Adventures of a DisneyWORLDholic! Updated1/24 I was an unofficial WDW tour guide.

[SimmerBaggins]

It's too bad that the restaurant that costs 2 TS meals couldn't have been a better experience...everyone has raved about that place, and I am still thinking of trying it out, but I'm glad to hear I shouldn't have my expectations through the roof!

I can't wait to see you guys all dressed up, and for Jonas, meaning not in mess-dress!

 

[TinksThree]

So far this day sounds like so much fun! From beginning to end! We really like e Cellier but I would not use 2 TS credits for it. We always get the filet though and the chedder soup. The first time there Chris ordered the filet and they put the mushroom sauce on the side becausehe said he didn't like mushrooms. After he tasted it he changed his mind and eats mushrooms all of the time! He really challenged his pickiness on that trip! Madison on the other hand found the pickiness he lost and she now turns her nose up constantly at all kinds of food!

 

[jmskinner]

You guys had such an amazing trip and did so many awesome things! So happy for you guys. Sorry you had to get so sick afterwards though.

Better to be sick after the trip than during.

It's too bad that the restaurant that costs 2 TS meals couldn't have been a better experience...everyone has raved about that place, and I am still thinking of trying it out, but I'm glad to hear I shouldn't have my expectations through the roof!

I can't wait to see you guys all dressed up, and for Jonas, meaning not in mess-dress!

Luckily on the Premium plan those meals were just 1 TS, of course in the end we did pay for it. I've heard some love it and others have talked about it not being as good as it use to be. Guess I'll always wonder.

So far this day sounds like so much fun! From beginning to end! We really like e Cellier but I would not use 2 TS credits for it. We always get the filet though and the chedder soup. The first time there Chris ordered the filet and they put the mushroom sauce on the side becausehe said he didn't like mushrooms. After he tasted it he changed his mind and eats mushrooms all of the time! He really challenged his pickiness on that trip! Madison on the other hand found the pickiness he lost and she now turns her nose up constantly at all kinds of food!

Two funny about the kids changing pickiness. I have finally decided Jacob's is from the medicine because I realized his taste buds really did change about the time we started him on medicine. Hopefully one day soon he will be off of it.

 

[jmskinner]

We made it back to the hotel in time to get dressed for the rest of our evening. Can't remember if there was a nap involved or not.

We headed towards the boat dock trying to determine if we go that route or walk over to POR. Here is the boat dock with a boat headed back to DTD:


We decided to walk and just after we passed the boat dock a boat arrived from DTD that would be heading to POR, would we beat it?




The bridge separating the two resorts


The path we were walking on






We beat the boat!!!

Our carriage with Dave our horse, I forgot our drivers name.






Our driver asked if we wanted to go to POFQ or stay at POR, I mentioned that Jonas had never seen the Alligator Bayou at POR and the driver said he could drive us over to it. But first he had to make a stop, we headed towards POFQ


We ended up going through the POFQ parking lot, which cracked us up. About this time I asked where the horses were stored and turns out we were heading to the area where the truck and trailer were parked. All horses on the property are kept at Wilderness Lodge at the stables there. They drive them over each evening and the carriages are kept in a storage building there by POFQ. Now the reason we had to tour the parking lot was to let the horse relieve himself. They can't have the horses going on the pavement or sidewalks, so they are trained to go in this one grassy area (Just #1 by the way, they have a bag attached for the other.) Our driver said the first ride of the night they give the horses a chance to go. Not the best little event but I thought it was interesting.

We then proceeded back over the bridge to POR, and just like the Segways, people didn't want to yield to us. Once over the bridge, we did almost a uturn to get on the sidewalk.









Now, one thing I had worried about before this trip was who we should and should not tip. I forgot to mention the parasailing boat had a note saying tips would be appreciated, which we had forgotten to get cash before the trip. The carriage rides actually have a little sign saying tips are not allowed.

We really enjoyed the ride, even with the potty breaks. Our driver was wonderful and we had a very nice discussion with him most of the way.





Now it was time for the Yachtsman Steakhouse. We had to catch a bus to DHS and then catch the boat to the Yacht Club, which I wasn't even sure which hotel that was.

Luckily we figured it out quickly and headed into the resort. Beautiful resort and for some reason, I didn't get any pics.

We were about an hour early for our meal, so we went into the Crews Cup Lounge, the bar next to the restaurant. There was a booth available, which was surprising because a lot of people were in there watching the football game and they were not quiet about it. Can't remember which one this was.

We each had a drink, the receipt doesn't show what they were, but I think Jonas had a Black Cherry something and I tried a Raspberry one. Both were very strong and with tip cost us $24. About the time we finished our drinks, our table was ready.

I didn't get pics of the restaurant, what was wrong with me this night, but it is very nice. Ricky was our waiter and he was so tiny his uniform was too big. Very sweet guy.

Jonas had the Ceasar Salad, $9


This was reminding me of a very nice restaurant we had eaten at in Charleston called the Cotton Club. I'll have more on that in a bit.

I had the Tomato Salad, $13


It was fantastic. I knew I liked tomatos but for some reason this trip I was craving them, have you noticed almost every meal to this point that has been my appetizer. For drinks Jonas had a whiskey sour and I tried the Pomegranate Splash, which was delicious.

We both decided to have the Yachtsman Filet Mignon, $40.


It was delicious. I was so full but didn't want to waste one bite. Both the steak and the potatos were fantastic. Surprised we didn't pick up the plates and lick them clean.

Now remember I mentioned the Cotton Club in Charleston. We always joke about that restaurant because we were on a romantic weekend without Jacob, who was just a baby at that time. We had gotten dressed up for a night out and were trying to find a nice restaurant to eat at. We walked up to one trying to decide and I mentioned how people were wearing shorts. Jonas has never let me forget this, "I don't know if we should go in there, people are wearing shorts." I just meant I wanted to go somewhere with a dress code. But the Cotton Club was very nice and one of the things I remember was the waiter using a comb to clean off the crumbs between our meal and dessert.

While we were sitting there I brought this up and next thing I knew, Ricky had taken my plate and was scraping off the tablecloth. This was really nice.

We ordered coffee and dessert, which we both went with the Trio of Valrhona Chocolate - Peanut, espresso and salted caramel, $11:


They were all good. I liked the two on the right and Jonas liked the two on the left. Going to show how redneck I am, but with the coffee they brought out not only sugar cubes, but raw sugar in huge rocks.

My thoughts on this restaurant...this was our absolutely favorite meal of the trip. Loved the food and the atmosphere. Even though there were families with kids, it was still very quiet. We were seated at a table for four so we had lots of room and didn't feel crowded. Restaurant wasn't full, so that may have made it more enjoyable. Our table also looked out over the pool so it was a great view.

Cost of this enjoyment would have been $124, without tax, tip, and drinks. We tipped $28.76 and the two drinks were $15.98, so OOP was $44.74. And I would pay that again, I liked it that much.

After that we headed over to JellyRolls. It was $20 to get in, it was included in the premium plan. And we spent $44 on red cups. This night they were Sex on the Beach. Very sweet. Really enjoyed ourselves and kept saying we needed to head back to the resort since we needed to be at MK before 8:00am the next morning. But each time we thought about going, they would play another great song. We were seated in the very back of the club, and we watched everything going on. Including a guy getting thrown out. Not sure what he did, but he did go peacefully. Which was good because Jonas and I both looked at the bouncers and wondered what they would do, because they were all small.

Finally after Midnight we headed out and caught a taxi back to the resort. My first trip in a taxi since I was 21.

Great night!!!!

Next up, are we getting hit by a hurricane?????

 

[SimmerBaggins]

I am really loving this!! What's interesting is that, I suddenly wondered what it would be like just to be around you & Jonas, without Jacob -- I guess the last time that happened was when I visited you guys in Montgomery!

Did you ever really get to a point where you relaxed & focused on each other & thought, "yeah, this IS romantic!"? I would think "red cup" time, but that would be me & Robert!!

The salads at dinner looked very different -- Jonas' doesn't even LOOK like a salad! But those tomatoes on your plate looked delish.

And, yeah, now I'm craving steak...

(I don't think I'd make the 0800, but can't wait to hear if you guys do!)

 

[TinksThree]

Two funny about the kids changing pickiness. I have finally decided Jacob's is from the medicine because I realized his taste buds really did change about the time we started him on medicine. Hopefully one day soon he will be off of it.

Funny you mention the meds. I actually used that trip to "test" taking him off of his ADHD meds. We knew it affected his eating habits and he was so little. He ate and ate on that trip so maybe the meds are affecting Jacob!

Loved seeing the pictures from the carriage ride. I just love that resort! And the Yachtsman looks delish! Can't wait to hear if you make 8am!

 

[dismagiclover]

Yachtsman's looks so yummy! Maybe we will give that a try next time instead of Le Cellier. Would be much easier to get the reservation.

 

[natebenma]

Great, great updates!!!

Now I lost track, who booked which parts of the trip? Weren't some of things you did surprises for one another?

You had some really amazing experiences!!! The parasailing, La Nouba, Segways and some fantastic dining. I DID notice that tomatoes made frequent appearances on your plate.

Being the first guests to enter EPCOT! WOW!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE your photos from that morning.

Too funny about your extra special carriage ride experience. That is probably the one time it would have been nice to have Jacob around - that would be the highlight of the trip for my boys!

The only thing that would have driven me crazy is the restriction on cameras- I know it makes perfect sense, but I get seriously jumpy when I don't have a camera in my hands. It just about killed me when I couldn't even take a camera to the White House and had to leave it behind for a couple of hours.

 

[jmskinner]

I am really loving this!! What's interesting is that, I suddenly wondered what it would be like just to be around you & Jonas, without Jacob -- I guess the last time that happened was when I visited you guys in Montgomery!

Did you ever really get to a point where you relaxed & focused on each other & thought, "yeah, this IS romantic!"? I would think "red cup" time, but that would be me & Robert!!

The salads at dinner looked very different -- Jonas' doesn't even LOOK like a salad! But those tomatoes on your plate looked delish.

And, yeah, now I'm craving steak...

(I don't think I'd make the 0800, but can't wait to hear if you guys do!)

The Yachtsman was probably the most romantic time. Even though there were people around us, felt by ourselves and just sat and chatted. Probably stories we had told each other before, we had a nice relaxing time. Kept waiting on Ricky to tell us to get out.

Remember that Cotton Club story, Jonas' salad looked the same there as it did at Yachtsman. Funny how not chopping up some lettuce is more fancy.

Funny you mention the meds. I actually used that trip to "test" taking him off of his ADHD meds. We knew it affected his eating habits and he was so little. He ate and ate on that trip so maybe the meds are affecting Jacob!

Loved seeing the pictures from the carriage ride. I just love that resort! And the Yachtsman looks delish! Can't wait to hear if you make 8am!

I know the meds hinder Jacob's appetite, but I am starting to realize they are effecting his tastes also. Started thinking back to what age he really started being picky and when we started him on medicine. We do lower his dosage or go off the meds some days. Did that our first trip with Vickie and her family and that is when Jacob left his DS on the bus. We couldn't be mad at him since we realized he wasn't as focused and he was soooo upset.

I am missing POR right now.

Yachtsman's looks so yummy! Maybe we will give that a try next time instead of Le Cellier. Would be much easier to get the reservation.

Yachtsman really was fantastic. I highly recommend at least trying it.

Great, great updates!!!

Now I lost track, who booked which parts of the trip? Weren't some of things you did surprises for one another?

You had some really amazing experiences!!! The parasailing, La Nouba, Segways and some fantastic dining. I DID notice that tomatoes made frequent appearances on your plate.

Being the first guests to enter EPCOT! WOW!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE your photos from that morning.

Too funny about your extra special carriage ride experience. That is probably the one time it would have been nice to have Jacob around - that would be the highlight of the trip for my boys!

The only thing that would have driven me crazy is the restriction on cameras- I know it makes perfect sense, but I get seriously jumpy when I don't have a camera in my hands. It just about killed me when I couldn't even take a camera to the White House and had to leave it behind for a couple of hours.

Originally Jonas was going to book and not tell me any of it, but I always figure stuff out by his reactions to questions or statements. Plus, I had given him a list of things I would like to do. And once I took over I wanted to make sure he was ok with my decisions.

I understand being addicted to a camera. Part of the reason I didn't enjoy Universal as much. They are camera nazi's there. Went to Monster Jam Saturday night and didn't take my camera due to the rain and I was missing it all night.

And since I brought up Monster Jam, we had a great time, but it rained on us the whole time. Hoping we don't all get sick again, since we are all finally feeling better. But another thing happened. Last Thursday I went back to the Podiatrist for another cortisone shot and asked exactly what I could do as fas as exercise. No WALKING!!!! Said I could bicycle, so we went out Friday night and got bicycles. Jacob is still learning to ride, something OT is working with him on. My bike has a problem with the chain so I have to take it back.

But, at Monster Jam, we had to walk to the stadium, up the ramps, down to the other side of the stadium and then a return trip afterward that was much faster to beat the crowd. Needless to say, I woke up Sunday morning with my foot in pain. This wasn't putting pressure on it pain, but just laying there pain. Finally by the end of the day it felt better. So I will be nursing it until Vickie and I go for our weekend, less than two weeks away.

Ok, now on to the TR. MK here we go!

 

[jmskinner]

We woke up Monday morning ready to go. Checked the weather....RAIN!!!! The local weather people said it should hold off for a couple of hours. Today was our Keys to the Kingdom Tour, and we weren't sure if they would hold it if it rained. But it was also breakfast with Cinderella. I was finally going into the castle.

I had no idea if buses ran early enough to get you to breakfast, so again we decided to drive. Here is our parking spot


We are in the first spot, but weren't the first ones there.

An empty TTC






We rode the monorail and it seemed to take forever. Only one open at that time is the resort monorail, no express this early.





The area in front of the train station has been changed for the new promotion


We got in line and waited, not going to be first today. We decided to be nice and let some little ones have the honor. I did laugh when one Mom draged her family to the front of the line and just has to ask about her 8:00am ADR and is of course told to wait in line. There is always one.

Once through the turnstile, we are put in another queue before going under the train tracks. A quick pic to show where we were standing.


Finally the rope was dropped and we were let down mainstreet. I'll shut up and let you enjoy some pics.

 

[jmskinner]

More pics












There was one other family that seemed to be racing to beat us, everyone in front of us had turned off to CP. We decided to let them on by. But me and the Dad were taking turns getting pics and trying not to get in each others way. I remember the wife yelling at him to get the million dollar shot. I thought, "Not a million, just whatever you paid for this trip." But I did realize, he missed a great shot. He could have gotten a pic of his little girl in front of the castle without anyone in it, but they were too busy rushing to eat.

We checked in at CRT and were handed this with the little ticket with our names inside:


Then it was time for our pic, must not lick lips






Jonas pointed out the little mice and I tried to get their pic




This was the only meal we had that we were wished a Happy Anniversary, even though every meal it was mentioned when booked. We were sat next to a wall.


The pastry's brought out




The confetti was shaped like Cinderella's carriage and I tried to get a closeup of it, but the camera didn't like me this morning. Luckily we weren't by a window.

I decided to get Jonas' pic with all the princesses'






We enjoyed our meal, but quickly asked for our ticket. I hoped to get a ride on Dumbo before our tour. Something I haven't done. Grabbed some more pics on the way out









Thoughts on this meal, honestly, loved Askerhaus so much more. The food at CRT was ok, but when you think about what you pay, which I know is mostly for the fact you are eating in the castle.

The cost for the two of us had we not been on the meal plan would have been $94.73, including the tip, so no OOP this meal. Also remember, on the Premium plan, this counted as one meal, instead of two on the other meal plans. Would I do it again, probably only for a special occasion. But it was a nice experience.

Do I get the ride on Dumbo? Does the rain hold off? Until next time, have a great day!!!

 

[natebenma]

Yeah, you made it to the MK nice and early. I love the parking lot photos! And the empty park shots.

We have never eaten in the castle either, not a big priority for the boys, so thank you for sharing the experience. Never been on Dumbo either- hope you make it!

I sense another camera-less episode coming very soon!

 

[jmskinner]

Yeah, you made it to the MK nice and early. I love the parking lot photos! And the empty park shots.

We have never eaten in the castle either, not a big priority for the boys, so thank you for sharing the experience. Never been on Dumbo either- hope you make it!

I sense another camera-less episode coming very soon!

I actually have a lot of parking lot photos, I get all excited when we are able to park close to the front. The funny thing was, Jonas had thought about driving his Mustang and I just knew he didn't want it in that parking lot. We went one night and a Lamborgini was parked in the TTC parking lot. Very cool, except I don't think the owner would have appreciated the family that put their kids on the hood of the car to snap pics.

Jacob wants to see the suite in the castle, but has never shown any interest in the restaurant, which saves me some money.

And the camera-less episode is coming, but probably not for the reason you are thinking.

 

[dismagiclover]

Love all of those empty pictures of Main Street. I'm glad you had the chance to eat at the castle, but I agree that it is a bit overrated. Even saying that though I'll probably be back.

 

[thunderbird1]

That is exactly the point I plan to make at the end, it really does "eat" up a lot of your time.

And do you have another trip planned yet, really need to try to meet you!

Eat up, ha ha. We'll probably be back at the World Aug 14-19, if all goes as planned. We're going on a cruise with my dad out of Port Canaveral Aug 20-27, and grandpa agreed to join us for a few days at WDW. He hasn't been since I was 9 years old (and that was a looooong time ago ), so it should be interesting. Not monster jam in the rain interesting, but something along those lines. We'll have a couple of days before he arrives, but that's probably the week Jacob starts school, so hopefully we can work something out.

Still loving the TR--can't wait for the next installment. No camera?!?

 

[SimmerBaggins]

The interior murals in the castle frustrate me -- they are so beautiful, but every picture reflects the light in such a way that you can't make out the detail! A similar thing happened with your pics. And I'd really LIKE to be able to just sit and look at them, because they tell the Cinderella story! When it's busy, people don't want you to stop and just stare at them.

Seems like I got some good pics of those mice, tho!

It just feels like you can't get the full effects of CRT unless you have a little girl with you who believes in princesses...

Can't wait to see what's next...hey, will I eventually see myself in this thread, or will we start our own??

 

[ScotsMinnie]

Such lovely pics! Love the castle ones. I think you are right about the meal. Most of the high cost is about location as the food is not that great. nice but not outstanding! I am so jealous of your trip so far. It sounds amazing getting to do all of these fabulous things. Cant wait to hear what you do next.

We had some good news with DH's job today so a trip to WDW might just be on the cards for next summer! Trying not to get excited!!!

 

[carissanboys]

http://jmskinner.smugmug.com/WDW/15th-Anniversary-Premium-Trip/15510308_wFXMx#1162193063_u6Caf-A-LB

Cool!

The sky and lighting in those pictures was so unique!

 

[TinksThree]

Great pictures of an empty park!! I at the parking lot pics! Too funny!!!

One day I want to eat in the castle just for the experience but one time just may be all that I require!

 

[jmskinner]

Love all of those empty pictures of Main Street. I'm glad you had the chance to eat at the castle, but I agree that it is a bit overrated. Even saying that though I'll probably be back.

I understand, I can see me going back one day just for the experience.

Eat up, ha ha. We'll probably be back at the World Aug 14-19, if all goes as planned. We're going on a cruise with my dad out of Port Canaveral Aug 20-27, and grandpa agreed to join us for a few days at WDW. He hasn't been since I was 9 years old (and that was a looooong time ago ), so it should be interesting. Not monster jam in the rain interesting, but something along those lines. We'll have a couple of days before he arrives, but that's probably the week Jacob starts school, so hopefully we can work something out.

Still loving the TR--can't wait for the next installment. No camera?!?

we will probably have moved by then. Maybe not, but if we haven't it is probably because Jonas has had to go overseas. He is thinking wherever we end up, he is due to go overseas again, so Jacob and I may stay here rather than move and the hubby leaving us 6 months in an area we don't know. Just have to wait and see.

How exciting taking your Dad after all these years. I'm sure it will be interesting, but so special.

The interior murals in the castle frustrate me -- they are so beautiful, but every picture reflects the light in such a way that you can't make out the detail! A similar thing happened with your pics. And I'd really LIKE to be able to just sit and look at them, because they tell the Cinderella story! When it's busy, people don't want you to stop and just stare at them.

Seems like I got some good pics of those mice, tho!

It just feels like you can't get the full effects of CRT unless you have a little girl with you who believes in princesses...

Can't wait to see what's next...hey, will I eventually see myself in this thread, or will we start our own??

I just need a better camera that can get those murals without using the flash. That was my first time to take pics and not have to worry about people being in the way. Hey, maybe we can stop and look next Saturday.

Maybe I will have a granddaughter to take some time. Just the other day Jacob was telling me to stop bossing him around. I told him I get to boss him around the rest of his life. He can have kids himself to boss around, but I will still be bossing him about how he raises his kids. He responded by telling me he would pay me back by giving me lots of grandkids and great-grandkids. Lets hope he waits many years before starting this.

I thought we would do a separate TR.

Such lovely pics! Love the castle ones. I think you are right about the meal. Most of the high cost is about location as the food is not that great. nice but not outstanding! I am so jealous of your trip so far. It sounds amazing getting to do all of these fabulous things. Cant wait to hear what you do next.

We had some good news with DH's job today so a trip to WDW might just be on the cards for next summer! Trying not to get excited!!!

for the good news on your Dh's job. And I hope you do make it to WDW and maybe we can do a quick meet.

Cool!

The sky and lighting in those pictures was so unique!

It really was. Just the other night Jacob kept running to the window because he realized how dark yellow everything was. He thought a storm was coming. Just shows how he always has his nose in a video game instead of seeing the world.

Great pictures of an empty park!! I at the parking lot pics! Too funny!!!

One day I want to eat in the castle just for the experience but one time just may be all that I require!

I know, I am really weird taking parking lot pics, just think it is cool to get there before the crowds. When you think about how those parking lots fill up and then watch the people getting off the buses.

Sorry I haven't posted an update, but that is coming up next. Wow, in a week Vickie and I will be at WDW together in Bay Lake Tower.