Last Trip? It was until we met Food & Wine -- Recap 2/12

[Haileys Nana]

Home from our trip. CSR was beautiful as always and we had a great time. We were joined for drinks at Laguna bar by the alligator! Heard {and felt!} a big splash that hit our legs, looked over the railing and there he was, right below us. What a surprise for our 36th anniversary. He was approx.5 feet long. The next morning the groundskeeper was watching him closely as he swam around the lake. I'll bet he was re-located by the time we got home. I've finally caught up on your report and will be reading along. Sorry to hear of all your troubles and hoping things get better for you soon.

 

[KatMark]

After having eaten dinner at Olivia's (we looked around to see if you, Mary and the girls happened to be there), I agree that it is a hidden gem. It's one of the restaurants that we will definitely be going back to next trip.

You should have texted us to see if we were there. I'm so happy you liked it.

Great update! I think I have to add Olivia's to our list of places to try.

Clare, it's really good (so is breakfast).

The sun really came out nicely that evening! Glad the rain let up.

after the morning and early afternoon, it was a welcome sight.


I am so annoyed for you about the last call thing. That happened to us when we went to AK. He called last call and people just kept coming and he called it again and we sat for 5 minutes. Last call means last call, people. Another one is coming in 30 seconds!

I can understand they want to fill it up, but not 20 minutes after calling last call.

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your night.

I hope to get an update done tomorrow if I can.

I love OkW too! Olivia's is always a favorite. You can't go wrong with a Turtle Krawl. Good for you for only sticking to one...I'm not sure I could have! Mark's dessert looks amazing!

Isn't it great, Jill? We love going there...even when not staying there. Boy, could I go for a Turtle Krawl right now. I was afraid if I'd had two I would have fallen asleep at the MK. He said it was out of this world.

Boo for leaving your TIW card...Holy MK crowds, Batman!

Jill in CO

Thankfully, they found it. Yes, but would those crowds stay?

I have never been to OKL. I guess I really haven't been to all that many resorts if I think about it. But I do try to visit a few each trip (September notwithstanding).

We've not hit just about every resort except for Pop and All Star Movies and the Treehouses. Olivia's is a favorite of ours as is Old Key West.

Mmmm thank drink does look good.

It's quite yummy.

Oh my yes, I have experienced "Last Call for boarding" way too many times. This is why I end up walking so darn much.

And why I prefer to walk myself, but my hubby doesn't.

I really like the ferry. It was only recently that I really used it a lot (mostly due to the monorail being down). But it is such a lovely way to get to Magic Kingdom. I love the way it just slowly makes its way and the Kingdom just gets closer and closer. Pretty spectacular really.

That's why we use it; we get stuck on that monorail every darn time we ride it.

I love getting to see the parks I wasn't at, lol. I avoided MK this night because I figured it would be crowded, at least to start. Here's hoping the crowds thin out.

You'll have to wait to find out a bit longer.

Olivia's is definitely a hidden gem. We've enjoyed it every time we've eaten there. I need to make more of an effort.

Yes you do! Then you could have a Turtle Krawl with dinner.

I remember seeing that dessert on Facebook and basically drooling all over my phone.

Oops...hope you didn't make too much hof mess.

We definitely enjoy taking the ferryboat. If I see it's over there, I will definitely go on it. While I do love the monorail, the openness of the ferry is just the best.

It's so pretty and you get that nice breeze. Definitely my favorite.

I really need to eat (and drink!) at Olivia's some trip soon. Won't be this upcoming trip, but maybe the next. It definitely looks quite delicious!

I hope you do, Steph, I think you'd really enjoy it.

Great pictures from the ferry boat! And I'm with you, I love the Halloween decorations

It's hard to decide if I like the Halloween or Christmas ones better...they are both great.

 

[KatMark]

Hi Mark!

Mark says hi back.

I know I've asked in the past but what is in that. I could just look it up but what's the fun in that?

You had to ask? I don't remember. Cynthia would or Mary Ellen; all I know is that it is very good.

That looks sooooo good. Now i'm hungry. Thanks.

He's already told me he doesn't care where else we eat on our next trip, but we must go back to Olivia's.

That was very nice of them to call you instead of you finding out when you tried to use it the next time.

Yes it was; and saved me some panic.

I do too.... kinda wish we did MNSSHP but glad we didn't because of... well, you know what.

It would have been fun, but, well, as you said, "you know what."

Yes you did... Wish I could go there tomorrow for breakfast.

I do too. I could really use that coffee the next couple of weeks.

I know from previous TR that you love Olivias. It's on my bucket list! If only I could part with my favs The new DVC at the Poly just makes me sad, why do they need to do this to already great resort! I would think the views would be diminished because of the bungalows. Love the MK pics, the decor is so cute for Halloween. However the Halloween decor at DL blows the MK out the water!! You really need to go during Halloween time there it is off the charts amazing

Lori, it truly is a hidden gem. I really don't think the Poly needed a DVC at all. They had the BLT and GF...another one was not needed. I would certainly not want one of those views with those waterfront villas in front of me. Hmmmm....not you have me thinking when we go to DL for my 60th in 3 years we should go in the fall.

Ohhh all of the pictures are LOVELY. Olivia's looks like a lovely fit for me, but only me. I'm not sure my husband (he's a steak/burgers/fries man) and Squeaks (mac n cheese or nuggets and fries) will be as excited. The ferry! It wasn't on my bucket list before, but it sure is now! It looks beautiful! And the Magic Kingdom looks BEAUTIFUL.

My dear, Olivia's has Slow-cooked Prime Rib, Grilled New York Strip, french fries, burgers...I think you could do it! I love the MK all done up for the fall.

Thank you so much for sharing these. It's like a hug for my brain to read.

You are too sweet.

Editing to add: I love the picture of you and Mark, also! You look like your hair is doing wonderful, too! Seriously, if you have more hair luck like that in more of your trip photos, I'm going to submit your name to the Pantene Pro-V commercial people.

Oh trust me, the photos that come the next several days would have people want to run me to the nearest salon.

Your dinner looks very good. We are leaving for WDW tomorrow and plan on having breakfast at Olivia's on Thursday. It will be our first time over at OKW and I'm looking forward to both the restaurant and seeing what the resort looks like. By the way, what was that drink that you had with dinner?

I hope you have a wonderful time! That is a Turtle Krawl if you read this while at Disney...they are very yummy.

Your view of the Poly construction from the ferry makes it look very major! That resort is really torn up.

It is so depressing.

We have always liked riding the ferry to MK. Originally we would ride it if the monorail lines looked long, but eventually we rode it just because we loved the views from the boat. We like to stay at the WL and one of the best things about staying there are the boats. There is the boat to MK and a second boat route between the WL, Contemporary and Fort Wilderness. We love the boats.

Mark and I prefer the ferry ourselves. It's just so pretty and relaxing (and you don't have to smell stinky people sitting on top of you).

That sandwich from Olivia's looks really good, as does that bananas fosters! Yum! I've ne'er ventured into Olivia's gotta put that on the WDW to do list.

It's a very pretty resort (the first DVC resort).

The ****s from the ferry are great. I love the ferry. Sure it's a touch slower than the monorail, but it's so lovely to be on the water, watching the castle come into view.

I'm not sure why there are **** in your post above. I'd rather be a touch slower than stuck for 30 minutes or more (which ALWAYS happens to us).

Mark's shirt is too cute! My mama loves grumpy shirts; we get her one every time any of us visits the World.

He has so many Grumpy shirts now that I don't have room in his dresser and they all hang in his closet.

I'm excited for you MK evening, looks like it might be a busy one.

I hope to get it started later today.

YUM! Looks like a delicious meal....I would probably have been happy with that drink and the dessert!!

I could have probably just had a couple of drinks and skipped the food altogether (I don't eat bananas so no way I was touching Mark's dessert), but then he would have had to carry me out.

Love the fall/Halloween decorations at MK - so cute!

Yes they are.

 

[CaseFace5]

Loved your latest updates! The ferry ride looks lovely! We took it once a long time ago, and I really don't remember. I also saw the Halloween decorations once in 2010 and I honestly can't remember that either Looking forward to reading more and seeing more pictures!

 

[KatMark]

These are GREAT PICTURES!!! Look at that sky! No dark clouds!!!

It was a beautiful sky that night, Mo.

Is Mark doing a one man wave?

I never know what that man is doing.

YUMMMMMMM Olivia's looks delish! As always..

Never lets us down.

Really hope the crowds DO thin out! Wow! My guess is Dumbo-Popcorn then the Mine train.

We shall see.

Oh you posted the poly again.

I really have to stop posting those pics...depresses me each time.

I love the Fall decorations at MK! WE were hoping to see a few at DTD when we were there a couple weeks ago, but saw none. I was surprised...I REALLY wanted to get a family picture in front of the big pumpkin Mickey head like we did in Oct. 2013. Disappointed.

I noticed they didn't have that big Pumpkin Mickey head at DTD. I wonder why?

Hmmmm~ are they changing the look of the outside of Poly too? Because the DVC photo you have does not seem to match the Poly. It is dark browns, and that was yellow. Intersted to see how it all comes together.

I wondered the same thing, Connie.

This is the 3rd trip report that I have read within the last week that sang the praises of Olivia's!(Not counting your last one ) We have to make it over there at some point!

It's really good; you must make a point of it, Sara.

What a relaxing way to start the day!

It worked out well.

As much as we love taking my kids to Disney World, Erik and I can't wait for a solo trip during Food and Wine at some point!

I am so glad we finally experienced our first F&W. It's definitely something I'd rather experience without kids.

That's got to be finishing soon, right?

March 2015 is what I read.



Stop it!

Mmmm...so good. Starbucks shouldn't even be in the same sentence.

Actually you are right. But Starbucks is better than that Dunkin junk hubby drinks.

Breakfast looks fantastic. I love Kona Cafe.

So do we; wish we'd listened to Tim years ago.

As always, he did a great job.

I'll tell him you said so.

I think the Lion King tiles are one of the coolest design details in all of WDW.

I agree with you there, Mark.

Every time you post a meal from Olivia's, it renews my desire to try it out. Looks yummy!

I think you and your group would really love it, Mark.

Can't go wrong with BBQ.

Absolutely not!

YUM! Olivia's looks wonderful! What kind of drink is that? I will add Olivia's to my "ADR WANT" list that I keep in my phone

Lauren, It is a Turtle Krawl. They are very dangerous.

YAY for being at the Magic Kingdom! Loved the pictures on the boat!

Thanks!

 

[KatMark]

That is about the cutest selfie ever!

Thanks, Dee.

Wow, dinner at Olivia's looked amazing!!!

We really like it there.

Someday I hope to see the Magic Kingdom with the Fall decorations. Food & Wine and MNSSHP are definitely on my bucket list.

You've never been during the Fall season? You will LOVE Food & Wine.

First attraction, huh?

Our is usually Pirates when we arrive at MK in the afternoon or evening. I'll go with that.

Hmmmm....you'll find out soon.

That is so awesome about the parkhoppers! What nice friends you have!!

They truly are great!

Olivia's looks great - I will have to keep it in mind for a future trip!

Definitely worth the trip over.

Love the picture of you and Mark!

Thank you.

I keep looking for a like button. Great updates. I miss AKL. Olivia's is a yummy place to eat!! You guys are sure taking some cute pics!!

I do that too. I know they have a sleeper sofa like the other DVC, but I also know it is more points for you. Yes, you, the girls and I have enjoyed a lot of good meals there. Thanks, Mary.

5 pages behind, Kathy I am so sorry I am so happy for you that your friends gifted their prize...true Disney Magic . Also glad the kids were home this weekend I LOVE the Poly pics (especially the kissing pic ) that breakfast looks YUMMY!!!! Maddie is enamored with Stitch so O'Hana breakfast will be in our future...and Crystal Palace...and Chef Mickey or Tusker House...she is like her Mom and can't make up her mind

They were very sweet to do that. We had a good visit with the kids as always. Yes, after 31 years we still smooch. Maybe Maddie will outgrow Stitch.

Turtle Crawl...banana bread pudding from Olivia's droooooollllllll

You've experienced the Turtle Krawl now so you know exactly what I'm talking about.

Home from our trip. CSR was beautiful as always and we had a great time. We were joined for drinks at Laguna bar by the alligator! Heard {and felt!} a big splash that hit our legs, looked over the railing and there he was, right below us. What a surprise for our 36th anniversary. He was approx.5 feet long. The next morning the groundskeeper was watching him closely as he swam around the lake. I'll bet he was re-located by the time we got home. I've finally caught up on your report and will be reading along. Sorry to hear of all your troubles and hoping things get better for you soon.

I'm glad CSR was wonderful for you again and that you had a great time. 5 feet! Wow! I bet they did end up moving him/her...trhat's really big. Funny that he splashed you guys. And HAPPY 36th...that is awesome.

Loved your latest updates! The ferry ride looks lovely! We took it once a long time ago, and I really don't remember. I also saw the Halloween decorations once in 2010 and I honestly can't remember that either Looking forward to reading more and seeing more pictures!

You need to do the ferry ride and fall one time...you would love it.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Dinner at Olivia's looks really good - and nice that you have your "hidden gem" to return to all the time. Food looks really good and straight-forward which is nice. I feel like we need to go there if for no other reason than my daughter Olivia would love to eat a restaurant named after her

Love the we-sie you took on the ferry

I too love the fall decorations in Magic Kingdom - though part of me thinks they put them up a tad early ... I mean, do we really need to see them in August?

Hope the crowds thinned out a bit or at least did not negatively impact your evening

 

[KatMark]

Dinner at Olivia's looks really good - and nice that you have your "hidden gem" to return to all the time. Food looks really good and straight-forward which is nice. I feel like we need to go there if for no other reason than my daughter Olivia would love to eat a restaurant named after her

I definitely think that is reason enough for adorable Olivia.

Love the we-sie you took on the ferry

Thanks, Phil.

I too love the fall decorations in Magic Kingdom - though part of me thinks they put them up a tad early ... I mean, do we really need to see them in August?

Yes, it is like how the stores already have the Christmas stuff out. Pretty soon Christmas will be out on 4th of July.

Hope the crowds thinned out a bit or at least did not negatively impact your evening

Update coming up soon to show how the crowds impacted us.

 

[maddiebee]

In classic Maddie fashion, I am wayyy behind!!!

I'm so glad that you guys had such an amazing, pixie dust filled check in! You guys deserve it! AKL is so amazing but I would almost be scared to stay there because I don't know if I'd ever want to leave if I could watch giraffes all day!

We love Prime Time but haven't ever just gone to the tune in for a drink. I loved the Frozen Fireworks. I hope they keep doing something like that at HS (even thought I'm now obsessed with Fantasmic)

It's so cool that they have french press coffee at Kona!

I'm just heavily sighing at all your MK pictures.

My thoughts continue to be with you and your family

 

[KatMark]

In classic Maddie fashion, I am wayyy behind!!!

Maddie, it's been the story of my life lately...behind everywhere.

I'm so glad that you guys had such an amazing, pixie dust filled check in! You guys deserve it! AKL is so amazing but I would almost be scared to stay there because I don't know if I'd ever want to leave if I could watch giraffes all day!

It is hard to get away from that view, but the animals do eventually leave for the night.

We love Prime Time but haven't ever just gone to the tune in for a drink. I loved the Frozen Fireworks. I hope they keep doing something like that at HS (even thought I'm now obsessed with Fantasmic)

We aren't fans of the food, but we will definitely be back for drinks.

It's so cool that they have french press coffee at Kona!

Yes it is.

I'm just heavily sighing at all your MK pictures.

Thanks.

My thoughts continue to be with you and your family

I truly appreciate that Maddie, thank you.

 

[KatMark]

I left you off with us having arrived at the MK and seeing the crowds. The first thing I needed was coffee. It was EMH's this evening and if I wanted any chance of making it, I'd need a pick me up.

Starbucks purchased, we started to walk. Our first FP+ selection was not until 7:30, so we had some time. We slowly took our time so I could drink my coffee and then we stopped for the first ride of the trip:



I took some pictures with my new camera (I really wish I'd had more time to learn it before we went, but I got a little better with it as the trip went on).











Darn post got in my way







After our relaxing ride on the People Mover, we decided to leave Tomorrowland...for now.



We stopped for our first PP pic of the trip:



On our way to our next destination, I saw this and had to have Mark's picture taken with it:



We then arrived here



All these crazy people were in line for Dole Whips (sorry...NOT a fan)





I needed a bio-break, and found Mark sitting and resting



We stopped to browse in the shops near Aladdin's Magic Carpets. Mark informed me that if our children don't give us grandchildren soon, he will need this when we are finally able to take them:



Continued in next post

 

[KatMark]

It was now time for our first FP+ of the trip and something we rarely do at night



Don't know what it is?

How about this?



Still don't know?

Well, here it is....


The backside of water

Yes, our first FP+ was for the Jungle Cruise.













From there we went to one of Mark's favorites













It was time for my treat



We enjoyed my snack and then it was time for our next FP+ selection











We decided to walk towards Fantasyland and head up to the Hub for the castle show, but still had some time. So I got a picture of the Liberty Belle at night



And decided to visit an old friend



Continued in next post

 

[KatMark]

Mark was very excited we had time for this because it is one of his favorites











I think within 10 minutes we were inside















We stopped at the Tangled restrooms...I just love this area







Up next, we find a spot for the Castle Show and Wishes and lots more attractions

 

[dizneeat]

Yeah! Caught the update right when you posted!

Going on Peoplemover! We love that ride too - what a cute photo of your feet and those are some cute socks you're wearing.

It looks pretty crowded, but you seem to have coped with it pretty well. Jungle Cruise at night is one of our favourites we love all the extra jokes the skippers crack.

Okay, caught up .... now waiting for more.

 

[dizneeat]

Ah, you posted another update, while I posted mine!

HM at night - great choice! Can't wait to see your pics of the Castle show.

 

[ValarDisneyus]

Ohhh all the rides make me happy. You're the first person I've heard say they didn't like a Dole Whip! I've, of course, never had one, but it comes so highly recomended I feel like I'd miss part of the quintessential experience if I skipped it. Ultimately, though, it's up to Squeaks. I told her she could have ice cream every day on vacation and she usually picks strawberry, so we may not stop there.

So many pictures of Mark, and not one with a silly hat! Still, the child-like excitement on his face in line for the Haunted Mansion is pretty great.

Aww, I hope you do get grandchildren soon! What fun grandparents you'd be!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Ahhhh, the Magic Kingdom! I would love to be strolling around there right now instead of sittin' behind this stupid desk in the middle of stacks of paperwork.

I think that your pictures came out great despite the fact that you hadn't mastered the new camera yet. I'm with Mark on the Haunted Mansion. It's one of my favorites!

 

[DMGeurts]

Loved all of the People Mover pictures... Those are great. Despite the fact that you didn't get much time to practice in your camera - I think they are wonderful.

LOL at Mark's comment about grandchildren... I cannot WAIT for you guys to become grandparents - it's gonna be sooooo awesome! More trips to Disney for sure.

Myself - I love Dolewhips... but I didn't indulge on this last trip... The lines were the same when we were there, and just not worth it to me.

I have never done the JC at night... I bet it's fun!

Yay for doing BTMRR at night - I don't think I've ever done that one at night either?

Can't do HM at night though - some rides scare the devil out of me at night - that one and ToT do it... I know - I am a baby.

Looks like a great first night - nothing better than MK at night. Makes my heart go flip-flop.

D~

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Ah Peoplemover. And well done with the critical leg shots Kathy.

I think your pictures turned out great!! That's a heck of a zoom on there. And for what it's worth, I also have issues with posts jumping in the way.

Haha despite all the contruction walls in the hub I did enjoy those little cut outs to spruce things up.

I do like Dole Whips, but not the line. It always seemed to be long too. If I really really wanted a Dole Whip, I'd hit up the Poly.

In my opinion the Jungle Cruise is so much better at night. I try to do it then if I can. I find the atmosphere so much cooler and the animals actually look more real to me. And who doesn't love the backside of water?
I also think Big Thunder is so much better at night. In fact, I pretty much don't bother with it in the daytime anymore.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

You got some great shots from the People Mover! I love how you can see so much while riding it.

Love the Jungle Cruise at night. and Big Thunder Mountain too - that is like a totally different experience (personally one I prefer to the day version)

Glad you had time for the Haunted Mansion - you were definitely hitting up a bunch of classics!