It's ALL about the FOOD! An October 2012 PTR! - Trip Report Started.

[smile4stamps]

So the other night hubby and I were out to dinner (and a few drinks!) and I asked him how long he would let us be at WDW for in October. I mentioned that a week doesn't give us enough time to do all the restaurants and Food & Wine events I would like to do so he asked how long I want to go for and I jokingly said THREE weeks! He was like "What" Three weeks!! What would you need three weeks for! I said I don't really want 3 weeks but I know you want 1 week so I thought we could compromise! He said we could go for a week plus a few days.... So that equals 2 weeks right?!?!

 

[smile4stamps]

As this trip is ALL about the food I thought I would prepare my list of restaurant's/events I wish to enjoy!!

Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic... trying to decide if we should do both the days or just one. Last year the menu was released in August so I am hoping the 2012 one is released as well so I can decide which day to go or if to do both.

Food & Wine Events (Presuming they are the same!)
Party for the Senses!
3D: Dessert Discovery
French Regional Lunch
Sweet Sunday (depending on who the Party presenter is!)
Possibly some Wine seminars!

Breakfasts
Wave (new)
Crystal Palace (revisit)
Cinderella's Royal Table (new - maybe!)
Kona Cafe (new for breakfast)
1900 Park Fare (new)
Tusker House (revisit)

Lunch
Mama Melrose (revisit)
Brown Derby (new)
Raglan Road (revisit)
50's Prime Time Cafe (revisit)
Biergarten (revisit)
Yak & Yeti (new)
Le Cellier (new)
Liberty Tree Tavern (revisit)
Kona Cafe (revisit)
+ dining around the world at the food booths!

Dinner
Citrico's (revisit)
California Grill (revisit)
Blue Zoo (or Flying Fish) (new)
Victoria & Albert's (new)
Yachtsman Steakhouse (revisit) (or Shula's (new))
Bistro de Paris (new)
Hoop de doo Revue (revisit)
'Ohana (new)
Wave (new)

I put (new) next to the restaurants we have not dined at yet! Obviously revisit means we were there in 2009!

Any excellent restaurants I've missed? What about desserts? We were pretty disappointed in the desserts last time and with hubby being a Pastry Chef we were expecting more!

 

[HeatherLassell]

So the other night hubby and I were out to dinner (and a few drinks!) and I asked him how long he would let us be at WDW for in October. I mentioned that a week doesn't give us enough time to do all the restaurants and Food & Wine events I would like to do so he asked how long I want to go for and I jokingly said THREE weeks! He was like "What" Three weeks!! What would you need three weeks for! I said I don't really want 3 weeks but I know you want 1 week so I thought we could compromise! He said we could go for a week plus a few days.... So that equals 2 weeks right?!?!

lol I'd go with that meaning 2 weeks! We're going for 12 days!

 

[Imagineer5]

Hi! stopping by from the October 2012 board!! I love F&W and restaurants so lets see if I have any input!! I'll live vicariously through you since we won't be doing any F&W events next October besides the booths.

As this trip is ALL about the food I thought I would prepare my list of restaurant's/events I wish to enjoy!!

Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic... trying to decide if we should do both the days or just one. Last year the menu was released in August so I am hoping the 2012 one is released as well so I can decide which day to go or if to do both.

Food & Wine Events (Presuming they are the same!)
Party for the Senses!
3D: Dessert Discovery
French Regional Lunch
Sweet Sunday (depending on who the Party presenter is!)
Possibly some Wine seminars!

Breakfasts
Wave (new) We ate here for lunch on our last trip and it was fantastic! A real respite from the parks and excellent foodCrystal Palace (revisit) Fun!Cinderella's Royal Table (new - maybe!) IMO...it'll be a while before we return (although with a little girl on the way, maybe not THAT long LOL). Was pretty overpriced and food quality really was poorKona Cafe (new for breakfast) This will also be a "new for us" restaurant. Can't WAIT to try tonga toast finally!!1900 Park Fare (new)
Tusker House (revisit)

Lunch
Mama Melrose (revisit)
Brown Derby (new) Mmm this was a must-do on our previous trips and we've always had great service & food!Raglan Road (revisit) Love RR!!50's Prime Time Cafe (revisit)
Biergarten (revisit) How'd you like Biergarten? Apparently enough to return LOL. We're thinking of trying this out despite my not eating meat...or drinking beer...hahaYak & Yeti (new) YUM! Love Y&Y! Busy for lunch but we still had great service and excellent food.Le Cellier (new) Considering I don't eat steak I'm not the best judge here, but I was not thrilled with LC (neither was DH unfortunately, and he loves all food)Liberty Tree Tavern (revisit)
Kona Cafe (revisit)
+ dining around the world at the food booths!

Dinner
Citrico's (revisit)
California Grill (revisit)
Blue Zoo (or Flying Fish) (new) We had a spectacular dinner at Flying Fish last trip, now it's a must-do. SO delicious. Victoria & Albert's (new) WOW I would love to go!! I plan to spend my birthday dinner at Cali Grill but rumor has it it might be closing late 2012, if so I think I'm going to make the leap to V&As!Yachtsman Steakhouse (revisit) (or Shula's (new))
Bistro de Paris (new)
Hoop de doo Revue (revisit)
'Ohana (new) We'd also like to try this out finally, esp with a little one to entertain!Wave (new)

I put (new) next to the restaurants we have not dined at yet! Obviously revisit means we were there in 2009!

Any excellent restaurants I've missed? What about desserts? We were pretty disappointed in the desserts last time and with hubby being a Pastry Chef we were expecting more!

One of our other must-do restaurants is Artist Point. It was so amazing last trip, and we're going to do it again next Oct. with or without baby.

As for desserts...I can't wait to try Ohana's bread pudding.

Y&Y's fried wontons really are fantastic!

Brown Derby has a banana tower that is really good!

Cali Grill's Valrhona choc cake is a staple, but oh so good

I'm not that huge of a dessert eater so that's about all I remember, despite being on the DxDP last time and "forced" to order desserts at every meal!!

 

[jenny105]

Ooooh! I love Ohana! You can make a meal out of the appetizers alone. It's so yummy! If you can, request a table by the window and go during Wishes. They'll dim the lights and pipe in the music so you can watch. Plus you can see the water parade go by. It's awesome! And make sure to order a Lapu Lapu!

 

[smile4stamps]

lol I'd go with that meaning 2 weeks! We're going for 12 days!

I'm glad someone agrees!!

Hi! stopping by from the October 2012 board!! I love F&W and restaurants so lets see if I have any input!! I'll live vicariously through you since we won't be doing any F&W events next October besides the booths.



One of our other must-do restaurants is Artist Point. It was so amazing last trip, and we're going to do it again next Oct. with or without baby.

As for desserts...I can't wait to try Ohana's bread pudding.

Y&Y's fried wontons really are fantastic!

Brown Derby has a banana tower that is really good!

Cali Grill's Valrhona choc cake is a staple, but oh so good

I'm not that huge of a dessert eater so that's about all I remember, despite being on the DxDP last time and "forced" to order desserts at every meal!!

Ahh... Artist Point should have been on that list!! We went there for our Anniversary dinner and loved the meal (but not the desserts!) Will definitly be returning!

I'm glad to hear you had a good meal at Flying fish... I'm torn between that and Bluezoo... Hubby is allergic to seafood so I only want to do one of those.

We enjoyed Biergarten... however I am definitely a meat eater and I really like most german food. If I were you I would go for a lunch (unless on the Dining Plan) as it is much cheaper and there are not that many differences between the meals as far as I can figure.

Ooooh! I love Ohana! You can make a meal out of the appetizers alone. It's so yummy! If you can, request a table by the window and go during Wishes. They'll dim the lights and pipe in the music so you can watch. Plus you can see the water parade go by. It's awesome! And make sure to order a Lapu Lapu!

I'm glad to hear a positive review of 'Ohana! I've heard so many negatives. I didn't think about the fact of scheduling it during Wishes so that is a good idea!

Unfortunately I have so many Dinner meals I want to do its going to be hard to fit in the night time entertainment!

 

[jenny105]

I'm glad to hear a positive review of 'Ohana! I've heard so many negatives. I didn't think about the fact of scheduling it during Wishes so that is a good idea!

Unfortunately I have so many Dinner meals I want to do its going to be hard to fit in the night time entertainment!

I've been there twice and never had an issue. It is a little chaotic - there are coconut races for the kids and at one point there was a conga line going around the restaurant but that's part of it's charm. If you're expecting a quiet meal, you won't get one. I go because it's entertaining & fun. And I love the food! The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the pork. You'll be stuffed when you leave! They start you out with bread & salad, move on to noodles, pot stickers, & wings (drool), then comes the skewers of shrimp, pork, chicken, and shrimp (peel & eat) and to top it off bread pudding for dessert. We're going again next trip at my DBf's request Don't have to twist my arm!

 

[smile4stamps]

I've been there twice and never had an issue. It is a little chaotic - there are coconut races for the kids and at one point there was a conga line going around the restaurant but that's part of it's charm. If you're expecting a quiet meal, you won't get one. I go because it's entertaining & fun. And I love the food! The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the pork. You'll be stuffed when you leave! They start you out with bread & salad, move on to noodles, pot stickers, & wings (drool), then comes the skewers of shrimp, pork, chicken, and shrimp (peel & eat) and to top it off bread pudding for dessert. We're going again next trip at my DBf's request Don't have to twist my arm!

I will keep it as part of the plans then!! Of course still have to be able to make he ADR!! I hear it is sometimes hard to get!!

 

[debrapagliasotti]

We are hoping to get the coveted Ohana ADRs for our Oct trip and our Dec trip next year. Love Ohana! The bread pudding is awesome!

Love Kona bkfst too. The Tonga Toast is great. DH likes the Macadamia pancakes.

Havent eaten at Y&Y, but its on my list for our longer trip next Dec.

I think you should TOTALLY stay for 2 weeks...during F&W...that would be AMMMMazing!! I'm really lookiing forward to F&W, even though we only have 1
day to enjoy it

 

[Imagineer5]

I'm glad someone agrees!!



Ahh... Artist Point should have been on that list!! We went there for our Anniversary dinner and loved the meal (but not the desserts!) Will definitly be returning!

I'm glad to hear you had a good meal at Flying fish... I'm torn between that and Bluezoo... Hubby is allergic to seafood so I only want to do one of those.

We enjoyed Biergarten... however I am definitely a meat eater and I really like most german food. If I were you I would go for a lunch (unless on the Dining Plan) as it is much cheaper and there are not that many differences between the meals as far as I can figure.



I'm glad to hear a positive review of 'Ohana! I've heard so many negatives. I didn't think about the fact of scheduling it during Wishes so that is a good idea!

Unfortunately I have so many Dinner meals I want to do its going to be hard to fit in the night time entertainment!

Never been to Bluezoo so I can't say either way, though I tend to stay away from the Swolphin. IDK why, I just don't really like the looks of the hotels LOL. And yes, I was very underwhelmed by AP's desserts. But I'd rather have a fantastic app over a dessert any day! We make the smoked portobello mushroom soup at home now, and it is delicious but I miss the atmosphere of the restaurant!

We also have problems trying to fit in all the dinner restaurants we want, so Biergarten will def be for lunch!! DH loves meat, and is part German, so he'll enjoy the meal. I do enjoy a nice german riesling so that can be my lunch haha.

 

[jenny105]

I will keep it as part of the plans then!! Of course still have to be able to make he ADR!! I hear it is sometimes hard to get!!

It can be but with the new cancellation policy & credit card guarantee in place, I don't think it will be as difficult as it was in years past.

 

[smile4stamps]

Hi Everyone... I received some news yesterday that may change my plans for this trip. My mom has Breast Cancer and she lives in Wisconsin and I live in California so I will need to use my sick/vacation time to visit and help her out so I am unsure if I will have any vacation time in October.

I am going to continue planning as it gives me something to look forward to but it might be for a future year!

We don't know any details yet about my moms cancer so not sure how much/what kind of treatment she will need but if you are the praying type we would appreciate any and all prayers!

 

[Joyciemc]

Paula, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I am hoping her treatment is straight forward and that her recovery is quick. Please keep us updated on how she is doing.

 

[jenny105]

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. My brother's girlfriend was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year and just finished up her treatments a few weeks ago. I'll keep her in my thoughts. Keep us posted

 

[smile4stamps]

Paula, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I am hoping her treatment is straight forward and that her recovery is quick. Please keep us updated on how she is doing.

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. My brother's girlfriend was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year and just finished up her treatments a few weeks ago. I'll keep her in my thoughts. Keep us posted

Thank you ladies!! When I learned the news I was just devastated. Im still breaking into tears at random times but my mom is being very positive so I need to be that way too!! She doesn't want me to come home to visit till after she has surgery which should be scheduled next week. She has a PET scan tomorrow (to make sure the cancer isn't elsewhere) and a MRI on Monday. So far it looks like the Cancer is Stage II as it does have one lymph node involved (hopefully that is all!)

Jenny... your brothers girlfriend must have been very young! I will pray the treatments cure here and it does not come back!



So... I've been having some thoughts regarding October. My Mother really wants to take her grandkids to WDW. (my younger brothers kids, they are 3 and 5 right now, would be 4 and 6 in October) I am just thinking but if she is recovered and treatment is completed and I work enough extra hours maybe we could swing 5 or so days with them.... I would still want to do 10-14 days or so with hubby and then 5-7 with my family... (SO I would get my 3 weeks lol!!) We will have to see how the next few months go for my mom but it might be something for her to look forward to!

 

[Imagineer5]

I'm really sorry to hear about your mom - hoping for some positive news soon!

It sounds like you might have a great plan ahead for October, and it'd be so much fun for your mom to go to WDW with the grandkids!

I'll keep looking for updates and hoping things are going well!

 

[smile4stamps]

I'm Back!! Man I missed the DIS but I just haven't had much time! January was a CRAZY month as well as the start of February... Things are calming down now but the rest of the month is still gonna fly by!!

So an update! October will just be Hubby and I. With the treatments my mom needs to have she will not be ready for a trip in October.. In fact will probably just have finished up the radiation treatments. My mom instead is looking to plan an April 2013 trip...

So the end of December I received a PIN in the mail for 30% off resorts! I am still hoping to swap into DVC through RCI but just incase that doesn't work I wanted us booked somewhere with the great rate.... So I booked Coronado Springs!! My husband loves Southwest Architecture so I thought that would be good for him! I was torn between all the Moderates but my PIN had a REALLY short expiration time so I just wanted to book something just in case! Ideally I would have loved WL but just too expensive for 2 weeks!!

My mom ended up having Surgery in January so I went back to WI to be with her for 10 days! she is doing well with that and will start her Chemo treatments next week. She has TONS of family support back home so I know she will be taken care of.

Once I got back to CA we had to pack up the rest of our House as February 1 was moving day! My husband and I are now living separately but it was a decision we made to allow for a better future! I get to fly to Colorado on the 21st to see my Hubby, our doggies, and our House!! I'm so excited!!

So that's the abbreviated version of the last 6 weeks!!

 

[DisneyStitch626]

Paula, glad to see you back!

Good to see you are still planning your trip for October. Also glad that your Mom's surgery went well, and hope the rest goes well for her also.

Will you be taking the April 2013 trip with her too?

 

[smile4stamps]

Paula, glad to see you back!

Good to see you are still planning your trip for October. Also glad that your Mom's surgery went well, and hope the rest goes well for her also.

Will you be taking the April 2013 trip with her too?

Hi Andrea!!

I hope all is well with you! Big Day coming up!!

Yes I would most likely join them for the April trip!!

 

[smile4stamps]

Holy Moly!!!

I was on the RCI website this afternoon checking for another week we want to get in Las Vegas and happened to look up Walt Disney world as well... There are Dates listed for September Another month or so and I should be able to see if I can get anything there for us!! It won't be "cheap" for us to do the exchange considering all the maintenance dues I pay yearly on my timeshare but at least that part is already paid for and all I have to pay is the exchange fee and then there is a Disney fee....

Just so excited now!

I'm having a hard time planning this trip without knowing park hours and F&W event details... I know the F&W event details won't be out till at least July but bring on the Park Hours so a tentative plan for which park to go to and then I can plan some of our meals!!