*Planning our Must Do's = BoOzE & Food* Nov '12 F&W Fest PTR*10/31 I leave TODAY!

[rachel09985]

Great PTR! I love it, you guys are going to have a blast!!

I feel the same way with my PTR! Almost no responses, but hey after the trip I will always be able to look back and see how I planned everything.

Cant wait to read more!!

thanks for commenting on mine! I just posted on yours!! We can be part of the No readers club! LOL!

 

[emmysmommy]

Hi Rachel! I'm still here following along.

You were so pretty for the wedding! I love the pink dress - sorry the shoes were not so comfortable. Looks like you had a great time!

Glad to see your travel plans falling into place - even coming in a day early - SCORE! You'll have to report back if traveling on Halloween made for any interesting travel stories!

And thank you for including some food porn - mmmmm cheesey fries!

 

[rachel09985]

Hi Rachel! I'm still here following along.

You were so pretty for the wedding! I love the pink dress - sorry the shoes were not so comfortable. Looks like you had a great time!

Glad to see your travel plans falling into place - even coming in a day early - SCORE! You'll have to report back if traveling on Halloween made for any interesting travel stories!

And thank you for including some food porn - mmmmm cheesey fries!

Aww thank you so much! The pink dress was fun although not the most flattering.

I bet there will be some kooks flying in on Halloween. I will report back on the costumes

 

[rachel09985]

So when I went home this weekend I looked through our family's Disney photo album from our 1994 trip. I believe we stayed at Old Key West, was it called Conch flats back then??? I took some pics of the pictures and they are funny! I would have been 9 in these pics, brother 7, and jessica 2 I think.

Me with Donald, he is creepy. Look at my Minnie Mouse outfit, I love the shoulder cutouts.

Family with Minnie, she had such a cute outfit.

Josh and me with Mickey. I miss meeting him in his house

Belle and Me! Does she do meet n greets with this outfit anywhere?

This one is the best!!! Family with Dad! Look at the size of that video camera!!! Can you imagine carrying that around!!?!?

That is it for now. I am trying to find more pics from when we went in 1998 but I can't find them.

 

[emmysmommy]

I love those vintage photos!! Wow... lugging that video camera around is kinda like dragging a piece of luggage around.

 

[DsnyMama]

I'm along for the ride!! I'm loving the vintage pics!!

 

[rachel09985]

I love those vintage photos!! Wow... lugging that video camera around is kinda like dragging a piece of luggage around.

I know! I thought dragging around a DSLR would be bad enough!

 

[rachel09985]

I'm along for the ride!! I'm loving the vintage pics!!

Thanks for joining in!!!

 

[rachel09985]

I hope everyone's weekend is going well. Mine is ok, we removed my grandma's ventilator and feeding tube and she is hospice. It is so sad getting older and having to go through this We also saw the Dark Knight Rises. It was really sad to be in the theater and to reflect what happened Friday early morning in Colorado. Life is too precious and we need to remember this more often.

Which is why I am going to Disney and spending $1K instead of saving it, like I should be! Memories not money is my philosophy! JK! I know I need to have both

Anyways, on to Disney planning. I have put together my list of must do's in for the Food and Wine Festival. I plan on eating maybe two meals in the World Showcase. This list totals to $98.60! So $44.30 per meal, not bad! LOL! A lot of them are drinks too. Here is my list.

Brazil
• Mixed Drink: LeBlon Frozen Caipirinha cocktail – $7.50
Argentina
• Food: Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Puree – $5.00 (Snack Credit)
Mexico
• Food: Shrimp Tacos *New This Year - $4.95 (Snack Credit)
Scandinavia
• Food: Sweedish Meatballs with Lingonberries - $3.50 (Snack Credit)
• Dessert: Rice Pudding with Berries - $2.75 (Snack Credit) This is just a maybe
China
• Food: Black Pepper Shrimp with Sichuan Noodles - $4.50 (Snack Credit)
South Korea
• Wine: Myung Jak Bokbunjajoo (Raspberry Wine) *New This Year - $3.75
South Africa
• Food: Seared Filet of Beef with Smashed Sweet Potatoes and Braai Sauce *New This Year - $5.00 (Snack Credit)

Germany
• Food: Nuernberger Sausage in a Pretzel Roll - $4.50 (Snack Credit)
• Dessert: Apple Strudel Featuring Karamel Sauce and Vanilla Sauce - $3.25 (Snack Credit)
Poland
• Food: Kielbasa and Potato Pierogie with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream - $5.00 (Snack Credit)
Italy
• Dessert: Cannoli al Cioccolate (chocolate-covered cannoli shell filled with sweet ricotta cheese, chocolate, and candied fruit) - $3.50 (Snack Credit)
Hops & Barley
• Food: Linda Bean’s Perfect Main Lobster Roll - $7.25 (Snack Credit)
• Dessert: Pumpkin Mousse with Ocean Spray Craisins Brand Dried Cranberries and Orange Sauce *New This Year - $1.50 (Snack Credit) I hear this is amazing, so I want to try it. And it is only $1.50
• Beer: Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat - $$2.75 (6 oz.), $5.25 (12 oz.), $11.50 (22 oz. with souvenir mug) I would get the small size. I love how they have small sizes to try beer, because I am picky with beer.
• Beer: Samuel Adams Blackberry Witbier - $5.50 Just a maybe

Japan
• Food: Spicy Tuna Roll - $3.75 (Snack Credit)
• Food: Tuna and Salmon Sensation - $5.95 (Snack Credit)
France
• Dessert: Creme Brulee au Chocolat au Lait (chocolate milk creme brulee topped with caramelized sugar) - $3.95 (Snack Credit) We had this before. it is super yummy!

Ireland
• Food: Lobster & Scallop Fisherman’s Pie - $5.75 (Snack Credit) I had this before too! Super good use for a snack credit. This is good.
Canada
• Food: Chicken Chipotle Sausage with Sweet Corn Polenta - $4.00 (Snack Credit) We are eating at Le Cellier but this looks good from there.
Greece

• Food: Griddled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey *New This Year - $3.25 (Snack Credit) Verrrry curious about this.
Dessert & Champagne

• Dessert: White Chocolate Macademia Mousse with Dark Chocolate Pearls *New This Year - $1.50 (Snack Credit)
Hawaii *New This Year
• Food: Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour Dole Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise *New This Year - $3.00 (Snack Credit)
Craft Beer
• Beer: Leinenkugal’s Berry Weiss - $2.75 (6 oz.), $5.00 (12 oz.), $11.50 (22 oz. with souvenir mug)

Now, I have no idea if these will be the booths that will be there but this is the list I made because I was bored at work! Hopefully we will be able to find more out about the booths. I know there is going to be a Florida booth, which I will want to try! Especially if they have some sort of crab option or key lime pie!









Edit September 1st..

I can now cross the Sam Adams Cherry Wheat beer off of my list... I had it today at Champps and it was DISGUSTING. It was so bitter but had a gross sweet cherry flavor, like cough syrup. Ew, thankfully I got to try it so I know I don't want it.

Also, Brazil is not party of the Food and Wine Fest this year, so I can cross off the Frozen Caiprihana, which kind of bums me out because I have always wanted to try one of those drinks.

 

[happy2012]

Yay Rachel!!! I read one of your reviews & really enjoyed it!! We'll be staying @ AOA as well in Nov after you guys. We are SAD about missing F&W fest this year. Can't wait for the scoop!





*Sadly my BFF did not love WDW the way I do. She only liked it. It's a sad truth. BUT my husband does & he sees all of the details of the place & LOVES EPCOT!!! I bet my BFF would have had we been old enough to drink.


*I LOVE that of ALL those places you have traveled WDW is your favorite!! That's awesome!

* Prayers for your Gam & family.

*Wow what a great line up for F&W. This is kind of making it harder on me that we are missing it! I have to say that surprising enough to me the pretzel sausage German thing was my FAV! My DH actually picked it. I tried it, not loving the way it looked. lol! But it was FAB!!! I swear he picks the best stuff!!!

 

[rachel09985]

Yay Rachel!!! I read one of your reviews & really enjoyed it!! We'll be staying @ AOA as well in Nov after you guys. We are SAD about missing F&W fest this year. Can't wait for the scoop!

*Sadly my BFF did not love WDW the way I do. She only liked it. It's a sad truth. BUT my husband does & he sees all of the details of the place & LOVES EPCOT!!! I bet my BFF would have had we been old enough to drink.
*I LOVE that of ALL those places you have traveled WDW is your favorite!! That's awesome!

* Prayers for your Gam & family.

*Wow what a great line up for F&W. This is kind of making it harder on me that we are missing it! I have to say that surprising enough to me the pretzel sausage German thing was my FAV! My DH actually picked it. I tried it, not loving the way it looked. lol! But it was FAB!!! I swear he picks the best stuff!!!

Aw thanks for reading =) I will be sure to do a dining review and maybe a trip report! That makes me sad about your BFF only liking it. I just really really hope my friend doesn't dislike it! I would be sooo sad. Hopefully it will be better with the alcohol. haha!

WDW is my favorite place. It just makes me so happy and carefree! Thanks for the prayers about my grandma. She is still hanging on but I don't think it will be much longer.

 

[emmysmommy]

Rachel, your F&W list looks awesome! So many great selections and choices.

So sorry about your grandmother....I like your philosophy - live life and enjoy it while you can!

 

[Disneychix]

Argentina
• Food: Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Puree – $5.00 (Snack Credit)
This is seriously good!
Mexico
• Food: Shrimp Tacos *New This Year - $4.95 (Snack Credit)
We had the beef tacos-those were delicious so these should be too!
South Africa
• Food: Seared Filet of Beef with Smashed Sweet Potatoes and Braai Sauce *New This Year - $5.00 (Snack Credit)
They must've had a filet of beef different last year-this was very good!

Germany
• Food: Nuernberger Sausage in a Pretzel Roll - $4.50 (Snack Credit)
Yes!Yes!
Italy
• Dessert: Cannoli al Cioccolate (chocolate-covered cannoli shell filled with sweet ricotta cheese, chocolate, and candied fruit) - $3.50 (Snack Credit)
Honestly-this was the only thing I was dissapointed in-I love me some cannoli so maybe I was just picky?
• Beer: Samuel Adams Cherry Wheat - $$2.75 (6 oz.), $5.25 (12 oz.), $11.50 (22 oz. with souvenir mug) I would get the small size. I love how they have small sizes to try beer, because I am picky with beer.
My DH says go big or go home
France
• Dessert: Creme Brulee au Chocolat au Lait (chocolate milk creme brulee topped with caramelized sugar) - $3.95 (Snack Credit) We had this before. it is super yummy!
Yummy!

Ireland
• Food: Lobster & Scallop Fisherman’s Pie - $5.75 (Snack Credit) I had this before too! Super good use for a snack credit. This is good.
Sadly we missed this-the line was soooooo long!
Canada
• Food: Chicken Chipotle Sausage with Sweet Corn Polenta - $4.00 (Snack Credit) We are eating at Le Cellier but this looks good from there.
Soooo good!!!
Hawaii *New This Year
• Food: Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour Dole Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise *New This Year - $3.00 (Snack Credit)
Very good!!!

Now, I have no idea if these will be the booths that will be there but this is the list I made because I was bored at work! Hopefully we will be able to find more out about the booths. I know there is going to be a Florida booth, which I will want to try! Especially if they have some sort of crab option or key lime pie!

I'm very sorry about your grandma. We lost my mom's mom 2 yrs ago, about the same way, and my paternal grandma just this past spring.

 

[rachel09985]

Rachel, your F&W list looks awesome! So many great selections and choices.

So sorry about your grandmother....I like your philosophy - live life and enjoy it while you can!

Thanks for the kind works about my grandma! She is still hanging on, which actually makes it worse than if she passed away soon.

I'm very sorry about your grandma. We lost my mom's mom 2 yrs ago, about the same way, and my paternal grandma just this past spring.

Thank you for your words! We lost my grandpa 6 months ago, I guess my grandma couldn't go on without her husband.

Haha about the go big or go home! Can I meet his suggestion in the middle?

 

[rachel09985]

My wonderful in laws are here this weekend visiting us! I love them so much, they are the best, so I was soo excited to see them.

I got an early birthday present from them! My birthday is September 9th, but she didn't know if I would see them again before my birthday, so this is what I got. Disney themed of course!

Princess themed card, because I am a princess! I can even color on the back! Haha

princess Gift Card. This will be perfect for our trip because of my long To Do list at the food and wine festival. I also got a $10 gift card from Disney Movie Rewards, plus we will have about $30 in disney money from our Visa, so I will have about $65 for Disney!

Mini Minnie OPI nailpolish!! I have been wanting this for a while, because it is Disney, so I just had to have it! They are cute colors and I like that they are mini.

That is it for now! We are headed to St Paul tonight to eat some pizza at a pizza joint. And then go to Menchie's for frozen yougurt! YUM. Have a great weekend!

 

[emmysmommy]

Awwww.. she knows you so well, what a perfect card/gift! I have a hard time finding Disney gift cards around here. I used to see them at the local grocery store and drug store but no more.

Enjoy your pizza and fro-yo.

 

[PrincessShea]

Hey, I've really enjoyed your other dining reviews, so I am joining in!

I don't know if you were still planning on getting your friend one of the three presents you talked about earlier in the thread...but I just wanted to chime in with experience.

Now I know many will probably disagree with me, but I would NOT recommend the CRT breakfast. DH and I did it and it was extremely awkward being adults without children there for breakfast. The place is tiny inside, the food is horrible (and as you said WAY expensive)...so you are basically paying to interact with the princesses, who for us seemed really more trained at dealing with all the kids there. I dunno, I just didn't think it was worth what it cost. If you are dying to see the inside of the castle, maybe dinner JMHO.

 

[happy2012]

Minnie minisss!!!! OMGosh these are so cute & OPI is the best!!! I had 1 of the muppet colors last year. Now I've gotta have this since minnie mouse in my favorite character.

 

[rachel09985]

Awwww.. she knows you so well, what a perfect card/gift! I have a hard time finding Disney gift cards around here. I used to see them at the local grocery store and drug store but no more.

Enjoy your pizza and fro-yo.

She got my gift card at a grocery store around town. That is weird you can't find them. I know Target has a 50 dollar gift card.

the pizza was yummy and frozen yogurt delish!

Hey, I've really enjoyed your other dining reviews, so I am joining in!

I don't know if you were still planning on getting your friend one of the three presents you talked about earlier in the thread...but I just wanted to chime in with experience.

Now I know many will probably disagree with me, but I would NOT recommend the CRT breakfast. DH and I did it and it was extremely awkward being adults without children there for breakfast. The place is tiny inside, the food is horrible (and as you said WAY expensive)...so you are basically paying to interact with the princesses, who for us seemed really more trained at dealing with all the kids there. I dunno, I just didn't think it was worth what it cost. If you are dying to see the inside of the castle, maybe dinner JMHO.

Thanks for your input! I think we are doing the park hoppers instead. I want to do one other character breakfast though so I am not sure where. I think I am thinking between Akershus and Tusker House, but I am still deciding.

Thanks for reading along!

Minnie minisss!!!! OMGosh these are so cute & OPI is the best!!! I had 1 of the muppet colors last year. Now I've gotta have this since minnie mouse in my favorite character.

Hah i know! They are sooo cute! I would recommend the light pink color If you Moust you Moust or I'm All Ears

 

[rachel09985]

Well, I am back. My grandma did pass away last Tuesday. I was able to see her Monday at the hospice. While she wasn't conscious I hope she knew I was there. It was really a great time with my family despite the circumstances. I gave a eulogy at the funeral, which everyone loved. I am glad she is not suffering anymore and can be in heaven with my grandpa.

Unfortunately, I couldn't go to Green Bay with Corey, but Corey's dad drove there to be with him which was nice. My mom is also not coming to visit anymore. I have mixed feelings about that. I am glad she isn't coming but then sad because she has never seen my apartment. Here are some fun pictures from the past couple of weeks.

Juicy Nookie cheeseburger stuffed with pepperjack at The Nook in St. Paul. I had this with Corey's parents last weekend. It is amazing.

New OPI nailpolish! I love OPI and I can get it for only $4.25

Letters from my gma to gpa and gpa to gma while he was in the Korean War. These were absolutely amazing to read and I got to keep some which I will treasure so much.

Dad and siblings toasting my grandma with her favorite drink- Mudslides!

Now Disney stuff!!

In case you haven't heard the new Fantasyland expansion is opening on December 6th. That leaves no chance for a soft opening when I am there, which is okay, but I thought their might be a slim chance.

I also decided to purchase Park Hoppers today. It is $56 per person, so I got the old ticket pricing which is good. I am still semi undecided if I want to get them. I think it would be fun but I am trying to decide if our experience would be less by not having them. I am also deciding on a character breakfast. I am contemplating Tusker House or Akershus but neither have times open now that I want. I would use a credit for breakfast and then pay out of pocket for Via Napoli most likely.

Here is my rough draft schedule right now.

I think I want to try out jellyrolls. Emily said she would want to go a dueling piano bar and I think she would have fun there. With our schedule we would maybe use park hopper three times. I am just not sure that is worth it! The big difference with the PH is that I would do AK and MK on the same day whereas without the PH we would do AK the day Emily leaves and then Corey and I wouldn't be able to go to a park after dinner. I am not sure what we are doing yet. All I know is I am excited!!Corey and I took a walk today and I made him go through what snacks he wanted to get. LOL!

That is it for now! Hopefully I can have more updates soon.