First a Little Pomp & Circumstance,then a Whole Lot of Disney Dining! COMPLETE

[dixonsontour]

Great ending

 

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

What an excellent conclusion!

 

[deenbrad]

How wonderful that you got to meet up with Linda! I know you've been planning it for a while. Your daughter did a great job with the sign! I think it's great that your whole family got to go too!
That notebook is terrific too!!

 

[Tracerr00]

What a fantastic grande finale to your dining review! Thank you for an amazing, entertaining dining review and for all of the hard work you put in to provide the live updates! And thanks for helping us all to get together with other DISers, it was so much fun and we couldn't have done it without you. You are my DISidol.

 

[anhower]

I started your dining report last evening and had to stop it was getting too late and my co-workers would not want to be anywhere around me if I didn't get at least 5 hours of sleep I just finished it and wow, you did an amazing job!!! I really enjoyed reading all of your reviews and your pictures were incredible This October my DH and I will be going to WDW for the 3rd time and I'm thinking about doing a dining report. I'm not sure how hubby will react to me spending part of our dinner scribbling down notes and taking pictures, but maybe if I buy him his favorite drink, a magical star cocktail with a glowcube, he won't complain We're going 10/20-27 and staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort. Here are the reservations we have as of right now (subject to change, as they have umpteen times since I made them at our 180 day mark, as recently as last night around 9:00pm):

Narcoossee's (D)
Crystal Palace (B)
Cape May Cafe (D)
Kona Cafe (B)
Le Cellier (D)
Wishes Dessert Party
Cape May Cafe (B)
Yachtsman Steakhouse (D)
Fantasmic! package Brown Derby (L)
California grill (D)
Rainforest Cafe (L)
Artist Point (D)
1900 Park Fare (B)
Les Chefs de France (D)
3D Dessert Discovery
Cinderella's Royal Table (B)

We're on the DxDP so there will be a lot of eating. Last trip we made the mistake of having three meals on certain days (due to visiting other parks ) and eating everything we got because we felt guilty letting anything remain on our plates. This time we're having one breakfast or early lunch and a later dinner so that we won't feel as miserable at the end of the night.

So, I was wondering, do you have any advice on note taking or picture taking for a newbie? Do you get funny stares, or does anyone ask you not to take flash pictures in some of the darker restaurants? I'm thinking about taking along index cards or a flip notebook. I really enjoy reading dining reports as it helps me to make decisions when planning a trip, so I thought I'd do the same in return for others

 

[jabead]

Barb, I loved your dining report. That notebook is just epic. Linda totally got you the perfect present.

Thanks Rosey! And I totally agree about the notebook...I mean List Book.

Awesome meet up with Linda! I want cheesecake now lol!

Love the live updates too!

Yep, Becky (BlovesC) will be doing some live updates for us starting in just 5 days!

What a fantastic finale! I LOVE Linda's dining reviews, it's awesome that you two are friends offline as well now! That notebook was such a perfect gift, I love it! You have a beautiful family Barb, and THOSE CHEESECAKES are making me drool!

This was truly the most legendary of dining threads ever to hit the DIS, my hat is off to Barb for the incredible amount of work she's put in!

Thanks so much for the kind words, Becky. Can't wait to begin posting your live updates...just 5 more days!

Agreed with everything! That Dis meet sounded like the perfect way to end the summer and 'officially' conclude the dining review (although I'm definitely looking forward to more live updates in the future)! This thread has been so much fun to read, and there's still more to look forward to!

Thanks, Donald!

 

[jabead]

What a fantastic finale to your DR! How fun that you guys had a DISmeet outside of WDW! Those mini chesecakes look so yummy! Thanks for the great report, it definitely kept me entertained all summer.

Thanks jerseytink! You know, if you had told me just a few months ago that I was going to get to meet Linda (from the UK and one of my DIS idols) in my hometown in Central Illinois, I would have said you were crazy. But I'm so glad that it happened!

AWWW cute grand finale!! Looks like you had a blast, yummy cheesecakes too!

We did...or at least I did, I can't really speak for Linda. It was such a thrill for me to meet her!

 

[jabead]

Barb I was thrilled to read this grand finale update!!! BOTH of YOU are truly Dis dining board LEGENDS around here so it is fitting that both of you were able to provide a wonderful closure to this AWESOME dining report. Very welll done!!!

Your family looks like they did a great job making your UK visitors welcome. I'm sure Linda is just as blessed to have met you and your family!!

You make me want to rebook another WDW trip so I can continue to actively participate in the live reports of this thread! Perhaps I can start a live from Disneyland food thread. Somehow that is just not the same or as exciting.

I'm with Mr. DDW and awaiting all the fun of those who will be checking in and sharing a little bit of their trips with us.

Today I started a new list, using the book which Linda was so kind to give me. (And now I'm sure you are thinking, "Oh no...what now, Barb?" ) But this one is a list of all the DISers that I want to meet in person. And you, my dear DIS friend, are at the very top!

Since this is your grand finale, I guess it is time I chime in. I have been quietly following along through your entire report! And, I have very much enjoyed it!

Thank you for not only writing your report, but also for going above and beyond by starting a list of all the active reports AND be willing to post all these live updates!

I look forward to reading what's next!

Thank you so much for chiming in, Minnie_Mom (Emily)! And I see that you have a WDW trip coming up in Nov. and have started your PDR. Is it okay if I add your trip info to my list and also the link to your PDR?

Aw Barb, love your grand finale I am so glad that you got to meet up with Linda and Philip. I hope she is bringing me back some of those awesome mini cheesecakes

I can't wait to hear about their road trip

Well, I sent a box full of cheesecake with them for the road, but Linda texted me this morning to say that they had eaten them all last night as a snack. So sorry Joh, but you will just have to come here yourself to get those cheesecakes.

 

[DisneyMomFanatic]

Hi Barb,

Just wanted to let you know that I have followed through with the dining report. I have officially started mine. I have the link in my signature. Now I hope that it can live up to some of the great ones that I have read over the years with some of my report idols. You, Emmysmommy, DDW and more, just to name a few.

 

[jabead]

Great ending

What an excellent conclusion!

Thanks, for me it was a very "Disney-like" Happy Ending!

How wonderful that you got to meet up with Linda! I know you've been planning it for a while. Your daughter did a great job with the sign! I think it's great that your whole family got to go too!
That notebook is terrific too!!

Yes, DD2 is actually living 2 hours away at college now but happened to be home last weekend for the 3-day holiday weekend. So it all worked out perfectly! And I love my new "List" book!

What a fantastic grande finale to your dining review! Thank you for an amazing, entertaining dining review and for all of the hard work you put in to provide the live updates! And thanks for helping us all to get together with other DISers, it was so much fun and we couldn't have done it without you. You are my DISidol.

Awww, thanks Tracy! You know Minn-St. Paul is not that far from Illinois. There's only the entire state of Wisconsin between us!

 

[jabead]

I started your dining report last evening and had to stop it was getting too late and my co-workers would not want to be anywhere around me if I didn't get at least 5 hours of sleep I just finished it and wow, you did an amazing job!!! I really enjoyed reading all of your reviews and your pictures were incredible This October my DH and I will be going to WDW for the 3rd time and I'm thinking about doing a dining report. I'm not sure how hubby will react to me spending part of our dinner scribbling down notes and taking pictures, but maybe if I buy him his favorite drink, a magical star cocktail with a glowcube, he won't complain We're going 10/20-27 and staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort. Here are the reservations we have as of right now (subject to change, as they have umpteen times since I made them at our 180 day mark, as recently as last night around 9:00pm):

Narcoossee's (D)
Crystal Palace (B)
Cape May Cafe (D)
Kona Cafe (B)
Le Cellier (D)
Wishes Dessert Party
Cape May Cafe (B)
Yachtsman Steakhouse (D)
Fantasmic! package Brown Derby (L)
California grill (D)
Rainforest Cafe (L)
Artist Point (D)
1900 Park Fare (B)
Les Chefs de France (D)
3D Dessert Discovery
Cinderella's Royal Table (B)

We're on the DxDP so there will be a lot of eating. Last trip we made the mistake of having three meals on certain days (due to visiting other parks ) and eating everything we got because we felt guilty letting anything remain on our plates. This time we're having one breakfast or early lunch and a later dinner so that we won't feel as miserable at the end of the night.

So, I was wondering, do you have any advice on note taking or picture taking for a newbie? Do you get funny stares, or does anyone ask you not to take flash pictures in some of the darker restaurants? I'm thinking about taking along index cards or a flip notebook. I really enjoy reading dining reports as it helps me to make decisions when planning a trip, so I thought I'd do the same in return for others

Hi anhower! I'm so glad that you enjoyed my report! I'm also happy to hear that you are thinking about doing a Dining Report...I really hope you decide to give it a try! And I will be sure to add your trip info to my list.

As for my advice, I have a few tips for you. First of all, if you are given a paper menu (which is what they do at the Signature restaurants), then ask them if you may keep the menu to take home with you. This will help you a great deal when you try to remember just what exactly is on that plate that you ate two months ago. Oh, and don't count on the online menus being current, so if you can't keep the menu then take a picture of it. Also keep your all your receipts, as those will be of help too. As far as taking notes during meals, I really didn't do that...which you can probably tell from my lack of details regarding the food we ate. I usually just waited until we returned to our room in the evening and would then write down some notes and ask my family for their opinions regarding their food. My family will tolerate my taking pictures of our food, but do not want to be interrogated while they are eating it. As far as picture-taking, I have only been given the evil-eye by one gentleman while having breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe. I didn't let it bother me (too much anyway ). Other than that, I have had no problems. And regarding dark restaurants, the only one that I think might be a problem is Le Cellier. The tables can be rather close together, so you have to be careful not to blind your fellow diners with your camera flash, which you pretty much need to use in order to get good pictures there. Oh, and speaking of your ADRs, I think you have made some excellent choices...Kona Cafe (B), Le Cellier, YSH, California Grill, and Artist Point are all favorites of mine.

 

[jabead]

Hi Barb,

Just wanted to let you know that I have followed through with the dining report. I have officially started mine. I have the link in my signature. Now I hope that it can live up to some of the great ones that I have read over the years with some of my report idols. You, Emmysmommy, DDW and more, just to name a few.

Thank you, Karla! I feel very honored to be mentioned along with two great Disney Dining Reporters like Brenda and DDW. I'll get the link to your DR added to my list info, as well as get over there right away to join in!

 

[Linda67]

Greetings from St Louis everyone!!
Well where can I start Barb??
You and your lovely family made us both so welcome and I was just blown away by your hospitality
It was such a pleasure to meet you all and yes everyone, those cheesecakes are awesome!!!
Even though we have only just started our road trip, we already know that the time we spent in Lexington Illinois will be one of the highlights
Thanks for everything Barb
Ooh by the way, seeing as we are on a dining review board ....... a bit of Route 66 food news ..... Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St Louis -
Oh my word - incredible

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Greetings from St Louis everyone!!
Well where can I start Barb??
You and your lovely family made us both so welcome and I was just blown away by your hospitality
It was such a pleasure to meet you all and yes everyone, those cheesecakes are awesome!!!
Even though we have only just started our road trip, we already know that the time we spent in Lexington Illinois will be one of the highlights
Thanks for everything Barb
Ooh by the way, seeing as we are on a dining review board ....... a bit of Route 66 food news ..... Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St Louis -
Oh my word - incredible

It's so exciting to see a live update from you! Glad to hear you had such an amazing time in Lexington, and I hope the rest of your trip is just as memorable.

Also - thanks so much for the food update. Now, both the cheesecakes in Lexington and the frozen custard in St. Louis are on my "real world" list.

 

[jedijill]

Greetings from St Louis everyone!!
Well where can I start Barb??
You and your lovely family made us both so welcome and I was just blown away by your hospitality
It was such a pleasure to meet you all and yes everyone, those cheesecakes are awesome!!!
Even though we have only just started our road trip, we already know that the time we spent in Lexington Illinois will be one of the highlights
Thanks for everything Barb
Ooh by the way, seeing as we are on a dining review board ....... a bit of Route 66 food news ..... Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St Louis -
Oh my word - incredible

Yay! Posting from my home state! Ted Drewes is fantastic!

Jill in CO

 

[Minnie_Mom]

Thank you so much for chiming in, Minnie_Mom (Emily)! And I see that you have a WDW trip coming up in Nov. and have started your PDR. Is it okay if I add your trip info to my list and also the link to your PDR?

I would be honored to be added to your list... Thanks for asking!

 

[emmysmommy]

Today I started a new list, using the book which Linda was so kind to give me. (And now I'm sure you are thinking, "Oh no...what now, Barb?" ) But this one is a list of all the DISers that I want to meet in person. And you, my dear DIS friend, are at the very top!

Awwww... you make me want to run to the airport and purchase a ticket right now to go meet you. I'm seriously adding an extra day to our next Chicago trip!

 

[wilma-bride]

Well, I sent a box full of cheesecake with them for the road, but Linda texted me this morning to say that they had eaten them all last night as a snack. So sorry Joh, but you will just have to come here yourself to get those cheesecakes.

Yes, Linda very kindly 'popped' in to my trip report to let me know she had eaten all the cheesecake. It just goes to show that I can't rely on her to keep me in cheesecake - if you want a job doing properly, you just have to do it yourself. Since Route 66 is on my 'bucket list', I will most definitely keep you in mind if ever we make it that way

 

[jabead]

Just a reminder that two of our Dining Reporters are leaving for Disney World tomorrow.


jecskc - Susan and family will at Disney World from 9/7 - 9/14 and staying at the WLV.

doitforlove - Jenn and her DBF will be at WDW celebrating 3 years together. They will be staying at POP from 9/7 - 9/17.

 

[Linda67]

Yes, Linda very kindly 'popped' in to my trip report to let me know she had eaten all the cheesecake. It just goes to show that I can't rely on her to keep me in cheesecake - if you want a job doing properly, you just have to do it yourself. Since Route 66 is on my 'bucket list', I will most definitely keep you in mind if ever
we make it that way

Joh - you know I love you but the lure of the cheesecake was just too strong
Hello from Texas by the way!!