August 16, 2011, Disney Dream - Part 2

[hmansure]

The original plan was to go to the Phillies game tonight w/ dd's school, but the monsoon outside has caused them to reschedule the game for mid-June.

But on a positive note for those us who attended the Flyers game - - less traffic and chaos with the Phillies reschedule

A miserable night weather wise overall.

 

[Woobie]

To multi-quote, click the little quotation mark symbol next to each post you want to quote (it'll turn a different color), and then when you've clicked it for each post you want, click the regular "quote" button.

Thank you!! Now I can hang with the cool kids.

Jen, we are going to be at WDW for 5 nights post cruise and tried hard to choose restaurants we've never been to before.

Dd did lobby successfully to return to 1900 Park Fare (she loves the strawberry soup!) but the rest are all new to the kids and three are new to dh and I.

We will be going to 1900 Park Fare, Coral Reef, 50's Prime Time Cafe (dh and I were last there pre-kids!), Boma, and Chefs de France.

It was difficult for me to choose restaurants as well, mostly because my kids prefer pasta and veggies to hamburgers and it was hard to find menus they would eat from.

I booked Crystal Palace. I figure a meal with Pooh and friends would be good. We can have the rest of the gang covered at the character breakfast on the cruise. I really want to do Cinderella's castle for breakfast (for my princess and the french toast), but I can't justify $250 for breakfast. Other than that, I think we're winging the meals.

I have no plans for excursions or Remy or Palo, so no stress there. I'm pretty sure DCL holds ressies for each booking level, so I wouldn't worry about missing a ressie if you're silver. We will be among those staying on the ship in Nassau.

Would you believe I have park hopper tix from 2002? I HATE that I can't find out what's left on them until we get there. I'd like to buy the difference ahead of time.

 

[hmansure]

I need to figure out our food for WDW after the cruise. We are for sure going to have 4 nights of dining...possibly 6. Our goal is to be able to get a reservation at 'Ohana one night but other then that, we are pretty open.

We would really like to consider Tutto Italia or Via Napoli but I can't find many reviews of either of them.

Today I spent tons of time trying to read about all the restaurants and somehow I don't feel like we are any closer to making decisions about where to eat.

I sent the Poly concierge an e-mail but their response to me did not make me feel like they were going to be much help at getting reservations either. I am worried that even if I can figure out where we want to eat that we won't be able to get any reservations.

On a positive note....I was able to really do very little today and that was great! After the crazy weeks I have had, I really just needed a break! Now if only the last of the snow would melt again!

I don't think I'll be able to consume any more food after 5 nights on the Dream!?! We are giving Tutto Italia a try. There are 200+ reviews on AllEars.net - mostly positive, aside from the cost <LOL>.

 

[Amanda132]

I love talking Disney dining! We made two ADRs for after the cruise, Kouzzina and Sanaa. If free dining comes back out, we might do that and then book a third table service, since we're staying three nights.

I need to figure out our food for WDW after the cruise. We are for sure going to have 4 nights of dining...possibly 6. Our goal is to be able to get a reservation at 'Ohana one night but other then that, we are pretty open.

We would really like to consider Tutto Italia or Via Napoli but I can't find many reviews of either of them.

Today I spent tons of time trying to read about all the restaurants and somehow I don't feel like we are any closer to making decisions about where to eat.

I've heard that Via Napoli is better than Tutto Italia. I've never been to Tutto Italia, but I've been to Via Napoli twice, and I really like it! I don't think you'll have a big problem making reservations if you do it in the near future. Granted mine aren't at super popular restaurants, but I was able to get the exact times I wanted at Kouzzina and Sanaa when I made our reservationslast week.

We will be going to 1900 Park Fare, Coral Reef, 50's Prime Time Cafe (dh and I were last there pre-kids!), Boma, and Chefs de France.

I love Boma! And Chefs de France is on my to-do list one day. I've been to the upstairs restaurant there, Bistro de Paris, and it was good but not great. I think Chefs de France is a different kind of cuisine, so I have high hopes for it one day.

I booked Crystal Palace. I figure a meal with Pooh and friends would be good. We can have the rest of the gang covered at the character breakfast on the cruise. I really want to do Cinderella's castle for breakfast (for my princess and the french toast), but I can't justify $250 for breakfast. Other than that, I think we're winging the meals

I loved Crystal Palace when we were there in January. I highly recommend an 8:30 am ADR on a non-EMH morning. Nothing like getting to go into the Magic Kingdom before everyone else!

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Ciao to each and everyone !!!!

Laura, so glad you are walking, but please don't overdo it.
We need you to be in tip top shape when we meet.

THANKYOU !!!

Today I have been celebrating my walking -air - cast ( like walking on a soft cloud !!) with lunch at ...

Mc Donald's !!!!


I know you all will comment BLEAH !!! , but to us it has been like being for a short while at a Mc Donalds in USA !!!
It is a brand new restaurant - 5 minutes drive from home - and it's the ...
FIRST DRIVE-IN Mc Donald's in ITALY !!!

We had delicacies with exotic names : PANCIABATTA with Morolo ( sort of soft cheese ) and Gocce di pollo (Mc Nuggets )with Tartara sauce ; CIAMBELLONA ( big donut ) and MACEDONIA ( fresh sliced fruit , I could even spot a small piece of strawberry into it !!!) .

LARGE very confortable armchairs lime green and yellow , wonderful FREEZING airconditioning : I could really pretend to be in the USA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HOPE YOU ALL are having a beautiful Sunday !!!

laura

 

[Woobie]

I loved Crystal Palace when we were there in January. I highly recommend an 8:30 am ADR on a non-EMH morning. Nothing like getting to go into the Magic Kingdom before everyone else!

I'd love to do that, but I'm realistic. Not sure the family will make it there that early. We (except hubby) tend to be night people, so rousing them on the other end isn't fun. I'm also not sure where we're staying so travel is a factor.

I still have to look into Kousina. Hubby is Greek & a bit of a snob if it's not mom's Greek cooking. Don't tell him I said that.

 

[MrsJobba1]

I'm sure you have done very well !!!

Why are you being observed in your teaching job ? Are you new in that school ?

One of my duties is to be tutor of our new-young teachers; I like it when it comes to share lessons/ teaching tecniques , but it is so hard when I have to "grade" their work / their progresses ( usually after 1 year of "observation" ).
Our headteacher wants me to write a complete report of what I have been observing in order to hire ( or NOT) the new teachers.
So far 4 (out of 6 trainees I have had) are working with us on a permanent basis, one of them being now main-assistant to headteacher.
My last trainee is in the school only since February ...

So ... how was your day ? laura

Hi Laura,
Everything went great (phew!) Each term our head teacher observes us teach a lesson and then we are graded on it. The grades go towards our performance management and ultimatly our pay .

Its kinda nerve racking but I just get on with it. Luckily I have a fab class. Your observed and judged on your teaching, the children's learning, assessment opportunites and classroom management. 4 is unsatisfactory 3 is satisfactory, 2 is good and 1 outstanding. IM pleased to say I got a 1!

 

[MrsJobba1]

Just got back from running a 10K in the rain!!! I was ok till mile 4 then the rains came and by the end I looked like a drowned rat. We still had a great time, but I'm hopeing for sun next year. And the best part-I wasn't last!

WOW Well done

 

[MrsJobba1]

I love talking Disney dining! We made two ADRs for after the cruise, Kouzzina and Sanaa. If free dining comes back out, we might do that and then book a third table service, since we're staying three nights.



I've heard that Via Napoli is better than Tutto Italia. I've never been to Tutto Italia, but I've been to Via Napoli twice, and I really like it! I don't think you'll have a big problem making reservations if you do it in the near future. Granted mine aren't at super popular restaurants, but I was able to get the exact times I wanted at Kouzzina and Sanaa when I made our reservationslast week.



I love Boma! And Chefs de France is on my to-do list one day. I've been to the upstairs restaurant there, Bistro de Paris, and it was good but not great. I think Chefs de France is a different kind of cuisine, so I have high hopes for it one day.


I loved Crystal Palace when we were there in January. I highly recommend an 8:30 am ADR on a non-EMH morning. Nothing like getting to go into the Magic Kingdom before everyone else!

I love talking disney dining too
Pre cruise - we have Le Ceiller (lunch), Ohana, Narcossee's, (new to us) and Teppan Endo.
After the cruise we have Boma (new to us) and Sanaa.

Im so pleased we have some sun today - I really hope those of you with snow get some better weather soon - is this normal or just an especially bad year?

Got some good news too-

I just finished doing the ESTA's - so we have been approved for travel to the USA-

I was a bit shocked that this time we had to pay $14 per person
Still I'm another step closer

 

[TiggerAllie]

Ooo can I get in on this Disney Dining chat?

We would really like to consider Tutto Italia or Via Napoli but I can't find many reviews of either of them.

I've heard that Via Napoli is better than Tutto Italia. I've never been to Tutto Italia, but I've been to Via Napoli twice, and I really like it!

We tried Via Napoli in March, and I was really pleased with it. Tutto Italia seemed too expensive for uninteresting Italian food (we're spoiled by the North End in Boston), but we enjoyed Via Napoli--fun atmosphere, and the selections were more interesting. We had the fried appetizer platter (yum) and a pizza--if you like thin crust, it's definitely worth a go.

We will be going to 1900 Park Fare, Coral Reef, 50's Prime Time Cafe (dh and I were last there pre-kids!), Boma, and Chefs de France.

I love Boma! And Chefs de France is on my to-do list one day. I've been to the upstairs restaurant there, Bistro de Paris, and it was good but not great. I think Chefs de France is a different kind of cuisine, so I have high hopes for it one day.

to 1900 Park Fare and Boma. We still haven't been to Coral Reef, and 50's Prime Time didn't impress the one time we were there. (Why is the majority of food in DHS so bad??) The prix fix lunch at Chefs de France was ok, but I'm just not excited enough about French food to try again. I think that's turned me off of Bistro de Paris for now, though the goal is to eventually make it to ALL the WDW TS restaurants!

I booked Crystal Palace. I figure a meal with Pooh and friends would be good. We can have the rest of the gang covered at the character breakfast on the cruise. I really want to do Cinderella's castle for breakfast (for my princess and the french toast), but I can't justify $250 for breakfast. Other than that, I think we're winging the meals

I loved Crystal Palace when we were there in January. I highly recommend an 8:30 am ADR on a non-EMH morning. Nothing like getting to go into the Magic Kingdom before everyone else!

I love Crystal Palace for breakfast! It's our favorite, and even better if you can get it before the parks open-- they'll let you in early, and you can snag some "pristine castle" photos--no worries about "extra" people in your photos! I am so sad that it is now impossible to eat in the Castle without spending an arm and a leg. I used to love to have a late lunch there. Until they get rid of the mandatory packages, I doubt we'll get to eat in the castle again.

I love talking Disney dining! We made two ADRs for after the cruise, Kouzzina and Sanaa.

I still have to look into Kousina. Hubby is Greek & a bit of a snob if it's not mom's Greek cooking. Don't tell him I said that.

I love talking disney dining too
Pre cruise - we have Le Ceiller (lunch), Ohana, Narcossee's, (new to us) and Teppan Endo. After the cruise we have Boma (new to us) and Sanaa.

We finally tried Kouzzina on our last trip--it was pretty good, but if you are used to getting excellent traditional Greek food often, you may be disappointed. You have to go expecting "Greek-inspired" food. I also thought it was a bit over-priced, but definitely worth a try.

I really like Sanaa--I just wish it wasn't so inconvenient to get there! We ended up canceling our dinner reservation when we were staying at AKL because we wanted to be back at the parks after dinner. If you can find the time, it's quite excellent. They don't skimp on spice, flavor, or heat. (They'll let you know what the "milder" dishes are if you are worried.) They had a lot of really interesting selections.

Narcoossee's is one of our favorites! It's in the "every trip" rotation with CA Grill and Citricos.

Anyone have any experience with the restaurants at Vero Beach?

I'm pretty sure DCL holds ressies for each booking level, so I wouldn't worry about missing a ressie if you're silver. We will be among those staying on the ship in Nassau.

Gosh I really hope they do-- I need a Palo dinner reservation for 6 on pirate night to celebrate my parents' anniversary! It's 120 days today, so I expect a full report on availability from all you Platinum CC members!

I finally finished my taxes--my refund is all going towards PIF next month!

 

[Mjasp]

Ciao to each and everyone !!!!





THANKYOU !!!

Today I have been celebrating my walking -air - cast ( like walking on a soft cloud !!) with lunch at ...

Mc Donald's !!!!


I know you all will comment BLEAH !!! , but to us it has been like being for a short while at a Mc Donalds in USA !!!
It is a brand new restaurant - 5 minutes drive from home - and it's the ...
FIRST DRIVE-IN Mc Donald's in ITALY !!!

We had delicacies with exotic names : PANCIABATTA with Morolo ( sort of soft cheese ) and Gocce di pollo (Mc Nuggets )with Tartara sauce ; CIAMBELLONA ( big donut ) and MACEDONIA ( fresh sliced fruit , I could even spot a small piece of strawberry into it !!!) .

LARGE very confortable armchairs lime green and yellow , wonderful FREEZING airconditioning : I could really pretend to be in the USA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HOPE YOU ALL are having a beautiful Sunday !!!

laura

Laura...Next time you go to McDonalds, I would love to see pics of their dining room and menu, if you wouldn't be too embarrassed to take pictures that is.

 

[Pudo]

Hey Jeff,

glad to see you over here!! We will be on the Fantasy with you 8/12.

Kim

Hey Kim,

Are you on this cruise too?

Jeff

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Laura...Next time you go to McDonalds, I would love to see pics of their dining room and menu, if you wouldn't be too embarrassed to take pictures that is.

This is the best I can do for you at the moment ...

When we'll go there again , I'll be sure to take pictures ...

laura

 

[Mjasp]

This is the best I can do for you at the moment ...

When we'll go there again , I'll be sure to take pictures ...

laura

Mmmm, that looks good, much different than our McDonalds

 

[MICKEY'S DREAMERS]

Hi Laura,
Everything went great (phew!) Each term our head teacher observes us teach a lesson and then we are graded on it. The grades go towards our performance management and ultimatly our pay .

Its kinda nerve racking but I just get on with it. Luckily I have a fab class. Your observed and judged on your teaching, the children's learning, assessment opportunites and classroom management. 4 is unsatisfactory 3 is satisfactory, 2 is good and 1 outstanding. IM pleased to say I got a 1!

WELL DONE Helen !!!!
Glad that , for the time being , you can be relaxed ......................... laura

 

[jenanderson]

Jen, we are going to be at WDW for 5 nights post cruise and tried hard to choose restaurants we've never been to before.

We are also trying to think of some new places and I think that is the hardest part....that and pleasing the kids who are very limited in what they eat as well.

1900 Park Fare is on our list of possibilities - we were there years ago and I remember we liked it.

I booked Crystal Palace. I figure a meal with Pooh and friends would be good. We can have the rest of the gang covered at the character breakfast on the cruise. I really want to do Cinderella's castle for breakfast (for my princess and the french toast), but I can't justify $250 for breakfast. Other than that, I think we're winging the meals.

I have no plans for excursions or Remy or Palo, so no stress there. I'm pretty sure DCL holds ressies for each booking level, so I wouldn't worry about missing a ressie if you're silver. We will be among those staying on the ship in Nassau.

Would you believe I have park hopper tix from 2002? I HATE that I can't find out what's left on them until we get there. I'd like to buy the difference ahead of time.

We LOVE Crystal Palace for breakfast. When we went to WDW in February, we did CRT and had a great time but we had deluxe dining and so I don't have to worry about the price.

I haven't even begun to think about the ship. I don't think we are planning any excursions. I would love a Palo brunch but doubt we will be able to get a reservation (I will be trying to do it on board).

Get this....DH and I have park tix left from 1996! I really should bring them with me some time but we always get packages that include tix and dining it seems so there is nothing I can do with these old tickets at this point.

I don't think I'll be able to consume any more food after 5 nights on the Dream!?! We are giving Tutto Italia a try. There are 200+ reviews on AllEars.net - mostly positive, aside from the cost <LOL>.

I had been looking on the DIS...I always forget to check AllEars.net. Thanks for the reminder and we will check it out!

I love talking Disney dining! We made two ADRs for after the cruise, Kouzzina and Sanaa. If free dining comes back out, we might do that and then book a third table service, since we're staying three nights.

I've heard that Via Napoli is better than Tutto Italia. I've never been to Tutto Italia, but I've been to Via Napoli twice, and I really like it!

I loved Crystal Palace when we were there in January. I highly recommend an 8:30 am ADR on a non-EMH morning. Nothing like getting to go into the Magic Kingdom before everyone else!

Who doesn't love talking Disney dining? I booked our reservation when it was free dining for after the cruise. We really wanted to go to WDW before the cruise but with free dining after....we really needed to take advantage of free food.

Thanks for letting me know your thoughts about the restaurants. I think we are going to list Via Napoli as our first choice.

Totally agree about getting into the Magic Kingdom before everyone else - it is incredible to get pictures before everyone comes in.

Today I have been celebrating my walking -air - cast ( like walking on a soft cloud !!) with lunch at ...

Mc Donald's !!!!


laura

Laura - Great job on celebrating your air cast! I love that you went to McDonald's! I actually like McDonald's but then again, I only eat it once or twice a year. Your McDonald's sounds really interesting....nothing like your choices on our menu. Hope you are enjoying your weekend! Do you get to go back to school this week?

Hi Laura,
Everything went great (phew!) Each term our head teacher observes us teach a lesson and then we are graded on it. The grades go towards our performance management and ultimatly our pay .

Its kinda nerve racking but I just get on with it. Luckily I have a fab class. Your observed and judged on your teaching, the children's learning, assessment opportunites and classroom management. 4 is unsatisfactory 3 is satisfactory, 2 is good and 1 outstanding. IM pleased to say I got a 1!

Great job on your observation! I bet your are an incredible teacher!

Im so pleased we have some sun today - I really hope those of you with snow get some better weather soon - is this normal or just an especially bad year?

I would like to say that the snow in April is unusual....but it is not. In Minneosta, we can easily get snow into the month of May. May is not common but it does happen. April snow is sadly very common. Thankfully today most of it is gone but it is still cold.

Your food choices sound great as well! We love 'Ohana and that is my one "MUST HAVE" for this upcoming trip. We really like LeCellier and were sad that it turned into a signature dining experience but understand why.

Ooo can I get in on this Disney Dining chat?

We tried Via Napoli in March, and I was really pleased with it. Tutto Italia seemed too expensive for uninteresting Italian food (we're spoiled by the North End in Boston), but we enjoyed Via Napoli--fun atmosphere, and the selections were more interesting. We had the fried appetizer platter (yum) and a pizza--if you like thin crust, it's definitely worth a go.

Everyone is welcome to join in on the Disney Dining talk!

Love to hear that someone else liked Via Napoli. We really love good Italian food and I wish we had more of it around here. We have been to the North End in Boston and I would have a hard time living near there because I would want to eat out every night!

 

[Woobie]

I love Crystal Palace for breakfast! It's our favorite, and even better if you can get it before the parks open-- they'll let you in early, and you can snag some "pristine castle" photos--no worries about "extra" people in your photos!

I was shooting for this, but a ressie at 8:30 says our group of 5 may be split into 2 tables. I went with 9:15 hoping we can get into the park a bit early for photo ops.

 

[acomasdiaz]

Ciao to each and everyone !!!!





THANKYOU !!!

Today I have been celebrating my walking -air - cast ( like walking on a soft cloud !!) with lunch at ...

Mc Donald's !!!!


I know you all will comment BLEAH !!! , but to us it has been like being for a short while at a Mc Donalds in USA !!!
It is a brand new restaurant - 5 minutes drive from home - and it's the ...
FIRST DRIVE-IN Mc Donald's in ITALY !!!

We had delicacies with exotic names : PANCIABATTA with Morolo ( sort of soft cheese ) and Gocce di pollo (Mc Nuggets )with Tartara sauce ; CIAMBELLONA ( big donut ) and MACEDONIA ( fresh sliced fruit , I could even spot a small piece of strawberry into it !!!) .

LARGE very confortable armchairs lime green and yellow , wonderful FREEZING airconditioning : I could really pretend to be in the USA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HOPE YOU ALL are having a beautiful Sunday !!!

laura

Sounds very cool, Laura! I love hearing the menus in other countries.

 

[kritter]

Hey Everyone,,

Sorry, I have not had a moment to post since we arrived VERY early morning on Friday.

Laura, happy to hear about your walking cast. Boy, McDonald's is wayy different for you in Italy!! It actually looks really good..

Our flight down was great andthe weather is perfect!! We arrived at MCO a half-hour earlier than expected. Nice flight. The girls got to sit with their friend from their class on the way down. Then we got checked into BLT and headed to meet the family that flew down with us at MK!! Nice easy walk to MK from BLT...Then we had dinner and headed to bed ealier since we had been up since 3:00 am!! So we could catch our 6:00 am flight!! Frank, I hope you made your flight on time as well BDL was a BAD HOUSE on Friday!! I bet Saturday was even worse!!

Sat. we spent another great day at MK, then went to the pool, and the kids got to roast marshmallows on the beach!! Then our other friends from our home town came and we all watched the fireworks from the DVC Top of the World from a-top of BLT!! So special and such FUN!!

This morning they moved our luggage to SSR and we headed to EPCOT to meet our friends!! Then we came back and swam at SSR!!

I soo do not want the week to come to an end!!

 

[hmansure]

Today I have been celebrating my walking -air - cast ( like walking on a soft cloud !!) with lunch at ...

Mc Donald's !!!!


I know you all will comment BLEAH !!! [/COLOR][/B][/I]

Laura.... Laura... Laura.... McDonald's?!?!

We stopped off at the Italian Market today and picked up some Easter Pie - yummy!