Because We're Insane: Driving & Triple Split Stay! Updated 10/23. Pg.16

[MEK]

So Not Fair being at work right now and not being able to see your pictures! I shall return!

 

[JenSop]

Great V&A post. Hope you're doing well, and glad you're back

Thanks! And it's good to be back to the Disboards!

I just caught up with your TR!
Wow dinner at V&A looks so fancy! I don't think I would be able to eat there for a few years though, I'm sure is very pricey, but it looks totally worth it. As always, your dress is super cute
The Grand Marnier Souffle looks to die for!

This picture definitely shows you had a good time

BTW I'm sorry to hear about you and Brian, but you are very brave for taking that decision, I hope it all goes very well for you

Yes - it's definitely pricey. Not something to do frequently, but a must do at least once! Thanks on the dress! And thanks for the support and well-wishes. I appreciate it.

V&A looks amazing, the food, the experience, everything sounds so unique and wonderful

Thats how I look after some wine too I don't know why but wine gets to me quickly

Haha - yes I am pretty much a light-weight when it comes to any kind of alcohol. Doesn't stop me though!

So Not Fair being at work right now and not being able to see your pictures! I shall return!

Hope ya made it back!

 

[Merida]

The desserts were beyond amazing! That souffle was worth it alone! I kind of wish I had had etiquette lessons. Sometimes as a performer, you're put into interesting situations, and I often feel like a super dork since I was never really educated in anything like that. I usually try to fake it till I make it!

Hmm, the only things I remember after a couple years are use utensils from the outside in; if you drop something, wait for a waiter to pick it up; don't butter your whole bread at once, tear off pieces and butter them as you eat; and all this stuff about your napkin. You're not really supposed to use it for anything and if you leave your seat it's supposed to go on the side of your plate. Always pass the salt and pepper together and never hand passed items to people, put them on the table instead.

Wow, I remembered more than I thought! It was interesting to learn about the history of etiquette but I'm really glad we live in a more informal society now.

 

[JenSop]

Hmm, the only things I remember after a couple years are use utensils from the outside in; if you drop something, wait for a waiter to pick it up; don't butter your whole bread at once, tear off pieces and butter them as you eat; and all this stuff about your napkin. You're not really supposed to use it for anything and if you leave your seat it's supposed to go on the side of your plate. Always pass the salt and pepper together and never hand passed items to people, put them on the table instead.

Wow, I remembered more than I thought! It was interesting to learn about the history of etiquette but I'm really glad we live in a more informal society now.

Hmmmm... interesting on the bread etiquette - never heard that before - very interesting. Also interesting about the salt and pepper always together.

 

[ChiCat]

Oooo that looks absolutely AMAZING! We have a few fancy restaurants like that in Chicago but I have never been yet. My DH doesn't like that kind of food at all so I would have to find one of my girlfriends which I only have 2 on the top of my head that I think would enjoy something like that.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I'm very sorry to hear about everything you're going through. I hope things get better soon!

Your dinner at V&A's looks amazing!!

 

[MaggieBailey]

That all looks so amazing! I've always wanted to eat there, I was reading some of what you wrote to DH, and he said "Uhm, it sounds nice but it might be to fancified for me... But I'll go if that's where you want to eat!" Lol! Maybe I should save it for a girls trip

 

[JenSop]

Oooo that looks absolutely AMAZING! We have a few fancy restaurants like that in Chicago but I have never been yet. My DH doesn't like that kind of food at all so I would have to find one of my girlfriends which I only have 2 on the top of my head that I think would enjoy something like that.

I can't recommend it enough! It's SO good! My advice would be to just try it - you would never regret it!

I'm very sorry to hear about everything you're going through. I hope things get better soon!

Your dinner at V&A's looks amazing!!

Thanks for the well-wishes. Things will definitely get better - I know it! Aaaaahhh... that food at dinner was SO good!

That all looks so amazing! I've always wanted to eat there, I was reading some of what you wrote to DH, and he said "Uhm, it sounds nice but it might be to fancified for me... But I'll go if that's where you want to eat!" Lol! Maybe I should save it for a girls trip

Seriously - have him try it - he'll like it! It's really that good!

 

[Sooze]

Oh my gosh, Jen! Your wine pictures are just hilarious!!! What an incredible meal!!! Thanks so much for sharing the pictures and accurate descriptions of each course!

 

[JenSop]

Oh my gosh, Jen! Your wine pictures are just hilarious!!! What an incredible meal!!! Thanks so much for sharing the pictures and accurate descriptions of each course!

Thanks Sooze! It's such an amazing restaurant and I was more than happy to share it!

 

[JenSop]

Disney Day Seven!!!!!!

So this was our last full day at Disney World.

We got up at 8am and finished packing. It was time to leave our room at OKW.

We got in the car and headed to the main building.

Off to another room change!

We got a few things at the gift shop and headed to VWL. Of course, you have to go through the Magic Kingdom parking entrance to get there....

Wilderness Lodge entrance:

We entered the main lobby. Seriously - this is such a beautiful space - it's just so impressive in scope and size.

Sadly, our room wasn't ready. We gave some of our stuff to Bell Services, and I got in touch with my friend AND client, Cathy, who was also in Disney at the same time. We were going to have lunch together in Epcot. I can't remember when we decided to cancel our Fulton's reservation for lunch that day. (And I'll admit, I don't feel like looking back over my TR - sorry!)

But we were going to meet them in the outside seating area of Morocco's CS restaurant, and they were going to bring over the food they were getting at the CS in France.

When we got there, we ordered our food and saved a table in the shade on the far side of the seating area.

Here's a view from our table:

They brought over their sandwiches and we ate our Moroccan yumminess.

After eating, we hung out for awhile and chatted with Cathy, her husband, and the couple that was traveling with them. It was Cathy's retirement trip, and I was her travel agent to book it!


After lunch, we headed over to France to do the video about the Grand Marnier Slushie for the Top Ten Video.



.....continued....

 

[saintstickets]

I'm interested in your views on VWL. We are staying there for the 1st time next May. I hoped you enjoyed OKW. Our stay there years ago convinced us to buy into DVC. Don't you just love Marrakesh in Morocco? It is in our top ten CS places to eat. Keep the TR coming. Really enjoying it.

 

[JenSop]

.....continuing.....

While in France, I got my picture taken with Marie!

Next up, walking around World Showcase....

And hey - do you remember these from days gone by?

Monchhichi's!!!!!

Then off to Germany - one of my favorite candies: Toffifay!

And one of my favorite art songs was playing over the music: "Ständchen" by Schubert. For those of you who go to Disney enough, you'd recognize the tune if you heard it. But it's such a BEAUTIFUL melody. It was playing while we were walking around and it just made me so happy!


Followed by a little goofing around...

Playing around at the Outpost:

China (had to take cover in the rain)....

....continued....

 

[JenSop]

....continuing.....

Then we made our way to Mouse Gear, Club Cool, then left for our resort. We still hadn't gotten a text saying it was ready, but we were ready to give it a shot anyway. (We then got the text RIGHT before getting to the resort.) So thankfully, the room was ready!!!!

The area inside the DVC building is really nice as well:

We were in room 1514, on the ground floor.

I'll be honest. I wasn't crazy about the rooms at VWL. The room smelled a little funny, and the lighting by the mirror was HORRIBLE!!!!! Like truly terrible.

We didn't have time for a shower, so I had to try to do make-up on my gross sweaty face - in the worst lighting EVER! I also was not feeling the hair - felt totally gross.

But to help me feel better, I decided to wear my cute halter dress.

Since time was of the essence, we drove to the Contemporary for our dinner at the California Grill. It was only a 5 minute drive. We checked in and were taken up to our table.

We had eaten here a year earlier and really enjoyed it.

For our appetizer, we got the Dragon Roll, which is spicy and tataki tuna with shrimp tempura, bell pepper, avocado, and chili soy glaze. (Oh yeah, I kept my menu for here, so I could give all the yummy details!)

We decided to then get something off of the "First Course" portion of the menu and went with the Soft Shell Crab sliders on toasted brioche, with sweet corn, marinated peppers, espellette aioli, and peach ketchup. They were good, but honestly, not my favorite thing. I LOVE crab, but this was my first soft shell crab experience. (How did it take so long?!)

There was going to be a little time before our main entree, so we went out to the observation deck to get some pics of the Fantasyland expansion....

Our server came out to let us know that our entree was ready. We ordered the seared day boat scallops with chorizo, baby squash, fingerling potatoes, heirloom tomatoes, sorrel pistou...... SO GOOD!!!!!!!

Dude - they were seriously yummy!!!!!


For dessert, we split the Lemon Trio, which was also very good. It was tapioca, curd, and pudding cake.

One thing that I noticed during dinner, was that I was having to cough a few times, as I was getting a tickle in my throat.....more on that later.

In the meantime, we had to kill time before running outside in the downpour.

Eventually, we were able to drive back to the resort. We got changed for our late night EMH at MK!

We decided to take the boat over the Magic Kingdom. But we literally JUST missed it - which meant a super long wait - SUPER long.

....continued....

 

[JenSop]

continuing......


We got to MK just before 11pm. MSEP had been delayed. (Weather related, perhaps?)

So it was time to use the final snack credit.

And you KNOW what we used it on.....

Dole. Whip. Float!


Pirates was totally walk on, so we went on it twice. We took lots of pictures to supplement footage on the video for Pirates.

Also tried to get some shots inside the ride...

Of course, it was time for some Pirate shenanigans....

Then we went to get Space Mt. FP's.

(12:45 return time)


On our way back, we cut through Fantasyland. Made sure to get one last ride on Snow White. (Yes, again.)


Then I got a shot of the Pinocchio Village Haus

Next, we did Haunted Mansion, then on to BTMRR.


And it wouldn't be Disney without walking back and forth over and over from one end to the other.

So we headed to Space Mountain.

It was around now that I was really starting to notice that my throat was hurting. A lot. But I didn't feel like I was sick otherwise, so I wasn't about to slow down! Maybe it was allergies?......

After Space Mountain, we did Buzz Lightyear and decided to head out. I was starting to feel worse and worse at a pretty quick pace.


But it was time to get some sleep. We had a long day the next day - driving back to PA!

 

[MEK]

Holy Mega Update Jen! Nice job.

first of all - dinner at V&A's looks amazing. What a wonderful experience and I really enjoyed seeing you composure change by the time you got to the third glass of wine! Wow - that food - Wow, Wow, WOW!!!!!

You dress for the Cali Grill was super cute. That dragon roll or whatever it is looks amazing. I'm eating there in December. I think I am going to have to get that!

VWL isn't my favorite decor either, which is funny cause I bought points there. But after I took the lodge tour I understand the whole reason for the decor so I bought into a bit more.

So - I have a feeling someone is about to get sick for the dreaded ride home.

How are your auditions going? I hope well!

 

[TheThomsLuvDisney]

Great Update, I love the night pictures at Magic Kingdom, especially Pinocchios Village Haus!

Sorry you we were not super excited about Wilderness Lodge. We actually stayed there back in 05 and we were a little disappointed as well. It seemed like it needed a bit of a reconditioning. It felt and smelled like my grandparents basement!!!!

I hope you didn't get to sick for your long drive home. Made me think I should make sure my family takes their vitamins the next couple of weeks before we begin our drive to Disneyland (1162 mile drive) on the 7th!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

WL does look gorgeous - too bad you weren't too crazy about your room though!!

Your meal at CG looks awesome, I can't wait to go there! The view and the food look awesome!

 

[Shannon84]

WL looks beautiful!!! I love that resort...I find that a lot of the Disney resorts have some bad lighting around the mirror...mainly I stay at Values so that might explain it though

I love that halter dress!! Not good about you getting sick though

 

[JenSop]

I'm interested in your views on VWL. We are staying there for the 1st time next May. I hoped you enjoyed OKW. Our stay there years ago convinced us to buy into DVC. Don't you just love Marrakesh in Morocco? It is in our top ten CS places to eat. Keep the TR coming. Really enjoying it.

OKW was great! And I totally agree with you when it comes to Morocco's CS restaurant! It's definitely a must-do!

Holy Mega Update Jen! Nice job.

first of all - dinner at V&A's looks amazing. What a wonderful experience and I really enjoyed seeing you composure change by the time you got to the third glass of wine! Wow - that food - Wow, Wow, WOW!!!!!

You dress for the Cali Grill was super cute. That dragon roll or whatever it is looks amazing. I'm eating there in December. I think I am going to have to get that!

VWL isn't my favorite decor either, which is funny cause I bought points there. But after I took the lodge tour I understand the whole reason for the decor so I bought into a bit more.

So - I have a feeling someone is about to get sick for the dreaded ride home.

How are your auditions going? I hope well!

I'm not going to spoil the rest of the TR, but I might hint that you just might be right...

Thanks on the dress! That's one of my faves!
And totally try the dragon roll!

I don't know - I just love the actual resort of VWL, but the room was not as great as other resorts. AKV is still the best to me!

Auditions aren't plentiful right now, but I just had a really good one last week. Trying to set some others up and am working on my rep for the European audition tour. I had a great coaching on some of my music two days ago! I'm ready to kick butt!

Great Update, I love the night pictures at Magic Kingdom, especially Pinocchios Village Haus!

Sorry you we were not super excited about Wilderness Lodge. We actually stayed there back in 05 and we were a little disappointed as well. It seemed like it needed a bit of a reconditioning. It felt and smelled like my grandparents basement!!!!

I hope you didn't get to sick for your long drive home. Made me think I should make sure my family takes their vitamins the next couple of weeks before we begin our drive to Disneyland (1162 mile drive) on the 7th!

Yes - I will say that you MUST take your vitamins. And wash your hands. And maybe be a little vigilant about not touching your face. That is all I will reveal right now.

And alas, VWL has so much potential for awesomeness - they just need to work on updating those rooms!

WL does look gorgeous - too bad you weren't too crazy about your room though!!

Your meal at CG looks awesome, I can't wait to go there! The view and the food look awesome!

You will love CG!!!! Such a great restaurant!

WL looks beautiful!!! I love that resort...I find that a lot of the Disney resorts have some bad lighting around the mirror...mainly I stay at Values so that might explain it though

I love that halter dress!! Not good about you getting sick though

I don't know - this was the worst lighting of ANY resort I've ever been in at Disney. Just really horrible. Thanks on the dress!