A Haunting, A Run, & Some Food & Wine: 3 Fall 2013 Trips - Complete

[Dis_Yoda]

Enjoying your report!

Thank you for joining along!

I finally got all caught up and now you're onto your next trip!

Your dinner last night looked quite wonderful! I would have enjoyed trying all those different choices!

Well it will just give you more to catch up to

After this weekend, we aren't back for another 3 months.

The dinner was a great experience. Some of the stuff was totally new to me.

OMG that dinner looks amazing! Was it special for F&W or something they do all the time? I cannot wait to see more!

This is their new nightly tasting menu. Its every night at 8:00PM for up to 10 guests. You prepay when you book this dinner. You just have to tell them you are looking for the Omakase meal.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

thanks for doing a review of the Omakase meal - been very interested in that. It seems like a fund experience with lots of different types of food - not "just" sushi

Interesting that there is a menu provided - in the past when I have seen these types of meals it is just what the chef want to make kinda on the fly, but I guess it is good for people who write up reviews

 

[Dis_Yoda]

thanks for doing a review of the Omakase meal - been very interested in that. It seems like a fund experience with lots of different types of food - not "just" sushi

Interesting that there is a menu provided - in the past when I have seen these types of meals it is just what the chef want to make kinda on the fly, but I guess it is good for people who write up reviews

It was an interesting meal. It was definitely mainly sushi based but there were some courses outside that realm. I'm glad I did this sans husband as I don't think he would have enjoyed it much.

From talking with the chef, a group of them came up with the menu together & probably each provide their own tweaks from day to day.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Omakase: Intermission​

As the next course wasn't going to be until after the fireworks, I felt obligated to go out to the observation deck to watch them. I'm not the biggest firework fanatic as I rather be the one setting them off than watching them

As it was Halloween, MNSSHP was going on & it was Hallow-Wishes rather than normal Wishes.

I played with a few different settings on my camera so some of these are better than others.

The electric light parade had just finished up as I walked outside.

After the end of the fireworks, I headed back to the sushi area to begin the second half of our meal.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Omakase Act II​

Squid Salad

The squid in the salad portion was mixed with lobster meat and some asian vegetables. This was topped with the meat of one claw. I'm not the biggest squid fan but this was really well balanced together.

Tako (Octopus) Nigiri w/ Eel Sauce

California Grill has tried to go towards being sustainable but the chef stated they are going against that to bring in the eel for a limited time for the reopening. It may be going away soon. This course feel flat with me. The octopus was super tough that there was no way for me to try to eat the sushi & still look like a person thats eating a tasting menu.

Crunchy Japanese Bone Marrow w/ Sesame Beef Tartare & Red Onion Marmalade

This portion was HUGE, especially for being the 9th course of a 13th course meal. The tartare melted in your mouth and I loved the hints of mango throughout. The marrow was encrusted with panko and super tender inside. I wish I could have eaten more but I left half of it behind as I knew I had 4 more courses to follow.

Tuna Tempura Malibu w/ Sesame Dressing

There were two types of tuna - some in the roll as well as some on top. This is an exact copy of the roll that the sushi chef used to make at the previous California Grill. This is when I knew I was in trouble food wise. The other lady as the counter with me and I requested to have smaller portions for the next few courses if I wanted any chance of being able to enjoy them.

Spicy Crusted Oysters w/ Tempura Mango & fresh Citrus Wasabi

This was very spicy! I took some of the tempura crunch on the bottom and mixed it on top of the oyster before digging in. I guess I like oysters when Disney does them just not much in the real world.

"Surf & Turf" Seared Wagyu Beef w/ Lobster, Mushrooms, & Wasabi Tobiko Aioli

The lobster was inside of the roll with the beef layered on top. What I got to taste of it, I enjoyed but my stomach was filled at this point that I could only eat one.

Mango & Coconut Rice Pudding w/ Hibiscus Syrup

In order to eat this, we were instructed to break the 'yolk' of mango and mix it together ourselves. This made it taste exactly like the mango drink at Yak & Yeti (and this is what the chef said they meant for it to taste like) What I loved about it was that it was extremely light and a great way to end such a food intensive meal. I wish I could have finished it but I had to call it quits about a third of the way through.

This meal was amazing. What I would do if I do this in the future is not eat that day or if I do eat, it will only be an extremely light salad to fuel for the day. I had made the mistake of going out for lunch with a coworker & had two slices of pizza while also having the halloween party at work at 2:00PM where I had some caramel apple & half a cupcake. Had I know the portions were going to be that large, I wouldn't have enjoyed those snacks.

The meal was over slightly after 11:00PM. I headed back out of the resort and to my car to head back to All Stars Music. Luckily the lock on my door worked. I then fell into a nice food coma sleep until the next morning.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

It's An Early Morning​

Now I had gotten to sleep a little before midnight. When at 5:30AM, the room next to me had a screaming child, I sighed. I tried to sleep some more with a pillow over my head but that child did not want to calm down. I felt for the parents I know but at 6:00AM, I gave up. I got ready and by 6:40AM, I was heading towards Wilderness Lodge.

This turned out to be needed as check in took a while as they had to check me out of All Stars Music in order to check me into Wilderness due to My Disney Experience. I had a lady that was training checking me so I guess it was a good challenge for her to learn. It didn't shock me that my room wasn't ready at 7:00AM in the morning as DVC tends to run at 100% occupancy this time of year. I left them my cell phone number to get the text when the room was ready.

I wandered around the resort some.

They had pumpkins out done by the various groups of the resort (Housekeeping, Maintenance, Food & Beverage, Front Desk)

I visited the arcade. I had a dollar in my wallet so I figured I could be a little silly.

My 'big' winning from the candy crane.

Dollar spent, I headed towards Whispering Canyon Cafe to check into breakfast and a much needed dose of caffeine.

Yes, I'm a child at heart and built a log cabin

My server was super sweet. No antics this morning for the tables checked in at opening. When I made a joke about needing lots of caffeine, she brought out two Coke Zeros for me.

It didn't take long for my entree to come out.

Chocolate Chip Pancakes w/ Bacon

This was 3 very large pancakes with two strips of bacon. The pancakes were good but there was no way I could finish all of that. I think I finished maybe 1. The bacon was eh but what am I to expect from Disney bacon?

My server brought me out a to go Coke Zero without even asking. I would totally return to WCC for breakfast if I was staying at Wilderness Lodge.

I headed out to the bus stop to head towards Hollywood Studios. I didn't have to wait long for it to come & I soon on my way to the park!

 

[cdtommie]

Dis Yoda, thanks for the Omakase review - did they offer any drink pairings and did you happen to remember the price? We are doing this next month.

 

[Linda67]

Oh boy, I nearly missed your latest trip!
Thanks so much for your review of the Omakase menu at CG, everything looks amazing but that is a lot of courses to get through!
You almost need to have half portions of everything, so one piece of sushi instead of two in a course
Beautiful photos as always

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Dis Yoda, thanks for the Omakase review - did they offer any drink pairings and did you happen to remember the price? We are doing this next month.

I did not inquire about the drink pairings as I knew I had to drive back to All Stars that evening. After we returned from the intermission, they did bring me the general bar drink menu & ask if I wanted to order something off that menu.

Oh boy, I nearly missed your latest trip!
Thanks so much for your review of the Omakase menu at CG, everything looks amazing but that is a lot of courses to get through!
You almost need to have half portions of everything, so one piece of sushi instead of two in a course
Beautiful photos as always

This is my last trip until February which is only 92 days away. I have all my dates picked out for next year.

The meal was amazing but yeah - I would have needed half portions throughout the meal in order to not overstuff myself or have not eaten all day. I felt bad wasting all the food I did but I wasn't going to make myself sick over it.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

A Hollywood Morning​

I had arrived at Hollywood Studios prior to opening so I waited in line until the park opened. It didn't open super early - only about 10 minutes prior to the posted 9AM. As I already had a fastpass+ for Toy Story Mania, I headed instead towards the other side of the park after being allowed in.

I wanted my first ride to be Star Tours for this day.

I got to be boarded by the Stormtroopers, visit Hoth, get a message from the Princess and see JarJar when our windshield was broken.

I walked across the way to use my fastpass+

My score - one of my highest!

And with a score like that, I was the best in vehicle!

I then headed to ride single rider at RnRC - enjoying the sites along the way.

This sign interested me as I wonder what might be behind it

There was no one ahead of me in the single rider line and really no one behind me either. It didn't take too long until I was enjoying myself on the coaster.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Hollywood Glam​

As I got off of RnRC, I still had about 20 minutes until it was time for me to use my FP+ for Tower of Terror. As the wait was already at 30 minutes, I decided to walk to the Great Movie Ride.

There wasn't much of a wait. The host actually had a personality which helped, unlike when I was on it in early October.

An amusing read!

My bad attempt of the hidden mickey

After the ride, I headed back towards Tower of Terror.

There apparently was some type of delay as even through the FP+, it was extremely slow moving.

Eventually, I got to see this!

I called my husband went I got off the ride a little after 11AM. Looked in the shop & didn't buy anything though. I was starting to get hungry, so I went to head towards the Brown Derby to check out the new lounge but would I?

 

[wiigirl]

Great pics!

 

[franandaj]

OK, Finally caught all back up!

That tasting dinner at CA Grill looked great! But I would have had to eat only half of each course. There is no way that I could eat that much either!

You got my favorites on Star Tours! I haven't had JarJar for the ending in a long time, I like when the winshield gets broken.

I like all the rides that you went on that day. I would be satisfied with your day already and would hit the lounge and go back to the room!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Sounds like a fun morning at the Studios! That sign is really interesting, makes it seem like they are putting in a brewpub or something

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Great pics!

Thanks!

OK, Finally caught all back up!

That tasting dinner at CA Grill looked great! But I would have had to eat only half of each course. There is no way that I could eat that much either!

You got my favorites on Star Tours! I haven't had JarJar for the ending in a long time, I like when the winshield gets broken.

I like all the rides that you went on that day. I would be satisfied with your day already and would hit the lounge and go back to the room!

I'm really happy I did that dinner when I realized I could drive to Disney on Thursday rather than Friday. It was a great start to a weekend filled of food and booze.

I think you called what I did that afternoon

Sounds like a fun morning at the Studios! That sign is really interesting, makes it seem like they are putting in a brewpub or something

That is what I'm wondering but I've seen nothing in the rumor mill that would say something either way.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

A Hollywood Lunch​

When I left Tower of Terror, I had all intentions of eating at the lounge. When I reached the lounge, I found out they actually don't start service until noon. I had 2 options - either find something to do for 30 minutes or just go inside the restaurant & eat. As I was kinda tired from the lack of sleep, I didn't feel like walking around anymore. I decided to see if I could walk into the Brown Derby for lunch.

I had no issues with walking in. In fact, they were in the middle of opening the restaurant for the day.

I was seated at a two top right next to the entrance & it didn't take long for my server to stop by for the drink order. I went for the margarita trio.

It didn't take long for this to arrive along with the freshly baked rolls with the butter with fennel & sea salt.

The margaritas were decent but didn't seem very strong.

For my entree, I went with one of the lunch specials.

'Original' Fettuccine Alfredo w/ Grilled Chicken

This was great. I love a decent fettuccine alfredo & have missed the one that used to be available at EPCOT before Tutto Italia took over. This was very similar to what I remember. The chicken was cooked well.

I went for dessert as well since I had skipped getting an appetizer. I still hadn't gotten the text message that my room was ready so I was also trying to buy some time.

Banana-White Chocolate Mousse

This portion was huge! It was different than the last version I had a few years ago but I love the toffee bits throughout the mousse.

While I was enjoying my dessert, I finally got the text message I was wanting & I knew my room was finally ready.

I paid the bill & headed out to the buses to wait for the return bus to the Wilderness Lodge.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Recharging​

It didn't take long for the bus to arrive at the bus stop, about 10 minutes.

Once we were dropped off at the hotel, I walked in to drop off my stuff I was carrying.

I was given a dedicated studio off the 3rd floor. It also was a corner room with an additional window on the corner wall in addition to the balcony. This really opened the room up.

This room seemed much larger than the previous studios I've been in at OKW, SSR, and BLT. The theme was very dark and woodsy, but it is a wilderness lodge

Whoever cleaned the room from the previous guest must have really enjoyed making towel animals as I had 3 waiting for me in the room!

A Cleaning Swan

Standard Mickey Head

Adorable Winter Puppy

After looking over the room, I headed back out to my car to get my suitcase. I returned to hang up my clothes, play on my computer, get a shower and take a small 30 minute nap. Just enough of a recharge to get me through the evening!

At 4:30PM, I figured it would be a good time to get something small to eat from Territory Lounge as I've been wanting to try a certain item & I wasn't sure at that point how much food was going to be available at the Spirits Confidential Event.

The lounge was empty outside of some business guests. I ordered my drink and my meal & it wasn't long until they both arrived.

Red Stag & Lemonade

(I was going to a hard liquor event - might as well keep to the liquor)

Pinot Grigio Cheddar Fondue w/ Fruit and Bread

I loved this fondue. You could still get a hint of the wine while enjoying it but it wasn't overpowering as wine based fondues can be. The shear amount of bread and apples in that basket was more than enough to enjoy all the cheese!

At 5:00PM, I headed to the bus stop to wait for a bus for EPCOT. 45 Minutes later, one still hadn't arrived. I'm glad I was planning on leaving early but now it was taking away my time for rides before my event. Shortly before 6, it finally came. There was a large crowd waiting to get on the bus at this point. It had to also visit Fort Wilderness before heading to EPCOT which just added more to the crowds on the bus. I also got to stand next to 4 young adults who I think were high by how they were acting which at least provided some amusement for the ride.

I think I finally got to EPCOT at 6:30PM.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Whiskey Lullaby - Part 1​

​

When we finally arrived at EPCOT, I walked through the security gates, happy I finally arrived & away from a super crowded bus.

The first place I had on my agenda before checking for the event was to visit Club Cool before it closed at 7PM. I had read on DisneyFoodBlog a few days prior that they were officially changing over the flavors right before my trip.

I didn’t try the flavors that stayed from the old batch – no need to try Beverly or VegaByte for me.

The Greece Fanta Pineapple was eh. I had Pineapple Fanta previously in my life during foreign travels so it was nothing new.

The Thailand Fanta Melon was good – but not as good as my beloved China Watermelon.

The South African Bibo & Zimbabwe Sparaletta were decent drinks but again not really exciting for me as I had spent time in that area of the world while in college and had enjoyed them back then. Now I get to remember my time there.

Inca Kola from Peru is here in Naples at some area restaurants – so again nothing exciting.

The Brazil Kuat was something new. Not something I would have to drink but something I would enjoy on occasion.

What I do like about this new selection is that 6 of the options are ones I have a desire to drink on various visits & won’t tend to just drink 1 or 2 particular flavors only.

I looked at MouseGears to see if a set of Vinylmations had been released in the main stores that my husband had been excited about on our October trip but they were apparently only a release at the Vinylmation stores at Downtown Disney & I had no desire to deal with going to DTD this trip with buses and the parking situation.

I decided to head towards World Showcase to check in for my Spirits Confidential Event.

Check in went smoothly. I was able to show my ID & get my wrist band for my reserved seating. I was told they wouldn’t start seating for another 30 minutes or so & were told to walk around the world showcase. I went out to the table outside and reviewed the menu in the light.

I was not expecting there to be as much food as there was listed on the event. At first, I wasn’t too thrilled with how the menu read as it just seemed like boring bar food. Then I realized it was going to be a little more upscale bar food which helped change my opinion. There was going to be a fair amount of alcohol to try but I knew I probably was not going to be able to try everything I wanted if I wanted any chance of getting home.

Realizing that the crowds were frankly horrible around EPCOT as it was a Friday Evening & the locals were out. I decided to just head back inside the Showplace and wait it out inside playing on my phone rather than dealing with those crowds.

One of the ladies I’ve known from the Dis over the years (ImprovGal) was on the other side of the rope. We chatted a bit until it was time for the reserved guests to be let in. I noted that the ‘bullpin’ for the non-reserved guests did seem very light but figured maybe a crowd was coming and they were going to show up closer to the start time.

I was the first table in the front row of the reserved section. The area used for this seating is the same part they use for the Wine View Lounge. They had a full mix bar, cheese station, signature cocktail station and then a place to get our own shot glass at with the signature Maker’s Mark.

Once I was seated, I headed to my favorite hard alcohol to get some of their drinks and then headed to get some food before the main crowd was going to show up.

Here is when I’m going to separate out my review between the food, the alcohol, the game, the reserved seating and the entertainment.

Lets start with the alcohol!

Alcohol

I would be lying if I said the alcohol wasn’t the main focus of this event. There was a lot of the hard stuff to be had. Some of it was boring every day selections. Others were new to me or available in flavors I hadn’t tried before. The problem was being able to pace oneself. I did end up leaving the event early as I knew if I drank anymore, I would be sick. I didn’t want to end up ill.

A shot of the 46 Maker’s Mark & the Signature Cocktail.
Maker’s Mark is my favorite hard liquor. This is what I started the evening with as I know what I like & I wanted to be sober enough to remember it.

Jim Beam’s Devil’s Cut - Dancing with the Devil & my special shot glass

When the host from the table told me he hoped I liked a kick in my drink when I tried this. He was not kidding. It had a kick. I liked it with the wings but I’m not sure I would go for it by itself.

Jacob’s Ghost White Cosmo
This was a decent light cocktail.

Selection of Pinnacle Vodka Available

Pinnacle Vodka – Peppermint Bark & Salted Caramel

I think I’ve been a little out of touch in the flavored vodka availability. I knew there were fruity flavors available but I didn’t realize how many different ones now exist. I usually just stick to Gray Goose or really good martinis. I am now in love with Salted Caramel vodka. I bought a bottle of it when I got home I liked it so much. (Mixed with club soda or with hot chocolate or coffee = bliss)

Cruzan Passion Fruit Punch
Non inspiring but I think I was drunk at this point.

Host of Tequila Table

Margarita & Elderflower Margarita
I had it earlier in the evening before the table got crowds. Both of these were good margaritas.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Whiskey Lullaby - Part 2​

​

Food

I was overall happy with the food that was provided. The stations were repeated both at the front and the back of the event so there really weren’t ever any lines for the food.

Initial Plate of Goodies

Pasta Station

Reserved Section Cheese

I found this cute. I only got a little bit of cheddar from the table but I eat cheese enough at home.

Dessert Selection

Dessert Plate

I have no idea what cream puff was what flavor. Whatever purple was, was my favorite. I may have gone back for seconds or thirds of that one. The green was eh. The banana toffee cup was also one of my favorites for the evening.

Game

There was a single station that was centered around the “Throwdown Challenge”

Match the Spirits Aroma with the Spirit Brand.

I tried. You were given 60 seconds to try to get it right. I got 5 out of 8 correct but that meant I didn’t win a prize. I did do this game very early in the evening before I had tried some of the liquors but I figured it was going to get a line very quickly. (And boy was I right on that!)

Reserved Seating

This event was not busy enough for to warrant the reserved seating if the cost had been as high as it is for Party of the Senses. It was only 15 dollars more so I didn’t feel gipped. Being able to get into the event almost 20 minutes earlier than the general admission was also a significant advantage.

The one thing I didn’t like was that there were about 8 large 10 seater tables that were reserved for guests of the Jim Beam Company. I know they hosted this event and probably donated all the alcohol at the event. It made the reserved section pretty much have a lot of industry people rather than actual F&W Guests.

As I mentioned earlier, this event was not busy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a sad running of the bulls – if you wanted a place to sit – you would have easily been able to find something.

I did enjoy having a table next to the stage as I was able to watch the entertainment easily and without problems with my view. This was cute when we got to the ‘Confidential’ part of the evening.

The couple that sat at the table next to me kept staring at me. As I had been drinking, I probably made a strange face at them. They spoke up & told me I was a dead ringer for their daughter and it freaked them out. My mannerisms also reminded them of her as well. As they requested a photo, there is someone out there with a very strange drunk photo of me with a funky grin on my face. Hopefully that doesn’t bite me in the butt one day.

Entertainment

The entertainment was either the big band shown above or a very over the top blonde in a red dress that acted as the host.

In the middle of the event, she came to the stage & interviewed 6 of the higher ups in the companies visiting us this evening to give out ‘confidential’ family stories. Some of these ranged from the illegal smuggling during prohibition, production during prohibition, how grandma named Maker’s Mark or a lovely song sung to us by a Scottish man in a kilt.

Maker’s Mark Guy

Canadian Club Guy

Rum Guy

Scottish Guy

Jim Beam guy

Another Jim Beam guy

(Can you tell this event was sponsored by Jim Beam?)

Overall impression

I found this event to be a great value for the cost. I more than felt I got my 90 dollars worth even leaving the event early around 9:10PM. I would totally return next year if they do it again.

As I stated back earlier in this super long post, I left so I wouldn’t be tempted to drink more and get myself sick. This was a slight secondary reason which tipped me more towards being smart. Another family I knew from the Dis over the years was spending their final night at Top of the World at BLT. As I had 0 desire of dealing with the buses & was going to take a taxi back from the Beach Club to the Wilderness Lodge anyway, I had the driver drop me off at Bay Lake Towers instead. Driving up – they were in the middle of the MNSSHP fireworks again.

So here are fireworks through a taxi window:

I arrived at BLT right when the fireworks finished & had no issues getting into the lounge with my DVC card.

It was nice being able to see that friend & her family for the few minutes we were able to spend together. They weren’t able to stay too long as they needed to pack before they left the next day to head home.

I headed back to Wilderness Lodge. Took some pictures of the lobby & headed straight to bed.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

It’s a Blissful Morning​

​

When I woke up Saturday morning, I had absolutely no desire to eat anything. I decided to sleep another 30 minutes and then just head to the park.

The EPCOT bus didn’t take long to show up. We headed to Fort Wilderness first where you could see the remains of the Halloween Golf Cart parade.

It wasn’t long before we arrived at EPCOT & I was at the gates waiting for the 9AM opening. I had already set fastpass+ for the main rides so I wasn’t too worried about rushing to the big ones.

Shortly before 9, they let us through the gates & on the way to whatever attraction you wanted.

What was the first ride I went on?

Soarin?

Test Track?

Nope.

It was:

I got to enjoy Nemo pretty much alone. No one was behind me or ahead of me.

The next attraction I headed to wasn’t that exciting either. Living with the Land!

Where I also was alone on the boat.

My next attraction wasn’t as alone though. I used my fastpass+ for Soarin.

It didn’t take long to get through the queue and through the ride.

It was starting to slightly mist so I headed to the next closest attraction where I was alone too.

It was raining a little harder when I got off the ride – I was going to head here:

But the next show wasn’t going to start for another 20 minutes & I didn’t feel like spending that much time just waiting around.

This turned out to be a good thing. I walked to the building where its pretty much a hallway/atrium outside of the Character Spot & Starbucks to get out of the rain. I found two troublemakers being bored and alone wanting entertainment. I made the mistake of taking pictures of them & they pulled me into their games.

After some games, people were finally starting to show up & I went to Club Cool for a drink as it was still pouring buckets.

As it was still raining, I headed back to the atrium for a while to just try to wait it out. After about 20 minutes, I got tired of it. I headed back into Club Cool & asked the cashier for a plastic bag for my camera & personal belongings so I could run towards Mission Space without getting my stuff soaking wet.

The ride wasn’t crowded either.

After I navigated my way to Mars, it was finally time for me to start my F&W events for the day & I headed over to the Festival Center where I was going to spend most of the next 4 hours.