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

[MeMom]

I know you love Beach Club so I would make the call and see if there is availability!

You can easily visit the Wilderness Lodge and take in all the glory of the decorations. If you can't get the BC, then it is the perfect time to try WL!

Well....speaking from the persepctive of someone who just made the decision between VWL abd BCV, I say go for the wilderness lodge.
I think its really good to try new resorts. To me, that is a huge part of the fun of going to Disney. I know you love BC, but you will probably book that again in Oct. Right? Just saying.

I'd do WL at Christmas and then Beach Club at a warmer time when I'd be more apt to take advantage of Stormalong Bay. That is just my first thought, but you seem to be doing a lot of your trip right around BC, so that would be good, too.

I really think I would stick to the Wilderness Lodge -- new resort and very Christmas-y!

As for the December trip...stay where you love. Go with the Beach Club if you can, it's walking distance which makes it nice and easy. Plus, you can go over and visit the WL to take in the beauty!!

You can always visit, even for a few hours if you want to hang out in the lobby, take pictures, heck even do an Artist Point meal if you want, but staying "at home" adds an element of ease and comfort you may miss.

But then again, if you're feeling up for an big adventure- The Wilderness Lodge is certainly lovely!

Aren't we all making your decision so much easier???

 

[MEK]

Aren't we all making your decision so much easier???

Yeah, My head would be spinning right now, too! Can't wait to see what C decides!

 

[castmemberb4]

Terrific update! Jay and I miss the AC so much ... why oh why did Disney close it down?

And yes ... until 9PM they allowed parents to bring their children to the AC because we always saw kids there whenever we went.

Us Too ! There was definately a hole in our last trip with out it.
Interesting that it's all still intact a year later.

LOVED seeing those pictures !!!!!!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I'm not one to pass up any opportunity to Disney so if you think you can make it happen I say go for it LOL!!! I would stay where you really want to stay and I know you love Beach Club so I would make the call and see if there is availability!

You are so right. Difficult to pass up an opportunity to visit. If only it didn't cost so much $$ and vacation time.

Okay Okay...you are right. Seriously though, it would be awesome to be able to see Marty Sklar speak. You better take really good mental notes!

If I go I will absolutely take notes. Can you IMAGINE the stories that guy has to tell????

As another girl with a resort crush (mine is the Poly) I would advise going with your favorite if it's available. You can easily visit the Wilderness Lodge and take in all the glory of the decorations. I know that feeling of being at home at your resort, and that adds a special touch on top of the already awesome specialness. The ease of getting to the events and your favorite park from the BC will make the short trip as efficient as possible. If you can't get the BC, then it is the perfect time to try WL!

I'm glad you had fun at the AC, and you did really well with the attention of the Boy Scout!

A resort crush... that's it exactly. I am crushing on the Beach Club. I'm not sure any other resort can compare.

Question: is it a bad sign when your real life romantic troubles start to spill over into your DIS addiction?

Well....speaking from the persepctive of someone who just made the decision between VWL abd BCV, I say go for the wilderness lodge. When we drove up to the WL in September I got the immediate feeling of, "Wow.....I have to stay here". I don't know. It just came over me. Totally spontaneous. I didn't expect it, but just decided to go with "the feeling". Plus, as others have said, it really does scream Christmas.

I think its really good to try new resorts. To me, that is a huge part of the fun of going to Disney. I know you love BC, but you will probably book that again in Oct. Right? Just saying.

But, honestly, just go with what your gut is telling you.

Interesting. I'd forgotten that you made the decision between VWL and BCV. I've never been to WL... just seen it in the pics. Tough choice. And yes, BC is a definite in Oct. No other way to do F&W in my book!

P.S. Do Not cancel. You deserve this trip. Go...have fun....take notes....take pictures.....write another great TR.

Thank you!!

Great update! I'm so sorry I never got to experience AC; it looks like a lot of fun.

Denise

Thanks, Denise! I bet it was fun in its hey day!

That would be awesome to hear Marty Sklar, no doubt!

Follow your heart on the resort. We think every fountain is a wishing fountain, so we throw coins in and make wishes everywhere!

Everyone is different, but for me personally, I'd do WL at Christmas and then Beach Club at a warmer time when I'd be more apt to take advantage of Stormalong Bay. That is just my first thought, but you seem to be doing a lot of your trip right around BC, so that would be good, too.

Thanks MeMom. You've had such good luck with the wishing fountain that I really think I should give it a shot!!

I really think I would stick to the Wilderness Lodge -- new resort and very Christmas-y!

Thanks, CP. If ever there were a time to stay there, I would think it would be Christmastime.

The AC looks like such a blast! What a great dinner event. I hope they do decide to re-open the AC after the economy turns upward a bit...I haven't heard any news on it at all, have you?

As for the December trip...stay where you love. Go with the Beach Club if you can, it's walking distance which makes it nice and easy. Plus, you can go over and visit the WL to take in the beauty!!

From what I heard -- all unofficial gossip-- but it sounded like the club contents were being packed up and shipped off to Tokyo. The actors really seemed like this was "the end." Very sad.

I'm going with Heather on this one! You can always visit, even for a few hours if you want to hang out in the lobby, take pictures, heck even do an Artist Point meal if you want, but staying "at home" adds an element of ease and comfort you may miss. You "know" it, know your way around, the little nuances of the transportation system all that. There's no guesswork of figuring that out.

But then again, if you're feeling up for an big adventure- The Wilderness Lodge is certainly lovely!

Thanks. Visiting is always an option. I haven't eaten at Artist Point, have you tried it?

Aren't we all making your decision so much easier???

If these are the toughest decisions I have to make I am a lucky, lucky gal!

Yeah, My head would be spinning right now, too! Can't wait to see what C decides!

Haven't decided yet.

Us Too ! There was definately a hole in our last trip with out it.
Interesting that it's all still intact a year later.

LOVED seeing those pictures !!!!!!!

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

So Friday morning dawned sunny, bright and magical. My first wake-up in the happy place! Don’t you just love waking up on the first full morning of vacation knowing that you have your entire vacation stretched in front of you? I have a bad habit of starting to countdown to the end all too soon so I really relish that first morning with everything still in front of you!

I woke up ~8:15 and pondered what I was going to do. As if there was really any choice… it’s the first day of Food & Wine, baby! But since I knew how much I’d be eating I thought maybe I should exercise. So I decided to wog (jog/walk) down the path over to DHS and back. It was HOT even that early. But I enjoyed it. As I passed the other exercisers on the path I felt like we shared a special little smile between us, “yup, I’m crazy enough to exercise on vacation too!” Like we were in our own secret club.

On my way back to my room I noticed a VIP Tour Guide (the ones with the plaid vests) delivering some pressed chef whites to a room on my floor. But I never did find out who it was for.

I got ready for the day while watching the new Stacy show (not loving it) and headed out to get my F&W on shortly before 11.

I’ll spare you a pic of “my” entrance but you know I was hearing the hallelujah chorus as I walked in. It was a little before 11 so I walked through the UK and Canada and over toward Mexico.

First stop, Buenos Aires, Argentina (I know… I bypassed the champagne & dessert booth )

Spicy Beef Empanada with Tomato Salsa

YUM. This was one of my faves. Big portion, piping hot (not necessarily spicy, despite the name) and good salsa. And I’ll also admit that as someone who took Spanish from 6th grade through college, I quite get a kick out of the Mexico pavilion and all the “Spanish speaking” booths where I get to sort of sound like I know what I’m doing and talk a little bit with the CM’s.

I could not pass up the opportunity for cheese and prosecco even though the empanada had filled me up.

MouseCatch: Dorothea (Dutch Cheese), Piave (Italian cheese), Mahon (Spanish Cheese); Martini & Rossi Prosecco.

It was the first full day of F&W and the first ~30 minutes. But the people serving me didn’t seem to know which cheese was which . I was struck by the size of the prosecco pour. I could be nuts but I think last year they used the taller champagne flute glasses. But I still liked it!

I strolled around a bit more and didn’t find anything too enticing. Plus keep in mind that between the empanada and the cheeses I was stuffed. Over in Italy it was time for a drink.

Bellini with a View

Finding any shade on this trip was like hitting the jackpot. I was very happy to find an umbrella table where I could sit and sip and people watch!

Browsing in Italy

Kind of disappointed I didn’t have an ADR here this trip. Aiming to correct next trip… whenever that may be. :

As I had been sipping my bellini I had noticed them setting up for an event in the area opposite the Italy pavilion where they sometimes have dessert party events. It seemed to be a wine event. I felt somewhat badly for the people attending because it was so flipping hot. As I walked by the host was asking for a show of hands – who loved this wine, liked it, hated it. Seemed like there were more on the hate or moderate like end of the spectrum to which he said that the heat was surely affecting the flavor. One poor guy was sitting with a wet towel over his head it was so hot. Hard to enjoy something when you’re that uncomfortable. I never did figure out what event this was and whether people had paid to be there.

cont'd in the next post

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Looking forward to eating here later in the trip!

A slushie a day… Seriously it was so hot it was practically medicinal!

View as I’m drinking my medicinal slushie

As I was sipping away, I had a brainstorm. I wanted a tattoo! So back to Morocco I headed. I picked up a tangerine bellini at the Morocco booth. No picture but figured I’d want to keep sipping whilst getting my tattoo. Again, largely medicinal.

I was amazed at how many different designs there were to choose from. I eventually settled on one I believe was called “happiness” and was ~$25? I couldn’t believe how talented the artist was. She drew this in no > 5 minutes free-hand!

Done eating and drinking? Not by a long shot!

Spanakopita in Greece

I thought this was ok. I ate it in the shade where Off Kilter usually performs. Very spinachy, which I suppose is the definition of spanakopita.

Full circle moment – back over by Mexico pavilion and the Mexico City kiosk for something that had caught my eye earlier -- a Chicken Taquito—DELISH

Then headed back in the other direction to Santiago Chili for a Corn Arepa – meh. But the guy DID card me! This made my day. I was grinning so wide that a guy further back in the line commented on it.

Not sure why I took this but it meant something at the time so I’ll include it!

cont'd in the next post 

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Food, Wine, a spot in the shade (on a ridiculously hot day) and a perfect view. WHAT is better than that???

As an aside – I really love the bar height tables they put all around WS during F&W. Since I am usually eating/drinking my way around I wish these were here year-round but I guess that is part of what makes F&W special.

I am definitely celebrating today! Any day in WDW is worth celebrating!!!

A little break in England. While I was hanging back here in another spot of shade I saw a couple of adult men playing Kim Possible. One of the KP CM’s came out of the back and said to them very seriously, “how’s it going, agents?” It just struck me as funny at the time. We all get to be eight at Disney!

Back out through the private entrance… that NEVER gets old!

Back in my room, a friend was waiting:

Along with photopass discount cards!

This was the first trip I was organized enough to have planned out housekeeping envelopes for each day. This was also the first trip I got a towel animal or other surprise each day. Related? I don’t know. But I really enjoyed coming back to my room each day wondering who/what was going to greet me!


Up next:
Boo to you: MNSSHP
A Colonial dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern

Thanks for reading!

 

[Disneymoon09]

love it! I really enjoy everything about your TR so far, well except for the heat part, yuck! The part about the men playing KP cracked me up, you cant beat getting to feel like a kid again!

 

[MeMom]

We were sitting there just a couple of weeks ago eating one of our F&W goodies, too, but I can't remember exactly which one. It was one that I took a small bite of and went off taking pictures while Jill ate, so I can't remember.

I do remember taking pictures of a pretty butterfly in those bushes, though.

I am definitely celebrating today! Any day in WDW is worth celebrating!!!

Yeah, boy!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I love that you take pictures of your view while you are enjoying your food and drinks!

Are those your shake and bake sandals I spy on your tootsies? How did they work for you? I love the Henna design. I really need to do that next trip.

That picture of the Bellini is just gorgeous!

Your towel animal is so cute, one of the best I have seen!

 

[Charleston Princess]

Medicinal slushies? I am so using that from now on!

Your henna tattoo is great -- I will have to remember that design for next time!

You did lots of good eating that first day of Food and Wine -- I agree -- I really liked the tables they set up as well!

 

[xoktenox]

I've been waiting for you to start a TR since you were over reading my April TR and I saw that you were going for the F&W Festival I'm a little late but I found it and I'm in! Goin to get all caught up

 

[Flossbolna]

Wonderful Epcot pictures! I love the sky that day: clear blue with just a few lovely clouds to add some structure to it!

The slushie from FRance is wonderful, I need to put that on my must do list for January!

What a fun Halloween Mickey ears hat! The photopass discount sounds interesting, what kind of deal was it?

 

[jenjolt]

Another great update!!!! I just love the passion you have for Disney!!!

Love the pictures of the food looks so yummy!!! I really wish I could be back at Disney eating Disney food!!!!

Medicinal LOL!! That just cracked me up!!!!

 

[MEK]

So Friday morning dawned sunny, bright and magical. My first wake-up in the happy place! Don’t you just love waking up on the first full morning of vacation knowing that you have your entire vacation stretched in front of you? I have a bad habit of starting to countdown to the end all too soon so I really relish that first morning with everything still in front of you!

Oh, you are giving me the first day "goose bumps". I love the first day, too. Unfortunately, all my kids-free trips have been so short that I try not to get so excited the first day. Because in just a few days I don't want to experience that "almost over" let down.

I woke up ~8:15 and pondered what I was going to do. As if there was really any choice… it’s the first day of Food & Wine, baby! But since I knew how much I’d be eating I thought maybe I should exercise. So I decided to wog (jog/walk) down the path over to DHS and back. It was HOT even that early. But I enjoyed it. As I passed the other exercisers on the path I felt like we shared a special little smile between us, “yup, I’m crazy enough to exercise on vacation too!” Like we were in our own secret club.

I know this feeling so well, too. But you know what's so funny. I can always tell who is just starting there vacation because they have a spring in their step and I smile on their face. When I get to the end of my trip I feel like I should be wearing a sign that says.... "I am only running this slow because its my 5th day, my muscles ache, and my feet are covered in blisters".

Loved your update, but I have to wait until I get home to drool over the food and the drink pics.

 

[kschafer]

Yum Yum Yum!!!! Looks like a delicious (and refreshing) morning

WS is SO beautiful and I love how you soak it in. Someday I WILL get to F&W (and maybe even stay at BC so I can use "your" entrance)

For what it is worth, I vote for keeping you WL ressie in December. I know you love BC and I see why but I think part of the fun of frequent Disney trips would be trying different resorts.

 

[praisehisname]

Love the tattoo you got! I'm adding that to my list now!

Denise

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Thank you, thank you! That was the most relaxing stroll through F&W..... I felt like I was right there with you!
Outstanding update!
I need a drink.........

 

[Happydog]

Wow that was a mega post!!!! I have been immersed in work but glad to catch up and read it all! Great food porn photos, I really liked your bellini on the table in Italy -- great photo! I also caught on to your possible trip in December??!!! Cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I say Wilderness Lodge, definitely. Save BC for the F & W next fall! So cool that you might go again!

 

[MEK]

Ohhhhh! I just saw your pics and they are so fine, especially the ones that involve consumable goods. Yum!