Cruising, Wining, and Disney Dining - Two 2012 PTRs in One! **TR LINK UP**

[jenny105]

Double post!

 

[smile4stamps]

If you are looking for a really nice birthday dinner that counts as being on the dining plan I would actually go with Citrico's myself. Next is a tie for Artist Point and Cali grill. We didn't dine at Narcosees but it doesn't get the best of reviews. Yachtsman is good too but not one I would choose for my Birthday.

Our Jiko experience wasn't great (a lot of people love it though!) and we haven't been to Flying Fish.

 

[jenny105]

If you are looking for a really nice birthday dinner that counts as being on the dining plan I would actually go with Citrico's myself. Next is a tie for Artist Point and Cali grill. We didn't dine at Narcosees but it doesn't get the best of reviews. Yachtsman is good too but not one I would choose for my Birthday.

Our Jiko experience wasn't great (a lot of people love it though!) and we haven't been to Flying Fish.

I'm not wild about the Citrico's menu. But Artist Point? Yummmm. And WL is my favorite resort. Hmmmmm...

Now you've given me another restaurant to think about!

 

[arbolita]

I haven't been to either, but I would lean towards California Grill simply for the fact that they've announced they will be closing it at the end of 2012 to do work on the roof, and it's going to be re-opened as a different restaurant. So if you don't go on this trip, you'll never get another opportunity to eat there.

 

[smile4stamps]

I'm not wild about the Citrico's menu. But Artist Point? Yummmm. And WL is my favorite resort. Hmmmmm...

Now you've given me another restaurant to think about!

Do you plan to only do one Signature restaurant during your trip?

Hubby and I really enjoyed Citrico's. So much so we went twice during our 2009 trip! The first time I had the veal shank and the second time the chicken dish. Both were awesome. Hubby I believe had the steak the first time and I don't remember the second! When we were there the Sous Chef came out to talk to us and we told him how disappointed we had been with desserts during our trip. Next thing we knew we had been sprinkled with Pixie Dust and were enjoying 2 desserts from Victoria & Alberts!! Talk about going above and beyond! Now those desserts were good!! The second time we dined there we got a "platter" of desserts! Talk about remarkable!!

 

[Imagineer5]

I didn't like the way the whole HG series wrapped up. I was like 'WTH?' after the last book. But it's still an awesome trilogy overall.

That would definitely make a crazy & awesome ride! That could be a different play on the mine coaster DW is planning to do at MK.



Thanks!

That's the other thing I'm worried about. Kris wants to put our gifts under the tree right away but I told him to wait until Christmas Eve. Our cat knocks over our garbage can near the computer to get at paper tossed in there so I can only imagine what he'll do to wrapping paper. I don't want to have to keep re-wrapping.

Jake (one of our cats) has already ripped off a corner of my DH's gifts. Luckily I'm pretty good about NOT wrapping gifts directly in their boxes (too easy to guess what they are LOL) so nothing's showing. I haven't moved the gift though, bc so far he's only targeted that one present which will be a record if he doesn't touch any of the others...

That is the question.

What I like about Cali Grill is:
the view - top of CR with a balcony that overlooks MK? Sweet.
sushi? Yum-o! That being said, I can have sushi anywhere.

What I don't like? This restaurant seems very popular and I have a feeling it's going to be jam-packed and crazy. I think I want a place that's a little more laid back and quiet.

Which brings me to Narcoosee's.

What I like:
it's right on the Seven Seas Lagoon - very romantic Plus I never really spend any time at the Grand Floridian other than riding through it on the monorail.
Lobster. LOBSTER! I love lobster and I never, ever get to have it. Kris is not a seafood person (other than calamari, go figure) so we never go to seafood places. He'll probably end up getting a steak if we go here.

I was leaning toward Cali Grill but I think now I'm leaning more toward Narcoosee's. I only have 110 days to decide!

Has anyone ever been to either of these restaurants before? Any feedback? I want to have an extra special birthday dinner and I've never gone to any of the 2 TS places before. (Unless you count Le Cellier but that was when it was only 1 TS). Other suggestions are welcome too

Well I think you know my vote - California Grill is a DEFINITE must do. That being said, I don't eat (much) seafood. My DH OTOH loves seafood and was unimpressed by Narcoossees - we live in MA though and he gets a lot of fresh lobster throughout the year. I did like the restaurant though, much better than Citricos (which I'll mention below). And the view was fantastic for Wishes as well.

ETA: we don't go to Cali Grill for the sushi, so I wouldn't reason out CA Grill just bc you can get sushi anywhere! They have a fantastic menu, and if you want great sushi you could always order some as an appy and still get a great entree!

If you are looking for a really nice birthday dinner that counts as being on the dining plan I would actually go with Citrico's myself. Next is a tie for Artist Point and Cali grill. We didn't dine at Narcosees but it doesn't get the best of reviews. Yachtsman is good too but not one I would choose for my Birthday.

Our Jiko experience wasn't great (a lot of people love it though!) and we haven't been to Flying Fish.

One of our worst dining experiences was at Citricos. I know I really shouldn't judge based on just ONE time there, but it put us off so badly that we were hesitant to eat at the GF again...we did and went to Narcoossees and it was OK. So far, not thrilled with the GF! Citricos menu didn't thrill either of us, and both of our meals came out uncooked, our server was horrible and we ended up asking any server we could find for our meals to be sent back, to get new drinks, etc. It was ridiculous. Plus it was our Honeymoon and it was just such a disappointing meal. It was what prompted us to send Disney a letter going over all of our dining experiences during that trip (both good and bad).

Both Yachtsman and Jiko were so-so for us. I sound really picky but I'm usually not that mean! LOL.

Flying Fish was fantastic - one of the best meals of our last trip. I ordered swordfish, one of the few types of fish I'll eat (ok, one of two - that or salmon). SO so amazing. I don't remember what DH had, but to top off the excellent meal we had fantastic service and just a wonderful evening.

That being said, behind California Grill, Artist Point was our next favorite restaurant, and that is currently my runner-up for my (OUR! LOL) birthday dinner if Cali Grill ends up being closed...or, well...V&A but that's on a whole other level!

I'm not wild about the Citrico's menu. But Artist Point? Yummmm. And WL is my favorite resort. Hmmmmm...

Now you've given me another restaurant to think about!

Haha yeah there are quite a few to think about!! I also love the WL, and that atmosphere is so romantic! If we can do the Cali Grill on my birthday, we're still doing Artist Point another night, and I might get a babysitter that night so we can go out for a date night!

 

[Enchanted88]

Thank you! Kris was off yesterday and ended up buying more decorations. He got Christmas pot holders & towels for the kitchen, a Mickey & Minnie Merry Christmas sign, Christmas napkins, candy dishes, ornaments. He couldn't wait to show me everything when I got home from work, it was so cute

The cat won't go under the tree unless it's lit up. I think he finds it cozy or something.

You too!

Dang, girl! You guys are set with the Christmas decorations! Very nice!
I don't have many decorations up this year, but hopefully next year I can be decked out with lots of decorations! (especially Disney ones haha)

Your cat is too funny! The lights draw him in! hahaha

I hope you have a great weekend! Maybe I'll actually have time to update this weekend! This week has been CRAZY!

 

[jenny105]

I haven't been to either, but I would lean towards California Grill simply for the fact that they've announced they will be closing it at the end of 2012 to do work on the roof, and it's going to be re-opened as a different restaurant. So if you don't go on this trip, you'll never get another opportunity to eat there.

I heard the rumor that its going to be closed. Any word on when yet?

Do you plan to only do one Signature restaurant during your trip?

Hubby and I really enjoyed Citrico's. So much so we went twice during our 2009 trip! The first time I had the veal shank and the second time the chicken dish. Both were awesome. Hubby I believe had the steak the first time and I don't remember the second! When we were there the Sous Chef came out to talk to us and we told him how disappointed we had been with desserts during our trip. Next thing we knew we had been sprinkled with Pixie Dust and were enjoying 2 desserts from Victoria & Alberts!! Talk about going above and beyond! Now those desserts were good!! The second time we dined there we got a "platter" of desserts! Talk about remarkable!!

Yep, we're only doing one Signature. We're on the regular DDP. If we had the DxDP, I'd be trying all the Signatures!

Well I think you know my vote - California Grill is a DEFINITE must do. That being said, I don't eat (much) seafood. My DH OTOH loves seafood and was unimpressed by Narcoossees - we live in MA though and he gets a lot of fresh lobster throughout the year. I did like the restaurant though, much better than Citricos (which I'll mention below). And the view was fantastic for Wishes as well.

ETA: we don't go to Cali Grill for the sushi, so I wouldn't reason out CA Grill just bc you can get sushi anywhere! They have a fantastic menu, and if you want great sushi you could always order some as an appy and still get a great entree!

One of our worst dining experiences was at Citricos. I know I really shouldn't judge based on just ONE time there, but it put us off so badly that we were hesitant to eat at the GF again...we did and went to Narcoossees and it was OK. So far, not thrilled with the GF! Citricos menu didn't thrill either of us, and both of our meals came out uncooked, our server was horrible and we ended up asking any server we could find for our meals to be sent back, to get new drinks, etc. It was ridiculous. Plus it was our Honeymoon and it was just such a disappointing meal. It was what prompted us to send Disney a letter going over all of our dining experiences during that trip (both good and bad).

Both Yachtsman and Jiko were so-so for us. I sound really picky but I'm usually not that mean! LOL.

Flying Fish was fantastic - one of the best meals of our last trip. I ordered swordfish, one of the few types of fish I'll eat (ok, one of two - that or salmon). SO so amazing. I don't remember what DH had, but to top off the excellent meal we had fantastic service and just a wonderful evening.

That being said, behind California Grill, Artist Point was our next favorite restaurant, and that is currently my runner-up for my (OUR! LOL) birthday dinner if Cali Grill ends up being closed...or, well...V&A but that's on a whole other level!

Haha yeah there are quite a few to think about!! I also love the WL, and that atmosphere is so romantic! If we can do the Cali Grill on my birthday, we're still doing Artist Point another night, and I might get a babysitter that night so we can go out for a date night!

I think I may end up picking Cali Grill just because they're planning to close it and I may never get to go there. If it ends up being closed when we're there, I'll probably go with Narcoosee's or Artist's Point. Is there a set date as to when it will be closed or is it still just a rumor?

I'm already twisting Kris's arm to try Boma so I don't think he'll go for Jiko. So that one is not even up for discussion.

I know I shouldn't go to CA grill just for sushi alone but I love it! I can't not order it when I see it. I'll need to go to the Japan pavilion beforehand to make sure I get my sushi fill.

The Citricos menu does nothing for me!

Dang, girl! You guys are set with the Christmas decorations! Very nice!
I don't have many decorations up this year, but hopefully next year I can be decked out with lots of decorations! (especially Disney ones haha)

Your cat is too funny! The lights draw him in! hahaha

I hope you have a great weekend! Maybe I'll actually have time to update this weekend! This week has been CRAZY!

I got even more Christmas decorations since this last post. I was off Thrusday and picked up another lighted Mickey head for our bedroom window and saw this really cute Mickey countdown to Christmas house/chimney so I picked that up to. Mickey is everywhere!


I completely forgot about Be Our Guest! If that's open by the time of our trip and the menu looks appealing, THAT will be my birthday dinner! I wonder if it's going to be considered a Siganture restaurant.

 

[Enchanted88]

I got even more Christmas decorations since this last post. I was off Thrusday and picked up another lighted Mickey head for our bedroom window and saw this really cute Mickey countdown to Christmas house/chimney so I picked that up to. Mickey is everywhere!

haha That's the way to do it!! When Ben and I have room to decorate, I will definately be Mickyfying my house! hahaha

 

[jenny105]

Hi everybody! I haven't been on the DIS much lately. I've caught up on all of your PTRs but haven't had a chance to comment on every single one. These weeks leading up to Christmas have been busier and busier.

Last week, I went to see NYE with a couple of my friends on Monday night (it was ok, Joey McIntyre makes a cameo! ). Tuesday night was a Christmas play starring my two nephews. Wednesday night Kris and I went to dinner. Friday night we went for drinks & ended up going ice skating. Saturday was my friend's birthday and we went cosmic bowling.

Then late Sunday night my sister called me and told me my mom was in the hospital. She got up to use the bathroom & fainted, hitting her head hard on the sink. She was unconcious for about 10 minutes and then got up on her own but needed stitches in her head. While they were at the hospital, her heartbeat and blood pressure dropped very low & she fainted again so they ended up admitting her. I was there from 4 am Sunday night until about 5 pm yesterday. She's doing much better. Her heart rate & blood pressure are normal and they're running tests & monitoring her. I'm hoping she'll be out soon. Fingers crossed she's out by Christmas. Thank goodness my sister was at the house to help her. It's usually just my mom and my grandma but my sister is staying there to help out with the holidays. My grandma is 90 years old and she probably wouldn't have found my mom until the morning and who knows what could've happened.

Tomorrow is our holiday party at work. I'm wondering who picked me for Secret Santa. I got a co-worker who is a fellow Disney fan so I bought her a Mickey Mouse ornament.

I'll try to post again before Christmas!

284 days til WDW, 177 til DCL!

 

[HeatherLassell]

Hi everybody! I haven't been on the DIS much lately. I've caught up on all of your PTRs but haven't had a chance to comment on every single one. These weeks leading up to Christmas have been busier and busier.

Last week, I went to see NYE with a couple of my friends on Monday night (it was ok, Joey McIntyre makes a cameo! ). Tuesday night was a Christmas play starring my two nephews. Wednesday night Kris and I went to dinner. Friday night we went for drinks & ended up going ice skating. Saturday was my friend's birthday and we went cosmic bowling.

Then late Sunday night my sister called me and told me my mom was in the hospital. She got up to use the bathroom & fainted, hitting her head hard on the sink. She was unconcious for about 10 minutes and then got up on her own but needed stitches in her head. While they were at the hospital, her heartbeat and blood pressure dropped very low & she fainted again so they ended up admitting her. I was there from 4 am Sunday night until about 5 pm yesterday. She's doing much better. Her heart rate & blood pressure are normal and they're running tests & monitoring her. I'm hoping she'll be out soon. Fingers crossed she's out by Christmas. Thank goodness my sister was at the house to help her. It's usually just my mom and my grandma but my sister is staying there to help out with the holidays. My grandma is 90 years old and she probably wouldn't have found my mom until the morning and who knows what could've happened.

Tomorrow is our holiday party at work. I'm wondering who picked me for Secret Santa. I got a co-worker who is a fellow Disney fan so I bought her a Mickey Mouse ornament.

I'll try to post again before Christmas!

284 days til WDW, 177 til DCL!

My goodness!!! *hugs* to your poor mom! Hope they figure out the problem quickly and that it's easily fixed!

 

[klacey1]

Omg, Jenny, so sorry about your mom! Like you said-- thankfully your sister was there to get her help. Hoping she'll be out by Christmas!
Ack, I know what you mean by busy! Everyday is something new! I haven't had a proper lunch break is weeks seemingly because everyday I have to run and do something! I hope you get some time to chill after the holidays!

 

[jenny105]

My goodness!!! *hugs* to your poor mom! Hope they figure out the problem quickly and that it's easily fixed!

Omg, Jenny, so sorry about your mom! Like you said-- thankfully your sister was there to get her help. Hoping she'll be out by Christmas!
Ack, I know what you mean by busy! Everyday is something new! I haven't had a proper lunch break is weeks seemingly because everyday I have to run and do something! I hope you get some time to chill after the holidays!

Thanks. They said she may be out as soon as tomorrow. The next thing will be deciding where to have Christmas. We were supposed to go to my brother's but my sister & I don't want her to do too much so we said we'd have it at her house & take care of the cooking, cleaning, etc. My brother can be a jerk and she thinks he'll make a big deal out of it so she's arguing with us but honestly, he should be offering to go to my mom's to make it easier on her. Ugh, one more thing to be stressed about.

I hope so too. I could use it!

 

[debrapagliasotti]

Finally caught up again on your PTR. I got behind with all the holiday
hectic-ness!

So sorry to hear about your mom. Hopefully she is out in the next day or so.

 

[jenny105]

Finally caught up again on your PTR. I got behind with all the holiday
hectic-ness!

So sorry to hear about your mom. Hopefully she is out in the next day or so.

She's supposed to get out today pending on the tests they ran last night. I'm waiting to hear from my sister. They didn't have any rooms on the cardio floor so they put her in the ICU even though she doesn't need to be. They have very restrictive visiting hours and she has no phone in her room!

 

[jenny105]

I had time for one more quick update! Today is our holiday work party and Secret Santa exchange so the office is very laidback.

My mom is still in the hosptial. They ran more tests last night and if they come back normal, she'll probably be released today. I'll keep you all posted.

I made a $25.17 deposit to my Disney Fund bringing my grand total to $439.74. $1,560.26 to go! I also cashed in some Sunshine Rewards points for a $50 Disney gift card. That will go toward paying off our trip. I'm hoping to get more of them in the upcoming year. Since the end of the year is nearing, I cashed in My Points too for a $25 Landry's giftcard. Landry's is the company that owns both Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex Cafe. Again, I'm hoping to get another one at some point next year. We'll have DDP but my goal is to have gift cards that will cover most of our OOP meal costs. Another thing I did was cash in my Corporate Rewards. We get $15 for every credit card we sell at AAA. They give us certificates in whatever amount we're owed that we can cash in for gift cards. I used most of the $ for stocking stuffer gifts but purchased an $25 Amex gift card for myself. I'm going to be rolling in GCs!

My Christmas shopping is done. I did about 90% of it online, it's so much easier! I'm still waiting on 1 or 2 things to be delivered. After I wrap those and pick up some scratch offs to stick in Christmas cards, I'll be ready for Christmas!

Happy Holidays to my DIS family!

 

[Imagineer5]

I heard the rumor that its going to be closed. Any word on when yet?



Yep, we're only doing one Signature. We're on the regular DDP. If we had the DxDP, I'd be trying all the Signatures!



I think I may end up picking Cali Grill just because they're planning to close it and I may never get to go there. If it ends up being closed when we're there, I'll probably go with Narcoosee's or Artist's Point. Is there a set date as to when it will be closed or is it still just a rumor?

I'm already twisting Kris's arm to try Boma so I don't think he'll go for Jiko. So that one is not even up for discussion.

I know I shouldn't go to CA grill just for sushi alone but I love it! I can't not order it when I see it. I'll need to go to the Japan pavilion beforehand to make sure I get my sushi fill.

The Citricos menu does nothing for me!


I completely forgot about Be Our Guest! If that's open by the time of our trip and the menu looks appealing, THAT will be my birthday dinner! I wonder if it's going to be considered a Siganture restaurant.

YES SO TRUE - I'm trying not to get my hopes up for the Be Our Guest restaurant to be opened, but will DEFINITELY be there if it is!! It is going to be so amazing! Belle is by far my favorite princess

I haven't heard anything about Cali Grill closing aside from "end of 2012" so we should be in luck if that's the case since we're talking early October...who knows though!

Hi everybody! I haven't been on the DIS much lately. I've caught up on all of your PTRs but haven't had a chance to comment on every single one. These weeks leading up to Christmas have been busier and busier.

Last week, I went to see NYE with a couple of my friends on Monday night (it was ok, Joey McIntyre makes a cameo! ). Tuesday night was a Christmas play starring my two nephews. Wednesday night Kris and I went to dinner. Friday night we went for drinks & ended up going ice skating. Saturday was my friend's birthday and we went cosmic bowling.

Then late Sunday night my sister called me and told me my mom was in the hospital. She got up to use the bathroom & fainted, hitting her head hard on the sink. She was unconcious for about 10 minutes and then got up on her own but needed stitches in her head. While they were at the hospital, her heartbeat and blood pressure dropped very low & she fainted again so they ended up admitting her. I was there from 4 am Sunday night until about 5 pm yesterday. She's doing much better. Her heart rate & blood pressure are normal and they're running tests & monitoring her. I'm hoping she'll be out soon. Fingers crossed she's out by Christmas. Thank goodness my sister was at the house to help her. It's usually just my mom and my grandma but my sister is staying there to help out with the holidays. My grandma is 90 years old and she probably wouldn't have found my mom until the morning and who knows what could've happened.

Tomorrow is our holiday party at work. I'm wondering who picked me for Secret Santa. I got a co-worker who is a fellow Disney fan so I bought her a Mickey Mouse ornament.

I'll try to post again before Christmas!

284 days til WDW, 177 til DCL!

Sorry to hear about your mom...did she come home yesterday? It was very fortunate your sister was there. How scary. Hope your holiday party was fun and you got something nice from the secret santa exchange!

I had time for one more quick update! Today is our holiday work party and Secret Santa exchange so the office is very laidback.

My mom is still in the hosptial. They ran more tests last night and if they come back normal, she'll probably be released today. I'll keep you all posted.

I made a $25.17 deposit to my Disney Fund bringing my grand total to $439.74. $1,560.26 to go! I also cashed in some Sunshine Rewards points for a $50 Disney gift card. That will go toward paying off our trip. I'm hoping to get more of them in the upcoming year. Since the end of the year is nearing, I cashed in My Points too for a $25 Landry's giftcard. Landry's is the company that owns both Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex Cafe. Again, I'm hoping to get another one at some point next year. We'll have DDP but my goal is to have gift cards that will cover most of our OOP meal costs. Another thing I did was cash in my Corporate Rewards. We get $15 for every credit card we sell at AAA. They give us certificates in whatever amount we're owed that we can cash in for gift cards. I used most of the $ for stocking stuffer gifts but purchased an $25 Amex gift card for myself. I'm going to be rolling in GCs!

My Christmas shopping is done. I did about 90% of it online, it's so much easier! I'm still waiting on 1 or 2 things to be delivered. After I wrap those and pick up some scratch offs to stick in Christmas cards, I'll be ready for Christmas!

Happy Holidays to my DIS family!

Nice job with the savings and all those gift cards! That's excellent! Gotta love shopping online - I did practically everything online, just had to pick up 1 item for DH from Bass Pro Shops bc I couldn't find it on their website Can't wait for christmas!!! Hope you have a great one, and your mom gets to relax and take it easy.

 

[jenny105]

YES SO TRUE - I'm trying not to get my hopes up for the Be Our Guest restaurant to be opened, but will DEFINITELY be there if it is!! It is going to be so amazing! Belle is by far my favorite princess

I haven't heard anything about Cali Grill closing aside from "end of 2012" so we should be in luck if that's the case since we're talking early October...who knows though!



Sorry to hear about your mom...did she come home yesterday? It was very fortunate your sister was there. How scary. Hope your holiday party was fun and you got something nice from the secret santa exchange!



Nice job with the savings and all those gift cards! That's excellent! Gotta love shopping online - I did practically everything online, just had to pick up 1 item for DH from Bass Pro Shops bc I couldn't find it on their website Can't wait for christmas!!! Hope you have a great one, and your mom gets to relax and take it easy.

I hope it's open! It looks like it's going to be amazing. And from the artists' renderings I've seen, it looks like Lumiere is going to go around speaking to everyone at the tables similar to Remy at Chefs de France.

Yes, my mom came home last night. As for Christmas Day....ugh, it's just going to be a mess. She refuses to relax and take it easy like she should.

Thanks! I love watching my savings add up Then I get to blow it all at Disney!

 

[HeatherLassell]

Happy Holidays to my DIS family!

Great work on your savings. Hope your mom recovers well!

Happy holidays to you too!

 

[lauren_elizabeth]

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas, Jenny!

Guess what?! We will be down in Disney the exact same dates as YOU!