Rides, Slides, Eats & Meets Oct DISmeet Trip. 5/6-Ch 14 Closing Thoughts

Chapter 18 – Magic Kingdom/Tutto Italia Dinner



By the time we finished our breakfast at Kona Cafe, and caught the monorail over to the Magic Kingdom, it was already after 11:30. We entered the park and thought about what we wanted to do. It was already a very hot day, and the thought of spending a lot of time out in the heat wasn't very appealing. The fact there seemed to be so many people roaming around didn't help any.

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Jonathan and Drew ran off to catch some rides. Before they left I told them what time they needed to be back at the room so we could be ready to leave on time to make our dinner ADR. Alison and I decided to walk through some of the shops on Main Street, partly to see some of the items on sale in the shops, but maybe more so to stay in the shade and air conditioning. Seemed like a good time to get some pictures of the Main Street area along the way.

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There was no line when we got there, so we decided to keep the shade theme going and ride the People Mover. There are always a lot of opportunities to get some “unique” pictures.

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Our ride on the People Mover done, next came the proverbial question............what do you want to do next? That is when it hit us that it had been a hot, long week and we had really done pretty much everything that we really wanted to do. At least, we had done everything important enough to tolerate more heat over. We had a long drive the next day and with the prospects of returning to work the day after, heading back to the resort to relax and start getting packed seemed much more appealing.

Taking our time on the way back out of the park I was able to get a couple more pictures. At the time this seemed like an interesting perspective of the castle.

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Heading back down Main Street, USA.......about an hour after entering the park! Talk about getting great use out of an Annual Pass.

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Apparently there were still some poor suckers, uh, I mean guests who were brave enough to venture into the park for the hottest part of the day. Being a Saturday, maybe they were just starting their vacation week???

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We got back to the resort and decided since this was the last chance to hit the pool and get some sun we better take advantage of it. Isn't it funny that "get some sun" (when a pool is involved of course) is an appealing idea just after justifying leaving a park because it was too hot out in the sun to enjoy it.

As it turns out, the boys had gone over to Space Mountain, and took a quick trip over to BTMMR, Splash and PotC, and decided that the waits were already too long to and the day too warm to stand in any lines and try to do anything else, and headed back to the resort also. We found them in the game room having fun where it was a lot cooler. After a short stay at the pool, and again proving to myself that the pool water was still much too warm to provide any relief, I decided to head back to the room to relax and start packing at least some of my stuff. It didn't take long until everyone else showed up to join me.

Following an afternoon of TV, naps and just cooling down and relaxing, it was time to head over to Epcot for our dinner ADR at Tutto Italia. I was so looking forward to this meal after the last time we had eaten there. I had ordered the stuffed pork chop and absolutely loved it, so I knew exactly what I was going to get this time also. Everyone else was in the "wait until I get there and see what grabs me when I look at the menu" mode.

We headed out, caught a bus pretty quickly, and were soon at the front gates of Epcot. Now came the fun of walking in the heat all the way to Italy in the back of the World Showcase. We considered taking one of the ferries across the lake, but it had just left when we got there and since we had plenty of time, we decided to keep walking. We made it to Italy and arrived at our destination about 20 minutes before our ADR and checked in. They weren't extremely busy so we only had about a five minute wait before they called us to be seated.

The other time we ate at Tutto Italia we were seated just inside, in a small area where there are only a couple of tables. This time we were in the middle of the large dining room. We were all rather hungry and decided to try one of the appetizers. As our waiter left to get our drinks and put in the appetizer order, my attention turned to the menu. I scanned the menu to find my much anticipated pork chop, so I could practice saying the "official" name for it and impress our waiter with my fluent (southern USA) Italian.



Okay, I must have looked right over it........let's try again.



Hmmm, must have missed it again.....................am I looking in the wrong place???



Nope, no other pages of the menu to turn to................

Really??? They couldn't have taken the absolute best item they had off the menu could they? But when our waiter returned, he confirmed they had changed the menu recently and the pork chop was no longer being offered. Everyone else had decided what they wanted to eat, but now I found myself at ground zero trying to make a quick decision. I asked the waiter for suggestions and he told me that one of the pasta dishes was a specialty and they actually made the pasta for it in the kitchen, so it was fresh and authentic. I looked at the description on the menu and it all sounded okay, so I reluctantly decided to go with that one while the taste of that delicious pork chop still danced in my head and on my taste buds!

Our waiter soon returned with our appetizer.........the Prosciutto di Parma..........which was cantaloupe with Prosciutto. This looked very good, and tasted equally as good, so it disappeared quickly. I'm thinking if we had ordered two instead of only sharing one, the second one would have suffered the same quick fate.

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After enjoying our appetizer, and the nice variety of breads, the waiter brought out the dishes we had ordered. Alison and Andrew both ordered Lasagna Alla Bolognese (Emilia beef sauce, bechamel, parmesan cheese)

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Jonathan ordered (I think this is the name, but it is no longer on the menu so not completely certain) Tagliolini Con Gamberi E Carciofi, which is tagliolini pasta, shrimp, braised artichokes and cream.

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And finally here is my dish that the waiter recommended, which was simply called Casareci. It is cavatelli pasta, sweet sausage ragu, tomatoes and Pecorino Romano.

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I guess because it was freshly made in their kitchen, the pasta had a chewy texture to it. Cavatelli pasta is described as "hot dog bun shaped" pasta, but with the ridges and the way it rolls up, I couldn't help but think of something completely different while I was eating it. Now don't get me wrong, there was absolutely nothing wrong with the dish, and the sauce and cheese complemented it perfectly. But when I came in I had my heart set on a breaded pork chop, pan fried in olive oil and stuffed with prosciutto and Romano cheese. I just wasn't really in the mood for a tomato sauce and probably would have been better off ordering something different. I'm not sure which played the biggest part in my disappointment with my meal, but I'm guessing it is more that I couldn't get what I had so looked forwarded to returning to Tutto Italia to eat.

This was our final night's meal and we decided to splurge all the way and also get dessert. They had some excellent choices and it was a little tough for everyone to decide. Alison ordered the dessert sampler, which had a sample sized cannoli, tiramisu, and some type of mousse in a chocolate shell, with strawberries. After this came I wished I had ordered it myself.

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Drew had ordered the tiramisu the first time we ate here and found out it just wasn't something he cared for. This time knowing he can't miss with ice cream, he got the chocolate Gelati.
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Jonathan and I both ordered the Cannoli. It seemed like it was a waste of an awfully big plate the way they had it presented. Maybe if they had put the Cannoli in the middle and split the cocoa dusting of eating utensils on either side the plate might not have looked so much bigger than the Cannoli???

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Everyone really enjoyed their desserts, and it was definitely a great way to top off our final dinner.

After we finished the meal the boys ran off to try and get in a couple of rides while Alison and I just strolled through the rest of WS and eventually made our way to the front of the park. We had to get up a little early the next morning to get everything loaded in the car, check out and make it to the Poly in time for our breakfast ADR so we decided to head back to the resort to start packing up. We made it to the bus stop and while we waited up walked the boys, ready to head back to the room too. Although nobody was looking forward to the ride home, I think everyone had gotten their fill. The boys will usually go out the final night and try to hit all the big rides at all the parks if they can. I don't know if not having Matthew along for the first time played a part in it, but this time it appeared they weren't interested in anything but getting back to the room.


Coming up Chapter 19 – O'Hana Breakfast/Travel Day
 
at least glenn has his update ready to post when it goes to the next page:rolleyes:
 
going to play that game HUH?

:rolleyes1
at least glenn has his update ready to post when it goes to the next page:rolleyes:

It was ready........you were just too good at being a stalker! :rotfl2:

Unlike Glenn's thread, where Rosie is never around to win a REAL Judy-do contest, if I didn't reserve the post quickly she would have definitely been by at the exact moment to mess up the top of the page for me........ :sad2:
 

good update, i think that pasta looks pretty good but can feel where you have your heart set on eating one thing then have to settle for another.

same thing happened to candi when we went to whispering canyon they changed there menu DURING our vacation before we got to the restaurant.
 
It was ready........you were just too good at being a stalker! :rotfl2:
coming from the KING of stalking glenns thread for first response poster, i take that as a complement.


Unlike Glenn's thread, where Rosie is never around to win a REAL Judy-do contest, if I didn't reserve the post quickly she would have definitely been by at the exact moment to mess up the top of the page for me........ :sad2:
still holding onto that not a real update post huh? i think it is time to let that one go marv.
:rolleyes1
 
Hmmm note to self stalk Marv more so I can mess up his top of the page post too, ( he feels neglected as I do it to Glenn all the time )!!!!:rotfl2:I have noticed how much Tutto's menu has changed since I ate there !! I had a macaroni dish with peas and ham that was absolutely delish !!!Of course I ordered the Tiramusi for dessert !!! That is a given !!! I have to say I really driooled over the appie !!I am gonna have to try that some time !!!
 
/
sounds like dealing with the heat finally got to you all...good call on leaving early to cool off and rest!
bummer about you not getting your pork chops at dinner...haven't eaten there since 2005! food does look yummy though!
 
good update, i think that pasta looks pretty good but can feel where you have your heart set on eating one thing then have to settle for another.

same thing happened to candi when we went to whispering canyon they changed there menu DURING our vacation before we got to the restaurant.
How disappointing that would be to get so close and then.........

Missed it by thaaat much! :(

I hope you got her a jalapeno cheese pretzel to make her feel better!!! :thumbsup2

coming from the KING of stalking glenns thread for first response poster, i take that as a complement.
You arrrre welcome!

still holding onto that not a real update post huh? i think it is time to let that one go marv. :rolleyes1
Your latest update is as much a Glennbo update as that one was, so as soon as I get my point for that one I promise to let it go.......... ::yes::

Hmmm note to self stalk Marv more so I can mess up his top of the page post too, ( he feels neglected as I do it to Glenn all the time )!!!!:rotfl2:I have noticed how much Tutto's menu has changed since I ate there !! I had a macaroni dish with peas and ham that was absolutely delish !!!Of course I ordered the Tiramusi for dessert !!! That is a given !!! I have to say I really driooled over the appie !!I am gonna have to try that some time !!!
I knew you would enjoy seeing that appie Rosie! As soon as I saw you talking about getting it on a future trip I thought this update knowing it would be in there. And I even got it posted before you left on your trip.......... ;)

That macaroni dish does sound good, and of COURSE you got the Tiramisu! :hyper:

sounds like dealing with the heat finally got to you all...good call on leaving early to cool off and rest!
bummer about you not getting your pork chops at dinner...haven't eaten there since 2005! food does look yummy though!
We have never been disappointed in the food at Tutto Italia, and the service is usually very good! 2005 is a long wait so you and Megan need to plan to go back soon!
 
There was no line when we got there, so we decided to keep the shade theme going and ride the People Mover. There are always a lot of opportunities to get some “unique” pictures.

Always a good choice to rest on a hot day.

Our ride on the People Mover done, next came the proverbial question............what do you want to do next? That is when it hit us that it had been a hot, long week and we had really done pretty much everything that we really wanted to do. At least, we had done everything important enough to tolerate more heat over. We had a long drive the next day and with the prospects of returning to work the day after, heading back to the resort to relax and start getting packed seemed much more appealing.

:rotfl2: Congratulations! I think you've accomplished a feat I've never seen before. One ride on the Peoplemover and...done!

Heading back down Main Street, USA.......about an hour after entering the park! Talk about getting great use out of an Annual Pass.

:rotfl2::rotfl: Well, it does afford you the ability to be relaxed about touring and see as much or as little as you want. :thumbsup2

We got back to the resort and decided since this was the last chance to hit the pool and get some sun we better take advantage of it. Isn't it funny that "get some sun" (when a pool is involved of course) is an appealing idea just after justifying leaving a park because it was too hot out in the sun to enjoy it.

:confused3

:lmao::rotfl2::rotfl:

Really??? They couldn't have taken the absolute best item they had off the menu could they? But when our waiter returned, he confirmed they had changed the menu recently and the pork chop was no longer being offered.

NOOOO!!!! That's just...wrong!

I'm not sure which played the biggest part in my disappointment with my meal, but I'm guessing it is more that I couldn't get what I had so looked forwarded to returning to Tutto Italia to eat.

I'm guessing nothing would have truly been satisfying at that point.

Although nobody was looking forward to the ride home, I think everyone had gotten their fill. The boys will usually go out the final night and try to hit all the big rides at all the parks if they can. I don't know if not having Matthew along for the first time played a part in it, but this time it appeared they weren't interested in anything but getting back to the room.

Sounds like everyone was done at that point. I guess the good news is that you didn't have any regrets or anything you still wanted to do at that point.
 
We have never been disappointed in the food at Tutto Italia, and the service is usually very good! 2005 is a long wait so you and Megan need to plan to go back soon!

we are still debating on our meals for the Thanksgiving trip, so far its not on our list, we aren't doing the dining plan this time, so will probably only do a few TS meals!
 
I'm sorry it was so hot that you and Ali didn't feel up to staying at the MK after your breakfast. I remember only one time we felt like that and it was 4th of July back in 2004. Luckily now, we just make sure we rent a lot in the shade while walking the parks.

What a bummer that they didn't have what you had been dreaming about/tasting in your fantasy for dinner. I know what a major letdown that can be. The food does look yummy though and, having just finished my Weight Watchers lunch, I could REALLY go for Drew's dessert right now.

I hate the packing up and knowing you are leaving the next day. :(
 
I think you were all incredibly brave to head to the MK at 11:30 on a hot day - we are usually leaving about that time. The Florida heat is so intense! I have pictures of Toby on our first trip before we figured out to leave about noon, go bad to the Poly and return late afternoon. His little face was so red - not from sunburn, he was just so hot!

How disappointing your pork chop was no longer on the menu! I had that happen at Rosé and Crown - when your mind (& stomach!) is set to enjoy a favorite it's just about impossible to truly enjoy something else. Yours didn't look all the yummy either.

Ahh, but the app Prosciutto and Melon!! Tried that on my first visit to Italy - when I read Tutto wold have it...well, I cannot wait to finally try it there. It looks as delicious as it tastes!!

Alison's dessert sampler looks way too good ...Rosie and I will have to share that ...but she can have the Tiamisu!

Last day is always so sad....I try never to let myself think about leaving until forced to pack and face reality.:sad1:

Back to the Poly for breakfast - great way to end your visit!! Can't wait to read all about and see lots of pics!!

P.s. Isn't it great when the kids are old enough to go off on their own and meet up later?
 
I think you were all incredibly brave to head to the MK at 11:30 on a hot day - we are usually leaving about that time. The Florida heat is so intense! I have pictures of Toby on our first trip before we figured out to leave about noon, go bad to the Poly and return late afternoon. His little face was so red - not from sunburn, he was just so hot!

How disappointing your pork chop was no longer on the menu! I had that happen at Rosé and Crown - when your mind (& stomach!) is set to enjoy a favorite it's just about impossible to truly enjoy something else. Yours didn't look all the yummy either.

Ahh, but the app Prosciutto and Melon!! Tried that on my first visit to Italy - when I read Tutto wold have it...well, I cannot wait to finally try it there. It looks as delicious as it tastes!!

Alison's dessert sampler looks way too good ...Rosie and I will have to share that ...but she can have the Tiamisu!

Last day is always so sad....I try never to let myself think about leaving until forced to pack and face reality.:sad1:

Back to the Poly for breakfast - great way to end your visit!! Can't wait to read all about and see lots of pics!!

P.s. Isn't it great when the kids are old enough to go off on their own and meet up later?

We can share the appie and the dessert sampler as long as I get the tiramusu
 
Tutto is another place I need to go but I just have to be careful what I order. If it half as good as Via Naploi I will be satisfied. :thumbsup2


In and out in an hour??? :eek: Well you get there about lunch on a Saturday....Yeah I can see that.


I think once I walked in DHS saw some lines and then either rode one thing and walked out or ended up riding nothing. Having an AP lets you do that....


Looking forward to breakfast. Not looking forward to ride home.
 
Always a good choice to rest on a hot day.
:rotfl2::rotfl: Well, it does afford you the ability to be relaxed about touring and see as much or as little as you want. :thumbsup2
Definite benefits of having an AP! ::yes::

:rotfl2: Congratulations! I think you've accomplished a feat I've never seen before. One ride on the Peoplemover and...done!
I'm guessing that title is akin to winning the Largest Jumbo Shrimp contest........... :confused3

NOOOO!!!! That's just...wrong!
Sadly I have had that experience again since........... :( Will reveal more about that during the October trip part of this TR.

I'm guessing nothing would have truly been satisfying at that point.
Exactly! :sad2:

Sounds like everyone was done at that point. I guess the good news is that you didn't have any regrets or anything you still wanted to do at that point.
So true! :goodvibes

we are still debating on our meals for the Thanksgiving trip, so far its not on our list, we aren't doing the dining plan this time, so will probably only do a few TS meals!
Always a trade off with meals unless you have Free Dining, dining plan, or TIW! ::yes::

I'm sorry it was so hot that you and Ali didn't feel up to staying at the MK after your breakfast. I remember only one time we felt like that and it was 4th of July back in 2004. Luckily now, we just make sure we rent a lot in the shade while walking the parks.

What a bummer that they didn't have what you had been dreaming about/tasting in your fantasy for dinner. I know what a major letdown that can be. The food does look yummy though and, having just finished my Weight Watchers lunch, I could REALLY go for Drew's dessert right now.
:rotfl:

I hate the packing up and knowing you are leaving the next day. :(
Always the worst part.........but is it having to leave Disney because vacation is over, or because we know we have to return to real life and work that causes the biggest downer??? :confused:

I think you were all incredibly brave to head to the MK at 11:30 on a hot day - we are usually leaving about that time. The Florida heat is so intense! I have pictures of Toby on our first trip before we figured out to leave about noon, go bad to the Poly and return late afternoon. His little face was so red - not from sunburn, he was just so hot!
Incredibly brave............or incredibly Goofy!!! :blush:

How disappointing your pork chop was no longer on the menu! I had that happen at Rosé and Crown - when your mind (& stomach!) is set to enjoy a favorite it's just about impossible to truly enjoy something else. Yours didn't look all the yummy either.
Sadly like I said above, it has happened since! :worried:

Ahh, but the app Prosciutto and Melon!! Tried that on my first visit to Italy - when I read Tutto wold have it...well, I cannot wait to finally try it there. It looks as delicious as it tastes!!
I knew you and Rosie would like that part of the review! ::yes::

Last day is always so sad....I try never to let myself think about leaving until forced to pack and face reality.:sad1:
Yep! :faint:

P.s. Isn't it great when the kids are old enough to go off on their own and meet up later?
Very Much! :thumbsup2

We can share the appie and the dessert sampler as long as I get the tiramusu
It IS very good!!! :hyper:

Tutto is another place I need to go but I just have to be careful what I order. If it half as good as Via Napoli I will be satisfied. :thumbsup2

In and out in an hour??? :eek: Well you get there about lunch on a Saturday....Yeah I can see that.

I think once I walked in DHS saw some lines and then either rode one thing and walked out or ended up riding nothing. Having an AP lets you do that....

Looking forward to breakfast. Not looking forward to ride home.
Having an AP definitely affords you a lot of flexibility outside of just being able to plan additional trips! :goodvibes

Breakfast was good! Heading home never is......... and gets harder with each passing trip! :(
 
Well what a surprise a post from Marv !! Oh that's right this is his thread;):rotfl2:
I hope your day has been better than mine !! I am going to post the HORROR of the day on my thread!!!:rotfl2:
 
MARV! Looks like I've been missing out and you are about to leave without me!:rotfl2: I have to say I felt the same way about the Tonga Toast. I think I built it up in my mind because so many have raved about it. :sad2:

And then to have your last dinner be so disappointing too - made for a very down day in dining, huh? I have to say the shape of that pasta gave me the willies, and I would not like to have it put down in front of me. :rolleyes1

I will try to stay on top of things when your next update comes out...:3dglasses
 
Wow, that trip is finally over. And I am afraid I know now what is going to happen next!!!! :scared:

Actually I am really looking forward to reading your recollections of our encounter at WDW! :goodvibes

Sorry that you were so disappointed that your favourite dish had gone from the menu. I have had this happen to me as well - and in situations like this the chances are very slim that one will like what one orders instead... The food at Tutto looked very nice - this is just the one place where I never could get over the prices they charge. I still remember when they first opened (after Alfredo being there before) and looking at the menu on allears.net and thinking that they must have gone crazy to charge that much for pasta!
 
Well what a surprise a post from Marv !! Oh that's right this is his thread;):rotfl2:
I hope your day has been better than mine !! I am going to post the HORROR of the day on my thread!!!:rotfl2:
I had a pretty good day, but like most some parts were much better than others. :)

Heading over to read about your HORROR of a day....... :eek:

MARV! Looks like I've been missing out and you are about to leave without me!:rotfl2: I have to say I felt the same way about the Tonga Toast. I think I built it up in my mind because so many have raved about it. :sad2:

And then to have your last dinner be so disappointing too - made for a very down day in dining, huh? I have to say the shape of that pasta gave me the willies, and I would not like to have it put down in front of me. :rolleyes1

I will try to stay on top of things when your next update comes out...:3dglasses
Tammie, so glad you stopped by! I think just like you, the Tonga Toast had gotten such great reviews there was probably no way it could have lived up to the hype. The pasta was actually pretty good, but just not what I had my hopes up for.

Wow, that trip is finally over. And I am afraid I know now what is going to happen next!!!! :scared:

Actually I am really looking forward to reading your recollections of our encounter at WDW! :goodvibes

Sorry that you were so disappointed that your favourite dish had gone from the menu. I have had this happen to me as well - and in situations like this the chances are very slim that one will like what one orders instead... The food at Tutto looked very nice - this is just the one place where I never could get over the prices they charge. I still remember when they first opened (after Alfredo being there before) and looking at the menu on allears.net and thinking that they must have gone crazy to charge that much for pasta!
Well, a little like the popular saying for another travel destination in the U.S., "What happens at Disney, stays at Disney!" After this long, I'm sure I won't remember ALL the embarrassing things that you did during our trip......... :rolleyes1 ;) Well, at least not the ones Katharina did anyway! :stir: :rotfl2:

The prices for pasta ARE a little high at Tutto, but the food is very good, and I don't think any of us has left there still hungry after the meal. The portions are usually more than enough. Maybe they should cut down on the servings a little, and similarly the price??? :confused3 Like everything else with Disney dining, there are some selections that are a very good deal and some not so much it seems.
 

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