wilma-bride
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- Joined
- Jul 13, 2005
- Messages
- 22,681
Tuesday 5th November
Last night we had decided that we would visit Hollywood Studios today. For whatever reason, none of us were really feeling it when we got up this morning though. With hindsight, we probably should have just spent some time chilling out at the hotel pool or something but we didnt have many days left so didnt want to waste time. Sian and I were showered and dressed first so we went down to the hotel shop, Cabanas, to have a nosey around. I picked up a Pluto pin for Daniel (he had decided that he wanted to start pin trading on our next trip) and went to pay for it. The CM behind the counter brought out a big tray of pins and told me he would give me the chance to win one by answering a question. I dont recall the question but it was pretty easy and I got to choose a pin. He then gave Sian the chance to win another by answering another question. She got hers right too, so we were able to go back up to the room with three pins to start Daniel off with his collection.
We walked out to the boat dock and caught the Friendship Boat, heading for Hollywood Studios. The first mate (or whatever the guy/girl who doesnt drive the boat is called) took our picture.
We arrived at the Studios just before opening Daniel and I just had time to take a selfie while we were waiting in line.
Once in, Gary went to get Fastpasses for Toy Story Mania while the rest of us went straight to Starring Rolls to get breakfast.
We got an early return time so, after breakfast, we rode Tower of Terror and then got Fast Passes for Rock n Roller Coaster before heading over to ride Toy Story Mania. Gary absolutely slayed me.
I cant help but think how good my score would be if I could only improve my accuracy.
Next we rode Tower of Terror again, before our window opened for Rock n Roller Coaster with our Fastpasses.
This was where we ought to have made the sensible decision to leave the park and head back to the hotel for some pool time. Instead, we decided to see the new Jack Sparrow attraction. Big mistake! Not only did we wait over 45 minutes for it in the sweltering heat outside but, when we finally got in, it wasnt even that good. And, of course, you are standing all the time so we were truly fed up after that.
After another go on Tower of Terror (wed got another FP when our Rock n Roller Coaster FP window opened) we decided to make our way back to the hotel.
We debated for a while on whether to walk but, as we left the park, a boat was approaching so we hopped on board. As we approached the Swolphin, the captain pointed out that there was a bald eagle on the roof of the Swan. In the picture below, you can just see him on top of the Swans head.
This shot was taken from the other side but he can be seen much more clearly.
Back at the hotel, the kids didnt really want to go to the pool so we opted for Downtown Disney instead. We parked up and Sian and I popped in to Guest Services, to upgrade her MYW ticket to an Annual Pass, as we would be coming back to WDW in March for her Birthday. Since she still lives at home, by showing her ID and proof of address, she was eligible for the DVC Member discount on her Annual Pass.
I loved the fall decorations.
It was a beautiful afternoon so what else could we do but enjoy some Ghirardelli ice-cream in the sunshine.
Sian Warm Brownie Sundae
Me and Daniel Mint Bliss Sundae
Gary Ocean Beach (Sea Salt Caramel Sundae)
It was quite surreal, sitting in the blazing hot sunshine while Christmas songs were playing yes, it was only the 5th November and they were playing Christmas songs!
After a pleasant afternoons shopping, we drove back to the hotel. We spent some time just chilling, sorted out some stuff to go in the Owners Locker and attempted a bit of packing. A bit later on, Daniel announced he was starving so we freshened up and decided to head out for dinner. As we got into the lift to go down from the 8th floor, 3 young kids ran out. We stepped in and realised the little sods had pressed every single button on the lift. I mentioned something about them being unsupervised and called them a rather unsavoury name, to which Sian retorted that I shouldn't speak about little kids like that, and said I wouldn't like it if somebody called Daniel that. I pointed out that, if Daniel had done the same thing, somebody would be perfectly within their rights to call him a name. Sian got into a bit of a sulk and we ended up having words. Looking back, it was really something and nothing but I think this was probably the culmination of having spent more time together over the last 10 days than we have in years. Plus, as I said earlier, we were all a little fed up today, for some reason. We ended up driving to the restaurant in silence - something which, I'm sure, Gary was very grateful for. So, anyway, tonight's restaurant of choice was another of the new places on our list, the Teak Neighbourhood Grill.
It was quite a distance from WDW and would have been difficult to find without the aid of our trusty SatNav. I had seen this place reviewed in another trip report a while ago and thought it sounded interesting, partly because of the extensive cocktail menu but mainly because of the varied (and unusual) burger options on the dinner menu, including this one.
We ordered drinks and I started out with a Cosmopolitan.
Next up was the food. We decided to share a couple of appetisers.
Fresh-Fried Mozzarella Rounds
BBQ Chicken Wings
Then it was onto main course. Since we had come all this way, Gary had no option really than to go for the obvious. We were a bit surprised, thinking it would be one doughnut, split in half to form the bun but, no, there was one on the top and another on the bottom. Gary tried his best but, unsurprisingly, was unable to finish this. The freshly made potato chips served with the burger were absolutely amazing.
Daniel chose the BBQ Chicken Flatbread (no onions)
Sian had some kind of pulled pork sandwich
I chose the BBQ Chicken Tower chicken breast, avocado slaw, teak potato chips, provolone cheese, spring mix, tomato and guava BBQ sauce on a toasted brioche bun (no slaw and no tomato)
The portions were absolutely enormous and we didnt have a hope of finishing any of the meals.
I ordered another cocktail to wash down my dinner I believe it was called a Dark and Stormy (or some such thing).
Our waitress here was lovely and couldnt do enough for us. She was really interested in the UK and said she would love to visit. It was pretty quiet in the restaurant so she was able to spend a bit of time chatting with us. The bill was $90 including tip, which was pretty reasonable considering how good and plentiful the food was, and how strong the cocktails were. This is another place that we will definitely have to come back to in the future.
We drove back to Disney, parked the car and went to our respective rooms to watch telly and read.
Last night we had decided that we would visit Hollywood Studios today. For whatever reason, none of us were really feeling it when we got up this morning though. With hindsight, we probably should have just spent some time chilling out at the hotel pool or something but we didnt have many days left so didnt want to waste time. Sian and I were showered and dressed first so we went down to the hotel shop, Cabanas, to have a nosey around. I picked up a Pluto pin for Daniel (he had decided that he wanted to start pin trading on our next trip) and went to pay for it. The CM behind the counter brought out a big tray of pins and told me he would give me the chance to win one by answering a question. I dont recall the question but it was pretty easy and I got to choose a pin. He then gave Sian the chance to win another by answering another question. She got hers right too, so we were able to go back up to the room with three pins to start Daniel off with his collection.
We walked out to the boat dock and caught the Friendship Boat, heading for Hollywood Studios. The first mate (or whatever the guy/girl who doesnt drive the boat is called) took our picture.
We arrived at the Studios just before opening Daniel and I just had time to take a selfie while we were waiting in line.
Once in, Gary went to get Fastpasses for Toy Story Mania while the rest of us went straight to Starring Rolls to get breakfast.
We got an early return time so, after breakfast, we rode Tower of Terror and then got Fast Passes for Rock n Roller Coaster before heading over to ride Toy Story Mania. Gary absolutely slayed me.
I cant help but think how good my score would be if I could only improve my accuracy.
Next we rode Tower of Terror again, before our window opened for Rock n Roller Coaster with our Fastpasses.
This was where we ought to have made the sensible decision to leave the park and head back to the hotel for some pool time. Instead, we decided to see the new Jack Sparrow attraction. Big mistake! Not only did we wait over 45 minutes for it in the sweltering heat outside but, when we finally got in, it wasnt even that good. And, of course, you are standing all the time so we were truly fed up after that.
After another go on Tower of Terror (wed got another FP when our Rock n Roller Coaster FP window opened) we decided to make our way back to the hotel.
We debated for a while on whether to walk but, as we left the park, a boat was approaching so we hopped on board. As we approached the Swolphin, the captain pointed out that there was a bald eagle on the roof of the Swan. In the picture below, you can just see him on top of the Swans head.
This shot was taken from the other side but he can be seen much more clearly.
Back at the hotel, the kids didnt really want to go to the pool so we opted for Downtown Disney instead. We parked up and Sian and I popped in to Guest Services, to upgrade her MYW ticket to an Annual Pass, as we would be coming back to WDW in March for her Birthday. Since she still lives at home, by showing her ID and proof of address, she was eligible for the DVC Member discount on her Annual Pass.
I loved the fall decorations.
It was a beautiful afternoon so what else could we do but enjoy some Ghirardelli ice-cream in the sunshine.
Sian Warm Brownie Sundae
Me and Daniel Mint Bliss Sundae
Gary Ocean Beach (Sea Salt Caramel Sundae)
It was quite surreal, sitting in the blazing hot sunshine while Christmas songs were playing yes, it was only the 5th November and they were playing Christmas songs!
After a pleasant afternoons shopping, we drove back to the hotel. We spent some time just chilling, sorted out some stuff to go in the Owners Locker and attempted a bit of packing. A bit later on, Daniel announced he was starving so we freshened up and decided to head out for dinner. As we got into the lift to go down from the 8th floor, 3 young kids ran out. We stepped in and realised the little sods had pressed every single button on the lift. I mentioned something about them being unsupervised and called them a rather unsavoury name, to which Sian retorted that I shouldn't speak about little kids like that, and said I wouldn't like it if somebody called Daniel that. I pointed out that, if Daniel had done the same thing, somebody would be perfectly within their rights to call him a name. Sian got into a bit of a sulk and we ended up having words. Looking back, it was really something and nothing but I think this was probably the culmination of having spent more time together over the last 10 days than we have in years. Plus, as I said earlier, we were all a little fed up today, for some reason. We ended up driving to the restaurant in silence - something which, I'm sure, Gary was very grateful for. So, anyway, tonight's restaurant of choice was another of the new places on our list, the Teak Neighbourhood Grill.
It was quite a distance from WDW and would have been difficult to find without the aid of our trusty SatNav. I had seen this place reviewed in another trip report a while ago and thought it sounded interesting, partly because of the extensive cocktail menu but mainly because of the varied (and unusual) burger options on the dinner menu, including this one.
We ordered drinks and I started out with a Cosmopolitan.
Next up was the food. We decided to share a couple of appetisers.
Fresh-Fried Mozzarella Rounds
BBQ Chicken Wings
Then it was onto main course. Since we had come all this way, Gary had no option really than to go for the obvious. We were a bit surprised, thinking it would be one doughnut, split in half to form the bun but, no, there was one on the top and another on the bottom. Gary tried his best but, unsurprisingly, was unable to finish this. The freshly made potato chips served with the burger were absolutely amazing.
Daniel chose the BBQ Chicken Flatbread (no onions)
Sian had some kind of pulled pork sandwich
I chose the BBQ Chicken Tower chicken breast, avocado slaw, teak potato chips, provolone cheese, spring mix, tomato and guava BBQ sauce on a toasted brioche bun (no slaw and no tomato)
The portions were absolutely enormous and we didnt have a hope of finishing any of the meals.
I ordered another cocktail to wash down my dinner I believe it was called a Dark and Stormy (or some such thing).
Our waitress here was lovely and couldnt do enough for us. She was really interested in the UK and said she would love to visit. It was pretty quiet in the restaurant so she was able to spend a bit of time chatting with us. The bill was $90 including tip, which was pretty reasonable considering how good and plentiful the food was, and how strong the cocktails were. This is another place that we will definitely have to come back to in the future.
We drove back to Disney, parked the car and went to our respective rooms to watch telly and read.
