Aliens, F&W waddle & food porn-Oct2014 BCV & 1st time DCL (Updated 19Apr2015)

[KatMark]

Hey you...just stopped in to see if there was an update and say hi (I've not been on...sick with a headache for a week and JUST updated my own PTR). But now I have to do something at work and then the train. I'll be back to catch up.

 

[saintstickets]

(Continued from previous post 3)

It was good. DW and I enjoyed it but I’m not sure DS1 did. I expected more than just one slider but that’s okay, we’re at F&W festival so what do we do? Just a few steps away and we can sample food from a few kiosks

Patagonia – Beef empanada and Grilled beef skewer with chimichurri sauce and boniato puree




Farm Fresh – Griddled yard bird with braised greens and house-made habanero sauce




DS1 and I stopped in Norway to get a couple of their featured beers – Einstök White Ale – the same we sampled earlier today in the beverage seminar. Don’t ask me why a beer from Iceland was served in Norway.

Our next F&W kiosk was in China – Beijing roasted duck in a steamed bun with hoisin sauce and Chicken potstickers




South Korea – Kimchi dog with spicy mustard sauce. I remembered this from last year and didn’t share it with DW or DS1. In fact, I ate it so quickly that I didn’t take a pic! Here is one from last year.




Singapore – Lemongrass chicken curry with coconut and jasmine rice




I’m getting slow on the draw or too full. Note to self…take pic first, eat second!

Italy – Chicken tenderloin, cremini mushrooms, marsala sauce & ciabatta bread and Chocolate covered cannoli




Hops & Barley kiosk at the American pavilion – Florida grass-fed beef slider with pimento cheese




DW and DS1 stopped sampling a few countries ago. I’m stuffed to the gills but I’m determined to try as much as possible. As I waddle to the next country, I decide for one final purchase in France – Sea salt caramel crème brulee with caramelized sugar




The pics are getting fuzzy or maybe I’m suffering from a food overdose. It’s late. We’re stuffed. We’re tired. Time to head back to BCV. Did I mention how much I like staying so close to EPCOT? The walk from the World Showcase to our room is probably shorter than the walk to the front of EPCOT and the bus stop to another resort. We slowly amble our way to our room and no sleeping aids were needed tonight. Another relaxing pleasant day in the books.

Tomorrow DS1 leaves for home and DW and I have dinner at the best restaurant in all of WDW.

 

[saintstickets]

Hey you...just stopped in to see if there was an update and say hi (I've not been on...sick with a headache for a week and JUST updated my own PTR). But now I have to do something at work and then the train. I'll be back to catch up.

I hope you're feeling better. You've got a trip coming up REAL soon!!

 

[khertz]

All caught up!! The cruise sounds really fantastic, aside from those alien hunting table mates. lol I have never cruised, and I think I would really enjoy the ship, but I'm not so sure about the ports and excursions. Who knows, maybe we will end up on a DCL ship one of these days.

Really enjoying all of the updates so far! SO. MANY. FOOD PICS! It's making this pregnant girl hungry right before bedtime, and I'll have to make do with just a bowl of cereal instead of one of those cronuts or 'Ohana bread pudding.

 

[KatMark]

I hope you're feeling better. You've got a trip coming up REAL soon!!

Thanks, Bill. I took my antibiotic as soon as I got home so hope by the time I wake up tomorrow that I'm feeling better. The headache is subsiding.

I don't think I knew t here was a spa at the Beach Club. I'll have to keep that in mind for our October trip (no time next month).

I LOVE food updates.

We absolutely loved the Trout in Canada...I definitely hope that is back this year (the filet was yuck in our opinion).

CRONUT! Oh I can't wait to have one of those in 18 days.

I am going to have to look into one of those beer seminars for Mark. I think he would really enjoy it. How do we find out about them? And how far in advance do you have to sign up?

You and DS1 look mad rather than tipsy after your 3 brewskies.

Hmmm...they could have given you at least two of those Skirt Steak Sliders.

Chicken pot stickers. Check. On the list for October.

Can't wait to read about the BEST restaurant in all of Disney. I tend to think I've not been there knowing where you've gone and we've gone.

 

[saintstickets]

All caught up!! The cruise sounds really fantastic, aside from those alien hunting table mates. lol I have never cruised, and I think I would really enjoy the ship, but I'm not so sure about the ports and excursions. Who knows, maybe we will end up on a DCL ship one of these days.

It was my first cruise and I was very apprehensive. DW had been suggesting a cruise for a couple of years and she definitely knew what she was talking about! I guess I had a good time because we have 2 more planned!

Really enjoying all of the updates so far! SO. MANY. FOOD PICS! It's making this pregnant girl hungry right before bedtime, and I'll have to make do with just a bowl of cereal instead of one of those cronuts or 'Ohana bread pudding.

This whole trip was primarily about food and I loved it! But wait until the next update for the pièce de résistance!!

 

[JAMIESMITH]

I just found your report (how did it take me this long?!) and I'm reading way back on page three. I have heard a lot of people talk about how great cruising is, but I'm not convinced it's for me! I'm enjoying your perspective and pictures! I'm glad you weren't "man overboard"

 

[saintstickets]

Thanks, Bill. I took my antibiotic as soon as I got home so hope by the time I wake up tomorrow that I'm feeling better. The headache is subsiding.

I'm glad it's getting better. As you remember, we were unable to meet you at WDW because DW had a migraine. But as they say....this too shall pass!

I don't think I knew t here was a spa at the Beach Club. I'll have to keep that in mind for our October trip (no time next month).

It was new to us too but so convenient when staying there.

I LOVE food updates.

We absolutely loved the Trout in Canada...I definitely hope that is back this year (the filet was yuck in our opinion).

CRONUT! Oh I can't wait to have one of those in 18 days.

This trip was mostly about food. We rode few rides but made up for it with food, food and more food with a little adult beverage thrown in for flavor!

I am going to have to look into one of those beer seminars for Mark. I think he would really enjoy it. How do we find out about them? And how far in advance do you have to sign up?

Once they list all the F&W events, any beer seminar will be listed with the other beverage seminars, food tastings, etc. Last year they made the official announcement of the events in July and then opened them up for booking a week later. Things will start leaking out soon and a good site to keep up with F&W events is www.disneyfoodblog.com. Make sure you call as early as possible on the opening booking day because popular events sell out quickly.

You and DS1 look mad rather than tipsy after your 3 brewskies.

We were trying for a Mission Impossible look but I don't think we pulled it off.

Hmmm...they could have given you at least two of those Skirt Steak Sliders.

I know...right? Last year we got more food but a bite and unlimited drink for $13 ain't a bad deal at all!

Chicken pot stickers. Check. On the list for October.

Mmm, mmm, mmm good!

Can't wait to read about the BEST restaurant in all of Disney. I tend to think I've not been there knowing where you've gone and we've gone.

Well....DW and I are definitely adventurous...at least where food is concerned!

 

[saintstickets]

I just found your report (how did it take me this long?!) and I'm reading way back on page three. I have heard a lot of people talk about how great cruising is, but I'm not convinced it's for me! I'm enjoying your perspective and pictures! I'm glad you weren't "man overboard"

Glad you joined the journey! This was my first cruise and I wasn't sure it was for me either but I have to admit that I LOVED it!! The food is as good as anything in WDW, the attractions (ports visited) are a short walk off the boat each day and the entertainment onboard is top notch! As long as I can keep DW from getting any ideas about scheming a way to collect on my life insurance, I'll keep going back!

 

[khurley23]

Curious about the featured F&W dining experience at Teppan Edo. I will only be at DW for day one of F&W and I want to take in as much as possible. Can you make an ADR for such a thing? How do you know which restaurants are doing the featured experience?

 

[Stasieki]

I am really enjoying your report. It just so happens we were they family that sailed on the Dream that left 10/5 and was in your EXACT room. How neat is that?? We were at DW on 10/3 and 10/4, did the 4 day sail, and back at DW for 10/9 and 10/10.

 

[MEK]

I don’t think we captured the moment very well.

You look like two guys who need MORE beer to drink. That's my view and I'm sticking to it! Those glasses looked small, but the beer sounds interesting. Your explanations sound fine to me because I know NOTHING about beer, other than I LIKE it!

This demo was $13/person and not a bad price for what you receive. In addition, they give you written directions to take with you

I would have been saying, "More Please". Looks and sounds super yummy.

You did a great job once again at photographing all your food. I think I need a "go-pro" the next time I'm there for F&W because I can never seem to keep up with the pictures.

What a fun, laid back day.

And I agree with you - nothing better than being within walking range of Epcot. It will be the Boardwalk again for me in August, but VWL in December. Did you switch to VWL for December?

 

[saintstickets]

Curious about the featured F&W dining experience at Teppan Edo. I will only be at DW for day one of F&W and I want to take in as much as possible. Can you make an ADR for such a thing? How do you know which restaurants are doing the featured experience?

For the F&W dining experiences, you have to call and get reservations. Each is a special ticketed event similar to getting tickets for MNSSHP, MVMCP, Fantasmic Dining Package or the Candlelight Processional Dining Package. Last year the day to begin calling was in late July. They have not announced any date yet for 2015. The culinary demonstrations & beverage seminars are usually held daily. The dining experiences like the Hibachi Experience are only one day each week. A few are held 2 or 3 days per week. The Hibachi Experience for the past two years has been on Tuesday evenings. In 2014 it was from 4:30-6:30pm. It will depend on which day you are at F&W as to which dining experiences are presented that day. In 2014, there were over a dozen different special dining experiences. Some were held in the Festival Center and some were unique to the country where they were held (France, Italy, Mexico, Japan & Morocco). There are several websites that post details as they are available. Here is the one I usually follow - www.disneyfoodblog.com Just make sure to call as soon as reservations are available because many of these special events sell out the first day.

 

[saintstickets]

I am really enjoying your report.

I'm glad you are enjoying the report. Are you writing a TR? I'd love to read your thoughts and comments.

It just so happens we were they family that sailed on the Dream that left 10/5 and was in your EXACT room. How neat is that?? We were at DW on 10/3 and 10/4, did the 4 day sail, and back at DW for 10/9 and 10/10.

How is that for a coincidence? Dare I say it...it's a small world after all! I'm sorry...I couldn't resist!

 

[saintstickets]

You look like two guys who need MORE beer to drink. That's my view and I'm sticking to it!

I agree but I didn't want DS1 to get into trouble for contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile...I'm quite delinquent and juvenile without his help or adult beverages!!

Those glasses looked small, but the beer sounds interesting. Your explanations sound fine to me because I know NOTHING about beer, other than I LIKE it!

It's about a 4 to 5 oz pour for each sample so plenty to taste but not enough to get sloshed. I'm sure the legal beagles at Disney have done a study to determine the exact amount that keeps guests semi-sober and avoids lawsuits.

I would have been saying, "More Please". Looks and sounds super yummy.

I was very surprised at only one slider...I mean, who in the world only eats ONE slider?!?!

You did a great job once again at photographing all your food. I think I need a "go-pro" the next time I'm there for F&W because I can never seem to keep up with the pictures.

Thank you ma'am. My trick is to pester everyone the first part of the trip to not eat before I get a pic and then later if I forget, they're telling me to hurry up and take a pic so they can eat!

What a fun, laid back day.

This whole trip was mostly like that. We were at F&W for FF&AB (Food, Fun & Adult Beverages). No commando this trip.

And I agree with you - nothing better than being within walking range of Epcot. It will be the Boardwalk again for me in August, but VWL in December. Did you switch to VWL for December?

We are in a 1br at BWV for December. We tried to switch to VGF but nothing was available. There are some studios available at the new Poly DVC but we've gotten spoiled on 1br's with the extra room and washer/dryer in the room. We might do a split stay so we can try the Poly.

It won't be long before we'll need to book our Candlelight Processional dinner package. Grace and I are fine with any place to eat. Any preferences for you and Denny? Did we decide on a night?

 

[natebenma]

Thanks for sharing your wife's brief review of the Spa at the BC/YC. Every once in awhile people ask about how the services are there, but we haven't seen many responses.

You and your son made the most of your time together. The beer seminar sounds like something I would enjoy. I don't care for wine, I prefer beer. The other seminar with the skirt steak flyers looked ok.

All of the food from the booths looks really, really great! The lemongrass chicken curry is very tempting. So you are one of the kimchi hot dog fans? I have read reviews from a few people that it is their favorite offering at F&W. Kimchi is one of the few foods I don't like- or maybe it was the one I tried, homemade by a friend.

I totally agree with you about the benefits of being so close to EPCOT when staying at BC/BCV!

:

 

[saintstickets]

Thanks for sharing your wife's brief review of the Spa at the BC/YC. Every once in awhile people ask about how the services are there, but we haven't seen many responses.

Glad to help. As I said in the post, they don't advertise the massage offerings so very few even know it's available. Put it in the category of one of those lesser known amenities all around WDW!

You and your son made the most of your time together. The beer seminar sounds like something I would enjoy. I don't care for wine, I prefer beer. The other seminar with the skirt steak flyers looked ok.

This was our first beverage seminar and will not be our last. We tried the cheese seminar last year and another culinary demonstration. Last year there was unlimited wine pours with the cheese seminar and the prepared dish at the culinary demo was an ample portion. It's not that expensive by WDW standards so we did get what we paid for in those terms.

All of the food from the booths looks really, really great! The lemongrass chicken curry is very tempting. So you are one of the kimchi hot dog fans? I have read reviews from a few people that it is their favorite offering at F&W. Kimchi is one of the few foods I don't like- or maybe it was the one I tried, homemade by a friend.

There was nothing that was bad at any of the F&W kiosks we tried last year or this year. Naturally one's individual preferences come into play when someone says this one is better than that one. I liked the Kimchi dog because it was spicy but that's me. I was raised thinking that if you ate chili and it wasn't spicy enough to make you break out into a sweat, it wasn't any good!

I totally agree with you about the benefits of being so close to EPCOT when staying at BC/BCV!

:

Since EPCOT seems to be our favorite park (obviously for the food choices), the BC/YC/BW area is the place to be for us!

 

[saintstickets]

Okay...time to wrap up this epicurean experience with our final day at WDW


Friday – 10Oct2014

DS1’s flight leaves MCO this afternoon. Our original reservation had us leaving for home today. A few months ago, DS1 asked if he could join us since he missed out on the trip back in June. Of course we said yes. After he got his plane reservations from TN to FL and back, he told us his return flight did not leave until mid-afternoon. On our departure day to return to MS, we normally leave before 8:00am for the 10-11 hour drive home. I didn’t want him having to bum around by himself all day after we had left town so I put in for a waitlist for an additional night. It came through not long after we asked. Now we can spend a half day more together before he has to board the bus to MCO. After we received the email that we had an extra night, I then had to come up with something to do that night after DS1 left. More on that later.

In case you haven’t noticed, this week at WDW has not been commando. We have been on a total of 7 rides all week long. The first two mornings we were out and about a little after 8:00am. The last two mornings we didn’t leave the room until after 10:00am. Today would be like the last two days. We walk around the hotel grounds




And the lobby




We leisurely take it all in and eventually make our way to the Captain’s Grille for an early lunch. I guess we were too early…we had to wait 20 minutes until they opened! I had a cheeseburger and fries. DW had the shrimp sandwich and clam chowder. DS1 had the chicken sandwich with fries. I took pics of only the first two






Our restaurant rating

B-

The food was good but nothing remarkable. The atmosphere leaves a bit to be desired but that could be because it was lunch and there were only two other tables in use besides ours. It was good…that’s about all I can say. I’d return without hesitation if we didn’t want to walk far. I’ll have to look at the dinner menu to see if we’ll try it at night.

We make our way back to the room to get DS1’s luggage. It’s time for him to hitch a ride with DME to MCO. We say our goodbyes and he is headed home.

(Continued in next post)

 

[saintstickets]

(Continued from previous post)

DW and I have a few hours before our ADR tonight so we walk around some more. We make our way into the area off the main entrance to the BCVs and there is a billiard room. Just call me Minnesota Fats (an obvious reference to my physical rotundness and not my billiard abilities)




Out of respect for DW (and in case she reads this TR), let’s just say the best two out of three ended up three out of three.

Back at the room we prepared for our dinner reservations tonight. We are going here




Dressed like this




To go here




Once we knew we would be spending an extra night and it would be just the two of us, I called to see if we could get reservations. We have been to V&A once before back in 2010. There are three different dining areas at V&A – the main dining room, the chef’s table and Queen Victoria’s room. It is difficult enough to get reservations at V&A but nearly impossible for the latter two dining areas. We were able to get a 5:15pm reservation for the main dining room.

V&A is not for everybody. It is expensive. It is the only restaurant in WDW that has a strict dress code (No shorts, t-shirts or athletic shoes here. A coat is required for men, tie optional and women must wear either a dress or pants ensemble). No guests under 10 years old either. Like I said, it is not for everyone. You should be rather adventurous in your food choices too because there are no burgers or fries either. It is not stuffy and the CMs are not snooty – quite the opposite. The meal in the main dining room will take 2 – 3 hours so make plenty of time. If you are fortunate enough to get the Chef's Table or Queen Victory's room, plan for 4 hours. Depending on which dining room you are in, it will be a 7, 10 or up to 13 course meal. V&A is a AAA five diamond restaurant and there are only 49 of those in the US out of the 30,000+ restaurants they review each year. I don’t know about most people but for a couple from a small town in south Mississippi, this is not an everyday experience. If you have a yearning to try something different, think about making time to visit V&A.

(Continued in next post 2)

 

[saintstickets]

(Continued from previous post 2)

Now for our meal. If you arrive by auto, once you pull into the porte-cochère (a fancy French word for a covered driveway entrance), tell them you have reservations at V&A and you will get free valet parking. When you arrive at the restaurant, they will greet you by name. It’s a nice little trick where the valet attendant calls the restaurant as you are walking up and tells them your name and a brief description of your attire. Trick or not, it’s a nice touch and makes you feel special. You are quickly seated. The main dining room has entertainment as well




The harpist is not loud and is there more for ambiance and background noise than real entertainment. She doesn’t play Beethoven’s 5th Symphony in C minor but she doesn’t play Black Sabbath’s Paranoid either. You might recognize a song or two. I swear I heard Let It Go!

Since we have never eaten at the Chef’s Table or in Queen Victoria’s room, I can only tell you about our experience in the Main Dining Room. Maybe one day we’ll be lucky enough to try either of those places. In the main dining room, a CM comes by and explains the process. You are given two or three choices for each course. The menu is seasonal and what you have this visit will probably not be the same the next time. The head chef, Scott Hunnel, is one of the best in the world and he alters the menu as items become available. As we normally do when at a restaurant, DW and I order different items and then share what we receive. The CM even suggested this to us when going over the menu options. I told you they weren’t snooty! You are also offered a wine pairing for an additional fee. These are pre-selected wines that are specifically paired with each item on the menu to compliment that course. You don’t even have to know about wines - they have already made the perfect selection for you and trust me, it’s not Boone’s Farm or T J Swan (if you remember those rot gut wines you’re dating yourself!). A glass of wine for each course would be 7 glasses. I’m okay with all the waddling I’ve done this week from over eating but not okay with crawling from over indulging in adult beverages! I told CM Sherry that we wanted the wine pairing but not a full glass with each course. I asked her if we could split a wine pairing between DW and I where each of us would receive a short glass of wine with each course. It’s enough to taste the way it accents the course but not enough to deaden the taste buds. She told us it is not normally done but she would see what she could do. I told her that if it isn’t allowed to go ahead and charge us for two wine pairings but still bring a half glass with each course because I didn’t want to waste the wine (and tempt myself either!). The splitting of a wine pairing was a menu option when we dined here in 2010 but for some reason it has been removed. I guess I must have asked nicely enough or batted my eyelashes just right because CM Sherry brought us a half glass of the appropriate wine for both of us with each course and we were charged for only one wine pairing! Pixie dust! Of course, it could be she didn’t want to see a redneck yee-hawing in such a fine dining establishment after too much to drink too. I’m going to go with the Pixie dust option!

Once we made our selections, it wasn’t long until the vittles arrived. The first course is an amuse-bouche. This is another fancy French word that translates to mouth amuser. Not so fancy after you know what it means is it? With that said, it’s just a bite-sized hors d’oeuvre or appetizer to start the meal. Here is ours




It’s different each night and there are no options for this course so it is not specified on the menu they give you after the meal to take with you. I guess that means it is probably something they had too much of the night before and they need to cook it before it goes bad. Nah, they wouldn’t do that, would they? Regardless, I think I remember that is was bison.

Different kinds of bread are served throughout the meal. Our first was a small French baguette with butter from a creamery in Vermont. It looks like what we call a pistolette in these parts.




Up next we had two options. DW chose Poussin (chicken) with pickled and marinated heirloom tomatoes and I opted for Alaskan king crab with cucumber gelee





(Continued in next post 3)