Sharing the Disney Magic with Family & Friends-DL Diamond Anniversary-DCA F&W Fest Kiosks & The End!

[franandaj]

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve given you a life update and Pre Trip Report so I thought now would be a good time. Last we left off we had just finished cleaning the vacant apartment.

It went up on the market Friday August 22, and as of September 2, it has been rented. This means that the only unit left to renovate and get rented is the front unit where we used to live. The bad news is that it is still packed full of stuff, a lot of which we still want to keep, Disney figurines and such. However our entire old bedroom is packed full of stuff that we want to sell at a garage sale. I have convinced Fran to have a small sale relatively soon just to clean out that bedroom, then we will have some breathing space. We can use that to work with the rest of the stuff and figure out if we want to keep it or sell it on eBay.

Speaking of eBay, we have been doing quite well selling all kinds of random stuff. We’re not making a fortune, but we are getting rid of some junk, as well as some cool stuff. We even have a picture that sold.

Last night we had a Pool and Burger Grilling Party, the problem, our pool was green about five days ago.



I got to know the guys at the local pool store really well, and they sent me home with all kinds of chemicals and I got educated about all kinds of things like PH, Alkaline, Acid and Conditioner. And seven shock treatments, 4 gallons of Chlorine, various Algaecide and Clarifier treatments later, the pool looks like this.



My friend David cooked the burgers for us, while Fran and I made all the side dishes and appetizers. His lady, Donna, baked the buns from scratch. I made a molten chocolate cake in the crock pot which is a definite repeat, but next time a double recipe is in order. Here was my dinner.



As far as trips we are 40 something days out for our Wonder Cruise. I need to finish up my Fish Extender Gifts, and decide what clothes I’m bringing. We just found out yesterday that there are no formal nights on the cruise. Oh well. I would start to put stuff in my suitcase, but next week we are going to my parent’s house for the weekend. I need to pack for that before I can worry about the cruise.

Day after tomorrow marks 90 days for my Dream Cruise/WDW vacation which means that I can book spa treatments and Remy dining. I plan on trying one dinner and the Brunch. Dizneet highly recommends the Brunch and it looks like something we would really enjoy. I will miss Palo on that trip, but I’m sure I will enjoy Remy.

Lastly we have been making arrangements for our Mississippi River Cruise. Finally we chose a hotel, and bit the bullet on our flight home. With all the great food options in New Orleans, we really didn’t necessarily want a hotel that included breakfast because we plan on getting Beignets from Café du Monde and probably trying a few other hot spots. However, the old tried and true Hampton Inn won out again, just because of convenience and good pricing. We also bought three seats on a direct Southwest flight so that we will not have be uncomfortable and squished into two seats and have to share a row with someone.

That’s about it on the news front for now.

I have a really short update here on Disney trips! This happened in the first week of August. Jenny had just moved her daughter in to her new place and whole family came for the event, and of course packed some Disney time in as well! We met them out at the park a little after noon, and Disneyland was completely packed, so we hopped on over to DCA after I picked up a few items that may or may not become Halloween costumes (almost identical) for myself and another DISer.

We didn’t do a lot of photo documenting, but we did hit quite a few rides. If I’m not mistaken we did Soarin’, RSR, and CA Screamin’ I rode with Josh on that one. Somewhere in there we had some lunch at the Pacific Wharf. Everyone got something different. Fran and I had the Beef Tacos with beans and roasted Vegetables.



Jenny and Josh split the Bread Bowl.



I guess the rest of the crew split this Turkey sandwich and sides.



We got Margaritas and beers, but no pics.

We all had to be home by sundown. Our kitties were still outside and since our new neighborhood has coyotes, all the kitties have to come in by sundown. Jenny and family had another obligation to her BFF, so before we all left the park we took a picture. I just noticed the photobomber in the background. I should have photoshopped her out!



And that ended a fun day with friends at the park!

 

[Dis_Yoda]

I'm already home from my whirlwind trip! I didn't get to Disney - I did the Paramount After Dark Tour & the Universal Hollywood VIP Experience as my entertainment options during the trip. I had a lot of fun but I'm glad I have tomorrow to relax before work on Tuesday.

Glad you have everything rented outside of the one unit! Hope you get a decision made on the garage sale soon

You will love the Remy Brunch! So much better than Palo! I enjoyed it so much last year. Its also worth it to spend the extra $25 for the champagne pairings.

 

[jedijill]

Yay for making plans! I agree...Remy Brunch is FANTASTIC! It's making me sad I cancelled my October cruise but I'll get another DL trip instead.

You guys are making great progress on selling stuff and renting out apartments! Your pool looked scary but glad you figured out how to fix it! Dinner looked fantastic...wish I was closer for the pool party!

So glad you got to spend the day with Jenny and her crew! I can't wait to meet the rest of them along with you guys in December!

Jill in CO

 

[sarahk0204]

It’s a small world afterall



It’s a small world afterall



It’s a small world afterall



It’s a small small world



Sing it again! It’s a small world afterall



It’s a small world afterall



It’s a small world afterall



It’s a small small world



And we’re almost done!





Whew! Bet you’re glad that’s over!


We decided to take the train back to New Orleans square to see if the Haunted Mansion was back up and running. I tried yet again to capture pictures of the Grand Canyon and Primeval World, but definitely need that dark ride lens. But first one last glimpse of IASW.



Now onto the Grand Canyon.

And dinosaurs.

IASW is my absolute favorite! Yes, I know that I am probably in the minority. I tell my children that it was my favorite when I was 6, and it is still my favorite now. Hopefully, I will make it to Disneyland next year and ride it there!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Love the update. Congrats on getting nearly 100% occupancy! Here's to getting #1 cleared out as well. And yay for getting travel plans sorted out.

That pool looks much better after the shock treatment and the burger and homemade buns.....WOW! Wish I could have been there.

What a cool day with Jenny and her clan. Again....so jealous. Wish I could have been there. Those taco's look amazing.

 

[mvf-m11c]

That is good to read that one of your apartments is clean. I remember you talking about how much cleaning you had to do last month. There is a lot of stuff that I have and need to get rid of but I just don't like to part ways with some stuff that I like to keep.

The pool did look a little scary. Good that you were able to take care of the cleaning of the pool.

Great news on the travel plans. I still have to make my plans for FP+ at WDW next month which is tough where you don't stay on-site.

Very nice that you were able to spend time with Jenny and her family.

 

[Pinkocto]

All your plans sound great You're going to love Remy!!!!

Congrats on getting the other apartment rented.

Glad you fixed the pool!

Exciting about the river cruise plans.

Fun times with Jenny and crew

 

[dhorner233]

Nice job on fixing the pool! How nice to have a pool! Home made hamburger buns! Yum!

You have so many fun trips planned that day trips to Disneyland don't even make the list! I'm looking forward to seeing you when I'm out there in 2 weeks!

 

[dolphingirl47]

That pool looks very tempting. I am glad that you managed to get this sorted as it did look a little scary before.

We just found out yesterday that there are no formal nights on the cruise

What a shame.

Day after tomorrow marks 90 days for my Dream Cruise/WDW vacation which means that I can book spa treatments and Remy dining.

I hope you get everything booked what you would like to do.

That looks yummy. I think that may need to go on the list for my upcoming trip.

Lastly we have been making arrangements for our Mississippi River Cruise. Finally we chose a hotel, and bit the bullet on our flight home.

I am glad that things are falling into place.

 

[ACDSNY]

Hmm, I think I know whose costume will be like yours.

Your pool looks great and the hamburgers look amazing.

 

[franandaj]

I'm already home from my whirlwind trip! I didn't get to Disney - I did the Paramount After Dark Tour & the Universal Hollywood VIP Experience as my entertainment options during the trip. I had a lot of fun but I'm glad I have tomorrow to relax before work on Tuesday.

That sure was a quick trip, but it sounds like you packed it in!

Glad you have everything rented outside of the one unit! Hope you get a decision made on the garage sale soon

It's a definite relief to have everything rented. Not to mention that I don't have to drop everything to show a place, but it's nice to know the money is coming in!

You will love the Remy Brunch! So much better than Palo! I enjoyed it so much last year. Its also worth it to spend the extra $25 for the champagne pairings.

I'm definitely getting the champagne pairings!

Yay for making plans! I agree...Remy Brunch is FANTASTIC! It's making me sad I cancelled my October cruise but I'll get another DL trip instead.

I can't wait to try it!

You guys are making great progress on selling stuff and renting out apartments! Your pool looked scary but glad you figured out how to fix it! Dinner looked fantastic...wish I was closer for the pool party!

We are selling stuff, but also buying it just as fast. I wish you were closer for the pool party too! We had a blast and ate way too much!

So glad you got to spend the day with Jenny and her crew! I can't wait to meet the rest of them along with you guys in December!

We will have a great time. I need to text you all and work out a day for us!

IASW is my absolute favorite! Yes, I know that I am probably in the minority. I tell my children that it was my favorite when I was 6, and it is still my favorite now. Hopefully, I will make it to Disneyland next year and ride it there!

I can take it or leave it. Plus that earworm gets stuck in my brain for a long long long time afterwards.

Love the update. Congrats on getting nearly 100% occupancy! Here's to getting #1 cleared out as well. And yay for getting travel plans sorted out.

Thanks, I hope that we can get #1 done by the end of this year. I need to wrap up that chapter of our lives.

That pool looks much better after the shock treatment and the burger and homemade buns.....WOW! Wish I could have been there.

I swear I learned way more about pools than I ever wanted to know. I pay a pool service for a reason! I also ruined a favorite pair of shoes adding the chlorine. Lessons Learned.

What a cool day with Jenny and her clan. Again....so jealous. Wish I could have been there. Those taco's look amazing.

It was very fun. I wish you didn't live a days flight away. It would be nice if you could join us more often and for less money.

That is good to read that one of your apartments is clean. I remember you talking about how much cleaning you had to do last month. There is a lot of stuff that I have and need to get rid of but I just don't like to part ways with some stuff that I like to keep.

The day you met us there, we were wrapping it up on the cleaning. It's a real PITA, but we want good tenants, so we need to offer a clean and well fixed up place. I know what you mean about stuff, but we have so much we have to start making hard decisions about what to keep and what to let go.

The pool did look a little scary. Good that you were able to take care of the cleaning of the pool.

That other pool service is totally fired. They have dropped the ball too many times, and this time I had to fix their mess. Not to mention, the chemicals were also pretty expensive.

Great news on the travel plans. I still have to make my plans for FP+ at WDW next month which is tough where you don't stay on-site.

Very nice that you were able to spend time with Jenny and her family.

Good luck with your FP+! I can imagine that it's tough when you are not staying on site!

All your plans sound great You're going to love Remy!!!!

Thanks! I hope so!

Congrats on getting the other apartment rented.

I'm glad it rented so quick!

Glad you fixed the pool!

Yeah, I don't want to have to get that involved in my pool anymore!

Exciting about the river cruise plans.

It was more about the after the cruise plans. I was afraid that we would be staying somewhere totally overpriced and not where we wanted to be, so I'm glad we nailed it down. We're in a good location and not too expensive. I'm not sure if we got a good deal on flights since we haven't actually paid for flights (except for the flights to Seattle last year) in many years. We got the flights to Seattle at the last minute so we paid quite a bit, I think we got a pretty decent deal for non stop flights, and thank goodness we bought the whole row of seats. I was so uncomfortable after the two hour flight home from Seattle where we had Economy class seats. I don't think I could have handled a 4 hour flight in those conditions. With three seats between the two of us, we should be good and comfortable.

Fun times with Jenny and crew

I'm sorry we're going to miss them in October, but at least we can meet back up in December.

Nice job on fixing the pool! How nice to have a pool! Home made hamburger buns! Yum!

I like the pool, but as it is only heated by the sunlight, we have limited usage. Fran plans to buy a heater for the pool so we can use it year round, but it still requires some work like railings so she can get in and out without falling. As it is, I am unsteady getting in and out without a railing, so I will appreciate it too!

You have so many fun trips planned that day trips to Disneyland don't even make the list! I'm looking forward to seeing you when I'm out there in 2 weeks!

I can't wait for our day at the park in 2 weeks. We were there today and it was hot and packed. I can't wait for the off season to get here!

That pool looks very tempting. I am glad that you managed to get this sorted as it did look a little scary before.

It did clear up, but was not nearly as warm as I would have liked.

What a shame.

I know, I love dressing up on cruises. At least I can dress up for Palo.

I hope you get everything booked what you would like to do.

Well, I thought it was tomorrow, but while I was doing replies, I popped over to the DCL site and it turns out that I could book it today. So I got all the things I wanted!

That looks yummy. I think that may need to go on the list for my upcoming trip.

We had it once before and I remembered that we liked it. I'm not a fan of Spanish Rice, so the roasted veggies were a great substitute!

I am glad that things are falling into place.

Me too!

 

[franandaj]

Hmm, I think I know whose costume will be like yours.

Your pool looks great and the hamburgers look amazing.

Yup! I bet you do! I got a headband to go with it as well!

I just wish it was a little warmer, the hot tub was much more popular than the pool.

 

[franandaj]

Last update we had a quick park day with Jenny and her family. This time it was less than a week later that Fran, Magdalene and I got together for lunch. All in all we were a party of seven, but for those of you who read her reports, you know that her significant other does not like to have his picture posted on the internet. The others in our party feel the same way as well, so they are not pictured here. The company was lovely and we all had a great time that day, but you’ll have to live with these pictures of Fran, Magdalene and myself.





Magadalene and her friends had never been to this particular dining establishment, and I was able to get us a reservation so we jumped on the opportunity to experience this Disneyland gem. As you know I have been somewhat lukewarm about my meals here, but the previous lunch was really spectacular, and I have to say that things have been slowly changing. The lunch that we had was just wonderful. They have made small adjustments like making the portions just a tad bit larger, and menu items seem a bit more simple, but still complex in flavor. Everyone enjoyed each of their courses of this meal, but I’m getting ahead of myself! Our table.





The menu.







I thought that the drink menu was very pretty.



And the bar where they store the wines poured by the glass and wine glasses is really pretty.



My first course was the Warm Blue Crab and Artichoke Gratin with Lemon Chervil Glacage. This was SO good! Lots of big chunks of Crab in there and creamy with the Gratin. It was just perfect over the toast points!





I believe that Fran ordered the Sauteed Asparagus with Black Truffle Brown Butter Vinaigrette and Fennel Coulis. She seemed to think it was pretty good.



Several people in our party ordered the Country Sausage and Pate Maison with Apricot Mustard and Rhubarb. I admit to having envy over this one. For the second course, I didn’t like any of the salad options, so I ordered two from the first course and it wasn’t this one, I was a little bummed because it looked really good and everyone who ordered it really liked it.



Drinks were also brought to the table, and one of our party (actually quite a few) ordered Mint Juleps, the real Mint Julep and not the virgin ones that they serve downstairs at the stand outside the French Market.



I don’t’ remember what this drink was, but it looked interesting as well.



The bread service arrived around this time as well.



Then it was time for the second course. I ordered a second appetizer as opposed to the soup/salad option. This was the Grilled BBQ Quail with Figs and Corn Velvet. Fran is always afraid to order quail as it may be too full of bones, but this was mostly deboned, and very tasty. There was quite a bit of meat here.



Fran went with the salad of Frisee, Coastal Strawberries, Avocado, Pistachio and Buttermilk Dressing.



All of our party ordered a combination of that, or some got what Fran and I termed the “Weed Salad”, and we had some good laughs about that. The only other unique item was the Summer Garden Pea Soup with English Pea, Poached Leeks, Fava Beans and Petit Mint. It was poured tableside.



When the entrees came, they were very dramatic about it. We all had our plate concealed under domes, and it took four waiters all at once to reveal our plates to us.



I had the Iron Seared Fish, Royal Red Shrimp in a Sungold Tomato Broth. The biggest different I noticed with this entrée, is that previously I would have only been served one piece of fish. They have definitely become more generous with the portions, as there were two pieces of fish. I couldn’t finish it all, but Olga benefitted from that transaction.



Quite a few people in our party ordered the Petit Filet Mignon, Tender Haricot Verts, Cabernet Jus. They all seemed to enjoy it.



Fran got the Soup and sandwich combination. Open faced Smoked Chicken Sandwich with Grilled Peach, Arugula and Melted Gouda, it came with a side of soup and French fries. I did steal some of her fries as these are really good.



Then it was time for dessert. I got the Organic Chocolate Marquise, Passion Fruit Sorbet, and Pecan Brittle. This was really pretty good. I enjoyed it and it was very chocolatey.



Fran repeated the Mississippi Molten Chocolate Cake, Vanilla Bean Marshmallows and Café au Lait Ice Cream that we both had a few weeks before.



And drizzled in the chocolate.



Several people tried the Sweet Corn Crème Brulee with Blueberry Compote, Blueberry Ginger Soda and Peach Madeline, and declared it delicious.



We adjourned to the lounge for another round of beverages before saying good night. We had to be home before Sunset to let the kitties in before the Coyotes come out, besides, it was only a few more hours until we met up again!

 

[Flossbolna]

Alison, so wonderful to read your report on our amazing lunch!! I am full of envy of the beautiful pictures you got! Will comment more in detail later today!

And the creme brulee was indeed the best one I ever had in my life!

 

[dolphingirl47]

So I got all the things I wanted!

That is great news.

That is such a nice photo.

The lunch that we had was just wonderful.

I am glad that lunch was a success

I thought that the drink menu was very pretty.

It is pretty and I liked the look of what was on the main menu, too.

Drinks were also brought to the table, and one of our party (actually quite a few) ordered Mint Juleps, the real Mint Julep and not the virgin ones that they serve downstairs at the stand outside the French Market.

That sounds delicious. I am not normally keen on mint, but I do love the virgin Mint Juleps so I think I would love this.

Corinna

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

It went up on the market Friday August 22, and as of September 2, it has been rented.

That's not a bad turnaround time.

Last night we had a Pool and Burger Grilling Party, the problem, our pool was green about five days ago.

Well, uh...it's natural.

And seven shock treatments, 4 gallons of Chlorine, various Algaecide and Clarifier treatments later, the pool looks like this.

Wow! Nice work!

However, the old tried and true Hampton Inn won out again, just because of convenience and good pricing.

Hard to beat that one.

I just noticed the photobomber in the background. I should have photoshopped her out!

Then your photoshop skills are better than mine!

And that ended a fun day with friends at the park!

Looks like a good one!

The others in our party feel the same way as well, so they are not pictured here. The company was lovely and we all had a great time that day, but you’ll have to live with these pictures of Fran, Magdalene and myself.

That's ok. We can imagine that the others look like Matt Damon, Reese Witherspoon, etc.

As you know I have been somewhat lukewarm about my meals here, but the previous lunch was really spectacular, and I have to say that things have been slowly changing.

Glad to hear it! So glad you could meet up with Magdalene and company. I'm sure it was a great time!

All of our party ordered a combination of that, or some got what Fran and I termed the “Weed Salad”, and we had some good laughs about that.

Keep your weeds, and give me the filet!

 

[afwdwfan]

Good luck in your continuing effort to clear out and rent out the old place. I'm glad ebay is being good to you!

The pool/burger party looks like a good time. I'm glad you were able to clear up the green water for it.

Once again, I'm jealous of your random visits to Disneyland. I'm glad you got to have a fun afternoon with Dis friends though.

ETA- Missed the Club 33 update at first. Lunch actually looks really good. Again, I'm jealous of your visits to Club 33. And I thought the food looked fantastic.

 

[dhorner233]

It's so nice that you can just pop over to Disneyland for the day or lunch! Glad Fran felt up to joining you.

The food was so fancy! But, your pictures literally had my mouth watering!!

 

[DnA2010]

Well that's a bummer. You are there the week that I am on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera! I'm glad that my TRs could help through your recovery!
.

Oh drat! Next time!
Yes, being laid up was very boring- I enjoyed back reading TR's and got to know a lot of Dis'ers.
With this next trip I'm looking forward to taking it slow and really enjoying details.
Maybe we will catch you guys on the next trip, I bet you will have a blast on the cruise, we'd like to try one of the classic ships sometime.

 

[DnA2010]

Whoops should have multi quoted but oh well!

Great update, green pools can be sooo frustrating- my inlaws have a pool at their ranch where we spend a lot of time and help maintain, they can really drive you crazy!
Your lunch looks yummy, can't beat homemade buns

Wow that C33 Lunch menu is fab, so many great dishes! DH and I would order very similar to you and Fran actually! Someday...