Ladies, are you EVER going to leave?? 10 days of Food & Wine fun! *NEW 1/29 PG 34*

[jenjolt]

Another great update!!!

I'm glad you enjoyed the tequilla tasting!! I remember you telling me about it and how much fun was had!!! You were right about the small serving sizes though.

I really enjoyed our time by the fountain with Heather and you just sitting enjoying the music, watching the dancers, and trying to stay cool!!!! Heather was another one I was just sure it was her, but didn't want to walk up and introduce myself in case it wasn't and then how would you explain that LOL!!

Yup Heather had never seen the American Adventure before...so I was more than happy to join her for her first showing...that is one of my faves in World Showcase!!

Dinner was great, you are right we had the greatest server he was very attentive and took the time to explain everything and the meal never once felt rushed or annoyingly slow!! Going to just say ditto to everything you said about the screaming child.

 

[Charleston Princess]

The tequila tasting sounds like a lot of fun! Charles would have enjoyed trying the different types, and I would have enjoyed the food (I am not a big fan of tequila).

I am a mom, and I still get irritated by parents that don't remove their children from a restaurant when they are having a melt-down. Nobody is paying to have a kid scream near them while they eat, I am sure. (It's one of my pet peeves .)

I am suitably impressed by the deluxe treatment of towels waiting for returning guests! Nice service!

 

[xoktenox]

Yummmmmm to tequila!! I really think we're gonna have to hop over to La Cava del Tequila this trip. Last year I tried a margarita from the outside stand in Mexico and I threw it out after 2 sips. It was the worst $9 I ever spent! They must have mixed the cheapest tequila in the world with dishwater. So gross LOL I'd love to give the Mexico pavillion another chance to redeem itself with yummy tequila

I hope I feel the "deluxe" feeling when we're at AKV! Although if I do, I may never be able to stay value again

 

[cdotla]

Wow about the waiting towels! That's pretty impressive!

Oh, and as for the shrieking kid - as a mother of 2 young kids, I totally agree with you. Completely inappropriate. Kid shoulda been removed. I hate when parents are more concerned with enjoying their meal or the nightly entertainment to be bothered to move a disruptive child.

Enjoying your trip, and can't wait to hear about your next day, and dinner at Cali Grill (my favourite!!) Was this your 1st time?

 

[princess&her4princes]

Hi C!!!

I FINALLY got the chance to sit down and read your ENTIRE trip report...I think I've got a slight buzz and gained a couple of lbs. tonight just reading it!! LOL!! What a great trip so far! I feel like I'm there with you!! I promise to keep up to date now!!! Thanks for sharing!!

 

[kschafer]

We learned all about how tequila is made – the agave plant is picked, it’s fermented (?- I think?) and aged. What do you want? I wasn’t taking notes… I just know I like the final product!!

The guys made fun of me b/c I tried the first one in just about one sip. I’m not generally a shot person – there just wasn’t that much in the glass!

Eventually it was time for the food to come out. Hilda seemed honestly surprised that none of us (not just my table) had any tequila left.

You crack me up Christine!!!

I was amazed at the number of soggy people without ADRs or plans to eat there who made their way onto the covered balcony. One terribly rude family of three pushed their way up to the railing and basically stood with their wet soggy butts in an older couple’s face who were sitting at the table. Unreal.

when it becomes apparent that this isn’t a passing tantrum then I think the parents have to do something about it and not subject the other diners to it.

Geesh!

As I dodged puddles and squished my way up the walkway to the Beach Club lobby, standing there with baskets full of dry towels were the life guard staff.  

NICE!!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Your tequila tasting sounds lovely! But, your right! It's hard to see the liquid in the glasses!

Rose and Crown looks great! I must admit, I've had 2 ADR's at R&C and had to cancel both to fit in different ADR's. I wasn't very excited about the menu but your food looks yummy!!

What is the deal with people coming under the awning?! That's just right and I'm suprised the CM's let them do it!

Boo to shrieking kids! I have 3 and I assure you I would not let that happen!! My kiddos are super well behaved and don't generally act like that. DS2 did have a little bit of a problem at an aforemention restuarant that will not be getting 4 stars from any of us anytime soon. Ya know what I did? I took him for walk!! It worked!

That's wonderful that they had towels waiting for wet guests and mousekeepers keeping the floor from getting slippery!!! Don't you just love the whole deluxe experience?!

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

I agree- boo to shrieking kids...I have two and I have no problem saying that...there will be times that through no fault of the parents...a kid will act out...but there is usually something the parent can do...and removing a child who is screaming through dinner while other people are trying to eat is just common courtesy....(vs. ignoring it like they aren'y yours or you don't hear them...)
I'm glad to hear that the food was good though...


Tequila tasty...fun & yum...I wouldn't mind doing that right about now...

SO sorry about your Sci Fi experience...we were fortunate to have a really great server and I know it made all the difference...

I have to go to a MNSSHP so badly...I'm going to burst...

 

[All7OfUs]

Great update! Ummm, but I think that the word stingy comes to mind when I look at your underfiilled glasses. Seems like they could have been a weeeee bit more generous.

At first I didn't see where you were going to go with the covered table- then it all made sense. Good thing you got to sit where you did!! PHew- another disaster averted!

WOW! that is some service. Towels and such.... Nice!

 

[Happydog]

Okay this was another fun post! What a cool way to spend some time in the Mexican Pavillion! Sounds wonderful with the food pairings! And your dinner at the Rose and Crown sounds delish! I have always been on the fence about the Rose and Crown, but your pics look great! We had the fisherman's pie with the F & W sampler and it was AMAZING! Great post, and what a great detail about the BC with the rain! We don't mind dodging the rain when the wet isn't cold and wet -- summer rain is fun

 

[praisehisname]

The tequila tasting sounded tasty and fun! I wish they did stuff like that other than F&W. And your dinner at Rose & Crown...Mmmmm...I could eat that cottage pie right now!

 

[MeMom]

I am in such a between trips funk that this update just had me

All of your food at Rose & Crown looks so yummy. I might have to try that cottage pie. Mmmmm.

It does look good!
Why don't we make a big cottage pie and have everyone over?
That might help you get you out of your funk!

Who lives in the middle? We'll meet there.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I am in such a between trips funk that this update just had me

All of your food at Rose & Crown looks so yummy. I might have to try that cottage pie. Mmmmm.

I'm glad you enjoyed your Tequila tasting, I don't think I've ever had tequila!

Bet you're not in a funk anymore... I recommend the cottage pie quite highly. How can you go wrong with cheesy potatoes?? You should give tequila a try!

Don't you just love the wonderful service at the Beach Club?

I'm glad you were able to enjoy your meal at R&C, in spite of the rain and rude guests.
I do have children, but still have no tolerance for a screamer.
Sorry folks, if your child is having a tantrum, take them out!

Oh, Wigd. Yes I do. Wish I was there now! Amen on the tantrum. Of course now that I've complained, karma will get me with a tantrum thrower.

I love this trip report!! THANK YOU!!

Thank you so much!!

So excited to find another update......

1. Tequila tasting - that sounds like fun! I was reading Podsnel's TR re: a similar experience at a wine tasting - the pours were ridiculously small. Certainly not my idea of a taste. But it does sound like a fun time. And the margarita to go - wow - different!

2. Welsh dragon - I must get one of those in May. Bummer about the souvenier glass.

3. Deluge during Illuminations - I guess you picked a good night to go to R&C. I'm glad you got to see the show from a dry vantage point. Sounds like you had a great waiter. Bummer about all the wet intruders. Uncool!

4. Screaming child - just another reason why I never took my kids to WDW until they were older. I just never wanted to HAVE to deal with something like that. I think parents just get so tired or overwhelmed or something that they just try to ignore, thinking everyone else will too.

Pours were embarassing. They definitely could be a BIT more generous. Highly endorse the Welsh dragon for your next trip! It was definitely a good night to eat at R&C. Couldn't have planned it better if we tried!!

Another great update!!!

I'm glad you enjoyed the tequilla tasting!! I remember you telling me about it and how much fun was had!!! You were right about the small serving sizes though.

I really enjoyed our time by the fountain with Heather and you just sitting enjoying the music, watching the dancers, and trying to stay cool!!!! Heather was another one I was just sure it was her, but didn't want to walk up and introduce myself in case it wasn't and then how would you explain that LOL!!

Yup Heather had never seen the American Adventure before...so I was more than happy to join her for her first showing...that is one of my faves in World Showcase!!

Dinner was great, you are right we had the greatest server he was very attentive and took the time to explain everything and the meal never once felt rushed or annoyingly slow!! Going to just say ditto to everything you said about the screaming child.

Wish we were having dinner again tonight. Can't believe we have to wait another year!

I love American Adventure too!!

The tequila tasting sounds like a lot of fun! Charles would have enjoyed trying the different types, and I would have enjoyed the food (I am not a big fan of tequila).

I am a mom, and I still get irritated by parents that don't remove their children from a restaurant when they are having a melt-down. Nobody is paying to have a kid scream near them while they eat, I am sure. (It's one of my pet peeves .)

I am suitably impressed by the deluxe treatment of towels waiting for returning guests! Nice service!

I could go on and on about the Beach Club difference. But I won't b/c I don't want you all to stay there!

Yummmmmm to tequila!! I really think we're gonna have to hop over to La Cava del Tequila this trip. Last year I tried a margarita from the outside stand in Mexico and I threw it out after 2 sips. It was the worst $9 I ever spent! They must have mixed the cheapest tequila in the world with dishwater. So gross LOL I'd love to give the Mexico pavillion another chance to redeem itself with yummy tequila

I hope I feel the "deluxe" feeling when we're at AKV! Although if I do, I may never be able to stay value again

Careful. You know what they say. Once you go deluxe...

Seriously, though, am certain you will love AKL. And please do try Cava del tequila-- so worth it!

Wow about the waiting towels! That's pretty impressive!

Oh, and as for the shrieking kid - as a mother of 2 young kids, I totally agree with you. Completely inappropriate. Kid shoulda been removed. I hate when parents are more concerned with enjoying their meal or the nightly entertainment to be bothered to move a disruptive child.

Enjoying your trip, and can't wait to hear about your next day, and dinner at Cali Grill (my favourite!!) Was this your 1st time?

Not my 1st time at Cali but is always delish. That's coming up next!!

Hi C!!!

I FINALLY got the chance to sit down and read your ENTIRE trip report...I think I've got a slight buzz and gained a couple of lbs. tonight just reading it!! LOL!! What a great trip so far! I feel like I'm there with you!! I promise to keep up to date now!!! Thanks for sharing!!

Happy to provide a little entertainment -- not to mention a buzz!

You crack me up Christine!!!



Geesh!



NICE!!

Happy to amuse you!!

Your tequila tasting sounds lovely! But, your right! It's hard to see the liquid in the glasses!

Rose and Crown looks great! I must admit, I've had 2 ADR's at R&C and had to cancel both to fit in different ADR's. I wasn't very excited about the menu but your food looks yummy!!

What is the deal with people coming under the awning?! That's just right and I'm suprised the CM's let them do it!

Boo to shrieking kids! I have 3 and I assure you I would not let that happen!! My kiddos are super well behaved and don't generally act like that. DS2 did have a little bit of a problem at an aforemention restuarant that will not be getting 4 stars from any of us anytime soon. Ya know what I did? I took him for walk!! It worked!

That's wonderful that they had towels waiting for wet guests and mousekeepers keeping the floor from getting slippery!!! Don't you just love the whole deluxe experience?!

I'm sure your kids are delightful. I struggle with understanding how parents can be that oblivious to other diners.

Yes, I am a deluxe girl all the way. As if I needed more reasons but they keep on convincing me further each time I go!!

You should give R&C a try!!!

I agree- boo to shrieking kids...I have two and I have no problem saying that...there will be times that through no fault of the parents...a kid will act out...but there is usually something the parent can do...and removing a child who is screaming through dinner while other people are trying to eat is just common courtesy....(vs. ignoring it like they aren'y yours or you don't hear them...)
I'm glad to hear that the food was good though...


Tequila tasty...fun & yum...I wouldn't mind doing that right about now...

SO sorry about your Sci Fi experience...we were fortunate to have a really great server and I know it made all the difference...

I have to go to a MNSSHP so badly...I'm going to burst...

Well we don't want you to burst! Plan a trip for MNSSHP. Perhaps in the timeframe of Oct 14-23? Perhaps?

Great update! Ummm, but I think that the word stingy comes to mind when I look at your underfiilled glasses. Seems like they could have been a weeeee bit more generous.

At first I didn't see where you were going to go with the covered table- then it all made sense. Good thing you got to sit where you did!! PHew- another disaster averted!

WOW! that is some service. Towels and such.... Nice!

It is rainy here in New England today. Sure wish cute guys were waiting at my garage with towels!!!

Okay this was another fun post! What a cool way to spend some time in the Mexican Pavillion! Sounds wonderful with the food pairings! And your dinner at the Rose and Crown sounds delish! I have always been on the fence about the Rose and Crown, but your pics look great! We had the fisherman's pie with the F & W sampler and it was AMAZING! Great post, and what a great detail about the BC with the rain! We don't mind dodging the rain when the wet isn't cold and wet -- summer rain is fun

Thanks, Jennifer. Get off the fence about R&C-- it is yummy!!

The tequila tasting sounded tasty and fun! I wish they did stuff like that other than F&W. And your dinner at Rose & Crown...Mmmmm...I could eat that cottage pie right now!

I wish they did that other times of the year too. Good suggestion!!

It does look good!
Why don't we make a big cottage pie and have everyone over?
That might help you get you out of your funk!

Who lives in the middle? We'll meet there.

LOVE it. Who does live in the middle??? What time should we be there?

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Apparently this was the point in the trip I stopped keeping notes. So we’ll be going by my pictures and what is left of my memory.

This day was Animal Kingdom day. Not sure why, but it was. I may have exercised in the morning but I’m guessing that I probably did not.
I believe the bus ride was uneventful albeit long. You stop off at the other Epcot resorts as well as one of the water parks on your way to AK. As I’ve mentioned previously, I think the ability to walk into Epcot and DHS is worth its weight in gold but when you have to take a bus from the Beach Club it seems long. I never had to wait long for a bus it’s just lots of stops.

Here we are at AK. Another hot day but they are saying the humidity will be breaking soon. There are some clouds that make me wonder how much time I’ll have before we get a shower.

Once inside the park, I headed straight for the safari.

The Dawa bar… I found it!! Too early for me, though. But definitely noting the location. This is quite a spot for sunbathing on the roof, isn’t it? Love the detail in this park!!

Fast pass return for the safari and the stand by time weren’t far off so I just got in line. The line moved quickly and we were boarding before too long. As for the safari… let’s just say that there was a lot to see off the left side of the vehicle… and I was seated on the right. Nevertheless it was, as always, an enjoyable tour.

You really do forget you’re in Central FL, don’t you?

After the safari I browsed around a bit in the shops and decided I was hungry (shocking, I realize). I had considered trying to get a seat at the bar in Yak & Yeti but decided instead to just head over to Pizza Planet. As tends to happen to me, I had people in front of me who were terribly confused by the menu and their dining plan. And then they ran out of salad temporarily. But before too too long I got my lunch and was able to find a seat in a back room that was actually not very crowded at all.

I started eating before I remembered the picture… sorry!

While I was eating I saw a family of four or five (maybe six) come through with a VIP tour guide (the ones in the plaid vests). Mom and Dad waited in the line for the food and the guide came to sit with the kids. He was carrying a big umbrella which made me nervous. He was asking the kids what their favorite part of the day had been so far. When Mom and Dad arrived I surreptitiously glanced over to see if they were famous. Not as far as I could tell. Which desensitized me to an encounter later in the trip where the guide would be with a famous person.

The pizza was filling and yummy and I enjoyed the break in the AC. Then I headed back to explore some of the trails I hadn’t explored before.

I wonder – do they light these lanterns at night?

Any guesses as to which way I headed?

They look so gentle, don’t they?

This guy was either tired or hungover—maybe both

The meerkats. These guys were pretty cute. And pretty vicious according to the CM.

At this point the sky was getting seriously dark so I decided I would head out. It started raining just as I was getting to the bus stop. Good timing!

cont'd in the next post

 

[2xcited2sleep]

cont'd from the previous post

I wish I could tell you what I did with my afternoon but I have no idea. I think I probably waited out the rain in my room or on the balcony and then maybe hit the pool for a bit before a very special dinner at the California Grill. Or as I think about it perhaps this was the afternoon I did laundry. Laundry room at Beach Club is right off the quiet pool so it is perfect!!

I took a bus over to the MK and then just walked on over to the Contemporary.

I can’t say that I’ve ever really felt an urge to stay here. I’m just not a “contemporary” kind of gal. Although I can see where the ability to walk into the MK and hop on the monorail would be pretty sweet. And after seeing the models of BLT, the idea of soaking in the Jacuzzi tub with an MK view is pretty awesome. Maybe someday.

I met Jen in the lobby and we headed up to the special check in area. This ADR was hard to get. I had tried as soon as my window opened and failed. It took both of us trying several more times before Jen was able to score an ADR perfectly timed for Wishes.

We checked in and were quickly escorted upstairs in the private elevator to the Cali Grill with a few other parties. The place was hopping. We were told it would be a while before we were seated so we headed to the bar to get a drink but I think we were buzzed before we could get one.

We were rewarded with a seat in the main dining room not right at the window but “one row” removed so we had a perfect view. As I’ve said before and will say many, many more times before this TR is over, see Jen’s TR for more professional photos but this gives you an idea of the view.

The table was also decorated in honor of Jen’s birthday

Where, oh where to begin? Well, I started with a cocktail (is anyone surprised??). I had a version of a french martini which includes chamboard and champagne (of course!). It was yummy. Jen and I had known for MONTHS we’d be trying the flatbreads. We each ordered one as an appetizer and we had enough leftover that Jen could take some back to her kitchen in SSR. I believe this is the BLT flatbread: with Heirloom Tomatoes, Applewood Bacon, Provolone, Crisp Romaine, and Lemon Mayonnaise $14.00 I think Jen had the cheese one but I’m not positive- I’ll again refer you over there.

YUM-O! But I was conscious of not spoiling my meal so I tried to hold back (of course I’ve already revealed that I gained 7lbs on this vacation so you’ll have to judge for yourself how much “holding back” I did!).

I also tried the Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli - with sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, shiitake mushrooms and basil* $13. Again – delish!

For the main course I was going with their signature – the pork and polenta. Grilled Pork Tenderloin - with goat cheese polenta, button mushrooms and zinfandel glaze $32. Very, very good.

Apparently we also had dessert.

I couldn’t, for the life of me, tell me what it was. Jen?

Speaking of Miss Jen, doesn’t she look cute at her birthday dinner?

We got to see Wishes and the electrical water pageant or whatever it is called.

All in all it was an absolutely perfect evening with lovely company. We walked back to the MK and were maybe 10 min before close. I was sure they weren’t letting people in. Our original plan had been to go ride Pirates and some other faves but we’d lingered over that delicious dinner longer than expected. I was tired and more stuffed than a Thanksgiving turkey so we each headed home. I hopped on a bus and Jen hit the monorail. What a fun night!!

Up next: How this TR got its name

Thanks for reading!

 

[we3are1]

great tr
can't wait to hear more
making notes of things I want to do next trip - The Welsh Dragon made the list
LOL
also considering a solo trip - I am so much more into disney than the family, it might be fun

 

[Disneymoon09]

I just love this TR! I cannot wait to try Cali Grill! My DFi and I will be eating there on our wedding night! I hope that I planned out ADR correctly for Wishes. Our ADR is for 720 with Wishes at 8. I think it will be close, but as long as we have access to the Obervation deck, I'll be happy.

 

[jenjolt]

Oh what great memories this update brought back to me!!!! We had such a great dinner I loved loved loved our meal together!! It was so yummy!!! I believe that is the chocolate cake with the salted caramel ice cream!! I wish we were eating there right now tonight....oh those flatbreads were so GOOD!!!

Great update C!! I can't wait for the next one!!!

 

[Lady Lallie]

Oh, I want some of that polenta.....NOW. Yummmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Jen looks adorable for her Birthday.

Someone famous, eh?

 

[Happydog]

Great fun to read!!! Man California Grille is the best! I can't wait for my December dinner there! We went in June (date night) but this time it will be with DBIL and the kids... That tenderloin and polenta is my favorite dish!