Hello, hello to my wonderful DIS friends

[UKDEB]

Somehow, coming home doesn't seem so bad with you guys around. Shirley, I know, it seems to have flown by to me too, but in other ways it has seemed our longest trip ever (I <i>really</i> missed our girls).

We had such a wondeful time. The immediate highlights which spring to mind (in no particular order):

Old Hickory Steakhouse (at Gaylord Palms), California Grill, Emeril's Tchoup Chop (at Royal Pacific Resort), Buco di Beppi (Mandy and Mark, aka the Honeymooners, recommendation), Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Delfino Riviera (at Portofino Bay), Cheesecake Factory, Brio Tuscon Grill, Villa de Flora (Gaylord Palms buffet offering) ... anyone spotting a theme here...?

Seriously, despite the fabulous dining (which <i>is</i> my reason for living), we also enjoyed the Hard Rock Vault, staying at PBH, the Universal Studios VIP tour, breakfast at Boma (new first day tradition), Mall at Millenia (again) (and again ), Drinks around the World with fellow DISers on our first day - WHAT a riot!, DIS meet at our villa.

We were disappointed that we didn't get to see Shrek at USF, despite our VIP tour of Universal Studios during the slated Memorial Day weekend soft opening for AP holders. Still, we do have another trip booked. We also learned that Sea World had opened its new 'Waterfront' on Saturday, 24 May (i.e. the day <i>before</i> we came home), rather than the publicised day of Monday, 26 May (the day <i>after</i> we came home). When we left PBH on Sunday, we decided to pay a visit, but the cars were queuing back to the Convention Center on I-Drive and we figured that, since we already have our next trip booked, we could afford to give it a miss.

Other than that, a pretty perfect trip. I would like to say that I will post Trip Reports (I did keep a diary), but based on past experience, it is pretty unlikely! Still, if anyone has any questions ...

 

[Astrid]

Hiya Deb! So pleased to read that you and Matt had such a brilliant time - all those amazing meals!! Cheesecake Factory sounds lovely - never heard of that one!

Have heard all about your fantastic villa and your fridge that managed to hold just a beer or two

Perhaps a food report if you cant run to a full length trip report?!

Astrid

 

[SpottyDog]

Ho Hum Shame you have to come back.

For you, I mean. I'm quite glad to see you back, etc , if you see what I mean.

Yer certainly got a few restaurants in there - any chance Matt could add a beer list to any foody reports yer might do.

Am lookin forward to hearin about yer 'Open House' DIS Meet. I should have sent yer me Homer Bottle opener to addd elegance and sophistication to the event.

Now sleep, read notes, post report !

Hiya Matt. Good to have yer back an'all mate.

 

[neilybealy]

welcome back home deb

glad you had a fantastic time (again )

look forward to reading more about your trip

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Glad to hear you had a fabarooney time Deb. Thanks again for organising the DIS meet we both thoroughly enjoyed it.

Shame about Shrek still as you say you have another booked - woo-hoo!!

I'm taking it you really liked Gaylord Palms for eatin in then

 

[HeidSFost]

Wow! Sounds like you had a fabby time!

Isn't the Cheesecake Factory great? They have such a good menu, and the food is soo good!

I have to make sure there is a CF every place I go to in the US, I wish we could get em over here!

I was so pleased that there are 2 in Orlando, I think we shall be going to the Mall at Millenia one.

Heid
xx

 

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

Sounds like you had a fantastic time
And i agree the cheesecake factory sounds yummy

Beth.

 

[KayleeUK]

Welcome Home Deb Sounds like you had a wondeful time

 

[WDWfan uk]

I'm so pleased that you had such a fantastic time !! Wasn't this the trip that Matt booked as a surprise?

I really think you made the right decision to wait and see the Waterfront at SW until your next trip - these places are SO crowded when they have just opened that it takes the enjoyment out of it.

Welcome home

 

[Scottish_Maleficent]

Sounds like you had a fantastic time
Looking forward to hear all about Cumbrian Lakes......


Cath

 

[squitty]

Welcome Home Deb & Matt

Glad to hear you had a good time.
Its a strange feeling isnt it, having a great time but wanting to come home at the same time to see DD's.

 

[Fiona R]

Y'all back already!! It doesn't seem two minutes since the SW meet!!

Welcome Home!!

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Hi Deb - glad to hear your holiday was as great as you'd hoped, even without the girls.

So, tell me, how did Portofino compare to HRH? I've been waiting for us both to get back before I booked either HRH or Portofino for one night in October. What's the walk like from PB compared to the 8 mins from HRH?? and how do the rooms compare - Spill the beans for me, please