Anyone Game? 2 Castles and a Road Trip TR! Last Day and TR Wrap Up! #2796; 10/01

[Pinkocto]

Ugh about the taxi drive, especially when you weren't feeling well

So did DH & DS stay at DQ?

The Morocco pavilion is beautiful. Glad you were able to enjoy it sans people.

Bummer about the lobster roll. At $7.50 thats even worse.

To answer your question, I very much enjoy video games but have not had much time in recent years for them. Hours can go by when playing so unless I have oodles of time I don't like to play.

 

[skier_pete]

The lobster roll is a favorite of those of us on the (Free) DDP - because you get a $7.50 for a snack credit.

I agree though that this year the lobster roll was not as good as it has been. Not sure why. Agree with a lack of "freshness". In fact, now that we'll be going all OOP, I may just skip it this year.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Another great update as per usual. The Morocco Pavilion looks lovely. I'm a bit disappointed I didn't have more time to explore it.

I agree with you on the lobster roll. I had read so much hype, I had to try it. But it was dry and tasteless and overall a waste of money. I would have been much better off heading back to the Singapore booth.

That kiwi booth was hilarious. I'm not sure who in NZ actually eats meat balls in Yorkshire pudding, but at least it sounds like it was tasty.

I hope that cab driver wasn't trying to take you the wrong way on purpose. I've had that happen to me in the past, and luckily, like you, I knew where he should have been going and quickly corrected him.

 

[franandaj]

I've been keeping up on my phone, just not commenting!

So the DreamWorks display was a lot like the stuff that we saw at the D23 tour of the Animation studios. They let us use the computer to move the character and enhance them. We got a taste of that. We also saw the maquettes, but Disney doesn't let anyone take pictures of theirs. It sounded like a very cool exhibit, very reminiscent of the Disney stuff, just with pictures allowed!

Back to the trip, I can't believe your Taxi Driver didn't know where he was going or couldn't read the signs! CSR is ALOT out of your way for going back to BCV! Good for you not giving him the $20! I enjoyed the meatball, it was one of the favorite snacks. The Belgian waffles, especially the savory one, was a true favorite, I think that would have been better for you than the lobster roll. We didn't care for it much either.

I didn't realize that was where you were when we met up at the statue for the pose. We had been tequila lunching it and I had either gone to Bell Services to get something or was purchasing at the Marketplace or both. I don't remember, but it was great that we all met us. Bobbi's camera took that photo and a CM took it for us. She sent us all the photo!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Hi PIO!

First, as a former taxi driver in Boston, I want to assure you that they guy probably felt real bad, and was probably happy that you paid him only 10. As a driver, it is very embarrassing to mess up like that and you feel completely helpless.

And, since many seem to be "discovering" Morocco, I thought I would post this link, which was the day I determined to do so- though I had been there before, but this day it, was my primary destination!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDvVaPCW11I

And some of your Morocco pics are just great! But, I have come to expect that of you.



Jud

17 minutes???

Nice afternoon and nice pics.

BTW - Nice to "hear" you and to 'hear' your laugh.



I'm almost pretty sure he wasn't deliberately taking me for a ride. But it was a close run thing with that particular driver.

What a crazy taxi ride! Glad you were able to get ride of the migraine...the F&W food looks amazing! I can't stand the smell of the lobster booth so I always avoid it.

Jill in CO

I was glad to get rid of that migraine/headache too.

Food and Wine food is usually amazing.

Ugh about the taxi drive, especially when you weren't feeling well

So did DH & DS stay at DQ?

The Morocco pavilion is beautiful. Glad you were able to enjoy it sans people.

Bummer about the lobster roll. At $7.50 thats even worse.

To answer your question, I very much enjoy video games but have not had much time in recent years for them. Hours can go by when playing so unless I have oodles of time I don't like to play.

DH and DS did stay at DQ for a bit longer. They did come back....eventually.

I completely know what you mean about losing time when playing.

The lobster roll is a favorite of those of us on the (Free) DDP - because you get a $7.50 for a snack credit.

I agree though that this year the lobster roll was not as good as it has been. Not sure why. Agree with a lack of "freshness". In fact, now that we'll be going all OOP, I may just skip it this year.

If it's the same as last year, I would skip it too.

Another great update as per usual. The Morocco Pavilion looks lovely. I'm a bit disappointed I didn't have more time to explore it.

I agree with you on the lobster roll. I had read so much hype, I had to try it. But it was dry and tasteless and overall a waste of money. I would have been much better off heading back to the Singapore booth.

That kiwi booth was hilarious. I'm not sure who in NZ actually eats meat balls in Yorkshire pudding, but at least it sounds like it was tasty.

I hope that cab driver wasn't trying to take you the wrong way on purpose. I've had that happen to me in the past, and luckily, like you, I knew where he should have been going and quickly corrected him.

It was a funny menu at NZ.

I've been keeping up on my phone, just not commenting!

So the DreamWorks display was a lot like the stuff that we saw at the D23 tour of the Animation studios. They let us use the computer to move the character and enhance them. We got a taste of that. We also saw the maquettes, but Disney doesn't let anyone take pictures of theirs. It sounded like a very cool exhibit, very reminiscent of the Disney stuff, just with pictures allowed!

Back to the trip, I can't believe your Taxi Driver didn't know where he was going or couldn't read the signs! CSR is ALOT out of your way for going back to BCV! Good for you not giving him the $20! I enjoyed the meatball, it was one of the favorite snacks. The Belgian waffles, especially the savory one, was a true favorite, I think that would have been better for you than the lobster roll. We didn't care for it much either.

I didn't realize that was where you were when we met up at the statue for the pose. We had been tequila lunching it and I had either gone to Bell Services to get something or was purchasing at the Marketplace or both. I don't remember, but it was great that we all met us. Bobbi's camera took that photo and a CM took it for us. She sent us all the photo!

That meatball was very tasty.

Was that picture from Bobbi's camera? Thanks for setting the record straight.

 

[PrincessInOz]

I'm Late! I'm Late! For an Important Date!



I have the vague recollection that we may have gone for a swim at SAB on this afternoon. I can't seem to exactly remember whether we did or not; but I do remember that I was running late for an important date.


The only thing that I can think of to make me late would have been lazing my way at SAB and losing track of time. Plus we would have needed time to clean up and get ready for the festivities tonight. I did check with DS and DH; both can't remember if we went to SAB either. Sadly, it's all a blur now.






In any event, to make it to our meeting point, we caught the bus to Magic Kingdom. As luck would have it, I saw a MK bus pulling out of the bus stop area just as we got out of the lobby area. But it wasn't too bad a wait. Another MK bus came along about 5 - 10 minutes later and we got on it. But we weren't heading for the park. We headed towards the monorail and were looking for the resort monorail. This one came along shortly after we made it to the platform.







Appearances are deceiving! I wouldn't have figured him as a tutu kinda guy (and I'm NOT talking about my DH!!!!).







I did have FP+ booked for this afternoon that I didn't use. This was supposed to have been one of them. DH and DS both firmly nixed the idea of park-run-around after they got back from DTD.





Hmmm....I'm pretty sure that we did spend some time in SAB then. Now that I think about it, DH did text me to say they were back at the resort before I had even finished up my crab roll.



Almost at our stop. I'd love to stay here someday.







I had done some advance scouting a couple of nights prior to work out where to go. So, when we got to our stop, I knew exactly where I was heading.








The Contemporary Resort is just so.....well.....so....contemporary. I'm sure it's a lovely resort and all that but the architecture is not quite my style. (But surprisingly, the Bay Lake Towers looks much more inviting.)







But I do love the Mary Blair!







For the record, I did think about catching a cab to get from resort to resort. But given the experience I had earlier in the day, I was not keen to repeat another cab ride so soon.


I'm late!
I'm late!
For an important date!




Yeah. I was late for an important date. But I still found time to take a couple of shots.





(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


DisMeet #12: The Important Date - California Grill Dinner



My reconnaissance mission the other night was to check out where I needed to check in. Looks like DH managed to sneak in this shot of me.

Yes. I wore shorts to California Grill. I did debate about putting on something more dressy but I considered our activities for the rest of the night and shorts seemed more appropriate.






I think I was about 5 minutes later than our ADR time; not a biggie.....but I was holding up the DisMeet.

Bobbiwoz and AnneBerkery, and Fran and Alison were there already and waiting for me. I figured they would have gotten on the previous MK bus that pulled out of the car park as I got there.







This was the first time we were meeting TifffanyD and her DH. We've been chatting on the boards for the better part of a year now. My DH had the presence of mind to ensure we captured the DisMeet appropriately.







The California Grill had just completed a refurb before we got to WDW. We had originally booked The Wave for the DisMeet tonight but rumours of the Cali Grill reopen date had circulated round the Dis. Knowing that we would have an empty ADR book to help fill and after a suitable number of posts with the Dis-sers to check preference, I staked out the online site when bookings opened and snagged an ADR for 9 for this night.



I've never eaten here; so I have no yardstick for comparisons. But when the elevator doors opened, I was suitably impressed. I believe there are over 250 wines to choose from and they do have to store it somewhere! I'm guessing that aside from good use of space, this wine refrigerator is pretty much designed for looks and to impress diners like me.







There was a little off-note to the start of our night. You will have noticed that we had scooters with us and when I checked in at the front desk, we were told it would be fine to take the scooters up and park them here. Apparently it wasn't fine to park the scooters here. Alison and Fran had to take them back down again. I really do wish that the CM did have their story straight.







I think Cali Grill had been reopened for about a month by this stage. It still had that new carpet smell.








The view from my seat.








The view from my seat without menus in the way was pretty good too.








I'll admit to manoeuvring my way to a seat in the centre of the table.







I was anxious to have 3D conversations with the other Dis-sers. And being in the centre meant that I could chat with just about everyone.







The wait staff was suitably efficient. We had our drinks and food orders taken in short order; and warm bread delivered to our table.







I did spend some time chatting with the others. As always, it was great to firm up friendships in 3D and I really wished I had more time with TifffanyD and her DH. Next time.
Despite this, I was keen to check out the Cali Grill space.








The view here is spectacular. I can see why people want to dine here and time it to see the fireworks.









And if you feel like fresh air, there is also the option of the outdoor observation deck.

















(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


Warning! Don't forget to Eat before reading this next Post - California Grill Food Porn


You've been suitably warned!





Most of the Dis-sers there knew about my addiction to the click-click-click sound; especially where food is concerned. So to those who were there that night, thanks for letting me indulge.
A number of us ordered appertizers to share in our family groups. I did kinda hold up the start of the eating....but it meant that we get to enjoy the meal again now.



The Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli - Tomato-Fennel Broth, crispy Mushrooms, Tiny Basil, Benziger Estate Olive Oil.








One of the sushi selections.








We ordered the Oven-dried Tomato Flatbread - Beefsteak Tomatoes, Mozzarella di Bufala, Aged Balsamic. This was yum!








Alison ordered the Heirloom Tomato salad - Daily Variety with Grilled Bread, Baby Basil, ricotta, Blistered Shisito Vinaigrette.








And then it was time for main course.



Wild Columbia River Salmon - Zellwood Sweet Corn Pudding, crispy Salmon Cakes, spiced Saffron Broth.








Pork Two Ways - Grilled Tenderloin, Goat Cheese Polenta, Mushrooms, Lacquered Belly, Applesauce.








Kinda a repeat.....but it was served two-ways!








Farmers Salad - Season's Peak Vegetables, Soft-poached Organic Egg, Honey-Sherry Vinaigrette. My DH could have ordered this.








The spectacular Dragon Roll - Spicy and Tataki Tuna, Shrimp Tempura, Bell Pepper, Avocado, Chili-Soy Glaze.









Someone on the table had a repeat order of the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli for their main.








Pork Belly Nigri - House-cured Pork, Bacon and Yuzu Rice, Spicy Teriyaki.








Bell & Evans Chicken - Teriyaki Barbecue Glaze, Truffle Macaroni & Cheese, Glazed Vegetables, Chicken Sausage. My order. And it was absolutely divine.









All through dinner, I kept looking out the window. It finally got to a point where I just had to head outside. The sunset colours were just beautiful.








It made a wonderful backdrop against Magic Kingdom!










Fellow diners enjoying the sunset saw me with my camera and asked me to take a picture of them. They returned the favour.










After the candyfloss of the sky, it was time for a different kind of candyfloss.








Chocolate Pudding Cake - Luscious Chocolate Cake with Nutella Filling, Meringue Kisses, and Mint Chantilly.









Warm Homemade Fritters - Banana-stuffed, Cinnamon-dusted Fritters with Toasted Caramel Marshmallows complemented with a Trio of Dipping Sauce.









I was completely stuffed. But I was probably not coming back for a long time; if at all. So I pushed myself to enjoy the Sundae Sampler. I did have help from my boys to finish it.








Caramel Corn.....









Coke Float......















Strawberry and Basil.......







My selection from the menu all tasted great and that dessert sampler was a lot of fun.
But I did try some of the other plates we ordered. The food wasn't consistently good on the night we were here. I guess you could make an allowance for the kitchen being 'new' and all that; but then again....maybe not. The staff were not 'new'.

I haven't followed the threads to see if the standard has gotten more consistent since then. I guess, like everything, you might have to go check it out for yourself.





If nothing else. Go for the view.

 

[Luvchefmic]

The warning didn't stop me I jumped right in That second picture of the goat cheese ravioli has me salivating Everything else not so much

The views are spectacular ! Love the picture of you outside Everyone looks great what a fun DisMeet Slightly off topic Bobbi and I have kept in touch She & her DH will be moving to FL this year about 15 minutes from me

 

[jedijill]

Mmmm, California Grill. My favorite place outside V&A. I've had issues with service my last two trips but I do love the food. I dislike the dessert menu after the remodel...I miss my Vahlrona Chocolate Cake!

I love the picture of you with the sunset in the background...Beautiful!

Jill in CO

 

[ejud]

Egad! You make me want to eat! Your main course looks like something I would like- and the desserts... Oh my... (Of course, I can't eat any of it, and usually don't mind...)

I have shared this post with my non-WDW fan geek from NOLA who thinks food is the reason to live and, of course, think NOLA is the only place that knows that... maybe you will convert him?

Ya, 17 minutes! Phhhhhhhhhhhttttttttttt! hehehehee... (and it is part two: part one is Morning at MK! So there! hehehehee...)



Jud

 

[dgbg100106]

That food porn and WARNING was amazing! Now time for lunch!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

I have wanted to try this place! I am pleased it is open again! Love the food porn. All looks delicious! Pork looks divine and oh my that chocolate dessert. Come to mamma! Love the coke float. What a lovely view and dismeet. Shame about the scooter misinformation I wouldn't be best pleased about that!

Looks like a fun evening.

 

[Pluto0809]

Hi PIO! I finally made it over here after being off the DIS for two months. I was over 30 pages behind so I'm not going to try to comment at this point. But things have finally slowed down at work so I should have no problems keeping up now!

 

[Leshaface]

I love the GMR!

I swear everytime F! comes up in conversation, I always take WDW's side. I'm choosing comfortability over anything really. I know that 99% of people hate the Pocahontas sequence, but for some reason, I really enjoy it. Probably because I was obsessed with this movie when I was young and have not seen much Pocahontas anywhere, so when I saw F! for the first time at DHS, I was completely shocked...and hooked!

I was really hoping to book BCV for our upcoming January trip, until I noticed that they only have 1 bathroom in the 1 bedroom villa. I was fine with this, but when I told DH he rejected the idea. Humph! Guess we're spoiled with the 2 full bathrooms over at AKV.

What?! That's crazy that they have no type of greeting cards! But maybe it turned out for the best that he got some awesome balloons out of it!

Haha never thought about DTD being a 5th park but you're so right.

You may just throw something at me for saying this, but I have never ordered anything from Goofy's Candy Co

I alwasy forget to look up at the ceiling at WoD. Glad you did it for me!

What did he say about the $10 when it was $20? Did he try to fight it?
At least it cured the headache and nausea! Probably not the way you wanted it to though.

I love Morocco! Especially the marketplace

And thanks for the warning for Cali Grill! I'll stop for now and read later cause i'm STARVING! Almost lunch time for me.

 

[mvf-m11c]

What an amazing update. Now I got my answer on my TR that you did ride the WDW Monorail but from the MK station to the Contemporary instead of the T&TC. The Contemporary Hotel is amazing every time I see it. The California Grill restaurant looks so nice after the renovation. I haven't eaten at that restaurant in years and after seeing your pictures that I will have to consider eating there on my next WDW trip. All of the food looks so amazing.

 

[dolphingirl47]

I feel very much like you about the Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower. I could never get the hype about the Contemporary, but I loved Bay Lake Tower when we stayed there in 2010.

I only ever tried California Grill once and that was in 2010, too. I did not think the food was anything special and the service was awful. Having said that, the Pork Two Ways and the Sundae sampler almost convince me to give it another chance.

Corinna

 

[tiggrbaby]

"...the candyfloss of the sky..."

I love it!!! What beautiful pics!

And did the lady in the turquoise sweater crochet it herself? I love the pattern!

 

[zanzibar138]

Another great DisMeet

I appreciated the warning (although it didn't stop me reading the update, it gave me a chance to mentally prepare myself). Although some of the food looked pretty good, most of it wasn't really my style, so I managed not to get any drool on the keyboard

The view looks great though, and the sunset was amazing

 

[Pinkocto]

This trip has been filled with so many fun dining companions!

We've eaten at CG twice, both before renovation. Some things we loved, others we didn't. But the view just can't be beat. Gorgeous pictures of MK and that beautiful pink sky, wow.

Love your blue top.