Day 7 - Friday October 10, 2003
Participants:
Myself - KCDISDAD
DW - Joann, wife of 22 years and new DisNut
DD7 - Casey, the one with Dis adjusted attitude
DD5 - Amy, the slooowww, but not as shy one
We all slept in this morning until 7:45. Joann and Amy did not get back last night from MK until almost midnight. They said "Wishes" was awesome!! Good news, Tink still kicks off the show (we were worried that they may change that when we heard that Jiminy Cricket narrated the new show). They had a much better view this time around for Spectro and Amy was very tired but loved every second.
Today we ventured outside the World for the first time all week. We went to breakfast and then headed to Dowtown Di$ney for some $hopping. Joann loaded up on $crapbook $upplies (she is a certified scrapbook kook) and pin$. Then we dropped the loot off in the van and headed to Disney Que$t as it was cloudy and threatening rain. We all participated in a "Learn to Draw Mickey Cla$$", then played a couple of the interactive games. Overall we were not too impressed with DQ as none of us are really into video games and the like. I can't imagine paying rack rate for tickets to this venue.
As stated yesterday, the girls really wanted to go to Blizzard Beach, and Joann and I couldn't talk them out of it, so...off we went. The crowd there wasn't too bad, and we set up shop in the Ski Camp area. The girls headed straight for the iceburg crossing, then Casey went for the tube slides. By this time it was time for a turkey leg to gnaw on (after all the hoopla I heard about these things, I fail to see the attraction). Then Casey and I headed up the ski lift for "the world's longest tube ride" (not sure if they were talking about the ride, or the line and wait to get to it). We finally got to enjoy this ride but I had to Veto a repeat trip. After this we had no idea how to get back to our camp, so we hopped in the Lazy River and decided to get back this way. When we finally got to our exit point Joann and Amy were waiting for us and wanted to go around themselves. I decided to wait for them and dry off a little before we headed back to the Lodge.
We only had about 30 minutes to get gussied up for our big dinner at California Grille (no problem for me, but a major challenge for 3 of the female persuasion-especially with only 1 bathroom and 1 hairdryer). I have been looking forward to this meal all week. On our way down to the boat launch we got a nice CM to take our picture in front of the Falls (this is the one in my siggie). Then it was off to the "Toaster" hotel. The view from the restaurant is absolutely spectacular as it overlooks the GF and the Castle. IMHO this is the only reason the CR exists (to support the wonderful restaurant on top). We had a great table, awonderful waiter, and a fabulous meal
They had one of my favorite wines on the menu (Caymus Conundrum) and we enjoyed a bottle of that while enjoying one of their wonderful flatbread appetizers. The girls loved this "funny shaped pizza", and creating artwork on the paper tablecloth covering. Joann really enjoyed her Pork Tenderloin while I went straight for the Black Grouper (I never visit Florida without having Grouper at least once). It was done perfectly. The desserts were a perfect meal ending duo of Coconut Creme Broulet (Joann got this I'm sure because she knows the girls don't like coconut and would leave hers alone) while I got the extremely popular Chocolate Lava Cake w/ Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (the girls indeed made short order of this).
I took some great pictures before, during and after our meal. The only regret is that we did not get to experience a fireworks show while we dined. I had tried to change our reservation when the FW schedule came out, but to no avail. Maybe next time, as this will be a definite repeat venue for all future Disney Trips. Did I mention I liked this place? As for the rest of this hotel...well you know my feelings. Someone on an earlier trip rport summed it up best... "Hey! 1984 called, and they want their hotel back."
After dinner we decided to hop on the Monorail and go check out the Grande Floridian. It is a very elegant place and Joann liked it as she is a big fan of Victorian decor, but she and the girls agree they like WL better-my brainwashing techniques have worked well.
We went back to the Lodge for one last swim. While Joann got her and the girls packed up, I enjoyed an adult beverage poolside and reflected on our week. Tomorrow we load up, checkout, and have a couple of hours to visit MK or Epcot before heading to the airport. Another satisfying Disney Day with my family.
Participants:
Myself - KCDISDAD
DW - Joann, wife of 22 years and new DisNut
DD7 - Casey, the one with Dis adjusted attitude
DD5 - Amy, the slooowww, but not as shy one
We all slept in this morning until 7:45. Joann and Amy did not get back last night from MK until almost midnight. They said "Wishes" was awesome!! Good news, Tink still kicks off the show (we were worried that they may change that when we heard that Jiminy Cricket narrated the new show). They had a much better view this time around for Spectro and Amy was very tired but loved every second.
Today we ventured outside the World for the first time all week. We went to breakfast and then headed to Dowtown Di$ney for some $hopping. Joann loaded up on $crapbook $upplies (she is a certified scrapbook kook) and pin$. Then we dropped the loot off in the van and headed to Disney Que$t as it was cloudy and threatening rain. We all participated in a "Learn to Draw Mickey Cla$$", then played a couple of the interactive games. Overall we were not too impressed with DQ as none of us are really into video games and the like. I can't imagine paying rack rate for tickets to this venue.
As stated yesterday, the girls really wanted to go to Blizzard Beach, and Joann and I couldn't talk them out of it, so...off we went. The crowd there wasn't too bad, and we set up shop in the Ski Camp area. The girls headed straight for the iceburg crossing, then Casey went for the tube slides. By this time it was time for a turkey leg to gnaw on (after all the hoopla I heard about these things, I fail to see the attraction). Then Casey and I headed up the ski lift for "the world's longest tube ride" (not sure if they were talking about the ride, or the line and wait to get to it). We finally got to enjoy this ride but I had to Veto a repeat trip. After this we had no idea how to get back to our camp, so we hopped in the Lazy River and decided to get back this way. When we finally got to our exit point Joann and Amy were waiting for us and wanted to go around themselves. I decided to wait for them and dry off a little before we headed back to the Lodge.
We only had about 30 minutes to get gussied up for our big dinner at California Grille (no problem for me, but a major challenge for 3 of the female persuasion-especially with only 1 bathroom and 1 hairdryer). I have been looking forward to this meal all week. On our way down to the boat launch we got a nice CM to take our picture in front of the Falls (this is the one in my siggie). Then it was off to the "Toaster" hotel. The view from the restaurant is absolutely spectacular as it overlooks the GF and the Castle. IMHO this is the only reason the CR exists (to support the wonderful restaurant on top). We had a great table, awonderful waiter, and a fabulous meal
They had one of my favorite wines on the menu (Caymus Conundrum) and we enjoyed a bottle of that while enjoying one of their wonderful flatbread appetizers. The girls loved this "funny shaped pizza", and creating artwork on the paper tablecloth covering. Joann really enjoyed her Pork Tenderloin while I went straight for the Black Grouper (I never visit Florida without having Grouper at least once). It was done perfectly. The desserts were a perfect meal ending duo of Coconut Creme Broulet (Joann got this I'm sure because she knows the girls don't like coconut and would leave hers alone) while I got the extremely popular Chocolate Lava Cake w/ Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (the girls indeed made short order of this). I took some great pictures before, during and after our meal. The only regret is that we did not get to experience a fireworks show while we dined. I had tried to change our reservation when the FW schedule came out, but to no avail. Maybe next time, as this will be a definite repeat venue for all future Disney Trips. Did I mention I liked this place? As for the rest of this hotel...well you know my feelings. Someone on an earlier trip rport summed it up best... "Hey! 1984 called, and they want their hotel back."
After dinner we decided to hop on the Monorail and go check out the Grande Floridian. It is a very elegant place and Joann liked it as she is a big fan of Victorian decor, but she and the girls agree they like WL better-my brainwashing techniques have worked well.
We went back to the Lodge for one last swim. While Joann got her and the girls packed up, I enjoyed an adult beverage poolside and reflected on our week. Tomorrow we load up, checkout, and have a couple of hours to visit MK or Epcot before heading to the airport. Another satisfying Disney Day with my family.
