Can I Survive another 11 days in WDW w/ Disney-Resistant Husband? *11/25 SURPRISE!!**

[2xcited2sleep]

I am so glad to hear Disney is doing something to recognize the Oct 1st anniversary. So glad you will get to be there and tell us all about it!!

Hope you have a good weekend!!!

 

[cdotla]

Copied & pasted from a thread started by Dave Parfitt. Thought you might be interested Trish.

Thanks so much for sharing that Mel! I actually hadn't heard about that til you posted.

While I was getting a little concerned that nothing had yet been announced, as I said before, I would have been extremely surprised if they didn't honor the occasion in some way, even just an extra special park opening ceremony in the morning. From the sound of the tweet, I am thinking it might even be a little more than that! Literally CAN'T WAIT to see what they have in store!!!!

Hey Trish, I was ridiculously behind, but I'm all caught up now.

I hate that you are being so hard on yourself right now, but I also totally get it because I'm right there with you. Too bad we don't live close, we kick each other in gear!!

Hey Michelle....wouldn't that be great if we did live closer? I hate that in real life we only had time to have a quick drink at our meet. At some point, as I said before, we really will have to organize another trip down at the same time again!

I am so glad to hear Disney is doing something to recognize the Oct 1st anniversary. So glad you will get to be there and tell us all about it!!

Hope you have a good weekend!!!

Thanks Christine! You can be sure that I will tell you all about it! Wishing you were going to be down there too, but I guess we can't have everything. You snagged Jamie again, right?

 

[cdotla]

Victoria & Alberts Dinner

Ever since I attended D23's Sip 'N Stroll festivities last October, I've had a hankering to dine at Victoria & Albert's.

Prior to last October, V&A's wasn't high on my list of things to do at WDW. As with the GF's rooms, I based my impression of the restaurant largely on photos which too me, appeared frumpy and old. While I am not adverse to fine dining, I tend to prefer more of a modern, hip vibe, the likes of which is clearly not going on over at V&A's.

However, my opinion of the restaurant changed when I had the chance to see Chef Scott Hunnel and general manager Israel Perez present at the Sip 'N Stroll event. Not only were these two completely charming, interesting and affiable, they also provided us with food samples which were beyond incredible. I decided then and there that one day I would definitely be dining there, and even said as much to Christine (2xcited2sleep), who was sitting beside me during the presentation.

The fact that I was on a solo trip with Carrie probably sealed the deal on this one. Dining at V&A's as a twosome is decidedly more expensive than when dining solo, especially when you would have to send 2 kids to the kids club for 4 hours to do so. Carrie & I also had the Tables in Wonderland card which took a further 20% off the $125 bill. Not too bad at all!

Adding to this the fact that I would likely face a battle to get Chris over to V&A's...not because of the price, but due to the dress requirements (he would be none too happy having to pack a suit or jacket on vacation), this trip really did seem like the perfect time to take the plunge and give V&A's a try, especially since we would be staying at the hotel that evening.

As I had claimed the shower first, I ended up being ready for dinner a bit earlier than Carrie, so I left to walk around the grounds and take some photos as she was getting dressed and ready for dinner.

The view just outside our building, Sago Cay:

Can you see the Castle?

I spied this pontoon boat all gussied up with the celebration balloons ready for a nightime Wishes ride.

Castle again!

Can you ever have too many photos of this beautiful resort?

Eventually I made my way over to the main lobby and took a seat to wait for Carrie. The orchestra was playing, so the wait was just wonderful.

After a certain point, I realized that I had been waiting for a significant amount of time, but still there was no sign of Carrie, who had not arrived to meet me in the lobby like we planned. I was getting a bit nervous as it was getting awfully close to our 8pm check-in time, and this was one reservation where I would not want to be late.

After a few moments of walking around the lobby I eventually called over to the room to see where she could be. No answer. Hmmmm....I waited some more, and then finally decided to make my way up to the restaurant to at least fill them in that we were still coming, but were running a bit late.

As I had never dined at V&A's, I was a little unsure of where exactly they were located, although I assumed it would likely be somewhere up on the second floor. After a brief stroll around, I found the entrance to V&A behind a thick door just off the entrance to Citricos. I walked in to inform the hostess that we were running a bit late, but as it turned, Carrie was already there! I guess when I said that I would meet her in "the lobby" after she was finished getting ready, Carrie assumed I meant inside the restaurant. Oh well...crisis avoided. As it turned out, we were right on time for our reservation and were shown right to our table.

Unfortunately I didn't take a single photo during dinner, so I will try to keep things brief.

Overall I was highly impressed with the place. The food was incredibly delicious and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it for anyone looking for a nice place to spend a special evening in Walt Disney World.

When we arrived at our table, we were given special personlized menus with our names written on them, and our evening's dinner choices. There are a couple of items on the menu which require an upcharge, including caviar as an appetizer, and Kobi beef for an entree. I chose the Kobi beef, (which I believe was a surcharge of about $20-30) and would highly recommend it. Carrie was a little jealous she hadn't done the same thing once she tasted a sample of it.

In addition, for another upcharge you can also order a wine pairing for a pre-selected glass of wine to be served with each course to compliment the meal. This would be too much alcohol for me, but I did order a glass of red and chose the wine which was recommended with my Kobi beef. (Israel Perez choses a wine for each item on the menu, which is listed on the menu itself). I assumed that the wine was going to be incredibly expensive (there were no prices listed on the menu), but I decided to splurge. As it turned out, when I got the bill at the end of the evening, it was very, very reasonable...I think under $20 as I recall. And the wine was absolutely SUPERB!!! That Israel sure knows his wines!

At the end of the meal, we were offered coffee to enjoy with our dessert and it was prepared in an elaborate contraption that was brought to the table for us to stare and marvel at. It looked like some type of apparatus you would find in a high school chemistry lab. While I am not sure the coffee produced by this rather time-consuming and curious appliance was all that special, it certainly provided some tableside entertainment.

At the end of the meal, we were each presented with a rose and we bid farewell to our fabulous servers, each of whom were so attentive all evening. In fact, for me personally, at times I found the personal attention a little too much. For instance, when we arrived at the restaurant and were shown to our table, we were given either a purse hanger, or, if you travel with a larger purse like me, a little padded stool. Personally I found this a bit much, and quite frankly had no desire to perch my purse on a tiny little stool like that given that it contained a very heavy lens and camera which would surely be damaged if it were to fall. I found it a bit awkward declining and placing my purse (god forbid!) on the floor instead.

The other thing that for me went a bit outside my comfort zone was the fact that each and every time you got up from the table to use the bathroom, you would be accompanied there and back, and your seat tucked in and napkin replaced for you when you got back. Obviously these are very nice touches, but for me personally, unnecessary.

But perhaps the thing that I found most uncomfortable about V&A's is the quietness of the restaurant. It was so, so quiet and a very small restaurant, which effectively meant that you could hear all of the other diners' conversations, and they could hear yours. The normal buzz and humm that you hear in most restaurants was completely non-existent here. As a result, unless you wanted everyone in the restaurant to hear your conversation, you really had to talk in hushed tones. Unfortunately, there was one rather annoying gentleman who didn't seem to get how much his loud voice travelled in this restaurant, and throughout our entire meal, the whole restaurant was subjected to his rather boorish and continual conversation with his dinnermates.

Since our meal at V&A's, I have learned that guests are normally given a parting gift of bread to enjoy the next day. Sadly though, we didn't get ours that evening.

Overall, if I was to do it again, I think I would only come back to V&A's if I was lucky enough to snag the chef's table. Unfortuanately, Carrie & I never got a chance to meet Chef Hunnel (not that I was expecting to anyway), or Israel Perez (who I actually had been hoping to meet). I think the interactions you would get at the Chef's Table, and all the extra information and background you would be given about the foods you were eating would be well worth the extra cost. Plus, with all the hussle and bustle of a working kitchen in the background, I think the overall atmosphere would be far more conducive to livelier conversations, and less like the "church" atmosphere of the main dining room.


(Continued next post)

 

[cdotla]

(Continued from last post)

When we finally got back to our room at the end of the night, here is how it looked after our turndown service:

Nothing like chocolates on your pillow before bed...how indulgent!

If you haven't guessed it by now, I was totally and completely enamoured with the Grand by this point. LOVE IT, and simply can't wait to return!!! Fortunately, the new DVC addition currently going up is going to make it much for financially do-able to stay here in future!

The next morning, I was incredibly sorry to leave. I bid farewell to the Grand knowing I would surely be back once again in future. Carrie and I also bid farewell. Once again, we had different things on our agendas that morning before we both headed to the airport. I believe she had some research to do for her Passporter stuff, so we said our goodbyes and headed our separate ways.

I took the quick walk over to the self-parking lot, passing all kinds of GF staff coming into the resort for work that morning. Don't you love the outfits worn by mousekeeping at the GF?

After I got the car loaded up, I took the drive over to the Animal Kingdom Lodge for breakfast at Boma. This was a first for me, and I was very anxious to try it after all the great reviews I have heard over the years. While it was a really great buffet breakfast, and I was glad that I finally got a chance to try it, I have to say that Kona is still my favourite breakfast on property.

After that, I got in the car again and headed over to Old Key West. As we are staying here for 8 nights on our upcoming trip I wanted to check it out and see it for myself in person so that I would know what to expect. I also wanted to see if there was a certain area that I might like to request. Typically when it comes to resorts, staying in close proximity to the check-in house or main food court/restaurant is less important to me than staying at an area of the resort which is the prettiest or most physically appealing. This is especially the case when we have a rental car, which I have always had so far except for 1/2 of one of my solo trips with Katie.

Needless to say, driving into Old Key West just got me even more excited about our upcoming stay! I loved the place, and can't wait to actually stay there.

Finally, it was almost 11am...that dreadful time when I realized that I needed to finally leave WDW property and make the depressing trip back to the airport. However, I was also anxious to get home to my family, who I hadn't seen in almost a week given that I had attended conference in Ontario for 3 days before I even left for WDW. So it was less painful leaving this time, especially because I knew I had another 11 day trip coming up in just over 3 months.

 

[cdotla]

My Thoughts Are With You...

Just want to give a shout-out to all my American friends on the Dis to let you know that we are thinking of you on this, the 10th Anniversary of 9/11.

While the entire world was affected that day, the losses America sustained are simply horrific. However, we will also never forget the heroism, strength and bravery you displayed.

As Canadians, like everyone else, we felt so helpless that day, but tried to assist in whatever way we could. Halifax, my hometown, took in the largest number of unscheduled flights that day after US airspace closed. This is what the tarmac and runways looked like at Halifax International Airport on September 11th:

(All photos taken from Halifax International Airport website - www.hiaa.ca)

September 11th also hit hard for my family due to the fact that my husband is a pilot. As anyone who has aircrew members in their families knows, our whole lives were changed on this day. While fortunately Chris was home and not flying on September 11th, his plane was one of the first planes to land at LaGuardia after US airspace reopened in the days following the attacks, and he also got to see firsthand the complete devestation of those majestic towers.

Chris will also be flying again today, like many other aircrew across the world, as we look back on this, the 10th anniversary of this horrific attack.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Firstly, from half a world away...we're also thinking of our American friends on the 10th anniversary of Sept 11.
It is one of those moments in history that makes you stop and remember where you were when you first heard about that completely surreal news that just seemed straight out of the movies....until you realise that it is all too real-life.
My thoughts with you all too.



Trish - what a fabulous update and what great shots of the GF. Glad you enjoyed the dining at V&A, albeit with over attentive service. Much as I'd like to dine there, I'm not sure that I'll be managing that dining experience with a DS in tow. I suspect I'm going to have to wait until DH and I decide to do a childless visit before being able to eat there. Still....it is food for thought!

 

[Aburns8]

Hey Trish! Thanks for your kind words about 9/11. Last night we were in GA since we are driving down for the cruise. There were so many specials on it was like reliving it all over again.

I think that we are going to have to try V&A one time. I agree, it sounds like they are a little too attentive! I am hoping that in the next couple of years we can even swing a stay at the GF. I think it wise just to experience it

 

[Charleston Princess]

Wow! Those photos of the Halifax airport with all those planes on 9/11 brought tears to my eyes.

I loved reading your review of Victoria and Albert's. I would be overwhelmed with all of that personalized service, and I have no doubt I would be so jittery about behaving just right that I would undoubtedly spill a glass of water or something. Glad you and Carrie had a good time there and dinner sounds delicious!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

So hard to believe it has been 10 years and how much the world has changed since then. So many moving stories from that day and so many heroes.

On a much happier note, thanks for your thoughts on V&A! I cannot wait to try it next month!! A little concerned as I am not an adventurous eater but I think this would be the place/time to give new things a try!

I think you will really enjoy OKW! Large rooms, a relative bargain in terms of points and a fun, laid back island feel. . I still think GF is too "fussy" for me...but your pictures make me think twice.

 

[Queenofallthings]

What a beautiful post Trish! Winnipeg airport looked very similar...the street we live on actually backs onto the field before our busiest runway and Jasmine and I walked over to as close to the fence as we could get to see all the airplanes! I will never forget that day and the horrors that took place.

My cousin's husband is a pilot with Air Canada and we all thank our lucky stars that he wasn't flying that day either! Thank you again for those pictures and your words were beautiful!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Wow, those pictures from Halifax airport are unreal! There are very few days in a person's lifetime that they can look back on and say they remember nearly every detail from the day, unfortunately September 11th is a day like that for many people. There are images ingrained in our minds that I'm afraid will never fade. I'm sure the time just after 9/11 was very stressful for you too with Chris being a pilot. I know the first time Don had to fly for business afterwards I was a nervous wreck until I heard from him.


On a much happier note, I loved your update! Your pictures from the GF are beautiful! I'm still not sure I could stay there though, I'd probably be stressed feeling like I needed to be on my very best behavior the whole time For that same reason I don't think I'll ever eat at V&A's, I'd be afraid I'd use the wrong fork or something

I'm glad you made it over to Boma for breakfast. We loved it when we ate there June, it was easily the best breakfast we've had on site. Of course, I haven't tried Kona yet......

 

[cdotla]

Trish - what a fabulous update and what great shots of the GF. Glad you enjoyed the dining at V&A, albeit with over attentive service. Much as I'd like to dine there, I'm not sure that I'll be managing that dining experience with a DS in tow. I suspect I'm going to have to wait until DH and I decide to do a childless visit before being able to eat there. Still....it is food for thought!

An adult trip to WDW wld be the perfect time to try V&A's. I think you and your husband would really like it. Something to add to the bucket list, right?

Hey Trish! Thanks for your kind words about 9/11. Last night we were in GA since we are driving down for the cruise. There were so many specials on it was like reliving it all over again.

I think that we are going to have to try V&A one time. I agree, it sounds like they are a little too attentive! I am hoping that in the next couple of years we can even swing a stay at the GF. I think it wise just to experience it

You are right Andrea - you really shld consider one day giving GF a try, even just for a nite. Once it goes DVC, it sld be a lot more financially do-able.

Have a GREAT cruise!!! Bon Voyage!!!

Wow! Those photos of the Halifax airport with all those planes on 9/11 brought tears to my eyes.

I loved reading your review of Victoria and Albert's. I would be overwhelmed with all of that personalized service, and I have no doubt I would be so jittery about behaving just right that I would undoubtedly spill a glass of water or something. Glad you and Carrie had a good time there and dinner sounds delicious!

Honestly, there is nothing about the V&A experience which made me feel uncomfortable or out of place. The wait staff are very professional and excellent at making you feel right at home. I find they also take their cue from you as to how formal or informal you wish the service to be. However, I just really wish it was not so quiet in there!

 

[cdotla]

So hard to believe it has been 10 years and how much the world has changed since then. So many moving stories from that day and so many heroes.

On a much happier note, thanks for your thoughts on V&A! I cannot wait to try it next month!! A little concerned as I am not an adventurous eater but I think this would be the place/time to give new things a try!

I think you will really enjoy OKW! Large rooms, a relative bargain in terms of points and a fun, laid back island feel. . I still think GF is too "fussy" for me...but your pictures make me think twice.

Christine - I don't think you will find the food too strange or unusual....and absolutely everything tastes so fantastic. The flavors just burst out of everything, and there are so many shades of different flavors in each bite. It really is almost like eating pieces of art.

I am so jealous that you have the chef's table! That is going to add so much to the experience!

What a beautiful post Trish! Winnipeg airport looked very similar...the street we live on actually backs onto the field before our busiest runway and Jasmine and I walked over to as close to the fence as we could get to see all the airplanes! I will never forget that day and the horrors that took place.

My cousin's husband is a pilot with Air Canada and we all thank our lucky stars that he wasn't flying that day either! Thank you again for those pictures and your words were beautiful!

It is incredible all of the stories which emerged from that day, isn't it, Queen? I never even considered that Winnipeg would have taken in so many flights. I know the Atlantic provinces took in all of the trans-Atlantic flights, but with Winnipeg being so central, I wldn't have thought you wld have had so much excess travel there. I guess it goes to show how many flights really were affected that day.

**ETA - Just found this from NAV Canada confirming the aircraft numbers taken in by airports across the country:

NAV CANADA recovered 238 aircraft destined for the U.S. and Canada, and all landed safely in Canada without incident. Of these, 38 went to Gander, 1 to Deer Lake, 21 to St. John's, 8 to Stephenville, 7 to Goose Bay, 47 to Halifax, 10 to Moncton, 10 to Mirabel, 7 to Dorval, 14 to Toronto, 4 to Hamilton, 15 to Winnipeg, 6 to Edmonton, 13 to Calgary, 1 to Yellowknife, 2 to Whitehorse and 34 to Vancouver. Gander received 6,600 diverted passengers; Vancouver received about 8,500. The last aircraft to land was from the Pacific. By about 6:00 PM EDT, all planes had landed.

I loved your update! Your pictures from the GF are beautiful! I'm still not sure I could stay there though, I'd probably be stressed feeling like I needed to be on my very best behavior the whole time For that same reason I don't think I'll ever eat at V&A's, I'd be afraid I'd use the wrong fork or something

I'm glad you made it over to Boma for breakfast. We loved it when we ate there June, it was easily the best breakfast we've had on site. Of course, I haven't tried Kona yet......

Hey Michelle...the only danger I have discovered in staying at the GF was how much I found I enjoyed it! You might be pleasantly surprised by how much it appeals to you if you ever have the chance to try it out.

Boma really was a great choice for breakfast. Really glad I tried it...any excuse to visit that gorgeous resort, right?

 

[Pimama]

In bed by 10:30, and woken up at 7 by your kids, eh? Would it make you feel better if I told you that I often fall aspleep putting my kids down to bed at 8:30pm, only to have them wake me up at 7 the next morning? Happens more often than I would like, that is for sure!

While I have always been a night owl (that is, on the nights I don't fall asleep putting my kids to bed), I am not much of a morning person. Once I am up, I am fine, and actually love the early mornings. It is just getting out of bed that is the hard part. However, when I am at WDW, I have a hard time sleeping because I don't want to miss a thing. I love late nites at the resorts, when all is calm and quiet. I also really LOVE early and serene mornings at the resorts, when all is quiet and hardly anyone else is up. Especially at the monorail resorts. (Or at least at the CR and Poly....I didn't quite make it to an early morning on my one nite at the GF.) I can't even explain the pure bliss I experience in waking up in the early, early morning to the sound of the ferry boat whistles over the Seven Seas Lagoon, and the sight of the Magic Kingdom in the distance.

Maybe you will see exactly what I mean when you take that 1st upcoming trip to WDW that I see in your ticker. Don't be surprised if you end up being the one pulling your kids out of bed on vacation!

I suspect you are right!! We've made a few trips to DL and I do find sleep to be much less of an issue on vacation. I had to kick my 16 year old out of bed a few times last year. I'm really excited to be immersed in the whole resort experience and can see myself not wanting to miss a moment. This trip is both celebratory/therapeutic and I suspect I will want some quiet moments- maybe I'll try a quiet early morning.

I'm kind of glad I don't have TV today, those pictures of 9/11 are so powerful and emotional and hard to relive. Still surreal 10 years later...

V&A chef's table! Definitely would like to try this someday. My alcohol tolerance could not keep up with a glass of wine per course but it would be fun to "share" with the mister.

 

[DrMomof3]

Thank you for your beautiful post about 9/11.

I enjoy your V&A recap and you made me very excited for our January stay at GF!

Amanda

 

[cdotla]

I'm kind of glad I don't have TV today, those pictures of 9/11 are so powerful and emotional and hard to relive. Still surreal 10 years later...

I have been transfixed to my television for much of the morning and again this evening watching all of the coverage. So hard to watch but I feel I have to....I have so much respect for all the heros of that day and I love hearing their stories.

Thank you for your beautiful post about 9/11.

I enjoy your V&A recap and you made me very excited for our January stay at GF!

Amanda

Thanks Amanda....I am sure this day is hitting hard for you. I am thinking of you.

 

[Wicket's Mom]

It seemed so strange to be at WDW on the anniversary of 9-11. The parks were flying the flag at half staff, which I thought was very nice.

I'm planning a stay at GF for our 50th anniversary. I told DH that is where we will be staying so he had better start saving.

I agree with your comments on buying into DVC, but it dosen't make sense for us. If I were a few years younger I would go for it. Our kids are not into Disney so would not use it after us.

Don't beat yourself up so much, everyone sets goals, but few manage to meet them. I have gained a middle in the past year which I did not have before. A lot of my clothes do't fit anymore. I never had a weight problem in my life & find it hard to adjust to a changing body. I will because in the grand scheme of things it's not that impotant.

Doris

 

[DrMomof3]

Thanks Amanda....I am sure this day is hitting hard for you. I am thinking of you.

9/11 is weird for me. Tom and I were on vacation in London when it happened. Since we're both surgeons, we had this overwhelming desire to get home (we lived in NYC at the time) and help. Everyone who was in NYC had this surreal experience of getting the trauma centers ready for lots of injuries only to have rows and rows of empty stretchers. That may have been worse. When we got home from London (oddly we returned on our regularly scheduled flight which was the Sunday after 9/11), it felt like we had returned to a different world from the one we left! I just remember walking around in a daze for weeks. I quickly reached the point where I wouldn't watch tv or listen to the radio because it just made me cry and cry. We were lucky that we didn't lose anyone close to us.

Amanda

 

[MEK]

wow - Trish - I keep wanting to read about your V&A update, but I always remember at work and never when I can see the pictures. I am bumping you so I will remember to read and get the "full effect" tonight.

But let me just say that your 9/11 pictures of the Hailifax airport are really amazing. Thank you for posting them and I regret I didn't see them sooner. I have to tell you that I have always wanted to go to Hailifax and someday I will. Really moving pictures!

Be back soon to get updated!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Brook - first off, thank you so much for mailing the Disney postcard to my kids! It arrived Thursday and was mighty exciting!!! Let me know if I can return the favor for Henry when we will be there in Oct...maybe just a "Hope you enjoyed your trip, and can't wait for you to return" variety.

Glad they enjoyed it! And I would LOVE one for Henry! He gets very excited whenever he gets mail...and Mickey Mail is the best! (aside from a package from Grandma ) I'll PM you my info. Thank you for the offer!!

Wonderful V&A review! I believe I have only ever read one other review of it - and it's never really been on my radar until recently. Henry is now old enough for the kids clubs! It won't be anytime soon, but someday... I will keep the Kobe Beef in mind!

Isn't OKW beautiful? We loved our stay there! I hope you enjoy it as well. A rental car will be VERY nice to have there, it seems to be almost designed in favor of the car versus pedestrian like the other resorts.

Beautiful pictures from the airport as well. I had forgotten that your DH is a pilot. I cannot imagine how extra scary it all is to you!