Another DR? And yes, it was live! Now complete..!

[slk537]

And finally, tonight's dinner. We decided to head back and get pasta tonight at Macaroni Grill. We do have these up north, but the closest one to our home is about an hour. We had been here a few years ago and it was just as good as we remembered.

DS had the macaroni and cheese, which was actually large shells and cheese. I tried it and it was truly very good.

DH ordered a chef's selection which came with a salad, choice of entree and dessert. He ordered the caesar to start. I also had this added to my meal. We both loved our salads:

While we had our salads, they brought out DS's mac and cheese. This was great, because he had time to have it cool down and then he could putter around while he ate. He had wanted Cape May Cafe tonight (next week!! ) and was very happy to see he could draw on this paper table "cloth" too.

DH's entree was the spaghetti and meatballs. It was SO good! He gave DS and I one of the large meatballs to share. It was just absolutely incredible!

I ordered the "choose your own" pasta. I picked penne in a garlic cream sauce. I added on parmesan crusted chicken and then roasted garlic, artichoke hearts and carmelized onions. Oh. My. Gosh. This was absolutely divine!!!!!!

DH and I both left about half and brought it back for a snack later, which I am looking forward to. We shared his dessert - a chocolate cake that was very dry with a wonderful dark chocolate sauce.

I would have been disappointed if we had ordered this separately, but it came with DH's meal and really didn't add much to the price. For that, it was good.

We were very happy with this dinner and would definitely go here again!

 

[slk537]

What a great start to your trip! I can't wait for it to continue, LOL!

Have the most wonderful time there!! Thanks for posting!!

Thank you both! We are having a lot of fun!

I'm in!!

Really looking forward to your review of Sanaa as we have an ADR there in June!

Thanks! I am looking forward to seeing Sanaa...DH isn't keen on the ADR, but I hope to do it!

great start, cant wait for more

Thank you!!

Love your food pics!

Just wondering- how do the crowds seem?

Thanks! Yesterday at DTD and DHS it was really not busy at all. Today we went to the MK and it was VERY busy! But it is Saturday and I know that is not the best crowd day to go there. I'll keep you posted!

I'm in! Thanks for taking the time to review!

I'm in!!!!! Have a great trip and enjoy sunny, warm Florida! I only wish our family was in Florida too.

Lynn

count me in.

Me too! Thanks for sharing your trip with us.

I'm in - I love live reports. I hope your vacation is wonderful!!!

Gotta love LIVE reports! Someday I'll be able to do that...

Thanks for doing this. My wait for our DxDP trip won't be quite as hard having a live fix of Disney food!!!

What a yummy start to your trip! I love the live report and can't wait to read more. Enjoy the rest of your trip!

Can't wait for the rest!

Thank you all - I love live reports too. I loved MickeyNicki's and I think Lawyergirl (?) from a few years back. They make me feel like I am almost there and it is fun to see what and where people go. And this is a great way to wind down at night and organize my photos, too!

I can't wait to hear about Joe's Crab Shack. I have never eaten there (none by me) but I have seen lots of commercials on them. So I am very curious.

It is VERY casual, but very good. We were really impressed...and the prices are very reasonable. If you have questions, let me know!

I'm in. Great report and great pics.

This is my first live review. I can't wait to see your reviews.

I'm on board!

Great reviews so far! I just love live reports! Hope you are having a great trip!

very good reviews so far I'm in

Love live reviews. I'm hoping to do one when we go at the end of Sept. 12 nights of DXDDP. A lot of food!

Great start on the live report and good luck with the rest.

Looking forward to reading your reviews!

--penny

Thank you to all and WELCOME!!

 

[msce2]

Oh! Two weeks!!! Our last two weeks flew - I was really surprised at just how fast. If you have ANY questions about the places we're going, just ask. I'd be happy to check out things on the menu, etc.

It really is going fast! The kids are SO excited! Tonight, DS2 was jumping up and down all over the place yelling "Disney".

I just have to say, Joe's Crab Shack looked yummy!!! I keep seeing the commercials too, but there aren't any around here.

I would love to take you up on your offer! When I printed out the kid's menu for Teppan Edo it said that there were 2 options for desert, but I've read other reviews that said the kids were only given a peaches fruit cup like you would get for their lunches at the grocery store. Wondering if they changed the menu?

Thanks!!!

 

[natalielongstaff]

love your reviews so far, the crab shack sounds lovely

 

[LPNmom]

Great Pictures, can't wait for more!!!

 

[allie1078]

great reviews so far. Cant wait for more.

 

[Disney_Mama]

Love live reports Can't wait for the rest. I've never been to a Crab Shack. It looks great.

 

[cab333]

Sounds like you guys are having a lot of fun....and, it also sounds relaxing!! Not all disney vacations are relaxing (go go go!) but yours sounds like a nice healthy balance! Thanks for the pic's and reviews, I am onboard with this one anxiously awaiting your "picks-of-the-day!"

Can I ask you an off-topic question? What RCI resort are you staying at? We too are RCI exchangers and have tried Orangelake (x 2) and The Hilton @ Seaworld (I think - the older of the two??) and I like to hear what others think of RCI resorts! (I know it is off topic, nothing extensive...)

TIA! Keep chill-axing (mmmm, mohito's!) and having fun!

 

[Dbaumann]

Can't wait to see & hear more.

 

[chipper10]

I love your reviews! I can't wait to hear more. We'll be in WDW in 4 days!!!!

 

[skellingtonfreak]

How funny, that is my favorite make your own pasta combo from MG...lol...and here I thought I was being somewhat original. Loving the reviews! Those chips from the Plaza look so good.

 

[Illuminations_Rocks]

Looks delicious!! Thanks for the live reviews!

 

[Donald is #1]

It is VERY casual, but very good. We were really impressed...and the prices are very reasonable. If you have questions, let me know!

Is Crossroads Plaza the one with Goodings? Your meals looked great. So maybe I will actually venture off-site during my December trip.

 

[lynn46356]

I LOVE Joe's Crab Shack too. My favorite is the Coconut Shrimp. Ohhh, I wish I had a plate of it sitting right here in front of me. Yummy!!! Can't wait to see the remainder of the photos and read your reviews. Have a great time and thanks for sharing with us.

Lynn

 

[Ms. Heimlich]

I am loving your report and pictures. Keep 'em coming.

 

[lovemickeyshouse]

Keep up the good work . Now if its not too late can you do some research for me at Lecell steakhouse I need to know if you get the Bbq Filet with creamcheese mashed potates still that my fav but its off the menu . Thank you in advance .

 

[slk537]

It really is going fast! The kids are SO excited! Tonight, DS2 was jumping up and down all over the place yelling "Disney".

I just have to say, Joe's Crab Shack looked yummy!!! I keep seeing the commercials too, but there aren't any around here.

I would love to take you up on your offer! When I printed out the kid's menu for Teppan Edo it said that there were 2 options for desert, but I've read other reviews that said the kids were only given a peaches fruit cup like you would get for their lunches at the grocery store. Wondering if they changed the menu?

Thanks!!!

I would be happy to check on the desserts at Teppan Edo - DS isn't a big dessert eater (is he really my child??) so he'll probably like the peaches, but if they have ice cream or something he'll be much happier.

Tell your kids that yesterday in Epcot we could practically walk on everything - Soarin' was only a 45 minutes wait between 1-3 and Mission Space was 5 minutes for both sides. The park was just not packed at all!

Also - check out the Kim Possible activity (can't miss it - they are everywhere). DS love love loved it!

love your reviews so far, the crab shack sounds lovely

It was laid back, casual, delicious and a lot of fun! And thank you!!

Great Pictures, can't wait for more!!!

great reviews so far. Cant wait for more.

Thank you both!

Love live reports Can't wait for the rest. I've never been to a Crab Shack. It looks great.

It was worth the trip - I wish we had one closer to home.

Sounds like you guys are having a lot of fun....and, it also sounds relaxing!! Not all disney vacations are relaxing (go go go!) but yours sounds like a nice healthy balance! Thanks for the pic's and reviews, I am onboard with this one anxiously awaiting your "picks-of-the-day!"

Can I ask you an off-topic question? What RCI resort are you staying at? We too are RCI exchangers and have tried Orangelake (x 2) and The Hilton @ Seaworld (I think - the older of the two??) and I like to hear what others think of RCI resorts! (I know it is off topic, nothing extensive...)

TIA! Keep chill-axing (mmmm, mohito's!) and having fun!

Thanks! We are SO not commando when we're here. We like to take it easy, since we know we'll be back. We were at Epcot for almost 6 hours yesterday and that is not like us...we're more 4 hours on, swimming break, 4 more hours on.

We're at The Fountains - Bluegreen. The room is really beautiful - elegant decorations, not Florida seafoam and peach like I expected. There is a HUGE pool with huge slides and another very large indoor/outdoor pool that we have enjoyed. We are checking out early to head back to property tomorrow morning, but we have really enjoyed this location. It is across from the Sheraton Vistana Villages and not far from WDW. We own at Vistana, but had a scheduling issue so ended up here. We'd definitely come back!

I have tons of photos I may try to post when I'm on a higher internet speed for uploading photos.

Can't wait to see & hear more.

Thanks! More on the way now and tons of WDW photos tomorrow!

How funny, that is my favorite make your own pasta combo from MG...lol...and here I thought I was being somewhat original. Loving the reviews! Those chips from the Plaza look so good.

That is great! I picked all my favorite things and made pasta that was meant for my tastes. Love artichoke hearts and roasted garlic!

Looks delicious!! Thanks for the live reviews!

My pleasure!!

I LOVE Joe's Crab Shack too. My favorite is the Coconut Shrimp. Ohhh, I wish I had a plate of it sitting right here in front of me. Yummy!!! Can't wait to see the remainder of the photos and read your reviews. Have a great time and thanks for sharing with us.

Lynn

I didn't even think of the coconut shrimp - I love those! Now I know we have to go back!!

I am loving your report and pictures. Keep 'em coming.

Thanks!!

Keep up the good work . Now if its not too late can you do some research for me at Lecell steakhouse I need to know if you get the Bbq Filet with creamcheese mashed potates still that my fav but its off the menu . Thank you in advance .

I'd be happy to check! I can tell you that they had the cream cheese mashed and filet plain last July and that is what DH will likely get, but I'll ask about the BBQ sauce!

 

[slk537]

We got up yesterday and had pancakes and scrambled eggs, yogurt, and bananas in the room. Now lest you think I am a chef on vacation, rest assured that the pancakes were the "pour water in a jug, shake and cook" type. Still good though We have break and bake cookies to make tonight to bring with us to Kidani. I don't know what it is about vacation and a full kitchen, but I love doing the fresh cookie thing. BUt yeah, definitely break and bake, not scratch!

Yesterday we spent the bulk of the day at Epcot - my favorite! DS enjoyed fully the Kim Possible missions (which were REALLY cool and a lot of fun) and afterwards we found ourselves in Norway. Having run around to the back of Kringla a few times while saving the world, you have to know where our snacks came from....

Kringla Bakeri Og Cafe:

Large lemonade:

DH and I shared a school bread - still just as delicious as I remembered, but half the size. I remember them being the size of the plate:

DS opted for the chocolate chip viking cookie - he really liked this and ate the whole thing:

We enjoyed our treats and then pressed on to do the Universe of Energy for the first time. On the way there, we decided to stop for another treat for the boys - their favorite:

And finally - we did the Beverly trick on DS:

 

[slk537]

For a very late lunch/early dinner we decided to head off site for some barbecue...we had seen Smoky Bones when heading to Super Target and DH decided we should try it. We were seated immediately among about 45 empty tables and 5 filled ones. There were at least 5 servers milling around. Not one came to see us. One came to the table two away from us and got their drink order about 4 minutes after we had sat down and then walked away. We sat for another 5 minutes for a total ignore time of 10-15 minutes (maybe?). When DH decided to go get someone, I decided it was time to leave. It was a long time to be ignored and I figured the service was not going to be stellar if they ever showed up. So we decided to go to Steak and Shake.

I am not proud of the nutritional wasteland I am about to present, and a little embarassed, but I promised myself I'd do food photos of everything, so here goes:

Our appetizer - regular sized chili cheese fries: shoestring type fries topped with all bean chili and a quart of "cheez" sauce.

I am ashamed to say these were really, really good! At first I thought "meh...nothing to write home about" but then I decided they were really good as I ate more. Now I look at them and think "gick!" but I remember they really were pretty awesome junk food.

DS was more interested in the large mustang he was able to build out of a cardboard model (with stickers to decorate) so he didn't care about lunch. He decided on Kraft M&C and fries:

We didn't know it at the time, but on weekends kids eat free, so we didn't pay for this. He did enjoy it once we pried the toy out of his hands.

DH and I both ordered the double steakburger with cheese and fries:

These were drippy with sauce (and probably grease, but I choose not to think about that) and were not huge, although they look big in the photos. They were really, really good!

DS and I both ordered vanilla milkshakes to drink:

And DH opted for chocolate:

All were very good.

This was a fun and quirky place and we did enjoy our lunch/dinner (it was 4:00). The total without tax and tip was $22 and we couldn't believe what we got for that.

 

[slk537]

After we ate, we decided to stop and pick out some treats at Goodings bakery...back in 2004, we got DS an adorable alligator cookie sandwich here and DH wanted to see if they had anything like it again. They did indeed so we bought an alligator cookie for DS and a key lime pie for us to share.

And while we were waiting for help, I took photos. In a grocery store! And immediately got the giggles.

You can see the key lime pies in this shot:

I'll post photos of the cookie and pie when I upload the photos on my camera today.

DS had his cookie last night and loved it.

We went to the pool last night and puttered for quite some time. We then came back to the room and actually had snacks and leftover pasta for dinner. It was an extremely relaxing night and we enjoyed it!

Today is venturing away from WDW for a trip to Gatorland. And then we may head back to the parks tonight. Everyone - have a great day!!