Double, Double, Toil & Trouble: a Halloween-inspired trip of “two’s” – an October 2016 TR

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Wow that grilled cheese looks good. Looks like they put a crispy cheese layer on the outside of the bread, too! Red Robin's always been a reliable food choice for us and I usually go for a burger - glad to see you've had good experiences there too since your first incident.

Curious to know where the rest of the family went today. Did they take the kiddos to MK?

We now have a Red Robin right around the corner from our house here in MI, so I can see us going there more often. I had their mac 'n cheese burger a few weeks ago and it was delish!!

Joe, Lisa and the kids were at Cypress Palms enjoying some pool time before they, too, went to MNSSHP later in the afternoon. They had awesome costumes for the whole family, and they were so excited for their first taste of Disney World!

 

[Raeven]

We have been dining at Red Robin for the last few trips, and other than the first visit (which was a mealtime fail) we’ve enjoyed it very much. This restaurant always serves a reminder to give an initial poor experience another chance .

We've actually never been to Red Robin and we have one around here! We tried to go once, but my dad wasn't crazy about the wait to get in.

Steve indulged in a second order of the bottomless steak fries

If it's bottomless they should just refill the one order until he's done

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We've actually never been to Red Robin and we have one around here! We tried to go once, but my dad wasn't crazy about the wait to get in.

If it's bottomless they should just refill the one order until he's done

He actually prefers refills of smaller sized servings versus one larger pile...then the fries are always hot .

 

[afan]

We had RR for my mom's bday earlier this month. She likes their french onion soup. I think I've had a cheeseburger on every visit, all the way back to jr high when we started going. We normally go there for burgers and fries. We splurged and shared the mud pie for the bday, it was really good. They are one of the few places that I like steak fries because they actually cook them long enough to be a bit crispy. Our service this last time was awful, so much that I ordered dessert from the on table thing and paid that way because she stopped coming to our table. And the service was slower than normal too, which was odd. It wasn't as busy as it has been either. We have two withing about 5 miles in either direction and 3 more if we expand it out to 10 miles, so we eat there every few months.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We had RR for my mom's bday earlier this month. She likes their french onion soup. I think I've had a cheeseburger on every visit, all the way back to jr high when we started going. We normally go there for burgers and fries. We splurged and shared the mud pie for the bday, it was really good. They are one of the few places that I like steak fries because they actually cook them long enough to be a bit crispy. Our service this last time was awful, so much that I ordered dessert from the on table thing and paid that way because she stopped coming to our table. And the service was slower than normal too, which was odd. It wasn't as busy as it has been either. We have two withing about 5 miles in either direction and 3 more if we expand it out to 10 miles, so we eat there every few months.

I totally agree!! Between the crispiness and the seasoning, the fries are thick but still surprisingly good.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Sunday, October 23rd (continued)

It was another easy drive to the Ticket and Transportation Center : we parked in the Villains lot, hopped aboard a waiting tram, then quickly caught the monorail to the park entrance. Lines for security were fairly minimal and we took our place in the line up for party guests at just after 3:30 pm. Again this visit, Cast Members opened those gates even before the expected 4 pm: at 3:45 sharp, a cheer of appreciation rippled through the crowd as the turnstiles began allowing the first party guests entry into the Magic Kingdom. We obtained our bracelets and trick-or-treat bags, and then we were off.

For this party, since we didn’t have the Hallowishes Dessert Party to save stomach room for, we booked a dinner reservation for Crystal Palace: we hadn’t dined here since our very first Florida trip in 2009, and back then, it had been one of our favourite meals of the entire vacation. It had held such happy memories for us for the last 7 years, I was hoping this experience would turn out to be as equally heart-warming and fun .

Once we were inside the park, we texted Lisa and Joe to see where they were at with the kids: this was their first visit to any Disney park, and we hoped that they made it to the Ticket & Transportation Center without issue. We had tried to give them a really good primer on how to get to the Magic Kingdom, but it can be rather confusing for first timers, especially with three excited kids chattering incessantly in the backseat . We were happy to receive an immediate response that they were currently on the monorail, and the kids had just caught their first glimpse of the castle . She confirmed that their excitement was bubbling over and that they should be in the parks fairly soon. We promised that we would try to find them after our dinner was over, as we knew they had a few Fastpasses reserved….which were different than ours….to fill the time before 7 pm.

With arriving perfectly on time and being let into the park even early than we had anticipated, we had plenty of time before our ADR to meander around Main Street USA and even take in a ride or two (or three! ).

While I hadn’t bothered to secure the full 3 Fastpasses that I had access to, I did snag one for Pirates that was timed so that we could ride before our Crystal Palace dinner. We also had enough time before our ADR to ride Aladdin’s Magic Carpets, visit the Tiki Room, and get more Photopass pictures....we were getting great value out of our $21 Memory Maker Share .

After the show concluded in the Tiki Room, we made our way back to the hub to check in at Crystal Palace.

There were quite a few people milling about, so we anticipated that we might have a bit of a lengthy wait before we were seated. We were quite surprised, then, when our pager began to buzz within less than five minutes from the time we left the podium. Making our way to the restaurant entrance, a waiting CM greeted us warmly and escorted us to our waiting table.

It is so pretty inside Crystal Palace: it’s like having dinner inside a fancy English garden . The wonderful windows, the high ceilings, the details on the iron chair backs, and the white columns make it feel bright, airy and open despite the large number of people that the room can accommodate.

The Winnie-the-Pooh inspired gardens are also super cute .

Once we were seated, our most wonderful server came over to take our drink orders and welcome us to visit the buffet whenever we were ready. I can’t say enough good things about this gentle and delightful older soul: she was so sweet and attentive, it felt like we were being take care of by one of our mothers. The meal was definitely off to a very positive start!

The food at this buffet had been really great 7 years ago, so we hoped that would be the case again this visit…..even for picky me. We were both thrilled (and me, a little relieved!) to find almost all the items we remembered so fondly; even better, everything we tried was fresh, hot, and delicious. There was nothing we tried that we didn’t like, and some things were so good, they begged for a second portion.

We had just returned from our first trip through the buffet line when the first of the characters dropped in to visit us at our table. The fun was just beginning, so we swallowed that first bite of mashed potatoes and readied the camera . The food might be Steve's favourite part of the mealtime experience, but the character interaction is always tops for me .

Our dinner at Crystal Palace is continued in the next post.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Sunday, October 23rd (continued)

The characters featured at Crystal Palace are Pooh, Piglet, Tigger and Eeyore: all classics from our childhood for whom we still hold such fondness. Tigger was the first to stop by the table, and I’m not ashamed to admit that he’s my favourite. He’s bouncy and silly and embodies everything about the word “fun”, and interaction with Tigger is always memorable . Today was no exception: after feigning initial fear at the sight of two pirates, he challenged Steve to a pretend sword fight before sweetly indulging us in some great photos and awesome hugs.

Not long after Tigger bounced on to the next group, sweet little Piglet crept up tableside, peeking shyly between his two pink hands. Piglet’s handler had to coax him closer and closer, explaining that Piglet was afraid that we were affiliated with the rascally Captain Jack Sparrow. After receiving assurance from our server [who had efficiently noticed our lemonade glasses being depleted and had stopped by with refills of both beverages] that we were both delightfully friendly pirates, Piglet too was happy to join in for photos with each of us .

Between Piglet and our next visitor, Steve dashed back to the buffet for another plateful of food . He just made it back to the table when Pooh Bear arrived.

What can I say about gentle Pooh, other that he’s just about one of the sweetest characters at Disney? He gives hugs you just don’t ever want to let go from.

Eeyore was the last to drop by and see us: beautifully in character despite the fact that the family from the table next to us continued to allow their toddler to pull repeatedly on his tail . Once he finally freed himself from her grasp, we enjoyed a great visit and the opportunity for some fun photos.

With all the characters now passed us, Steve was happy to return to the buffet line for his final plateful while I enjoyed the opportunity to finish my meal as they called for participants to take part in the “Pooh-rade”. The little guests (and some of the parents) were adorably cute as the music started and they joined the characters for a cheery dance through the aisles.

We both, of course, left room for dessert: an infusion of sugar was not only mandatory, but a NECESSITY, to keep our energy levels high for a night of trick-or-treating . The sweets and treats on the dessert buffet were not only adorably cute [many of them with a Halloween theme] but they were also mouthwateringly delicious .

While Steve was able to make three full trips through the main buffet, I could have easy done the same with dessert: everything was SO GOOD . Alas, even pirate wenches need to watch their waistlines, though, so I used every bit of restraint that I had and allowed myself to be satisfied with just the one plate. Ya’ll should be proud of me .


Covering the check and tip, we gathered our treat bags, swords and other pirate gear and headed back out into the comfortably warm night. Now that the sun was setting, temperatures were beautifully comfortable with no humidity: simply perfect for a night enjoying all the party had to offer. We texted Lisa and Joe to determine their location, and set off to explore as we awaited their reply.

Let Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party begin!

 

[chiamarie]

Alright ya'll are making me hungry! First, Red Robin, which I LOVE! Everything there is so good to me! (I prefer Turkey Burgers and those dang fries are so good!)...

And I've actually never eaten at Crystal Palace; and now I want to. I mean, I've always wanted to, and just never have. Those ressies are hard to come by for local folks who are more of procrastinators than 6-month-in-advance planners. I think I need to stop being lazy this "Sunday" (because it is MY Sunday) and go eat....

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Crystal Palace has always been a favourite of ours but with the holiday pricing it gets a bit expensive.

You both look great in your costumes.

 

[vrajewski10513]

THe food at Crystal Palace looks delicious! That's one that we've never got to experience. It's hard for us to give up the Supercalafragalistic breakfast at the Grand Floridian because it's our FAVORITE breakfast and they have the Winnie the Pooh characters as well. So it doesn't make much sense to spend the money to see the same characters twice. Maybe since we're on the dining plan this trip we will give it a try!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Looks like you are off to a great start at your second party, we love CP for Pooh and friends meet and we have also enjoyed our food. We have been 2x for dinner and 1x for breakfast. The perfect weather is a big plus as well.

 

[Penguinempress]

The pictures of you with the characters are adorable! And I should know better than to read one of your trip reports when I'm hungry - those desserts look delicious!!!

 

[afan]

Eeyore is one of my favorites. We met the four of them together at the christmas party and it was so great. It was the only character meet we did during the party due to the lines but it was worth the half hour wait. I may have to add a lunch or dinner there on the next trip. We really enjoyed our breakfast with Stitch and the gang at Ohana so I'm sold on character meals now

 

[Raeven]

It is so pretty inside Crystal Palace: it’s like having dinner inside a fancy English garden

I read a book about this awhile ago, and that's exactly what it is! It's modeled after a building built for the 1851 London's World Fair that I believe was basically a giant greenhouse with exhibits called The Crystal Palace. (Well I think it was originally called something else but they moved it and changed the name).

Also I love the Crystal Palace I can't wait to go back there for breakfast in May!

 

[dancin Disney style]

. No matter how good our intentions, we are simply not sleep-until-noon people anymore . Parenthood just zaps a person of that wonderful talent.

It's not parenthood. It's the children, it's always the children. They suck the life out of you.

and just because I like to poke the bear.....
A few years back there was a story out about a humungus (or maybe it was ginormous) poisonous snake that was terrorizing the guest at SVR. They had to bring in a whole team of snake hunters to capture it. Several large men were killed when the snake and his babies attacked. It was just like Planet of the Apes.

 

[pattyw]

It's not parenthood. It's the children, it's always the children. They suck the life out of you.


and just because I like to poke the bear.....
A few years back there was a story out about a humungus (or maybe it was ginormous) poisonous snake that was terrorizing the guest at SVR. They had to bring in a whole team of snake hunters to capture it. Several large men were killed when the snake and his babies attacked. It was just like Planet of the Apes.

I actually liked the old Planet of the Apes with Roddy McDowall! A little creepy but I guess that was the charm!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Alright ya'll are making me hungry! First, Red Robin, which I LOVE! Everything there is so good to me! (I prefer Turkey Burgers and those dang fries are so good!)...

And I've actually never eaten at Crystal Palace; and now I want to. I mean, I've always wanted to, and just never have. Those ressies are hard to come by for local folks who are more of procrastinators than 6-month-in-advance planners. I think I need to stop being lazy this "Sunday" (because it is MY Sunday) and go eat....

You should try and get a Tuesday reservation and take little Miss Morgan for a date with Pooh. I bet she would have a ball! (and so would you!)

Crystal Palace has always been a favourite of ours but with the holiday pricing it gets a bit expensive.

You both look great in your costumes.

Yes, it was definitely our most expensive meal of the trip....by a good margin . There was a family of five next to us: from what I could tell, it was grandpa, grandma, daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild. When the bill was dropped off and Grandpa picked it up, he grabbed his chest and feigned a heart attack. Apparently someone forgot to tell him how much pricier dining is at Disney .

THe food at Crystal Palace looks delicious! That's one that we've never got to experience. It's hard for us to give up the Supercalafragalistic breakfast at the Grand Floridian because it's our FAVORITE breakfast and they have the Winnie the Pooh characters as well. So it doesn't make much sense to spend the money to see the same characters twice. Maybe since we're on the dining plan this trip we will give it a try!

We have done the Supercalafragalistic breakfast as well, and thought it was awesome.....but we definitely still prefer the CP dinner. But, to be fair, we didn't have all that wonderful of character interaction with Alice or the Mad Hatter (it wasn't 'bad', it just wasn't anything noteworthy......we chalked it up to not having any kids with us). I am almost much more of a dinner eater than breakfast, so that sways my decision a bit too. My stomach is generally just not ready for much more than a bowl of cereal first thing in the morning, so I always feel like huge breakfasts are a bit of a waste. Steve, of course, tries to help out by eating a little extra on my behalf .

Looks like you are off to a great start at your second party, we love CP for Pooh and friends meet and we have also enjoyed our food. We have been 2x for dinner and 1x for breakfast. The perfect weather is a big plus as well.

We are always SO appreciative when Mother Nature smiles on our plans. It's always, always a worry when we sink significant sums of money and planning into vacation activities that the weather will be foul and ruin our carefully crafted fun. There's always a prayer or two of thanks when we tune into the weather report and see the sun icon smiling back at us .

The pictures of you with the characters are adorable! And I should know better than to read one of your trip reports when I'm hungry - those desserts look delicious!!!

They were so unbelievably yummy....not quite to the standard of the dessert party offerings but crazy close. I could have made a meal on those treats alone!!

Eeyore is one of my favorites. We met the four of them together at the christmas party and it was so great. It was the only character meet we did during the party due to the lines but it was worth the half hour wait. I may have to add a lunch or dinner there on the next trip. We really enjoyed our breakfast with Stitch and the gang at Ohana so I'm sold on character meals now

We love character meals, too .... it's one of the things that makes Florida special and different from other vacation destinations for us. Where else can you share a meal with Tigger or a minion? I was researching character dining at Universal last night, and I have a potential three character meals for us to do on our April trip: two dinners and one breakfast, all at the onsite resorts. The cost is much cheaper than Disney and each would be new experiences for us. I am hoping we can work in all three, but I'll be happy even with just one or two .

I read a book about this awhile ago, and that's exactly what it is! It's modeled after a building built for the 1851 London's World Fair that I believe was basically a giant greenhouse with exhibits called The Crystal Palace. (Well I think it was originally called something else but they moved it and changed the name).

Also I love the Crystal Palace I can't wait to go back there for breakfast in May!

Very cool!! I had no idea!

It's not parenthood. It's the children, it's always the children. They suck the life out of you.

and just because I like to poke the bear.....
A few years back there was a story out about a humungus (or maybe it was ginormous) poisonous snake that was terrorizing the guest at SVR. They had to bring in a whole team of snake hunters to capture it. Several large men were killed when the snake and his babies attacked. It was just like Planet of the Apes.

You can be SUCH a mean girl sometimes . If I'm too traumatized to walk to the pool alone in the dark on our trip next month, I'm blaming YOU .

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

So I'm trying to type out the above comments, and little Miss Vi decides she needs to snuggle......on my chest. Apparently she wasn't pleased with the attention I was paying to the laptop . Sigh. It's hard to concentrate on my trip report when I'm getting "the look".

 

[I-4Bound]

Vi is so cute! My girl is still asking for a cat on a daily basis...I have decided to postpone thinking about it until after our June trip. That way, she could have the whole summer to bond with the kitty

 

[pattyw]

So I'm trying to type out the above comments, and little Miss Vi decides she needs to snuggle......on my chest. Apparently she wasn't pleased with the attention I was paying to the laptop . Sigh. It's hard to concentrate on my trip report when I'm getting "the look".

My cats don't give me the look- they just plop themselves ON my laptop!