Long time reader, first attempt a trip/dining report. (more dining but has some trip stuff too)
Please note, I apologize for spelling in advance, typing this all from my iphone. So no pics posted cause didnt figure how to do that if even possible from phone
Introductions: Me 26 yr old female DisneyWorld fanatic. Planned whole trip solo
DM my mom mid 50s follows what makes everyone happy
DD my dad mid 60s has an opinion about everything
DS my sister 28 years old 3rd trip
DBIL my brother in law, 28 years old hard to please
DN my niece, the reason I planned this whole trip 21 months old
Schedule to wake up at 3am to get ready but was so excited woke up around 2:15. After getting showered and ready, off to the airport we were at 5am. Got to the airport in good time (only about 8 minute drive) and upgraded myself to business class, the rest of the family choose to remain in coach (only 2 rows behind me, but I got the better seats and snacks and drinks lol) Since I got to check 2 luggage for free, only cost me $19 to upgrade! Well worth it!
So plane ride was awesome, I was a nervous reck though. Not for the flight itself, but because I didnt know how my niece would be for 2 hours sitting still! Thanks everyone for the info on the cares harness so worth it and what a wonderful invention! Cause she strapped in like her car seat, she knows she cant get up and didnt fuss . Much .. lucky Auntie Sue to the rescue. Came well prepared. Had cherrios, fishies, a magna doodle, and Crayola dry erase travel size kit ready and waiting. Used everything except the crayon thing.
Arrived in Florida, went downstairs in airport to catch magical express. They asked how many and I said 5 adults and infant and they said where is her name on magical express and I said she is under 3 Disney said no need well someone lied to me cause the needed it, but lucky the had a white pass they scanned for her (had to keep for return trip too) (1st Disney glitch)
Got to hotel and waited in line for check in (didnt do the online check in,,,,, dont know why now that I think about it) so its my turn and go to check in and some how everything seems wrong! They had my brother law as 2 people in the room and my room requests were not there (though I confirmed it a week prior!!) I know room request arent guaranteed, but I thought they try! They said that connecting rooms take priority over other requests and I said I never requested that.
Whatever, after almost 30-40 minute process I got my keys to my room. Room was nice, connecting rooms (niece loved that part) clean (except rug was wet and since I took off my sneakers, my socks got soaked! Eww)
First thing we did was go to food court to get something for DN to eat. Sorry, many counter services I dont remember what we all ate, just my table service meals ( we were on the Disney dining plan)
Off to Epcot! We had some time before our reservations so we broke up the group a little. I went with my DS, DBIL and DN and my DM and DD went their own way. As soon as we walk in, right after those memorial walls as I call them, we see daisy! Niece goes nuts! Screaming come here come here. (she doesnt speak full sentences just yet, but she gets her put across!) we went in line and she gets to meet daisy, her first official character meeting in Disney! She loved her, ran up to her, touched her beak, hugged her, giggled, the whole 9 yards! That night we ate at tutto italia I love that place, go at least 2 times each trip. Waiter was very nice, since both of my parents were born in Italy, they only talk Italian to the waiters and always pick up small talk with them about where they from, how long they are here for, etc.
Dinner was yummy. We all shared that big antipasto appetizer. Just enough for 6 people to get a nice tasting. The beans salad in there was excellent. Main course: I got the farfalla. Good cream sauce, plenty of peas and procussitto bits. Pasta was al dente (little too much for me, perfect for my dads liking) My brother in law got a pasta with sausage. Quite tasty according to my sister (she had to have a taste) My sister got some sort of braised short rib. She said best meat ever! Dad got lamb chops, perfectly cooked. My mom got a seafood risotto. I tasted a spoonful, more like rice with some seafood. Wasnt technically a risotto in my books and it was toooo al dente and portion was very small.
Desserts were good, dont remember them sorry.
Day 2! Oct 15. I was soo lucky about 3 weeks before our trip to score LeCellier lunch! I switched things around and it saved me a dining credit! So off we went to epcot again. (its the adults favorite park!) LeCellier lunch for me was same as dinner last year. I get the same thing anyways, so why waste the extra credit? Mushroom filet! My sister decided to try the ooo so famous cheddar soup. We all had a spoonful, tell you the truth dont know what the big deal is about. It was ok. I guess cause Im not a huge fan of beer? Maybe thats why I wasnt thrilled. It was sooo thick almost pasty really. So off to entrees! Me sister brother in law and dad get the mushroom filet, mom gets the strip steak with an extra side of mushroom risotto (I requested she do that so she can taste and I get extra lol ) everything was delicious! Im not a huge meat eater, maybe once a month at most I eat it, and love it here! I will say the mushroom risotto (side dish) was saltier than mine under my steak. I still loved both though!
Dessert some got to go, some ate there. I got maple crème brulee <~~ AWESOME! I also go a blue drink (came with the glow cube inside, niece loved! <~ the cube not the drink~~ lol)
So since we spent morning and afternoon in epcot, off we went to Magic Kingdom. Parade and fireworks tonight! I thought wed get a counter service dinner there but we were still full from lunch so we just went to parade and fireworks. Got good seats (right on the curb ) as soon as you walk in on the right side! Watched the parade and waited for fireworks . M niece was in her stroller screaming at the charcters to come here, come here. She didnt get the whole parade concept but the smile was free ear to ear seeing everyone. So I never realized there is a nice size gap in between parade and fireworks and over my shoulder I noticed wait time to see mickey and Minnie was 5 minutes!!! Jumped on that! Omg that is the best thing ever! Soooo personal! She loved them! Was so happy she wasnt afraid of the characters!.
Fireworks were nice watched from the street right in front of railroad station, best place for easy escape after.
Day 3! Mama Melrose. This day I knew was going to be a long day! Every day, we have been going back to hotel for mid day breaks/naps for my niece but since I had a 3:50 reservation at Mama Melrose (fantasmic package) I knew no hotel break. I finally go to go on toy story! Twice! Once with wait time of around 35 minutes and another with fastpass (which I used after 1st fantasmic show there were 2 that night) Lines were long for a lot of rides, I didnt even get to see the backlot tour! 45 minute wait for that,,,, I dont think so! We went to mickey junior (or whatever it was call) that was really nice, that car stunt show is awesome always a must see in my book. And best part of Hollywood studios drum roll please I finally found the writers shop! And got the carrot cake cookie (someone here recommended it!) best thing Ive ever ate! Ever! I love carrot cake and that was just awesome anyone have recipe for that? So I ate about half, it was huge and it was like 5 minutes before dinner. Mama Melrose is always sooo packed, they need a larger waiting area really. I like going on the fantasmic package cause you get the appetizer. One thing I noticed that chage from last year (doesnt make a big deal, but still an observation) appetizer, last year you could get any this year if it says for 2 2 people must have the 1. Last year it was 3 of us and we order 2 different apps that were for 2 and one that was normal. O well. We got an antipasto, calarmi, and mozzerlla. All were scrumptious. I especially liked the pesto they served on the side for the calmari not normal combo but awesome with their bread!
For dinner I got the steak ( my dad did too) my sister got pasta with clams and my mom and DBIL got another pasta (forget name) but it was a cream sauce. Mom got with shrimp, DBIL got with both shrimp and chicken - weird . my steak was good, but the star of the show was the mac and cheese made with penne pasta under my steak! Omg soooo good! My dad is old school Italian and doensnt even taste mac and cheese so I got his too! We all got dessert to go and ate it at fantasmic while we waited. I know you can go like 30 minutes before since I have the golden ticket, but I still like to be early. We like to sit in the last row possible so we can leave first once done plus my dad is getting up there in age and hates to do those steps. So after dinner , we walked the park a little, did some photo pass, I bought cute sequenced Minnie ears, then made our way to fantasmic eventually with about an hour before showtime.
So while waiting I went in the back to see what they were selling. Havent seen this mentioned, but they sell glazed hot nuts (combo of almonds and peanuts and probably some other(s) I so wasnt hungry at that point, but the smell reminded me of my trip to NYC so I got them anyway and ate literally just 2 for remembrance lol
After fanstasmic me my ssister and BIL went to toy story with our fast passes. We had a bet whoever scored the highest -- I won!!! No where close to the highest for the day or total ever, but I was proud 159,600!
Day 4! Early morning! Chef Mickey! Becaue my sister is such a sleepy head, I made for 10am too late in my opinion by the time we were done there half our park day was gone. But the experience there was nice. I expected more character interaction, but it seemed like every 2 or 3 tables, the characters ran off to go in the back. weird! Food was ok, hard to screw up breakfast really creamy potato hash thing was yummy recipe anyone?
Chef Mickey was nice; Id do it again, as long as we are on the dining plan. They even gave my niece a cupcake since it was her 1st Disney trip!
After Chef Mickey, we headed to Magic Kingdom for a little. Did some rides then hotel to rest and epcot for dinner. One side note, another thank u here in order. Someone mentioned going on dumbo getting te 1st elephant and taking pics of the elephant behind you. I did that with my niece! I sat in the 1st elephant and my sis, BIL and niece in the next. I got awesome pics of her enjoying the ride!
Tonight we went to Via Napoli (anyone see a pattern, lol mostly Italian restaurants sorry I know very boring, but at least we know we all get something we like!) I forget what we got for appetizer this night but dinner was awesome. Ive been talking about what I wanted for months! I got the procutto and melone pizza with the melone! Lol delicious make sure u say well done though (knew this from before) and it comes out perfect! My mom got 4 seasons one, also yummy. DBIL got chicken parm and sister and dad got pasta with seafood all so wonderful! And guess what! I remembered what we got for dessert cause it was just awesome! I got the zeppole as did my BIL. Mom and sister got tiramisu (love coffee but hate texture in general of this dessert) and dad got pistachio gelato (soooo good!) my mouth is watering right now thinking of them! My zeppole were awesome little pillows of heaven. I dont dunk in the chocolate sauce, they are good on their own, as is the chocolate sauce. So I ate the chocolate sauce separate with a spoon! Haha. Illuminations fireworks are awesome! No bad location really!
Day 5! Ok so today was my sister and BIL 3rd wedding anniversary. Here is my beef for florida! And their news people! They reported for 2 days that there was going to be such severe weather, 100% rain! High winds! Whole nine yards! I bought ponchos for everyone (wore mine night before during slight sprinkle during illuminations) even bought one for the stroller and NADA!!! I didnt do parks cause afraid of lightening with my niece and getting stroller soaked so we ended up in downtown Disney most of the day shopping. It did rain in the evening a little (mostly when we were inside the restaurant eating) Since it was their anniversary, we went to Il Mulino where they went on their honeymoon 3 years ago. I wasnt going to do the whole bus, to park to another bus in the rain, so I got us a cab! Soooo easy! I did request a car seat for my niece. We get into the cab van and guess what, no car seat I was like what the . Since it was a very short ride, I went with it and had her sit in the last row with her dad in his lap.
Il Mulno was packed with business people. I was thinking am I in Disney world or back home in a corporate meeting ( go to them all the time at home ) Food was excellent. Loved how I ordered one dish and said can u add this this and that. I got the tortellini with cream sauce but said can I get parperdella instead (shape of pasta) and add sundried tomotatos and mushrooms possibly best meal in Disney though I said that a lot down there. Dad got salmon good (but he later in the trip said the salmon at crystal palace was surprisingly better) sister got veal parm, BIL got gnocchi and I have no clue what my mom got, she sat to far from me this time. Now if you noticed, I havent mentioned at all what my niece has been eating. Mostly from childrens menu, plain stuff and she eats like a bird anyways. But I must note here at il mulino she got chicken parm, that was HUGE! Adult portion in my opinion ( also side note, she is under 2 so no dinning plan,,,, did you know in via Napoli and tutto italia, she was able to get a child meal for free!!) no other places did that .. gossh I love my heritage even more hahaha
After dinner, we took a nice long walk around the boardwalk and took cab back to hotel from boardwalk. I didnt even have to call, there was one waiting right in front!
Day 6!
Spent the entire day in Magic Kingdom! (mid day break though) did a ton of rides did you know my niece wasnt afraid of pirates of the caribean but my mom screamed like a big baby during that small drop! Hahah hysterical! It was soo cold this day, 60s - possible 70 at most. I got wet as soon as a sat down in my seat and it was the wrong day cause I was cold for a very long time! Pirate goofy was hysterical right outside very interactive with my niece.
I went to tomorrowland to do some rides there. Tried their cheesesteak hot dog at the lunching pad for lunch. yuck!!!!!! My sister had the taco one again yuck! Wish I would have went to peco bills or cosmic rays! I always wanted to try the toppings bar, I guess thats what they make next time for! Now people may like it, but Im a philly girl and I guess my expectations were a little high, but everything was wrong with this, meet from cheesesteak was horrible, cheese was gross, hot dog was luke warm at most and bun was soggy from grease! No a good combo only thing that made me happy was those prepackaged cookies but at 150+ calories a cookie, I felt guilty (recently lost 80lbs so while I splurged I did look at some calorie contents and did feel some guilt) so after some rides there headed back to hotel for break / naps / change of clothes and back to magic kingdom for dinner at crystal palace! I went to this place several times. Each was a good experience, this time it was just ok. First off we had 645 reservation and didnt get seated till close to 7:30 (making us completely miss the parade!) My dad was mad, he spoke to the lady upfront and with his broken English accent he explained a very very good point! If I had to wake up 5am 180 days in advance to get this reservation, why am I waiting so much longer than my time? He asked the lady just cause you are running behind are you going to make the parade wait that time too so his granddaughter can see the parade, she said no of course not. But still think about that? Somewhere along they line someone messed up majorly! Maybe overbooking, but 45 minute delay is way too much! I watched and noticed the problems no enough servers! While every table is being used half were dirty tables just waiting to be cleaned for the next party to arrive. Turnover rate was just too slow! Anyways, that menu on allears needs to be updaed. Some of my favorite things are no longer there! I was lookin for that pasta with the cream sauce and the slow roasted pork both not there. My dad enjoyed the food more than me. He loved the salmon and the mussels or clams they had (cant remember what it was) Other food was pretty borning in my opionon. Ive been to some of the best buffets around and this wasnt even in the ballpark (I live near Atlantic City so all those casinos have decent buffets Borgata being the best in my opinion) Character interaction here was the best I think. My niece especially loved piglet and pooh. We got done just in time for the fireworks watched them right on the porch of crystal palace one of the best locations in my mind!
Day 7! Our last full day in Disney! Epcot day! We spent most of the day in world showcase. We went in each country and explored everything - without doing rides or shows. We ate around the world (food and wine festivial) and finished getting my nieces passport stamped. Food we tried: Hawaii, France, New Zealand, Japan, America, Italy, South Korea, and Mexico. Hawaii we had this pull pork sandwich. I could have eaten another dozen! It was soooo good! The pineapple topping was delicisou as was the spicy mayo. Walking around, I wanted to stop to get the lava cake in Ireland but wanted more food first before dessert, but sadly never made my way back there to get it Next was france. I didnt eat from the booth, but instead went to the bakery. Its actually a hidden gem in my opinion. I only heard about it from disboards, if not I never ventured that corner. I used a snack credit and got a HUGE ham and cheese crossiant they toasted it for me and it was perfect! (I split it with my niece she liked it too!) then I went out front again and got a grey goose slushy must have in my opinion. It was a nice cool day in Florida and still went so nice with the bright sun in my face can you tell Im dreaming about it right now hahaha. Next we went to New Zealand. Im not a lamb person but my DBIL is, so he got the lamb slider with tomato chutney on top. He LOVED it, said the tomato chutney was the best part! Next off to Japan besides eating, we went into store and did pick a pearl! I picked 2 oysters (one for me and one for my cousin back home whom I promoised Id get) and my sister did 1 (for my niece) I picked 2 oysters and 1 was twins! 2nd year in a row I got twins!!!!!! Last year I was sooo amazed by it I didnt set it in anything, this year I set it into a cute pendent! And my cousins oyster was cute 7inch which I had set in a ring for her. The lady handed my niece the thongs to pick her oyster and she just barely could hold them, but was able to tap one and they picked it out for her and in there was the most amazing pearl Ive ever seen 8.5 dark silver blue pearl! Beautiful!!! Stunning! Amazing! My sister had hers set in white gold pendent so she can have when she is older.
Baack outside now, my sister and her hubby get some sushi from the Japan booth they said it was really good but kind small portion really even if its just a tasting.
Off to America I got the lobster roll. That line was sooo long! I waited it out and split it with my brother in law, it was really a big roll for a tasting but at over $7 it should be! (I did use the snack credits though) Lobster was perfectly cooked, little heavy handed on the dill but still yummy. The lobster chucks were huge! Plus there was a whole claw hanging out of the bread itself!
Off to Italy the mother land hahahah we got 2 ravoli and 1 of the shrimp pasta. Im not one for seafood and pasta so I only tasted a shrimp from their dish, it was good, little spicy. The ravoli was incrediable. I tell you this though, very very heavy. Sat on my stomach. If it was a hot day, I may have not liked that, but since it was cool out it was ok. Yummy creamyness of the filling and Bolognese was hidden on the bottom (little skimpy with my portion, but not my sisters) but delicious . Very flavorful, you can tell they used a good wine to make it!.
Next stop South Korea. I stopped by Germany first to check out the carmel shop everyone raves about. Since I wasnt in the mood for an apple, didnt see much else I really wanted but out of the corner of my eye I see the store behind it, with the Christmas ornaments and thats what I wanted! I love Christmas time and ornaments so I got 2 pickles! One for my familys tree and one for my sisters they are just soooo cute! Mine is all blinged out with jewels and glitter and got a simple one for my sister (her husband cant stand glitter!) <~ boring!
So now we arrive in south korea. Now Ill tell you this, Im not much of an adventerious eater (can you tell by all the Italian Ive eaten?) but the smell caught my attention every single night I walked by here! So we got one bbq beef and one pork lettuce wrap!. OMG! Not this is officially the best things Ive ever eaten! Ive been looking for the recipe for the beef (unsuccessful so far, anyone have it?) but lucky found the one for the pork and will be making. The beef was tender and the sause was delicious. (didnt eat the rice or slaw on this one, the DBIL did) and then I almost devoured the whole pork wrap myself! Except I ate it with a fork and left the lettuce wrap on the plate, it was soggy and little wilted so I knew if I attempeted to hold it and eat like a taco, it would have fell apart. The pork was awesome, the kimchi slaw was light and refreshing and the mayo was nutty and delicious! .
Next and last stop before afternoon break Mexico! I was tired by now and extremely stuff so my sister and DBIL got 2 tacos one beef and one shrimp. I just tasted the cabbage off of on, very very spicy but delicious none the less. Niece woke up by now and was hungry so we headed back to hotel I napped and niece had late lunch. Since it was late, I went to front desk to see if I was able to push back my 635 tutto italia reservation nope sorry nothing was available for later. So we rushed and made it back on time. We checked in and place was practically empty! I dont understand!! This happened a lot of times this week, granted not everywhere, but lots of places that I saw no availability online had plenty once we got there. I do like the notion of them charing you $10 if you are no show. It probably costs them so much more for all those no shows! Italy on our last night, a long tradition for my family. We actually sat at the same table as the first night we were there our original waiter from Friday ngiht was designzted to another area, but remembered my dad and came over to chat some. So dinner for me was the same, I got the bow tie pasta with cream sauce, however tonight it was a little dry not enough sauce in my opnion, nor peas and procuitto bits my sister got the same and hers looked better, maybe just not well portioned out I guess. My DBIL got pork chop which was HUGE!! And he devoured it, so I presume it was good hahah and my parents got the same from the 1st night, lamb chop and seafood risotto. The food here is always decent quality, but I must say the selection is a bit lacking. I remember they use to have soo many more options. Now I could sit here and argue o the dining plan ruined it, o its the economy and prices soared, whatever the reason it is, I just look at bottom figure I wish more options!
Dessert was great. I had the trio dish, a taste tiramisu, cannoli, and chocolate/hazelnut cake everyone else, I dont remember. All were good except pet peeve, that cannoli! Im Italian, I know my stuff, that cannoli was filled a very long time ago and was just sitting in the fridge! To be freshest, they must be filled to order, the shell tasted old and stale and not crisp at all, its ashame cause the filling itself was tasty.
So while me and my parents walked around showcase waiting for illuminations, my sister DBIL and niece headed over to the character spot cause finally the line was less than 30 minutes (my niece is less than 2 years old not much patience there!) and she got to meet everyone again (she met them previously throughout the trip in various locations) my sister said this Minnie was kinda rude she grabbed my neiece and kinda held her arms down and still little rough around the edges more so than rude I think. Could be cause she probably been there all day and it was almost 9pm at that time!.
So I got her photopass card and after illuminations went to the photocenter. Yes I know should have bought the cd before hand and saved a bundle, but I forgot. I bought the cd for $149.95 + tax there was a 191 pics total not bad - I normally take way less. So here is my peeve I get home and get an email saying o u can get a cd for $119! URGH!!! I just bought it for $30 more! But the stickler that I need to go complain or figure out if they can find: I went to Disney for my niece, yes but I also went with a goal. I started losing weight in janurary and my goal was to fit into this certain shirt by the time Disney came around. I finally did! And I wanted a picture in front of the castle with me solo wearing it. I get home and look at cd and its not there! I took at least 5 pics in different poses and none of them are there. Along with at least another 10 pics at various times! Where did they go? Anyone ever have this problem? Could it be found? I really really want that pic!
So this basically concludes my trip.
Day 8 we didnt go to parks (even though I had tix for it) Magical express due to pick us up at 1pm so we wake up and spend most of the morning packing. Took luggage down to check in with airlines! And I must say my mom is a pro packer! 50lbs is the limit my sisters luggage came in at 49.9 lbs!!! (NO LIE!!) we all starting high-fiving each other and mine came in at 49.2 my parents and DBIL luggage were all in mid 40s we had tons of gifts and memorabilia. No matter how many times I go, I just cant get enough of that stuff! So luggage was checked in, we had breakfast and some time so we finally found the caricature guy! He was there during the day something we havent seen all week so we got one of my niece and then of course, my DBIL slight baby himself (hahaha) got one himself. By then it was 1240 so we just went out front to wait for our 1:05 magical express. One was there at the moment and said if we wanted to go on that one we said sure! No use hanging around here we had nothing really else to do. Plus getting to the airport and taking our time is important to us. With a baby, its always best not to rush or feel rushed. And off we went now sitting here a work typing this up thinking I wonder when I should go next! Hope you all enjoyed my 1st trip report! Please ask any question, I probably left out a ton!Sue
Please note, I apologize for spelling in advance, typing this all from my iphone. So no pics posted cause didnt figure how to do that if even possible from phone
Introductions: Me 26 yr old female DisneyWorld fanatic. Planned whole trip solo
DM my mom mid 50s follows what makes everyone happy
DD my dad mid 60s has an opinion about everything
DS my sister 28 years old 3rd trip
DBIL my brother in law, 28 years old hard to please
DN my niece, the reason I planned this whole trip 21 months old
Schedule to wake up at 3am to get ready but was so excited woke up around 2:15. After getting showered and ready, off to the airport we were at 5am. Got to the airport in good time (only about 8 minute drive) and upgraded myself to business class, the rest of the family choose to remain in coach (only 2 rows behind me, but I got the better seats and snacks and drinks lol) Since I got to check 2 luggage for free, only cost me $19 to upgrade! Well worth it!
So plane ride was awesome, I was a nervous reck though. Not for the flight itself, but because I didnt know how my niece would be for 2 hours sitting still! Thanks everyone for the info on the cares harness so worth it and what a wonderful invention! Cause she strapped in like her car seat, she knows she cant get up and didnt fuss . Much .. lucky Auntie Sue to the rescue. Came well prepared. Had cherrios, fishies, a magna doodle, and Crayola dry erase travel size kit ready and waiting. Used everything except the crayon thing.
Arrived in Florida, went downstairs in airport to catch magical express. They asked how many and I said 5 adults and infant and they said where is her name on magical express and I said she is under 3 Disney said no need well someone lied to me cause the needed it, but lucky the had a white pass they scanned for her (had to keep for return trip too) (1st Disney glitch)
Got to hotel and waited in line for check in (didnt do the online check in,,,,, dont know why now that I think about it) so its my turn and go to check in and some how everything seems wrong! They had my brother law as 2 people in the room and my room requests were not there (though I confirmed it a week prior!!) I know room request arent guaranteed, but I thought they try! They said that connecting rooms take priority over other requests and I said I never requested that.
Whatever, after almost 30-40 minute process I got my keys to my room. Room was nice, connecting rooms (niece loved that part) clean (except rug was wet and since I took off my sneakers, my socks got soaked! Eww)
First thing we did was go to food court to get something for DN to eat. Sorry, many counter services I dont remember what we all ate, just my table service meals ( we were on the Disney dining plan)
Off to Epcot! We had some time before our reservations so we broke up the group a little. I went with my DS, DBIL and DN and my DM and DD went their own way. As soon as we walk in, right after those memorial walls as I call them, we see daisy! Niece goes nuts! Screaming come here come here. (she doesnt speak full sentences just yet, but she gets her put across!) we went in line and she gets to meet daisy, her first official character meeting in Disney! She loved her, ran up to her, touched her beak, hugged her, giggled, the whole 9 yards! That night we ate at tutto italia I love that place, go at least 2 times each trip. Waiter was very nice, since both of my parents were born in Italy, they only talk Italian to the waiters and always pick up small talk with them about where they from, how long they are here for, etc.
Dinner was yummy. We all shared that big antipasto appetizer. Just enough for 6 people to get a nice tasting. The beans salad in there was excellent. Main course: I got the farfalla. Good cream sauce, plenty of peas and procussitto bits. Pasta was al dente (little too much for me, perfect for my dads liking) My brother in law got a pasta with sausage. Quite tasty according to my sister (she had to have a taste) My sister got some sort of braised short rib. She said best meat ever! Dad got lamb chops, perfectly cooked. My mom got a seafood risotto. I tasted a spoonful, more like rice with some seafood. Wasnt technically a risotto in my books and it was toooo al dente and portion was very small.
Desserts were good, dont remember them sorry.
Day 2! Oct 15. I was soo lucky about 3 weeks before our trip to score LeCellier lunch! I switched things around and it saved me a dining credit! So off we went to epcot again. (its the adults favorite park!) LeCellier lunch for me was same as dinner last year. I get the same thing anyways, so why waste the extra credit? Mushroom filet! My sister decided to try the ooo so famous cheddar soup. We all had a spoonful, tell you the truth dont know what the big deal is about. It was ok. I guess cause Im not a huge fan of beer? Maybe thats why I wasnt thrilled. It was sooo thick almost pasty really. So off to entrees! Me sister brother in law and dad get the mushroom filet, mom gets the strip steak with an extra side of mushroom risotto (I requested she do that so she can taste and I get extra lol ) everything was delicious! Im not a huge meat eater, maybe once a month at most I eat it, and love it here! I will say the mushroom risotto (side dish) was saltier than mine under my steak. I still loved both though!
Dessert some got to go, some ate there. I got maple crème brulee <~~ AWESOME! I also go a blue drink (came with the glow cube inside, niece loved! <~ the cube not the drink~~ lol)
So since we spent morning and afternoon in epcot, off we went to Magic Kingdom. Parade and fireworks tonight! I thought wed get a counter service dinner there but we were still full from lunch so we just went to parade and fireworks. Got good seats (right on the curb ) as soon as you walk in on the right side! Watched the parade and waited for fireworks . M niece was in her stroller screaming at the charcters to come here, come here. She didnt get the whole parade concept but the smile was free ear to ear seeing everyone. So I never realized there is a nice size gap in between parade and fireworks and over my shoulder I noticed wait time to see mickey and Minnie was 5 minutes!!! Jumped on that! Omg that is the best thing ever! Soooo personal! She loved them! Was so happy she wasnt afraid of the characters!.
Fireworks were nice watched from the street right in front of railroad station, best place for easy escape after.
Day 3! Mama Melrose. This day I knew was going to be a long day! Every day, we have been going back to hotel for mid day breaks/naps for my niece but since I had a 3:50 reservation at Mama Melrose (fantasmic package) I knew no hotel break. I finally go to go on toy story! Twice! Once with wait time of around 35 minutes and another with fastpass (which I used after 1st fantasmic show there were 2 that night) Lines were long for a lot of rides, I didnt even get to see the backlot tour! 45 minute wait for that,,,, I dont think so! We went to mickey junior (or whatever it was call) that was really nice, that car stunt show is awesome always a must see in my book. And best part of Hollywood studios drum roll please I finally found the writers shop! And got the carrot cake cookie (someone here recommended it!) best thing Ive ever ate! Ever! I love carrot cake and that was just awesome anyone have recipe for that? So I ate about half, it was huge and it was like 5 minutes before dinner. Mama Melrose is always sooo packed, they need a larger waiting area really. I like going on the fantasmic package cause you get the appetizer. One thing I noticed that chage from last year (doesnt make a big deal, but still an observation) appetizer, last year you could get any this year if it says for 2 2 people must have the 1. Last year it was 3 of us and we order 2 different apps that were for 2 and one that was normal. O well. We got an antipasto, calarmi, and mozzerlla. All were scrumptious. I especially liked the pesto they served on the side for the calmari not normal combo but awesome with their bread!
For dinner I got the steak ( my dad did too) my sister got pasta with clams and my mom and DBIL got another pasta (forget name) but it was a cream sauce. Mom got with shrimp, DBIL got with both shrimp and chicken - weird . my steak was good, but the star of the show was the mac and cheese made with penne pasta under my steak! Omg soooo good! My dad is old school Italian and doensnt even taste mac and cheese so I got his too! We all got dessert to go and ate it at fantasmic while we waited. I know you can go like 30 minutes before since I have the golden ticket, but I still like to be early. We like to sit in the last row possible so we can leave first once done plus my dad is getting up there in age and hates to do those steps. So after dinner , we walked the park a little, did some photo pass, I bought cute sequenced Minnie ears, then made our way to fantasmic eventually with about an hour before showtime.
So while waiting I went in the back to see what they were selling. Havent seen this mentioned, but they sell glazed hot nuts (combo of almonds and peanuts and probably some other(s) I so wasnt hungry at that point, but the smell reminded me of my trip to NYC so I got them anyway and ate literally just 2 for remembrance lol
After fanstasmic me my ssister and BIL went to toy story with our fast passes. We had a bet whoever scored the highest -- I won!!! No where close to the highest for the day or total ever, but I was proud 159,600!
Day 4! Early morning! Chef Mickey! Becaue my sister is such a sleepy head, I made for 10am too late in my opinion by the time we were done there half our park day was gone. But the experience there was nice. I expected more character interaction, but it seemed like every 2 or 3 tables, the characters ran off to go in the back. weird! Food was ok, hard to screw up breakfast really creamy potato hash thing was yummy recipe anyone?
Chef Mickey was nice; Id do it again, as long as we are on the dining plan. They even gave my niece a cupcake since it was her 1st Disney trip!
After Chef Mickey, we headed to Magic Kingdom for a little. Did some rides then hotel to rest and epcot for dinner. One side note, another thank u here in order. Someone mentioned going on dumbo getting te 1st elephant and taking pics of the elephant behind you. I did that with my niece! I sat in the 1st elephant and my sis, BIL and niece in the next. I got awesome pics of her enjoying the ride!
Tonight we went to Via Napoli (anyone see a pattern, lol mostly Italian restaurants sorry I know very boring, but at least we know we all get something we like!) I forget what we got for appetizer this night but dinner was awesome. Ive been talking about what I wanted for months! I got the procutto and melone pizza with the melone! Lol delicious make sure u say well done though (knew this from before) and it comes out perfect! My mom got 4 seasons one, also yummy. DBIL got chicken parm and sister and dad got pasta with seafood all so wonderful! And guess what! I remembered what we got for dessert cause it was just awesome! I got the zeppole as did my BIL. Mom and sister got tiramisu (love coffee but hate texture in general of this dessert) and dad got pistachio gelato (soooo good!) my mouth is watering right now thinking of them! My zeppole were awesome little pillows of heaven. I dont dunk in the chocolate sauce, they are good on their own, as is the chocolate sauce. So I ate the chocolate sauce separate with a spoon! Haha. Illuminations fireworks are awesome! No bad location really!
Day 5! Ok so today was my sister and BIL 3rd wedding anniversary. Here is my beef for florida! And their news people! They reported for 2 days that there was going to be such severe weather, 100% rain! High winds! Whole nine yards! I bought ponchos for everyone (wore mine night before during slight sprinkle during illuminations) even bought one for the stroller and NADA!!! I didnt do parks cause afraid of lightening with my niece and getting stroller soaked so we ended up in downtown Disney most of the day shopping. It did rain in the evening a little (mostly when we were inside the restaurant eating) Since it was their anniversary, we went to Il Mulino where they went on their honeymoon 3 years ago. I wasnt going to do the whole bus, to park to another bus in the rain, so I got us a cab! Soooo easy! I did request a car seat for my niece. We get into the cab van and guess what, no car seat I was like what the . Since it was a very short ride, I went with it and had her sit in the last row with her dad in his lap.
Il Mulno was packed with business people. I was thinking am I in Disney world or back home in a corporate meeting ( go to them all the time at home ) Food was excellent. Loved how I ordered one dish and said can u add this this and that. I got the tortellini with cream sauce but said can I get parperdella instead (shape of pasta) and add sundried tomotatos and mushrooms possibly best meal in Disney though I said that a lot down there. Dad got salmon good (but he later in the trip said the salmon at crystal palace was surprisingly better) sister got veal parm, BIL got gnocchi and I have no clue what my mom got, she sat to far from me this time. Now if you noticed, I havent mentioned at all what my niece has been eating. Mostly from childrens menu, plain stuff and she eats like a bird anyways. But I must note here at il mulino she got chicken parm, that was HUGE! Adult portion in my opinion ( also side note, she is under 2 so no dinning plan,,,, did you know in via Napoli and tutto italia, she was able to get a child meal for free!!) no other places did that .. gossh I love my heritage even more hahaha
After dinner, we took a nice long walk around the boardwalk and took cab back to hotel from boardwalk. I didnt even have to call, there was one waiting right in front!
Day 6!
Spent the entire day in Magic Kingdom! (mid day break though) did a ton of rides did you know my niece wasnt afraid of pirates of the caribean but my mom screamed like a big baby during that small drop! Hahah hysterical! It was soo cold this day, 60s - possible 70 at most. I got wet as soon as a sat down in my seat and it was the wrong day cause I was cold for a very long time! Pirate goofy was hysterical right outside very interactive with my niece.
I went to tomorrowland to do some rides there. Tried their cheesesteak hot dog at the lunching pad for lunch. yuck!!!!!! My sister had the taco one again yuck! Wish I would have went to peco bills or cosmic rays! I always wanted to try the toppings bar, I guess thats what they make next time for! Now people may like it, but Im a philly girl and I guess my expectations were a little high, but everything was wrong with this, meet from cheesesteak was horrible, cheese was gross, hot dog was luke warm at most and bun was soggy from grease! No a good combo only thing that made me happy was those prepackaged cookies but at 150+ calories a cookie, I felt guilty (recently lost 80lbs so while I splurged I did look at some calorie contents and did feel some guilt) so after some rides there headed back to hotel for break / naps / change of clothes and back to magic kingdom for dinner at crystal palace! I went to this place several times. Each was a good experience, this time it was just ok. First off we had 645 reservation and didnt get seated till close to 7:30 (making us completely miss the parade!) My dad was mad, he spoke to the lady upfront and with his broken English accent he explained a very very good point! If I had to wake up 5am 180 days in advance to get this reservation, why am I waiting so much longer than my time? He asked the lady just cause you are running behind are you going to make the parade wait that time too so his granddaughter can see the parade, she said no of course not. But still think about that? Somewhere along they line someone messed up majorly! Maybe overbooking, but 45 minute delay is way too much! I watched and noticed the problems no enough servers! While every table is being used half were dirty tables just waiting to be cleaned for the next party to arrive. Turnover rate was just too slow! Anyways, that menu on allears needs to be updaed. Some of my favorite things are no longer there! I was lookin for that pasta with the cream sauce and the slow roasted pork both not there. My dad enjoyed the food more than me. He loved the salmon and the mussels or clams they had (cant remember what it was) Other food was pretty borning in my opionon. Ive been to some of the best buffets around and this wasnt even in the ballpark (I live near Atlantic City so all those casinos have decent buffets Borgata being the best in my opinion) Character interaction here was the best I think. My niece especially loved piglet and pooh. We got done just in time for the fireworks watched them right on the porch of crystal palace one of the best locations in my mind!
Day 7! Our last full day in Disney! Epcot day! We spent most of the day in world showcase. We went in each country and explored everything - without doing rides or shows. We ate around the world (food and wine festivial) and finished getting my nieces passport stamped. Food we tried: Hawaii, France, New Zealand, Japan, America, Italy, South Korea, and Mexico. Hawaii we had this pull pork sandwich. I could have eaten another dozen! It was soooo good! The pineapple topping was delicisou as was the spicy mayo. Walking around, I wanted to stop to get the lava cake in Ireland but wanted more food first before dessert, but sadly never made my way back there to get it Next was france. I didnt eat from the booth, but instead went to the bakery. Its actually a hidden gem in my opinion. I only heard about it from disboards, if not I never ventured that corner. I used a snack credit and got a HUGE ham and cheese crossiant they toasted it for me and it was perfect! (I split it with my niece she liked it too!) then I went out front again and got a grey goose slushy must have in my opinion. It was a nice cool day in Florida and still went so nice with the bright sun in my face can you tell Im dreaming about it right now hahaha. Next we went to New Zealand. Im not a lamb person but my DBIL is, so he got the lamb slider with tomato chutney on top. He LOVED it, said the tomato chutney was the best part! Next off to Japan besides eating, we went into store and did pick a pearl! I picked 2 oysters (one for me and one for my cousin back home whom I promoised Id get) and my sister did 1 (for my niece) I picked 2 oysters and 1 was twins! 2nd year in a row I got twins!!!!!! Last year I was sooo amazed by it I didnt set it in anything, this year I set it into a cute pendent! And my cousins oyster was cute 7inch which I had set in a ring for her. The lady handed my niece the thongs to pick her oyster and she just barely could hold them, but was able to tap one and they picked it out for her and in there was the most amazing pearl Ive ever seen 8.5 dark silver blue pearl! Beautiful!!! Stunning! Amazing! My sister had hers set in white gold pendent so she can have when she is older.
Baack outside now, my sister and her hubby get some sushi from the Japan booth they said it was really good but kind small portion really even if its just a tasting.
Off to America I got the lobster roll. That line was sooo long! I waited it out and split it with my brother in law, it was really a big roll for a tasting but at over $7 it should be! (I did use the snack credits though) Lobster was perfectly cooked, little heavy handed on the dill but still yummy. The lobster chucks were huge! Plus there was a whole claw hanging out of the bread itself!
Off to Italy the mother land hahahah we got 2 ravoli and 1 of the shrimp pasta. Im not one for seafood and pasta so I only tasted a shrimp from their dish, it was good, little spicy. The ravoli was incrediable. I tell you this though, very very heavy. Sat on my stomach. If it was a hot day, I may have not liked that, but since it was cool out it was ok. Yummy creamyness of the filling and Bolognese was hidden on the bottom (little skimpy with my portion, but not my sisters) but delicious . Very flavorful, you can tell they used a good wine to make it!.
Next stop South Korea. I stopped by Germany first to check out the carmel shop everyone raves about. Since I wasnt in the mood for an apple, didnt see much else I really wanted but out of the corner of my eye I see the store behind it, with the Christmas ornaments and thats what I wanted! I love Christmas time and ornaments so I got 2 pickles! One for my familys tree and one for my sisters they are just soooo cute! Mine is all blinged out with jewels and glitter and got a simple one for my sister (her husband cant stand glitter!) <~ boring!
So now we arrive in south korea. Now Ill tell you this, Im not much of an adventerious eater (can you tell by all the Italian Ive eaten?) but the smell caught my attention every single night I walked by here! So we got one bbq beef and one pork lettuce wrap!. OMG! Not this is officially the best things Ive ever eaten! Ive been looking for the recipe for the beef (unsuccessful so far, anyone have it?) but lucky found the one for the pork and will be making. The beef was tender and the sause was delicious. (didnt eat the rice or slaw on this one, the DBIL did) and then I almost devoured the whole pork wrap myself! Except I ate it with a fork and left the lettuce wrap on the plate, it was soggy and little wilted so I knew if I attempeted to hold it and eat like a taco, it would have fell apart. The pork was awesome, the kimchi slaw was light and refreshing and the mayo was nutty and delicious! .
Next and last stop before afternoon break Mexico! I was tired by now and extremely stuff so my sister and DBIL got 2 tacos one beef and one shrimp. I just tasted the cabbage off of on, very very spicy but delicious none the less. Niece woke up by now and was hungry so we headed back to hotel I napped and niece had late lunch. Since it was late, I went to front desk to see if I was able to push back my 635 tutto italia reservation nope sorry nothing was available for later. So we rushed and made it back on time. We checked in and place was practically empty! I dont understand!! This happened a lot of times this week, granted not everywhere, but lots of places that I saw no availability online had plenty once we got there. I do like the notion of them charing you $10 if you are no show. It probably costs them so much more for all those no shows! Italy on our last night, a long tradition for my family. We actually sat at the same table as the first night we were there our original waiter from Friday ngiht was designzted to another area, but remembered my dad and came over to chat some. So dinner for me was the same, I got the bow tie pasta with cream sauce, however tonight it was a little dry not enough sauce in my opnion, nor peas and procuitto bits my sister got the same and hers looked better, maybe just not well portioned out I guess. My DBIL got pork chop which was HUGE!! And he devoured it, so I presume it was good hahah and my parents got the same from the 1st night, lamb chop and seafood risotto. The food here is always decent quality, but I must say the selection is a bit lacking. I remember they use to have soo many more options. Now I could sit here and argue o the dining plan ruined it, o its the economy and prices soared, whatever the reason it is, I just look at bottom figure I wish more options!
Dessert was great. I had the trio dish, a taste tiramisu, cannoli, and chocolate/hazelnut cake everyone else, I dont remember. All were good except pet peeve, that cannoli! Im Italian, I know my stuff, that cannoli was filled a very long time ago and was just sitting in the fridge! To be freshest, they must be filled to order, the shell tasted old and stale and not crisp at all, its ashame cause the filling itself was tasty.
So while me and my parents walked around showcase waiting for illuminations, my sister DBIL and niece headed over to the character spot cause finally the line was less than 30 minutes (my niece is less than 2 years old not much patience there!) and she got to meet everyone again (she met them previously throughout the trip in various locations) my sister said this Minnie was kinda rude she grabbed my neiece and kinda held her arms down and still little rough around the edges more so than rude I think. Could be cause she probably been there all day and it was almost 9pm at that time!.
So I got her photopass card and after illuminations went to the photocenter. Yes I know should have bought the cd before hand and saved a bundle, but I forgot. I bought the cd for $149.95 + tax there was a 191 pics total not bad - I normally take way less. So here is my peeve I get home and get an email saying o u can get a cd for $119! URGH!!! I just bought it for $30 more! But the stickler that I need to go complain or figure out if they can find: I went to Disney for my niece, yes but I also went with a goal. I started losing weight in janurary and my goal was to fit into this certain shirt by the time Disney came around. I finally did! And I wanted a picture in front of the castle with me solo wearing it. I get home and look at cd and its not there! I took at least 5 pics in different poses and none of them are there. Along with at least another 10 pics at various times! Where did they go? Anyone ever have this problem? Could it be found? I really really want that pic!
So this basically concludes my trip.
Day 8 we didnt go to parks (even though I had tix for it) Magical express due to pick us up at 1pm so we wake up and spend most of the morning packing. Took luggage down to check in with airlines! And I must say my mom is a pro packer! 50lbs is the limit my sisters luggage came in at 49.9 lbs!!! (NO LIE!!) we all starting high-fiving each other and mine came in at 49.2 my parents and DBIL luggage were all in mid 40s we had tons of gifts and memorabilia. No matter how many times I go, I just cant get enough of that stuff! So luggage was checked in, we had breakfast and some time so we finally found the caricature guy! He was there during the day something we havent seen all week so we got one of my niece and then of course, my DBIL slight baby himself (hahaha) got one himself. By then it was 1240 so we just went out front to wait for our 1:05 magical express. One was there at the moment and said if we wanted to go on that one we said sure! No use hanging around here we had nothing really else to do. Plus getting to the airport and taking our time is important to us. With a baby, its always best not to rush or feel rushed. And off we went now sitting here a work typing this up thinking I wonder when I should go next! Hope you all enjoyed my 1st trip report! Please ask any question, I probably left out a ton!Sue
I spent alot of time writing it up - was it that bad? 
, were in the planning stage for a 2013 trip cant wait
