Is there Gluten in Whiskey? Sept trip: 9 days, 3 boys, 1 urgent care visit NEWx2 11/7

[kokotg]

I always buy Eden brand. But you do still have to read the labels because they make several varieties and they aren't all wheat free. I love their stuff. There are other companies that are reputed to have great quality but I've been a devoted fan of the Eden brand since long before I found out about my gluten problem.

I read a taste test thing about it in Cook's illustrated magazine a long time ago and that is when I started buying traditionally aged soy and tamari from Eden brand. I LOVE that magazine.

Thanks--I'll be on the lookout for that one!

"When I look around me,
I can't believe what I see
It seems as if this country
Has lost its will to live
The economy is lousy,
We barely have an army
But we can still stand proudly
cause Canadas really big"

Arrogant Worms 'Canada's Really Big' ETA - I recommend finding the video on youtube - they're hilarious and this song is one of their best.

: ) I'm not much for skiing myself - but the drinks at the bottom of the mountain are really nice : )

We're hoping to try some Kimpossible this trip - though we're not sure if the girls will appreciate it or not.

I'm eagerly awaiting your Garden Grill review - this is our first time GF while eating there so we're not sure what to expect. But we love Chip & Dale so we have our ADRs.

Ha! Canada IS really big. They should talk about that more in the movie

Great update! Too bad about test track breaking down Some day I'm going to do the Kim Possible missions. They look fun!

The Kim Possible missions do look fun. I would say they ARE fun, except the kids hog the little phone thing the whole time, and run from place to place so fast, that I barely get to see what it's all about. I think I need my own next time

Too bad Test Track was broken down! No judgement if you were double fisting the wine . The Kim Possible missions look fun!

The wine glasses are so tiny we probably should have had two! But maybe not a good idea in the heat. We were looking forward to margaritas in Mexico when it got cooler....you'll see whether that happened or not later.

 

[kokotg]

Chapter 36: Epcot some more

(I meant to get this up last night, right after the other one, but I got distracted somehow)

We took the boat, for it was, in case I've not mentioned, very hot, and we didn't feel like walking so far. We walked through Mouse Gear, where I thought about buying one of these:

It's a wine bottle stopper

Some friends gave me a $50 Disney gift card for my birthday back in March. Originally I'd been thinking I'd wind up using it for something practical, like putting it toward our Mickey's Not So Scary tickets or something. But then I thought, “no! I should actually buy myself something with it!” So that was my plan. We're not usually big souvenir people; we give the kids a little spending money and, at least this year, they use it all on pins, and that's about it. I was thinking I would probably hold out for the department store in Japan, but I was keeping an eye out for stuff all week.

I also briefly considered the Mickey wine glasses at Mouse Gear, but wine glasses have a pretty short life expectancy at our house, and I figured I'd be too sad to see those break. We've broken two more wine glasses since we've been home, so I think this was probably a wise decision.

Ari bought a pack of mystery pins here. The kids were really obsessed with the original retail value of the pins while we were there. Like, instead of talking about trading for pins they liked they'd talk about how great it would be to trade a cheap pin for a more expensive one. So the mystery pin packs are a good deal, viewed from that perspective. We ended up with two packs, though, and they were both just plain Mickey head pins...so pretty boring from any other perspective. Good for trading, though!

We went to Innoventions next to find the secret Disney Visa photo place. I'd read lots of stuff from a couple of years ago about how this was a great place to get a character picture with almost no waiting...but either we went at a bad time or the secret's just out now, because there was quite a line when we got there:

I was feeling kind of hesitant about waiting at all, but Dave convinced me that we had to get our FREE picture. He further convinced me that he should take the kids over to play the saving money game thing we had seen while I held our place in line. This ended up being really nerve-wracking for me. I think I was feeling kind of neurotic that day because, looking back, it was really all fine. First I noticed that they were coming out to collect Disney Visas and...do something with them before you got to the front of the line. And Dave had our Disney Visa with him! So I called him, and he ran back over to give it to me. And then I got to the front of the line, and they still weren't back, and I had no cell phone signal, so I was having trouble calling Dave. I let the people behind me go ahead, and Dave finally showed up with the kids right after that.

We had been told that we would see two characters “who don't belong together,” so it was kind of disappointing when we got in there and it was Minnie and Pluto. I think they totally belong together. Also, we were going to see Pluto again at dinner. Oh well. We had sort of an awkward character interaction where the Photopass photographer got frustrated because the kids wouldn't smile...anyway. The picture was free. Only I can't find it anywhere now! It's very strange...I don't remember unpacking it, and I have no clue where it could be. I suppose it will turn up eventually...maybe even in time for me to post it here.

The kids had really, really enjoyed the savings game (especially Gus), so we went back over there so they could do it again, and I could check it out. It's supposed to teach you all about saving and investing, but really it's a chance to carry a cute pig around and play some video games.

I played with Ari and Gus, and we saved enough for our dream vacation! Ari wanted to save for something fun this time, since he'd picked saving for college the first time.

We left Innoventions, and it looked like this:

And then it kept looking like that for the rest of the day, which would end up really interfering with our plans. We kept hoping the rain would last long enough to clear everyone out of the park, then we'd have it all to ourselves, rain-free, that night. Instead, not only did the rain keep coming, on and off, all night, but everyone else seemed to have the same plan to wait it out that we had.

We ran over to The Seas to ride Nemo and see Crush really quickly before it was time to eat.

Our kids refused to sit in the front for Crush. Last year, when their friends were with them, they sat up there happily, and Milo even asked a question. Back to being shy this year!

And now, time for an early dinner and an excuse to get out of the rain.

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

I like the pictures of you guys with the wine--you shouldn't have told us that they weren't both for you. We would have thought you were having a REALLY fun day at Epcot!

Looks like your boys were working well together on those missions. I'm jealous.

 

[kokotg]

I like the pictures of you guys with the wine--you shouldn't have told us that they weren't both for you. We would have thought you were having a REALLY fun day at Epcot!

Looks like your boys were working well together on those missions. I'm jealous.

But notice that Ari is the one holding the phone thing in almost all the pictures. They worked well together only because Milo and Gus let Ari hold the Kimmunicator almost the whole time Of course, last year they were trying to share one Kimmunicator between 7 kids, so this seemed easy in comparison, I guess.

 

[nadira36]

we have a Mickey Wine Stopper! But we drink pour wine before it ever has a chance to be used! We also have wine glasses - those are one of the few things that Don't break around here

Last year Ella refused to ride Nemo - then when the whale came at Crush she freaked out - and tried to claw her way through the crowd and over everyone to get to me - she didn't realize I was beside her. Poor girl Hopefully this year will be a bit better.

The girls really enjoyed the pig game too - until Agatha found out she didn't get to bring that cute pink pig home with her. poor girl cried. Maybe this time will be different. I keep saying that a lot. But in so many ways I hope certain things don't change - esp since last night Ella announced fairies aren't real! Our girls love the characters and I'd hate for any part of Disney to loose it's magic.

 

[TanzUnited99]

Lol we had a similar experience with Test Track! It didn't break down but the doors got jammed so the wait time was longer then posted.

Great relaxing day with the kids doing KP and you guys enjoying some drinks.

 

[kokotg]

we have a Mickey Wine Stopper! But we drink pour wine before it ever has a chance to be used! We also have wine glasses - those are one of the few things that Don't break around here

Last year Ella refused to ride Nemo - then when the whale came at Crush she freaked out - and tried to claw her way through the crowd and over everyone to get to me - she didn't realize I was beside her. Poor girl Hopefully this year will be a bit better.

The girls really enjoyed the pig game too - until Agatha found out she didn't get to bring that cute pink pig home with her. poor girl cried. Maybe this time will be different. I keep saying that a lot. But in so many ways I hope certain things don't change - esp since last night Ella announced fairies aren't real! Our girls love the characters and I'd hate for any part of Disney to loose it's magic.

Yeah, I guess my only choice, since I didn't buy the Mickey wine stopper, is to just always finish the bottle

They should sell that pig at Mouse Gear--he's really cute!

Ah, yes--if only we could keep the good parts about kids being little without all the pain in the butt parts

Lol we had a similar experience with Test Track! It didn't break down but the doors got jammed so the wait time was longer then posted.

Great relaxing day with the kids doing KP and you guys enjoying some drinks.

It seems like Test Track is broken as often as it's running, so I guess we're lucky this is the first time it's ever shut down with us stuck in line!

 

[teekathepony]

Of course Minnie and Pluto go together!
Too bad about the rain

 

[jcano]

I always buy Eden brand. But you do still have to read the labels because they make several varieties and they aren't all wheat free. I love their stuff. There are other companies that are reputed to have great quality but I've been a devoted fan of the Eden brand since long before I found out about my gluten problem.

I read a taste test thing about it in Cook's illustrated magazine a long time ago and that is when I started buying traditionally aged soy and tamari from Eden brand. I LOVE that magazine.

Love their sauces!!

 

[jcano]

Chapter 33: 'Ohana

Okay, so....Chef Jeff WAY undersells 'Ohana. This was the best meal of our trip! We got more of the Ener-G rolls of course, and the kids devoured them as usual. Then a giant thing of wings with some kind of tasty rub on them. The steak was REALLY good—by far the best I've ever had at 'Ohana. I thought there was just going to be some plain grilled chicken, but they brought out SIX chicken breasts with a really yummy teriyaki sauce on them. And a big plate of rice and broccoli. Which was great for me, because I don't like the noodles they usually serve anyway, so I was thrilled to have the rice instead. I think we managed to eat all six of the chicken breasts. And Ari couldn't resist breaking his rule and having some of the steak.

Just wondering where the gf teriyaki came from if they can't figure out a gf soy sauce to use.

 

[ohboyx3]

I'm loving your report! I have three boys too, but we went in May! I'd love a September trip someday.

 

[kokotg]

Of course Minnie and Pluto go together!
Too bad about the rain

Ari has since corrected me and says it was Goofy. I think he's right...if only I could find that darn picture! But, of course, he still "goes" with Minnie!

Just wondering where the gf teriyaki came from if they can't figure out a gf soy sauce to use.

Right?! Clearly they have some GF soy sauce on hand--I'd seen pictures of GF meals where they brought out some as a dipping sauce, in fact (they didn't offer us any, but I'm sure they would have brought some if we asked)...I guess the problem with most of the meats is that they're marinated in the non-GF soy sauce already.

 

[kokotg]

I'm loving your report! I have three boys too, but we went in May! I'd love a September trip someday.

thanks! September is great as long as you can stand the heat! I'll have to go check out your TR...I love reading other 3 boy reports

 

[Mombits]

ooh, I have the mickey glasses! I don't drink wine though so they just sit in my cabinet but they don't get broken
Here's a pic of what my friends sent me when we went last year:

 

[kokotg]

ooh, I have the mickey glasses! I don't drink wine though so they just sit in my cabinet but they don't get broken
Here's a pic of what my friends sent me when we went last year:

That's one way not to break them Another way would be to tell the kids not to empty the dishwasher anymore...

and very nice! Is that Tinkerbell on the frame?

 

[kokotg]

Chapter 37: Garden Grill

Another new restaurant! When I made the reservation, I'd had no idea that Gus was going to be so into characters and autographs, so I was glad that we'd wound up with two character meals without even realizing we'd want them.

The waiting area was pretty full when we got there, and I don't think they'd started seating people yet. We waited a few minutes and then were taken to our table...on the upper, inside level, so we couldn't see a whole lot from Living with the Land. Oh well.

The chef here was much more upbeat about our gluten-free-edness than Chef Jeff at 'Ohana had been. In sharp contrast to Chef Jeff, he told us cheerily that almost everything on the menu was gluten free. Well, yay!

Oh, this was funny: Dave and I both ordered club soda with lime, which is what we usually do at restaurants. Our server brought out the waters but told us apologetically that they were all out of lemons and limes. I thought that was pretty hilarious given the nine pound lemons growing right there in The Land!

They brought out more rolls! With a honey butter. It was yummy. Salad. And then the platters with turkey, steak, fish, mashed potatoes, broccoli, and drumsticks for the kids. As far as I could tell, the only thing we were missing by being GF was the mac and cheese for the kid platter. The meats even had gravy on them, which I wasn't expecting.

Honestly, I wasn't crazy about the food here. It was okay...just nothing special. And I wished there were bigger portions so we didn't have to keep asking for more and feeling like we were being big pains (the server kind of made us feel like that at one point, but I think I'm too sensitive about such things. Probably she was just busy).

(Sorry, forgot to take pictures of the actual main course. The characters just kept coming!) This is the dessert platter they made us. It looks nice, but it's just the French Meadow brownies with ice cream. And, oddly, it was decorated with grapes cut in half. I guess no one could find any raspberries or strawberries or other more dessert-y fruits

The characters came fast and furious here. I'm not thrilled with most of my pictures, though...I think I was trying not to use the flash, and that that was a mistake.

This is the only one with all the kids that came out well...and it's just Pluto. Why couldn't it have been Mickey!?

Chip showed up when everyone but me was in the bathroom, but he had a great time anyway. He pretended he was going to steal our dessert.

Then Ari came back, and I made him be in pictures

Ari had read that there was a really great hidden Mickey in Garden Grill...the description said something mysterious about the staff offering him (Steve, the hidden Mickey book guy) a broom when he was looking for it. We couldn't find it. At one point Mickey was walking by, and Dave tried to ask him about it: “Hey Mickey—are you hiding somewhere over there?” he asked, indicating the general area where we believed the Mickey was. I kind of wanted to hide under the table, because I am awkward with characters and always fear they're judging me. I don't do awkward well. After Mickey shrugged and made some other indecipherable gestures and walked off, I hissed, “he probably has no idea what you're talking about...and anyway, he can't answer you—he can't talk!” Poor Dave. Hell hath no fury like me when I feel embarrassed.

Up next: the end of the day at Epcot

 

[ohboyx3]

Chapter 37: Garden Grill

Another new restaurant! When I made the reservation, I'd had no idea that Gus was going to be so into characters and autographs, so I was glad that we'd wound up with two character meals without even realizing we'd want them.

The waiting area was pretty full when we got there, and I don't think they'd started seating people yet. We waited a few minutes and then were taken to our table...on the upper, inside level, so we couldn't see a whole lot from Living with the Land. Oh well.

The chef here was much more upbeat about our gluten-free-edness than Chef Jeff at 'Ohana had been. In sharp contrast to Chef Jeff, he told us cheerily that almost everything on the menu was gluten free. Well, yay!

Oh, this was funny: Dave and I both ordered club soda with lime, which is what we usually do at restaurants. Our server brought out the waters but told us apologetically that they were all out of lemons and limes. I thought that was pretty hilarious given the nine pound lemons growing right there in The Land!

They brought out more rolls! With a honey butter. It was yummy. Salad. And then the platters with turkey, steak, fish, mashed potatoes, broccoli, and drumsticks for the kids. As far as I could tell, the only thing we were missing by being GF was the mac and cheese for the kid platter. The meats even had gravy on them, which I wasn't expecting.

Honestly, I wasn't crazy about the food here. It was okay...just nothing special. And I wished there were bigger portions so we didn't have to keep asking for more and feeling like we were being big pains (the server kind of made us feel like that at one point, but I think I'm too sensitive about such things. Probably she was just busy).

(Sorry, forgot to take pictures of the actual main course. The characters just kept coming!) This is the dessert platter they made us. It looks nice, but it's just the French Meadow brownies with ice cream. And, oddly, it was decorated with grapes cut in half. I guess no one could find any raspberries or strawberries or other more dessert-y fruits

The characters came fast and furious here. I'm not thrilled with most of my pictures, though...I think I was trying not to use the flash, and that that was a mistake.

This is the only one with all the kids that came out well...and it's just Pluto. Why couldn't it have been Mickey!?

Chip showed up when everyone but me was in the bathroom, but he had a great time anyway. He pretended he was going to steal our dessert.

Then Ari came back, and I made him be in pictures

Ari had read that there was a really great hidden Mickey in Garden Grill...the description said something mysterious about the staff offering him (Steve, the hidden Mickey book guy) a broom when he was looking for it. We couldn't find it. At one point Mickey was walking by, and Dave tried to ask him about it: “Hey Mickey—are you hiding somewhere over there?” he asked, indicating the general area where we believed the Mickey was. I kind of wanted to hide under the table, because I am awkward with characters and always fear they're judging me. I don't do awkward well. After Mickey shrugged and made some other indecipherable gestures and walked off, I hissed, “he probably has no idea what you're talking about...and anyway, he can't answer you—he can't talk!” Poor Dave. Hell hath no fury like me when I feel embarrassed.

Up next: the end of the day at Epcot

We tried GG for the first time this trip too. I reall liked it... although I agre with you about them bringing out more of the meat. I guess they do that on purpose, but it's irritating. I will say that your gluten free desserts look better than what we had! I thought the carachter interaction was really good here, but I'll post more about that in my report! Great update! I'm hooked.

 

[BerrysGirl]

I don't think I've been back to Garden Grill since I was a few months old and my Grandmother continuously bribed me with grapes to say my first word. Then when the waitress came she accidentally dropped a spoon and I proudly proclaimed "uh-oh!" Hopefully Grandma kept the grapes coming...

 

[kokotg]

We tried GG for the first time this trip too. I reall liked it... although I agre with you about them bringing out more of the meat. I guess they do that on purpose, but it's irritating. I will say that your gluten free desserts look better than what we had! I thought the carachter interaction was really good here, but I'll post more about that in my report! Great update! I'm hooked.

The brownies were good; it's just that we got the same ones about 400 times during the trip, so we were a little tired of them. Well, the grown-ups were. They were sugary enough that the kids NEVER got tired of them

I don't think I've been back to Garden Grill since I was a few months old and my Grandmother continuously bribed me with grapes to say my first word. Then when the waitress came she accidentally dropped a spoon and I proudly proclaimed "uh-oh!" Hopefully Grandma kept the grapes coming...

Ha! you'd think you'd keep going back, with all those childhood memories attached to GG! So the obsession with grapes they have there goes way back, I see....

 

[shan23877]

I'm thinking that we'll keep GG off our list for the next trip. (I cancelled it last trip). We can get so-so food at plenty of places!

I'm also very sensitive to rude people in customer service situations. I always try to be understanding and polite, but then end up being angry with myself for not saying anything.

I think your character photos turned out just fine! Pluto is DD's favorite! She always calls him "that silly doggie"