Mom & Son Take on The Land (with Dad)! Food Pic Laden Report - Completed 8/16

[joyfulDisneytears]

Following along! Wherever did you get your family shirts? Those are great!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Following along! Wherever did you get your family shirts? Those are great!

I got the designs from the Disigners here on the Creative Disigns Board and ironed them on. The disigners are truly wonderful!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Ok, so I am pretty sure that we now camped out for the parade. I know I held a spot and watched the fireman band play while DS & DH went to see Mr. Lincoln. As I am typing this I now realize I never saw that show! I am bummed.

On to the Parade -

I truly love the music from all Disney parades. I am not as big a fan of these types that stop and perform rather than the 'normal' type. The one in Hollywood Studios is the same way. We had a decent spot by a stop so we lucked out but I can see where others would be super frustrated at waiting and then not seeing much.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

We made a point of seeing the flag ceremony. We have caught the end of this in WDW but never the whole thing. I found it very moving and was in tears at the end ...

I am so glad that we took the time to see this. It really isn't all about running from one ride to another. We definitely took our time to enjoy the little things around us this trip.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Dinner was one of our favorite meals of the trip ... Ralph Brennan's. We sat inside and actually felt a bit under dressed as there were several tables in our room very dressed up. I would have been a bit more comfortable either outside or in another area of the restaurant initially. But once we started eating, it didn't matter any more.

DS started with the Gumbo Ya-Ya (Chicken, andouille sausage, dark roux, Creole seasoning, rice)

I had the Creole Onion Soup (Caramelized sweet onions, savory broth, croutons, Parmesan cheese)

Oh my gosh, this may be my favorite soup that I have ever eaten. Truly loved every drop of this soup.

DH had the three course dinner that they offered so his choice was the soup of the day. It was a seafood gumbo that I didn't take a picture of because it looked just like DS's regular gumbo.

For entrees, I had an appetizer - the Filet Mignon Muffuletta (Thin filet mignon, rosemary ciabatta bread, hothouse tomatoes, olive salad, provolone cheese)

with a side order of the fried green tomatoes -

The muffuletta was not at all what I expected but it was truly delicious as were the tomatos. I was very happy with my dinner choice.

DS had Grilled Chicken & Penne (Pancetta, caramelized onions, basil, Asiago cheese, pink vodka sauce)

DH had the Amazing Cajun Meatloaf with Southern grits, barbeque baked red beans

I didn't sample DS's pasta but DH's meatloaf was very, very good. We all really enjoyed our meals here.

On to dessert ... and oh my gosh, what a dessert! DS and I shared the Double Chocolate Bread Pudding (A rich, dark, semi sweet chocolate bread pudding served with white and dark chocolate gananche)

This was just amazing! We loved it so much we went back Monday night just for the soups and this dessert (I will get to that later!). I really think this is my favorite dessert I have ever, ever had.

DH had the New Orleans Bread Pudding (The queen of Crescent City desserts. Rich in cream, eggs, sugar and raisins. Served warm with our housemade crème anglaise)

This was good but just didn't compare to the wondefulness of the chocolate one.

While we were eating, the table next to us had the banana's foster ... it was cool to watch

We were all stuffed. Took our time walking back to DL, strolled up Main Street and were lucky enough to snag a bench in front of the Castle. We hung out, discussed our day and FROZE waiting for the fireworks! Send DH off for sweatshirts! I haven't completely decided what I think of "Magical". No pics because I know my camera just doesn't do fireworks well. I am disappointed we didn't get to see "Remember the Dreams Come True". I definitely love "Wishes" much more than Magical. DS was so disappointed, didn't want to see the fireworks at all again throughout our trip. I don't think I disliked them that much, they are fireworks after all! But that show even with Dumbo flying just didn't live up to "Wishes" for us.

All in all a great full first day. I felt that we did so much but we never felt super rushed. We had plenty of down time for people watching and just enjoying being in the Park.

Tomorrow - California Adventure!

 

[DizNee Luver]

The Celebration Parade.....doesn't measure up to the Parade of Dreams that ran for the 50th Anniversary up to last year when this one started. My kids loved the music & it was nice seeing all those characters....but it reminded me more of the types of parades they like to do at DCA.

The flag retreat.....very moving!! I was soooo disappointed that I didn't get to see that this trip. I've seen it with the Dapper Dan's providing the music & really wanted to see it with the Disneyland Band.

We've never eaten at Ralph Brennan's. We've talked about it...but never have scheduled it in. The food does look very tasty!!

 

[joyfulDisneytears]

Okay, I'm sitting here looking through your pictures, and had to scroll back up because I did a double take and said to myself 'Female chipmunk????'

I had to go look up this phenomenon...Apparently her name is Clarice and she was in one Chip & Dale cartoon short in 1952. Learn something new about Disney everyday!

Just thought I would post this in case anyone else was wondering too!

 

[kaoden39]

Oh my the food from Ralph Brennan's looks so good. We have eaten from their take out part before when we were staying at the DLH. They do a great take out we also did a take out dinner too. It was good food but not as good as what you got inside from what I can see.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Okay, I'm sitting here looking through your pictures, and had to scroll back up because I did a double take and said to myself 'Female chipmunk????'

I had to go look up this phenomenon...Apparently her name is Clarice and she was in one Chip & Dale cartoon short in 1952. Learn something new about Disney everyday!

Just thought I would post this in case anyone else was wondering too!

I had assumed she was the female chipmunk in Rescue Rangers ...

 

[DizNee Luver]

I had assumed she was the female chipmunk in Rescue Rangers ...

No, it's Clarice the love interest of both Chip & Dale. I had heard she was in this parade & was thrilled to get a few of her myself!!

 

[kaoden39]

I had assumed she was the female chipmunk in Rescue Rangers ...

Too funny me too.

 

[kate_wdw]

Okay, I'm sitting here looking through your pictures, and had to scroll back up because I did a double take and said to myself 'Female chipmunk????'

I had to go look up this phenomenon...Apparently her name is Clarice and she was in one Chip & Dale cartoon short in 1952. Learn something new about Disney everyday!

Just thought I would post this in case anyone else was wondering too!

I was - Thanks!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Oh my the food from Ralph Brennan's looks so good. We have eaten from their take out part before when we were staying at the DLH. They do a great take out we also did a take out dinner too. It was good food but not as good as what you got inside from what I can see.

It was! Delicious!

No, it's Clarice the love interest of both Chip & Dale. I had heard she was in this parade & was thrilled to get a few of her myself!!

Learn something new every day!

Way busy at work today so I don't think I will get to update until at least tomorrow! Maybe I can squeeze in a quick update this afternoon!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Our 2nd full day was Monday, July 26th. We planned to sleep in a bit and start our day at DCA. We used the entrance at the Grand and went to line up by Soarin’. They took us in about 9:20. We were in the first ride of the day!

After leaving, we stopped to see this guy –

We then walked over to wait with the masses for the Park to open. At the drop of the rope, we ‘walked with purpose’ to Toy Story Midway Mania. After waiting in line maybe 10 minutes they announced the ride had broken down with no ETA on it being fixed. Really? Ugh!

As we walked we found this –

Next DS and I rode Mickey’s Fun Wheel (DH does not like heights!)

Loved seeing Paradise Pier Hotel in the background

Next, they rode Mulholland Madness … way too jerky for me!

Had to then convince DS to ride the Jellyfish with me … we both ended up enjoying this but wished it were a bit longer

We then wandered over & went thru the Bourdin & Mission Tortilla Tours. We ended up having to try those breadbowls!

DS got the clam chowder, me the broccoli cheese and DH the egg & bacon breakfast bowl. All were just delicious!

All in all we loved the Pacific Wharf area ... wish we had spent more time there!

But we were off to see some bugs!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

I thought this area was themed so cute!

Had to talk DH into riding Heimlich with me! My regret is that I left the camera with DS! How cute this ride was!

As we left, we saw these guys!

And even though Hopper scares the heck out of me …

Without really knowing where we were going, we kept following the path

Ended up at the entrance – cool for us since we had no idea where we were

Went into the Animation Building! This is one of my absolute favorite parts of DCA. We stopped in here many times over the trip to watch the movie clips and just generally see what was happening. At this time, we saw Snow White

Poked around and stumbled on Beast's library! Oooooh, what a cool place!

DS was most like Captain Hook!

When we left that area, the Turtle Talk show was just starting!

This is one of my favorite Disney "things". I love Crush and the interaction with the kids! Very enjoyable!

Next up ... Aladdin, lunch at House of Blues and a meeting with a fellow Diser!

 

[kaoden39]

I absolutely love Animation. It is such a fun place to be.

 

[DizNee Luver]

I've never seen the aviator Goofy.....how very cool!!
Bummer on TSMM....we never made it to this ride!!
Pacific Wharf sourdough bowls with soup are the bomb!!
Bugs Land is very cute......did you find the 4 leaf clover in the big clovers over head?? We did last year!!
We missed those paint tubes coloring the flowers....we got some other ones but not those.
I love the Animation Building but have never made it to the Crush show!! I didn't even make it into that building this trip.....heavy sigh!!

Loving you report!!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

I absolutely love Animation. It is such a fun place to be.

Agreed, I could have spent hours there!

I've never seen the aviator Goofy.....how very cool!!
Bummer on TSMM....we never made it to this ride!!
Pacific Wharf sourdough bowls with soup are the bomb!!
Bugs Land is very cute......did you find the 4 leaf clover in the big clovers over head?? We did last year!!
We missed those paint tubes coloring the flowers....we got some other ones but not those.
I love the Animation Building but have never made it to the Crush show!! I didn't even make it into that building this trip.....heavy sigh!!

Loving you report!!

You have never seen Crush! Oh my gosh, we go every trip to WDW at least once. I just love him.

Didn't know about the 4 leaf clover. Bummer.

Those paint tubes were the only ones we saw. Where were the others?

 

[kaoden39]

I loved the paint tubes. I thought that was a great idea. It brings the whole color thing together for me.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Next up for us was Aladdin. We had the preferred seating vouchers and got in the applicable line. I knew from our travel agent (and probably here on the Dis) that we wanted to be in the front row of the mezzanine section. We were lucky enough to be just to the right of Center. We absolutely loved this show! Oh my gosh, the Genie was soooooooo funny!

As much as I love Toy Story, I can't imagine a better production than this one. Very glad we got to see it.

After the show we wandered out to go to the House of Blues for a late lunch.

Love this pic - it is the one I framed in the mat that the characters signed

For lunch we all shared the "All Together Now Platter"

It has ribs that were absolutely outstanding, catfish fingers and chicken wings. Very tasty.

DS got the sliders and a cup of gumbo (told you he fell in love with it this trip!)

I had the Cobb Salad with Blackened Chicken

DH had the lunch special ... and absolutely enormous chili dog!

I had a $25 restaurant.com gift certificate that we used for lunch but even without that I thought our lunch was pretty reasonable by Disney standards and we really enjoyed our food. We have never eaten at the HoB in WDW but may give it a try next trip!

After lunch we met up with Laurie and her wonderful family! Her DH did a better job with the pics than mine!

So after lunch we were all supposed to go see the Red Sox beat the Angels. I, however, decided that I wanted to stay in the Parks. DH wanted to go to the game. Thus we left DS in the middle. After mulling it over, he decided to stay with me. DH was actually quite happy as he was able to keep the scorecard, have a few beers & chat with some other Sox fans.

DS and I were heading back to DL but first he bought himself a fedora. This is another of my favorite pics of the trip

I have to say that this was the most crowded we saw the Park all week. We truly couldn't move in the crowd of people. We lucked out and got to the Billy Hill Show just before it started.

I was very glad we did as we didn't get back to another show for the rest of the week. Is the gentleman that signs there all the time? He was terrific to watch. We really enjoyed the show.

We decided then to walk over to DCA to see how long the line for TSMM was. Ended up being about 45 minutes. Didn't actually seem that long though. We love, love, love that ride.

I think I surprised DS when he asked if we could go back to Ralph Brennan's for that fabulous dessert and I said "YES". We went back, got a table outside and just had the soup (he had gumbo) and dessert. It ended being a nice couple of hours with just the two of us.

Next up Blue Bayou ... we had already cancelled Napa Rose ...