Hang In There Joan-May '14 TR-video links 2/2

[scholastica]

Yay! A new TR! I can't wait to read more!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I'm so glad that I paid attention and saw that you had started a new trip report. I wouldn't want to miss it! I hate that you had to deal with the flooded basement right before going to Disney.

The quilt idea is a great one! I had a friend of mine do something very similar but the detailing around the squares didn't look as good at your's.

Looking forward to more!

 

[summersun47]

looking forward to reading more x

 

[shan23877]

LOVE the quilt idea! I'll show Kristin, since she's similarly into over-the-top keepsake creation

I must admit, I enjoyed reading about your basement's water problems. Is that a sign that you're a very entertaining writer who can make even a bad situation enjoyable to read about, or a sign that I'm completely heartless? I'm going with the former!

Loving this story so far, and you're not even there yet. Keep it up!

Excellent! I hope that you too can experience the joy of stalking characters with fabric and sharpie!

Ah you're too kind. I don't want to call you heartless so I'll go with that too!

Great update Shannon!

That's awful about your plumbing problems. The joys of home ownership, right?

That quilt is going to be absolutely amazing! You're so talented.

I've threatened to hang a "For Sale By Wife" sign outside. Gotta love it.

Thanks! I think it will be a fun keepsake!

The quilt idea is awesome! I love the squares you have finished so far!

Sorry about the water in the basement problems - when we were in Disney last year our basement partially flooded and just a few weeks ago water poured on around a poor seal on one of the basement windows. The downfalls of homeownership.

thank you so much! I'm excited to see it come together.

Ugh! And I never seem to learn and keep storing stuff down there. Last year we lost most of our holiday decorations. GRRRR. Hope that you didn't have too much damage!

I would never miss a tr of yours!! They’re fantastic!! Sad that our trips didn’t end up overlapping, but next year!!

Man I WISH southwest flew to Canada! Those free bags would come in handy in Oct!!

OH NO! I hope the water was gone for good after this!

Welp, there’s my answer for that! Funny that the beagle thinks of the plumber as friends though, that’s adorable! Bahaha

Boo to the delayed flight!! That’s always such a bummer on the way IN to Orlando! Lol. Glad that the dme lady was right about the luggage!

Love love LOVE the idea of an autograph quilt!! I was looking into a custom made autograph book for jenna and I last month but I thought of it too close to leaving lol, your idea is far superior lol! Love the jake shirt too!

Excited to read more!

I bet you'd love to have extra baggage allowance in October! How are you going to get all of your stuff down there? Will you ship it?

thanks so much, the quilt has been really fun to do so far.

Those delays! Brutal when you want to be at WDW so badly!

Glad you're getting started! Love your reports!

Thanks so much! so glad to have you!

Joining in can't wait to here about your trip!

Welcome! thanks for joining in!

Ugh those flight delays though. I mean, it could have been worse, but I'm sure you still weren't thrilled.

Interesting that they can pick them up without the tags. I wonder how that works.

And I commend you for your project and the work you've done it so far. Seems like something my DW would do, but I would never have the skill or the patience for.

We've been really lucky not getting delayed in the past. I suppose it was our time.

I'm not sure. I think they just use the claim ticket and I think DH told them where we were staying?

Thanks! It's a lot of work, but quilts always are.

Love, love, love, love, love the quilt squares. I will be showing them to my mom!!!

We leave for our trip TOMORROW but I will be subscribing - hope there are a few more updates for me to read in a week!

I love your writing, btw. You crack me up. I'm hoping to post a bit on my blog while I'm gone - hopefully I can do that a bit. http://www.jennstwosteps.blogspot.com/

Thanks so much!

I hope you had a great trip, and not to worry-you didn't miss a thing!

I'll have to check out your blog, thanks so very much for the kind words.

I totally got the reference for your TR title the second I saw it in the list.

I adore Frozen. My kids are 15 and 11 - they like it too but it's really me that's crazy about it. I bet I'll be saying "hang in there, Joan" a few times myself!

Yay! So glad that you got the title! Hang in there Joan is a great mantra

Loved this line. Gotta love dogs who love humans.

Ours are both big fans of humans. The beagle gets attached easily though.

Aw, thanks! It's true, though. I've laughed at least 3 times at your new updates. My favorite being that your beagle is sad when the plumbers leave and you hope to never see them again.

That's terrible about your basement. I'm so sorry. I can't even imagine coming back from a vacation and finding that.

Yay for a quick trip through security!

That quilt will be amazing. You are a wonderful mom for doing that for Maddie. I can't wait to see it finished!

And Maddie looks so big now with her adult teeth in the front. That happened to my 7 year old this year too.

Thank you so much. You are too too kind to me.

The darn basement is the bane of my existence. I sure hope we're done with it.

The teeth aged her over night. I was not prepared for that. I beg her nearly every day not to get any older.

And we are on our way!!!

Sorry to hear about all the basement water issues. That is never fun to deal with.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Quilt idea! That is seriously something she can keep forever.

Thanks so much! She's so excited about that quilt. I really need to get moving on it!

Shannon, just FYI, there is nothing boring about the days leading up to Disney, especially when you're writing them. They are a joyous and celebratory period and should be cherished.

"aside from about a dozen princess dresses I had not packed for Maddie and I at all." <------ This makes me giggle.

Awesome getting your first FP of the trip for the security line.

I know with all this it may seem strange that "Bryan watched Sherlock" caught my eye, but if this is the BBC Sherlock... OMG YES!!!!! BEST SHOW EVER!!!

OMG Shannon, I love that quilt idea. I can't wait to hear the stories of the individual acquisitions and of course to see the final product. EPIC!

Oh Rob you are too sweet. Thanks.

Hahahaha! I suppose we did get a FP for security! Didn't even have to get up and sign up for it at 60 days!

It is the BBC Sherlock. He loves that show! I don't watch it, but tries to make me LOL

Thanks so much! We do have lots of stories about us trying to amass those signatures.

 

[shan23877]

I very much doubt I'm going to be bored.
I'll just sit right back and hear this tale.



WHAT?????
Hold the phone!
You?!???!? Not prepared????

Not prepared. I was scared to admit that. Didn't want to get kicked out of the DIS...

No. Of course not.
You've already done more than most of us put together....
But you're not prepared.

haha! Well, not Shannon prepared. Disney planning keeps me from getting bored...

Wow! Not only can you sew, but you can carve too!

I'm a woman of many talents. Maybe someday I'll make my "monkey face" for you. That oughta knock your socks off!

Only 2 suitcases for Maddie?

So disappointed.

Well I did have all of her hair supplies in my bag, and the mostly empty bag was for her souvenirs. We used giant ziplocks for the princess dresses or else she'd have needed many many more.

You really should have specified that at least one of the persons going was a princess.
They make allowances for them.

Now I now. Next time.

I sense some frustration here.
"blasted" dress.

Yup. Possibly some frustration.

There I was, all smug knowing I'd gotten my hands on the Elsa dress before Christmas and along came the coronation dress. I wasn't so smug after that...

Oh, no! Not now!!!



I do recall.
I'm also thinking... (without reading ahead)... that's it's something else.

You are a wise man Ponzi, very wise indeed.

Very nice.
And I already assumed they were Maddie's.
Unless you have very tiny feet.

We aren't sharing clothes quite yet.

!!

Three... THREE inches????
Oh, he did a really good job there.

Perhaps it's time to ask around for another plumber.
One who actually knows something about plumbing, perhaps?

We won't be posting a testimonial on their website any time soon. We did get them to apply the money we'd spent on our last 2 service calls to the balance for the mega visit. That helped.

I shouldn't laugh at your misfortune, but that's funny.

he really missed his friend.

Have you mentioned this before? On another flight?
Seems like you have, but I could be wrong.



DW and I were just talking about that.
I'm going to have to look into it.

We'd never done it before, but I think MiL has. She's applying for the permanent pre-check thing. It was really really nice.

Please, Lord.
Help me remember....

Nevermind Lord. I sent myself an email.

You MUST try that popcorn. I like the 'mixed' bag. Cheddar cheese and caramel in the same bag. It's amazing.

However, due to the Magic Bands being not quite what they're advertised...
We wound up in the worst part of Miami, in between two gangs engaged in a war.

We did have some great Mexican food though!

That's a really good idea, Shan.



I would've been shocked if it'd been otherwise.



Cool idea, though.

thanks Ponz. It's been fun so far.

Sounds good! What you've got so far is pretty impressive!
Thanks for posting Shantafrass![/QUOTE]

You're the best Ponzerooni

Trips always start with boring details. I just can't tell a story without the start though! I'd love to be like "and then we were at Disney", but man, for continuity's sake, I just can't!

We fly Southwest all the time too. Gotta love the two free bags. But then I use them and that's not good either.

OMG, that completely sucks that you came home to three inches of water after you were told that everything was fine. Grrrrrr.

Oh beautiful Garretts popcorn. Definitely a must have in this area.

The quilt is such a great idea. A good way to remember her love of characters. It may last, you never know.

I have to start at the beginning. I can't do it any other way.

Love Southwest! it's a must when traveling with a princess.

Love the Garretts. Cheese and caramel together for me.

Thanks! I think she'll like them for a while, but probably not to the extent that she does now. It's going to be a fun keepsake for both of us.

Gotta get there somehow and that is part of the story too, not boring at all! Thwarts really stinks about the water in your basement! You know it's bad when your dogs are friendly with the plumber!

I love the quilt! Soo cute and it will be worth it when you get it all done! I too, come up with huge unrealistic plans and often work into the wee morning hours trying to execute said projects. It's a problem, but when you are creative, it's a part of the process.

When the dogs like the service person they've been around too often. LOL

Thank you so much! I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who stays up all night doing this crazy stuff. LOLOL

Wow love the squares!! Such a great idea! Wish I was crafty enough for all these awesome projects you do!! Very much looking forward to reading more, I enjoy your TRs!

Thank yo so much! THanks for joining in!

Just coming quickly out of lurkdom to say I'm subscribed! Your trip reports are always very fun and entertaining!

I'm so glad to have you! Don't be a stranger! I appreciate you reading!

doeth! How did I miss this starting?!?!?! Stupid work getting in the way of keeping up on trip reports!

Love the FAQ! though, based on it you have a few annoying and judgmental readers

Ah, we've been there with the flooded basement ... we have a sump pump, but that doesn't do much if the power goes out!

Looking forward to all the meet and greets and the dining sort-of-reviews! And great idea with the quilt! It is looking great so far

omg I can not believe the water returned !

Delayed flights are the worst! Especially on the way to Disney.

Love the glittery magic band. Did you make it as a cover?

That quilt sounds like a major project but the squares you've done so far are gorgeous! It's going to look amazing & will be such a great memory to have!

Well, you know me-you didn't miss much Glad to have you here!

I used nail polish on the MBs. We got lots of compliments on them!

It's going to be a huge project, but so far I'm still enjoying it. I can't wait to see it finished.

Subbing! Not sure when I'll get caught up...trying my best to get back on these boards and not let real life interrupt me!

I am so bad about letting real life get in the way. I'm just glad that you're here!

I'm subbing in. I've followed along with your last two trip reports but I never seem to get around to posting.

OMG! I love the quilt. It's the coolest souvenir i've seen.

Love you screen name! Awesome!

Thanks for joining in! And thanks for the kind words!

Yay! A new TR! I'm so excited to hear all about y'alls' latest trip.

First - I LOVE the family pic in your intro. And speaking of your intro, it is great! Very funny!

That really stinks about the plumbing problems! So sorry that y'all had to go home to that.

Besides the delayed plane, looks like the trip was off to a good start.

That quilt is going to be amazing. And what a sweet keepsake for Maddie. It seriously brought a tear to my eye. That is really special, Shannon!

Thanks Amanda! I'm so glad you're here!

I loved that ridiculous picture of us. I may frame it.

Thanks so much. I can't wait to see more of the quilt come together.

I'm late, but I'm here! Loving reading about the trip!

Yay!!! YOu can comment in your head if you want, that's what I do to you. I'm glad you're reading though!

Okay, so I got caught up pretty quickly! Love the quilt squares! What an amazing idea! Sorry about the basement issues...

Thanks, it wasn't fun to come home to.

I was is Disney when you started this. It will take me some time to catch up, but I wanted to save a spot.

***Okay, back and caught up. I loved the intros as always.

I am so sorry to hear about the water and the expense. The kids just had their house redone and then after tiling the basement floor, they got water. They have roots growing in their pipes. They were able to fix most of the pipes for the time being (they indicated it would probably have to be done in two or three years again).

That's a LOT of princess dresses you packed.

Love the things you've done with the characters autographs.

I've started my girls' TR and it's linked in my signature if you want to join along (can't remember if I sent you a bat signal).

So glad you're here Kathy!

Our issues were caused by our deck having been built on top of the pipes. They put a huge footer on top of them and it cracked them in pieces. NOT fun.

Finally got over there, thanks for the message!

How did I miss the start of your TR???? Can't wait to read about your adventures!

Miss Maddie's hair has gotten soooo long!!! And she looks much older since last year's TR!! How does that happen??? Why do our kiddos grow so fast???? My DD will graduate from high school tomorrow night and I can't believe how quickly it has gone!!

Waiting for the next update!


PS - That quilt is awesome!!

So glad that you're here!

Her hair is almost down to her butt. She refuses to cut it.

how was the graduation? I'm already panicked about her getting older. I fear that i'll need to be medicated when she leaves for college LOL

How many sparkly dresses?

Looking forward to your newest trip report!

Too Many! LOLOL

I swear that I am going to comment on your TRs this year rather than just lurk. I'm glad you're here Mary Ellen!

 

[shan23877]

An impressive level of preparation... but still not ready????

Well of course not! I'm a DISer!

So much for that logic... Yuck. Sorry you had to return home to that expensive mess.

Thanks, it wasn't the best welcome home we could have had.

The quilt is a really cool idea! I know she will absolutely love it and treasure it!

Thanks! she's super excited about it.

I love your patches the quilt is a great idea! This year I am going to have the characters sign sweatshirts for my girls, and one for my mom (as a surprise). If I had any type of sewing skill I would try to the quilt.

We are flying Southwest this year and I am excited about the 2 checked bags pre person. We also fly down with lots of Princess dresses.

Great start I can't wait to read more.

Thanks so much! I love the idea of something that can be used or worn, the autograph books just sit in the closet.

Southwest is very good for princess mommies LOL

all those plumbing problems sound horrible sorry you have to go through that. I love the idea of making a character signature quilt for Maddie it is something special that she will hopefully always treasure. Maddie looks so much more grown up than in your last trip report.

Thanks so much! She's growing so fast. I am trying my best to keep her little forever, but it's just not working.

Love those pedicures! Maddie's nails are too cute. And, she is losing that little girl look... and growing up! And, the glitter magic band is just so perfect in every way! How you do that?

Eagerly awaiting more! But, no rush!

Karen

Growing up way too fast. I used nail polish on the MBs-more in the next update.

Finally getting more up!

ooh a new TR, I knew I could count on you! Subscribing, following, and ultimately reading all of the updates in one sitting

Thanks Meredith! I'm glad you're here!

Yay! A new TR! I can't wait to read more!

Thanks for joining in! More coming right up!

I'm so glad that I paid attention and saw that you had started a new trip report. I wouldn't want to miss it! I hate that you had to deal with the flooded basement right before going to Disney.

The quilt idea is a great one! I had a friend of mine do something very similar but the detailing around the squares didn't look as good at your's.

Looking forward to more!

So glad you're here Lisa! I think we just missed one another on our trips.

Oh you are too kind. I've just realized that applique can have a place in my quilting. I'm enjoying this one so much-lots of room for creativity.

looking forward to reading more x

Thanks for joining in! More coming right up!

 

[shan23877]

RLU #2​

Sorry to have skipped a week of updates already! It seems that Lilo Dress Mania can strike at any time of year. Last week I made and shipped 8 of them! In addition to that we had Bryan’s birthday, art class for Maddie Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and then on Thursday she had ballet class, Friday dress rehearsal, and Saturday recital.

Some pics from the recital-it was Disney themed. She danced to Reflection from Mulan and for the grand finale Mickey and Minnie came out (the costumes were super scary, I’m such a Disney snob) and all the dancers donned Minnie ears.

Final bows


​

I only got 2 quilt squares done last week. I figured I’d never want to make that Lilo square so I may as well get it out of the way

​

And I wanted the Goofy square to look a little messy, like Goofy himself slapped it together

​

And tonight I made 2 more shirts

​

Thanks for letting me share guys!

 

[shan23877]

The One Where the Magic Begins​

After several delays, some luggage delivery worries, and a short wait to board the DME, we had finally arrived at Port Orleans Riverside.


Those first moments stepping off of the bus are some of my favorites of any trip. The familiar sights, sounds, and humidity wash over me and just make me smile. In those moments with the whole trip ahead of us, I can’t help but be excited and happy.


Bryan waited outside for our carry-on bags while MiL, Maddie and I went into the lobby to check in. We had separate reservations (and she had not done online check in as I suggested) so we split up at the desk. I was helped by a lovely young woman who was Earning her Ears (Every. Single. Time. I get a newbie Every. Single. Time). She did a wonderful job despite being new to her post.


And since she was new I patiently listened as she showed me the map of the resort and explained where our room was located. By that time a bit of a line had formed behind me, so when the CM noticed my fancy-pants Magic Band and wanted to chat about it for several minutes I felt a bit uncomfortable and tried to hurry things along. I needn’t have as the woman waiting behind us stepped forward and said she also wanted to know how I’d bedazzled them


For the record: red MB, clear nail polish with red glitter in it-3 or 4 coats, clear coat over the top. Pink MB, clear nail polish with pink sparkles in it-3 or 4 coats, clear coat.


After that quick crafting tutorial we were given a ‘scroll’ copy of the Tiana letter featured in the RGR (I think I have a photo of it with the souvenir photos. It will be a nice surprise for all of us when I finally get to souvenir and recaps-about 2 years from now) and were released to find our room. Last year we’d booked a Royal Guest Room-standard view, but were “upgraded” to a slight garden view. We were on the river side of the building with a view of the next wing of the building in front of us. Having gained an understanding of the layout of the RGR buildings I booked the Garden View for this year.


We were assigned a room in Oak Manor which was great since we find it to be a great location. It’s very close to the bridge that connects the mansion rooms to the main building and is also convenient to the pool and boat dock.


I always request ground floor, and for the first time ever we got it! The room was easy to find, and as it turns out it was directly below the room we’d gotten last year. I suppose that free upgrade karma had evened out as our garden view was an unremarkable shrub and the aforementioned wing of our bulding. As my grandma used to say “you can’t win ‘em all”. We were pleased with the room and location over all though, Oak Manor was undergoing some renos and we were completely unaffected by that.


MiL had booked a standard room, but requested to be near us. She was assigned a room in Magnolia Terrace and though we never got around to checking it out she seemed to like it.

​

Forgive the messy room photos, I actually took these the next day. As you can see we’d made ourselves at home.

Princess portraits





Fiberoptic Headboard





Chip!



​

In case you were wondering, YES it was necessary for the AG doll to travel with us. She looked very pretty on that bed all week.

Magic Carpet and several pairs of shoes





Faucet. And my hair dryer. I don't like hotel hair dryers, and bags fly free!





entertainment center and table. And Frozen balloon. Also a must


​

On this particular evening we tossed our carry on bags into the room and headed right back out. Our flight had been scheduled to arrive at 4:30 and I’d made our ADR for 8:00 figuring that would give us plenty of time to get settled in before heading to DTD. Unfortunately thanks to delays we were just getting to our room at 8:00.



We made our way to the boat dock, and luckily one arrived just minutes after we did.

Excited girl waiting for a boat



​

The boat ride from POR to DTD takes 25-30 minutes. It stops briefly at POFQ before sailing by OKW and SSR. It’s really a nice ride and seems much shorter than it is. Since DTD construction was in full swing we were dropped off at the dock near the Characters in Flight balloon rather than the dock by Rainforest Café. Thanks to construction walls, navigating that area was a bit of a mess. Traffic flowed in single file lines in each direction with people who didn’t know where they were going stopping abruptly in the pathways to try to gain their bearings. It was crowded and hot.


Or maybe I just remember it that way because I was starving.


Up Next: We eat!

 

[shan23877]

The One With the Dining Review Rules​

For this year’s dining reviews I’ve decided to stick with the 5 point system (and if you’re interested in what I’m like when I get on a soapbox about dining check out last year’s report disclaimer!). And even though we don’t necessarily use DxDP as a means to save tons of money, we do come out ahead.


Since I know that many make the decision to use dining plans or to use dining credits on a certain restaurant based on dollars and cents, I will attempt to break down our savings (or not) by restaurant as well. If any of you would like to make any suggestions about what you’d like to see in the reviews let me know. I’m happy to adjust on the fly.


So here’s how I’ve worked out the cost breakdown: DxDP costs $105 a day for an adult and $30 a day for a child-3 credits per person per day. We had 2 adults and one child for a cost of $240 per day, which breaks down to $80 per credit we used(2 adult, one child).

So, here we go!

 

[shan23877]

The One With Fulton’s Crab House​

Sorry there are so few photos from this meal. I wasn’t entirely comfortable letting MiL know that I take pics of all of our food yet. As the trip went on I decided that I didn’t really care what she thought

We arrived for our dinner reservation at Fulton’s 40 minutes after our 8:00 ADR time. There were a few groups ahead of us waiting to check in and were being quoted a wait time of 90 minutes for a table. Things were not looking good for our hungry group.

When it was our turn to check in I stepped up to the podium and gave my name. The hostess asked what time our reservation was for and I quietly said 8:00, I’m sorry, our flight was delayed. She smiled, and said “step right over there, you’ll be seated in just a moment”. And 60 seconds later we were being whisked up the wide staircase.

When you arrive at Fulton’s the check in desk is immediately in front of the door, the bar is to the left, and the main staircase is on the right. I have no idea if there is any seating on the main level as we’ve always been seated up stairs. The décor is obviously pretty nautical, lots of dark woods and seafaring maps and such (I think, I honestly would have no idea what a seafaring map looks like). It’s nicer that the décor at our local Red Lobster, let’s put it that way.

Upstairs there are a few dining areas, and once again we were seated in the area overlooking the Sassagoula River. It’s a nice area, we weren’t disappointed.

​

Our server greeted us fairly quickly and offered us beverages while dropping off the complimentary crab dip and crackers. The dip is a creamy concoction with crab and flavors of lemon and horseradish. I’m fairly certain that it’s got some cheese mixed in as well. MiL and I made quick work of the dip and crackers-it’s amazing stuff. Bryan didn’t have any-I suspect that he was afraid to get between the ladies and their dip.

When you’re using a Dining Plan the server will scan a band at the beginning of the meal, and then again at the end (I assume this is to ensure you’re actually using the plan you say you are?).

It took a while for our server to return with drinks, but we did see him struggling to get food and drink to several tables around us so we cut him some slack. Had we not been inhaling that crab dip it may have made us cranky though.

Eventually he did arrive with our beverages (soft drinks all around) and took our orders. Last year Maddie’s appetizer options had been fruit or a salad with ranch. This year there were no children’s appetizer options so we were told to choose an adult app for her.

We had decided to share all of our appetizers so for the table to chose:

Calamari: Calamari - Flash fried strips, tomato basil sauce. $12.00

Fish Tacos: Fish Tacos - Market catch, cajun spice, pico de gallo, queso fresco, guacamole. $12.00

​

Crab Cake: Crab Cake - Jumbo lump blue crab, roasted corn maque choux, fried green tomato, remoulade sauce. $15.00

Lobster Corn Dogs: Lobster Corn Dogs - Salsa verde, sweet chili aioli. $14.00

​

The calamari was good, very tender, and the breading was flavorful but didn’t overwhelm the squid beneath.

I actually didn’t try the fish tacos (you’ll see why in a moment), but Bryan and MiL both liked them very much. Bry said the spice was just right-not too spicy but enough to give the fish some good flavor.

I’d ordered the crab cake last year and while I’d enjoyed the taste, the texture had been off for me. It was too soft on soft with the corn maque choux beneath. This year was much better. The corn still had some crunch to it, and the fried green tomato was crispy and brightly acidic.

My first impression of the lobster corn dogs was that the presentation was adorable. With my first bite I heard the angels sing. These little nuggets of joy are among my favorite things that I’ve ever eaten at WDW. The lobster was cooked perfectly, sweet and tender. The breading was a tempura style, it was crispy, crunchy, and delicious. The dipping sauce was a perfect accompaniment as it was both sweet and a little spicy from the chili. I generously offered one to everyone at the table before hoarding the rest for myself.

Maddie is a semi-picky eater. She does not willingly eat any vegetables and usually has to be forced to try anything new-pretty typical kid. On the trip we’d reached an agreement (we told, she knew not to argue) that she’d try one new food each day. She chose the lobster corn dog as her new food of the day and declared “I love lobster!”. We're considering changing her middle name to "Market Price".

Our main courses arrived shortly after our appetizer plates were cleared.

Bryan and I both chose the King Crab Legs: Alaska King Crab - One pound, steamed. $58.00

They were just what they were supposed to be. Sweet and tender and served with plenty of butter. The roasted red potatoes served as a side were generously salted and buttered as well. Perfect.

Maddie chose the children’s portion of crab legs:

Maddie’s feelings about crab legs are thus-if served with enough butter they are the best thing in the whole world. These came with all the butter she needed.

And MiL chose the whole lobster which does not seem to be listed on the current menu. It was served with clams and mussels.
She liked it a lot. Our server had been slightly formal with us until he checked back and asked how everything tasted. MiL explained that she doesn’t often order a whole lobster and needed a little help getting into it. He asked us to give him a minute and returned wearing gloves and broke that lobster apart right there at the table. That also broke the ice with him and he was much warmer and less formal with us for the remainder of the meal.

Once we were sufficiently stuffed we were presented hot lemon scented towels to clean ourselves up and dessert menus.
Maddie and I decided to share the cookie sundae, and upon our recommendation MiL chose that as well. Bryan selected the Key Lime Pie.

Bry liked the key lime pie very much. It was tart and a little sweet with a buttery graham cracker crust.

The cookie sundae was fab. A large warm chocolate chip cookie topped with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream. What’s not to love?

Magic Bands can make paying the check a bit of an ordeal. Bands are scanned for a second time, then the server must leave the table to process it and bring a receipt for a signature and tip to be added. At every restaurant that we visited the process took a while.

While we were waiting to have our payments processed Maddie was getting a bit antsy. (not surprising considering that we’d just gotten to WDW and she’d spent the vast majority of the day sitting in airports and on a plane). A server that was not ours walked by and asked Maddie if he could see her Tink bag. She proudly showed it off, and then he asked her to look inside. She freaked out when she opened her purse to find a slinky had found its way inside. He then asked if he could look inside her purse, and she was thrilled when he found a glow cube in there too. Her smile and laughter was the perfect way to start our trip and reminded us why we come back to WDW year after year.

Fulton’s Crab House

Food 4

Service 4

Would we return? We would-especially if we’re staying at POR. The lobster corn dogs alone make it worth a trip.

DxDP cost (2 credits): $160. Actual cost of the meal: $200. Total savings: $40

 

[shan23877]

The One with the Search​

After dinner we fulfilled our promise to hit World of Disney in an effort to locate the elusive Anna Coronation dress.

​

In the princess section we found that the full inventory of Frozen merchandise consisted of 2 t-shirts –one for boys, one for men, a toddler book, and rice krispie treats with a fondant Anna and Elsa picture. As we browsed a few minutes longer I reminded Maddie again that the chances of her getting that dress were very very slim.


We walked through the Lego Store where we saw a Lego Friends set that Maddie decided to add to her “maybe” list of souvenirs to spend her hard earned money on at a later date, and made our way back to the boat dock.

​

It was almost 11 pm by that time and though there was a significant line at the docks it only took 15 minutes for us to be on our way back to POR.

​

Back in the room we discovered that our yellow tagged bags had been delivered in our absence, but our claim ticket bags had not. With panic rising in my chest I called Bell Services (I was connected right away, and unlike last year needed not call upon my Spanish speaking skills). They put me on hold for a few moments, and then came back on the line to assure me that they had the bags and would have them out to us right away. It seems that having all of our bags in our room is not in the cards for us…


Once we’d been reunited with our belongings we unpacked quickly and hit the sack. Tomorrow we take on the Magic Kingdom!

 

[PrincePluto]

The One With Fulton’s Crab House​

Our server greeted us fairly quickly and offered us beverages while dropping off the complimentary crab dip and crackers. The dip is a creamy concoction with crab and flavors of lemon and horseradish. I’m fairly certain that it’s got some cheese mixed in as well. MiL and I made quick work of the dip and crackers-it’s amazing stuff.

Bryan didn’t have any-I suspect that he was afraid to get between the ladies and their dip.

This made me laugh!

 

[MEK]

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Cute picture!

I'm glad you didn't have to go bilingual to find your missing bags. I would be totally lost if that happened to me.

Bring on the MK!​

 

[amandaw]

Sounds like y'all had a fantastic first night meal! Those lobster corn dogs & crab cake sound delicious!

I love that the waiter snuck some surprises into Maddie's bags. That's awesome!

And I love, love, love the new Villains shirts you've added to your store. I may need to order some shirts for October.

 

[laura74]

That meal sounds amazing!

The dining plan doesn't work for us since our daughter became a Disney adult. She would never eat enough to make it worthwhile. I did enjoy it when we had it, especially in 2007 when appetizers and tax or tips were included. I can't remember which. I also remember that you they didn't differentiate between adult and child credits then so you could pay for the kids meal with cash and save the credits for adults.

I can't believe how big Maddie is getting and how long her hair is! Very cute!

Great update, Shannon!

 

[Curiouser&curiouser!]

I am loving the princess room!!! With two little pirates, I don't really see that in my future . . . maybe I can finagle some kind of girls only trip with my sister!

As for the dining plans- you have to do what works best for you. We have done it when it was free. We have paid for it just for convenience sake. We have done quick service only. I am curious to see your reviews though, because though my pirates are still little, they can eat like they are big already . . . I may need to splurge for the Deluxe Dining plan when they are teenagers just to make sure everyone is full (and you know, I get a bit or too!).

Oh Fultons!!!
I totally was reading your review going "Oh my goodness! I forgot about that. I forgot how delicious it all was!".
There is seating on the main floor as that is where we were seated.
The crab dip- so good!! I was actually pregnant with my littlest pirate when we went there. The crab dip hit the spot so well, that the waiter took pity on me and brought me my own plate of it!
And the Lobster Corn Dogs - one of the most heavenly things I have ever eaten!!

 

[jenninaustin]

I think I posted once before I left on my trip - my mom quilts and I can't wait to show her your project pictures.

I'm back from my trip now, doing my own trip report (I have no idea how to do chapter links but I don't think it will be necessary in my case since I'm not a Dis-expert with lots of comments....!) and wanted to catch up on yours too.

Lobster corn dogs. I have no words but totally believe they are awesome and I'm also sure my kids would go bananas over them. Might have to put those on a future list!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Wow, 8 Lilo dresses! That is Lilo dress mania.

Nice crafting tutorial! At least the lady behind you wasn't frustrated when check-in took a while. LOL.

You take your dining so seriously, you crack me up. I want to do Deluxe someday, I just can't! I still try to stick within some calorie limitations on vacation, so I just can't justify it.

Awesome that you were seated right away even though you were late! Nice.

What a nice server! Even though he was a little stiff at first. And those lobster corn dogs sound AMAHZING!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

"As the trip went on I decided that I didn’t really care what she thought " ... Ok, that made me chuckle out loud a bit

As did the bit about changing Maddie's middle name to "Market Price"

Aw, that was nice of that other server to "magically" put the slinky and cube in Maddie's bags

Your room looks nice and glad you got a location you were happy with

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Ahhhh, I was so hoping you'd have pictures of Mickey and Minnie at the recital. I'm just picturing the Horror I saw of them in Hollywood. Well actually, opening day Disneyland they were pretty terrifying too.

Awww Maddie is so cute. How fun to do a little Disney at home.

Oh yeah, steppng out onto Disney property for the first time on a trip... everything all in front and still to come...

As a full grown male adult, I should think, yeah, those royal rooms are ok. But... those rooms are so cute and... THAT HEADBOARD!!!!! I just know I would break that thing from overuse.

Haha, oh my I almost forget that food pictures must be such a foreign concept to some. We all just take it for granted.

OK, so it again appears that Maddie and I have the same strategy when it comes to souvenirs and a "maybe" list. You have to see everything first before you put down the limited cash. Normally having the same shopping strategy as a child would make me a little embarrassed, but since it's Maddie I'll take it as a compliment, lol.