Team Renfroe trip report with TONS of pics & reviews

[CHEK]

That lamb look's delic..... , that's exactly what I'd have chosen!. Do you know what Alan I don't blame you in joining the family in that well earned break!, your DW look's as though she could be sucking her thumb just like your DD was a few day's before , but I'm pretty sure I can see she's holding a book . My DD's for some reason will not give in to tempation to take a nap, and I have no idea why not, they certainly don't take after my DH or I, we can have a nap at any time of the day... , but maybe that's old age creeping up on us or should I say my DH he is coming up to his 40th and I'm nowhere near... ....yet!!. Sorry you didn't get to KRR but you'll be able to do it again when you make your next trip , just be prepared to get soaked not wet

 

[Luis Rodriguez]

Alan,

Well, your dining reviews had consequences!! (at least in our family). We booked a reservation at the Yak & Yeti and changed our H&V res. for one at the Brown & Derby.

Regards,

Luis.
P.S. Kudos for your son for trying different kind of meals, it must be wonderful to share that trait with him.

 

[jellyd]

Allen,

Love the photos with the reviews. Feels like I was on the vacation. Can't wait for my own trip.

THanks,
Rick

 

[Snowy-girls]

Well Alan what can i say,another outstanding update.I wish my girls were more adventurous with there food,i know there only young at 7+3 but i do hope they try some different foods next year when we go,although dd3 will try some new things,dd7 won't put it anywhere near her mouth.So well done to your children especially your son with all the different types of seafood he eats.That steak+lamb was cooked to perfection,the mash looked great,i am a mash girl when in the US-it is so nice over there,especially if it's garlic mash+they serve it with the brown 'au jus' over it.I loved the look of your daughter's dessert,i think i would pick one of them.And Alan you turn't down dessert-how could you?!?!?!.x.

 

[PudseyChancer]

What a fantastic trip report, the most entertaining, in-depth and informative I've read, I'm almost enjoying your trip as much as you obviously did! I'm really looking forward to trying the Yachtsman Steakhouse when we visit in August, and your review has reinforced my decision to book this for my girlfriends birthday meal - hope we get as good service as you did!

 

[alan_renfroe]

So glad to read a great review of Yachtsman. I was leaning toward the chilled seafood appetizer and now I'm sold!

Hi TigerKat! I'm glad I sold you on the chilled seafood appetizer...you will NOT be disappointed. It is incredible!

You are so lucky that your son is such a good eater!! My girls are 15 and 17 and won't eat anything remotely "weird".

Hi, Michelle! Here's the funny part - DS doesn't like a lot of traditional "kid foods!" He has NEVER liked hotdogs, mac & cheese, etc. How funny is that? In our case, it was good that he was considered to be an adult because he would have HATED the children's menu.

The BAD news is that we are teaching him to have expensive tastes!

The Fried Wontons at Yak and Yeti look delicious. I am definitely ordering that in December, without a doubt! The pic of your family sleeping made me laugh - we all know how that feels at WDW! All the food at Yachtsman Steakhouse looks delicious. Can't wait for more!

Hi, Figment's Friend! Hope you love those fried wontons as much as I did!

I just HAD to post those pics of the family sleeping! It just wouldn't be a true depiction of our trip without showing a little exhaustion!

Alan,

Well, your dining reviews had consequences!! (at least in our family). We booked a reservation at the Yak & Yeti and changed our H&V res. for one at the Brown & Derby.

Regards,

Luis.
P.S. Kudos for your son for trying different kind of meals, it must be wonderful to share that trait with him.

Thanks, Luis! I hope you'll enjoy Yak & Yeti, and the Brown Derby. I'm GLAD I saved you from H&V!

That lamb look's delic..... , that's exactly what I'd have chosen!. Do you know what Alan I don't blame you in joining the family in that well earned break!, your DW look's as though she could be sucking her thumb just like your DD was a few day's before , but I'm pretty sure I can see she's holding a book . My DD's for some reason will not give in to tempation to take a nap, and I have no idea why not, they certainly don't take after my DH or I, we can have a nap at any time of the day... , but maybe that's old age creeping up on us or should I say my DH he is coming up to his 40th and I'm nowhere near... ....yet!!. Sorry you didn't get to KRR but you'll be able to do it again when you make your next trip , just be prepared to get soaked not wet

Hi, Karen! Thanks for your understanding of a much-needed nap experience! Whew!

Hahahaha....you nailed it! DW loves to fall asleep while reading a book. It keeps her from thinking about other things and puts her right to sleep.

Tell DH not to worry about turning 40....it's awesome! Old guys rule!

We would have LOVED to have ridden Kali River Rapids...especially on such a HOT day. The soaking would have been welcomed! Our plan was to do KRR as our very last thing before leaving the park. If we had gotten fastpasses for KRR instead of EE before lunch, we would've had the opportunity to ride it. Oh well, EE was great! Even better the 3rd time!

Allen,

Love the photos with the reviews. Feels like I was on the vacation. Can't wait for my own trip.

THanks,
Rick

Hey Rick! Glad you are enjoying your vacation with the Renfroes!! Just don't let me catch you saying, "are we there yet?" or I'll have to give you a dollar warning!!

Well Alan what can i say,another outstanding update.I wish my girls were more adventurous with there food,i know there only young at 7+3 but i do hope they try some different foods next year when we go,although dd3 will try some new things,dd7 won't put it anywhere near her mouth.So well done to your children especially your son with all the different types of seafood he eats.That steak+lamb was cooked to perfection,the mash looked great,i am a mash girl when in the US-it is so nice over there,especially if it's garlic mash+they serve it with the brown 'au jus' over it.I loved the look of your daughter's dessert,i think i would pick one of them.And Alan you turn't down dessert-how could you?!?!?!.x.

How's it going, x! As stated above, it is funny because DS will not eat most of the classic American kids foods: hotdogs, mac&cheese, etc. He told me at lunch today to let readers of our thread on the DISboards know that he has done ALL of his experimenting for the year at Disney World! He said, "the next time you want me to try some asparagus or something like that, just remember that I tried EVERYTHING at Disney!" (He's quite the comedian.)

What a fantastic trip report, the most entertaining, in-depth and informative I've read, I'm almost enjoying your trip as much as you obviously did! I'm really looking forward to trying the Yachtsman Steakhouse when we visit in August, and your review has reinforced my decision to book this for my girlfriends birthday meal - hope we get as good service as you did!

Thanks very much for the compliments! I figure that it is true - a picture is worth a thousand words - sometimes the pictures tell the story.

I think choosing the Yachtsman Steakhouse for your girlfriend's birthday meal is perfect! It would be a nice "date place." California Grill is wonderful, but really loud. The Yachtsman would be more conducive for having a date night.


I love the mash myself. I was hoping to fit in a meal at Rose & Crown to get the Bangers & mash and a Bass on draft. That experience will have to wait until our next trip.

 

[SunnieRN]

Love the updates!!! Y&Y looks so good and I had it on my list for ADR's when I make them, this just more firmly implanted the idea in my mind. Thank you!! Your daughters face paint stood up well during her nap!
I'm sorry she still felt so poorly and I hope as the trip continues it will lesson and she will be back to her self!!
Well just think. You will now HAVE to go back soon to ride KRR!! Good excuse. Besides then you can try even MORE restaurants!!
Keep up the great reporting!! Thanks so much!

 

[alan_renfroe]

After a wonderful meal at the Yachtsman, we were all having a great time! I have forgotten what was so funny, but judging from this picture something must have been hilarious!!

Even DD seemed to be feeling a little better and laughing.

As we were leaving the Yacht Club, we got to see some of the fireworks from IllumiNations. We saw bits and pieces of IllumiNations three different nights, but never actually saw the whole thing. I would like to have dinner at Rose & Crown sometime, and sit back to watch IllumiNations.

Anyway, just to recap Day 6, we had breakfast at Pepper Market, arrived just after rope drop at Animal Kingdom, DS & I rode Expedition Everest three times, Dinosaur once, Primeval Whirl once, and the whole family did Kilimanjaro Safari, It's Tough To Be A Bug, Triceratop Spin, and Finding Nemo: The Musical. We had a wonderful lunch at Yak & Yeti and a much needed afternoon nap. We also had a nice dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse. DD got her face painted and bought a new webkinz...a penguin that she named "Slappy." She calls him slappy because he shows his affection by giving a gentle slap with his fin! Here is Slappy and Pal Mickey becoming friends:

So Day 6 came to a close. We had been at WDW since Saturday and it was now Wednesday evening. Only two more days to go! But, after a nice restful afternoon, we were ready to tackle our last two days!

Next installment - Day 7 - back to Epcot and the World Showcase, with lunch at Teppan Edo and dinner at Tutto Italia.

 

[IlovemythreeC's]

We are enjoying this so much ~ thanks for all the hard work that you have put into this.

 

[Figment's Friend]

Aww you guys look like you're having such a blast! Can't wait for your last 2 days.

 

[TigerKat]

Seeing your family laughing made me smile, I just love the way Disney Magic happens....

 

[TCKK]

More great updates! Thanks

 

[orangecats2]

Been reading for several days and wanted to say hi.
Great TR and subscribing.

 

[bizneydizney]

Well, I always "book" AK for their late-night EMH, and since we still can't get through the entire park in one day (even WITH the EMH), I take the opportunity to eat at one of the resorts on that day.

It doesn't help that AK normally doesn't have a TS restaurant either. I mean they had the breakfast, but I like to save my TS credits for dinners and eat breakfast in the room.

Since they were opening up Y&Y (or it may have just opened) when I hit my 180-day mark, I didn't want to take a chance on it.

So, we booked O'Hana this year. We did O'Hana last year, and everyone LOVED it! It was great!

The first year, we did Boma, and it was wonderful too.

I'm a little bit up in the air about eating at Y&Y. It looks and sounds awesome, but with the park having such short hours, I sort of hate to take away from Park time.

I wonder if Y&Y stays open later than the rest of the park, if you make a late dinner ressie?? Hmmmm.....

I just made our ADR a couple of weeks ago. We were going to make a reservation at Tusker House and they offered a 6:40 pm, I believe the park closes at 7:00. I would think if they are reserving for Tusker House at that time they would make reservations at Y & Y as well.

 

[englishrose47]

Wonderful update Alan! Those scallops looked great ! I would also love the chaterbriand , but it is for 2 ! What flavor was the creme brulee !!?? You really are an inspiration with your TR skills !! Now me I use humor and no pix !! Have I mentioned how computor illiterate I am !!

 

[RachelNinja]

Slappy is so cute! I adore penguins!

 

[Dcanoli]

I just made our ADR a couple of weeks ago. We were going to make a reservation at Tusker House and they offered a 6:40 pm, I believe the park closes at 7:00. I would think if they are reserving for Tusker House at that time they would make reservations at Y & Y as well.

Thanks!

My son really wants to go to O'Hana, but maybe I'll try and change it.

Thanks, I'll let you know what I find out....

 

[alan_renfroe]

Love the updates!!! Y&Y looks so good and I had it on my list for ADR's when I make them, this just more firmly implanted the idea in my mind. Thank you!! Your daughters face paint stood up well during her nap!
I'm sorry she still felt so poorly and I hope as the trip continues it will lesson and she will be back to her self!!
Well just think. You will now HAVE to go back soon to ride KRR!! Good excuse. Besides then you can try even MORE restaurants!!
Keep up the great reporting!! Thanks so much!

Thanks very much, SunnieRN! I think you'll love Y&Y...I hope so!

DD started feeling better on Day 7, so she's coming around! You are right...not riding KRR just means we'll have to come back again!

We are enjoying this so much ~ thanks for all the hard work that you have put into this.

Hello, IlovemythreeCs! Thanks very much for your compliments. I have really enjoyed working on this project!

Aww you guys look like you're having such a blast! Can't wait for your last 2 days.

Thanks, FF. The time of our lives!

Seeing your family laughing made me smile, I just love the way Disney Magic happens....

Awesome! I love that picture! DW just reminded me of what we were laughing about. DW can be a bit of a klutz at times. About 4 weeks before our trip we were out walking in our neighborhood when DW fell and skinned her knee. Walking down this hallway, DD stumpled, but did not fall. She said, "well, that proves I'm different than mommy. I stumbled but mommy would have fallen!" We all just cracked up!

Been reading for several days and wanted to say hi.
Great TR and subscribing.

Hi orangecats2! Glad you stopped in to say hello! Welcome aboard!

I just made our ADR a couple of weeks ago. We were going to make a reservation at Tusker House and they offered a 6:40 pm, I believe the park closes at 7:00. I would think if they are reserving for Tusker House at that time they would make reservations at Y & Y as well.

I believe you are right, bizneydizney. I think Y&Y is open even after the park is closed. I'm not sure about that.

Wonderful update Alan! Those scallops looked great ! I would also love the chaterbriand , but it is for 2 ! What flavor was the creme brulee !!?? You really are an inspiration with your TR skills !! Now me I use humor and no pix !! Have I mentioned how computor illiterate I am !!

Thank you, englishrose47! Always great to hear from ya! The creme brulee was just listed as Creme Brulee with fresh berries and rolled chocolate. It wasn't a flavored creme brulee, I don't think.

Hahahaha....you are NOT that computer illiterate!! And you DO use humor...and we appreciate it!

Slappy is so cute! I adore penguins!

Hi RachelNinja! I think Slappy is adorable!! I LOVE penguins. My three favorite animals on earth are penguins, dolphins, and manatees. I strive to be well-dressed and organized like the penguin, small like the dolphin, and big, cuddly and lovable like the manatee!

Thanks!

My son really wants to go to O'Hana, but maybe I'll try and change it.

Thanks, I'll let you know what I find out....

What's up, DCanoli! I just wanted to say that I think I'd keep O'Hana. I've read that it is REALLY good, and I would hate to steer you to Y&Y instead of O'Hana. Don't get me wrong...I LOVED Yak & Yeti, but I probably wouldn't trade an O'Hana ADR for a Y&Y ADR.

 

[alan_renfroe]

When we woke up on Day 7, DD was feeling much better. DW helped her to get the rest of her face painting washed off:

We had a reservation for breakfast at 'Ohana at 7:45am. We took the bus to the Magic Kingdom, and rode the monorail to the Polynesian. (DD was feeling MUCH better this time than the last time we made it over to the Poly!)

Here is a picture of the beautiful and delicious baskets of pineapple bread:

We were seated almost immediately, and the hostess told us to stick around because Mickey, Pluto, Lilo & Stitch would be coming around to each table to meet with everyone!

We had a wonderful time and the food was good. My favorite was the bread and the fresh fruit.

DD LOVED the Mickey waffles!

(Yeah....she's feeling better!)

Time to meet some characters!

DD wanted to join in the parade, but she wouldn't do it unless DS did it. I think it would have just KILLED him to join the parade!

We loved our breakfast experience at 'Ohana! It really made me want to go back for dinner. Our breakfast at 'Ohana was one of the last reservations we made. We had originally scheduled to go to the Hoop De Doo Review on our last night, but we changed plans. Since Hoop De Doo was going to be 2TS credits, we dropped it and added Tutto Italia for dinner AND 'Ohana for breakfast. HDDR may be great, but I don't regret that decision AT ALL!

After a great start, we were ready to get going for another big day at Epcot!

Next installment - Epcot, again!

 

[TCKK]

Breakfast at O'Hana's looks like so much fun and the food looks really good too! So glad your DD was feeling better. She definitely looks like she's having a great time.