Don't We Need More Ice Cream? - A F&G Trip Report - The End. Period. Paragraph. 1/27

[franandaj]

So it was nearly another two weeks after my last update when the next meet up happened. Some of you may be familiar with the EPIC girls meet that happened in WDW last May. Most of the gals involved in that meet were still polishing up their TRs from said meet when a West Coast Epic Mini Meet began to take shape.

It started that @chunkymonkey was going to be passing through CA in the beginning of September. She wanted to know if @Lesley_Wake could hang out with us being that she's a local and all. Well then @Steppesister got word of this and then @Malia78, and pretty soon it was a EPIC mini meet!


Liesa and Kari arrived Saturday morning and went right to DL while Fran and I slaved to make the house as presentable as possible. Later that afternoon we picked them up off the floor at Trader Sam's (just kidding, but they had been awake since 2AM). We had dinner at Yuzu Shabu, photo recycled from a previous trip.





The following Sunday, Liesa and Kari left for the parks between 8-9AM via Uber or Lyft and who knows what they did, but you can read about that on Liesa's TR!


We all ended up meeting around 5PM and after a group shot, we headed upstairs for some refreshing libations!



There were some special drinks available in honor of the Haunted Mansion's 50th Anniversary.



I ended up going with the Blushing Bride which I believe had rum, some kind of cream liqueur and either cranberry or grenadine to mimick the blood. It was very good, a little sweet and not too strong, if I had the chance again, I would have ordered the one with the fog and tree branches pictured in Liesa's TR.



They also had these really cool HM bust mugs, but I had picked some up a couple weeks before when we visited for the HM actual 50th Anniversary.







Pretty soon we were taken to our table in the main dining room. I don't know why we didn't get another picture of our group! But at least I got the menu!



Our Amuse Bouche was almond and green grape gazpacho



Kari got the Chilled Shrimp, Cucumber Relish, Dill Creme Fraiche



Fran and I got the Artichoke Gratinee, Sorrel, Red Pepper Hollandaise. This was very tasty!



We were served some Brioche and butter



I believe that Kari and a few others had the Roasted Tomato Bisque en Croute, Summer Zucchini, Basil. The soup was not as creamy as most of them would have liked, but the presentation was interesting.



Fran and I both had the Heirloom Tomato Salad, Basil Pesto, Balsmic Crouton. This was very tasty as many of you know we like our tomatoes and cheese.



I think Liesa got this for her third course, White Cheddar Potato Ravioli, Fava Bean, Thyme. I had been considering getting this one as well. I had it a few weeks later, and I have to say that I made the right choice this night. It wasn’t bad, but the fish was much better!



Sauteed Saint Pierre, Tomato Concasse, Leek, Summer Truffle. This was very good! The fish was cooked just perfectly and had just the perfect amount of flavor in the sauce. Both Fran and I got this.



Intermezzo - pomegranate sorbet with a pomegranate and mint relish. Also excellent!



Then we came to the point where I am almost always regretting how much I ate of the previous courses. I was starting to get full. We decided to split the Lobster Thermidor.



And the Veal Oscar



Both were tasty, but I think in the long run, I’m going to stick with the Beef or Lamb options that they have. I liked them both but since I get so full when the main comes around it might be better from a leftover perspective to go with the steak option. Which is what Liesa did.



They were serving a special dessert Mansion Ice Box cake. It was only available in the dining room. It was raspberry based and pretty tasty!



After this we settled up our checks and waddled over to the hub to watch the MSEP. Check out Liesa's pictures, they came out way better than mine ever have!


Up next a whirlwind day of park hopping.

 

[pkondz]

Funny. Funny. Funny.

We're still in the 80s. Hoping we get down into the 70s later this week when I'm back at the parks.

70s. That's my temperature preference, too.

Well with my advanced age, I can't remember little nuances about the trip when I go to write it up any more. About four years ago I started taking notes, at first I used WordPad or Notes or something on the phone. Then I discovered Google Docs, and since then I just write about what happened in the document. Then when I add in the pictures, I can expand upon what I was thinking about when I get to that point at home on my computer (or more often than not on my phone )

I am finding that taking notes is a necessity, not a luxury. I'm also finding that by the time I get around to actually writing about the trip... sometimes the notes... well...
"What does "That kid with the banana was hilarious!" mean?

I'm not as witty as you or Liesa

I beg to differ. Well... I can't speak for Liesa, but you're easily as witty (or more) as me.

I'm more of a "tell it like it was" person, with some sarcasm and cynicism thrown in for good measure.

Love the sarcasm.

I always enjoy having my DIS friends visit!

I always enjoy visiting my DIS friends!

Especially the fun ones who come bearing exotic chocolate!

I'll bring you some of these!!!!

​

Oh. My. God. I don't think I've had that much pain at any point in my adult life that I can remember. Probably in my entire life. It was just a few minutes of improper posture that screwed me up for nearly 10 days. I don't handle pain well, and I was quite unhappy and unproductive in that time period.

Ya.....
I am overly familiar with this... and live in constant fear of it returning, especially at an inopportune time. Like when I'm travelling.
I won't live my life afraid of "the next one", but...

Remind me to tell you the story of the time I was in the hospital... nsf-DIS

Must be all that chocolate....

Caught that, didja?

Silly Canadian.

Interesting. Well there's something else we need to add to that list. So far I have pies from Polly's, Burgers and milkshakes at Dales, and now Space Mountain.

That's a pretty good list.

 

[pkondz]

Some of you may be familiar with the EPIC girls meet that happened in WDW last May.

pretty soon it was a EPIC mini meet!

I really like this! Glad you guys had your own little epic meet.

Later that afternoon we picked them up off the floor at Trader Sam's

(just kidding, but they had been awake since 2AM).

Looong day!

We had dinner at Yuzu Shabu, photo recycled from a previous trip.

That looks really interesting. I've never done that.

you can read about that on Liesa's TR!

I did!

OMG.
I just noticed...
Liesa said something like decorum prevented her from doing a chunkydump… but it's Lesley! She's holding her up and stopping her!

I ended up going with the Blushing Bride which I believe had rum, some kind of cream liqueur and either cranberry or grenadine to mimick the blood.

I really like the description and the look, but... <sigh>… rum.

1. Those are much bigger than I thought! I wasn't interested before, but I was wrong!
2. Love the dress.

Our Amuse Bouche was almond and green grape gazpacho

Interesting combo. How was that?

Kari got the Chilled Shrimp, Cucumber Relish, Dill Creme Fraiche

I think I might've ordered the same.

The soup was not as creamy as most of them would have liked, but the presentation was interesting.

Yes it is... So much so that I'm considering trying to make it myself.

Fran and I both had the Heirloom Tomato Salad, Basil Pesto, Balsmic Crouton. This was very tasty as many of you know we like our tomatoes and cheese.

Sauteed Saint Pierre, Tomato Concasse, Leek, Summer Truffle.

While it looks good... this description sounds amazing.

Intermezzo - pomegranate sorbet with a pomegranate and mint relish. Also excellent!

mmmmm… sorbet.

We decided to split the Lobster Thermidor.

Interesting...
I've only had lobster thermidor once. And it looked nothing like that.

And the Veal Oscar

Drool...

Check out Liesa's pictures, they came out way better than mine ever have!

I did! And they're really good!

 

[DnA2010]

I'm willing to try for that!

I will tell her (I thought I quoted the whole thing, but apparently not- this was about getting all the songs on Guardians)

Funny my earliest memories of DL were running away from this parade to ride the rides while everyone was on Main Street!

I think that will be us when CP is on!

So coordinated! Love the mugs!

I'm getting hungry reading this!

We were served some Brioche and butter

I truly love bread and butter

This does look interesting

White Cheddar Potato Ravioli, Fava Bean, Thyme. I had been considering getting this one as well. I had it a few weeks later, and I have to say that I made the right choice this night. It wasn’t bad, but the fish was much better!

Those do look good, but I think I'd have had the fish

This looks pretty perfect too!

 

[Lesley Wake]

OMG.
I just noticed...
Liesa said something like decorum prevented her from doing a chunkydump… but it's Lesley! She's holding her up and stopping her!

Hahaha! I think we were going for a Prom pose, but I like your version better! @Steppesister

 

[jedijill]

Caught back up again. Your lunch at the Club looked amazing!

Jill in CO

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Just catching up on your threads...

Then we rode Soarin which was still over CA. So much better than the new one.

I couldn't agree more!

It started that @chunkymonkey was going to be passing through CA in the beginning of September. She wanted to know if @Lesley_Wake could hang out with us being that she's a local and all. Well then @Steppesister got word of this and then @Malia78, and pretty soon it was a EPIC mini meet!

That is quite the epic meet. I'm sure it was a great time for everyone.

 

[Steppesister]

It started that @chunkymonkey was going to be passing through CA in the beginning of September. She wanted to know if @Lesley_Wake could hang out with us being that she's a local and all. Well then @Steppesister got word of this and then @Malia78, and pretty soon it was a EPIC mini meet!

IT WAS EPIC!!

I slaved to make the house as presentable as possible.

Any hospitality offered by friends is always perfect. Stop worrying! Our accomodations were beyond awesome!!

Later that afternoon we picked them up off the floor at Trader Sam's

Did I mention the power nap on the cushy chairs at the outdoor area?

who knows what they did

We were definitely up to no good!

Sauteed Saint Pierre, Tomato Concasse, Leek, Summer Truffle. This was very good! The fish was cooked just perfectly and had just the perfect amount of flavor in the sauce. Both Fran and I got this.

That fish!!


That fish was unbelievably good!

Which is what Liesa did.

I did, and yet...

your cats loved them.

waddled over to the hub to watch the MSEP.

better than staggered. I've done that too.

Check out Liesa's pictures, they came out way better than mine ever have!

Awww, thanks, Alison.

OMG.
I just noticed...
Liesa said something like decorum prevented her from doing a chunkydump… but it's Lesley! She's holding her up and stopping her!

Buahahahahahahahaha!

Hahaha! I think we were going for a Prom pose, but I like your version better! @Steppesister

Too funny!!!

 

[franandaj]

I am finding that taking notes is a necessity, not a luxury. I'm also finding that by the time I get around to actually writing about the trip... sometimes the notes... well...
"What does "That kid with the banana was hilarious!" mean?

That's why I write full on paragraphs. There is plenty of time while I'm waiting for Fran to get up or while we are loaded in on the buses. Or waiting for the buses. We dont have the VIP bus pass you know!

I beg to differ. Well... I can't speak for Liesa, but you're easily as witty (or more) as me.

Aw, shucks.

Love the sarcasm.

It's my superpower!

I always enjoy visiting my DIS friends!

Then it's a win win!

I'll bring you some of these!!!!

Fran loves those. Everytime we run across a retro type candy store she picks up a few.

Caught that, didja?

I is smarts!

That's a pretty good list.

I made sure my google doc is up to date.

I really like this! Glad you guys had your own little epic meet.

It was Su-Lynn... Every little thing she do is Epic (sung to the tune of the Police song). Just dont sing the second line, cause that would be....weird.

That looks really interesting. I've never done that.

Going on the list! This is currently my favorite dining experience, when going out to dinner. Jenny

OMG.
I just noticed...
Liesa said something like decorum prevented her from doing a chunkydump… but it's Lesley! She's holding her up and stopping her!

I think Liesa settled this one...

I really like the description and the look, but... <sigh>… rum.

I know, rum is always against you.

1. Those are much bigger than I thought! I wasn't interested before, but I was wrong!
2. Love the dress.

The mugs are bigger than you thought, or something else????

It was a tank top not a dress.

Interesting combo. How was that?

Since I ate it and didn't seem to mind, I'm guessing it was good.

I think I might've ordered the same.

Well except we've had problems with shrimp there that were not properly cleaned. If you're aware there is a specific vein that must be cleaned/removed. I think it may not have been taken care of properly before we were able to warn Kari when she ate that bite. Fran made sure the manager was aware of her concern even if we had not been able to warn her before her consumption.

Yes it is... So much so that I'm considering trying to make it myself.

Hmmm...I have several recipes, but so far I'm OK with the canned version.

While it looks good... this description sounds amazing.

That's one of my favorite dishes that I've had there so far.

mmmmm… sorbet.

Yes, it is good, especially as a palate cleanser.

Interesting...
I've only had lobster thermidor once. And it looked nothing like that.

Same here.

Drool...

Glad you like it. I thought is was....OK.

I did! And they're really good!

Much better than my own. I have to talk with her about her settings!

 

[ACDSNY]

Nice Mini Meet in September and your dinner looked fantastic.

We'll be down March 22nd - 25th for a few days after the WBPC cruise to celebrate our anniversary and catch the new ride in Galaxy's Edge.

 

[pkondz]

That's why I write full on paragraphs. There is plenty of time while I'm waiting for Fran to get up or while we are loaded in on the buses. Or waiting for the buses. We dont have the VIP bus pass you know!

Waiting for busses? I don't understand...

It's my superpower!

Then it's a win win!

Yes it is!

It was Su-Lynn... Every little thing she do is Epic (sung to the tune of the Police song). Just dont sing the second line, cause that would be....weird.

I automatically sang it to the tune of the Police song even before I read your note!
And... I had to Google, since I couldn't remember the next line. But... um... perhaps it would be just a tad...

The mugs are bigger than you thought, or something else????

The mugs! The mugs!! I meant the mugs!!!!

It was a tank top not a dress.

Nice tank top!

Well except we've had problems with shrimp there that were not properly cleaned. If you're aware there is a specific vein that must be cleaned/removed.

I am aware. Ask me how I know.

 

[franandaj]

I will tell her (I thought I quoted the whole thing, but apparently not- this was about getting all the songs on Guardians)

How many did you end up getting?

I think that will be us when CP is on!

Did that work out for you?

So coordinated! Love the mugs!

Thanks!

I'm getting hungry reading this!

It always happens to me too!

I truly love bread and butter

I like dense bread, not the briochey stuff they serve.

This does look interesting

Doesn't it?

Those do look good, but I think I'd have had the fish

I think I'm sticking with the red meat for my main. Fish is good for the earlier courses.

This looks pretty perfect too!

 

[franandaj]

Hahaha! I think we were going for a Prom pose, but I like your version better! @Steppesister

Caught back up again. Your lunch at the Club looked amazing!

I'm glad that it is again!

Just catching up on your threads...

Glad to see you here even though I'm only talking about foo foo food right now. Next update will have more substance.

I couldn't agree more!

That is quite the epic meet. I'm sure it was a great time for everyone.

I think so. Even if it ended up being exhausting.

 

[franandaj]

IT WAS EPIC!!

Any hospitality offered by friends is always perfect. Stop worrying! Our accomodations were beyond awesome!!

Thank you. That makes me feel better!

Did I mention the power nap on the cushy chairs at the outdoor area?

Yes. Yes you did!

We were definitely up to no good!

That fish!!


That fish was unbelievably good!

It was! I really loved that!

I did, and yet...

your cats loved them.

better than staggered. I've done that too.

I have too, but at those prices, rarely.....

Awww, thanks, Alison.

You're welcome. I need to pick your brain on settings!

Buahahahahahahahaha!

Too funny!!!

 

[franandaj]

Nice Mini Meet in September and your dinner looked fantastic.

Thanks! It was!

We'll be down March 22nd - 25th for a few days after the WBPC cruise to celebrate our anniversary and catch the new ride in Galaxy's Edge.

I don't know what our schedule is, but if you'd like to get together for some beverages or something let me know.

Waiting for busses? I don't understand...

Not a thumb -->

I automatically sang it to the tune of the Police song even before I read your note!
And... I had to Google, since I couldn't remember the next line. But... um... perhaps it would be just a tad...

Good for you!

The mugs! The mugs!! I meant the mugs!!!!

OK!

Nice tank top!

or did you mean mugs? Although that would be flattering myself.

I am aware. Ask me how I know.

Other than the fact that you are a cook, I would like to hear the story if it's DIS friendly!

 

[franandaj]

So by now this day has become a distant memory, but it was an overall good day with some fun times! I’ll try to do my best to piece together what we did based on the pictures!


We all met up in the lobby of the Grand Californian and then went directly to Disneyland. We stopped in front of the Great Pumpkin for a picture. I stole this from Liesa.




Our first stop of the day was BTMRR.



Next up was Pirates, sorry no pics. For most of this day I was enjoying the moments!

Then we went on HM where they had the overlay. I wished I’d gotten a picture of the Gingerbread house, but just never ended up doing it. Everyone else wanted to go on Splash, but I don’t do water rides because of IBS (Liesa’s term), So instead I got the seafood boil which was a special offering at the time. Su-Lynn came with me since she didn’t want to get wet either.



Even though you can’t tell there are shrimp in there!

We met them at the end of the ride, and here they are on the ride.



Some were still a bit peckish so we got some Churros. Some got the traditional Churros while others got the special “Groom” Churro which was coated with chocolate. The Bride Churro was available in New Orleans Square and was coated with vanilla.



We headed on into Galaxy’s Edge and rode MF:SR. Here we are ready to get some Coaxium.



And here we are ready to kill each other!



By this time we were all hungry. Liesa made the request that we eat at either Bengal Barbeque or Tropical Hideaway, so we kind of did both. Some people picked up bites at Bengal Barbeque while others of us went on to secure seats at the Tropical Hideaway. I went with a light lunch. Someone grabbed me a bacon wrapped asparagus skewer.



And I got my favorite raspberry dole whip swirl.



I was flabbergasted to find out that it is hollow!



Then rode Indiana Jones. And that wrapped up our time at Disneyland. Jenny didn’t sleep well the night before and decided to go home at that point. She needed a nap and said her goodbyes on the Esplanade.

The rest of us hopped over to DCA, we rode Racers and evidently lost the race, but me, Su-Lynn and Steve Spoke no evil, heard no evil and saw no evil.



No clue what the rest of those crazies were doing!

Next up we rode Guardians. Su-Lynn rode against her better judgement and I think she regretted that choice.



Most of us were pretty tired by this point and we decided to head to 1901 for some grub and drinks.




Evidently most folks just got regular drinks, I got my standard Martini with vodka and onion, but I also got some Braised Wagyu Beef Sliders. They were good, but not OMG good.





Liesa had an early flight to catch so she was the first one to bow out, but not before we did an obligatory Chunkydump.



I was pooped after all that fun, so I went home, but the young pushed on. I think they went for one last ride on RSR.

On my way out I checked out this chocolate masterpiece on which they were putting the final touches.





And that was it for September trips to Disney. You can read about the next Disney chapter in my story here.


But I'll be back with more bonus features from Disneyland that take place after the current TR.

 

[ACDSNY]

You have me drooling over the bacon wrapped asparagus and the raspberry dolewhip. Must get these on the next trip.

Yes let's plan to get together in March.

 

[pkondz]

Not a thumb -->

or did you mean mugs? Although that would be flattering myself.

We stopped in front of the Great Pumpkin for a picture. I stole this from Liesa.

Thief! Thief!

Next up was Pirates, sorry no pics. For most of this day I was enjoying the moments!

Totally okay. Sometimes you... well, at least I get a bit tired of touring with trip reports in mind.

So instead I got the seafood boil which was a special offering at the time.

Yum! Yes, please. I so enjoyed when we did that.

Some were still a bit peckish so we got some Churros.

That's a regret. I keep hearing how DL's churros are so much better...

We headed on into Galaxy’s Edge and rode MF:SR.

Hmmm... I keep seeing that ride written as MF or SR and everyone's confused... that certainly makes it clearer, but...

I read it slightly differently at first... read it with the M standing for Mother...

And here we are ready to kill each other!

And I got my favorite raspberry dole whip swirl.

I've never tried that... I think I should.

Next up we rode Guardians. Su-Lynn rode against her better judgement and I think she regretted that choice.

Not a fan of drops...

Liesa had an early flight to catch so she was the first one to bow out, but not before we did an obligatory Chunkydump.

Of course!

 

[Steppesister]

Most of the gals involved in that meet were still polishing up their TRs from said meet when a West Coast Epic Mini Meet began to take shape.

Another EPIC Trip!!!

The following Sunday, Liesa and Kari left for the parks between 8-9AM via Uber or Lyft and who knows what they did, but you can read about that on Liesa's TR!

Liesa's TR

Pp. 20-30

Thank you. That makes me feel better!

Of course; I meant it.

I have too, but at those prices, rarely.....

Yeah, for sure! But at least at those lounges you get your money's worth, IYKWIM.

You're welcome. I need to pick your brain on settings!

Pick away, as long as it's not your nose.

We all met up in the lobby of the Grand Californian and then went directly to Disneyland. We stopped in front of the Great Pumpkin for a picture. I stole this from Liesa.

Steal on!!

Everyone else wanted to go on Splash, but I don’t do water rides because of IBS (Liesa’s term),

... of which I got a nasty case. Kari and I were absolutely, completely soaked!

So instead I got the seafood boil which was a special offering at the time.

Nom nom nom. That was heavenly!

l look like I'm trying hard not to soil myself.

Okay, that's super funny!!

No clue what the rest of those crazies were doing!

Our own thang, I guess. ??

Liesa had an early flight to catch so she was the first one to bow out, but not before we did an obligatory Chunkydump.

It had to be done.

I was pooped after all that fun

Well, yeah! You DID just ChunkyDump!

 

[tiggrbaby]

Looks like it was a great day!