Wow - last's nights fireworks and dinner at California Grill were AMAZING. We had 7:35PM ADR's and arrived just on time. They took us upstairs and were surprised to find a lounge table - we just figured they were running behind, but much to our surprise, before we could get a drink order in, our buzzer went off. Check in with host and he starts walking towards the area closest to the observation deck....my heart just dropped. We didn't get by the window, but I think our table was even better if you can fathom that. We were right behind the window seats in the corner where you can see Space Mtn out one window and the GF out the other. So the castle is blocked - not a big deal. I think a picture would be worth 1000 words, but unfortunately I am having issues downloading photos into Photobucket with the
DVC internet.
Needless to say, we didn't even need to go out to the observation deck to view the fireworks. Just enjoyed an nice leisurely dinner and watched through the windows. Our server Abdou was fabulous. For the first time ever, I ordered something other than the filet. I opted for the pork tenderloin with mushrooms and polenta and a zinfandel glaze and I loved it!!! I guess that means I essentially ate grits twice in one day which is a first for me. DD had mac & cheese and DS had the steak....the latter was a good 6 oz portion cooked perfectly medium rare. Quite impressive for a kids meal. I had the espresso cheesecake for dessert - really yummy. Kids got the dessert sushi which they always love. Suffice it to say that I've forgotten all about the lackluster service at TOTWL on the 3rd. I'm so over it.
Another full day today & another not quite rope drop arrival. We decided to go to Epcot and managed to leave BLT right at 9. But that's still a major accomplishment for my kids and I. We were inside the park by 10 and headed straight for Soarin' to get FP's and ride once. Kids were hungry right after, despite having had breakfast in the villa before we left, so we stopped at Sunshine Seasons for a couple pieces of fruit before heading to Test Track. Then off to Via Napoli for an early lunch.
We love Via Napoli, but I have to say - this is one expensive lunch, even without ordering an entree for each of us. We all got an aqua fresca (these are yummy fruit based refreshers that are not overly sweet. And something we can't get anywhere else - just love 'em.) Shared an order of arancini - fried balls of risotto and cheese - 3 of them to be exact and a perfect little starter for us. Then we split 2 individual pizzas - a sausage and a pepperoni to please each kid - I had some of each. Then gelato sandwiches for the kids and I shared my zeppole with them. The later being delightful fried balls of ricotta with chocolate sauce and whipped cream for dipping. Again, something I can't get anywhere else. Our check was close to $85 including tip and using our TiW discount. But we thoroughly enjoyed it. Always do.
We rode Maelstrom twice and the Gran Fiesta tour once, before heading back to Futureworld. Spent quite some time at Innoventions - kids did Sum of all Thrills twice, and we also did the Piggy Bank Adventure. Sad to say, we failed at saving enough for my retirement - lol. We also toured the House of Innoventions which is not officially open yet. Not much but an advertisement for HP and Yamaha.
Then we headed back to Soarin' to use our FP's. Then it was time for our early ADR's at Rose & Crown. Never dined there before and was not thrilled to be sitting outside on such a hot day. Never having been there, I didn't realize that so much of their seating was outside. Wasn't thrilled but we dealt with it - not like we had other options at that point in time. Kids got fish & chips and I just had a salad & shrimp cocktail. Didn't want another heavy meal. Food was ok but nothing spectacular. On a bright note, it was rather a bargain for TS, coming in at just around $40 with tip and TiW discount.
We did the Kim Possible UK mission, then strolled over to France and beyond. Shared a crepe there, then ended up in China where I found this nice bench just a few feet away from the Joy of Tea stand. Got ourselves some frozen drinks and camped out to wait for Illuminations. These are concrete benches right along the rail so you can sit and wait AND no one can get in front of you. What a find this area is - there is a tree that blocks the big globe thing, but the fireworks go off right there. It was quite spectacular. We were wowed. Even watched the sunset behind Canada while we waited, which was lovely.
Headed back to FW and rode Test Track one more time and Spaceship Earth before catching the monorail. It was evening EMH - we really weren't planning on staying but decided to take advantage before heading back to BLT.
I'm doing laundry now as we check out tomorrow and move to Kidani. Need to get some rest now so I can get up early and pack. It's been quite a long day and I am wiped out. Haven't decided for sure what we'll do before checking in at AKL, but I'm sure we'll think of something. Hopefully my internet connection will be better there and I can add some pictures for you.
