deprived I always get a fever. My mom said she could immediately tell if I hadn't slept at a sleepover because of it. Well, with the horrible cold/allergies/sinus that I was having, I hadn't slept well in days. I really felt sick, too, which was probably from drainage.

I felt totally awful about asking Courtney to leave, but I kind felt like I had to go back and sleep. I offered for her to stay and I'd go alone (and I meant it), but of course, she was a great friend and immediately agreed that a nap would be good. I had just completely run out of steam and had to get back to bed. I was hoping a good nap would help me out of the funk I was feeling because we had a big night planned!

Coming up: a nap? dinner? a surprise?

 

[michellem1118]

Ugh, sorry you weren't feeling well! There's nothing worse than being sick in Disney... except maybe being sick at home! I hope you were feeling better after your nap.

 

[ladybugmom]

Oh no!!! I hope the nap helps and you feel better for that evening! I just LOVE your PP pics!! They are too cute! You are your worst critic--I think you look great in all of the pics!!