A Birthday Trip without a Birthday - 2/16: Conclusion and Bonus Birthday Tea

[nodnol]

And you have to update your signature....

 

[lovealldisney]

And you have to update your signature....

Oh another trip planned??? Hi Katharina....

 

[eandesmom]

So we took our umbrellas and walked along a very lovely path. At one point we met a very lonely guard (the bag check point for those coming from RPR) and he told us that it wasn't very far to the hotel. And it really wasn't. It would have been a beautiful walk if it hadn't been so wet. But even in the rain it wasn't too bad.

We did feel a bit awkward to walk into the lobby dripping wet, but immediately disappeared into the ladies room and when we reappeared we did look much more appropriate for the lovely hotel!

Up Next: Dinner at Tchoup Chop

At least you had dry clothes! We had a similar walk ourselves to go eat at Jakes and poured into the RPH soaked. Cleaned up in the restrooms as best we could and...oh well! Next time it happened we did take one of those pedicabs, it was worth it.

It is a pretty walk though.

So glad you are finishing this!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And that you found an alternate ornament that worked.

 

[glennbo123]

It's great to see you on the DIS again Magdalene (and Katharina).

Sometimes getting caught in a rainstorm can make for a memorable vacation moment.

Yes, is there a new trip announcement coming up?

 

[Flossbolna]

Hi Magdalene!

Glad to see you posting again... Bummer about the rain it's no fun when you're on vacation. Looking forward to your restuarant review.

It was a very memorable moment!

And the restaurant review is coming in a moment!

 

[Flossbolna]

I'm so glad you decided to finish the report. It is now so lang ago, I have the feeling I don't remember very much and I'm quite anxious to read the report and what YOU remember!

Well, fortunately most of this has already been written long time ago - I just never got around to post it... But we will see what I remember about the rest of the topics I wanted to cover!

 

[Flossbolna]

And you have to update your signature....

Oh another trip planned??? Hi Katharina....

It's great to see you on the DIS again Magdalene (and Katharina).

Sometimes getting caught in a rainstorm can make for a memorable vacation moment.

Yes, is there a new trip announcement coming up?

Katharina, you made those people all excited about nothing!!!

It is a past trip - and I have added it to my signature: look for the 2012...

I have tentative plans for my next Disney trip - for late spring 2013. My plans for Disneyland this fall seem not to become reality as a big work projects will need lots of attention in the fall. But, to make up for it, my plans for spring 2013 might include a cruise.

 

[Flossbolna]

At least you had dry clothes! We had a similar walk ourselves to go eat at Jakes and poured into the RPH soaked. Cleaned up in the restrooms as best we could and...oh well! Next time it happened we did take one of those pedicabs, it was worth it.

It is a pretty walk though.

So glad you are finishing this!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And that you found an alternate ornament that worked.

It is a very pretty walk. Made me want to stay at one of the Universal resorts next time. We did not see any pedicab around - I remember reading about them on your TR and if I had seen them, I would have suggested to take it.

I should get a picture of the ornament...

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Hey, look! Magdalene and Katharina are back! Drinks all around!

Sorry you missed out on your Christmas ornament. And some more pictures of you looking like a drowned rat would have been helpful.

Ooh, a possible cruise! Is that your first?

Great to see you here again!

 

[Flossbolna]

Hey, look! Magdalene and Katharina are back! Drinks all around!

Sorry you missed out on your Christmas ornament. And some more pictures of you looking like a drowned rat would have been helpful.

Ooh, a possible cruise! Is that your first?

Great to see you here again!

I haven't really been away, just not posting much...

I am now very happy with the alternative ornament I got, I really need to get it out to take a picture for this TR! And no way would we have wanted pictures of us all wet!!!!

The cruise would be my first! Ever! Not only on Disney. The longest I have been on a ship was when we took the ferry from Hamburg, Germany to Harwich, UK - a route which no longer is serviced. We departed in the late afternoon and arrived late morning. So I did get to sleep on the ship!

 

[Flossbolna]

RPR has a similar theme as the Polynesian and it is very nicely themed. But it is a bit more formal, I would say more “colonial” also. I really liked the look of it. There are several seating areas in the lobby and it had a welcoming feel for me.

We were very early for our reservation and were also meeting some friends of mine whom I got to know through another discussion board for dinner. So we sat in the lobby for a bit to wait for them. While we were sitting there a manager came to talk to us and asked us whether we were enjoying our stay at the hotel. We told him that we were there just for dinner and talked a bit with him about the hotel. He was really very nice and definitely very proud of his hotel.

Then it was time for dinner and our friends showed up. Since they had a car, they offered to take us back to the Boardwalk after the meal and one of them was so nice to take our huge shopping bags filled with Universal merchandise as well as our wet clothes out to their car! Very convenient!!

One thing that was a bit strange about the layout of the hotel was that in order to get to Tchoup Chop we had to go down some stairs and somehow to me it felt like we were going down into the basement. We had to exit the building there and then walk alongside the pool to get to Tchoup Chop. I was wondering why they were hiding the restaurant away. But then you go downstairs from the lobby for Boma and Jiko as AKL as well. And I was thinking that in daylight I might be less confused about the layout...

We had an excellent meal at Tchoup Chop, which has a wonderful atmosphere. Sorry, I did not take any pictures during dinner, it just did not seem to fit. Also it is rather dark inside and any picture would have required flash. But here is one I borrowed from the DIS to show how beautiful it is:

I was very impressed that our server asked when he brought the “bread” basket – which was filled with prawn crackers - whether anyone at the table was allergic to shellfish. I hadn't seen the basket and said yes and then realised that he was about to disappear with the basket. I did not want Katharina and the others to miss out on the crackers because of me and immediately told him that I would have no trouble with the basket standing on the table, I just would not eat them. And he said that he would bring an alternative for me. And he did, it was freshly fried wan tan dough platters (that's the best I can explain it) with a different dipping sauce than what came with the prawn crackers. I thought that this was really excellent!

Katharina and I shared an appetizer: Mongolian Glazed Slow Roasted Pork Belly in Chinese Style Steamed Buns with Spicy Napa Slaw. This was very delicious! Rather sweet and we were a bit surprised that the meat was not inside the buns, but it was more served like rolled up in pancakes, but a slice of bun instead of a pancake. The friends shared the baby iceberg wedge salad which they had on a previous visit. They loved it again.

I then had Ginger Brined Pork Tenderloin with Savory Sesame French Toast and Mandarin Chili Glaze. Once again, slightly sweet tasting (especially the french toast). I was at first not so sure what to expect of the french toast, but it was extremely delicious and went very well with the pork. I love the pork tenderloin at California Grill, but this was at least equally good, even though totally different.

Katharina had something with sweet potatoes, but I am not sure what it was. It might have been Pan Roasted Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast with a Sweet Potato Gratin, Summer Stone Fruit Chutney and Umeboshi Plum Glaze. ETA: Katharina says she had a lamb dish, not the duck. This has also been confirmed by one of the friends. But I am sure that the side was sweet potatoes!

One of the friends had the same pork dish as I and the other a chicken dish. Once again they ordered exactly the same as on their previous visit as they liked it so much then. And it did not disappoint them this time either!

I forgot to mention that at the beginning of the meal one of our servers had asked whether we are celebrating anything. I am not sure whether it was a standard question or whether it was due to the fact that I was carrying a gift bag which the friends had given to me (which had a lovely WDW mug in it in a design that fits very well with a Minnie mug that I bought on a previous visit). I was about to say no when one of the friends (who knew that the trip was originally a birthday trip - see title of the TR) was quicker and announced that we were celebrating my birthday. I had forgotten all about it until at the end of the meal I was suddenly presented with a birthday dessert: a scoop of mago sorbet which was absolutely delicious and was just the right thing to end the delicious meal!

One of the friends ordered dessert as well and while I have no idea anymore what it was, I was told that it was great.

All in all it was an excellent meal with wonderful company and a great way to end our day at Universal.

Foodwise it certainly was in the top three restaurants of this trip, the other two being California Grill and Flying Fish. But if you take value for money into account, it is the clear winner. Our appetizer was $9 and my pork was $24.50. The pork at California Grill is $37. So I really can recommend Tchoup Chop as a signature dining experience for prices as you would pay at a casual restaurant at WDW.

And maybe the best thing was that we had our own private transportation back to the Boardwalk thanks to our friends and did not have to worry about booking the shuttle return time and walk from the hotel all the way through Universal Citywalk to the parking garage.

 

[nodnol]

But here is one I borrowed from the DIS to show how beautiful it is:

It doesn't feel like a swimming pool inside, even if it looks like one on this picture.

Katharina had something with sweet potatoes, but I am not sure what it was. It might have been Pan Roasted Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast with a Sweet Potato Gratin, Summer Stone Fruit Chutney and Umeboshi Plum Glaze.

All I remember is that I had lamb and that it was very good.

 

[nodnol]

Katharina, you made those people all excited about nothing!!!

Sorry, it didn't cross my mind that people could read it like this...

 

[Flossbolna]

Sorry, it didn't cross my mind that people could read it like this...

Well, there are some tentative plans that I did talk about... So I hope they were not all disappointed

 

[nodnol]

Well, maybe I can keep them entertained with my travel plans for the summer?

Let me tell you that I am very very excited for my summer vacation!

It will be the first time that I'll be traveling to the US with my DH and the first time for 20 years that he'll meet his host family where he stayed as an exchange student. And that's the reason why we'll fly to Louisville, KY and rent a car and explore Kentucky - but only for 5 days. Then we'll head further West (by plane) to Las Vegas and go on our first road trip outside of Europe: we'll see Valley of Fire, Hoover Damm (don't ask me why, DH picked it), Monument Valley, Zion NP, Bryce Canyon NP, Wendover, Ut (again, DH's pick), Great Basin NP, ghost towns and fly back to Germany from San Francisco after visiting with my aunt who lives in California.

This of course is only a very short version of our plans and there is still a lot of things to do and plan, but I just wanted to share my excitement! I'm counting the days and wish nearly every morning that I could stay at home a prepare for the trip instead of going to work...

Oh, and any tips of who to cope with change from 89% humidity in KY to nearly zero in NV?

 

[eandesmom]

What a great restaurant update! Now I want to eat there on our next Universal trip. Not that I know when that is but that restaurant is now officially on my list! Great description of RPH. I actually prefer the decor to the Poly and I think you hit the nail on the head with the "formal"a dn "colonial" comments.

Well, maybe I can keep them entertained with my travel plans for the summer?

Let me tell you that I am very very excited for my summer vacation!

It will be the first time that I'll be traveling to the US with my DH and the first time for 20 years that he'll meet his host family where he stayed as an exchange student. And that's the reason why we'll fly to Louisville, KY and rent a car and explore Kentucky - but only for 5 days. Then we'll head further West (by plane) to Las Vegas and go on our first road trip outside of Europe: we'll see Valley of Fire, Hoover Damm (don't ask me why, DH picked it), Monument Valley, Zion NP, Bryce Canyon NP, Wendover, Ut (again, DH's pick), Great Basin NP, ghost towns and fly back to Germany from San Francisco after visiting with my aunt who lives in California.

This of course is only a very short version of our plans and there is still a lot of things to do and plan, but I just wanted to share my excitement! I'm counting the days and wish nearly every morning that I could stay at home a prepare for the trip instead of going to work...

Oh, and any tips of who to cope with change from 89% humidity in KY to nearly zero in NV?

I am tired just reading all that. That is a very busy trip full of some beautiful places. As for NV just watch your feet! That lack of humidity makes it super easy for me to get blisters. And of course, drink lots and lots of water.

 

[Flossbolna]

All I remember is that I had lamb and that it was very good.

Yes, on of the friends mentioned after reading the update that you had lamb as well. I edited the update to correct that.

The friends also said that I left out that one of them had dessert which was delicious. And that reminded me that I indeed did get a special dessert as well! I need to add that to the post above...

 

[Flossbolna]

The friends also said that I left out that one of them had dessert which was delicious. And that reminded me that I indeed did get a special dessert as well! I need to add that to the post above...

Ok, for everyone that already read the update: I just added two paragraphs and in order to save you to have to go back, here they are:

I forgot to mention that at the beginning of the meal one of our servers had asked whether we are celebrating anything. I am not sure whether it was a standard question or whether it was due to the fact that I was carrying a gift bag which the friends had given to me (which had a lovely WDW mug in it in a design that fits very well with a Minnie mug that I bought on a previous visit). I was about to say no when one of the friends (who knew that the trip was originally a birthday trip - see title of the TR) was quicker and announced that we were celebrating my birthday. I had forgotten all about it until at the end of the meal I was suddenly presented with a birthday dessert: a scoop of mago sorbet which was absolutely delicious and was just the right thing to end the delicious meal!

One of the friends ordered dessert as well and while I have no idea anymore what it was, I was told that it was great.

 

[Flossbolna]

What a great restaurant update! Now I want to eat there on our next Universal trip. Not that I know when that is but that restaurant is now officially on my list! Great description of RPH. I actually prefer the decor to the Poly and I think you hit the nail on the head with the "formal"a dn "colonial" comments.

I really loved the whole evening there! And I think you would really like Tchoup Chop. I will talk about it in another update, but I can tell you, that RPH is definitely on my list of possibilities for my next trip (if I include Universal, am also seriously thinking about doing Discovery Cove, Sea World and Aquatica next trip and I don't want to overdo it with all kind of different parks either...).

 

[lovealldisney]

Well, maybe I can keep them entertained with my travel plans for the summer?

Let me tell you that I am very very excited for my summer vacation!

It will be the first time that I'll be traveling to the US with my DH and the first time for 20 years that he'll meet his host family where he stayed as an exchange student. And that's the reason why we'll fly to Louisville, KY and rent a car and explore Kentucky - but only for 5 days. Then we'll head further West (by plane) to Las Vegas and go on our first road trip outside of Europe: we'll see Valley of Fire, Hoover Damm (don't ask me why, DH picked it), Monument Valley, Zion NP, Bryce Canyon NP, Wendover, Ut (again, DH's pick), Great Basin NP, ghost towns and fly back to Germany from San Francisco after visiting with my aunt who lives in California.

This of course is only a very short version of our plans and there is still a lot of things to do and plan, but I just wanted to share my excitement! I'm counting the days and wish nearly every morning that I could stay at home a prepare for the trip instead of going to work...

Oh, and any tips of who to cope with change from 89% humidity in KY to nearly zero in NV?

So excited for you two!! I hope you have an amazing time... Maybe you'll do a TR when you get back????

Magadalene,

Loved the review sound delishous...

I have tentative plans for my next Disney trip - for late spring 2013. My plans for Disneyland this fall seem not to become reality as a big work projects will need lots of attention in the fall. But, to make up for it, my plans for spring 2013 might include a cruise.

Bummer about DL lets hope your plans for 2013 work out A cruise sounds really nice. I could never get DH on a cruise he HATES water (well he does bath LOL..) but hates swimming etc..

I unfortunatly have to wait for vacation until 2014... but oh what a vacation that will be... I am planning for 3 weeks hopefully things will work out as planned...