Food, SQUIRREL, and When We Are Old...A March 2012 TR

[oopsiDAISY]

Prayers said for the strength to get through this difficult time.

Thanks so much for the prayers and support!

I revert to your earlier comment about winning the lottery.......work problem solved

OMgoodness, Solana...you are BRILLIANT! Why didn't I think of that? See, this is why I surround myself with great people, thanks!!!

Enjoying your trip report. We are fellow Tennessean's. Howdy

Praying for your family to have guidance with your financial ordeal. I personally know that financial trouble can put a strain on your entire family.

and fellow Tennesseean!!! Thanks for the prayers and kind thoughts. We are just taking one day at a time. We know we can get through this, it just won't come easy.

I'm here! I supposed it's better late than never!

I'm really enjoying your TR!! And the squirrel? YIPES!!! Poor little guy!

As for your latest post, 's to you. I hope that you guys can figure out a solution soon. I know it's hard, but with a little help and support from your friends, and the Man Upstairs, it will all get better!

I subbed to your TR too. It's great to see another local Disfriend! And thank you for the kind words. We will do the best we can with what we have and trust God to take care of the rest. What else can you do?

Can't wait to hear about your astronaut story! I'll probably share it with DH, too.

We usually end up in WSC as soon as it opens, so it always made more sense to just dine there. Maybe one year we can venture back over to The Land building.

That was back in 2010 ... nothing since.

Definitely praying that God will provide you with some suggestions.

And this is your TR, please whine or vent all you need to. We're all family here!

YAY! More TN people!! HI!!!

Oh, this astronaut story will surely make your DH feel better about his reaction to that ride, I promise.

Thanks for your encouraging words.

Thanks to all of you for your support. It all helps to lighten the emotional load. I am doing better, and so is Brian. We know that we just have to take this one moment and one situation at a time. We will adjust and we will get caught back up..one good financial decision at a time!

Getting ready to post another update in a couple hours....

 

[oopsiDAISY]

DAY 2, MARCH 9, 2012 cont.'d

After taking a nap everyone was ready to have a great dinner and stay awake and party until after midnight! Tonight was midnight EMH at Epcot! As we headed toward World Showcase to our dinner destination we spied this work in progress:

A sand sculpture advertising the newest Disney Nature film. When we were here last year there was one for the Big Cats film. When we came back on day two of Epcot for this trip, it was finished. We really appreciate the work that goes into these more since we are now fans of the show on TV where they build them.

Where were we headed for dinner? Well, we were headed to France! Oooh-la-la! We would be dining at Chef's de France. While we waited for our table the kids spied Remy visiting a table through the front windows. I had not told them this may happen, wished for it to be a surprise. They were very excited! Our name was called and we were taken to our table...we had a window table!

We had a lovely server that evening. She went out of her way to make sure we were taken care of. After our experience at Raglan Road, she was a breath of fresh air!

We started out with the delicious, warm, and crusty French Baguette with butter. Ooooh, it was sooooooo good! We all ordered from the prix fixe menu. I ordered this bowl of heaven:

Mmmmm- the French Onion Soup. It was hot, gooey, melty and divine! (What? Wait a minute...where is the cloud 9 emoticon?)

Jillian and Brian both got the Lobster Bisque. I do not have pictures of it. They liked it, but when given the option to try my little bowl of heaven, they both agreed that they should have gotten the French Onion. Allow me a short rant, please... You are dining at a French restaurant. If there is something on the menu that has French in the name of it ORDER IT! It was invented in that country, I think they may know a thing or two about how to make it phenominal. You can order a lobster soup at a dining establishment whose specialty is seafood. Just sayin....

For entrees here is what we got:

Yes, I got something sort of common: Roasted Chicken, Rissole Potatoes, and Steamed Broccoli. I was just in the mood for something "homey" that night for dinner and this fit the bill. Both the chicken and the potatoes were crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. The chicken was perfectly seasoned and very moist. I was not at all disappointed with this meal.

And then we have the "I should have ordered that" dinner of the night:

Folks, this is the Beef Short Ribs and it is TO DIE FOR!

This is what Jillian and Brian ordered. The menu describes it this way: braised in Cabernet with pasta, pearl onions and mushrooms. It was so tender, so tasty, so good. It was so good in fact, that I impressed Brian with my Disney knowledge when I requested the recipe from the chef. The waitress seemed to be caught off guard as well, and said she didn't know if that was possible. She offered to ask the chef and when she came back, lo and behold she had a request form to fill out! SCORE!!! Thank you DIS for that little bit of knowlege! Our recipe came in through email the week after we got home. I haven't tried it yet, but it is a surprisingly simple recipe that we will definitely try! I am thinking this may be a good Father's Day surprise for my sweet husband.

While Jillian was devouring her dinner she rolled her eyes in ecstacy and made the statement that inspired the "food" part of my TR title..."Mommy, Disney World has the BEST FOOD!" Yes, a true Diser in the making here folks!

Gabe and Charity both ordered Pasta and Chicken...just picture chicken fingers on top of plain penne pasta. Not too exciting, but you would have thought they had ordered something exotic and delicious the way they carried on. These were apparently THE BEST chicken fingers they had ever eaten!

For dessert we ordered the Creme Brulee', the Profiteroles au chocolat, and Jillian ordered some sort of chocolate cake concoction that is not listed on allears. All the desserts were so delicious too. These were, by far, some of our favorite desserts from the whole trip. We liked them so much, we devoured them without a thought of taking a stinking picture!

Chefs de France was a hit from beginning to end with our family. We loved every bit of it! Our only disappointment was that Chef Remy didn't make any dining room visits while we were there (except for right before we were seated). I am glad that at least my children got to see him through the window!

As a side note, I printed off gratuity envelopes for the trip, and we only had two servers who noticed and commented on them. Our Chefs de France server noticed, and proceeded to show all the other servers while she grinned from ear to ear. And just so you know, we gave her a BIG tip. After our RR experience, we knew she well deserved it.

After dinner it was time to split up and do some of the must do's!!! Who is going where? What must we do? To be continued...

 

[snoopypharmd]

Enjoying your report! I just schooled my kids on the dangers of squirrels at Disney ... and confused them AGAIN about when we are going At least Nathan gets it - he told Parker no wait til done with chain! (I made them a countdown chain so they can "see" when we go.)

And prayers for your financial issues They are definitely STRESSFUL! But I am sure this will make you pull together as a family and enjoy each other more than things ... and be even more grateful for the Disney trips you get to take

 

[MissPrice]

Great update! I'm thinking of adding the French restaurant to my ADR's in January. That onion soup looks sooo yummy. Also, wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you in these tough times and I hope all is well. -Amanda

 

[bookmama]

omg that was so cute.

 

[Cinderella's slipper]

I pray that God gives you and your husband the strength, courage and creativity necessary to weather this experience. Thank you for your great trip report. I am now all caught up and have grimmaced (at the RR waiter's attitude and service), laughed and smiled throughout while reading.

Thank you,

 

[smellyia]

I'm joining in - your reveal video almost had me in tears and my own DD (2) made me replay it four times and got excited right along with your kids!

Your Chefs meal looks fantastic...we have an ADR there next month and I AM SO GLAD I insisted based off of your pics.

 

[DMGeurts]

Oopsi!!! I loved the update!

All of the food looks fantastic - I seriously think that we will be putting this on our must do on our next trip. I haven't gotten to the spot in my TR about our disappointment in our Epcot restaurant choice, but I really think that we will be heading to France next time.

I've heard rave reviews on the french onion soup - and your pictures make me want to have it for breakfast - LOL... And I may just have to go in search for that recipe (the beef short ribs) - they look absolutely delicious!

I ROFLed at the BEST chicken and noodles ever! LOL Too funny - but I can totally relate... Allison thought that POFQ had the BEST chicken strips ever.

Thanks for the great update - and I am so glad you finally had a wonderful server! I wish I would have printed out tip envelopes too - that would have made that portion much easier.

D~

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

I've never thought to print out envelopes for the servers. I always do it for mousekeeping. Great idea.

 

[oopsiDAISY]

Enjoying your report! I just schooled my kids on the dangers of squirrels at Disney ... and confused them AGAIN about when we are going At least Nathan gets it - he told Parker no wait til done with chain! (I made them a countdown chain so they can "see" when we go.)

And prayers for your financial issues. They are definitely STRESSFUL! But I am sure this will make you pull together as a family and enjoy each other more than things ... and be even more grateful for the Disney trips you get to take.

So glad to have you join us! Good for you on warning your little ones about those evil Florida squirrels. Gabe's motto the rest of the trip was "Disney squirrels are not nice!"

Oh so jealous that you have a trip coming soon! But I am happy for you and your family. You will have such a great time! Will you do a TR? I will be sure to tune in for it... (btw- when we don't surprise the kids, we do paper chains too!)

Thank you for the encouragement about our finances. We ARE a close family and do appreciate each other immensely. I am always grateful that things like movie nights, carpet picnics, backyard bonfires and family game nights are free! And yes, Disney is always a welcome reward for the every day sacrifices we make!

Great update! I'm thinking of adding the French restaurant to my ADR's in January. That onion soup looks sooo yummy. Also, wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you in these tough times and I hope all is well. -Amanda

Oh Chefs is at the top of our list now of favorite Disney restaurants. That food was just out of this world delicious. I highly recommend it!

And thank you so very much for the kind words. We will get through this and be stronger in the end. The sacrifices we must make with our finances are worth having all of us on the same schedule. Our Saturdays together are so precious to us. It has been over 5 years since we have had a "normal" schedule. Before Brian was on the Tuesday-Saturday schedule he was on second shift. M-F 7-3:30 is WONDERFUL!!!!

omg that was so cute.

Thanks!

I pray that God gives you and your husband the strength, courage and creativity necessary to weather this experience. Thank you for your great trip report. I am now all caught up and have grimmaced (at the RR waiter's attitude and service), laughed and smiled throughout while reading.

Thank you,

Ahhh, you are so sweet! Thank you so much for the kind words of encouragement! Disfriends are so wonderful!

So glad you are enjoying the TR. This is my first, and does not have as many pictures as I would like, but I am enjoying writing it. It keeps the magic alive for me as I wait for our next trip...

I'm joining in - your reveal video almost had me in tears and my own DD (2) made me replay it four times and got excited right along with your kids!

Your Chefs meal looks fantastic...we have an ADR there next month and I AM SO GLAD I insisted based off of your pics.

So glad to have you join the fun! I just that your little daughter liked the video. The excitement truly is contageous! Has she been to Disney at all yet, or will this be her first time? Disney is just so special and magical!

You will LOVE Chefs de France!!! Can't wait to hear about your trip when you get back... What other ADR's do you have?

Oopsi!!! I loved the update!

All of the food looks fantastic - I seriously think that we will be putting this on our must do on our next trip. I haven't gotten to the spot in my TR about our disappointment in our Epcot restaurant choice, but I really think that we will be heading to France next time.

I've heard rave reviews on the french onion soup - and your pictures make me want to have it for breakfast - LOL... And I may just have to go in search for that recipe (the beef short ribs) - they look absolutely delicious!

I ROFLed at the BEST chicken and noodles ever! LOL Too funny - but I can totally relate... Allison thought that POFQ had the BEST chicken strips ever.

Thanks for the great update - and I am so glad you finally had a wonderful server! I wish I would have printed out tip envelopes too - that would have made that portion much easier.

D~

You should definitely try Chefs- it was reeeeeeaaaaalllly GOOD! I checked allears to see if they had the short ribs recipe and they do not. Would you like for me to scan it and email it to you? It is a simple recipe with not many ingredients, and nothing "exotic". I would be happy to share it with you.

Hmmmm- wonder what Epcot restaurant you had a bad experience at? Wonder if it is on my "need to try" list?

I am all for getting as much done BEFORE the trip as possible. We had the envelopes printed, and a "baseline" tip amount already put in them. We added some $ to the envelopes when our service was exceptional.

I've never thought to print out envelopes for the servers. I always do it for mousekeeping. Great idea.

Yes, like I said, we had two servers who really liked them too. The chefs' server liked it a lot, but just wait until I tell about the other server that liked it...a great story that made the little bit of effort I put into them well worth it!

 

[DMGeurts]

You should definitely try Chefs- it was reeeeeeaaaaalllly GOOD! I checked allears to see if they had the short ribs recipe and they do not. Would you like for me to scan it and email it to you? It is a simple recipe with not many ingredients, and nothing "exotic". I would be happy to share it with you.

I would love it if you would share with me... Do you still have my email - or do you need me to resend it?

Hmmmm- wonder what Epcot restaurant you had a bad experience at? Wonder if it is on my "need to try" list?

I am all for getting as much done BEFORE the trip as possible. We had the envelopes printed, and a "baseline" tip amount already put in them. We added some $ to the envelopes when our service was exceptional.

I wrote down and figured out how much I should be tipping for each meal, then I created quick print out and carried it with me in my Mini-Planner... I purchased just enough in gift cards to pay for our tips - I did reference my cheat sheet often so I didn't over spend. I am still kind of stupified that I even tipped our server at 50's... It never even occured to me not to.

D~

 

[smellyia]

So glad to have you join the fun! I just that your little daughter liked the video. The excitement truly is contageous! Has she been to Disney at all yet, or will this be her first time? Disney is just so special and magical!

You will LOVE Chefs de France!!! Can't wait to hear about your trip when you get back... What other ADR's do you have?

This is a first trip - I've been to DLR bunches, but DH and DD are noobs. We have been watching video, movies, and looking up pictures of the characters to get her excited...I've created a monster. Discovery Channel aired a bunch of great WDW specials and we've watched those about ten times apiece.


We have quite a few now....we love going out to eat now that DD is a bit more....understanding of the process (nicely put). So in addition to Chefs, I've booked Teppan Edo, Kona Cafe (B), Cape May (B), Crystal Palace (D) (I need to confirm there are characters at dinner as well), Raglan Rd, TRex, Wolfgang Puck....I'm pretty sure we'll change WP and if I can get a cancellation at Ohana, I'd be THRILLED. DH just told me we could go a day or two early...so of course, changes are in front of me....I keep seeing great things about Kouzzina...

 

[Lidian]

I have a picture of the Profiteroles au chocolat (puffs with chocolate sauce).

We dined there in 2010 and have been looking forward to getting everything else done so we could go back! We had an amazing meal, and amazing chef, an amazing server. The whole thing was amazing. The French Onion soup was AMAZING! DH had the Lobster Bisque and he said it was the best he's ever had.

So those who are considering Chefs de France, I RECOMMEND IT!!!!

It definitely makes my list every year, but haven't been able to get back just yet. Maybe 2013 will be the year.

 

[oopsiDAISY]

I have a picture of the Profiteroles au chocolat (puffs with chocolate sauce).

We dined there in 2010 and have been looking forward to getting everything else done so we could go back! We had an amazing meal, and amazing chef, an amazing server. The whole thing was amazing. The French Onion soup was AMAZING! DH had the Lobster Bisque and he said it was the best he's ever had.

So those who are considering Chefs de France, I RECOMMEND IT!!!!

It definitely makes my list every year, but haven't been able to get back just yet. Maybe 2013 will be the year.

Ah yes, the Profiteroles au chocolat...so delicious!

Brian definitely said the Lobster Bisque was the best he had ever had....BUT after tasting the French Onion, he wished he would have ordered IT!

 

[DMGeurts]

OK - NUM!!! This is definately at the TOP of my list for our next trip!

D~

 

[Cinderella's slipper]

So glad you are enjoying the TR. This is my first, and does not have as many pictures as I would like, but I am enjoying writing it. It keeps the magic alive for me as I wait for our next trip...

I wasn't quite sure how to express my appreciation to you and others who have the writing ability and know how to "keep the magic alive" while we are counting down until our next vacation. I love the pictures you included. Thank you.

 

[wakica]

oh wow, that food looks SO WONDERFUL!!!! Now I want to add a Chef de France ressie to my trip!!! I wonder if DH would notice if I snuck another ADR in???

 

[danielle79]

Ok all caught up, what a great TR! I didnt make one when we went in February 2011 and I wish I had, I don't feel computer saavy enough. Really enjoying all the food pics and your family is adorable! I love French Onion, so I definatly want to try that next time. We are hoping to go Jan/ Feb 2013 but another trip for my oldest daughter has come up so keeping my fingers crossed we can swing both!

 

[oopsiDAISY]

OK - NUM!!! This is definately at the TOP of my list for our next trip!

D~

Oh yeah~Chefs is one that will always be remembered...the food was just that delicious. Go and come back with more drool-worthy photos for us!

I wasn't quite sure how to express my appreciation to you and others who have the writing ability and know how to "keep the magic alive" while we are counting down until our next vacation. I love the pictures you included. Thank you.

I think I would just wither up and die if I didn't have the Disboards to feed my Disney addiction between trips! Okay, maybe that is being a little mellow-dramatic, but I do my Disboards!

oh wow, that food looks SO WONDERFUL!!!! Now I want to add a Chef de France ressie to my trip!!! I wonder if DH would notice if I snuck another ADR in???

Aw, go ahead, he'll never notice! Anyhow, you take him to Chefs and he will soon be thanking you for the most heavenly dining experience he has ever experienced!

Ok all caught up, what a great TR! I didnt make one when we went in February 2011 and I wish I had, I don't feel computer saavy enough. Really enjoying all the food pics and your family is adorable! I love French Onion, so I definatly want to try that next time. We are hoping to go Jan/ Feb 2013 but another trip for my oldest daughter has come up so keeping my fingers crossed we can swing both!

Aww thanks for the compliments! I am having fun doing this. I wasn't sure I could do it either, but with a little help from a few Disfriends when I needed it, I have been able to figure it out. I enjoy doing it and I am glad you enjoy reading it. You should definitely give it a go sometime. Just PM me for any questions you have. That's what I did!

 

[teetee830]

Hi, I followed you over from Lidan's TR. I was at POFQ the same week, we had to come home the 10th.

Your surprise video was so cute. I tried to surprise my DS our Dec '10 trip, I was going to just see how long it took him to figure out where we were going but he freaked out about getting on the plane so I told him at the airport. He then decided we should just drive. He finally got on the plane and loved it, after he asked the flight attendent to please ask the pilot to fly slow.

I'm sorry to say I had to laugh really hard at the squirrel story. I have known for a while that squirrels are evil, they tease my dog unmercifully. I could also see my DS doing the same thing.

Can't wait to read more.