No Longer coming to you Live from Disney World! Take 3 DDW'S TAMBU LOUNGE 8/6

[kanadar]

Kanadar love that the cards and Illini are being represented!!!!!

Of course! 3 of us are BIG cardinal and Illini fans! I'm trying to convert Jeff but he's from a Chicago suburb so it's not as easy. BUT he does have a cardinals hat he wears a lot and 2 Illini shirts. Illini won't be as tough of a change haha. GO CARDS!

 

[jabead]

Our next Magic Kingdom two-part update was sent to us yesterday by Kayla (cheshirecatattack).


Part 1 was a beverage snack update from...






She said, "We made a quick stop in NFL for a LeFou's Brew...





"To my surprise, I really enjoyed it. It was refreshing in the heat."




Then Part 2 was from their dinner at...


Casey's Corner







Kayla said, "I had a corn dog nugget meal with fries and a coffee."








"My mom and brother both had the BBQ slaw dog and gave it two thumbs up, but I forgot to get a picture."




"We had a few extra guests during dinner...







"Here's my brother and I ready for MNSSHP!"

​

4 October Game Points Earned + 5 Bonus Points for sign, menu, misc. pic, and pic of Kayla and her brother

 

[jabead]

We then received this three-part update from Rachel (Smiling Cheshire Cat).



She said, "Wednesday we had lunch back at the...





"I had the spaghetti and meatballs with a breadstick...




"This was okay, better than Ragu but not nearly as good as Olive Garden."



"Chase had the bacon mushroom Swiss burger...



"He hasn't met a burger he didn't like."



"And I'm tired of photographing this, but here's Brianna's daily meal, chicken and fries...






"For a snack at DHS we headed into the Writers Stop since Starring Rolls had closed at 3:00. I had this strawberry muffin...



"It was very good."



"I tried to talk her out of it, but Brianna wanted this cinnamon bun...



"It was stale. Lesson learned, no cinnamon buns purchased anywhere that doesn't have bakery on site."



"We also got this Goofy's Slushie...





"You can tell by the look on Bree's fact, it was very tart."




"We weren't hungry for dinner so we had this trio of snacks...




"I'm feeling like a bad Mom letting the kids eat kettle corn and a Twix bar for dinner." ​

5 October Game Points Earned + 3 Bonus Points for sign and pics of Brianna

 

[jabead]

Next up is Kathy's (kanadar) update from their dinner last night at DHS'...



She said, "After relaxing by the pool we decided to change for dinner and walk over to Hollywood Studios for dinner at The Hollywood Brown Derby. This is a favorite of my family and I, and this time was no exception."



Menu pic...





"We started the meal off with a bottle of Pinot Noir to share. My dad really enjoyed the wine!"










"We also had a basket of rolls and butter."



"They were warm and soft."



"For an appetizer we shared the famous Cobb Salad."





"It was delicious as always! The waiter mixed it for us, and it had just the right amount of dressing. We got the entree size to split between the 4 of us and we each got a nice appetizer portion."






"For my entree I chose the rack of lamb (all natural herb roasted rack of lamb over blue cheese-corn pudding with a chianti and sweet onion reduction)."




"I thought this meal was great! I wasn't super fond of the corn pudding by itself, it was a little too grainy for me but when paired with the lamb it was excellent."




"Jeff chose the chicken (Ashley Farms free range breast of chicken served over house made spicy chorizo, yellow plantain hash and an avocado and heirloom tomato puree)."




"He thought the chicken was really good. The sauce it came on top of was really good. He said the chorizo wasn't really spicy and he had no problem eating it all."




"My dad and Mary both got the Sterling Silver pork chop."




"Mary felt that it was cooked pretty good, but not perfect. The gouda was good but the apple slaw, potato hash and cider jus really made the meal. My dad thought the pork was excellent and the potato hash and cider jus complemented the meal very well."



"Today we knew we would have enough room for dessert! First a couple menu pics."









"We all shared three desserts. We decided on the Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake with Macerated Strawberriesand Dark Chocolate Caviar Crisps."




"I thought this dessert was amazing! I am a strawberry lover (if you couldn't tell from the cupcake) and couldn't get enough of this dessert! It was very light and Mary said it tasted similar to a strawberry shake."




{A little background info, Mary and I LOVE creme brulee! If we see it on a menu we have a very difficult time passing it up. So we came here knowing we would get our #1 creme brulee! (and mind you we have had a lot of creme brulees!) We came to realize a few years ago the reason we love it so much is because our mother always used Watkins Double Vanilla extract and added more to any recipe, so double vanilla bean is like regular vanilla to us.}




"This creme brulee was just as good as always! The topping was burnt to a perfect golden brown. This did not disappoint!"




"Finally we decided on Banana-White Chocolate Toffee Tower on Cocoa-Almond Cookie and Bananas "Foster". "



"It had a nice banana flavor, was fluffy and light. We enjoyed this one as well."

"All three desserts were light...until we finished them off! Then, as my dad said, they hit like a ton of bricks!"



"We had a reservation at 7:25 with the park closing at 8. We did not feel rushed at all! Our server Tesha was fantastic! (you can see her pictured behind Jeff in his entree picture) All in all the meal was excellent, and we definitely didn't leave hungry!"​

5 October Game Points Earned + 8 Bonus Points for sign, menus, and pics of everyone

 

[JintyB]

Paula & Hunter will be at Disney World from 10/18 - 10/28 and she has volunteered to do live updates for us again! Paula is a veteran live thread reporter, as this will be her 3rd time reporting for us from Disney World (she has also reported from Disneyland two or three times). On her last WDW trip, Paula scored 272 points and was the winner of our April/May Game and she did it single-handedly, as May was a solo trip for her. This time she will have Hunter to help her earn those game points, so watch out Jeanette (JintyB, our current live thread high scorer with 467 points)! Also, Paula & Hunter are another awesome duo that I'm looking forward to meeting in December.
​

Work is so busy I'm struggling to keep up with all these updates! I have no idea how you manage it Barb?!

I would happily pass the high score crown over to Paula as I have LOVED her updates in the past and am in awe at her Sangria 'to go' idea from Via Napoli ​

 

[jabead]

Also coming in last night was a two-part Downtown Disney update from Niki Andiokno.


She said, "After a long day we needed a margarita...





"This was from the Margarita Stand at DTD. It was okay but not a lot of alcohol."




"We seem to have started a late night dinner trend. Tuesday night we ate at...


Earl of Sandwich


"The line was short near closing time. Sally and I split the Turkey Club...




The Earl’s Club with Turkey, bacon, Swiss, sandwich sauce, lettuce & tomato


"Really good."



"Mike had the Tuna Melt...



Tuna Melt - Albacore tuna salad & Swiss


"Excellent. Certainly not regular old canned tuna here."



And for dessert...




"Excellent Earl's Brownie...dark chocolate and moist."​

4 October Game Points Earned

 

[jabead]

One last update from yesterday, this one from Jamie (DisneyDreamerMN) who had breakfast at the Polynesian Resort.






Kona Coffee Bar (by day, Sushi Bar by night)...






She said, "Wednesday morning, Kyle and I headed to Kona for breakfast."










Breakfast Menu...







Bonus Menu (Dessert)...






"We started with the French pressed 100% Kona coffee."




"I always doctor my coffee up, so I am unable to say if I tasted a difference. Kyle drinks it black and said it was strong but good."



"For our entrees Kyle had the Tonga toast with bacon."




"He loves Tonga toast and it's the only time you will see him eat something with banana in it."



"I had the Samoan Breakfast."




"Under the poached eggs was smoked pork hash, but it was really just shredded pork with onions which is fine by me. It was so good."​

2 October Game Points Earned + 5 Bonus Points for sign, menus, and misc. pics

 

[jabead]

Oh. My. Gosh. 26 updates?? These reporters have been keeping you BUSY Barb!

So many awesome updates.

Hi Brenda! You thought 26 was a lot, well our 12 live reporters broke that record yesterday.


So let's get started on those, shall we? Our First Update of the Day yesterday was sent to us by Jeri (jerseytinkerbell).


She said, "Last night (Thursday) we returned to Downtown Disney's...






"It was pretty busy in there...




"We had a friend of ours with us last night and we wanted to watch the Thursday night Football game so we sat up near the bar area and the tv."



"We brought our 45 oz glass back with us for cheap refills...






"Rob and I split the Mexican Dipping Trio...




"This was just okay."



"We also split the chicken quesadillas...





"These were really good!"


"Service this time was...weird. I'll go into it more in my DR, but it was just an odd experience. We would still come back here though."
​

5 October Game Points Earned + 3 Bonus Points for sign, interior pic, and First Update of the Day

 

[jabead]

Next in yesterday morning was a Thursday night dinner update from Patty (emmebear) & Emme.















The menu pics...


















"We were seated right by the observation deck! Here is a pic of it through the large window...




"My server's name was Jorge or George (whatever I like to call him, he said). I don't know if it's because I used my TIW card but the service was spotty. He tried to rush me but I took my time ordering."


"First up, a tasty beverage...



Napa Blue Martini - Charbay Vodka and Olive Juice with Blue Cheese-stuffed Olives

"It was very strong and I enjoyed it! I wish there was more Blue cheese stuffed into the olives though."



"Next up, bread service...



"Emme loved the sourdough bread (no surprise there)."



"For my appetizer, I ordered the "Duck in all its Glory"...




House-made Sausage, Rillettes, Prosciutto, Duck Liver Pate and Cranberry Compote


"I enjoyed everything about this platter. It was very tasty. My favorite was the duck sausage and pate. It was very high quality and well made. The accompaniments were also well thought out and delicious!"



"Emme got the cheese pizza...








"Description said that it was heart-shaped but it wasn't. She was bummed out."



"For my main course, I had the Yuzu-marinated Sashimi...




"My favorite, hamachi (yellowtail). It was so buttery and the texture was exquisite. The slivers of ginger and the greens were so nice with the velvety texture of the fish."




"Ahi tuna with a sprinkle of caviar. The caviar was an added treat. Very fresh!"





"Red snapper!"



"I asked Jorge for a white wine to pair with my sashimi. He brought over a bottle, pours me a taste and then walks off."





"I was a bit irked as my dinner arrived and I had no wine. So what did I do? I poured the glass myself."





"It wasn't the classiest thing to do but I was thirsty and my server disappeared. So self-service wine at the California Grill. I should've tipped myself."



"Then it was time for HalloWishes!"





"I've never been on the deck and was excited to see HalloWishes from there!"











"Emme was getting tired."



"Time for dessert...




"Emme got vanilla ice cream."







"And I chose the warm fritters. The fritters were warm and fluffy. I liked the chocolate sauce the best. I was celebrating my nursing anniversary and it was nice of them to add the celebration to my meal."


"Overall, the meal was 9/10 and the service 6/10. The renovations were worth the wait and the food was very fresh and prepared nicely. Emme and I had a great dinner together and it was a great start to our vacation!"​

10 October Game Points Earned + 10 Bonus Points for name, menu pics, misc. pics, and pics of Patty & Emme

 

[jabead]

Sadly we then received the final updates from Rachael (Gracefulskinny), who's trip came to an end on Thursday.


First a report from her dining on Wednesday, starting with a few items that they tried at the Food & Wine Festival.



HAWAII & SCOTLAND




Kālua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour Dole® Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise
& Vegetarian Haggis with Neeps and Tatties-Griddled Vegetable Cake with Rutabaga and Mashed Potatoes


"The pork was beyond disappointing and it should be noted that slapping pineapple on to Southern-style pulled pork does not make it kalua pig or Hawaiian."


"The haggis was okay. Might have been better if it wasn't so dang hot outside."




Greece


"Next was Greece and the griddled Greek cheese...




"We found it to be a little on the too salty side."




"Next we stopped at France's bakery...


Boulangerie Patisserie





"We got a strawberry tart and a cheese roll thing. Both were good. The tart was very rich though."




JAPAN




"DH got the Spicy Hand Roll. It was decent but no amazing."



CHINA




Mongolian Beef in a Steamed Bun

"It was a tad too spicy for me but Jon liked it."



"We got tired and took a break at the hotel. Before we went back to Epcot for fireworks and EMH, we decided to split the "Create your own Pasta" at...


Riverside Mill




"This was Pesto and Alfredo mixed together. Quite delicious!"



"The F & W booths ended up being closed during EMH so instead we decided to try some school bread at Norway's bakery...

Kringla Bakeri og Cafe





"It was tasty but not in a hurry to get it again."​

10 October Game Points Earned

 

[jabead]

Then next was Rachael's final update from their last day (Thursday) at Disney World.


She said, "We first went for breakfast at...

Riverside Mill




(Looks like the Bounty Platter and a muffin.)



"Then we went up to settle our bill with some gift cards. There was a glitch in the system and now they owe us $790!!!! Their computers went down for about a day and when they came back up, any time they tried to credit back to a card it would instead charge it. Add that to the credit they owe us due to no fridge. They swear they will fix it ASAP."


"After checking out we took the boat to DTD to finish up some shopping and eat a final lunch at...





"We both got the Italian. It was chaos in there."



"Our very last stop was at...


Goofy's Candy Co.





"We got "Create your own Treats". Wow are these good. We still have some to munch on later."



"After Goofy's we were exhausted and went back to the resort to hang around until the (un)Magical Express arrived."




"It was sad to leave but we both are anxious to get back to our daughter." ​

4 October Game Points Earned + 2 Bonus Points for name and ME sign

 

[jabead]

And since that was Rachael's final update, it's now time to say...




Thanks so much for being a Live Reporter... Good Job!!!





Gracefulskinny's Total Oct./Nov. Game Points Earned = 91
​

 

[jabead]

Next in yesterday morning was a two-part update from Niki Andiokno.


She said, "We were out so late everything was closed, so Steak 'n Shake it was."









"Real hamburger and skinny fries {and looks like a side of nail polish too }. Does the job."



Then she also sent this update from their lunch at Animal Kingdom's...

Yak & Yeti



"Mike had a Yak Attack...




"Very cool and refreshing."


"We shared appetizers. Fried Green Beans and Lettuce Wraps...




"Both very good."



"We also got an order of egg rolls...




"The girls found them edible. Made Mike happy because he loved them and ate all three." ​

3 October Game Points Earned

 

[BlovesC]

Side of nail polish! Oh Barb.

Kind of fun to see a Steak n Shake review in this thread! Despite living here for four years and passing no less than 3 on my way to work, I've never tried SnS, and when I tell people here that, they react with shock and horror. I think it's like a live update veteran saying they've never had a dole whip!

Emme continues to be the cutest thing ever! Sad to hear about the service at CG, that's awful! And if I ordered a heart-shaped pizza and it came out round, I'd be incredibly disappointed. Emme's a champ for handling it so well at her age!

 

[jabead]

Gisèle (Arielle71) also sent us a lunch update yesterday morning, but her's was from AoA's...






"We both had the "Make your own Pasta"...




Mine with Alfredo and Pesto sauce...





...and DH's with marinara.


"This was really good for a CS and a huge portion."


"Last night we did MNSSHP and only used our photopass but we had Greek salads at Starlight Cafe and they were excellent."


​

2 October Game Points Earned + 1 Bonus Point for sign

 

[jabead]

Next we received some updates from Mindy2k3, starting with one from her dinner at Downtown Disney's...


Raglan Road





Dalkey Duo - Battered cocktail sausages with a Dalkey mustard dipping sauce



"We started with the sausage appetizer...pic is minus a few!"







"Gnocchi Sea Gnocchi Do...my DH loved this."






"Lobster stuffed crab special. OMG, two of us ordered this. It was the best meal of the trip!"






"Fish and Chips, the girls enjoyed this."





Serious Steak – 10 oz sirloin topped with Irish whiskey marmalade glaze, with fresh basil oil, mashed potatoes & topped with beer battered onion rings


"Steak of some kind. The plate was clean the next time I looked over."







"Our girls got to dance with the Irish dancers. It was fun, Raglan Road is now a must do for all of us. We couldn't eat dessert, everyone was stuffed!"

​

3 October Game Points Earned + 3 Bonus Points for pic of girls with dancers

 

[jabead]

Mindy's next update was a two-part report from DHS, starting with their breakfast at...


Hollywood & Vine




"Muffin, frittata, sausage in two forms, ham, potato casserole, biscuit and gravy, and scrambled eggs."





"The baby's plate...Fruit loops were the hit!"








"Girls' plates. They liked breakfast."





"Bread pudding and warm apple cobbler with vanilla sauce."







"The older two wanted to do Jedi training. We had an 8:00 breakfast ADR and finished right around 9:00 and got in line."



Later Mindy also had this snack from the...


Writer's Stop





"The baby and I took a walk while everyone else rode Tower of Terror. We ended up at the Writer's Stop, where I got an iced mocha and a carrot cake cookie. I needed the coffee, half of the cookie is in my backpack on the way home."


​

11 October Game Points Earned + 4 Bonus Points for character pic with girls

 

[jabead]

One more update from Mindy for now, this one from a brief visit to the Food & Wine Festival.


ITALY




Italian Margarita




Ravioli de formaggio allemiliana
& Salsiccia e Papacelli Napoletani (sausage with peppers)

"All were delicious. It was my lunch!"




MOROCCO



Harissa Chicken Roll

"It was very good."



"My daughter had this slush from a kiosk in Morocco (they had a bunch of different flavors)."



"Her teeth were blue for awhile." ​

5 October Game Points Earned

 

[jabead]

Next in yesterday morning was Jeri's (jerseytinkerbell) breakfast update from DHS'...





Breakfast menu...





"Rob had the sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich...





"I had my third cheese danish of the trip..."




"Delicious!"​

5 October Game Points Earned + 2 Bonus Points for sign and menu

 

[jabead]

I recently received a PM from Kris (Krissalee), who is currently at Disney World and offered to report on some of the F & W Festival events that they would be attending during their trip.


And then yesterday afternoon I received this update from Kris...


She said, "Today we attended one of the special Food & Wine Festival events."




"The menu...





"The wines that were paired with the meal were from Meeker Vineyards. The winemakers were there to present their wines - Charlie & Molly Meeker."





"Meeker's Handprint Merlot...



"The winemakers sign their bottles with acrylic paint handprints."




"The cooking couple - John & Duskie...



"Duskie is known from competing on the Next Iron Chef (x2) and other competitions."





"Iceberg wedge with Point Reyes Blue Cheese Dressing, Avocado and Candied Black Pig Bacon."


"Best bacon ever!!!!"





"Sonoma Lamb Slider and a Fig Anchoiade with Goat Cheese and Arugula."





"Lemon Meringue "Pie in a Jar" with Huckleberries and Coconut Shortbread."





"Close up of the Lemon Meringue."





"Even Duskie has a Magic Band!"



"This was a great event with a fabulous meal... and 3 glasses of wine before noon didn't hurt either!" ​

5 October Game Points Earned + 5 Bonus Points for name, menu, misc. pic and pics of presenters