Resort Upgrades, Roses, No Rain & LOTS OF FOOD! NEW 11/23 Food & Wine AND PhotoPass!

[DisneyCrafter]

Thanks for mentioning that banana bread at Boma. I'll be sure to try it! Sorry you had a breakdown at AK.

Cute pic of you in front of the B&B topiary! I can't wait for the F&W pictures!

The banana bread really was outstanding! It is definitely something to keep me going back! I've been slacking on my TR lately. I think I just need to get it finished!!!

Great update - I'll have to add San Angel Inn to our list of places to eat at... We tend to always eat at the same places and not venture to new ones, but I'm making a list so I can just start making ressies and he can be along for the ride ~ I'm confident he will be a good sport (for most of them)!

Looking forward to the next installment!

Our next trip it is going to be hard to fit in our favorites and new places too! My DH is always up for trying whatever I choose, too.

Two questions... do we get to see your amazing drawing of the green alien?

And who was that performing at Epcot? It was Taylor Dane when we were there... but I don't recall who was next...

That was actually the one I pitched when we were finished. Sorry!

It was Sugar Ray! My cousin got to see Hanson this week!

Great update! Can't wait for the F&W festival pics. My favorite....

I can't wait to post them!

Another great update! I think you can visit Epcot A LOT during a trip. There is so much to do there - especially during F&W!

You are so right about visiting it a lot, I don't think my strategy of not planning out our park days was such a good idea, however.

 

[nessz79]

I'm a bit late, but I'm here! Whew- I've never park hopped before so I'm not sure how exhausting it is...but it sure looks it!

 

[DisneyCrafter]

3D Dessert Party Day!​

Today was another open day in our schedule and we (well, really I) decided that we would return to AK to see ITTBAB and Finding Nemo before heading over to Epcot for the evening, after all we had the 3D Dessert Discovery Party to attend this evening!

Unfortunately, this is the only picture I have from AK.

I remember the first thing we did when we got to AK was to eat lunch. It was VERY hot this day and of course the ONLY open table at Yak & Yeti CS was in the blazing sun. Needless to say, we ate quickly and were on our way over to Expedition Everest, we decided to ride this together because I rode this alone on Wednesday. Well, we technically didn’t ride together as we got into the single riders line so we wouldn’t have to wait 40 minutes (we waited around 20). We did get on the same train, however, so that was good! After that we headed over to Nemo and got in line for the next show. We waited around 20 minutes for the show to start and it went by soooooo slow! I thought the show was pretty good but not as good as FotLK, IMO. After moving with the masses out of Nemo we made it over to ITTBAB and made it just in time for the next one to start! I completely forgot about the stinging bees and Greg got a good laugh out of that one! I was ready for the ending with the bugs “crawling” underneath your bottom, though! After we left AK we headed right over to Epcot and I remember we didn’t wait very long for a bus.

We didn’t ride any attractions b/c the wait was just too long. (I’m so glad we got everything in at the beginning of the week.) We wandered around for a bit and then stopped at Sunshine Seasons for some dinner. The food was just okay, IMO. I had the Chicken Caesar Salad and it was nothing compared to the one we had at Contempo Café. The strawberry shortcake was pretty good, too! I enjoyed how it was very light tasting compared to all of the other desserts I’d been having that week. I seriously probably could have stayed sitting at Sunshine Seasons until the Dessert Party but I got myself up and we headed over to Innoventions. Oh! We spent about 2 minutes in line at Epcot’s Character Spot before I decided the long line just wasn’t worth it!

I really enjoyed innoventions! It was inside in the air conditioning so that was a plus! We put ourselves in a video game, went on a piggy bank adventure and answered some questions about the future!

After that, we decided to head over to the pavilion and wait. We actually were one of the first ones to check-in and then we waited around 15 minutes or so before they let us in the building where we waited another 15 minutes or so.

The anticipation to see what it looked like was almost unbearable. They had up long white curtains and they had a CM that was “babysitting” us to make sure no one peaked behind the curtain. I mean it, if you even brushed against it she would come and reprimand you! Finally it was time to head in! Wow!

Live music, beautiful décor and all the desserts and drinks you could eat in an hour and a half! I was in heaven!

We were so stuffed when we left and I was VERY tipsy! They had lots of bourbon and whiskey which I’m not a fan of so I skipped those. I had some creamed rum (Malibu) and it was soooo good! They poured about a half a shot at each place and they didn’t care how many times you went back up there. The rum station poured me a complete shot of something that was like 150 proof and I tried to water it down by pouring it into a glass of lemonade but I just couldn’t take it so I left it. The line for the wine and champagne was SO long (there was only 1 station) so everyone was filling like 4 glasses at once, including me. They were so nice at the end, too and gave us to go cups filled with champagne so we could take it with us to the fireworks! Needless to say, this experience was worth EVERY penny of the $45/person charge.

The private fireworks viewing was between the two gift shops at the entrance to WS. Greg and I actually sat here on our honeymoon to see Illuminations. Let me just say that the 3D glasses were amazing! They put Mickey heads on all of the lights! I will definitely be bringing this with us the next time we go to WDW! After the fireworks were over to made it back to the monorail and to our room quite quickly (within 30 minutes or so).

 

[DisneyCrafter]

I'm a bit late, but I'm here! Whew- I've never park hopped before so I'm not sure how exhausting it is...but it sure looks it!

It was definitely exhausting but the end of the week was a little more laid back so it was nice! I definitely already have some touring ideas for next trip!

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

The dessert party looks amazing! I'd agree that that is definitely worth $45!

 

[IheartDDuck]

OMG, that dessert discovery looks amazing!

I seriously think it's something I may have to try out when we go to the F&W festival next year.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Wow - that dessert party looks amazing!! But can you explain the 3D piece a bit more... you mentioned 3D glasses, but I don't get it...

 

[DisneyCrafter]

The dessert party looks amazing! I'd agree that that is definitely worth $45!

It was amazing! It definitely exceeded any expectations I had.

OMG, that dessert discovery looks amazing!

I seriously think it's something I may have to try out when we go to the F&W festival next year.

You should really look into doing it. I couldn't believe how nice it was!

Wow - that dessert party looks amazing!! But can you explain the 3D piece a bit more... you mentioned 3D glasses, but I don't get it...

That's all it was. The 3D glasses were given out to watch the fireworks. Nothing about the dessert/drink part was 3D.

 

[DisneyCrafter]

Life Update!

The holidays are quickly approaching and believe it or not I plan to have this TR done by Thanksgiving!

What's been going on in my life? Well, not much...until yesterday that is! Yesterday began as any Monday should: hard to get out of the nice, warm bed in the morning! I went about my morning as usual, dropped the girls off at school and headed home for a couple of hours to get some things done. Well, that's when I got a phone call from my step-mom telling me she had bad news. Now, we had just been talking about a bank account so I thought it was related to that so imagine my shock when she told me that my grandfather was in the hospital. I was very worried and so I quickly said goodbye to her and called my grandmother right away. She told me what happened; he had the shakes so bad (due to a high fever) that he was getting shortness of breath. He had been feeling bad the day before and she canceled a trip to northern WI because she just didn't think my grandpa was up for it. Anyway, after talking to her I felt a little better because I thought "Well, they'll load him up with antibiotics and fluid so he's not dehydrated anymore and send him on his way." I called my Dad (as he was on his way to the hospital) and asked for him to call me and let me know if my grandpa was up for visitors. He agreed. A few hours go by and I haven't heard anything but I decide that I'll wait until after work before calling my Dad. Well, imagine my surprise when my step-mom calls me up again and says, "Did you hear anything?" I say no and she goes "Well, Grandpa had a heart attack." At this point, adrenaline rushes through me and I begin to shake. She didn't know much more than that. So I call my Dad right away and he explains to me that while he was shaking he had a mild heart attack. So he goes in for an angiogram and it turns out that he has 4 blockages in the arteries outside of the heart-including the main one that is 95% blocked. They couldn't put the stint in yesterday because of the infection (which is the silver lining b/c without the infection he would have died of a massive heart attack at any moment) so he spent the evening in Cardiac ICU and will have the stint placed in this afternoon. I'm obviously still worried but I feel better knowing that he was in good spirits when I went to see him yesterday. My grandparents mean the world to me. I lived with them for most of my childhood and they are the type of grandparents that you think may just outlive you because of their energy and "invincibility". Now, I wait until I hear that the stint was put in and I can breathe a sigh of relief.

On a much better note, I was offered a part-time job at a public library in the town over from mine. I interviewed for it last week and I was very excited about it but I didn't want to jinx it and talk about it to everybody but yesterday afternoon I received the phone call telling me they were interested in hiring me! It is in the youth services department. I'll be working anywhere between 12-19 hours per week and I'll only have to work 2 Saturdays and 1 Sunday a month. I'm very excited because I always said that if I could find the ideal part-time job it would be at a library. Now, I will be adding several hundred more dollars a month to our income. Which translates to possibly not having to wait two years before we go on another trip! (BUT-we want to have more money in an emergency fund before we go anywhere.)

I plan on having another update up sometime this week and then I'll be posting the F&W pics and the PhotoPass pictures!

 

[DisMomAmy]

First - and for your grandfather!!!

And CONGRATULATIONS about the job!!!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Rachael,



I'll keep your grandfather in my prayers. I can empathize with what you say about thinking about them being invincible. I feel the same way about my grandmother.

Congratulations on your new job too.

 

[Simba22]

Hey Rachael! Sorry it has taken me so long to get here! I think you started your TR while we were in WDW and since your PTR wasn't getting updates by the time we got back, I completely missed out on all your updates!

I'm all caught up now and all I have to say is WOW!!! I can't believe all of the great experiences! How cool that you were able to do the Wishes cruise!! And it was so nice of your mousekeeper to leave you roses! They were beautiful!

I know there is a ton of other stuff I'm forgetting to comment on, but I'm so glad you liked your food at San Angel! The first time we ate there was in 2007 and it was everyone's favorite meal of the trip (there were 4 of us) and we have gone back every year since then and have not been disappointed. The food is always fresh, cooked to perfection, and full of flavor. So glad you had a good time there!

And I totally understand about your crankiness! I had meltdowns (more like temper tantrums - crying included) the first two days of our trip!


ETA:Hope your grandfather feels better soon!
Congrats on your job! Working at the library sounds like so much fun! I would love that job!

 

[DisneyCrafter]

First - and for your grandfather!!!

And CONGRATULATIONS about the job!!!

Thanks! My grandpa is doing so much better after such a rough week. When I was visiting with him today the cardiologist came in and said he'll be going home sometime early this week!

Thanks also about the congratulations for my job! I don't have a start date yet but I did fill out the initial paperwork. I am very excited to actually begin!

Rachael,



I'll keep your grandfather in my prayers. I can empathize with what you say about thinking about them being invincible. I feel the same way about my grandmother.

Congratulations on your new job too.

Thankfully, he's on the mend!

I am looking forward to having more $$ around here!

Hey Rachael! Sorry it has taken me so long to get here! I think you started your TR while we were in WDW and since your PTR wasn't getting updates by the time we got back, I completely missed out on all your updates!

I'm all caught up now and all I have to say is WOW!!! I can't believe all of the great experiences! How cool that you were able to do the Wishes cruise!! And it was so nice of your mousekeeper to leave you roses! They were beautiful!

I know there is a ton of other stuff I'm forgetting to comment on, but I'm so glad you liked your food at San Angel! The first time we ate there was in 2007 and it was everyone's favorite meal of the trip (there were 4 of us) and we have gone back every year since then and have not been disappointed. The food is always fresh, cooked to perfection, and full of flavor. So glad you had a good time there!

And I totally understand about your crankiness! I had meltdowns (more like temper tantrums - crying included) the first two days of our trip!


ETA:Hope your grandfather feels better soon!
Congrats on your job! Working at the library sounds like so much fun! I would love that job!

I did read your TR a few days ago I promise! I've just been busy and in a "no vacation to look forward to" funk. Thanks for your get well wishes for my Gpa. He was joking with me today and I am so happy to not be fearful I'm going to lose him anymore.

I always said that if I could find the perfect 2nd job it would be working at a library and what do you know? I'll be working at a library! I'm so excited to be bringing in more money.

 

[DisneyCrafter]

Our last day in WDW. ​

Well, this is it, the last day we spent in WDW this trip. I didn’t have the blues because we had a fun-filled day at MK ahead of us-and my cousin would be joining us! We started this day off by eating at Crystal Palace. We had an ADR for 905 if I remember correctly but we entered around 835 or so-once we found where to enter prior to park opening for ADRs, I simply told the CM what time our ADR was for (I may have “accidentally” said 845) and we were on our way down Main Street USA.

Of course we stopped to take a few photos!

Eventually we checked in at CP and were seated quite quickly. I was especially thirsty this morning and our server probably filled my juice glass 5 times! I very much enjoyed the puffed french toast. I didn’t take pictures of our food and I don’t remember anything else standing out as “amazing”. As usual, our bill took forever to be settled. You would think that in all the time we spent sitting there we would have been able to meet all of the characters. Of course you know that I am going to say no, we didn’t. We met:

That’s it! When we arrived they were just beginning their dance and right after, they all took a break. I don’t know exactly how long the break was but it was just long enough for those two characters to come to our table before doing their dance again and taking another break. Thus, we were out of CP and on our way to Tomorrowland before Pooh & his friends returned from backstage. I have a feeling there were many unhappy families that morning!

Shortly after we left CP we found that my cousin was running late so we headed over to Stitch’s Great Escape to scratch off another first for me! I was underwhelmed by the entire thing. That being said, I’m not saying I wasn’t scared half to death when “Stitch” played with my ponytail in the black abyss. If I was a child, I would have been traumatized. EEP! When we were finished we met up with my cousin and grabbed some FP for Space Mountain. We headed over to the Liberty Square Riverboat only to find that we just missed the boat so we went and road HM and then headed back to ride the boat.

I wanted to get some good pictures so we sat in the sun. Poor DCousin and DH! Unfortunately, I didn’t get great pictures of HM because of the construction they are doing to the cemetery portion of the queue. Oh well, next time! When we disembarked we headed over to Splash and then rode Pirates. After we stopped at Aloha Isle and each got a Pineapple Dole Whip. Yum! It hit the spot with that hot sun beating down on us! We traveled through the hub (and the Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Parade) and over to Tomorrowland again to use our FPs. We were all pretty tuckered out at this point and had it not been for my cousin I probably would have wanted to leave and go take a nap. However, I voiced my tiredness and both of them agreed that we needed a break from MK. B/C we quickly became obsessed with Contempo Café this trip we headed over there for some lunch and then went back to the GF to swim. We had a lot of fun this afternoon! We even participated in a music trivia game by the main pool. We won! We got 27/30 songs right. They played 30 second clips and then your team had to guess the artist singing the song. My cousin carried the weight for us due to her obsession with Disney music (High School Musical, etc.). We picked a Wall-E game for PS2 as our prize even though none of us had a PS2 (it was the best prize available). However, on the trip home something in my suitcase spilled and immersed the game case so we just ended up tossing it because I’m pretty sure the disc was ruined. Oh well! Anyway…

After spending a few hours by the pool we showered and got ready to head to Ohana! We were going to try to get in early (and by early I mean 3 hours early!). Unfortunately, it was too early to find our reservation the system to check us in that way but we could wait the 1.5 hour wait time if we wanted. We decided to b/c then we would have more time at MK that evening. We passed the time by browsing the gift shops. OH MY GOODNESS! On the way over on the monorail we had Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley sitting with us. Of course it wasn’t really them but they were dressed EXACTLY like them. It wasn’t for the MNSSHP either! They were apparently lost as they were on already when we got on at the GF and rode all the way around to the Poly with us. They then got off there and called to find out how to get where they were going. I really wanted to go over there and help them but I didn’t want it to seem like I was watching them. Luckily, they left quickly. I hope they got to where they were going! Anyway…

Greg went and got us each a drink and we found seats and waited until our pager buzzed. We only waited 45 minutes! We had a spectacular view of the castle! Obviously it was too early for Wishes but it was still awesome nonetheless! We were famished by this point and couldn’t eat the food fast enough. OMG! The salad was delicious and I loved the wings. The potstickers were good, too (my cousin LOVED those). The veggies were decent. Our favorite meat was the chicken, we didn’t care for the pork and the first round of steak we got was overcooked. By the time they came around and gave us more steak (which was WAY better) we were stuffed. My cousin even said she was too full for dessert but as soon as it came she had to have some. OMG! I LOVED THE DESSERT! I want more now!! We left so full and so happy.

We headed back to the GF so my cousin could change and we could drop off a shirt that we got for Greg. (He finally found a shirt he liked in his size!)

We went over to MK after and rode Jungle Cruise at night, Splash Mountain (I think) and saw Philhar Magic (I can’t believe we almost didn’t see it!) before we admitted defeat and went back to the room to crash around midnight or so.

The next day we woke up around 9 and got ready and packed up the last of our things we needed to. We walked to the main building with my cousin and gave her a great big hug (she’s not coming home until the beginning of January) and headed to the airport check in where we checked our bags and then had bell services hold our carry-ons. I was exhausted so I didn’t feel much like fighting the crowds at MK and we didn’t have enough time to go to DTD so we decided to eat at the GF Café. It was surprisingly delicious yet simple. Granted something that costs us 20 here at home cost us 40 in WDW but still. After a great breakfast, we decided to just camp out in the lobby for the next two hours. I went through receipts and Greg watched a movie on his iPod. Before we knew it, it was time for our ME bus and we were on our way back home! I was sad but at the same time, we had such a long and great vacation and I know that this is not goodbye but “See Ya Real Soon!”

I still have Photopass pictures to post and F&WF pictures as well so don’t leave me yet!!!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Even though it was the last day, it sounds like you guys had a good time. Can't wait to see more pictures when you upload them.

 

[SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE]

I don't know how I completely missed you life update - sorry! Congratulations on the new job - that is wonderful news! And I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather's health troubles. I hope he is better now! He sounds just like my grandfather. I got that same call a couple years ago (he had a heart attack) and it was so gut-wrenching. My grandfather has more energy than an 18 year old so it was shocking.

Great last day update! It sounds like a fun day! Isn't Stitch a terrible attraction?! I've done it once and I hated it! Something about the restraint makes me really claustrophobic, and then they turn the lights out...

 

[wdwgirl03]

Last day already?! Great early morning pictures of the Magic Kingdom. We almost kept our CP ADR but decided to go for Chef Mickey's instead. But it sure does look neat seeing the MK so empty.

 

[DisneyCrafter]

Even though it was the last day, it sounds like you guys had a good time. Can't wait to see more pictures when you upload them.

I will have them uploaded some time this week! I really want to finish this TR before Turkey Day!

I don't know how I completely missed you life update - sorry! Congratulations on the new job - that is wonderful news! And I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather's health troubles. I hope he is better now! He sounds just like my grandfather. I got that same call a couple years ago (he had a heart attack) and it was so gut-wrenching. My grandfather has more energy than an 18 year old so it was shocking.

Great last day update! It sounds like a fun day! Isn't Stitch a terrible attraction?! I've done it once and I hated it! Something about the restraint makes me really claustrophobic, and then they turn the lights out...

My Grandpa will be going home soon. He eventually has to go back for another procedure but the important part is that he is on the road to recovery. I was there yesterday visiting and his cardiologist said to walk around a bit and when my Grandpa did-he pretended he was falling! He never lost his sense of humor!

Stitch=NEVER again.

Last day already?! Great early morning pictures of the Magic Kingdom. We almost kept our CP ADR but decided to go for Chef Mickey's instead. But it sure does look neat seeing the MK so empty.

Yup, I got through my TR fairly quickly! I know myself and the holidays coming up. I won't be on the DIS too much (or won't be posting too much-that is). We are throwing a party for my DH in a few weeks, too. So it's about to get CRAZY around here!

 

[DisneyCrafter]

& now may I proudly present Items from the 2010 Epcot Food & Wine Festival!

Roasted Corn and Cheese Empanada-->wish I had a picture of the inside as this was AMAZING!

Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée-->Eh...could take it or leave it.

Grilled Lamb Chop with Roasted Potato Salad and Red Wine Reduction-->I didn't care for the taste of the lamb and the potato salad wasn't to my liking. DH didn't mind the lamb, however.

Freshly Baked Waffles with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream-->Wow! For being just a waffle-it was anything BUT just! YUM!!!

Godiva Chocolate Iced Coffee-->This little baby was PRETTY pricey for maybe 6 oz. of liquid but worth every penny. I would take a bath in it if I could. *Drool*

Cheese Fondue with Croutons and Roasted Potatoes-->Took one bite=hated it. Tried it again just to be sure=still hated it. Too "stinky" for me, if that makes sense.

Braised Short Ribs in Cabernet with Mashed Potatoes-->When they handed it to me at first I almost said "where's the ribs?" but then I realized they were INSIDE of it. Oops. This was delish probably because I am a sucker for comfort food.

Crème Brulée au Chocolate au Lait-->Want more like yesterday!!! I had two and I didn't have to share with DH b/c he doesn't like creme brulee. (Shh...I probably wouldn't have shared with him anyway!)

Parisien Cosmo Slush-->Good but not as good as the lemonade slush from the year-round kiosk.

Spätzle Gratin with Ham and Cheese-->Apparently the outer pieces are the "good stuff" according to the CM's working the booth. Either way it was delicious! Where can I buy spatzle b/c I have this recipe in the cook book I bought.

Apfel Strudel featuring Werther’s Original Karamell Sauce-->Looks better than it tastes. Not bad but just not delicious either.

Radeberger Pilsner-->Beer is not my thing but DH enjoyed it.

Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki-->Delicious but I like a softer pita.

Polpettine Toscane with a Rosemary Breadstick-->Meatballs. Pretty standard.

Primavera Fruit Smoothie-->Definitely got me cool in the hot sun. But HOLY BRAIN FREEZE. I had the WORST brain freeze of my life after a few sips of this. Not too sweet, though, it was good!

Tamal de Pollo--> Yum! DH and I LOVE mexican food and this was delicious and authentic in our book!

Taco de Chilorio--> Again, amazing.

Kefta in a Pita Pocket-->Surprisingly delicious!

Kielbasa and Potato Pierogies with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream-->I make better at home with frozen polish sausage and Mrs. T's potato & cheddar pierogis.

Flavors of Africa (Salad, Bread, and Spreads)-->Garbage item for us.

Lettuce Wraps with Roast Pork and Kimchi Slaw-->YUM! Yes it had a kick but it was so fresh tasting! I recreated this a very short time after we got home!

Serrano Ham, Chorizo, Manchego, Olives, and Tomato Bread-->The local ethnic deli here in town has better!

 

[DisneyCrafter]

My favorite photopass pictures!​