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

[ejud]

Thanks Jud. I did know about the surfing lesson. But we live in Melbourne; and we have surf beaches within an hour or two from us. My BiL heads down to a place called Jan Juc at the weekend. It isn't far from Bell's Beach and we have an open invitation to go visit him anytime and go surfing with him. We've taken up the offer a few times so I figured we would pass on the wave pool option.

Ah!

...

Oh, but wait! Don't the waves run backwards down there???



Jud

 

[PrincessInOz]

Ah!

...

Oh, but wait! Don't the waves run backwards down there???



Jud

We are NEVER backwards.



(Upside down, maybe. But NEVER backwards. )

 

[Luvchefmic]

Ah!

...

Oh, but wait! Don't the waves run backwards down there???



Jud

We are NEVER backwards.



(Upside down, maybe. But NEVER backwards. )

thanks you two for the well needed laughs A great way to start the day Me I've been feeling like I have been going through life moving sideways lately ...anyway have been reading along

My opinion on the water parks Yes lots of body types out there & I could not care less I just blend right in I didn't always feel that way but hey some lessons come as we get older

I prefer BB that TL is just too noisy for me Doesn't that siren/horn thing still go off every hour at TL ? I haven't been there since it first opened

Happy Easter

 

[PrincessInOz]

thanks you two for the well needed laughs A great way to start the day Me I've been feeling like I have been going through life moving sideways lately ...anyway have been reading along

My opinion on the water parks Yes lots of body types out there & I could not care less I just blend right in I didn't always feel that way but hey some lessons come as we get older

I prefer BB that TL is just too noisy for me Doesn't that siren/horn thing still go off every hour at TL ? I haven't been there since it first opened

Happy Easter

Yes, TL has the horn going off but we didn't mind the noise.

Hope you're doing well, Ruthie. Happy Easter to you too.

 

[franandaj]

Our room was a lock-off configuration. It was the reason why sharing the 2-bedder was fine with my DH; and I'm pretty sure it was the reason why Alison/Fran offered the share arrangement. We all knew we would have our privacy and also be able to go visit when we wanted to. It worked out great for us.

And it was much less points to go for the lock off instead of a one bedroom and a studio!

 

[scottny]

The food in China looked good.
Nice pics inside China. I love going in there.
The slushie looked good.
Ooh! Mulan. Nice pic.
Drooling over the caramel pics. YUM!
Nice Dismeet. It is great to meet others.
SAB is such a fantastic pool.
Nice PP+ pics.
Your pics on Nemo came out really good.
Figment is a just do for us. Relaxing and fun.
I kind of like Captain EO but not a must do.
Loved all the fireworks pics.
Good for you picking up 3 guys. LOl
Your nighttime pics are pretty.
I wondered how long they would allow someone to stay after closing.
Love the pics around Beach Club.
Nice quick morning at Epcot.
Have yet to make it to a water park. One day. Your pics are great.
Nice view from the patio but that door would never open if it was me. SNAKES!!!!
I have caught up.

 

[PrincessInOz]

And it was much less points to go for the lock off instead of a one bedroom and a studio!

Glad it worked out for everyone.

The food in China looked good.
Nice pics inside China. I love going in there.
The slushie looked good.
Ooh! Mulan. Nice pic.
Drooling over the caramel pics. YUM!
Nice Dismeet. It is great to meet others.
SAB is such a fantastic pool.
Nice PP+ pics.
Your pics on Nemo came out really good.
Figment is a just do for us. Relaxing and fun.
I kind of like Captain EO but not a must do.
Loved all the fireworks pics.
Good for you picking up 3 guys. LOl
Your nighttime pics are pretty.
I wondered how long they would allow someone to stay after closing.
Love the pics around Beach Club.
Nice quick morning at Epcot.
Have yet to make it to a water park. One day. Your pics are great.
Nice view from the patio but that door would never open if it was me. SNAKES!!!!
I have caught up.

Thanks Scott. Nice to see you back here.

I've stayed at POR and we definitely saw snakes there. None in our room, which I was really thankful about.

 

[skier_pete]

We only watched the Must Do's twice during the last trip. I completely agree - the original Disney Top 7 was way better. Both DS and I could easily spend an afternoon watching that original version whereas the Must Do was not quite as engaging.

The file's pretty big - 89 MB - but there must be some way to transfer if you would want a copy of the original Top 7. Maybe I could upload it somewhere. (Not good at that kind of stuff. Send me a PM if you'd like it.

Unfortunately for us, we have a fortune in camera gear and as we were changing rooms, we couldn't leave it behind in the room (didn't have one) and we didn't want to leave it with bell hop. So, we ended up with all that gear with us and didn't want to worry about having it lying around....so our only option was the lockers.

I don't mind paying for lockers; but it was highway robbery here.

No, I get why you had to get one, the one time we did rent one was the same situation, we had gone to DHS first and right to TL, so had to rent a locker for the valuables. Definitely a rip-off!

Usually when one water park is closed, the other is still opened.

Usually they close TL October to early Jan, and then BB until late-March. The rest of the year both are open.

Originally Posted by skier_pete View Post
TL has changed very, very little except for Crush N Gusher, the water coaster, installed about 8 years ago now.

Is it the same for BB?

Yeah, I don't think they've done anything new at BB between when we went in 1997 and 2014. I think the costs of maintaining the water parks, and probably fairly flat popularity makes it so they don't feel they really need to invest in new rides. (BB has a lot more slides than TL.)

As far as which is the "best" I don't really know which I would consider the best. BB I would say has more thrilling rides, but Typhoon Lagoon has the awesome wave pool, the shark reef, and the Crush n Gusher.

 

[PrincessInOz]

The file's pretty big - 89 MB - but there must be some way to transfer if you would want a copy of the original Top 7. Maybe I could upload it somewhere. (Not good at that kind of stuff. Send me a PM if you'd like it.

No, I get why you had to get one, the one time we did rent one was the same situation, we had gone to DHS first and right to TL, so had to rent a locker for the valuables. Definitely a rip-off!


Usually they close TL October to early Jan, and then BB until late-March. The rest of the year both are open.


Yeah, I don't think they've done anything new at BB between when we went in 1997 and 2014. I think the costs of maintaining the water parks, and probably fairly flat popularity makes it so they don't feel they really need to invest in new rides. (BB has a lot more slides than TL.)

As far as which is the "best" I don't really know which I would consider the best. BB I would say has more thrilling rides, but Typhoon Lagoon has the awesome wave pool, the shark reef, and the Crush n Gusher.

That's a very big file, Pete.

Hmmm....if we ever make it out to Orlando again, I think we're going to need to check out BB in order to compare. In a way it's a shame that they haven't invested in the water parks; but if BB is like TL, there's already plenty there to enjoy.

Thanks.

 

[PrincessInOz]

DisMeet #9: The Luck of the Irish



Did I mention that we were hoping for a lazy day today?



Ha! Ha!




In our original "lazy day" plans, we only had a DisMeet scheduled in for tonight. The only thing that I had planned for the day and naturally it revolved around food!


This day was always going to be the day where the Gamers were starting to arrive and congregate at WDW and we had spent a bit of time working out the DisMeet opportunities. And because of the common interest we shared, the DisMeet opportunities were always going to centre around food and the various dining establishments that we might want to eat at.


When comparing notes, there was one restaurant that both Alison and I wanted to eat at. So after settling into the room, we caught Disney Transport to Downtown Disney. You know.....DTD....that 'experiment' that Disney runs where entry to the complex is effectively free, no entry ticket required, and you have to "pay as you go" depending on the level of interaction you decide to have in the 'attractions'.







Anyone spot where we were eating yet?








The ADR was for 5.45 pm and when we checked in, we decided to request for an outside table.






Alison had originally booked a table for 6 on the assumption that the two of them, the 3 of us and Bobbiwoz would be joining us for dinner. However, when the Eat to the Beat concerts were announced, Air Supply was the drawcard this week and Bobbi decided she wanted to go see them.



Tempting as that Eat to the Beat concert was.....but I did not travel over 9000 miles to see an Australian band play at Epcot!


We did contemplate changing the booking back down to 5; but with all the bad experiences posted about the on-line system, we decided we would just tell them on arrival that we were a party of 5; not 6. However, it was a lucky happenstance that we hadn't changed that booking. It worked out just perfectly and we ended up being a party of 6 again on this night.



Goopysolelady had posted on the Gamer's planning thread when she knew she was definitely coming and mentioned her dates. It had been very quick work on Alison's part to put 2 and 2 together and let goopy know that she was welcomed to join us for dinner on this night.


I have to thank my DH for capturing this official DisMeet evidence. Seems like I didn't have a picture in my camera, neither did Alison! From left to right, Fran, Alison, myself and goopysolelady.






Raglan Road, Downtown Disney is a Disney-family appropriate establishment assuming parental supervision where Al.K.Hole was concerned.
I understand that the bars and furniture was all made in Ireland and then imported here. It's definitely an Irish pub-feel inside.






The floor show of River Dancing was superb.







Both DH and I were drawn inside by the infectious music to take a look.








It was enough to put us on a high for the night.








We had chosen to sit outside because we were seeking a more quiet experience. How ironic that we ended up right next to the band.








At least, they were a great band playing folk music!







But I do wonder if Disney did research the name sufficiently when they were looking at possible names for this establishment.


Raglan Road in Dublin was the inspiration of a poem written by Patrick Kavanagh in 1946. Originally titled Dark Haired Miriam Ran Away, the poem tells the sad tale of the speaker in love with a young woman 'walking' a quiet street. It's effectively a love story doomed to failure. It was later set to a traditional Irish melody by Luke Kelly of the Dubliners and is regarded as one of those 'immortalised songs' for Luke Kelly.




What does this have to do with dinner tonight, you ask?



Absolutely nothing. The sadness of the tale and poignancy of the music is as far away as possible from the food and happy, noisy place we were to enjoy tonight but I just figured you might want to know what the history of Raglan Road was.


However, believe it or not, there is a long-bow Disney connection to Raglan Road. There is a stanza in the poem that makes reference to the Queen of Hearts.

The Queen of Hearts still making tarts and I not making hay -
O I loved too much and by such and such is happiness thrown away.



If you read those lines, keep in mind that we are talking about a streetwalker here! It definitely isn't Disney-family appropriate!





(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


Raglan Road Dinner



Chef Kevin Dundon is one of Ireland's best loved chefs and definitely one of those celebrity chefs that has graced television screens, cook books and poster pin-ups since at least 2006. He's also the chef behind the Raglan Road menu and it is no wonder the menu is full of traditional Irish favourites, with a twist. Shephard's pie, fish and chips, bangers and mash, Irish stew all have a place on the Raglan Road dinner menu.






Whilst we were contemplating the menu, there was time for Irish to meet with Italian; we were provided with a basket of Irish Soda bread and a plate of balsamic vinegar and olive oil to dunk into, Italian style.







I guess this has become a near universal trend if even an Irish pub-style restaurant is serving it.







I thought service was reasonable at Raglan Road on this visit. The server was pretty prompt with the menus, bread and also with the drinks order.







Our food also came out pretty promptly.

Alison ordered the Scallops Forest, which came with a dipping sauce.







I couldn't decide if top down and the side view was better, so you get to see both.







As the scallops were an apertizer, Alison also ordered a side of Onion Rings to go with it; and to share with the table. Thanks, Alison!







My DS decided that he needed more fish and chips and whilst I was a little concerned that he was getting fish and chips for dinner two nights in a row, I figured that he was the one ordering and eating and so I didn't even bat an eyelid. I think Fran also ordered the Fish and Chips and shared with Alison.






The fish and chips might look like a small serve in the paper cone; but when we emptied it out on the plate, it was a decent serving.







DH was very happy with his choice. There was super delicious quinoa salad with beans, carrots, watercress and a zingy dressing on the menu. He also ordered the side of broccolini as well. He reckoned this was one of the more tasty vegetarian meals he had on this trip.







Goopy and I decided on the Roast Chicken dinner. We each got half a lemon thyme roasted chicken with mash, some dutch carrots and sauce.






Goopy felt like extra vegetables and also got a side of carrots to go with her meal.






Pure gluttony always gets the better of me. Despite being completely stuffed, I really wanted to try the desserts here. Seemed like I wasn't the only one around the table with the same degree of stuff-ness and gluttony. After a quick conference, we decided to share 2 desserts between the 6 of us.

The consensus was a serve of the legendary Bread and Butter pudding....







.....and a serve of the strawberry and apple crumble. It sure didn't resemble the crumble I was expecting.







My plate, after I had smothered the desserts with cream.







The crumble tasted fine but I thought the presentation left a lot to be desired. It was probably a little bit too far left of what I thought a traditional crumble should look like for me. However, that bread and butter pudding is definitely the stuff of legends!


It had been a lovely dinner with Dis-Friends and a wonderful way to see in the beautiful evening!











 

 

[leshunlenese]

Lol. ""See a australian band in Epcot"" that's funny especially since u live there of coarse! I hear so many good things about regular road I have to try it sometime. Like your hisbanordeing fish and chips two days in a row devyn would do the same with a hotdog!! I love that you got to meet and see so many people in your trip

 

[jedijill]

Mmmm, I love Raglan Road. The first one was built in Kansas City and has since closed....WDW's version is the only one left and has always been the best one.

That bread pudding is amazing but the portion is huge! You were smart to share with the table!

Jill in CO

 

[franandaj]

I could have sworn that your DH took an actual picture of us at the table, and DS and Goopysolelady. That's the reason I didn't take a shot of us all!

That was an excellent dinner! I really enjoyed that one, but I was full from the scallops and onion rings. I was trying to give them away! I could barely eat the bites of fish and chips that Fran gave me.

Great Desserts! We had fun that night!

 

[Pinkocto]

I had no idea there was dancing inside, what fun! I finally tried the QS next door for the fish and chips on my last trip, very tasty.

Another scrumptious meal surrounded by good company

 

[dhorner233]

How nice that you all were able to meet for dinner!! I wish I had been there! I have never eaten at Raglan Road but, it will definitely be on my list for next time!!!

 

[zanzibar138]

Looks like a delicious and fun dinner with great company

 

[dolphingirl47]

Dinner looks great. We have never really considered trying Raglan Road. It was great that the spare space was taken in the end.

Corinna

 

[mvf-m11c]

Nice to see that you had a great dinner with the DISers that night. The food looks very appetizing.

 

[ACDSNY]

I'm been wanting to try Raglan Road, but it just hasn't been in the cards yet. Looks like your dinner and DIS meet were good.