Disney Gives Me the Warm Fuzzies. January 2010 PreTrip Report. Update 11/6 Pg. 79

[meeko_33785]

Now that's a restaurant list! Looks like a lot of good choices. The only ones I've been to that I wouldn't have on my list to go back to are Artist's Point and Pecos Bill. It's been a while since I've been to them and the food may have improved over the years, but at the time I didn't really think they were anything special. On the other hand, Boma, Chefs de France, Boulangerie-Patisserie and 1900 Park Fare are a few of my very favorites and a number of the others you mentioned are up there too! Doesn't look like you can really go wrong with that list.

Hope you continue to recover and that you're far enough along on your Band to enjoy all the Disney food you want.

 

[If U Had Wings]

I had to laugh when I saw your list. I was wondering just how long you were planning on staying.

I remember how much I was craving solid food the summer I had surgery on my jaw and it was wired shut for the summer. Just think of how good your first taste of real food will be!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Love your warm fuzzies at the end of each chapter!!! I find myself doing the same thing when I am dealing with an obnoxious patient!

I am really enjoying all of your planning and now I am going to go back and read your trip reports!

Congratulations on coming through your surgery so well!! The third post op day is always the worst and then things go SO much better!!

I am only about an hour from Austin!! The Great Biscuit is in Central Texas also!! Sounds like this could be a wicked fun dis meet!!!!

I have employed the warm fuzzy tactic for years and it just seems that my warm fuzzies are more and more Disney related as time passes.

The last two days I have been feeling MUCH better and able to do a lot more so that is good. I'm not as discouraged now. Now if I could just eat normal food.

I am so looking forward to the Big Texas DIS Meet! Even if it is a ways away.

Oooh, I forgot about the pirate pool! Operation: Resort Change, underway! lol

Excellent! I hope it works for you!

Ok, I've got one tab open to the dis boards, where LL is planning delicious Disney meals and one open to Weight Watchers online! I think virtual food is in my future too. At least virtual Disney yummies. You've got some great places listed. Good luck narrowing your list down.

Virtual eating is quite an art form.

I'm so glad to read your recovery is going well! Sorry that you are so sick of Jello and all though...when are you able to eat real food again? The fact that your warm fuzzy was about food as well made me laugh....food really is on your mind isn't it?!! :

Tomorrow I get to add Cream Soups, Yogurt and Sugar Free Pudding. WOOT! I am sure after a few days I'll be sick of that too. Yes, food is really really on my mind. Not in a bad over indulge kind of way but just that I want to eat real things....protein shakes don't taste that great day after day.

What does virtual food taste like?

Let me see if I can explain it. There are two main componets to Virtual Eating. #1 is the visual aspect for example the dominoes menu I poured over (have I mentioned that I don't even like dominoes?), food porn, commercials and even tv shows. #2 is the aroma aspect. I very much enjoy Marc cooking so I can savor the smells. I also pressured him and my Mom to order Chipotles on Sunday for lunch so I could see and smell it. Clearly...I have issues.

Now that's a restaurant list! Looks like a lot of good choices. The only ones I've been to that I wouldn't have on my list to go back to are Artist's Point and Pecos Bill. It's been a while since I've been to them and the food may have improved over the years, but at the time I didn't really think they were anything special. On the other hand, Boma, Chefs de France, Boulangerie-Patisserie and 1900 Park Fare are a few of my very favorites and a number of the others you mentioned are up there too! Doesn't look like you can really go wrong with that list.

Hope you continue to recover and that you're far enough along on your Band to enjoy all the Disney food you want.

I haven't read the best reviews of Artist Point but for some reason I'm really drawn to it. Have you been to 1900 Park Fare for breakfast? I really want to go there because of Mary Poppins, Alice and the Mad Hatter.

I had to laugh when I saw your list. I was wondering just how long you were planning on staying.

I remember how much I was craving solid food the summer I had surgery on my jaw and it was wired shut for the summer. Just think of how good your first taste of real food will be!

I've already narrowed the list down! Though I'm not 100% sure of all my choices. We'll see how many changes I will make, ADR day is still a month away.

 

[MEK]

I would like to see your "narrowed down" list, because you did mention pretty much every restaurant on property. I do want to put my two cents in and recommend that you and Marc eat at the Cali Grill during your fall 2010 trip (whenever it might end up being - Nov or Dec). I think you and Jen should eat at the Wave in Jan. I thought the Wave had some really good food. The Calif Grill should be a date night....sorry Jen!

And you know I am a big fan of parking at the contemporary, having dinner, and then walking into MK. By Jan you will be light as a feather, with no more foot problems. You will enjoy the walk. It's fun!

Glad to read that you are feeling so much better!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I would like to see your "narrowed down" list, because you did mention pretty much every restaurant on property. I do want to put my two cents in and recommend that you and Marc eat at the Cali Grill during your fall 2010 trip (whenever it might end up being - Nov or Dec). I think you and Jen should eat at the Wave in Jan. I thought the Wave had some really good food. The Calif Grill should be a date night....sorry Jen!

And you know I am a big fan of parking at the contemporary, having dinner, and then walking into MK. By Jan you will be light as a feather, with no more foot problems. You will enjoy the walk. It's fun!

Glad to read that you are feeling so much better!

Not EVERY restaurant! Geez.

My narrowed down list is coming right up...well at least what I have plugged into our itinerary so far.

I agree about California Grill, I really want to experience that with Marc.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Here is the first draft of our itinerary or Itinerary 1.0 as I like to call it. Anyone want to place bets on how many versions we will have? I'm already working on 2.0. And of course this is all without Park Hours so the days could be completely flipped around after we get those next month.

Itinerary 1.0

Wednesday - 1/13
*Arrive in Orlando
*Head to DTD
*Lunch at Wolfgang Puck Express
*Buy AP
*Check in @ Pop
*Head to MK or EMH Park...??
*Dinner @ Kona Cafe or other Park ADR.

Thursday - 1/14
*Jen Arrives!
*Head to MK
*Lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern
*Hop to Epcot (?)
I'd really like to park over by the Boardwalk, Beach Club or Yacht Club and take a boat over or walk over just to see a different area. I've never been over there before. Plus we can explore World Showcase at night without having to walk through the Future World. We also have the option of eating at one of the TS restaurants in that area if we are willing to give up either Le Cellier or Rose & Crown Pub.
*Dinner @ Le Cellier or Rose & Crown (availability)

Friday - 1/15
*Animal Kingdom
*Lunch @ Yak N' Yeti
*Dinner @ Jiko

Saturday - 1/16
*Epcot
We are really hoping that I avoid the Epcot Overload feeling this trip.
*Lunch @ Les Chefs
*Dinner @ Le Cellier or Rose & Crown (availability)

Sunday - 1/17
*Pre-Park Breakfast @ 1900 Park Fare (they start serving at 8)
*Magic Kingdom
*CS Lunch
*Dinner @ Whispering Canyon Cafe
Does anyone know for sure about this....I read on the DIS that if one person orders the skillet and another orders an entree that you are able to share. No way I can eat the skillet on my own but I'd like to try some things from Jen's. Oh by the way Jen, you are ordering the skillet. LOVE YA!

Monday - 1/18
*Hollywood Studios
*Lunch @ Sci Fi Drive In
*Dinner @ Brown Derby

Tuesday - 1/19
*Breakfast @ 'Ohana (start serving @ 7:30)
I'm already starting to doubt this ADR. The menu doesn't look great. I'm wondering if we should do Crystal Palace instead on Sunday and then do 1900 Park Fare this day.
*CS Lunch @ Park
*Go Home

I also have our Park Must Do Lists. Yayayaya!! I did these lists all on my own since Jen has left all the planning to me. She wanted me to add ONE thing to the list. ONE THING. Can any of you guess?

Magic Kingdom
*Magic Carpet of Aladdin
*Pirates
*Swiss Family Treehouse
*The Hall of Presidents
*Haunted Mansion
*Big Thunder Mountain
*Ariel's Grotto
*Dumbo
*It's a Small World
*Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
*Mickey's Philharmagic
*Peter Pan's Flight
*Minnie & Mickey's Houses
*Space Mountain - iffy on this one...depends on how much it has changed after the refurb
*TTA
*Carousel of Progress
*Spectromagic
*Afternoon Parade

Epcot
*Spaceship Earth
*The Manatees
*Living with the Land
*Soarin'
*Test Track
*Gran Fiesta Tour
*Maelstrom
*Meet Mulan
*American Adventure
*Meet Alice & Mary Poppins

Animal Kingdom
*It's Tough to be a Bug
*Safari
*Camp Minnie & Mickey
*Rafiki's Planet Watch
*Expedition Everest
*Finding Nemo: The Musical
*Animal Trails

Hollywood Studios
*American Idol Experience
*Great Movie Ride
*Muppet Vision 3D
*Magic of Disney Animation
*Studios Backlot Tour
*Toy Story Mania
*Voyage of the Little Mermaid
*One Man's Dream
*Beauty & the Beast Show
*Fantasmic

We also have another VERY SPECIAL TREAT that Jen has given me for my Birthday. We will be doing the Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage!! Yayaya!

Here is a description from wdwinfo.com
This event begins with cookies, snacks and beverages before you "set sail" on your magical voyage where you'll have prime viewing of the Magic Kingdom's "Wishes" and "Electrical Water Pageant." Before you board, none other than Captain Hook and his hapless first-mate Mr. Smee arrive for some mayhem and photos. Your host for the night is "Patch," a pirate of dubious distinction. As you sail along the Seven Seas Lagoon, Patch will have you singing along and challenge you to some Disney Trivia.

Your "ship will set anchor" at the perfect spot overlooking the Magic Kingdom to view "Wishes". From there you return to the pier while Patch regales you with the story of Peter Pan. When you arrive, you'll see that none other than Peter himself is there to greet you.

Is that not the most awesome Birthday present EVER?! I am so excited. So we do have to fit this in one night once we know the Wishes schedule.

So that is what we have so far....

Warm Fuzzies:

Jen: Finding a rare character and taking a picture with them.

LL: Watching Marc laugh and have a good time on Toy Story Mania.

 

[jenjolt]

No way I can eat the skillet on my own but I'd like to try some things from Jen's. Oh by the way Jen, you are ordering the skillet. LOVE YA!

LOL! Well technically I did say you could do all the planning. I probably would have gone with the skillet anyway..so there LOL

Okay so yes I'm letting you do all the planning, but we both know this would not normally be the case because well I have OCD...however knowing you like I know you, you won't leave one stone unturned, you live for this planning and list stuff and I completely trust you...it will be a great trip!!! So I'm just sitting back letting you have your fun!!! It's great...you want to plan all our trips like this!! Besides I have provided some input I did add to the must do list .... here's a hint guys...it wasn't the Haunted Mansion...LL would never NOT put that on a list involving me LOL!

WOOT...FRIED WONTONS here I come...you put that in there just for me didn't you I almost love them as much as I love Haunted Mansion I know its scary LOL!

Yup there have already been some changes...I LOVE IT!!!! Can't wait for version 2.0 LOL

Awww...I'm glad you liked your birthday surprise! Wishes and Boats does it get any better than that!! I knew it was something you would really enjoy and I think it will be something special to commerate our trip !!

Hmmmm...Crystal Palace is very yummy...me thinks you could do some switching...not that I'm providing any said input

 

[wdwgirl03]

You HAVE to go over to the Epcot resort area, it is awesome!

Your itinerary looks great so far.

 

[Lady Lallie]

LOL! Well technically I did say you could do all the planning. I probably would have gone with the skillet anyway..so there LOL

Okay so yes I'm letting you do all the planning, but we both know this would not normally be the case because well I have OCD...however knowing you like I know you, you won't leave one stone unturned, you live for this planning and list stuff and I completely trust you...it will be a great trip!!! So I'm just sitting back letting you have your fun!!! It's great...you want to plan all our trips like this!! Besides I have provided some input I did add to the must do list .... here's a hint guys...it wasn't the Haunted Mansion...LL would never NOT put that on a list involving me LOL!

WOOT...FRIED WONTONS here I come...you put that in there just for me didn't you I almost love them as much as I love Haunted Mansion I know its scary LOL!

Yup there have already been some changes...I LOVE IT!!!! Can't wait for version 2.0 LOL

Awww...I'm glad you liked your birthday surprise! Wishes and Boats does it get any better than that!! I knew it was something you would really enjoy and I think it will be something special to commerate our trip !!

Hmmmm...Crystal Palace is very yummy...me thinks you could do some switching...not that I'm providing any said input

I'm glad we can agree on the skillet.

I know I know. I just feel like I have to make this the bestest trip ever for you.

Those fried wontons better be the best things I have ever eaten after you have building them up for so long.

Still working on 2.0...you'll just have to wait to see if Crystal Palace makes it or not!

You HAVE to go over to the Epcot resort area, it is awesome!

Your itinerary looks great so far.

I really want to go check them out, it seems so pretty over there.

 

[MinnieNurse]

WOOT...FRIED WONTONS here I come...you put that in there just for me didn't you I almost love them as much as I love Haunted Mansion I know its scary LOL!

Tried them in August and must agree they are YUMMY!!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Tried them in August and must agree they are YUMMY!!!

Can I just say that when you say you tried food, it makes me happy and gives me hope. My doctors have me so scared I'll never be able to eat "normal" things every again.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

First of all can I say that Itinerary 1.0 is an organizational marvel. I have to laugh though because just the name, Itinerary 1.0 suggests that it will be followed by many revisions... Good Bye Itinerary 1.0-it was nice to know you...make way for Itinerary 2.0 and so on...I wondering what the final name will be...?

Fried Wontons are pretty yummy... Y&Y was one of my very favorite dining experiences-the theming of the restaurant is an attraction unto itself...(I'm with you on the dining thing-the restaurants really are attractions too...)

You did seem to put together a darn thorough list of restaurants...One that you didn't mention and you just might not have time for this go round is Sanaa...I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it but it turned out to be one of my favorites...the dining room, the setting (the giraffes are just about right outside the window) the food was very good and the server excellent...if you don't do it this time round consider in the future...it is a quick ride from AKL...

I'm glad you're healing up...you sound a little antsy to fully recover... it sounds like you are well on your way...

 

[MinnieNurse]

Can I just say that when you say you tried food, it makes me happy and gives me hope. My doctors have me so scared I'll never be able to eat "normal" things every again.

Well, there are a few things I cant tolerate but for the most part I eat normal just a really small portion.

Here are a few examples of what I ate on my trip in August. My DS and I shared most meals which worked perfect for me but I had lots of things including desserts, ribs, steak, scallops, cream cheese pretzels, homemade chips, tuna steak, chicken pot pie, shrimp, turkey leg, funnel cake, etc....

I have 2 friends that have also had the surgery and they both eat normal also, just small amounts. Your life is not over....It has just begun, just wait you will love your increased activity and enjoy shopping for clothes so much. Tell Marc to watch out because you may go nuts buying cute new outfits!!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

First of all can I say that Itinerary 1.0 is an organizational marvel. I have to laugh though because just the name, Itinerary 1.0 suggests that it will be followed by many revisions... Good Bye Itinerary 1.0-it was nice to know you...make way for Itinerary 2.0 and so on...I wondering what the final name will be...?

Fried Wontons are pretty yummy... Y&Y was one of my very favorite dining experiences-the theming of the restaurant is an attraction unto itself...(I'm with you on the dining thing-the restaurants really are attractions too...)

You did seem to put together a darn thorough list of restaurants...One that you didn't mention and you just might not have time for this go round is Sanaa...I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it but it turned out to be one of my favorites...the dining room, the setting (the giraffes are just about right outside the window) the food was very good and the server excellent...if you don't do it this time round consider in the future...it is a quick ride from AKL...

I'm glad you're healing up...you sound a little antsy to fully recover... it sounds like you are well on your way...

I think we should have a contest with how many revisions there will be of the itinerary.

I'm not sure about Sanaa. I don't know if the menu appeals to me. Jen is going there I think on her next trip so if she gives it rave reviews than I might be persuaded. Who knows where we will end up eating. I have a feeling it will change 52 million times.

Well, there are a few things I cant tolerate but for the most part I eat normal just a really small portion.

Here are a few examples of what I ate on my trip in August. My DS and I shared most meals which worked perfect for me but I had lots of things including desserts, ribs, steak, scallops, cream cheese pretzels, homemade chips, tuna steak, chicken pot pie, shrimp, turkey leg, funnel cake, etc....

I have 2 friends that have also had the surgery and they both eat normal also, just small amounts. Your life is not over....It has just begun, just wait you will love your increased activity and enjoy shopping for clothes so much. Tell Marc to watch out because you may go nuts buying cute new outfits!!!

Oh bless you, you make me feel so much more confident in my eating abilities. The fact that you ate a cream cheese pretzel has completely made my day. It's sick how happy that little fact has made me.

Oh yes...I'm already dying to buy new clothes. I've just begun thinking about my Disney wardrobe.

 

[Charleston Princess]

The Fireworks Voyage is an absolutely wonderful birthday present!!!

 

[jenjolt]

LOL I knew the fact that she mentioned cream cheese pretzels was going to make your day...I bet you are just giddy over that fact!!!!

Look at all these rave reviews...I'm telling you...Fried Wontons one of the best desserts on property...and knowing my love for all these creme brulee that is saying something .

 

[MinnieNurse]

I think we should have a contest with how many revisions there will be of the itinerary.

I'm not sure about Sanaa. I don't know if the menu appeals to me. Jen is going there I think on her next trip so if she gives it rave reviews than I might be persuaded. Who knows where we will end up eating. I have a feeling it will change 52 million times.


Oh bless you, you make me feel so much more confident in my eating abilities. The fact that you ate a cream cheese pretzel has completely made my day. It's sick how happy that little fact has made me.

Oh yes...I'm already dying to buy new clothes. I've just begun thinking about my Disney wardrobe.

I had a bite or two of one, but yes, it was delicious. Life is not over for sure!!

 

[MeMom]

The Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage sounds awesome! What a great present!!!

You are going to enjoy all the good eating when you are there!

 

[MEK]

Phew......I am exhausted reading Version 1.0. Plus the fireworks cruise....Nice, very nice Jen!

I think your ADR's are great and I can't wait to hear about Jiko because I have never eaten there before. I've heard its amazing!

Looking forward to Version 2.0.

 

[meeko_33785]

I haven't read the best reviews of Artist Point but for some reason I'm really drawn to it. Have you been to 1900 Park Fare for breakfast? I really want to go there because of Mary Poppins, Alice and the Mad Hatter.

I will give Artist Point some credit because it did have some lovely views of the resort grounds and waterfall, but the rest of the atmosphere and food didn't really make us want to go back. I've only been to 1900 for breakfast so far (would love to go at dinner with the Cinderella crew but can never convince anyone else that it would be fun). It was great. We had Alice, Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins- in nanny outfit because it was cold that day, Pooh and Rabbit. The characters were all fun and fantastic and the buffet was great. I would highly recommend it.


The itinerary looks great. The fireworks voyage sounds like a lot of fun, as does the visit to the Boardwalk/ Yacht and Beach Club area.

PS- Great warm and fuzzies this time- especially Jen's.