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

[Captain_Oblivious]

I decided that it would be a fantastic idea to rent the Grand Villa overlooking Paradise Pier and invite a whole bunch of people over for a party.

I love this idea, and the grand villa looks amazing! So jealous of everyone who will be there.

Quite a motley crew, but you’re born with your family, ya gotta take em as they are.

Truth!

And our conductor Justin. What can I say about him? You have been warned, those who are coming along and will meet him.

Oh my goodness. They say a picture is worth a thousand words...

This sounds like quite the bash! I'm so glad you will be able to have so many good friends/family there. Should be a great time.

 

[franandaj]

Having just done the early December WDW time frame, I can very much recommend it! I loved it so much that I am hoping to repeat last year's trip in 2016 (also because of all the stress with Michael's father's health the trip was not nearly as relaxing as we would have hoped for). Also, I personally would prefer cooler December weather to the heat of September. Hope your band buddies come up with the right decision tonight!

The band did good! Our concert is on for December 20 which now clears me for an early December trip. Now I just need some time to sit down and book it. I think the Fantasy is out because there are no more staterooms with Verandahs left on the Dec 5 Cruise, so I'm back to the Dream.

Ok, that makes sense! And it is nice to hear that they did not cut out people who need a HA room from getting the better view!

I was pleased to find out that they gave the view to the "crips" (as Fran calls herself).

I missed the post about the cast! I loved that seeing all the players. How nice to put names to faces. I am pleased your tenants signed and that they put the power in their name.

I'm hoping that Jenny, Jill, Cynthia and Alicia chime in about some of the crazy antics, because I don't put anything past Justin. Although I don't think any of his jokes could be repeated on the DIS!

Oh my goodness making more dough out of the apple juice tea at Mad Tea Party. So not the point is it. Invisible income you really don't want to upset us adults. We have lots lf pocket money too! Stop cancelling things Disney!

Yeah, I can't imagine they weren't making money on that festival, but maybe it was more hassle to pull off than the money that came in.

But I see we have a Trader Sam's opening in WDW!

I love the one in California, the one at the Poly should be fun too!

Anyway birthday girl. I am very exciting for you. I was wondering do they do an accessible Grand Villa? I sure would love that pool table but those stairs oh my!

You could always go out to the elevator, ride up to the fifth floor

A very nice group of people for your Birthday Bash.

Thanks Bret!

I am glad that this has all gone through OK.

Last thing is to cancel the Behind the Seeds tour. Maybe I'll ask Fran to do that one.

I really do appreciate it. I finally got around to making a ticker for this trip.

Corinna

Cool ticker! I will be traveling in December now anyways, so September is wide open!

Hi Alison and Fran,

I finally have caught up enough with work to actually post a few thoughts.

You and your sister look alike. You both have rosy cheeks and beautiful smiles. Is your temperament similar?

Hmmmmm, I never thought we looked alike. We are nothing like each other in temperament or personalities. But that what makes the world go round!

I am sorry you had to cancel your trip with Naked Jim. But hey, now we get to read about him in a different trip report.

Beth is a cutie, love her dimples. Alberto looks sweet, cool hat. I like Leonard’s hair, the little spike on top is adorable.

Are Dave and Donna a couple? What is a Timpani? Yea, yea, I could google it but it is easier to ask.

You would have got to read about this anyways....I'm not sure who you have renamed Beth. Alberto is quite nice, he comes from Latin America and has a very thick accent, he's really funny, especially when he doesn't mean to be! Leonard looks totally different, nowadays. Dave and Donna are a couple, and Donald is playing the Timpani in this picture.

John and Suzie look like fun folks to party with. Love John’s ears. The ones on top of his head…

Justin looks like a hoot, another fun person to party with. Again, yea, yea, I know I am not supposed to end a sentence with “with”.

John and Suzie are great fun, they're also marathon runners, and got their Coast to Coast earlier this year. Justin is a total riot.

Jill is a sweetie, I am glad she agreed to join your party.

I have read the trip reports of Cynthia, Jenny, and Alicia so I know you are going to have a blast with them helping celebrating your birthday. Isn’t Disboards awesome? It has connected so many wonderful folks who without it would have passed each other by with never making an impact on each others lives.

I'm so thrilled to have so many sweet ladies from the DIS joining me on this!

Off topic, I will be at a conference next door to Disney Land next April (conference is in the Hilton). I am hoping to spend the conference nights in the Hilton and then transfer over to VGC (might be just wishful thinking since I will need to snag the room at 7 months) My family and a few friends will be traveling with me. Can I pick your brain about where to go, what to see and do, Disney and non-Disney? I have not been to the Anaheim since 1986 when we were in CA to see the Dead, Jerry Garcia went into a diabetic coma, the concert was cancelled and a zillion deadheads descended on Disney Land.

Kate

I'll have to think about this. Remind me with a PM on FB. I didn't really you were a Deadhead. I slightly followed them in early 90s just before Jerry died.

This is GREAT news! Much better than I was expecting to, how outstanding! I was in a boot for 6 weeks in the early/mid 90's and I know I was able to wear really wide legged pants over it. Granted they were kind of in back then, not "flares" per se but more like the whole Katharine Hepburn really wide legs. Biggest trick was not to step on them lol! Although one thing to consider is that I did have to wear a shoe with a heel on it on the other side to be remotely level! It does depend a lot on the kind of boot and she may well be out of a hard one and into a softer one by then which would free up more options. I didn't see a picture of the boot so am not sure if it's the hard kind or the softer kind. The hard one I was in was almost like a ski boot. Although it does cause other issues I know, it may be a good thing that she isn't weight bearing too much in the boot. I was and between the stiletto on one side and boot on another...I ended up all kinds of out of whack and in PT after to get set to rights.

She is going to be surrounded by people that adore her, she shouldn't be self conscious at all.

This is the boot. We still have no idea what to do about pants.

I had no idea, I am so sorry, that is just horrible to try and live with and is heartbreaking that she feels that way. I don't blame you for not wanting to buy bell bottoms per-se but if a wide legged pant made her more comfortable that might be an option?

And if I see anyone doing that, I'll take them out myself!

Which could be live entertainment right there.

Hopefully this is all in her mind. It kills me when she talks about it.

I am glad things are moving forward or, at least dealt with even if it isn't a fun kind of dealing to have. Cat food heaven! Out of curiosity, how long will that stash last you? I know my poor Hank would love the wet stuff more but Melvin is so fat, he eats too much and they are impossible to separate. One thing I had a hard time with was the sheer volume of cans and that was just for the 2. Dry is just easier.

That lasts a little under 2 months. They get 5 cans twice a day, plus a can of Fancy Feast twice a day. They never finish it all, but Fran says if they finish it all, I'm not feeding them enough. They get three flavors of dry food too.

YAY PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The queens are nice, in some ways I think 2 studios are better than the 1 bedroom as the sofa bed is not great for adults if you can avoid it. A 2 B is crazy points but then again VGC is high all around. I also think that the bathroom in the studio is adorable! At least compared to the 2nd bath in the 1b.

I am contemplating a November trip and right now the sunday night I want is still available, chances of it being there when it's booking time are slim but you never know!

I do like the shower curtain in there. You never know, stranger things have happened.

Nope!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do it Do it Do it

LOL

We most certainly would!

Wouldn't that be even more fun!

What a fun cast! You and your sister definitely look like sisters! I am so excited to meet everyone but um, Justin may have moved up past Naked Jim in the list after that photo series. LOL! So so much fun!!!!

I do have to say that they are both characters. Justin is a little more up front and vulgar. Jim is crazy but refined. Leonard will sneak up on you when you least expect it and come up with something totally left field.

Soooo excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I get to spend time with all of you without the distractions of kids, parents or husbands! LOL

Well there will be kids, parents and husbands, just not your own!

 

[franandaj]

I love this idea, and the grand villa looks amazing! So jealous of everyone who will be there.

We will toast you while we are there.

Spoiler: Food Post Coming Next

We aren't having burgers.

Truth!

Oh my goodness. They say a picture is worth a thousand words...

This sounds like quite the bash! I'm so glad you will be able to have so many good friends/family there. Should be a great time.

I had Naked Jim read the post the other day and he said that I captured the "essence" of each of the friends very well in the picture I posted of them. That says quite a lot about Justin.

 

[dvc at last !]

Checking in to say hi ! Things are moving in the right direction. Doctor you like,
cancellations, bookings being checked out, Birthday Bash planned, tenants and enough cat food for a while.
Now you just need to figure the boot/pants issue. Just slit the pant leg as far up as needed.
Rose

 

[eandesmom]

This is the boot. We still have no idea what to do about pants.

Ok, so that is kind of in between soft and hard, do you think she will still be in that one for the party?. If you can slide it under the pant leg after the pants are on, you can then hook up the velcro etc by pulling the pants down, )and then back up of course). Can be easier than trying to push the pants up. Another thought, if there is an older pair, is to simply rip open the side seam of the pant up to the height you'd need on that one leg, just make sure to close off the seam with a cross stitch of sorts as to prevent further unraveling of the seam. Better than taking scissors to it although depending on the seam you might want to actually close them up with a hem type finish so it's super clean and not edges flopping around. It would be super easy for any seamstress to do if you don't sew, just mark on the pant leg where you want it opened up to. Nice thing about that option is that they could then be resewn back as they were before.

Hopefully this is all in her mind. It kills me when she talks about it.

Even if it is in her mind, that makes it real to her.

That lasts a little under 2 months. They get 5 cans twice a day, plus a can of Fancy Feast twice a day. They never finish it all, but Fran says if they finish it all, I'm not feeding them enough. They get three flavors of dry food too.

Ok that's not bad for the number of animals although I would probably disagree on the not finishing. But, as long as they aren't fat, I wouldn't worry about it! I can't free feed anymore thanks to big fat Melvin. LOL

I do like the shower curtain in there. You never know, stranger things have happened.

It is so cute! I love all the art deco with the subtle Disney touch

Well there will be kids, parents and husbands, just not your own!

Exactly!!!!!!!! It should be perfect, I'll be post vacation with my own and ready for someone elses. LOL.

 

[KathyM2]

Catching up!!! Can't wait to hear more!

 

[franandaj]

Checking in to say hi ! Things are moving in the right direction. Doctor you like,
cancellations, bookings being checked out, Birthday Bash planned, tenants and enough cat food for a while.
Now you just need to figure the boot/pants issue. Just slit the pant leg as far up as needed.
Rose

Yes things are proceeding....now if I could only find time to sit down and rebook the trip.

Ok, so that is kind of in between soft and hard, do you think she will still be in that one for the party?. If you can slide it under the pant leg after the pants are on, you can then hook up the velcro etc by pulling the pants down, )and then back up of course). Can be easier than trying to push the pants up.

She is going to be in that boot for quite a few months. Probably until the doctor releases her fully. Well, her pants are tight enough around the legs that I don't see this one working.

Another thought, if there is an older pair, is to simply rip open the side seam of the pant up to the height you'd need on that one leg, just make sure to close off the seam with a cross stitch of sorts as to prevent further unraveling of the seam. Better than taking scissors to it although depending on the seam you might want to actually close them up with a hem type finish so it's super clean and not edges flopping around. It would be super easy for any seamstress to do if you don't sew, just mark on the pant leg where you want it opened up to. Nice thing about that option is that they could then be resewn back as they were before.

I think we'll take them to the tailor.

Even if it is in her mind, that makes it real to her.

That is true.

Ok that's not bad for the number of animals although I would probably disagree on the not finishing. But, as long as they aren't fat, I wouldn't worry about it! I can't free feed anymore thanks to big fat Melvin. LOL

We only have one fat cat, and she stays outside during most of the day. She doesn't seem to overeat, and the rest behave as if they have been starved for days, even when there is food in the bowls.

Exactly!!!!!!!! It should be perfect, I'll be post vacation with my own and ready for someone elses. LOL.

I'm so ready for a vacation! Wish I had one planned, oh yeah, it was going start 10 days from today. Doh!

Catching up!!! Can't wait to hear more!

Well I hope to have more coming soon!

 

[franandaj]

So I have some good news on the real life front. First off, David's Vacation Rentals was able to rent out the bulk of my points yesterday. There wasn't much left there, so I let some friends use the rest towards a weekend getaway at DLR through the Disney Collection. We ended up getting about three grand for the points so I was satisfied with that. Now all the points have been used and they won't go to waste.

I'm about ready to book a trip in December, I just need to find the time to sit down and figure out all the components. I need to find days when our flyer miles will apply and then figure out which resort to stay at. Who am I kidding? My only option so far is SSR, at least until May. Then I can switch to a non home resort.

On the healing front Fran is getting ancy. She has less than three weeks until her follow up doctor appointment. At that point she should be able to begin bearing weight on her leg. We had a small victory this week. Using the portable ramp that goes over our front step, she was able to get into the Expedition and drive to band this week. Jim and I were there to spot her, and I won't let her do it without two people there to spot her. She's a little annoyed about that, but she doesn't always realize her limits. Besides we are so close to being through the toughest part of this, I wouldn't want to see her suffer a setback.

Going to band was great therapy. It really raised her spirits to see people, play her instrument and get a little bit of that "normal" feeling back. On the other hand it has really wiped her out and she has slept through most of the last two days. I suppose that's a good thing. It keeps her off her feet and gives her body more time to heal.

I've been able to get caught up on some projects around the house like hanging pictures and tidying up some things that have piled up over the last few weeks. Part of the party component takes place at the house and it will be a practice housewarming so we want to get as much as we can into place. I've been neglecting my house thread and it's about time I post some pictures of the progress we've been making over the last couple months. But first I want to get in another update here, I just need to finish writing it!

 

[ACDSNY]

That's great Fran was able to get out and about for band. I know it drives me crazy to be stuck at home doing nothing.

Good luck with planning your December trip and Yay for the partial point rental.

 

[franandaj]

That's great Fran was able to get out and about for band. I know it drives me crazy to be stuck at home doing nothing.

Good luck with planning your December trip and Yay for the partial point rental.

I can't even imagine what I would do if I were cooped up like that and unable to do stuff. Yeah, if Fran would let me have some time, but for some reason she wants me to do things like clean up, get the house ready and not sit around on the computer planning trips and reading TRs! As it is I have to sneak in my time on the DISboards while she is napping or in the bathroom! Updates usually take me about a week to write, sneaking in a paragraph here and there!

 

[franandaj]

Friday Night's Menu!

So now that you know who is coming to dinner, time to reveal what we’re having for dinner. While I liked the idea of hosting a big party in the room, I never wanted it to be a big production. But if any of you know, my idea of simple is most people’s idea of a big production. However for me keeping it simple means that I turn to my trusty local Costco in addition to a few home cooked items, which I find to be low maintenance.

The first thing is the proteins. Who doesn’t love a Costco Chicken? I plan on getting about four of these and reheating them in the villa’s oven. Then there are the grilling items. Costco used carry giant sized packages of Johnsonville Brats, however on my last trip there I didn’t see any. Maybe as we get closer to grilling season they will be back in stock.

The main star of the evening will be the grilled Tri Trip. A couple years back I found out a very interesting fact about this cut of meat. Most people on the East Coast and some in the Midwest have never heard to this cut of meat, so I did a little research. It turns out that this is a California Specialty, specifically from Santa Maria, a somewhat rural area North of Santa Barbara known previously for ranching.

It seems that up until the 1950s this part of the cow was ground up for hamburger just like some of the other less desirable parts. But a special style of meat became popular called the “Santa Maria steak”. It was given a dry rub and grilled over oak, in a rotissierie, or cooked in a smoker. Here in California we often have this cut for Memorial Day, Fourth of July or Labor Day Barbeques. I hadn’t realized until we were planning our Gamers DISmeet in WDW that it was a regional favorite, as when I told folks what I was bringing to the potluck, they were like

Here is where the cut of meat comes from.



Here are some seasoned TriTrips waiting to go on the grill



And here they are on the grill at the Beach Club Villas. This will be the second DVC resort where I have grilled TriTip, should I try for all of them?



Mmmmmm Tri Tip….



But what about the vegetarians you ask? Well, I plan to have Chips and Salsa available on the tables and the buffet counter. First will be the Quinoa salad. I think this will be eaten by mostly the ladies, and the healthy ones at that.



Then we’ll have Caesar Salad



And Chinese Chicken Salad



I’ll probably thrown in a Veggie platter too. Next will be some fruit.





The one thing that I plan to prepare from scratch for this will be the famous Strawberry soup ala 1900 Park Fare. I’ve made this before and it will be very easy to make the day before when I’m at home. I’m going to make a triple recipe of this. It should be really good!



For side dishes I have Potato Salad



But the thing that I am probably most looking forward to is the Macaroni & Cheese! If you haven't had Costco's Mac and Cheese, give it a try, it's so tasty and creamy!



Then there’s desserts. I’m sure many of you are familiar with Costco’s Brownie Bites, I’ll get those for the chocoholics, I’m a big fan of their Madeline’s so I’ll throw in some of those as well. But the piece de resistance will be this. I’m not sure how many of you are Food Network Fans. A while ago there was a show on there called “Ace of Cakes”, it was a reality type TV show about a bakery in Baltimore called Charm City Cakes. Recently they have opened Charm City Cakes West. Fran suggested that they make my birthday cake, so in February we visited their location for a consultation. I got to pick six flavors to “test” and I chose the following.

Dulce de Leche
Lemon
Chocolate Raspberry
Mudslide
Strawberry Shortcake
Yellow





I’m going to leave it as a surprise as to which flavor I chose, but after the consult, these are the sketches they sent me for my cakes. We are getting a sheet cake, to eat first and this is the basic idea.



This will be my real cake, and no one better slice into Mickey until Tiggr is gone!



So that’s the menu for the first night! Now I’m going to really need to sit down and work out the guidelines for Marcel for the second night. I like to give him almost complete freedom to choose something spectacular for us, but this time I’m going to give him some guidance of which courses where. That will be my next update!

 

[Flossbolna]

I can't even imagine what I would do if I were cooped up like that and unable to do stuff. Yeah, if Fran would let me have some time, but for some reason she wants me to do things like clean up, get the house ready and not sit around on the computer planning trips and reading TRs! As it is I have to sneak in my time on the DISboards while she is napping or in the bathroom! Updates usually take me about a week to write, sneaking in a paragraph here and there!

I think you need a big hug, Alison!! Seems like life really is giving you a hard time at the moment (again...)!

So sorry that you are not getting anywhere with the December trip at the moment. I have to say that I really liked our stay at SSR this December. But I can also see why it could be a bit more inconvenient for people relying on scooters to get around.

I am so happy to hear that David's was able to rent out the bulk of your points!! At least you won't suffer from that aspect.

 

[Flossbolna]

Oh, the food sounds delicious!! I read about the tri tip on your previous trip report and thought that it sounded really delicious! I am at the moment reading my new guide book for California and already came across a couple of restaurants where it says in the description that they were offering tri tip. I think I would really like it. I am not a fan of prime rib as it has too much fat for my liking, but this looks like a leaner cut of meat!

And that cake tasting!! They all looked delicious! But I think I would have gone with lemon if it was halfway decent. Citrus desserts are just the best in my opinion!!

 

[scottny]

Good to hear surgery is not needed.

Bell bottoms might be fun. LOL.

You’re welcome for the reminder.

Nice view from the villa.

The plans sound fantastic. I think we will try Steakhousee 55 when we go.

The guest list looks like a fun bunch of people to share a weekend with. Cannot wait to read all about it.

Glad you rented all the points.

Good to hear she was good going to practice.

The food sounds so good. The cake flavors also and I would have chosen mudslide. Cute cake design.

 

[DisneyFirefly]

So is Mickey going to be a sculpted cake, or like a modeling chocolate figure on top of another cake?

 

[dolphingirl47]

I am glad that you got most of the points rented out.

The menu sounds awesome. I really have to try Tri Tip at some stage when I am in California. Just the thought of the strawberry soup makes my mouth water. The cake samples look lovely. I am looking forward to find out after the event which flavour you went for.

Corinna

 

[PrincessInOz]

So happy to read that Fran managed to make it to band. Hope that the 2 - 3 weeks goes quickly for her....and you.

I vote that you go for the clean sweep where the resorts and tri-tip cooking is concerned. I wish I could be there for ALL of them.
Your menu sounds wonderful. As does the desserts....and the cakes! A-MAZING!

 

[mvf-m11c]

The menu looks very interesting and delicious. The sketches for the cake looks great and I bet the cake will look amazing.

 

[Pinkocto]

Oh my goodness, the cake tasting sounds amazing!!!! Right now I'd go with strawberry but I really like all types of cakes. Except mint.

Hooray for David's!!!!!!


That's wonderful Fran was able to get out and enjoy band


I hope you can book your December trip soon. I was surprised how much I liked SSR and being right next to DTD. I mean really liked it! January was my second time and I appreciated it much more than the first.

That Friday I'll be driving seven hours to the wedding. I will be thinking of you guys!

 

[skier_pete]

Enjoy hearing all the good news....

...and now I hope I someday get invited to a tri-tip BBQ at a DVC resort!