Snow to 80 in 8 days–A spoonful of Holiday Cheer (2/5 update Ch 36 - Final Thoughts)

[FauntleroyFAN07]

I think the answer to that would, unfortunately, be no. He already told me he won't be there when I'm there in January or September.

when in sept. are you going?

 

[KatMark]

when in sept. are you going?

Early planning stages, but I am thinking arriving September 14 (late at night) and departing on September 20 to Marco Island until the 27th.

 

[Poolrat]

Molly, at the rate this TR is going, you and I are the only ones who check in regularly anymore.

I am still checking in. I saw Marv threatened us with an update today.

Don't make me get Roz.

 

[marvali]

Okay, okay.....if you notice, my green light is on.......

 

[marvali]

We still had plenty of time to make our Le Cellier reservation but since we didn't know how long it would take to walk back across the park, we decided to breeze right through Mexico and head directly over to Canada. On the way they had already lit the lights in the park so I took a quick picture of the Epcot Christmas tree.

It really didn't take that long to walk it and we arrived at the check in desk at 5:35 for our 6:00 ADR. Jonathan was already there waiting on us just as he had promised. The CM said it was a little early for us to check in, so Ali, Matt and Drew headed into Canada to freshen up for dinner while Jon and I waited for them to return. Seemed like a great chance to take some more pictures.

A tribute to ALL of my Canadian friends!!!

The Canadian National Bird??? Actually I should know what this bird is, but I can't think of it right now. There were a bunch of them walking around in the grass beside the lagoon.

The family returned and we again approached the check in desk. This time the CM marked our reservation on the computer and told us we could go ahead down the walkway to the restaurant. When we arrived there were a lot of people already waiting inside, so I decided to stay outside. It was a pleasant evening; very comfortable. While I waited I had to of course take another picture. What else does a DISer do while they wait???

They finally called us to be seated and took us to our table. Here is one of the first things they bring you.

These were delicious and we definitely needed them to bring us more to go with the meal.

Matt was looking at the menu and decided to order a beer. I think he asked the CM about the different types and this is what he ended up choosing.

He really liked it and when he texted his college roommate what he was having and how good it was, his roommate texted back that his family really liked that beer and actually got a case of it when they could to drink at home. Everyone was trying to decide what to eat, and of course I shared my best DIS food reviews to help them. Since we were on the DDP this trip of course we didn't shy away from the signature item that Le Cellier was known for......steak. Drew has trouble sometimes chewing with his braces and appliance in the roof of his mouth, and isn't a huge eater anyway, so the Mushroom Filet was perfect for him........very tender and a smaller cut of meat.

Everyone else was focused on the Filet also, but one person in the group was having second thoughts. In spite of my sharing with everyone that the Filet was the way to go at Le Cellier, I found myself wavering. If I had known then what I know now I would have ordered it for sure, but at the time I wasn't aware you can substitute the sides. The mushroom risotto didn't sound as good to me as the roasted Yukon potatoes, and since everyone else was getting the Filet I knew I would get the chance to try it anyway, so I opted to order the New York Strip Steak.

Everyone really enjoyed their food, and my NY Strip was fantastic, as was the remainder of Drew's filet when he didn't eat it all. The only complaint we had was the limit on the sides that you have to go with your main course. I think we would have been happier if we hadn't been on the DDP and had ordered a salad, side or appetizer to supplement. Everyone who had the filet thought the Risotto was okay, but just didn't really qualify as a side to them and were a little disappointed that basically their meal was just a piece of meat, although a very, very good piece of meat. I was really pleased with my choice of the potatoes and even though I didn't originally have the filet, I still thought I got the better deal.

One bonus to being on the DDP is that you get to include dessert after your meal. Once again I shared some DISboard dining input with everyone while they tried to decide what to order. Drew loves chocolate anything, and was already gung-ho for the "cute" dessert.

Matthew had the Chocolate Whiskey Cake. I got to try it and it was fantastic.

Alison was looking for something healthy-ish so she had the Burnbleberry Cobbler. (well, it was "fruit" after all)

Jonathan and I both ordered the Maple Crème Brulee. Apparently I didn’t take a picture. I guess I didn’t think I needed to take one because so many people have posted pictures before. I was a little worried this would be a little too strong in maple taste and too sweet to finish it all, but it was fantastic from start to finish.

With the meal behind us, and everyone very pleased with our choice of Le Cellier (everyone agreed we would have to do this one again in the future) we were running out of evening and still had a number of Fast Passes burning a hole in our pockets. It was time to go use them up and we set out for a return flight over California on Soarin'. On the way of course I had to get some final pictures.

Pluto’s doghouse decorated with Christmas lights.

And of course there was one final tribute I had to get. We stopped at a gift shop and Matt posed as Captain Jack

The rest of us picked our hats for the ultimate tribute picture for Kathy and her husband Mark (and I've since discovered Tanya who shared so many hat pictures with us leading up to her summer trip).

We were running out of time so we quickly moved along. I still had to take time for another picture. I really love the way this one came out.

Glad we had Fastpasses to use for this one. Would never have waited in this SB line.

We finished our ride on Soarin' and it was really getting late. We only had four FPs for Test Track left and Alison hadn't ridden it yet, so I told the boys to go ride it with their Mom and I would find something else to do while I waited. When they got done we would meet back near the fountain and go find a spot to watch Illuminations together.

I was glad they had FPs and didn't have to deal with the Standby line.

I thought about riding Mission Space but we had done that one earlier and I wanted to ride something else that wouldn't take a lot of time, so with the start of Illuminations coming quickly I opted for this.

I basically walked right onto Spaceship Earth and enjoyed my journey there. No time to check out my picture at the end so I could get back out to the fountain and meet the family. I didn't see them coming yet as I had a clear view towards that section of the park, keeping one eye out for them while the other anxiously watched the time. As I continued to wait for them to no avail I heard music start and looked to see laser lights in the distance, and hear the boom of fireworks. Okay, they had FPs so where could they be? My attention soon turned more towards what little of Illuminations I could see in the distance, with an occasional glance towards TT. I finally saw them coming as Illuminations was obviously reaching its conclusion. They apologized for taking so long, but of course the ride had problems and shut down while they were in line and it took them that long to finally get on and ride. Since Illuminations was ending there was no need to head that direction and into the mob that would be heading our way anyway, so we headed for the exit to beat the crowds to the bus so we could get back to Kidani and get some sleep for the long ride home the next day. It had been a very fun and productive day, even without being able to share Illuminations together!

When we got back to Kidani Matt decided he better take advantage of this possibly last opportunity to enjoy WDW for a while, so he talked to his brothers about going to another park to catch some final rides. After doing the solo riding thing at Epcot, Jonathan was tired and didn't want to go back out. Andrew as usual was ready to go with Matt so after realizing that MK was the only park still open that late, they boarded a bus and headed back out to enjoy some more rides together. Everything was surprisingly still very busy, with lengthy Standby lines, but they managed to get in one final ride together on Space Mountain before deciding they had had enough and headed back to Kidani for some sleep.

Coming Up Next – Chapter 35 Heading Home and some Final Thoughts

 

[Poolrat]

I was looking at the LC menu and was wondering what the prices were since they are now a 2 credit and then I realized - you were there when it was still 1 credit.

Glad you all had a good meal and I do remember asking for potatoes instead of the risotto and I was told no. Must have been because I do not remember having those potatoes and I know I wanted them.

Have no I idea how my answers fared this time, I can't remember my answers much less some of the questions.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Do mine eyes deceive me?? An actual update! Yeah!

Ugh, ok, judging by this update, I didn't fare too well with my answers. Oh well! There's always next time, right?

I'm glad to hear you made it to Le Cellier on time. I always fret over ADR times when we're there, I'm sure I drive DH crazy. He's just too much of a gentleman to say so!

Love all of your Canadian pics too. Though I'm rather shocked you went with the strip instead of the filet. Yet you seem pleased by your decision so I guess I can't really make fun of you then, darn. So the maple creme brulee was yummy? Great! It's one of the very few gluten free desserts I can have, score!

Oh, the beer Matt ordered is a huge favorite with my DH too. I think he likes ordering so he can sound all French and snobby "La Fin du Monde".

Poor Drew and his braces! My DD12 is getting them next week and she is NOT happy about the food limitations.

Aw, what a cutie Matt is! Clearly he got his good looks from Ali, clearly.

And I love the group hat shot! Very cute and a nice tribute for Kathy. I wonder, will I ever get a tribute shot?? Pretty please? Maybe you could find an angel at Disney and stand next to it and call it "the Molly".

This is a fabulous shot! The coloring is gorgeous. Now at the risk of inflating your ego, I have to say you really captured some amazing pictures on this trip! I've really enjoyed them.

Bummer about missing Illuminations. I've never seen it myself. I always intend to but usually someone is tired and/or grumpy by that time of night.

Aw man, it wasn't you who returned to the MK for more fun after Epcot? Dang, I got that answer wrong too. Sounds like such a great trip you all had Marv.

 

[marvali]

Answers? Questions? I'm pretty sure you, Kathy, Molly and Dan didn't submit any........and NO, it doesn't have anything to do with the harassment I got on the previous page.......

 

[KatMark]

Answers? Questions? I'm pretty sure you, Kathy, Molly and Dan didn't submit any........and NO, it doesn't have anything to do with the harassment I got on the previous page.......

I most certainly did submit answers to the last round of questions. You better look back and find them, Mister!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

How exciting that you got to sneek in a trip and smallish peep-fest!

Can't wait to see the proof

Love the hats! Looks like I got some food items sort of right, I think.

 

[glennbo123]

Woo hoo! I think I picked the right beer! Although it was so long ago, it's hard to remember.

What, you were the rebel that didn't get the filet?

Mmmm, that whiskey cake looks really good. I've never had either, but I think I'd get that over the maple creme brulee.

 

[KatMark]

Great update, Marv.

The Christmas photos are great.

I'm glad you enjoyed your dinner at LeCellier; we enjoyed it but won't be going back for dinner. When we were there, you could not substitue for the cream cheese mashed potatos and they didn't have the Chocolate Whiskey Cake on the dessert menu (only lunch).

Thank you for the picture of all you handsome guys dedicated to Mark and me.

 

[Poolrat]

Great update, Marv.

The Christmas photos are great.

I'm glad you enjoyed your dinner at LeCellier; we enjoyed it but won't be going back for dinner. When we were there, you could not substitue for the cream cheese mashed potatos and they didn't have the Chocolate Whiskey Cake on the dessert menu (only lunch).

Thank you for the picture of all you handsome guys dedicated to Mark and me.

Good I wasn't dreaming that I couldn't do that. I have had the Whiskey cake before... mmmmmm

 

[Flossbolna]

Hi Marv!!

We are back - and it was great that you and Jonathan could find the time to come to WDW and meet us! It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip!!

 

[englishrose47]

I know I picked beer but got the name wrong , so I still get apoint for beer right?? I got Maple Creme Brulee right too. So I know i got a couple of points !!!

 

[marvali]

Hi Marv!!

We are back - and it was great that you and Jonathan could find the time to come to WDW and meet us! It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip!!

Awww Magdalene! It was wonderful getting to meet you and Katharina and spending time together! Saying goodbye after MNSSHP was definitely the low point of the trip. Hope we get to do it all again really soon!

 

[jenb1023]

So I am off the boards for a few weeks and miss the usual shenanigans but a super secret trip to the World! So happy for you and so jealous! Will you do a separate mini-TR or just incorporate it into this one?

Great update! We love Le Cellier but will only be going for lunch from now on! Love the hat tribute picture! Bummer about missing Illuminations but it is my least favorite nighttime show (no flames please).

 

[KatMark]

Bummer about missing Illuminations but it is my least favorite nighttime show (no flames please).

No flames from me, Jen. I'm with you...Illuminations is my least favorite too.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

These were delicious and we definitely needed them to bring us more to go with the meal.

Did you guys try the cheese soup? Pretzel bread + cheese soup = heaven.

If I had known then what I know now I would have ordered it for sure, but at the time I wasn't aware you can substitute the sides. The mushroom risotto didn't sound as good to me as the roasted Yukon potatoes, and since everyone else was getting the Filet I knew I would get the chance to try it anyway, so I opted to order the New York Strip Steak.

Good call! The filet is good, but so are the other steaks, and this gives you more meat!

I didn't know you couldn't substitute the sides. I seem to remember doing that before at an earlier meal. I wonder if that's a newer policy. I'd definitely go for the potatoes every time.

I was really pleased with my choice of the potatoes and even though I didn't originally have the filet, I still thought I got the better deal.

Did you lord it over everyone else? I would have.

Matthew had the Chocolate Whiskey Cake. I got to try it and it was fantastic.

They apologized for taking so long, but of course the ride had problems and shut down while they were in line and it took them that long to finally get on and ride.

Love that shot of SE with the fountain in front. And I thik I did my usual crappy job in the contest, but I'm used to it!

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

Early planning stages, but I am thinking arriving September 14 (late at night) and departing on September 20 to Marco Island until the 27th.

is it set in stone?

Answers? Questions? I'm pretty sure you, Kathy, Molly and Dan didn't submit any........and NO, it doesn't have anything to do with the harassment I got on the previous page.......

i resent them to you, even though you have them i will hope to fill your inbox up.




what kind of person does not get the fillet after talking it up so much.


ahhh marv thats who.





i would say good ending but you didnt go ride the mexico ride and see illuminiations like i said you would.


do we get pictures on the ride home?