Hubie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2016
- Messages
- 609
That pizza is huge!
Celebrating her 21st Disney Style - Real-time July 2021 Trip Report with Lots of Food Pics!!
- Thread starter L1211
- Start date
So true! I don’t think we would have finished a large! It was delicious, but with the salad and pasta and bread to start, it was way too much. Would be a real value for a family if you just shared the pizza.
The Mexico pavilion was the most anticipated stop after lunch in Italy. Tequila and 21st birthday seem to pair well! Believe it or not, the rain held off throughout lunch. Storms were coming, it was a matter of “when” not “if”. We blew through Germany - check out these skies! Will have to return when I have time to explore every nook and cranny. We did not wander the shops- not even a stop at Werther’s! The smell coming from that sweet shop was hard to resist!
Last edited:
Next we blew through China. Sigh. I was so looking forward to visiting this pavilion. We lived in Shanghai for three years and visited the real Temple of Heaven - the replica was amazing!! My crew was on a quest to make it to Mexico before the bottom fell out of the sky. Also on my list for a return visit.
Experts, what of your favorite thing to do in China? Any not to miss?
Experts, what of your favorite thing to do in China? Any not to miss?
Next up was Norway. This was on the do not miss list because DD is a huge Frozen fan. It was closed when we arrived. They tried three different times- it would show open and they’d get back to Norway and it was closed. Same happened with Test Track- open, then closed- all day. They never timed either right!
DH and DD are huge Marvel fans and enjoyed the little Viking Gods museum in Norway.
DH and DD are huge Marvel fans and enjoyed the little Viking Gods museum in Norway.
Large raindrops started to sporadically drop as we left Norway. We hurried along to the Mexico pavilion. It was the most crowded place we’d experienced all day but that could have been the imminent downpour brewing. DD asked for the CM on the steps just for “tequila” and we were quickly directed inside to La Cava del Tequila. There were no tables available but we were not looking for food after Via Napoli. We waited in line for a chance to order.
I was determined to try the avocado margarita I’d read about online. But DD said “that sounds too filing”. Hmm, I think she’s right. That lunch! The girls knew what wanted - shots. Ugh! They were served with a lime slice and a shot of Bloody Mary mix?? That was a new one for me.
I was determined to try the avocado margarita I’d read about online. But DD said “that sounds too filing”. Hmm, I think she’s right. That lunch! The girls knew what wanted - shots. Ugh! They were served with a lime slice and a shot of Bloody Mary mix?? That was a new one for me.
I ended up opting for the Blood Orange Margarita. I didn’t study the menu because I was sure I would have the Avocado. The bar tender suggested Blood Orange and I went for it. I liked it, did not love it. It was very sweet with a smoky flavor- from the tequila?
speciality drink menu is below. Anyone have a go to favorite???
speciality drink menu is below. Anyone have a go to favorite???
Good news! Once we finished drinks and exploring the lovely pavilion, we walked outside to find it had finished raining! Water was pouring through the streets to drain. It was clearly a deluge. To my surprise, no one seemed terrible wet.
I’m not a seasoned pro- I don’t know how EVERYONE finds cover??? what is your strategy for staying dry when the skies open??? I had brought an umbrella with me, But only one. That would not help our party of four... I did use the umbrella during a couple of showers. But, we found the very light rain a bit of a relief from the Orlando heat!
I’m not a seasoned pro- I don’t know how EVERYONE finds cover??? what is your strategy for staying dry when the skies open??? I had brought an umbrella with me, But only one. That would not help our party of four... I did use the umbrella during a couple of showers. But, we found the very light rain a bit of a relief from the Orlando heat!
We’d finished the World Showcase. While we
Saw so much, we missed much more! I’d go back this week except I walked 7 Miles on a strained knee. I just don’t have any more in me. I’m afraid of doing more damage to the knee and it is quite sore after EPCOT. But I got to spend the day with DD and celebrate her 21st birthday with her. It was glorious!
We headed back to the front and out of the park from Mexico. The boats were not running. Anyone know if that was weather related or if they are just closed??
Can we talk about the walk to go around the construction on the way out??? I was sure we walked in an entire circle. And with each step hurting for DH and me (I forgot to mention DH is recovering from rotator cuff surgery and in an airplane sling), it felt like a mile detour!
we decided to stop at Spaceship Earth - thinking this relic may be gone when we next return. I’d not done this ride for 21 years- I was expecting this DD the last time on this ride!!
it was hot! I don’t think it is air conditioned? It is kitschy but that is this ride’s charm! The girls had never been inside the ball and loved it. One to remember for sure.
DH and I left and the girls stayed on to ride rides. They chased Frozen snd Test Track but never caught either open.
It was a great day!
Saw so much, we missed much more! I’d go back this week except I walked 7 Miles on a strained knee. I just don’t have any more in me. I’m afraid of doing more damage to the knee and it is quite sore after EPCOT. But I got to spend the day with DD and celebrate her 21st birthday with her. It was glorious!
We headed back to the front and out of the park from Mexico. The boats were not running. Anyone know if that was weather related or if they are just closed??
Can we talk about the walk to go around the construction on the way out??? I was sure we walked in an entire circle. And with each step hurting for DH and me (I forgot to mention DH is recovering from rotator cuff surgery and in an airplane sling), it felt like a mile detour!
we decided to stop at Spaceship Earth - thinking this relic may be gone when we next return. I’d not done this ride for 21 years- I was expecting this DD the last time on this ride!!
it was hot! I don’t think it is air conditioned? It is kitschy but that is this ride’s charm! The girls had never been inside the ball and loved it. One to remember for sure.
DH and I left and the girls stayed on to ride rides. They chased Frozen snd Test Track but never caught either open.
It was a great day!
DINING REVIEW- LATE HAPPY HOUR AT CHEVY’S
Here’s a tip for frugal travelers who don’t mind venturing off-site. We were still full from Via Napoli! About 8:15, we decided on late happy hour at Chevy’s. This was basically across Buena Vista at Crossroads. It’s Across 535 from Hotel Plaza Road, which is about 1 mile from Disney Springs.
Check out the prices from the attached pic of the menu. Note, the menu says 3-7pm. But it is actually till 10pm. The restaurant still had a wait for a table at 8:30- we learned from the bartender they only had 4 front of house staff and the one bartender- no one to work... they were doing an amazing job!
The drinks were fantastic! I had the $6 house frozen margarita. I wanted the $8 top shelf, but it was not served frozen and I had my heart set on frozen. The DH had the “spicy jalapeño cucumber” margarita, yep, you read that right. It was $12, not on happy hour. I liked mine better! I consider myself an expert- well studied!
For food, they provided free salsa and chips. The salsa was a roasted tomato salsa and we loved it! We added the $4 bean dip and $6 chicken nachos. Both served hot and delicious. Two drinks and two appetizers, $46 before tip.
Here’s a tip for frugal travelers who don’t mind venturing off-site. We were still full from Via Napoli! About 8:15, we decided on late happy hour at Chevy’s. This was basically across Buena Vista at Crossroads. It’s Across 535 from Hotel Plaza Road, which is about 1 mile from Disney Springs.
Check out the prices from the attached pic of the menu. Note, the menu says 3-7pm. But it is actually till 10pm. The restaurant still had a wait for a table at 8:30- we learned from the bartender they only had 4 front of house staff and the one bartender- no one to work... they were doing an amazing job!
The drinks were fantastic! I had the $6 house frozen margarita. I wanted the $8 top shelf, but it was not served frozen and I had my heart set on frozen. The DH had the “spicy jalapeño cucumber” margarita, yep, you read that right. It was $12, not on happy hour. I liked mine better! I consider myself an expert- well studied!
For food, they provided free salsa and chips. The salsa was a roasted tomato salsa and we loved it! We added the $4 bean dip and $6 chicken nachos. Both served hot and delicious. Two drinks and two appetizers, $46 before tip.
I think you may be right. That’s just too bad that more people don’t get to experience their fantastic restaurants.Pure speculation but I think it’s all due to staffing issues. I don’t think they have the number of servers or kitchen staff to seat near full capacity. Guessing during lunch it’s even worse than for dinner time but again just speculation on my part. Awesome report so far! Enjoy your trip
Here’s another off-site restaurant review. We were looking for Dim Sum- while living in Asia, it became a family favorite and we look for it when we travel. Din Tai Fung is our absolute fav. But outside of Asia, it is very limited. After some online research, we decided we’d try Shanghai Lane. The reviews were great and we hoped it would be nostalgic from our time livingIn Shanghai. After dropping the girls off at the Outlet Mall, we realized they were closed. On a Tuesday??
Ok, plan B. We found another highly rated restaurant near the Convention Center and Vista Cay, one of our Volleyball home away from homes. When we pulled up, we realized they only had carry out-had closed their dining room during covid and never reopened. That didn’t work.
Back to Yelp. We found a noodle place named Shabu Shabu. It is in a strip mall with two other restaurants - a Thai and Japanese place. It’s on International Drive across from the entrance to Sea World and shares a parking lot with Aloft.
Of course Shabu Shabu is a Japanese form of Hot Pot. We loved Hot Pot in China, but didn’t want that in hot Orlando. They also had a wonderful noodle dish menu so we decided to have lunch there-until we went into the restaurant. Oh my. It was terribly over decorated. I will let the picture provide the descriptors... We decided we were game!
We had the best meal we’ve had this trip! The food was amazing - and inexpensive.
we had two Singha beers from Thailand - $4.50 each
Pad su Ew, beef, $9
Drunken noodles, shrimp, $11
Total $31.84 before tip
Ok, plan B. We found another highly rated restaurant near the Convention Center and Vista Cay, one of our Volleyball home away from homes. When we pulled up, we realized they only had carry out-had closed their dining room during covid and never reopened. That didn’t work.
Back to Yelp. We found a noodle place named Shabu Shabu. It is in a strip mall with two other restaurants - a Thai and Japanese place. It’s on International Drive across from the entrance to Sea World and shares a parking lot with Aloft.
Of course Shabu Shabu is a Japanese form of Hot Pot. We loved Hot Pot in China, but didn’t want that in hot Orlando. They also had a wonderful noodle dish menu so we decided to have lunch there-until we went into the restaurant. Oh my. It was terribly over decorated. I will let the picture provide the descriptors... We decided we were game!
We had the best meal we’ve had this trip! The food was amazing - and inexpensive.
we had two Singha beers from Thailand - $4.50 each
Pad su Ew, beef, $9
Drunken noodles, shrimp, $11
Total $31.84 before tip
Hubie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2016
- Messages
- 609
We carry light weight, Gore-Tex jackets in a small backpack when rain is forecast. As an old mountaineer I can also read the weather pretty well to avoid getting caught in a shower.
DINING REVIEW- WINE BAR GEORGE
I let DD pick any on-property resort of her choice for her birthday. She watched several videos and The Edison was her initial choice. But as we got well into planning, she asked to change. She said she liked “the grown up atmosphere” of WBG. Interesting. No ADR on the Disney app but I found it on Open Table.
Then the planning began. She looked for the perfect dress - her intent was to “be a princess” for her special night- I’d say she succeeded!
I let DD pick any on-property resort of her choice for her birthday. She watched several videos and The Edison was her initial choice. But as we got well into planning, she asked to change. She said she liked “the grown up atmosphere” of WBG. Interesting. No ADR on the Disney app but I found it on Open Table.
Then the planning began. She looked for the perfect dress - her intent was to “be a princess” for her special night- I’d say she succeeded!
-
Check Out These NEW Photo Ops at the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival
-
New World Princess Week Merch & Fun For Fans at Home
-
The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure: My Take on Disney World's New Stage Show
-
See the World by Private Jet in 2027 with New and Returning NatGeo Expeditions
-
What Disney World Rides are CLOSED in September 2025?
-
Silver Castaway Club Members Can Book Disney Cruises For Late 2026 and Early 2027
-
New Mickey & Minnie Holiday Figures by Department 56
New Threads
- Poll
Receive up to $1,000 in Onboard Credit and a Gift Basket!
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE
New Posts
- Poll
