Coming to you Live from Disney World! SEE NEW THREAD

[Nanabug02]

Since that was Nanabug02's last update of her trip, it is now time to say...



Thanks so much for being a Live Reporter...Awesome Job!!!



Nanabug02's Total Scavenger Hunt Points Earned = 78​

And with that, Nanabug takes over first place lead in the Scavenger Hunt game. What was the secret of her success? Here are some...5 pts. earned for including pics of herself & others in her travel party, 8 First Update of the Day points (every day of her trip), 9 Holiday-themed pics, and 16 menu pics!

Yay! Thanks so much! We had so much fun contributing to the thread and doing the Scavenger Hunt. Thank you Barb for all your hard work!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

All caught up after being away for a few days with a flu bug.

This is such an amazing thread. Love all of the live updates! Although it is making me realize that Andrew and I missed some things on our trip. Guess we'll have to go back for the holidays next year!

Thank you, thank you Barb for keeping this thread going! You rock!

 

[jabead]

Our last update received last night was from Pam (mousiemom).

She and her family arrived at Disney World yesterday and had their first Disney meal at...



Wolfgang Puck Express

Bacon-wrapped Meatloaf served on top of mashed potatoes and drizzled in a port wine sauce, and then topped with crispy onions


Pam said, "This is to die for...soooo good!!"

Spicy Chicken Pizza with roasted red and yellow peppers, chili oil, mozzarella cheese, tomato, leeks, crushed chilies, and fresh cilantro

Crispy Chicken Tenders with French Fries

Vanilla Bean Cheesecake

​

1 Scavenger Hunt Point Earned

 

[jabead]

Barb, I just saw the index you put together of all the trip reports sorted by restaurant. You are freakin' awesome!!

Thanks for being so good to all of us!

Aww...thanks Fran!

Yay! Thanks so much! We had so much fun contributing to the thread and doing the Scavenger Hunt. Thank you Barb for all your hard work!

You're very welcome, Nanabug! And thank you for all the great updates and for making my job easier. Love those menu pics!

All caught up after being away for a few days with a flu bug.

This is such an amazing thread. Love all of the live updates! Although it is making me realize that Andrew and I missed some things on our trip. Guess we'll have to go back for the holidays next year!

Thank you, thank you Barb for keeping this thread going! You rock!

Thanks, Vicki! And so sorry to hear that you haven't been feeling well, especially for Thanksgiving.

 

[ses1230]

Hi Barb, loving the updates! Everything looks great!

In just 14 days we should be checking in to AKV! Sorry if I missed it, but is there a scavenger hunt for us December peeps to play? I can't wait to start my live reporting.

 

[jabead]

Our First Update of the Day was from emmebear.



Here is a pic of Emme...

All ready for their dinner at...

First the menu pics...

Menu as of 11-23-12

Cocktail Menu



emmebear had a friend join them for this dinner and they were celebrating the 8 year anniversary of their friendship, for which they received this...

Complimentary Glass of Champagne




They started their meal with this...

Lamb Gyro Flatbread
with Handcrafted Gyro Meat, Feta Cheese, and Marinated Vegetables


emmebear said, "This was flavorful but soggy. It was a very generous portion. I wish we had tried something else besides the lamb gyro. We were debating with the gnocchi too."





They also had this...

Spicy Kazan Roll with Crab, Shrimp, Scallops, Tuna, Fireball Sauce


emmebear said, "I enjoyed this a lot. Very fresh ingredients and the topping was indeed spicy, which surprised me."





Then for their entrees, emmebear's friend chose...

Seared Diver Scallops with Zellwood Corn Risotto, Spiced Tomato Broth, Micro Popcorn Shoots


emmebear said, "The scallops were cooked perfectly. Soooo good. The risotto was gorgeous! It was my favorite bite from dinner. Le Cellier should take notes on this risotto. However for the price, there should be at least 5 scallops."




emmebear chose for her entree...

Veal Chop with Creamy O’Henry Sweet Potato Hash, Wild Mushroom, Root Spinach, and Chimichurri


emmebear said, "It was cooked a perfect medium and seasoned properly. The thing was massive, but very good. Thumbs up!"

"Bringing class to the California Grill!"


emmebear said, "Just picked it up for a photo op. I didn't really eat it this way."




From the Kids' Menu, Emme chose...

Grilled Chicken
with Brown Basmati Rice, Seasonal Vegetables and House-made Barbecue Sauce


emmebear said, "Emme didn't like it. The brown basmati rice was not cooked enough. Still very hard and underdone."




Then for dessert, Emme had this...

emmebear said, "This wasn't on the menu but our server was kind enough to fulfill my request of vanilla ice cream with sprinkles."




And emmebear chose...

Heather’s Chocolate Sampler
with Marshmallow Whoopie Pies, Chipotle Chocolate Cupcake, Peanut Butter Buckeye Pop, and Valrhona Mint Chocolate Cup


emmebear said, "I was too full to enjoy this. I had a bite of everything and it was yummy."



"The staff chose Emme to be the Fireworks Starter! She got to hit the shiny button to turn the lights down before Wishes. They made it into a really special thing. When she hit the button, they sprinkled confetti on top of us! She felt so special. I thought it was sweet. She received a certificate, a button, stickers, and the confetti in an envelope."

Envelope to hold the Confetti

Ready for the chilly night!




In conclusion emmebear said, "Overall, it was a good experience. The view for Wishes made the entire meal worthwhile, as it was a chilly night. The view was beautiful. Also, our server Rich was fantastic and very attentive. We used the Deluxe Dining Plan for the meal. Without the plan, the meal would've cost $179. We also had 2 drinks (wine & martini) that cost $24 with my TIW card. We also got complimentary valet parking with TIW."

​

4 Scavenger Hunt Points Earned for menu pics, Veal Chop, & First Update of the Day

 

[jabead]

Hi Barb, loving the updates! Everything looks great!

In just 14 days we should be checking in to AKV! Sorry if I missed it, but is there a scavenger hunt for us December peeps to play? I can't wait to start my live reporting.

I have other plans for the December team of reporters. I have three more updates (so far) and then maybe I will have time to post the details of my plan. If not today, then for sure in the next day or two.

 

[jabead]

For breakfast today, emmebear & Emme headed over to the Polynesian Resort to dine at...


Ohana's Best Friends Breakfast
featuring Lilo and Stitch

Ready to meet Lilo & Stitch

And now bring on the food...

An assortment of warm breakfast breads

Lilikoi Juice - passion fruit, orange and guava blend

Fresh Fruit Platter

Platter of scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, pork breakfast sausage links, smoked bacon, and biscuits

emmebear said, "Great breakfast! Everything was very tasty. Tina was the best server we've had on this trip.
'Ohana breakfast get two thumbs up from me!"




And we mustn't forget that this guy is there too...

​

1 Scavenger Hunt Point Earned for character pics

 

[jabead]

Pam (mousiemom) & family had lunch today at the Pop Century Resort's...


Everything Pop Food Court

Beef and Blue Sandwich served with House-made Chips




But their dessert was from...


Starring Rolls Bakery

Butterfinger Cupcake - Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Fudge Frosting in the center and Vanilla Frosting & Butterfinger topping


Note from jabead: As far as I can tell, this is the very first appearance of the Butterfinger cupcake on the live thread...which is quite a surprise!

​

2 Scavenger Hunt Points Earned for Everything Pop Update & first Butterfinger Cupcake

 

[jabead]

emmebear & Emme did some snackin' around Magic Kingdom today.

Dole Whip Float

Sweet Cream Cheese Pretzel





And from a QS Restaurant that is only open seasonally...



Tortuga Tavern

Kids' Quesadillas - Two flour tortillas filled with melted cheese and served with grapes, plus a Chocolate Chip Cookie for dessert

​

1 Scavenger Hunt Point Earned for the Update from Tortuga Tavern

 

[awfullybigadventure]

Barb, your live reporters all take such great pictures! I know it's been said before, but it is worth repeating...I love following this thread and am so appreciative of all the hard work you put into it! I can't believe that even with Thanksgiving you never missed a beat. Thank you so much for putting all of this together!

 

[jabead]

Barb, your live reporters all take such great pictures! I know it's been said before, but it is worth repeating...I love following this thread and am so appreciative of all the hard work you put into it! I can't believe that even with Thanksgiving you never missed a beat. Thank you so much for putting all of this together!

Thank you so much for the kind words. However, most of the credit belongs to our live reporters. They are really awesome! But it's good to hear that you are enjoying this thread.

 

[DsnyMama]

We leave home in just over 24 hours and will be there 11 days! Would love to do live reviews VIA text! Do you PM your number? Or?

 

[jabead]

We leave home in just over 24 hours and will be there 11 days! Would love to do live reviews VIA text! Do you PM your number? Or?

Sure...PM on its way!

 

[jabead]

Pam (mousiemom) & family were at the Polynesian Resort tonight and had dinner at...


Captain Cook's

1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger

Chicken Sandwich and French Fries

Drink in a Holiday-themed Cup




And of course, for dessert a...

Pineapple Dole Whip


To be eaten while watching Wishes from the Poly beach!
​

2 Scavenger Hunt Points Earned for Update from Capt. Cook's & Holiday Cup pic

 

[jabead]

We received our first update this afternoon from sanapp.


She said, "My DD and I just arrived @ POFQ. We went to get a snack and our mugs.
The beignets were $3.59 and the ice cream was $5.29. We used 2 snack credits."

From Sassagoula Floatworks: Beignets and Ice Cream M & M Cookie Sandwich​

2 Scavenger Hunt Points Earned

 

[jabead]

We also received our first update this afternoon from Jess (ILikeWaffles).


She said, "Pete and I arrived in Orlando today. We stopped at Earl of Sandwich."

Caribbean Jerk Chicken Sandwich - Grilled chicken, roasted peppers with a spicy jerk sauce


Jess said, "Pete had this sandwich and he loved it. We split a brownie. It was fudgy and moist."

​

1 Scavenger Hunt Point Earned

 

[jabead]

And we also heard from Gina99 tonight, who sent us her first updates.

Note from jabead: This is the first trip to Disney World for Gina & family!


Gina said, "We made it to Disney all the way from Toronto. The first pic is my son Gabriel when we checked into the Polynesian and he figured out it was a towel Mickey."

Then Gina said, "We were in DTD today for lunch and went to Pollo Campero. This was special since my husband grew up in Central America and he hasn't had this in about 25 years!"



Pollo Campero



First a menu pic...

2 piece fried chicken meal with yuca fries and in the little bucket are fried plantains


Gina said, "The chicken was delish and the plantains were good too. The yuca fries were pretty bland."



"The next pic is Gabe eating his chicken strip with fries meal. The strips had nice seasoning to them but the best part of the meal were the French fries. They were like good fish and chip house ones."

​

3 Scavenger Hunt Points Earned for Update from Pollo Campero, menu pic, and pic of Gabriel

 

[jabead]

Then tonight Gina & family went to the...

Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show


First some menu pics...

Cocktail Menu

The appetizers: Sweet potato salad, Asian slaw and the pineapple coconut bread


Gina said, "The bread was yummy but I wish it were warmed. The salads were pretty gross and no one ate them."

Pele's Fire Punch - The Volcano Goddess' blend of Bacardi rum, Myers' Original Dark Rum, Banana Liqueur, blackberry brandy, pineapple juice, and Grenadine served in an authentic, hand-carved monkey coconut.



Gina said, "I drowned my sorrows about the yucky appetizers with this delish drink that you get in a coconut monkey head.
Nothing says vacation like a tacky drink cup."

Chicken, rice, harvest vegetables, and pork


Gina said, "The sauce on the pork was good and I actually wished that they would have caramelized some of that on the chicken. But the chicken was good - not too dry. The rice and veggies were not very good though."

Smoking Volcano that was served with dessert

For dessert: Chocolate macadamia mousse


Gina said, Everyone loved this. I didn't like the crust at the bottom. It was too soft and mushy. But my hubs loved it and said I was crazy!"

Kids' dessert: Marshmallow pops rolled in sprinkles!


Gina said, "A hit with both my kids but not our dentist I'm sure."

The Fire Dancer Guy


Gina said, "This was the best part of the show. He was really great!!!"



"Overall, I wouldn't shell out the 2 credits for the food here, but the fire dancer was great and the kids loved watching the dancers. Glad we did it once, but probably wouldn't do it for a second time."




Then their night ended with this treat from Captain Cook's...

Dole Whip
​

5 Scavenger Hunt Points Earned for Update from Spirit of Aloha, Cocktail, pic of Gina and two menu pics

 

[jabead]

Good Morning everyone! I have received two updates already this morning (before 7:30 ET, 6:30 Central), one by email and the other by text. But according to the rules stated on the Scavenger Hunt List...

JUST ADDED 11/1 - The first update sent (by text or email) each day after 7:30 a.m. (Disney time) will receive that day's "FIRST UPDATE of the DAY" Scavenger Hunt point. The update must include at least one food item. But if you send a text before that time, then 1 point will be deducted.


these updates would not qualify for today's FIRST UPDATE of the DAY. While I won't deduct a point for the early morning text, I ask that from now on everyone "play by the rules". Though I'm usually awake (but not up yet) before that time, my DH is not and gets a little crabby when he is awakened by my buzzing phone. Thank you for your cooperation.


Okay, with that out of the way, let's move on to the food!

sanapp & her DD were at the Animal Kingdom Lodge last night and had dinner at...



JIKO



sanapp began their meal by ordering this cocktail...

Mt. Kilimarita - Sauza Gold tequila, Van-der-Hum Tangerine liqueur, citrus and a splash of cranberry juice


sanapp said, "This was very tasty."




For their appetizers, sanapp chose...

KGs Peri-Peri Roasted Chicken Flatbread with Lime Chakalaka, Lamb Chopper Cheese, and Pickled Sweet Bell Peppers


sanapp said, "This had a slight heat that built...tasty."




DD had for her appetizer the...

Kids' Fruit Cup


sanapp said, "She loved this. (oh, sorry that DD wanted to pretend to attack each course)."




For their entrees, sanapp chose...

Grilled Swordfish with Roasted Vegetables, Ginger Vinaigrette, and Romesco Sauce with Toasted Pine Nuts


sanapp said, "I loved this!"





While DD attacked this...

Kids' Chicken and Pasta


sanapp said, "She thought the chicken was dry."



And for dessert...

Chocolate and Tea Safari
Vanilla Rooibos-Tanzanian Chocolate Cake, Free Form Kit Kat, and Green Tea Ice Cream


sanapp said, "I didn't really care for this."

Safari Smores


sanapp said, "She enjoyed this."



sanapp added, "Overall we have had a great start to our Deluxe dining!!!!"
​

3 Scavenger Hunt Points Earned for Cocktail, Swordfish Entree, & DD's pics