My Year of Disney BEGINS: a little Running, a little Drinking: PTR **1/12-W&D-Day 8**

[huggybuff]

Princess Update

I learned last week that my flight has changed and I'll be getting into MCO just before 1AM on 2/18 instead of 10PM on 2/17, thanks to a 3 hour layover at SFO. *sigh* It's not like I had any plans that it will change, but it's still aggravating. Other than that flight amendment, I'm just waiting for 12/19 to make my FP+ reservations.

 

[huggybuff]

Rebel Challenge Update

I've decided to fly into LAX and take a shuttle to Anaheim rather than drive. I'm not feeling very confident in my car at the moment and with all the warnings about El Nino this year, I don't want to get stuck on the Grapevine. So here's what I've got so far:

• 1/13 - Arrive at 10:55AM at LAX via Southwest, shuttle to DLH. I'm not expecting my room to be ready, so I'll leave my bags with bell services until they text me that the room is available. I'm thinking that I'll hit DTD for a bit and have lunch at Earl of Sandwich. After that I can settle into my room and go down to visit Trader Sam's for a bit. 7PM reservation at Steakhouse 55.
• 1/14 - The Expo technically starts at 10AM, but I've read that people will begin lining up for the official merchandise at 6AM inside the DL Ballroom. I'm not sure I'm that gung ho. I may wander in at 7:30ish and hope for the best. After I do packet pickup and shopping, I'll drop my things off at the room and then it's off to the park or parks. I don't have a plan yet, other than to end up at DCA in the afternoon. Because I have...a reservation at Napa Rose at 7PM! I'm super excited for this one. I can't believe I haven't eaten here yet.
• 1/15 - 8AM reservation at Storyteller's Café. It's too bad they did away with their a la carte items. Now it's buffet only. Then I've got a 10AM appt at Mandara Spa at the GCH. (Mandara Balinese Body Polish with Massage and Fire and Ice Manicure and Pedicure) Then I'll play a little at DCA until my 5:40 reservation at Carthay Circle. Early to bed as I'll be getting up early for the 10K Saturday morning.
• 1/16 - Star Wars 10K at 5:30AM, although I'll be in the corrals before that...and after since I'm sure I'll be waiting about half an hour to start. After the race and cleaning up back at the room I'll head to DL for my 11:30AM lunch reservation at Café Orleans. Then I'll do some light touring until my 6PM dinner reservation at Ralph Brennan's. Maybe an odd choice the night before a half marathon but they do have a jambalaya which I have yet to try.
• 1/17 - SW Half Marathon at 5:30AM, same corral rigmarole. I'm waiting for the Blue Bayou Paint the Night dinner packages to come out so I can make a reservation for this night. After the race I'll probably be making my way slowly around DL and hitting up a quick service for lunch.
• 1/18 - Finally getting my SH55 breakfast on with an 8:40 reservation. Then I'll check out and take a taxi or Uber to Hotel Indigo and drop my bags there. Then I've got almost a full week to tour the parks. I'm considering doing it OCD-style and taking one land at a time and covering it stem to stern before moving on to the next one.
• 1/20 - Minnie and Friends breakfast at Plaza Inn at 10AM.
• 1/21 - Storyteller's Café for lunch at 12:45PM.
• 1/22 - 8:55PM take-off from LAX back to SMF.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

I hate flight changes like that! That's unfortunate that you are getting in so much later now!

At 7:30AM, you should be fine for the EXPO waiting. We were a few rows back last year getting there at 8:30AM. We are planning on being there early this year though.

You are a brave soul to go for Jambalaya the day before a half! I'm sticking 'cleanish' - Filet & Potatoes from Steakhouse 55.

 

[huggybuff]

At 7:30AM, you should be fine for the EXPO waiting. We were a few rows back last year getting there at 8:30AM. We are planning on being there early this year though.

Ok, that's good. I was having visions of empty shelves.

I hate flight changes like that! That's unfortunate that you are getting in so much later now!

I KNOW!!! (Monica from Friends) I'll still have to pick up my rental car, drive to the hotel and get settled before bed. I'll be lucky if I get 3 hours of sleep with the early breakfast I have planned.

You are a brave soul to go for Jambalaya the day before a half! I'm sticking 'cleanish' - Filet & Potatoes from Steakhouse 55.

Most jambalayas disappoint me as being too bland, so watch this one be the one that blows me away with spice.

 

[huggybuff]

Mystery Update ???

By the time I get home today I'm hoping to have a new trip announcement! Stay tuned...

 

[SarahDisney]

I love the Tink training shirts! They look amazing!

That flight thing sucks. Getting in at 1 AM is always rough.

Rebel Challenge plans sound great. I haven't done a DL race yet, so I don't know how early you really need to get there for merchandise, but I'm sure you'll still have a decent selection if you're there at 7:30. Just bring something to keep yourself occupied because you'll be sitting around for a little while.
And you've got a lot of great dining reservations planned!

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Just as an FYI - last year they were playing Star Wars Movies in the area they were containing us for the merchandise.

 

[LizardQueen8]

We did the Minnie and Friends breakfast over Avengers weekend. It was AAAAHHMAAAAAZING

 

[huggybuff]

I love the Tink training shirts! They look amazing!

I love the colors so much!

That flight thing sucks. Getting in at 1 AM is always rough.

At least it will be 10PM to me with the time change.

And you've got a lot of great dining reservations planned!

And some relaxing Trader Sam's time as well. Ahhhh...

Just as an FYI - last year they were playing Star Wars Movies in the area they were containing us for the merchandise.

That's awesome! That will get us in the mood to spend more money.

We did the Minnie and Friends breakfast over Avengers weekend. It was AAAAHHMAAAAAZING

Yay! What characters did you get besides Minnie?

 

[huggybuff]

Mystery Update...

So I just might have called up a TA and gotten a bib for the Dark Side Challenge in April. Yeah, for real. What am I thinking?????? I was having MAJOR FOMO with this event and the special C2C bling attached. I woke up on Sunday morning and I just started planning like a crazy person. Next thing I know, it's Monday morning and Jim from Acclaim Travel is sending me the link to Active.com to register for the races. Most ADRs are made (waiting for Skipper Canteen ADRs to open) and my deposit is in for POR. AND Flower and Garden will be going on at the same time? Outdoor Kitchens here I come!

 

[LizardQueen8]

OMG YAY!!!!

Yay! What characters did you get besides Minnie?

Chip, Dale, Max, Rafiki, Tigger, Captain Hook, and the Fairy Godmother. Winnie the Pooh and Eeyore were also there, but we heard about the soft opening of Hyper Space Mountain right after meeting Captain Hook and two of my friends lost their s**t and took off. My remaining friend and I waited another 5 or 10 minutes for the Fairy Godmother, but we decided not to wait for Pooh and Eeyore in favor of booking it over to Tomorrowland .

 

[huggybuff]

Chip, Dale, Max, Rafiki, Tigger, Captain Hook, and the Fairy Godmother. Winnie the Pooh and Eeyore were also there, but we heard about the soft opening of Hyper Space Mountain right after meeting Captain Hook and two of my friends lost their s**t and took off. My remaining friend and I waited another 5 or 10 minutes for the Fairy Godmother, but we decided not to wait for Pooh and Eeyore in favor of booking it over to Tomorrowland .

Good, I'm glad they haven't seemed to scale back the number of characters like I heard that Goofy's Kitchen did. The sight of Fairy Godmother and Hook in one room is interesting to say the least. I dig the sheer randomness of their line up. That's awesome that they soft-opened HyperSpace Mountain while you were there. I've read the Launch Bay is nothing special, but that the Space Mountain overlay and the new Star Tours scene are fun. I know I'll have to get to the Launch Bay at least once though to meet Chewie!

 

[LizardQueen8]

Good, I'm glad they haven't seemed to scale back the number of characters like I heard that Goofy's Kitchen did. The sight of Fairy Godmother and Hook in one room is interesting to say the least. I dig the sheer randomness of their line up. That's awesome that they soft-opened HyperSpace Mountain while you were there. I've read the Launch Bay is nothing special, but that the Space Mountain overlay and the new Star Tours scene are fun. I know I'll have to get to the Launch Bay at least once though to meet Chewie!

I agree, the randomness of the characters as wonderful and it's the only place on either coast you can get that!

One of my friends and I were still at DL for the first day of Season of the Force, and yeah, the Launch Bay is nothing special AT ALL. The lines for Chewbacca and Darth Vader were out of control that morning, so we had to skip them, BUT we stumbled across a bonus Boba Fett meet and greet! We got to ride Hyperspace Mountain twice during the weekend soft opening, and it is FANTASTIC, and we really enjoyed the new scenes in Star Tours too.

 

[Elevationist]

Mystery Update...

So I just might have called up a TA and gotten a bib for the Dark Side Challenge in April. Yeah, for real. What am I thinking?????? I was having MAJOR FOMO with this event and the special C2C bling attached. I woke up on Sunday morning and I just started planning like a crazy person. Next thing I know, it's Monday morning and Jim from Acclaim Travel is sending me the link to Active.com to register for the races. Most ADRs are made (waiting for Skipper Canteen ADRs to open) and my deposit is in for POR. AND Flower and Garden will be going on at the same time? Outdoor Kitchens here I come!

I LOVE THIS!!! Congratulations!

 

[SarahDisney]

Mystery Update...

So I just might have called up a TA and gotten a bib for the Dark Side Challenge in April. Yeah, for real. What am I thinking?????? I was having MAJOR FOMO with this event and the special C2C bling attached. I woke up on Sunday morning and I just started planning like a crazy person. Next thing I know, it's Monday morning and Jim from Acclaim Travel is sending me the link to Active.com to register for the races. Most ADRs are made (waiting for Skipper Canteen ADRs to open) and my deposit is in for POR. AND Flower and Garden will be going on at the same time? Outdoor Kitchens here I come!

Yay! Star Wars Kessel Run C2C medal!!
And a pink C2C ... I think you'll need to do another race so that you can get the regular C2C and have all three C2C medals in one year!

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Mystery Update...

So I just might have called up a TA and gotten a bib for the Dark Side Challenge in April. Yeah, for real. What am I thinking?????? I was having MAJOR FOMO with this event and the special C2C bling attached. I woke up on Sunday morning and I just started planning like a crazy person. Next thing I know, it's Monday morning and Jim from Acclaim Travel is sending me the link to Active.com to register for the races. Most ADRs are made (waiting for Skipper Canteen ADRs to open) and my deposit is in for POR. AND Flower and Garden will be going on at the same time? Outdoor Kitchens here I come!

You are addicted! I think you are now doing every race I am next year! I'm sure we'll run into each other at one of these.

What ADRs did you make? We are doing Grand Floridian Café Thursday night, Tutto Italia Friday Night and Yachtsman Saturday Night. We haven't decided on lunch much yet but we are flexible (especially since we go so much in general although you may be catching up to me on how much I go)

 

[huggybuff]

BUT we stumbled across a bonus Boba Fett meet and greet! We got to ride Hyperspace Mountain twice during the weekend soft opening, and it is FANTASTIC, and we really enjoyed the new scenes in Star Tours too.

Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed them.

I LOVE THIS!!! Congratulations!

Thanks! I went for years without taking vacations and now I've gone insane.

And a pink C2C ... I think you'll need to do another race so that you can get the regular C2C and have all three C2C medals in one year!

Noooooo...not unless I win the Lotto.

You are addicted! I think you are now doing every race I am next year! I'm sure we'll run into each other at one of these.

I hope so! And I agree, runDisney has got me hooked!

What ADRs did you make? We are doing Grand Floridian Café Thursday night, Tutto Italia Friday Night and Yachtsman Saturday Night. We haven't decided on lunch much yet but we are flexible (especially since we go so much in general although you may be catching up to me on how much I go)

Thursday after the Expo, I have The BOATHOUSE booked and for dinner I have Il Mulino. Have you eaten there before? Friday I have a DHS day planned because I want to see the SW fireworks, so I've got HBD and Sci-Fi. Saturday I figured I'd do some shopping at MK after the 10K so I booked Tony's Town Square and then dinner at Boatwright's at POR since I'm staying there. Then Sunday I booked The Wave for lunch after the Half and California Grill for dinner.

 

[huggybuff]

Wine and Dine - Day 1 - Thursday


This day started off early - a 3:56AM pickup by Super Shuttle. I'd woken up a couple of hours earlier and a few times during the night as well - too excited to sleep! The day before I'd dropped off my kitties at the cattery and packed up my suitcase, so the only thing left to do in the morning was get ready and put the bathroom items into the suitcase. I had mulled going for a midnight run if I really couldn't sleep, but I managed to sleep during those hours. Super Shuttle was on time and only had one other passenger at this point. We ended up only picking up one other guy in the downtown area, about 10 minutes away from the airport. The driver seemed to enjoy having another male in the car and told him he was now the 'navigator'. We made quick time to SMF and were soon dropped off in front of the terminals.

OK, it has been too many years since I've flown - pre-9/11! This was my first experience with self-check-in screens and I had to go back and redo it once to add in my suitcase. Growing pains. After I printed my passes I headed to security and tried not to look like an idiot not knowing what to do. Thankfully everyone was helpful with instructions and I took my cues from those in line in front of me. Security went fairly quickly and then it was off to wait in the departure area. I snagged a seat and played online for a bit until it was time to board.

I thought I might sleep on the plane until I realized I was still too, too excited so I just read the magazine I'd brought along. The flight was easy and I was relieved to find out my fear of flying seems to be in remission. Soon enough I was in Houston and on my way to my next departure gate. There was going to be a bit of a wait, however...my next flight was delayed because the plane hadn't arrived yet. *sad trombone* So I looked for someplace to get a quick bite since all I'd had so far was coffee and some water on the plane.


Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport - IAH




I had the black bean soup, which featured a dollop of sour cream in the middle and four raw jalapenos, with seeds, on the sides. (You'll have to imagine this one since I forgot to take a picture.) It was quite good and spicy since I ate all the jalapenos. I was good and refrained from any alcohol because I was attempting to stay hydrated before the race on Saturday night.

The plane finally arrived an hour behind schedule and then I was off to my final destination, MCO. The delay did throw a slight wrench into my plans. I'd been hoping to stop at my resort, SSR, before making my way to FW and Hoop Dee Doo, but the delay meant I'd have to drive straight to the show. Another easy flight later, and I was in Orlando and picking up my bags from baggage claim and then on to the rental counter. It took me awhile to get to the Hertz counter and when I did I was very disappointed in the customer service. The guy was speaking as if reading from a script and the whole time I could feel how much he hated his job. After the 10th time telling him that I didn't want the extra insurance he finally processed my rental and only told me where to go to actually get the car after I asked him. Oh well, at least I will know the process better next time for Princess.

I ended up with a nice, black Kia Soul that I enjoyed driving for the most part. This is when I made a new best friend...the GPS on my phone. I couldn't have made it through the next hour-plus without her help. Driving in unfamiliar places tends to stress me out anyway, then add in toll roads and freeways - at night. I was pretty frazzled by the time I finally made it to FW after several (okay, more than several) wrong turns and a diversion to the All Star hotels. I think I even ended up in the lanes to enter MK because I missed a right turn. I think my GPS got frustrated with me too - I could hear it in her voice.

I was very relieved to park at FW and get out of the car. My glasses immediately fogged up because of the humidity. And it was HOT at 8PM. I walked over to the FW bus depot and waited for, what I assumed, to be a bus with a sign for Pioneer Hall in the window. I waited for almost 15 minutes while about 5 buses came and went. Some for Epcot and DHS and others with internal FW markings. The clock was ticking down to 8:30PM - Hoop Dee Doo show time. I finally asked a driver when the bus to Pioneer Hall would come and he said, 'That's this bus.' Okay then. For future reference, the Orange bus takes you to Pioneer Hall. Because of course it does.

Luckily everyone else on the bus was also going to Hoop Dee Doo, so we didn't make any other stops. We pulled up and I was relieved to see a huge line outside of the building so I hadn't missed anything. I was meeting the BFF+Hubby+Son+her extended family for the show and was quickly located by them. They were off to the side of the line because we were going to enter using the disabled access point due to BFF's mother. They'd already purchased my ticket and soon thereafter we were being seated at 2 tables. I believe we had a party of 12.

The show was really, really fun. I'd recommend it to anyone. There were lots of hijinx with our server, who insisted on putting different things on my BFF's Sister's head as the night progressed. He also slammed the buckets of food onto to some of our plates, with a loud *whap*! About halfway through the show I hit the wall, and hard. I think it was the food that sent me spiraling. It was a filling meal, my only complaint was that the fried chicken was pretty dry. I could've eaten a lot more but I was too tired. I also didn't want to take pics of the food since the show was going on, so here are a few from the internets.


Cornbread and Salad


Fried Chicken


Mashed Potatoes


Strawberry Shortcake

After the show I boarded the bus back to the bus depot, quickly got in my car and then braved another drive, this time to SSR. Thankfully, this one was pretty uneventful until I actually got inside the resort and wound my way around it couple of times until I found the check-in area. I had already completed the online check-in, but I wanted to change the credit card that they had on file for my extra purchases. Then I got back into the car and drove to my room location in the Congress Park area (nearest to Disney Springs). Here's a picture of the view from my room. (Not taken that night, obviously.)


The view from Room 1501

I was so tired at this point that I missed a lot of the details in my room. But I was more interested in setting up a wake-up call, getting my phone charged, and getting myself into bed. It had to be almost 11PM - true, that was 8PM PST for me, but I'd barely slept the night before and then all the traveling. I'm not one who unpacks during a trip, so it didn't take long before I was asleep in a comfy bed...

Coming up...Crab, Coconut and Crowds!

 

[huggybuff]

Wine and Dine - Day 2 - Friday Part 1

I woke up pretty refreshed despite waking up to my phone's alarm and then the wake-up call I'd set the night previous. I got my shower/bathroom items all set up and then got ready for the day. First up was a 7:55 ADR at Olivia's Cafe at Old Key West resort. This was an easy drive for me as the resort is very close to SSR. I parked, then poked around for a few minutes until I happened upon Olivia's Cafe. I was happily greeted upon entering, but for some reason I wasn't seated for a good 5-10 minutes. The restaurant was half-full at the most, so I'm not entirely sure what the hold up was. I tried to busy myself by looking at all the pictures on the wall. Finally, I was seated and given the menu. I'd already narrowed it down to three items, so I just went with what sounded best out of those three, that morning. I had the Conch Republic Omelet - Shrimp, avocado, and pepper jack cheese, with breakfast potatoes and a buttermilk biscuit. I thought this was great. Well made, tasty and filling. So filling I couldn't finish the omelet.



After I paid the bill - using my Tables in Wonderland card for the first time, woo-hoo! - I made the drive over to ESPN WWoS for the Wine and Dine Expo. I was already vaguely familiar with this area from the previous night's driving adventures. On my way into the complex I saw our corrals already set up and waiting for runners. I parked and followed the rest of the herd into the HP Fieldhouse/Jostens Center area. I noticed Heat Advisory signs up for the day's sporting events there at WWoS. It was just before 9:30AM and the heat was already getting to me. I decided to get in line at HP Fieldhouse to do packet pickup first, instead of Jostens, which was where the official merchandise was located, along with the main Expo vendors. I was so happy that they opened up packet pickup at 9:30AM. The line started moving almost as soon as I got into it.

Packet pickup went very easily. It was set up exactly like the one I experienced at DL for Tink 2014. After I got my bib and wristband for the after-party, I checked out the official merchandise that was available there at HP Fieldhouse. I knew ahead of time it would be a smaller selection than the layout over at Jostens Center, but I figured I was already there, so why not look? What I saw upon entering the curtained off area, was pretty much a feeding frenzy. I already knew what I wanted for the most part, thanks to the merchandise preview from Disney Parks Blog. The only things that I didn't see that I was looking for were the runDisney Magic Bands and the 'I Did It!' shirts. Apparently these were over at Jostens Center. I got my grey Wine and Dine hoodie and light purple tank top, along with a 13.1 magnet. Next, I went over to Jostens Center to pick up my official race shirt and check out the vendors. I needed a visor since I was worried about rain on race night and picked one up from Sparkle Skirts. (I'd forgotten to pack my visor, oops.) I decided to forego the main merchandise area at Jostens and just head over to Disney Springs. Here's my swag, purchases and bib:







Purchases in trunk, I drove to Disney Springs for my lunch ADR at Raglan Road. I'd heard so much about the road construction, I was nervous it would take forever to make my way there. Happily that was not the case. I followed the signs for parking and ended up in the Orange garage. There were at least 45 minutes until my ADR time of 12:30PM, so I supposed I'd see what shops struck my fancy until lunchtime. That plan went out the window when I saw this:


Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar!

I love Indiana Jones so I was super excited to see the inside of this place for myself. They'd just opened at 11:30AM, so the place wasn't crowded at all. I noticed that the Diving Bell seating area wasn't taken and I quickly sat inside in order to get some pictures.








I didn't want to take up the Diving Bell table just for myself, so I found a seat near the backdoor in the map area (cartography is the theme of this area) and snapped a few more pics of the ambiance.




I perused the menu, but I already knew what I wanted. The Cool-headed Monkey: Starr African Rum, Van Der Hum Tangerine Liqueur, fresh Lime Juice, Watermelon, and Pineapple Juice. I enjoyed the taste, but honestly, it was a little weak. I did take home the mug for myself.

 

[huggybuff]

Wine and Dine - Day 2 - Friday Part 2

After relaxing and taking in the scenery it was almost time for my ADR. I paid for my drink and mug (no discounts - boo!) and made the very short walk over to Raglan Road. I still had about 10 minutes so I decided to check out the bar. No drinks for me since I'd already reached my limit of 1 for the day. Still attempting to stay hydrated!




Maureen O'Hara had died only about 2 weeks prior and I saw this nice picture on display:


Gorgeous!

I checked in for my ADR and only had to wait a couple of minutes to be seated. I was against the back wall in the main room, across from the stage. I was undecided as to what to order even after going over the menu online several times. The meal started with a great bread service: Irish Brown Bread and a Bread Dipping Sauce of Guinness Reduction and Olive Oil. I think I did a great job of limiting myself to one piece because it was so good. For my meal I surprised myself and went with Our Pie to Try, a freshly baked pie of the day. Today's was chicken and mushroom. I also ordered the Mixed Green Salad on the side.




For dessert I went with Ger’s Bread and Butter Pudding with Butterscotch and Custard Sauces. This was AH-MAZING! Overall, this was one of my favorite meals of the trip!




With the bill paid, I pushed myself away from the table and headed back to the Orange parking structure. I drove back to my resort - but not back to my room. It was time for my spa appt at Senses and I just made it there by 2:30PM. (My appt was at 3PM, but they recommend checking in at least a half hour early in order to get changed and ready for your treatments.) I had planned on having the sports massage after the coconut body treatment, but my masseuse told me that was a no-go. Apparently, after the exfoliation of the coconut scrub, the cooling treatment used in the sports massage would have burned my skin. So I ended up getting the Tropical Coconut Body Treatment paired with the Firm Massage. It was the same price so there was no need to adjust the payment that I'd already made at the front counter.

Both of my treatments were great - very relaxing! Although I will say that the Firm Massage was FIRM! I did come out of it with a few bruises that showed up the next day. Next, it was back to the Relaxation Lounge to wait to be called for my Mani/Pedi. The lounge had amazing Zero Gravity chairs to wait on in between treatments that I took advantage of a couple of times. Eventually I was called for my nail appts and taken into the Nail Salon. I went with the same scheme on both fingers and toes.




My nail technician was very nice and personable, and also a perfectionist. I biffed it on the transfer over to the foot spa from the fingernail area and messed up a thumbnail. I didn't think it was something to worry about, but she redid the whole thing. Once my nails were done she told me to take 20 minutes in the Relaxation Lounge to let them dry, but that wasn't going to happen. I needed to get back to the locker room and quickly pull myself together in order to make it to my dinner ADR on time.

Wilderness Lodge was my next destination for my 8:15PM ADR at Artist Point. I once again relied upon my trusty GPS, this time to get me from SSR to WL. I got there without a minute to spare (even though I know you get a 15 minute grace period) and I hate being late. Since I was driving I limited myself to one drink...although this put me over my self-imposed one drink a day before the race limit. I ordered the Raspberry Rapids: Frozen Coconut Cream and Pineapple Juice with Myers's Platinum Rum and Chambord. This was too sweet for me and I only drank about half.




I started with the Land Greens Salad: Heirloom Apples, Sunflower Seed Granola, Sheep’s Milk Cheese, Banyuls Vinaigrette. I liked that it featured produce from the Land in EPCOT.




For my entrée I selected the Aged Buffalo Strip Loin - buffalo sausage, mac & cheese, broccoflower, crispy shallots, black currant demi. The buffalo wasn't tough and the mac & cheese was tasty. I didn't really care for the sausage, however.


I made a dent before I took the pic - it wasn't served like that!

My favorite dish of the meal was dessert. I bypassed their famous cobbler and instead ordered the Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee - grape vine, gooseberry, chocolate. This is one where I wished I could have licked the dish.




Artist Point was a little hit or miss for me this evening. I enjoyed the salad, but it didn't wow me. I wouldn't order the buffalo or my cocktail again. But the dessert was great, I thought. The real reason this meal was a low point of the trip for me was due to the family sitting behind me. In a fair world my meal would've been comped. It was that bad. It was Mom, Dad and Damien (son) back there ruining my meal. This was obviously nothing new for the parents, but this kid's behavior was pretty shocking to me. Damien was screaming how much he hated his parents and promised to kill them at one point, then told them that he was leaving. As far as he got was my table, standing right next to me. I was pretty uncomfortable. Those were just the high points. Throughout the whole meal he had something nasty to say and was eventually taken out of the restaurant, screaming, 'Don't take me Dad, don't take me!' I understand there are kids with severe disabilities out there and he may have been one of them, but I was very uncomfortable throughout the whole meal. I'm honestly not sure what the right answer is for the parents. Their family deserves to go to Disney as much as anyone else and they've got to eat as well. But knowing you have such a challenging child, maybe Artist Point isn't the right setting? Just my thoughts after my experience.

After Artist Point I drove back to SSR and Room 1501. I don't remember how I slept, but at least it was quiet.

Coming Up...Lounging, Lightning and Lamington (Cake)