Inching My Way Closer to the Castle Final thoughts/future trips 4/2p90 The End 4/4p92

[MEK]

I did jump in the shower when we got back from opening ceremony, because I was still wearing my stinky sweat (and the clothes attached to it) from my run. I did a quick rinse and spin and then put my bathsuit on, since we were heading out to breakfast followed by another pool hop. I see that Jen got some really cool pics on her ill fated excursion to find her elusive battery.

Yes - we decided to change our Yak and Yeti ADR. I really wanted to eat there, but the one true reason I wanted to go to the AK that evening was to ride EE in the dark. And even if we had been 15 minutes and fashionably late to our ADR, we still wouldn't have accomplished that goal. You see, I had been tracking the rising and setting of the sun for three weeks prior to our trip, and it just wasn't gonna happen. It was still going to be a shade too light to ride EE in the dark dark. BUMMER! Everyone knows I have been dying to do this and, in 13 trips to Disney, I have consistently failed to accomplish this. Of course, EE was probably only around for 1/2 those trips, but still??????

Since we had such a great time in Epcot the day before, and we only had 2 KP missions under our belt, we decided to change our ADR to Epcot and hang out there. I am glad that Jen didn't tell you where we ended up. Let's let that be a surprise, shall we?

So Mission Next......BREAKFAST! But not before I grabbed a few random pics.

Oh, but wait, here's still a few I took outside the MK.....

I love this sign and never really noticed it before:

Never noticed this either:

When we got back to the room, I couldn't help but notice that our water fountain outside our balcony had formed a rainbow.

Go figure? Why would there suddenly be a rainbow there? That's a question for all you science majors!

I have a thing about resort maps, so somewhere along our trek I took these:

We also stopped outside, because I was obviously trying to practice my lesson of photographing water at different shutter speeds.

Onward to breakfast! Decisions, Decisions...Where would we eat today?

Well, one of the things I was really hoping to do on this trip was eat at Kona. We didn't build this into our dining plan ADRs. I think we just decided to show up and see if would could be seated. I have heard of plenty DISers walking up. And I have heard sooooooooooo many great reviews of the food that I had visions of Tonga toast and macadamia nut pancakes dancing in my head.

We had no trouble walking up. We were seated quickly and we happily ordered. I must admit, I did not have the Kona press coffee that so many people rave about. I made this decision because I already had several cups of starbucks and I knew it would probably push me right over the jittery edge. But, boy oh boy, would I love to wake up to a pot of that stuff someday. Room service please!

I also turned down the juice, but Jen had it and deemed it delicious. I have this crazy thing about drinking calories. I usually avoid them in drinks, unless the drinks are smoothies or contain alcohol. They don't count!

In short order I was delivered my Tonga toast:

I know that some people don't like the tonga toast because its too sweet, but my moto is that breakfast food can never be too sweet. It was really a bing hunk of heaven. I totally enjoyed it. It was also exactly what I expected it to taste like, so all you folks must be great at providing food descriptions.

Jen opted for the breakfast platter - the big Kahuna!

Let's just say that she didn't even leave enough leftovers for someone as small as Remy! The aunts and uncles at PrimeTime cafe would be proud.

Breakfast was great. The best part of it was I don't think we really had another meal until dinner. Breakfast us over just fine. I love the way a late breakfast will do that.

So Next Stop...Pool Hopping ....and where would two DVCer's go other than the creme de la creme .....the Grand Floridian.

Up Next: Pool hoping at the Old Grand Flo and a special trip to the wedding chapel!

 

[MEK]

the cooktop looks like a vast improvement over the old one

Vast improvement for sure. The sad thing was the old cooktop had broken prior to the update, so I only had one functioning burner. I got to the point that I was microwaving everything. The upgrade could not have come at a better time. One side of the cooktop had a grill on it and you could put a flat surface on it for pancakes, but it was a pain to change over.

the cooktop looks like a vast improvement over the old one

they do have pretty swirly ones and I think you definitely need one. I may "need" some of the mickey wine glasses so between us, we should be set for some vino on the balcony in May!

I definitely want a swirly one now to go with my new kitchen! And new glasses to drink in would be the best. How fun!

Granite, real or fake is the best. Nothing better than never having to worry about finding a hot pad or trivet again!

I don't cut on it as that grosses me out but lots of folks do.

I absolutely love the ganite. I just think it looks so cool. I think Denny would drop dead if I tried to cut directly on it. I would have to resuscitate him. He is really funny about kitchen germs!

 

[KatMark]

Girls, you continue to amaze me with the photos. I haven't been back to the Contemporary since they redid their shops...I think we'll have to go back and give it a look.

ME, we were so disappointed that we missed our Kona breakfast last year (just too tired after spending the evening with Cayley and Avery...but they were worth the missed breakfast). That Big Kahuna is just up Mark's alley.

I've started my PTR under duress and pressure from some of my "friends" here on the DIS.

 

[manntra]

Breakfast looked delicious....still haven't been there That is an interesting thought of drinking calories....I will have to remember that...although not on vacation....nothing counts anyways

Can't wait for your pool hopping excursion and to see just what happens at the Grand Flo Wedding Chapel

I love those MH wine stoppers...I bought a cute swirly one too and gave it to my parents...I should have gotten a spare for myself too but sometimes my wine doesn't need a stopper

Tracy

 

[SoonerGirl]

Beautiful pictures once again ladies!

That Tonga toast does look so good, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to eat more than a couple of bites though, so it would be completely wasted on me We've had a couple of ressies for Kona breakfast but still haven't made it over there for it, I've got to remedy that!

 

[Nermel9]

Great Contemporary pics!

I really want to do breakfast at Kona sometime, it looks so good! I really want to try the Tonga Toast, but I don't really like bananas too much, I hope they're not overpowering!

I love that Railroad office window, I just discovered that on my last trip too!

 

[eandesmom]

Ok now you have me thinking Kona for arrival day!



Hmmn......

Where would Jen's car rather drive us?



of course at Kouzzina....Melissa can walk.

Hmmmnnnn

Where would the three of you rather eat is probably the real question else I run the risk of the title of Breakfast Dictator.

 

[eandesmom]

Vast improvement for sure. The sad thing was the old cooktop had broken prior to the update, so I only had one functioning burner. I got to the point that I was microwaving everything. The upgrade could not have come at a better time. One side of the cooktop had a grill on it and you could put a flat surface on it for pancakes, but it was a pain to change over.

oh man, that would be a nightmare!

I had a coil top in the old house that I replaced with the glass top and then made the move to gas in this house. The HUGE advantage to that glass top is nothing falls down in the burners!

I definitely want a swirly one now to go with my new kitchen! And new glasses to drink in would be the best. How fun!

I think it's a must do!

I absolutely love the ganite. I just think it looks so cool. I think Denny would drop dead if I tried to cut directly on it. I would have to resuscitate him. He is really funny about kitchen germs!

LOL. I have to admit, I'm with Denny on that but Jeff has no issues cutting away. I have to leave the kitchen and not watch and then clean like a crazy person. GROSS

 

[All7OfUs]

I'm a firm believer in getting ones sweat off too. Glad you had time to shower, get some absolutely gorgeous pix (like you always do) and still make it to Kona. Which I really enjoyed too, BTW.

I can see how the shops at the resort could be confusing- and the trek to the front desk- oy vey! No thanks.

 

[MEK]

Girls, you continue to amaze me with the photos. I haven't been back to the Contemporary since they redid their shops...I think we'll have to go back and give it a look.

Thanks. I love looking at all Jen's pictures cause she gets some real interesting perspectives.

ME, we were so disappointed that we missed our Kona breakfast last year (just too tired after spending the evening with Cayley and Avery...but they were worth the missed breakfast). That Big Kahuna is just up Mark's alley.

Well, I must agree that Cayley and Avery are totally worth missing breakfast for. They are so stinkin cute! Next year, right?

I've started my PTR under duress and pressure from some of my "friends" here on the DIS.

I didn't DIS more than a couple minutes yesterday, so I'll have to check it out pronto!

Breakfast looked delicious....still haven't been there That is an interesting thought of drinking calories....I will have to remember that...although not on vacation....nothing counts anyways

Kona is so good. Doubt we will get there in May, but if you ever stay at BLT you really have to go. Anything that keeps me full until dinner is definitely alright in my book!

Can't wait for your pool hopping excursion and to see just what happens at the Grand Flo Wedding Chapel

I have very good intentions of getting to the wedding chapel this weekend.

I love those MH wine stoppers...I bought a cute swirly one too and gave it to my parents...I should have gotten a spare for myself too but sometimes my wine doesn't need a stopper

Tracy

I hope your parents use that swirly Mickey. I definitely want one now! There are so many Mickey kitchen things I want and now that I have purged, well I think I might just have some room!

Beautiful pictures once again ladies!

That Tonga toast does look so good, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to eat more than a couple of bites though, so it would be completely wasted on me We've had a couple of ressies for Kona breakfast but still haven't made it over there for it, I've got to remedy that!

Thank you!

And, if the tonga toast is too much, then find someone to share with! They have so many yummy things on the menu. I am sure you can find something. Definitely put it on your wish list!

Great Contemporary pics!

Jen did a fab job with them!

I really want to do breakfast at Kona sometime, it looks so good! I really want to try the Tonga Toast, but I don't really like bananas too much, I hope they're not overpowering!

I don't think the bananas are overpowering, but I have always liked bananas for breakfast, so I might be a bit biased. I want to try the macadamia nut pancakes next time!

I love that Railroad office window, I just discovered that on my last trip too!

It's funny how much I notice now that I am into taking pictures. I used to be really a "surfacy" person, but now I love details.

Ok now you have me thinking Kona for arrival day!



Hmmn......

I hate to say I told you so, but I TOLD YOU SO!

Where would Jen's car rather drive us?



of course at Kouzzina....Melissa can walk.

Hmmmnnnn

Where would the three of you rather eat is probably the real question else I run the risk of the title of Breakfast Dictator.

Well, look at it this way - BCV is on the way from POR to MK (well, not if you go the back way, but still). We could pick up Melissa and drive to the Poly parking lot and have breakfast. I am sure Jen can leave the car there while we go to MK. Or we can just park in the TTC. That's saying we do want to go to MK that morning. Even if we don't, Kona is great - just don't drink too much Starbucks in the airport!


Breakfast Dictator - I will be happy whereve we eat breakfast, so dictate away!

oh man, that would be a nightmare!

I had a coil top in the old house that I replaced with the glass top and then made the move to gas in this house. The HUGE advantage to that glass top is nothing falls down in the burners!

Cleaning those old coil tops was such a PITA! This is sooooooooooo much easier. I still haven't gotten completely used to it in terms of how high the heat is for each setting. But I am sure I will master my new stove soon!

I think it's a must do!

Funny - I found a bottle of Captain Morgans that I (or Denny) hid in our closet. We hide all the booze now because we don't want anything going into the hands of the dreaded teenagers. (Brian had a girl over who just decided to help herself to a $20 bottle of wine. Had it opened before he even knew it. How do you like that?)

Anyway - I was thinking I should just put that aside now and start packing the sherpa cooler for May.

LOL. I have to admit, I'm with Denny on that but Jeff has no issues cutting away. I have to leave the kitchen and not watch and then clean like a crazy person. GROSS

I bought all new cutting boards when we upgraded the kitchen, so there's now worries with me using the counter top. It just seems wrong and I am not a total germaphobe when it comes to the kitchen.

I'm a firm believer in getting ones sweat off too. Glad you had time to shower, get some absolutely gorgeous pix (like you always do) and still make it to Kona. Which I really enjoyed too, BTW.

I didn't even like walking over to the opening ceremony in my running clothes, but the sacrifices I make for my Disney desires!

I can see how the shops at the resort could be confusing- and the trek to the front desk- oy vey! No thanks.

Just wait till you hear about the trek I made when the battery finally did show up. UGGGHHHHHHH!

 

[eandesmom]

I don't think the bananas are overpowering, but I have always liked bananas for breakfast, so I might be a bit biased. I want to try the macadamia nut pancakes next time!

I hate to say I told you so, but I TOLD YOU SO!

Well, look at it this way - BCV is on the way from POR to MK (well, not if you go the back way, but still). We could pick up Melissa and drive to the Poly parking lot and have breakfast. I am sure Jen can leave the car there while we go to MK. Or we can just park in the TTC. That's saying we do want to go to MK that morning. Even if we don't, Kona is great - just don't drink too much Starbucks in the airport!


Breakfast Dictator - I will be happy whereve we eat breakfast, so dictate away!

I'll call you the Kona enabler

Part of me really wants to try either the toast, or the macadamia nut pancakes, though in general I'm not a huge pancake fan and do worry that the toast is too sweet.

Here's the Kouzzina lineup which still looks darn tasty to me! Plus then we can walk to Epcot. Hmmmnnnn. I'm a bit intrigued by those pancakes, but also interested in the hash, the flatbread, the stacked breakast and the scramble.

Turkey-Sweet Potato Hash - with Two Eggs and Arugula Salad $12.49

Vegetable Flatbread - Scrambled Eggs, Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, and Feta $11.99

American Two Eggs - with Breakfast Potatoes and choice of Bacon or Chicken Sausage $11.99

Stacked Kouzzina Breakfast - Two Poached Eggs, Kalamata Olive Toast, Artichoke Spread, and Sweet Potato Hash with choice of Bacon or Chicken Sausage $11.99

Ham and Cheese Omelet - served with Breakfast Potatoes $12.49

Spinach, Tomato, and Feta Scrambled Eggs - served with Breakfast Potatoes with choice of Bacon or Chicken Sausage $11.99

French Toast - Golden Brown Thick Challah Bread with choice of Bacon or Chicken Sausage $10.49

Classic Golden Waffle - with Whipped Mascarpone Cheese, Honey, and Chopped Pecans and choice of Bacon or Chicken Sausage $10.49

Blueberry Orange Granola Pancakes - with warm Maple Syrup and choice of Bacon or Chicken Sausage $10.49

Create your own Yogurt and Granola - Fresh Fruit, House-made Granola, Greek-style Yogurt, and Nuts $10.49​

Cleaning those old coil tops was such a PITA! This is sooooooooooo much easier. I still haven't gotten completely used to it in terms of how high the heat is for each setting. But I am sure I will master my new stove soon!

that took me a while too when I had one

Funny - I found a bottle of Captain Morgans that I (or Denny) hid in our closet. We hide all the booze now because we don't want anything going into the hands of the dreaded teenagers. (Brian had a girl over who just decided to help herself to a $20 bottle of wine. Had it opened before he even knew it. How do you like that?)

Anyway - I was thinking I should just put that aside now and start packing the sherpa cooler for May.

Well she sounds charming.

on CM in the Sherpa

I bought all new cutting boards when we upgraded the kitchen, so there's now worries with me using the counter top. It just seems wrong and I am not a total germaphobe when it comes to the kitchen.

It really is fine and if you do bake at all, pretty great for rolling out crust and the like so I'm over the germs on that front but cutting anything, especially meat grosses me out. It is fine to do though, I think for some reason I'm convinced it's damaging my knives to do it. Not that my knives are in great shape, they really need to be taken in and sharpened as lord knows I'm terrible at that.

Those shops are horribly confusing, that would have made me cranky.

Then again, the trek from the YC to BC Marketplace is FAR! And a bit odd.

 

[glennbo123]

You see, I had been tracking the rising and setting of the sun for three weeks prior to our trip, and it just wasn't gonna happen.

You really need a hobby.

Love this one.

Jen opted for the breakfast platter - the big Kahuna!

I've never eaten at Kona for breakfast, and I'd be tempted to try the Tonga Toast just to try it....but Jen's breakfast platter looks fantastic! That's more my speed, I don't know that I could pass that up.

 

[Ducky4Disney]

Notice the fork in the Tonga Toast? I reminded her to take a pic just in time!

And did I really eat that whole plate of food? I think I did but I have this feeling that there was something I didn't like about it. Was it the bacon and sausage? Something was bland and I think it was the meat and potatoes. The pancakes were yummy as was the french toast! I would love to go back there for breakfast; think it's gonna make my short list of breakfast places

D4D

 

[Queenofallthings]

Definitely adding Kona to our ADR's for August....breakfast there looks like a must!!!

 

[MEK]

Here's the Kouzzina lineup which still looks darn tasty to me! Plus then we can walk to Epcot. Hmmmnnnn. I'm a bit intrigued by those pancakes, but also interested in the hash, the flatbread, the stacked breakast and the scramble.

Turkey-Sweet Potato Hash - with Two Eggs and Arugula Salad $12.49

Vegetable Flatbread - Scrambled Eggs, Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, and Feta $11.99

American Two Eggs - with Breakfast Potatoes and choice of Bacon or Chicken Sausage $11.99

Stacked Kouzzina Breakfast - Two Poached Eggs, Kalamata Olive Toast, Artichoke Spread, and Sweet Potato Hash with choice of Bacon or Chicken Sausage $11.99

Ham and Cheese Omelet - served with Breakfast Potatoes $12.49

Spinach, Tomato, and Feta Scrambled Eggs - served with Breakfast Potatoes with choice of Bacon or Chicken Sausage $11.99

French Toast - Golden Brown Thick Challah Bread with choice of Bacon or Chicken Sausage $10.49

Classic Golden Waffle - with Whipped Mascarpone Cheese, Honey, and Chopped Pecans and choice of Bacon or Chicken Sausage $10.49

Blueberry Orange Granola Pancakes - with warm Maple Syrup and choice of Bacon or Chicken Sausage $10.49

Create your own Yogurt and Granola - Fresh Fruit, House-made Granola, Greek-style Yogurt, and Nuts $10.49​

Well, it took me all of 30 seconds to decide what I want on this menu. I'm going with the spinach, tomato, and feta scrambled eggs. I love all those ingredients. Excellent menu! I'm in.

Well she sounds charming.

The crazy thing was, he completely covered for her. I had just bought a couple bottles of wine and stuck them in the frig. Denny and I went out and when we got home I looked in the frig and it was gone. He admitted he took it, which is strange. Nick told me later what happened. He overheard the whole thing and Brian was quite annoyed that she just helped herself. Needless to say, she has not been back.

You really need a hobby.

Yup - you know you are obsessed when you google sunset times for Orlando and then go check them up to your departure date. Someday I will ride EE in the dark!

Love this one.

Thanks!

I've never eaten at Kona for breakfast, and I'd be tempted to try the Tonga Toast just to try it....but Jen's breakfast platter looks fantastic! That's more my speed, I don't know that I could pass that up.

I really recommend a visit. I did hear you can get the Tonga toast at Captain Cooks (and I'm sure its a lot cheaper).

Notice the fork in the Tonga Toast? I reminded her to take a pic just in time!

I didn't even notice that until you pointed it out! All that picture taking must have really worked up my appetite.

And did I really eat that whole plate of food? I think I did but I have this feeling that there was something I didn't like about it. Was it the bacon and sausage? Something was bland and I think it was the meat and potatoes. The pancakes were yummy as was the french toast! I would love to go back there for breakfast; think it's gonna make my short list of breakfast places

D4D

You totally ate it all, but now that you mention it, I think you said the bacon was totally tasteless. In fact, I may have even tasted a piece. It was like thing cardboard. Weird!

Definitely adding Kona to our ADR's for August....breakfast there looks like a must!!!

I think you guys would love it!

 

[jenjolt]

OOOH your breakfast food at Kona's looks so yummy! I really enjoyed eating there with Paula last year...I had the Tonga Toast and it was very sweet, a bit much for me but it was still very good none the less!!!

Another wonderful morning with great pictures!! Can't wait to hear about your pool hop and evening at Epcot!

BTW...we'll ride EE in the dark together in April/May if it works out that the sun has gone down early enough LOL!! Great ride at night!

 

[MEK]

OOOH your breakfast food at Kona's looks so yummy! I really enjoyed eating there with Paula last year...I had the Tonga Toast and it was very sweet, a bit much for me but it was still very good none the less!!!

to Tonga Toast! Although since Cynthia posted the menu at Kouzina, I think I am now officially dying to eat breakfast there.

Another wonderful morning with great pictures!! Can't wait to hear about your pool hop and evening at Epcot!

It really was a fun day. Different from my usual Disney days and that made it a blast!

BTW...we'll ride EE in the dark together in April/May if it works out that the sun has gone down early enough LOL!! Great ride at night!

Tried it last year - even lighter out than September. I think I have to go in the summer when the park stays open later or sometime after October. I am eyeing fall of 2011 for my very first ever EE dark ride.

 

[brookelizabeth]

I was a bit behind - just saw your kitchen remodel -and WOW! It looks beautiful!!! Great work!

Your opening ceremony pictures make me even more determined to see that opening show, the REAL one, in March when we are at BLT. I'm drooling over all the view pictures -- soooooooooo pretty.

So sorry you didn't get to ride EE at night. And now it seems they are cutting back on PM EMH there. There isn't even one PM EMH our entire two weeks! I hope they bring it back!

I found this HILARIOUS. I totally get why you refuse to drink calories (that's pretty smart!), but you refuse juice, but gladly devour deep fried banana dough covered in sugar! I love it!

I also turned down the juice, but Jen had it and deemed it delicious. I have this crazy thing about drinking calories. I usually avoid them in drinks, unless the drinks are smoothies or contain alcohol. They don't count!

In short order I was delivered my Tonga toast:

 

[eandesmom]

Well, it took me all of 30 seconds to decide what I want on this menu. I'm going with the spinach, tomato, and feta scrambled eggs. I love all those ingredients. Excellent menu! I'm in.

See? There was merit to my Kouzzina breakfast madness. Or Dictatorship (Dictation?).

The crazy thing was, he completely covered for her. I had just bought a couple bottles of wine and stuck them in the frig. Denny and I went out and when we got home I looked in the frig and it was gone. He admitted he took it, which is strange. Nick told me later what happened. He overheard the whole thing and Brian was quite annoyed that she just helped herself. Needless to say, she has not been back.

Good riddance I'd say. Guess what's going on here tonight. COLLEGE app's...

I wasn't sure I'd see the day!

Yup - you know you are obsessed when you google sunset times for Orlando and then go check them up to your departure date. Someday I will ride EE in the dark!

assuming it won't be dark enough in May? And that you are on top of checking?

I really recommend a visit. I did hear you can get the Tonga toast at Captain Cooks (and I'm sure its a lot cheaper).

I have heard (a TK report I think?) that it's not as good at CC but yes, it is there.

You totally ate it all, but now that you mention it, I think you said the bacon was totally tasteless. In fact, I may have even tasted a piece. It was like thing cardboard. Weird!

Somehow this is a common theme. Bad Disney Bacon.

 

[IluvXU]

We got moved to a Contemporary Garden Room ... we loved it. quiet, beautiful views and away from the hustle, but a quick walk to the pool and main area. Those rooms are huge too! We did have a first floor room so our patio was a walk out, nice when you had sleeping kids and a baby awake, we could sit out there!

Love the kitchen, looks great!

Tonga toast sounds and looks so yummy. I want to get there someday, or at at least Captain Hooks to try it out!