I haven't been this excited about my birthday since I turned 21! COMPLETE

[Couchy]

Sorry folks but I have to post another photo of Bailey because I'm in puppy love...




But I promise there will be more Disney food pics coming your way very soon...Ooey, Gooey ones. ​

Soooooooooooo Cute. I can see why you are in love

 

[jordansmama]

Bailey is ADORABLE!! I could stare at that picture all day and just smile!!

I really hope the closing of Kona Cafe is just a rumor- love it there!!

 

[WildGinger]

Sorry folks but I have to post another photo of Bailey because I'm in puppy love...




But I promise there will be more Disney food pics coming your way very soon...Ooey, Gooey ones. ​

Oh my goodness...

 

[livinlife25]

Your dog is adorable! I have to admit, for a second I thought you were a Grey's Anatomy fan. Quick question, last time I looked at Frontiers schedule it said something about the flights to MCO being seasonal and there were no flights after mid June. Have you heard anything?

 

[jabead]

Barb,

Congratulations on your son's graduation. Your family looks lovely.

So sorry about the disappointing meal at the Yachtsman. That steak does look a bit well done for sure.

Pineapple macadamia nut pancakes are one of my favorites too. Hoping to make it over to Kona for breakfast next trip.

Thanks Rachel. And I would recommend that you do go to Kona during your upcoming trip...just in case.

I think we were still sleeping at the time of your breakfast as we have 3 strikes you're out for Kona but I am happy to hear that you did not have the same service issues and that the pancakes delivered for you!

In hindsight, I wish you guys had slept in during our December visit to Kona and instead had been with us this time. Perhaps the results would have been better and Kona would have avoided a strike out?? Oh well, I guess it was just not meant to be.

So glad you had a great breakfast and service at Kona's. I'm a fan of their tonga toast but I like your pancakes too ... And Kona coffee is delicious Enjoying your reviews

Thanks for continuing to follow along.

I used to be a fan of the Tonga toast until I discovered the pancakes about 3 years ago. Now I can't imagine ordering anything else for breakfast at Kona.

I've been dreaming of those pancakes eve though I've never tried them. Kona has been I my list for a while but never made it there. Staying at WL in sep (club level too) so I tend to finally make them a reality. Though the taunting of the pics tonight may just give me nightmares

You definitely must make those dreams come true on your next trip! Oh, and coming soon are lots of photos from WL Club lounge so please stay tuned.

The event was definitely enjoyable. It got off to a rough start, as I only got out of the airport at 4:15am and missed park opening (due to a 9 hour delay, airport change, and additional 4 hour delay). Still, being in MK for sunrise was really cool, and it's exciting that the Mine Train was open.

Yep, I'm done with school (and actually just graduated). That means I need to spend my time finding a full-time job, and maybe even moving. My goal is to move to the West Coast, so we'll see what happens!

And it was no problem sharing the update. In fact, I'll be back in Orlando later this month and will probably have more updates to share. These upcoming nights were supposed to be for 'scouting' purposes, as I was thinking about moving there. However, I've already ruled it out, so now it's just a vacation. Also, my annual pass expires in June, and for the first time in forever (lol), I don't expect to renew it. Instead, I'm hoping to visit another Disney destination later this summer, but the details are uncertain.

First, congrats on graduating from college! I must admit that I'm a little sad that you have ruled out moving to Orlando because I would love to see frequent "live from Disney World" reviews from you. But I suppose Disneyland would be okay too. Best wishes to you regardless of where your future takes you. I'm sure you will be successful there, no matter where that might be.

Oh, and I'll look forward to hearing about your upcoming Disney World trip!

Kona can't close! I love their Big Kahuna breakfast.

Love your reviews! Looks like you had an awesome time.

Thanks for reading!

I'm not really one to complain about changes but if this rumor turns out to be true then I just might have to head up the "Save Kona Breakfast" campaign.

Missed the Kona review when catching up earlier - looks like a great meal. While Kona isn't one of my personal favorites, I doubt they would change it very much (especially for breakfast), as the Tonga Toast and Pineapple-Macadamia Pancakes clearly have huge followings. Then again, they did decide to remove Poly's water feature and block the MK view from several longhouses, so maybe I'm wrong.

The Polynesian used to be my family's favorite Disney resort. We have so many fond memories from the many times that we stayed there. While I was sad to hear about some of the planned changes, I'll reserve judgement until the renovations are complete. However, if they take away my Kona pancakes it will not be easy for me to just forgive and forget.

Reluctantly we've cancelled Kona for August (mainly due to my DS inability to get up and out quickly in a morning nowadays ) Hoping there might be a chance of a walk up though as the pancakes and Big Kahuna always look amazing

I know exactly what you mean, as most of my family would rather sleep in a little longer than take the time to have a sit-down breakfast during our Disney trips. That has been one of the advantages of my two solo trips, I can have as many breakfasts as I want without any complaints or someone falling asleep at the table...

Anyway, I hope you have success with that walk-up. IMHO, the Kona pancakes are well worth losing sleep over.

He is so cute!!

That's one adorable puppy!!!! What a cutie pie : )

Soooooooooooo Cute. I can see why you are in love

Oh my goodness...

To be honest, I was quite reluctant about getting a dog since all three of our kids will be in college/grad school in the Fall so I knew I would be left with the responsibility of taking care of her. But after seeing how cute and sweet she is (she loves to be held and cuddled), I think the kids actually did me a huge favor when they talked me into getting her. Having her around might just ward off a bad case of empty nest syndrome. Who knew that kids could grow up to be so smart???

Oh no Please tell me they won't close Kona. They can convert it to Signature status for any meal but breakfast and I'd be fine. But please don't mess with the status quo Disney!!!

Agreed! I am fine with signature for lunch and dinner but keep breakfast the same! They can't take away one of the best breakfast spots in Disney!

Hmm...I see the campaign group forming. Disney management, BEWARE!!!

So sorry your meal at YS was a disappointment! A restaurant that calls itself a steakhouse really has no excuse for an improperly cooked steak. DSis and I dined there last year and were lucky as our meal was good but we waited a very long time past our ADR to be seated.

Such a shame that pasta dish is no longer on the Tutto Gusto menu, I would have loved that! Their tasty Sangria is a nice consolation though.

The entree you selected at Jiko looks amazing! Glad you had a great night with Dis friends!

Vanilla French Toast at Grand Floridian Cafe =

The Plaza Sundae looks good but I must have that Sea Salt Caramel Sundae from Ghirardelli!!

Congratulations to your son on his graduation! Thanks for sharing photos of your lovely family.

Bailey George is ADORABLE!!!

Ok, I'm all caught up again and ready for more.

Thanks for continuing to follow along, Carol!

Your dog is adorable! I have to admit, for a second I thought you were a Grey's Anatomy fan. Quick question, last time I looked at Frontiers schedule it said something about the flights to MCO being seasonal and there were no flights after mid June. Have you heard anything?

Now that the graduation festivities are over I am back into Disney trip planning mode. I have been stalking the Frontier website daily, as I am waiting for them to release their fall schedule for their direct flights to Orlando. I did the same thing last year for my early December trip and they weren't released until early July. I can't seem to recall though when they resumed the direct flights to Orlando but I think it wasn't until November 2013, which would be too late for me this year as I'm looking for a flight out around Oct. 21 - 26. So my fingers are crossed for Oct. flights this year, as it is soooo much faster and easier to fly direct from Bloomington. When are you wanting to travel? It seems like it was October as well.

 

[jabead]

Following our breakfast at Kona Cafe, I said my goodbyes to Brenda & Michael (until lunch anyway ) and hopped on the resort monorail to Magic Kingdom. From there it was just a quick boat ride back to the Wilderness Lodge, where I needed to check out of my regular room by 11:00 and check in to my new room on the Concierge level of the hotel. This process went very smoothly. The Old Faithful Club castmember who checked me in and showed me to my room was very friendly. He asked me if I had ever stayed CL there or at any of the other Disney resorts before. I mentioned that I had just stayed at the Yacht Club's Regatta Club a few months ago (this had been a complimentary upgrade during my December trip). The CM then made me a bet that my stay at the OFC would far outshine the one at the Regatta Club. Hmmm...well we will just have to see about that.

My new room on the 7th floor looked the same as my standard one, so I didn't take any photos. And since I was there for only one night, I didn't bother doing any unpacking. Therefore it wasn't long before I headed out again and was on my way back to Magic Kingdom...



There are usually a ton of people lined up to take their photo here, so when I saw there was no one around I couldn't resist taking a pic.


I had some time to kill before meeting up with the others for lunch, so I found a seat in front of the castle and watched the show there...something I had never taken the time to do before. After the show I continued to sit there, relax, soak up the atmosphere, and do some people watching, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I saw this cute little Minnie that I had never noticed before...




When it was getting close to the time of our ADR I made my way to our lunch destination...




....where I found a seat out front and waited for Brenda, Michael, Paula and Hunter to arrive, which they soon did. After checking in we were soon seated in a room dedicated to Thomas Jefferson...or was it Betsy Ross, George & Martha Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Paul Jones, or Paul Revere. I have no idea?!?!

I do know that we were presented with this menu...









For my beverage I chose Iced Tea because I noticed on the menu that it was freshly brewed...



As you can see from the above photo, our table was decorated with spiral confetti, as we were again celebrating our birthdays and Paula & Hunter's anniversary.


For my entree I ordered the same thing that I had gotten on my last two visits to Liberty Tree Tavern...





Colony Salad with Washington Apples, Sweet Pecans, Applewood-smoked Cheddar, Craisins Dried Cranberries and Grilled Chicken tossed with Field Greens in a Honey-Shallot Vinaigrette - $14.99


And just like the previous two times, I again loved this salad. I really enjoy the combination of the fruits, candied pecans, and cheddar cheese. And the honey-shallot vinegar and oil dressing is very tasty too.



Though the salad was quite filling, there was no way I could not order dessert here. Because dessert at Liberty Tree Tavern means...



Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake - Vanilla Cake with a Gooey Toffee Filling, Caramel Sauce, and Vanilla Ice Cream - $7.49


And another photo sans the birthday candle...



Just like the Colony salad, this was a three-peat winner for me. This dessert includes many of my favorites...thick, chewy chocolate chip cookie-like cake, caramel sauce, Heath toffee candy pieces, and vanilla ice cream. Seriously, what's not to love about the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake?


"The Mystery of the Missing Ooey Gooey"

From the title of Brenda's (emmysmommy) dining report, you know that sadly she missed out on having the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake on this trip. Here are some of the possible reasons for the omission of one of her favorite Disney World desserts:

1) She did not have anything for lunch because she was still full from her Kona breakfast.

2) There was only one Ooey Gooey cake left and she graciously allowed me to have it.

3) She decided to try the Johnny Appleseed's cake instead.

4) Our server forgot that she had ordered it.

5) They delivered her dessert to our table while she was in the bathroom and Michael and Hunter ate it all before she got back.

So which one(s) do you think is the correct reason? To find out if you are right, be sure to read Brenda's Liberty Tree Tavern review.



In conclusion, ever since I discovered the unbeatable combo of the Colony salad and the Ooey Gooey cake during my March 2013 visit, Liberty Tree Tavern has been on my "Must Do Every Trip" list. I have just started making dining plans for my next trip in October and LTT has already been included.
​

Next up: Old Faithful Club Lounge Snacks

 

[Couchy]

Barb- the salad looks very good and huge. I think I will have to put LTT on my list for a future trip

 

[livinlife25]

I was just browing. I don't think we will be back till maybe December of next year. I did a little digging on their FB page and I'm even more confused.

"Sheila -Please spill the beans and let me in on the secret. When will you release fall flight schedules from Bmi To mco?
May 13 at 9:28pm · Like

Frontier Airlines Sheila, we just extended our schedule through November. What date are you shopping for? ^Co
May 13 at 9:34pm · Like

Sheila -Hmm. I checked earlier foe September 7 but nothing past June.
May 13 at 9:40pm · Like

Frontier Airlines Sheila, I mis-spoke. Our schedule was recently extended to December 12th. I'll check our schedule from BMI to MCO and get back to you. ^Co
May 13 at 9:45pm · Like

Sheila - Thanks. Tell the planners to get the seasonal flight schedule up...I know you pull out in summer but I neeeeed you Sept 7 ok? Lol
May 13 at 9:48pm · Like

Frontier Airlines Looks like our last flight is June 12th. I'm sorry. I'll let our schedulers know. I hope we add it back for you. Thanks for shopping with us! ^Co
May 13 at 9:55pm · Like"

 

[disney meema]

Your salad looks like a meal I would certainly eat and lots of nice sized chicken, mental note to order this for lunch in November : ) Oh course your ooy gooy looks fabulous as always. Looking forward to your CL report at WL ...

I'll go with number 1 for Brenda : ) but having wrote that I have two thoughts 1. I've seen she eats salads when full or a lighter meal on her dining review when she was not especially hungry. 2. There's always room for ooy gooy toffee cake : ) So I'm most likely wrong

 

[kastoney]

Mms ooey, gooey cake . Sadly I'm a ooey gooey virgin but that will all change come sep ; ). Salad looks good too and of course will help me justify said cake. Can't wait to see the club level offerings...

 

[Smiling Cheshire Cat]

Colony salad and Ooey gooey toffee cake sounds like an unbeatable lunch.

Love your multiple choice for why Brenda didn't get her Ooey gooey toffee cake, my favorite is that she let you have the last one.

 

[farrahalex76]

I just ate at Liberty Tree Tavern today. I got the same salad and it was so good. Sadly we didn't get any of the ooey gooey toffee cake. I really wanted to but I was too full, and I would have had to get it without ice cream and I have the recipe at home so I'll have to make it one day. Even without dessert we really enjoyed LTT. I think it's the first restaurant that has made our must do list.

 

[MrsB1228]

Mmm, Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake, oh how I love thee! I keep eyeing that salad but almost always order the pot roast instead. Maybe next time.

Another great update!

 

[MrsB1228]

BTW, in regards to Brenda and the "Mystery of the missing Ooey Gooey" I'm going to guess #4 - the server forgot she had ordered it.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

First, congrats on graduating from college! I must admit that I'm a little sad that you have ruled out moving to Orlando because I would love to see frequent "live from Disney World" reviews from you. But I suppose Disneyland would be okay too. Best wishes to you regardless of where your future takes you. I'm sure you will be successful there, no matter where that might be.

Oh, and I'll look forward to hearing about your upcoming Disney World trip!

The Polynesian used to be my family's favorite Disney resort. We have so many fond memories from the many times that we stayed there. While I was sad to hear about some of the planned changes, I'll reserve judgement until the renovations are complete. However, if they take away my Kona pancakes it will not be easy for me to just forgive and forget. :sad2

Honestly, while I would say Orlando is out for now, nothing is set in stone until contracts are signed. I feel like I would be happy here (at least for a few years), and being a local could be fun. Thanks so much for the good wishes!

Regarding that upcoming trip, look for an update in the live thread very soon. We arrived yesterday, and it almost feels too soon.

I don't want to dwell too much on Poly's ongoing changes, but at least some of them sound positive (such as a dedicated kiosk for dole whips and a Trader Sam's). I'd still be seriously surprised if they messed with Kona's iconic breakfast dishes, just like LTT's toffee cake appears to be safe for a few years. Speaking of which, I have no idea what happened to Brenda's ooey gooey toffee cake, but I'm willing to rule out #5.

 

[smile4stamps]

Ahh... the mystery of the Missing Ooey Gooey... I'm not giving any hints!

This was a good and fun meal!

 

[emmysmommy]

Awesome review Barb!!

I love the mystery surrounding the toffee cake... stay tuned!

The bite I took of the Colony Salad was very good. It confirms why this is such a popular entrée.

 

[abarnes64]

Following!!! Amazing dining reviews!!! Have ADR's for Jiko, Kona and LTT fo upcoming Sept trip- CAN'T WAIT !!!

 

[Angeejoe]

I love Baily George! I showed my DH the pics & he agrees she's adorable! What kind of dog is she?

 

[jabead]

Barb- the salad looks very good and huge. I think I will have to put LTT on my list for a future trip

I highly recommend that you do, Beth!

I was just browing. I don't think we will be back till maybe December of next year. I did a little digging on their FB page and I'm even more confused.

"Sheila -Please spill the beans and let me in on the secret. When will you release fall flight schedules from Bmi To mco?
May 13 at 9:28pm · Like

Frontier Airlines Sheila, we just extended our schedule through November. What date are you shopping for? ^Co
May 13 at 9:34pm · Like

Sheila -Hmm. I checked earlier foe September 7 but nothing past June.
May 13 at 9:40pm · Like

Frontier Airlines Sheila, I mis-spoke. Our schedule was recently extended to December 12th. I'll check our schedule from BMI to MCO and get back to you. ^Co
May 13 at 9:45pm · Like

Sheila - Thanks. Tell the planners to get the seasonal flight schedule up...I know you pull out in summer but I neeeeed you Sept 7 ok? Lol
May 13 at 9:48pm · Like

Frontier Airlines Looks like our last flight is June 12th. I'm sorry. I'll let our schedulers know. I hope we add it back for you. Thanks for shopping with us! ^Co
May 13 at 9:55pm · Like"

Hmmm...they are not much help unfortunately. It seems that most of the Frontier employees (even those directly affected) are not privy to the schedule information. In fact, on my return flight on May 4th, the lady sitting next to me asked our flight attendant about this and she had no idea that the direct flights to/from Orlando were to be discontinued just a little more than one month later. She had to go ask the pilot about it and his reply was merely that the direct flights run only seasonally between Bloomington and Orlando. So I guess we will all have to (not so) patiently wait for the schedule planners to make their decisions and post the flight schedule on the website.

Your salad looks like a meal I would certainly eat and lots of nice sized chicken, mental note to order this for lunch in November : ) Oh course your ooy gooy looks fabulous as always. Looking forward to your CL report at WL ...

Mms ooey, gooey cake . Sadly I'm a ooey gooey virgin but that will all change come sep ; ). Salad looks good too and of course will help me justify said cake. Can't wait to see the club level offerings...

The Colony salad and toffee cake dessert lunch combo is a definite winner in my book...I hope you both enjoy it too! Part I of my CL report is almost ready to post so stay tuned...probably will be up this afternoon.

Colony salad and Ooey gooey toffee cake sounds like an unbeatable lunch.

Love your multiple choice for why Brenda didn't get her Ooey gooey toffee cake, my favorite is that she let you have the last one.

For those of us who have met Brenda or have followed her over the years through her TRs and DRs, #2 seems to be a very logical choice.

I just ate at Liberty Tree Tavern today. I got the same salad and it was so good. Sadly we didn't get any of the ooey gooey toffee cake. I really wanted to but I was too full, and I would have had to get it without ice cream and I have the recipe at home so I'll have to make it one day. Even without dessert we really enjoyed LTT. I think it's the first restaurant that has made our must do list.

Oh, you are at WDW now then?!?! Please update us with any other dining tidbits/notes/reviews that you would like to share.

Mmm, Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake, oh how I love thee! I keep eyeing that salad but almost always order the pot roast instead. Maybe next time.

Another great update!

I've tried the turkey, pot roast, and burger at LTT but the Colony salad is my favorite.

BTW, in regards to Brenda and the "Mystery of the missing Ooey Gooey" I'm going to guess #4 - the server forgot she had ordered it.

Hmmm...#4 may or may not be correct, but thanks for reading and commenting Carol.

Honestly, while I would say Orlando is out for now, nothing is set in stone until contracts are signed. I feel like I would be happy here (at least for a few years), and being a local could be fun. Thanks so much for the good wishes!

Regarding that upcoming trip, look for an update in the live thread very soon. We arrived yesterday, and it almost feels too soon.

I don't want to dwell too much on Poly's ongoing changes, but at least some of them sound positive (such as a dedicated kiosk for dole whips and a Trader Sam's). I'd still be seriously surprised if they messed with Kona's iconic breakfast dishes, just like LTT's toffee cake appears to be safe for a few years. Speaking of which, I have no idea what happened to Brenda's ooey gooey toffee cake, but I'm willing to rule out #5.

Thanks for posting your live update on the other thread! Here is the LINK for those who haven't seen it yet.

And I wouldn't rule out #5, as Michael and Hunter got along famously and could be a little mischievous when they were together.

Ahh... the mystery of the Missing Ooey Gooey... I'm not giving any hints!

This was a good and fun meal!

Awesome review Barb!!

I love the mystery surrounding the toffee cake... stay tuned!

The bite I took of the Colony Salad was very good. It confirms why this is such a popular entrée.

And speaking of the "Mystery of the Missing Ooey Gooey", here are two of its stars. Thanks for checking in ladies!

Following!!! Amazing dining reviews!!! Have ADR's for Jiko, Kona and LTT fo upcoming Sept trip- CAN'T WAIT !!!

All excellent choices!! And thanks for following!

I love Baily George! I showed my DH the pics & he agrees she's adorable! What kind of dog is she?

Thanks, we've had her for only two weeks and I've become quite attached to her. Her mother was a yellow lab and father was mostly Blue Heeler but with a little Pit Bull in the mix.