Following Dr. Seuss to BCV- a November 2011 TR Updates 6/11

[saintstickets]

Ellen...you are going to love Kauai. These are terrible pics. They were taken in Aug, 1982 but you get the idea of what you are in store for...

Road to Poipu

Lumahai Beach where they filmed South Pacific

Wailua Falls

Fern Grotto

Waimea Canyon (it will be 30-40 degrees cooler at the top)

Kilauea Beach Light House

 

[MAGICFOR2]

That's because it IS right out of South Pacific- that movie was filmed on Kauai, and the big scene in the beginning with all the sailors and Bloody Mary was filmed on Hanalei Bay- they actually call the mountain in the backround Bali Hai. http://www.summitpacificinc.com/Kauai/bali-hai.html

I guess that makes sense. I was going to say it looked just like Bali Hai, but I didn't know if anyone else would be an ancient movie musical watcher.

 

[podsnel]

Tyler, Timmy & I arrived at DHS ahead of Pods & Sean because they had stopped at the BW to use the facilities- I texted Pods, and he said to go ahead in, and we would meet up at some point- if not before, then at our dinner at Brown Derby. So the first thing T&T wanted to do was hit Star Tours, since they still hadn't seen the update-

We all thought it was GREAT! Next, we headed over to RnRC- where we met up with P&S-

We took turns, Pods & I, riding with T&T-

LOVE that ride, it's my absolute FAVORITE!! Now it was time to go over for our ADR at BD-

We checked in, and waited about 5 or 10 minutes for our ADR-

Brown Derby is a restaurant we have always enjoyed- I feel like it often gets a bad rap, and I can't understand it. My meals there have always been delicious, and this one was to be no exception! I started with The Fabulous Mariness -Absolut Pears Vodka, Patrón Silver, Lime Juice, Muddled Strawberries, and
Cilantro

It was lovely- but I think next time I will try one of the MANY flights they offer- this is a GREAT cocktail restaurant!

Sean was being very sweet- he wanted me to "do" Blue (you know- make the noises Blue makes)-

Sean has these jokes- he likes to say "Steve" and then we say "Daddy" then he says "Mommy" and we say "Blue". I guess he likes the male/female correlation and he finds it VERY amusing.

Pods started with Blue Lump Crab Spring Rolls, Snow Crab Claw, and an Asian Slaw with spicy Miso Aïoli 13.00

He really enjoyed them. I was in the mood for salad, so I bucked tradition and nixed the BD Salad in favor of Bibb Lettuce Salad drizzled with a Peppercorn-Sweet Onion Dressing, Cherry Tomatoes,
Shaved Radishes, and Parmesan-Seed Frico 10.00

Wow- was that delicious! Pods & I both thought it was perfection! Tyler had Portsmouth Lobster Bisque, Tarragon Oil, and a Sweet Corn-Lobster Relish 10.00

How fortunate for our wallet he was on a lobster diet this vacation. He did love this soup, though! French fries were brought out for Sean immediately, and they kept coming. We had such a nice server here! For my entree, I was DYING to try Coriander-dusted Grouper, Cauliflower Risotto, Pea Tendrils, crunchy Sunchokes,and a Yellow Tomato Coulis 33.00

Actually, looking at it, I also see purple cauliflower- anyway, whatever was on that plate, it was magnificent- I thoroughly enjoyed my entree! I encouraged Pods to have Sterling Silver Pan-seared Pork Tenderloin, Herb and Four-Cheese Spaetzle with Applewood-smoked Bacon,
Shallots, Sweet Peppers, Braised Red Cabbage, and an Apple Cider Jus 33.00

Tyler had it too-

Both of them thoroughly enjoyed their meals. The menu here was a little overwhelming for Tim, so he ordered from the children's menu and had Grilled Chicken Breast - with red potatoes, and broccoli $9.00

It was perfect for him. We had our dinner with these famous faces-

Sean, having finished his fries, decided he would help me finish my plate as well-

Sorry, but we once again skipped dessert! Oh well...one day, I'll try that grapefruit cake! Maybe my best shot is at Starring Roles...Naaah...I have to have a cupcake when I go there!! HBD is my favorite in-Park restaurant. That includes ALL of WDW and also Universal.

So there!

Up next- Osbourne Lights!!!

 

[karajeboo]

Hmmmm, HBD best in park restaurant? Defininitely best at DHS. Definitely best at DHS and MK. Definitely best at DHS, MK and AK. But Epcot? I dunno, I think it runs a tight race with Le Cellier and after my last trip San Angel Inn...... But I do agree that it is the BEST cocktail restaurant, and all their salads are excellent. I think it was raved about for so long that people just looked for any excuse to pan it. It's that whole idea of beating the best or something, but I have had really good meals there too.....

 

[podsnel]

I am back and all caught up!!!!!!!!

Welcome home!!! Has your TR started?

I am so glad you liked your lunch at the Captain's Grill. We ate there a few times and apart from one really crappy server we always had good food .... and that's what counts.
Your visit to the beach with Sean is really neat. I loved the video.


Walking to DHS? You rock, girl! We did that twice too and one time in the blazing August sun .....
The other time was a relaxing midnight stroll which we enjoyed much more (back to YC from DHS).

UGH...I walked from DHS to the front of EPCOT last year on a 95 degree day with 95% humidity- it was BRUTAL!! Midnight would be MUCH better!!

Okay and I am now officially JEALOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your Hawaii plans sound just awesome!!!!!!!!!!!! I need to show it to Tom tomorrow. I cannot wait to read the report for this trip - you ARE doing one, aren't you?

ABSOLUTELY!!! It will wonderful to write about new things!

Now going back to look at the photos again ..... wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't wait to take photos of my own- definitely going to need more photo cards! And maybe a new lens or 2!!

We have both... we have Italian ice AND shave ice..... We are cool like that....

I always KNEW I loved SC!! So what are those beans like? It sounds like such an odd but interesting combo!

Ellen...you are going to love Kauai. These are terrible pics. They were taken in Aug, 1982 but you get the idea of what you are in store for...

Road to Poipu

Lumahai Beach where they filmed South Pacific

Wailua Falls

Fern Grotto

Waimea Canyon (it will be 30-40 degrees cooler at the top)

Kilauea Beach Light House

THANK-YOU!!!!!!!!! It really is going to be out of this world there, isn't it? How long did you stay for? What part of the island? Did you visit any other ones? My last Hawaii pics were taken in 1986 and are all 3x5.....so excited to use my DSLR!!!!

I guess that makes sense. I was going to say it looked just like Bali Hai, but I didn't know if anyone else would be an ancient movie musical watcher.

I am! Loved that movie- just watched it again recently because of our upcoming trip. Such a beautiful music score....one famous tune after another.

 

[podsnel]

Hmmmm, HBD best in park restaurant? Defininitely best at DHS. Definitely best at DHS and MK. Definitely best at DHS, MK and AK. But Epcot? I dunno, I think it runs a tight race with Le Cellier and after my last trip San Angel Inn...... But I do agree that it is the BEST cocktail restaurant, and all their salads are excellent. I think it was raved about for so long that people just looked for any excuse to pan it. It's that whole idea of beating the best or something, but I have had really good meals there too.....

I'm not a big fan of Le Cellier- I like their soup and pretzel sticks, but their steaks are not even prime meat, - they are what you would get at a grocery store, aren't they? And I didn't like their prime rib at all- totally over seasoned, it upset my stomach for hours afterwards. Maybe at night there it's a different story, but I don't see their menu even being close to HBD's, during the day it's not even a signature- if you like that steakhouse, Kara PLEEEEEEZ come visit- I'd love to take you to Peter Leuger's and show you what a REAL steak is!!

 

[ortholablady]

I just went to Le Cellier on my trip a few weeks back. My brother and I both had the filet mignon. It's served over mushroom risotto with a mushroom sauce. Not usually how I eat steak but we both loved it and it seemed like a real good filet to me. And I am huge Ruth's Chris steak fan.
The BD food all looked really good. That's on my list of places I need to try.

How did you and the boys like the new Star Tours?

 

[MEK]

I have eaten at HBD three times and everytime it has been delish, so I have no idea where the bad rap comes from. We had the cutest waiter there last May and I found my new favorite wine there as well (conundrum), so what is not to love about the place?

Plus I love the theming! Your meals look delish!

 

[MEK]

After I logged off I realized that I forgot to comment on how wonderful Bill's pictures were. I looked at them last night and they are lovely! Strong work Bill!

 

[seelyt2]

I am LOVING your trip report!

What a great surprise to see Bali Hai Mom made us watch it when my sister and I were girls and we instantly fell in love. About a month before mom died we dressed her up like Bloody Mary in the hospital to surprise my very stressed out sister and we sang "Happy Talk". I never knew where the actual mountain was or where it was filled - so this was a wonderful, wonderful surprise Thanks for sharing!!!

Ellen - I know you're DVC....do you buy the dining plan or just do your own thing? Everything looks so wonderful!!! And I'm starving now Got an hour 'till lunch.

Thanks again for sharing your adventures!!!

 

[saintstickets]

THANK-YOU!!!!!!!!! It really is going to be out of this world there, isn't it? How long did you stay for? What part of the island? Did you visit any other ones? My last Hawaii pics were taken in 1986 and are all 3x5.....so excited to use my DSLR!!!!

DW and I stayed in Lihue, Kauai for our honeymoon in August, 1982 for a week. At that time, the island had only a handful of places to stay. A huge hurricane hit Kauai 4 months after we left followed by another one in 1992. One of those destroyed the place where we stayed and most everything else as well. Of course everything has been built back and probably much nicer as well. I know you will enjoy Kauai. It is called the "Garden Isle" for a good reason. Take lots of pics!

 

[dizneeat]

Somehow I missed to post a reply to your update, yesterday.

I love all your family pics and the pics of Sean feeding you is awesome! Melts my heart. And the blue dog one is hilarious!
You all look so incredibly happy, but why shouldn't you - at your happy place.

Your review of the BD makes me think about trying it again. We loved the food - very nice grub and one of the VERY few restaurants that actually sells Disney (Silverado) wine.
We went in the summer and felt very out of place in our sweaty theme park attire .
I guess going in February would be an option, as your food looks very tempting.

 

[CRdisMom]

how was star tours with not being rushed....LOL

 

[MAGICFOR2]

We've only eaten at BD once, but it is our favorite meal so far in the parks. We haven't done and TS in Epcot though, so I guess we are a little inexperienced there.

oooo, I should watch South Pacific this weekend! 3 more days!!!!! Jim is already there - texted me a pic of water and palm trees where he ate lunch, while I was watching it snow like crazy!

 

[podsnel]

I just went to Le Cellier on my trip a few weeks back. My brother and I both had the filet mignon. It's served over mushroom risotto with a mushroom sauce. Not usually how I eat steak but we both loved it and it seemed like a real good filet to me. And I am huge Ruth's Chris steak fan.
The BD food all looked really good. That's on my list of places I need to try.

How did you and the boys like the new Star Tours?

I know that filet is very popular! I just feel that the food at BD is more sophisticated (the menu at night is different now, though, I guess) and I like the atmoshere- very old Hollywood.

We all loved Star Tours- before we went in, Tyler was saying why do we need these glasses?? I kept telling him it was all changed, but he's 14- pretty sure he only listens to about 2% of what I say!

I have eaten at HBD three times and everytime it has been delish, so I have no idea where the bad rap comes from. We had the cutest waiter there last May and I found my new favorite wine there as well (conundrum), so what is not to love about the place?

Plus I love the theming! Your meals look delish!

I know conundrum is very popular! I like the other wine by that Wagner family- my favorite Cabernet EVER, Caymus. It is so complex, tastes like it has molten chocolate in the bottle. Very $$ though. They did a wine segment at F&W a few years ago- they said it was Caymus, but it turned out to be Belle Glos (which they also have), the pinot noir. Lovely wine, but it wasn't Caymus and I was disappointed. Anyway, that Wagner Family makes a LOT of great wine! http://www.wagnerfamilyofwine.com/[...ual pass. I think it's a great perk![/COLOR]

 

[podsnel]

DW and I stayed in Lihue, Kauai for our honeymoon in August, 1982 for a week. At that time, the island had only a handful of places to stay. A huge hurricane hit Kauai 4 months after we left followed by another one in 1992. One of those destroyed the place where we stayed and most everything else as well. Of course everything has been built back and probably much nicer as well. I know you will enjoy Kauai. It is called the "Garden Isle" for a good reason. Take lots of pics!

Were you at the Coco Palms? How very progressive of you to stay on Kauai in 1982- we got married June 1986, and Kauai was still not a place anyone really went- I also did not realize it was the paradise from South Pacific at the time- if I had, I might have wanted to go!

Somehow I missed to post a reply to your update, yesterday.

I love all your family pics and the pics of Sean feeding you is awesome! Melts my heart. And the blue dog one is hilarious!
You all look so incredibly happy, but why shouldn't you - at your happy place.

Your review of the BD makes me think about trying it again. We loved the food - very nice grub and one of the VERY few restaurants that actually sells Disney (Silverado) wine.
We went in the summer and felt very out of place in our sweaty theme park attire .
I guess going in February would be an option, as your food looks very tempting.

We were happy at dinner, Sean was relaxed. When dinner ended, however, he started to get stressed out again, so Pods brought him back to BCV. It was a very tense vacation, to be honest, but we were making the best of it.

how was star tours with not being rushed....LOL

MUCH better!!

We've only eaten at BD once, but it is our favorite meal so far in the parks. We haven't done and TS in Epcot though, so I guess we are a little inexperienced there.

EPCOT is so much fun to eat in- all those different countries!! The French restaurant, the one upstairs, Bistro de Paris, is amazing. But I still enjoy HBD more.

oooo, I should watch South Pacific this weekend! 3 more days!!!!! Jim is already there - texted me a pic of water and palm trees where he ate lunch, while I was watching it snow like crazy!

I post this thread on the Mousecellaneous board, too- you should go have a look, Spleen gave me a lot of Oahu restaurant advice, and lots of it was in Honolulu- plus he included a link to another running thread about Hawaii food.

If I don't talk to you before hand, please have a GLORIOUS vacation, and bring back LOTS of photos for all of us!!

 

[RGirl]

Oh, your Hawaii plans look amazing!!!! Will you be able to post a trip somewhere????

We LOVE BD too! I have never figured out why so many people dislike it. We have only been to WDW twice, but we have dined there both trips.

PLEASE don't apologize!!! I still have to read yours, too!!

And you are NOT old- I am older than you! I hope you do get to take an adult trip sometime, though- it's nice to have a break from doing everything for everyone BUT yourself!

Well, you better get on it if you're going to read mine. I'm onto a second BONUS surprise trip to Disneyland at this point. Hoping to finish the whole thing pretty darn soon.

Well, you may be older than I am, but were you 42 with a five-year-old child??? THAT will age you FAST!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Thank you Ellen! I have looked there once before, but I didn't remember to keep looking, I'm planning to have a wonderful time, Hope you stay warm and the storms quit coming!

 

[Beth D]

Wow, gone for a week, and I had 4+ pages to catch up with!

Love the pics of Sean on the beach, he looks so relaxed!

I can't wait for your Hawaii TR, it sounds like it's going to be an awesome time! If you have time, read the review of Aulani on mousesavers. She really gets to the heart of some of it's issues, and hopefully what they are improving on. I'll get to Hawaii one of these days, it's on the list...

DS and I both rode RRC and loved it as well. We also loved Star Tours as we are HUGE Star Wars freaks! We played the guessing game as to which tour we would have, and I actually guessed right! Out of all the combinations...

 

[Wicket's Mom]

Ellen, what awonderful vacation you will have in Hawaii!

I love the smile on Sean's face in his photo. That smile is beautiful & sweet.

I'm enjoying my last few days of a Florida vacayion. Been here for 3 weeks. I did get a new ticker while on my trip! Yay!