How about a couple of EPIC quickies? DRs, that is! update 8/6 - Festival and Territory Lounge

[pepperandchips]

And I'm first! Can't wait to hear about all your adventures!

Yay! Welcome back Susan! I hope you are back on your feet and feeling great after your procedure. We missed you on the Epic trip!

My dd is still singing your praises for getting her the phone case lol! Says you are 'her new bestie'...you didn't know you had a new bestie, did you

I knew I was feeling some friendship radiating from the distance I will gladly accept!

You got a better deal than us at BC and I was thrilled with my $259/night (no coupon). We were in the hot tub with a huge group and all the people who weren't dvc were discussing what they paid. Lowest was $450/night. I didn't say a word and just sat there feeling like the Cheshire cat on the inside

Oh my gosh I wouldn't have been able to keep my mouth shut! I bet our rate was just on average a couple bucks lower than yours because we only had it booked for Saturday and Sunday night and Sundays are usually lower. So you can go back to gloating about that awesome priceline score!

I can't see your pics at all! I want to see what all you were chowing down on at Epcot!

That's what I get for thinking I found an easy shortcut to post pictures from google photos. I could see them, but I think it's because I'm logged into my own google account I don't know, maybe Su-Lynn will take pity on me and explain it again. For now I've gone back to imgur and they seem to be working fine!

I think it may be the first time EPIC and quickie have belonged in a sentence together.

And don't forget soon to be famous for EPIC quickies. R should be so proud!

I can neither confirm nor deny these allegations madam!

Really? With all of us as such good options you went with him?

I know right?! Not only did a bring a Steve to the girls' party, I had the audacity to SHARE A ROOM WITH HIM!

Good to know this can work out. I almost tried it once but couldn't quite figure out if it was going to be a Disney hotel or not. We've had great luck in Vegas with it though.

Oh yes, there's like a whole tutorial on it on the Touring Plans forums (I think). There's a plugin you can download for Google Chrome Browser that will tell you which hotels it thinks you've narrowed it down to (it's called Hotel Canary) and then you can compare the number of reviews to confirm exactly which one. In this case it was either the Beach Club or the Contemporary and I was perfectly fine rolling the dice on that one!

I had no idea you were in the corn hating club with me. Welcome!!!

This looks and sounds so good. I was so distracted last weekend I barely ate or tried anything. Guess I better make up for it next year

I am glad I'm not the only one, I did a poor job of trying new things because I was so excited to chat with everyone! And yes, Hiiiii I'm Melinda, the corresponding secretary of Corn Haters Club. I think something is wrong with my tastebuds because corn just tastes like dirt to me.

I’m currently sitting on the bus from MK so we can check into our third and final hotel of this trip, so seems like a great time to do some Disboards reading It’s my goal to find more time to get back on here, I miss it!

That is a perfect diversion! Welcome back and hopefully we can both keep our commitments to reading and writing reports!

FIRST! ... page.

I'm at dinner right now (booze and frog legs, heeeey), but I'll come back and actually read later tonight!

(aka Zaxby's frog fingers)

Glad you are here as I believe you will feature in the WL debauchery to come later We loved hanging out with you so much!

Joining in, love to hear about all the yummy food! It was very nice to meet you and R!

Caroline, I cannot get over how wonderful you are in person! You are just the most charming and adorable friend one could ever wish to dig up from the internet! Thanks for reading along!!!

Hey, Melinda! So happy you're back doing another dining report! Bummer that your photos aren't showing up, but your descriptions are so good we almost don't need them! Can't wait to read some more!

That is too sweet and welcome back to another DR! I think I got the pictures fixed so you don't have to use your imagination

I'm here! Now the party can really get started!!!!

Too true, Jenny! We had so much fun with you and Joe. I am looking forward to getting to that part of the report

 

[missjackiemcg]

Just before the trip, I was checking Priceline express deals and found what I was sure was the Beach Club. At the time, we were planning to stay offsite. After some discussion and encouragement from the husband, we pulled the trigger - and, sure enough - our “secret” deal was the Beach Club!! Cue happy dance.

That is pretty awesome! I don't think I realized Disney hotels could be booked on Priceline!! Is it always a secret deal?

Sarah had purchased the festival scavenger hunt map so we walked around the world showcase at our leisure enjoying the views and hunting for bees.

That was a pretty cute activity! Ariana and I did that during our EPIC World Showcase visit

The strawberry rose ended up being my favorite, but it was fun to try all three for $9.50.

I really enjoyed this flight, as well, and have to agree the strawberry was my definite favorite! Nice to be able to try all 3 for that price though!

 

[pepperandchips]

I’m IN! Can’t wait to hear more. The Beach Club definitely spoils you... especially if an EPCOT lover. And holy Priceline!!! That rate is AMAZING! I need to start checking this!

Oh my gosh, yes! I stayed at the Yacht Club waaaay back in 2014 but our room was practically in the Dolphin so this Beach Club room right behind the quiet pool was certainly enough to spoil us! And here my intentions were to stay offsite "on a budget" until R adopted the Disney math policy and before I knew it we were booked at the Beach Club. We just couldn't pass up that rate!

“These little beauties...” .... you have my heart. Thank goodness they didn’t do away with that when they updated the ride.

I KNOW! I was so scared that Patrick was going away, especially when he confirmed he hadn't filmed a new intro. Then lo and behold he remained! Thank goodness!

Your dress is so cute. I love it!

Thank you! The CM was so funny when we came in that day, he was like "you know the Flower and Garden festival is going on right? Did you plan that outfit?" I wanted to reply with "Oh honey you have no idea my level of insanity" but I restrained myself to a simple confirmation and thank you. Haha!

You got some great monorail / F&G shots!!!

I'm sort of obsessed with my Olloclip! More beautiful blue sky photos coming soon

Following! Love your reports (even the half finished ones ), happy to see a new one!

Thank goodness anyone still trusts me enough to start reading along. I will finish my Hawaii one though!

So happy to have you here!

I am here!!!!

Yes! Welcome Ariella!!!

Seriously!!! I asked for extra when we were DVC at the Poly and since there was 2 bathrooms we got a sweet bag full!

I won't tell you what I did with the shower gel in the pump at the OKW studio we were in this last time

That is a boat load! I ended up with extra decaf. Blah.

that hardly even qualifies as coffee! I knew we'd need afternoon caffeine so it was great to get a ton of extras!!!

What the? When did this happen???

I was going to say, "recently" and then I couldn't get out of my head when the Seven Dwarfs are telling (*lying*?) Snow White that they have washed their hands recently.... YES, RECENTLY

That's my Grey Goose slushie. sunshine in a glass I actually opted for the sparkling Kir last week so skipped the LVER but I do have a rather newfound love for the Kir!

You... you... you... what?! That's it, book another trip. You can't go cheating on me and LVER like that!

Mmm, so fun sitting in the Odyssey with you guys not long ago drinking this......................

The strawberry was my 2 fave and the Original Sin was my 1st. I had the strawberry last year at the F&W fest I believe? Pretty sure they had it at the stand in America. Well it was some strawberry cider and it was good. Let's just say I like my cider

Yes it was! Spending time with y'all was one of the many highlights of the weekend! Let's do it again. See above comment

I want that cider flight! Great photos and what a fun way to spend an afternoon at Epcot. Beach Club's proximity to the park is unbeatable--LOVE it!

It was fantastic, except the yellow one just tasted like apple cider to me. The Original Sin was also great but you can't have too many refills if you are going to drink anything good along the way elsewhere

We loved Beach Club! I hope we get to stay there again one day soon. And of course you know how happy I am to have you along, Amber. The Epic trip would only have been more Epic had you been able to join us. Next time, I hope!!!

 

[buzzrelly]

Hi, i’m Melinda. You may know me already - I’m pretty famous here on the boards for starting ambitious reports and abandoning them halfway through On this last round of trips I also got the moniker ChunkyPepper and think I probably lived up to that nickname.

You're super adorable! I am so happy to have met both you and your Steve!

Just before the trip, I was checking Priceline express deals and found what I was sure was the Beach Club. At the time, we were planning to stay offsite. After some discussion and encouragement from the husband, we pulled the trigger - and, sure enough - our “secret” deal was the Beach Club!! Cue happy dance.



Don’t hate me, but our rate was $255 a night. Plus I was able to use a 10% off coupon! Double happy dancing.

That's awesome! I was looking for something like this for our past April trip and could not figure out what to look for. We loved POFQ anyway, so it was all good

Oh, one more anecdote before we move on to actual food... there weren’t any toiletries in our room so I called for extra coffee k cups and to get toiletries and we got a stinking boatload of them! Score!!!

Score! I love those toiletries!

The day was beyond gorgeous but Sarah had to get back to Tampa so we grabbed some quick monorail shots and settled on one more booth to enjoy together before bidding her farewell.

So perfect

 

[pepperandchips]

That is pretty awesome! I don't think I realized Disney hotels could be booked on Priceline!! Is it always a secret deal?

JACKIE!!! You're here!!!

They sometimes have the Disney hotels as transparent deals on Priceline but they're usually not as good as the rates I can get on other travel sites or with direct Disney discounts.

Here's the tutorial on the express deals:https://touringplans.com/blog/2018/10/23/using-hotel-canary-to-book-priceline-express/ and here's a Disboards thread on catching extra codes on top! https://www.disboards.com/threads/priceline-express-deals.3598657/page-132#post-60602802

That was a pretty cute activity! Ariana and I did that during our EPIC World Showcase visit

It really was. We didn't stay long enough for the prize reveal as Sarah was doing hers over multiple visits. What was it this year?

I really enjoyed this flight, as well, and have to agree the strawberry was my definite favorite! Nice to be able to try all 3 for that price though!

Yes it was! And we had fun enjoying it in March but it was even more fun to have a flight when all the chunkies took over Odyssey a few weeks ago!

You're super adorable! I am so happy to have met both you and your Steve!

Absolutely likewise! The WL wild crew was a real highlight for us!

That's awesome! I was looking for something like this for our past April trip and could not figure out what to look for. We loved POFQ anyway, so it was all good

POFQ is still on my bucket list. R has gotten interested in it too so I have a feeling we may end up there sometime soon. It was kind of bad finding this deal since it wasn't in the budget but we couldn't say no!!

Score! I love those toiletries!

Me too, now I have a good little cache saved up in my bathroom for when I need a quick trip down Disney memory lane

 

[pepperandchips]

March 30, Continued:

"Livin’ it up, my heart starts beatin’! Fillin’ me up, let the memories begin!"

So the last time I’d stayed at a resort that had access to Stormalong Bay was a stay at the Yacht Club in August 2014, and every time we’d wanted to swim, there’d been summertime afternoon storms and lighting strikes that closed the pool. This time I would not be deterred, dang it! So we went to the pool after we returned from Epcot and I took in a few laps of the lazy river.

I found the pool temperature comfortable but DH was a little chilly so we decided to check out the hot tub near our room (which looked out over the quiet pool). Oddly enough the “hot” tub was a cold/normal tub that afternoon so we didn’t spend long in it and returned to our balcony and Crescent Lake-gazing.

Obviously we were miserable, if you can’t tell. @kastoney we were really disappointed not to get the scaffolding view you'd enjoyed, but our patio was well appreciated!

This is also where I’ll tell a cautionary tale that if you are meeting an internet friend you should make sure your undergarments are not hanging from your dresser knobs as I nearly died of embarrassment after Wendy and her husband came to our room to chat/collect figment phone case, and I turned around to notice my bra on prominent display - egads!

Since we’d risen early and taken no nap, we debated dinner options but one choice stood out for convenience (and because it used to be such a favorite of ours that we’d travel from another resort for it): Crew’s Cup Lounge.

As we traversed the many yards to our intended dinner , I noticed the floral display with several of the flowers from our wedding arrangements. Though I gotta say, Disney, these are hideous. Talk about phoned in. “Let me just cram $60 worth of protea in this quadrant and $60 worth of white roses in this quadrant. Now, where's that giant stick I just had? Et voila! Art!”

That's more like it...

So anyway... Crew’s Cup. This little bitty bar with a rowing/nautical theme (get it, crew??) used to hold the Melinda’s Award for Best Burger on Property (tm) prior to the Captain’s Grill refurb into Ale & Compass. During the refurb, I think the burger came from Beaches and Cream instead and (please don’t flame me, I know it has its fans!) it tasted like a regular ol’ QS burger. You know, now that I think of it, maybe they were using Hurricane Hannah’s ingredients on the resort’s central kitchen facilities. Yeah, let’s go with that. People will hate me less

What was I yammering on about? Oh yeah, refurbs and menu changes. So after we got burned by the change we haven’t been back in a while, in part because while the Captain’s Grill work was underway the already limited menu kept changing.

This time, it looked like maybe the menu was back to its full glory. And even if not, I was tempted by the offer (for sale) of the Yachtsman bread service. After all, haven’t you all regaled me with tales of that roasted garlic and pull apart bread?

We found a booth and settled in. Some kind of sportsball thing was on. Don’t ask me what. As Monica would say, “Teams played sports.”

At first I ordered a woodford old fashioned but when I found it appalling I switched to:

walk the plank - $13.25 - Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye Whisky, orange juice, orgreat (almond), and fresh lemon juice garnished with Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries

As always, this one goes down easy. When in doubt, just order something from the generic menu. With cherries.

And... here’s where I probably lose all my friends. For $7, I was thrilled to order:
Yachtsman Signature Bread - Sourdough Baguette, Pull-Apart Onion Rolls, Roasted Garlic, Butter

Y’all. This was not good. The sourdough bread was fine. The onion rolls were fine-to-good depending on your sweetness tolerance. The butter was fine-to-good. The garlic was narsty.

Yes, I know, I know, I could hear you all clicking the "x" simultaneously... but... I love garlic! I love the flavor of roasted garlic! I hated this garlic on both types of bread! I don’t know if something was wrong with our serving or if something is wrong with me but I didn’t enjoy this. I also think it’s pretty ridiculous that they charge you $7 for a basket of bread if you’re ordering other stuff. I mean, I could see if you just plop down and order a couple of beers and want bread, the restaurant being justified in charging you for it, but our bill ended up close to $100. And we can’t have the bread that’s free next door even if we just ordered salad and water? #salty

Speaking of salad ($12) this is my half of the Caesar Salad, which the kitchen split for us:
Crisp Romaine, Parmigiano Reggiano, Coppa Secca, Focaccia Croutons

The croutons are deeeeelicious and otherwise it was a fine Caesar made on super crisp romaine, as advertised, albeit our servings were overdressed.

And then there’s what we came for...

Classic Crew Burger: Mr. Tractor honey Mustard, Miso Bacon, House-made Ketchup, Mayonnaise, Lettuce, Tomato, Bread & Butter Pickles, Onions, Cheddar, Hand-cut Fries, which our receipt just described as “Filet burger” - $20

It was an impressive burger! But remains dethroned by the following “Melinda’s Best Burger on Disney Property Award” winners (tm)

1.) the Boathouse classic cheeseburger (also $2 less than this one at $18)
2.) Homecoming’s “the Art burger” (also $2 less)
3.) yak and yeti Kobe beef burger ($20)

I mean, I don't have a burger problem or anything...

Overall we had good service from a CM in training and enjoyed our dinner, even though we were exhausted and I think Crew’s Cup’s best days were in its past. I would return again if staying at Crescent Lake but would not go out of my way in the future to return.

With our TIW discount and 18% gratuity the bill was $86.69. We rounded it up to $90 and headed off to bed.

Next up: gratuitous pics of the magic kingdom before we eat more stuff at Epcot!

 

[pepperandchips]

March 31, 2019: Magic Kingdom photos that are not of food

"The Bear Band bears will play now - In the good ol' key of G"

Gratuitous MK photos that have nothing to do with eating follow... I had purchased a new "toy" for the trip so I was having a ball taking photos with my new Olloclip wide angle lens that you can attach to your cell phone for a wider field of vision in photos.

The first thing we did was to meet celebration Mickey and Minnie

Minnie made a fuss over my ears and dress, which you know had me giggling like a preschooler. I don't know if I will ever grow old enough that meeting Minnie Mouse is not a big deal. She's my spirit animal. Oddly enough, the photopass photographer and character attendant would not let me get a photo with just Minnie, which is weird because since then some of my friends on the Epic trip posted photos of just the girls or just the guys - guess the CMs I had that morning were more committed to character integrity with the meet (or maybe the policy since changed). Whatever, I don't hate having both Mice to love on me!

R got in line for a Sleepy Hollow waffle sandwich while I went off in search of a popcorn cart to get my bucket refilled

Which also allowed me to wander around and take more photos in the brilliant spring sunshine

I loved the trolley and the hardworking Disney horse just standing around for admirers!

I wasn't planning on writing a dining report for this trip, so I sadly did not take a photo of the waffle sandwich or of my popcorn. Report: neither was actually all that great - I keep going back for Sleepy Hollow waffles imagining them to be as good as Mickey waffles but they're just never crisp and I don't love the weird chewy texture. I think it's because they don't cook them long enough due to the crowds waiting in line demanding breakfast treats! And the popcorn was a bit stale, but you know we ate it anyway

Front row!!!

On the exit from Space Mountain, we stopped to apply sunscreen and I noticed the flattering light. I thought maybe we could make Space Mountain the next "wall"

In hindsight, I doubt this drab grey is going to catch on

Of course we had to go sing along with my favorite bears

We got so much done between 9:30 and 1:00 when we were there and by 1:15 we were heading off to Epcot to enjoy more festival snacks!!

Up next: we return to the food Flower and Garden festival and there are photos of actual food, I promise.

 

[disneyAndi14]

I love all your pictures at MK! You look so cute at the Spaceship wall! You make it pop!!

The burger looks good from Crews Cup. Some of the ladies tried some appetizers there and I tasted the meatballs and Parker rolls, these were very good!

 

[TeresaNJ]

I'm so happy you got the picture thing worked out! I went back to your first post to look at them, and they are beautiful! Love your ears! They match the flowers hanging from the Main St Trolley! Where do you get such cute dresses? You always look so adorable! I had a problem with my pictures showing up when I used Google photos, too, so I went back to using my Shutterfly account. That's a shame the garlic wasn't good at Crew's Cup. So you paid $7 for bread & butter. That stinks. Love your room and view at the BCV, but I do think Kari's @kastoney was a bit better! We used to own quite a bit of DVC points at he BCV, as well as what is now known as Boulder Ridge Villas. We bough when they first opened, and had them until 2014 when my husband convinced me that we should sell the contracts so we could buy a house with acreage so he could hobby farm. In my weakness I agreed. We did buy a resale at AKV in the beginning of 2017, and I love Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo & Kidani, but I have to admit I really really miss my Beach Club & Wilderness contracts. Oh well. I know I can transfer in to them at the 7 month window, but at peak times of year, like during the Epcot festivals, it's almost impossible to book the BCV. Live & learn.

 

[missjackiemcg]

JACKIE!!! You're here!!!

Hi

It really was. We didn't stay long enough for the prize reveal as Sarah was doing hers over multiple visits. What was it this year?

There were three different sets of iron-on patches to choose from. One was a very Flower and Garden specific set, but it was those same blah colors and designs as most of the merch...weird greens and a little pink. Ariana and I both ended up going with the Figment set. Not that I will be ironing them onto anything anytime soon, but they were the cutest for sure!

Yes it was! And we had fun enjoying it in March but it was even more fun to have a flight when all the chunkies took over Odyssey a few weeks ago!

Chunky Take Over!!!! That was really so fun...though I spent most of our time there in line to see Minnie Mouse. I took my flight out into the rain with us, and drank them fast enough that the rain didn't dilute it too much

I ALWAYS give myself a hand eye-patch and finger hook!! My husband is embarrassed of me, but I am glad to see I'm in good company

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Too true, Jenny! We had so much fun with you and Joe. I am looking forward to getting to that part of the report

That will be one of the best parts.

Obviously we were miserable, if you can’t tell. @kastoney we were really disappointed not to get the scaffolding view you'd enjoyed, but our patio was well appreciated!

BAWHA!!!!

 

[Chrystmasangel]

Hello! Just joining in and have some catching up to do. Just wanted to say it was so nice meeting you and your DH! The EPIC trip was such a fun adventure and I can't wait to do it again!

 

[MeghanEmily]

I'm here!! Hi, Melinda!

On this last round of trips I also got the moniker ChunkyPepper and think I probably lived up to that nickname.

Love this!

I find it now time to tell the tale (at least the parts suitable for telling).

I can only imagine...

I love Animal Kingdom, signature dining, the Country Bear Jamboree, sampling every beer that Disney decides to sell, riding the Peoplemover ad nauseum, the WDW "Lodges", forcing other people to sit on the side of the log nearest Splash Mountain's evil waterfall-trap, dark rides, the Burudika Band, and afternoon nap breaks.

I swear, minus the beer sampling (#glutenprobs #brainprobs) you're speaking directly from my own brain. You have excellent taste.

the WDW "Lodges"

Especially with this ^ one!

Don’t hate me, but our rate was $255 a night.

Amazing!

When we traversed the 100 yards or so from the Beach Club “secret entrance” and were inside Epcot in like 5 minutes, he was more than pleased.

Omg I can't wait for this. Even if we won't feel much like walking in August, I'm totally gonna do it anyway. This is what dreams are made of.

These little beauties (no, not the Patrick Warburton kind)

Oh my gawsh you're my favourite.

Gorgeous!

"Livin’ it up, my heart starts beatin’! Fillin’ me up, let the memories begin!"

I'm actually not physically capable of reading this without singing it in my head.

"...Welcome to Must-Do Disney. I'm your host, Stacey. You know there's [sic] a lot of thing in life that you must do, but there are only a few of those must dos that you really want to do!"

I will neither confirm nor deny that I have Must Do Disney saved on my Desktop for quick access when the mood hits...

This is also where I’ll tell a cautionary tale that if you are meeting an internet friend you should make sure your undergarments are not hanging from your dresser knobs as I nearly died of embarrassment after Wendy and her husband came to our room to chat/collect figment phone case, and I turned around to notice my bra on prominent display - egads!

Though I gotta say, Disney, these are hideous. Talk about phoned in. “Let me just cram $60 worth of protea in this quadrant and $60 worth of white roses in this quadrant. Now, where's that giant stick I just had? Et voila! Art!”

Oh my gosh, I've never paid attention before. They're atrocious.

“Melinda’s Best Burger on Disney Property Award” winners (tm)

1.) the Boathouse classic cheeseburger (also $2 less than this one at $18)
2.) Homecoming’s “the Art burger” (also $2 less)
3.) yak and yeti Kobe beef burger ($20)

I mean, I don't have a burger problem or anything...

*taking notes*

Minnie made a fuss over my ears and dress, which you know had me giggling like a preschooler. I don't know if I will ever grow old enough that meeting Minnie Mouse is not a big deal.

As it should be!

I love this one!

Front row!!!

Your pirate hook reminds me of @missjackiemcg's

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Since it’s in the past,I’m hoping it’s not creepy to say I know exactly where your room was. Great location!! I actually prefer the quiet pools. I already liked you but you’re a burger lover??? Disney food sister!!!!

Crew’s Cup will always be a favorite of mine. I don’t add the garlic to my onion rolls - maybe that makes a difference? I like their burger too. I think my current best burger crown goes to either Boathouse or Ale & Compass.

 

[missjackiemcg]

Your pirate hook reminds me of @missjackiemcg's

LOL I told her the same thing!!!

 

[nco91590]

OMG HIIIIII! Aren't you just a delight?!? This DR is giving me much needed happy vibes with all this terrible rainy weather we're having up yonder


This outfit it wicked cute with matching Tevas.

GASP....are these your centerpieces?!?!? They are gorgeous!!

I'm so glad you got Beach Club. It's the perfect place to stumble home to honestly! Supes excited to read more!!!!

 

[ArielSRL]

I'm late but here! Just started so I'll be back to comment later....

 

[cinderkelly]

Following along! It was so nice to meet you for the hot second that it was. All these TR’s are going to be amazing!

 

[kastoney]

Obviously we were miserable, if you can’t tell. @kastoney we were really disappointed not to get the scaffolding view you'd enjoyed, but our patio was well appreciated!

Hey we all can't have the pixie dust of @ariane37 Roy Disney Suite or my Beach Club Scaffolding room but you all were troopers for making the most of it.

This is also where I’ll tell a cautionary tale that if you are meeting an internet friend you should make sure your undergarments are not hanging from your dresser knobs as I nearly died of embarrassment after Wendy and her husband came to our room to chat/collect figment phone case, and I turned around to notice my bra on prominent display - egads!

I'm pretty sure there is some tinder joke in there but after the day I've had I just can't quite find it

We found a booth and settled in. Some kind of sportsball thing was on.

Sportsball. My favorite kind of balls

Yes, I know, I know, I could hear you all clicking the "x" simultaneously... but... I love garlic! I love the flavor of roasted garlic! I hated this garlic on both types of bread! I don’t know if something was wrong with our serving or if something is wrong with me but I didn’t enjoy this. I also think it’s pretty ridiculous that they charge you $7 for a basket of bread if you’re ordering other stuff. I mean, I could see if you just plop down and order a couple of beers and want bread, the restaurant being justified in charging you for it, but our bill ended up close to $100. And we can’t have the bread that’s free next door even if we just ordered salad and water? #salty

Oh its you, its totally you.

I cannot believe they make you a. pay for bread but b. that it wasn't good. I do think this has gone down over the last few years. I recall thinking it was heaven the first time I had it, but I'm not sure what they are doing different but it just isn''t up to par as much anymore. Heck they don't even give you all onion rolls anymore and mix it in with something inferior.

1.) the Boathouse classic cheeseburger (also $2 less than this one at $18)
2.) Homecoming’s “the Art burger” (also $2 less)
3.) yak and yeti Kobe beef burger ($20)

I mean, I don't have a burger problem or anything...

As one person without a burger problem to another, burger order dually noted. We've only had the one at the Boathouse, but did really enjoy it. I think d'luxe burger may be our favorite though. Have you all tried it?

Aargh matey!!!! Thats a wee hook ye have. I would have expected an EPIC one

In hindsight, I doubt this drab grey is going to catch on

Gorgeous! Maybe we could call this the prison wall and it could get a whole counter-culture ironic cult following going?

 

[ArielSRL]

Just before the trip, I was checking Priceline express deals and found what I was sure was the Beach Club. At the time, we were planning to stay offsite. After some discussion and encouragement from the husband, we pulled the trigger - and, sure enough - our “secret” deal was the Beach Club!! Cue happy dance.



Don’t hate me, but our rate was $255 a night. Plus I was able to use a 10% off coupon! Double happy dancing.

Woot woot!

and set our course to arrive at WDW by about 11:00 on Saturday, March 30. Sure enough, around 11:00 we were rolling under those glorious purple signs.

My lord...how do you guys get up early enough for this kind of arrival? We are good with around 2pm or so.

we grabbed some photos of the room

Gorgeous!

Grey Goose Vodka Orange, St. Germain Liqueur, White and Red Cranberry Juice – $10.75

So good!

Here we enjoyed the Carne Guisada with Black Bean Cake and Cilantro Lime Sour Cream – $6.25. This was my favorite dish again at this year’s festival. It’s very filling and super tasty - these flavors are totally my wheelhouse and the beef is always juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. It was again a big hit with us.

I so wanted to try this on the EPIC trip but never got to. Boo.

Kermit’s chocolate dipped key lime slice on a stick.

HS has one on a stick. It's dipped in white chocolate, I think. I'm trying it in June.

Mixed Berry Buttermilk Cake, served with Apple Cider Sorbet – $5.00. I loved this but the hubster did not.

Exact same!

I also enjoyed the cider flight:

• Original Sin Brewery Black Widow Hard Cider, New York, NY
• Florida Beer Company Caribé Strawberry Rose Hard Cider, Cape Canaveral, FL
• 3 Daughters Brewing Key Lime Apple Hard Cider, St. Petersburg, FL

The strawberry rose ended up being my favorite, but it was fun to try all three for $9.50.

Strawberry was my fave also, with Key Lime next.