Team Renfroe's 2nd Trip Report - 1,500 pictures, dining reviews, and DISmeets!

[ckdsnynt]

Is it ever all right to ask to speak to the manager when you get service so poor? It seems that there are real issues at Tony's with the service. Either you het a great server or really crappy server. Would bringing the manager over and complaing about the service help or would you just end up with something gross in your food? Just wondering.

Poor service is my DH's biggest complaint. I have seen walk away and leave no tip at all when his iced tea glass has not been refilled one time during a meal. Of course, I then leave a less than desired tip. But perhaps the server gets the point. If there is a comment card, we fill it out or if the manager asks how things were, we tell them.

Alan, this has been the most entertaining thread. I know it will end at some point and I can't stand the thought Feel like I know your family as cousins!

 

[alan_renfroe]

No - not a bad review of Tony's - say it ain't so! We have an ADR there on our arrival day, so that will be our first taste of Disney. Not that I had alot of choice - it was the only restaurant available anywhere near the MK. Maybe I need to go online and hunt some more.
Anyhoo,
Great update, so special to have that time with Will.

It's really not that bad. If you get a good server, I think you will enjoy it. But a bad server can ruin the experience. That Antipasto appetizer for two is really good if you can get someone in your party to go in with you on it.

Haven't all caught up yet, but we are eating at Tony's our first night !!We wont have the problem with the appetizer as we are not on DLX!!! I absolutely loved it in May the same time you were there ! But I had an awesome server can't remember his name I am old ya know !!!!!!! I had the Steak and the Tiramusu both were great and my coffee cup was filled many times !!!

Hi Rosie! I would recommend the shrimp scampi dish at Tony's. It was very good....just make sure you have plenty to drink on your table!

What a GREAT dad you are!

Awww...thanks, Kathy. I've said it before and I'll say it again....I'm Clark Griswold! I love my kids....I just don't get to spend enough time with them on a day-to-day basis....so I really go out of the way to try and make our vacation time special. That builds lifelong memories. I remember going on family vacations with my mom and dad, and those are some of my most fond memories of childhood. I just want our kids to remember this time in their lives and KNOW that they are loved by their parents. I think that helps build their self-confidence, which is soooo important in how they view themselves in life.

We returned from the World on 8/18 & ate at Tony's on the 17th. I also had the Shrimp Scampi w/ sundried tomatoes & asparagus, like Alan. It was awesome with lots of shrimp! Our server was HORRIBLE though. Her name was Michelle & on her name tag it said she was from NY, which is part of what I blame her bad attitude on. We live in NY & it has been bothering me lately that people who work in retail establishments around here have bad attitudes. This Michelle fit right in. It was like we were bothering her. When she brought the drinks, she handed each one of them to my DH to distribute to everyone in our party. I turned to my DH & asked if he was going to get part of her tip. She did the same thing when she brought the dessert menus...handed the stack to my DH to hand out to the rest of us & when she brought out the desserts! The only reason my DH didn't have to distribute our main courses is because a different server brought them out. Needless to say she did not receive a good tip from us. That being said, I would not skip Tony's as I LOVED my dinner.

Wow...that is a VERY similar experience to ours. The shrimp scampi really was good, but the service was poor. Very abnormal for me to ever leave a low tip, but I only left 10%....and that was being generous. We even explained to our server that this was a special father/son meal and we were starting this as a tradition. She seemed utterly unphased by this information and was much more eager to please the larger group nearby.

I just have to comment. I was going to wait until I was completely read up but I just have to stop and say "AWWWW". I love it! I love your moments with your kids and wife. I love the Dismeet. I love that you didn't go to jail for bopping the tram driver. I love that you turned me on to Yak and Yeti. I love that you had a great Disney time with your family and have chosen to share it was us strangers. You rock and I appreciate you!

YAY! Great comments! I too am glad that I didn't go to jail for bopping a tram driver!! Now THAT would have been a definitely Clark Griswold move!!! Thanks very much for your wonderful comments, and it would seem that you totally get me....for that I am appreciative. And comments like yours make doing these trip reports worthwhile. YOU ROCK TOO! (I need an emoticon with an electric guitar and a tattoo!)

That's a lot of buzz'n!

Awww you and Wil's day gave me a lump in my throat. How special for you guys.

Definitely a day that we will never forget....in a good way!

Ellen - I think this is a MUST-DO for May! I was just talking about it with Lauren for December and she has no interest whatsoever! It would be such a waste to do it with her. I would love to make this one of our "big" dinners!

Know what would be really cool? If the Renfroes could go in May and join you ladies for a nice meal at Narcoossee's! (Yes, I am crashing your party....sorry.)

DONE!!! Actually, it was already DONE because that was the place Kara had mentioned to me she would love to try next year....

Speaking of....Where's Waldo? I mean...Kara?? Haven't "seen" her around- you?

Yeah, where is that ITS mom?

 

[alan_renfroe]

That was such a nice and refreshing update to read. Poor service aside...like you said, all that matters is that you and Wil have the memory of that day forever! That is priceless!! I'm glad you had that opportunity and took advantage of it!

Just writing that last chapter made me get a little teary-eyed. Days like that one are rare....and I'm so glad we got to share it together.

She's been MIA on our thread.

I think it's time for me to harass her via text.

Oh, give her a hard time from me too! Tell her that if Mr. Renfroe can work a 50 hr/wk job AND run a restaurant AND still find time to update his trip report, she has no excuses!!

Sorry to hear about the bad service you got at Tony's. By contrast, last year the best service we got was at the Wave and at Tony's, where a wonderful young lady (Bethany, IIRC) gave us excellent recommendations and prompt service...

Nevertheless, as you say, what matters is that Wil had a good day. Those are the moments one lives for...


Regards,

Luis

Hi Luis! Yeah, it is funny because last year at Tony's our server was one of the best of the entire trip. I guess it just depends on the individual. We were SOO hoping we would get that same server this year!

Alas, we had a wonderful day and I wouldn't change a thing.

Alan, damn you! the tears just came spilling out again! What a wonderful day, you and wil had! just amazing! Can NOT put a price on that! I am a firm believer that being such disney fans will keep our kids just a little bit more carefree and childish forever (in the metaphorical sense) and THAT is what will keep us close no matter what. At least that is my plan! Love the pics too! and wow riding Buzz that many times, so cool! I love t hat ride. a LOT!

I will have to agree about Tony's, we really enjoyed the food more than we thought (after the terrible reviews on here) but our service SUCKED!

Looking forward to your next post

I couldn't agree more. I think building those special bonds with our children will let them know they are loved....and they will not settle for anything less as they grow up. My kids are my priority in life.

What a great night! Wil will remember that night his whole life. I love Disney memories with my kids.

That is a time in our lives that we can both reflect back on when we talk about our good times together. I'm so thankful there's a place like Disney World that helps facilitate moments like these.

 

[Must C Mickey]

Boy you really know how to lay it on thick!!! First you tell us how you had the park all to yourselves, which must've been incredible by the way!!! You've got me praying for at least a day of rain on our Jan. trip just to see what it's like getting right on the rides and keep riding them over and over again. It never rained a drop on our previous trips! And then, Wil's comment.... boy did the tears come. That was the sweetest thing ever! Neither of you will ever forget that day! Great TR!!!!

 

[M & E love WDW]

Alan, I'm running low on adjectives to describe the job you are doing on this report. I got a little lump in my throat too as I read the mother/daughter and father/son parts. I grew up going to Disney with my family a lot. (We lived 2 hours away and my Dad is an amusement park hound) Great memories I'll cherish forever!!! You are doing the right thing for your family.

 

[portocall]

Alan, your last post was truly inspirational! I am so glad that you were able to get in that time with your son (and likewise, mother/daughter). I am trying to plan out something special for my two younger sons (9, and just about to be 5) on our Epcot day while my oldest son and husband take in the Magic/Heat game. (The 9 year old hates basketball, the 5 year old was indifferent and I didn't want to miss illuminations),.. I am thinking Beaches & Cream for a Kitchen Sink... whatcha think dad of the year? BTW, call me Cara (not to be confused with Kara )

 

[kmartin555]

I just loved this latest update! My girls are big on getting one on one time with me, too. You and Will have a great relationship - he is lucky to have such a great dad!

BTW, I got an update on Facebook that this was Dawgs big opening weekend - hope it all went well! Looks like it will be a huge success!

 

[englishrose47]

I just loved this latest update! My girls are big on getting one on one time with me, too. You and Will have a great relationship - he is lucky to have such a great dad!

BTW, I got an update on Facebook that this was Dawgs big opening weekend - hope it all went well! Looks like it will be a huge success!

I folowed your lonk and subbed to your PTR!!!!We will mis each other as we leave on the 20th!!!!

 

[gemmybear83]

Alan, great update, even though your did make me well up when you spoke about your children - but I forgive you!!

Loved the Wave review - were hoping to have our wedding meal there next year (were getting married in WDW )

 

[WannaBeADisMom]

Hi Alan--I will be joining the DISmoms next May (I'm Joan, whom Ellen refers to as the farm girl...as if...ok, so I am, sort of)!!!! Can't wait! Anyway, I have heard so much about you from Ellen so I started reading your thread. I FINALLY caught up just now --can you say 72 pages??-- and I have enjoyed your report so much. You really get it! Your food descriptions, the family time, the magic of Disney. I'm going to quote you to my DH as I continue to try to convince him that we should go to WDW again next Spring Break (and stay at CSR). Time is running out...our oldest starts high school next week and our DD is starting 7th grade! We have to have these trips now while the kids will still be seen in public with us! Sorry, I'm rambling, but you have really re-ignited my love of WDW! I can't wait to read about the rest of your trip. And continued success with BF Dawgs.....the menu looks amazing!!!

 

[ckdsnynt]

Hi Alan--I will be joining the DISmoms next May (I'm Joan, whom Ellen refers to as the farm girl...as if...ok, so I am, sort of)!!!! Can't wait! Anyway, I have heard so much about you from Ellen so I started reading your thread. I FINALLY caught up just now --can you say 72 pages??-- and I have enjoyed your report so much. You really get it! Your food descriptions, the family time, the magic of Disney. I'm going to quote you to my DH as I continue to try to convince him that we should go to WDW again next Spring Break (and stay at CSR). Time is running out...our oldest starts high school next week and our DD is starting 7th grade! We have to have these trips now while the kids will still be seen in public with us! Sorry, I'm rambling, but you have really re-ignited my love of WDW! I can't wait to read about the rest of your trip. And continued success with BF Dawgs.....the menu looks amazing!!!

So true. My DH and I always tried to make time to take the kids on a family vacation every year and managed to get to WDW several times while they were growing up, even during the early, lean years! Didn't seem to take with DS but DD is a Disney nut and goes every opportunity while DS is working his life away watching his two DDs grow up! But I keep working on him!

 

[Sleepingbooty]

Hey There! Joining in a little late. I just went through your whole TR - what a great read! Sounds like you had a wonderful trip and lots of good father-son bonding, how sweet! We were there the same week as you. Didn't let the rain stop us either. Just throw on that poncho and keep on truckin!

 

[alan_renfroe]

Boy you really know how to lay it on thick!!! First you tell us how you had the park all to yourselves, which must've been incredible by the way!!! You've got me praying for at least a day of rain on our Jan. trip just to see what it's like getting right on the rides and keep riding them over and over again. It never rained a drop on our previous trips! And then, Wil's comment.... boy did the tears come. That was the sweetest thing ever! Neither of you will ever forget that day! Great TR!!!!

Just thinking about it makes me want to go back soooo bad. We were out at dinner last night and Juliana said, "I wanna go back to Disney." We all do.

Alan, I'm running low on adjectives to describe the job you are doing on this report. I got a little lump in my throat too as I read the mother/daughter and father/son parts. I grew up going to Disney with my family a lot. (We lived 2 hours away and my Dad is an amusement park hound) Great memories I'll cherish forever!!! You are doing the right thing for your family.

Awww thanks. Our lives are so hectic on a day-to-day basis that we really relished those days together at WDW. I have two wonderful children...they are growing up TOOO fast! These last two trips to Disney have generated memories for all of us that will last a lifetime.

Alan, your last post was truly inspirational! I am so glad that you were able to get in that time with your son (and likewise, mother/daughter). I am trying to plan out something special for my two younger sons (9, and just about to be 5) on our Epcot day while my oldest son and husband take in the Magic/Heat game. (The 9 year old hates basketball, the 5 year old was indifferent and I didn't want to miss illuminations),.. I am thinking Beaches & Cream for a Kitchen Sink... whatcha think dad of the year? BTW, call me Cara (not to be confused with Kara )

Oh, that would be awesome! You could do the Kim Possible Mission with them in the World Showcase, then take them for ice cream at B&C....and then finish the day with Illuminations. Great plan! And kudos to your husband for taking the oldest son to the basketball game. They would probably enjoy the ESPN Club at the Boardwalk Resort.

And how could I confuse you, Cara, with Kara?? Thanks for the "dad of the year" comment! I'm sure at this very moment Wil would definitely disagree with that statement. (He was caught texting in a classroom yesterday and I have taken away his cell phone....probably for a really long time.)

I just loved this latest update! My girls are big on getting one on one time with me, too. You and Will have a great relationship - he is lucky to have such a great dad!

BTW, I got an update on Facebook that this was Dawgs big opening weekend - hope it all went well! Looks like it will be a huge success!

Awww, thanks. Wil and I have always been very close. Even as a baby, he loved me and wanted to hang out with me. Juliana was a mommy's girl...and she preferred to be held by her mom.

The grand opening was great! We are definitely staying busy.

Alan, great update, even though your did make me well up when you spoke about your children - but I forgive you!!

Loved the Wave review - were hoping to have our wedding meal there next year (were getting married in WDW )

LOL....sorry to make everyone teary-eyed. It was a teary-eyed moment for me for sure. I have an awesome son.

Hi Alan--I will be joining the DISmoms next May (I'm Joan, whom Ellen refers to as the farm girl...as if...ok, so I am, sort of)!!!! Can't wait! Anyway, I have heard so much about you from Ellen so I started reading your thread. I FINALLY caught up just now --can you say 72 pages??-- and I have enjoyed your report so much. You really get it! Your food descriptions, the family time, the magic of Disney. I'm going to quote you to my DH as I continue to try to convince him that we should go to WDW again next Spring Break (and stay at CSR). Time is running out...our oldest starts high school next week and our DD is starting 7th grade! We have to have these trips now while the kids will still be seen in public with us! Sorry, I'm rambling, but you have really re-ignited my love of WDW! I can't wait to read about the rest of your trip. And continued success with BF Dawgs.....the menu looks amazing!!!

Hi Joan! It is a pleasure meeting you, and of course any friend of Ellen's is a friend of mine!

You definitely need to talk your DH into taking the kids to Disney. It will most likely be THE trip that your kids will always remember. My parents took me to the Magic Kingdom as a child, and I still have fond memories of that trip. We still talk about certain things from that trip, even to this day! I figure there are enough rough times in life....sometimes you need to have wonderful, memorable moments to remind you that life is good.

Thanks for the great wishes, and congrats on being part of the DISmoms trip next year!

So true. My DH and I always tried to make time to take the kids on a family vacation every year and managed to get to WDW several times while they were growing up, even during the early, lean years! Didn't seem to take with DS but DD is a Disney nut and goes every opportunity while DS is working his life away watching his two DDs grow up! But I keep working on him!

Keep working on him! EVERYBODY deserves a vacation! We make it a priority.

Hey There! Joining in a little late. I just went through your whole TR - what a great read! Sounds like you had a wonderful trip and lots of good father-son bonding, how sweet! We were there the same week as you. Didn't let the rain stop us either. Just throw on that poncho and keep on truckin!

Hello and welcome aboard! You are exactly right - rain? what rain? it's just a little water to cool down the day and clear out the parks for the rest of us!!

Next chapter is on the way.

 

[alan_renfroe]

After two straight days of having 'best days ever' we were ready for another great day! It was now Wednesday, the 6th day of our trip, and Friday is departure day. We had been saving this day to enjoy the waterparks. The rain had been constant, so we were hopeful that our waterpark plans weren't going to get washed away.

We had reservations for breakfast at Chef Mickey's, so once again we were up early to catch a bus to the Magic Kingdom, then take the monorail to the Contemporary.

Unlike the day before, on this day we caught a bus almost immediately.

We arrived at the monorail station, but the monorail was not running. So we waited. and waited. and waited.....finally, we figured we would just walk over to the Contemporary so we would not be late for our reservations.

and of course....wouldn't you know it....as soon as we started walking the monorail started working again!

Oh well....we probably needed to burn those extra calories anyway for the breakfast we were about to consume!

The skies were dark, but we were still hopeful of carry on with our plans to visit waterparks after breakfast.

We finally arrived at Chef Mickey's for our 8:05am reservation....and it was a zoo! The line was already very, very long.

We had to wait in the lobby for about 40 minutes before we were finally seated.

Coming up next - our breakfast at Chef Mickey's

 

[crocko]

Yay for another update!

 

[alan_renfroe]

We were finally seated at Chef Mickey's around 8:45am.

The food at Chef Mickey's was good....really good...but not outstanding. Elizabeth and I both agreed that we liked the Crystal Palace breakfast better.

You gotta love Mickey waffles! When you're eating Mickey waffles, you just KNOW you're gonna have a fun day!

There were a ton of food options at Chef Mickeys....more than Crystal Palace. There were lots of baked goods.

As breakfast went on, we eventually got to meet all of the characters.

Our day was off to a good, albeit a slow start. When we left breakfast, as we walked out of the Contemporary Resort, there was a bus heading to Disney's Hollywood Studios...so we figured we would go ahead and take it, then catch the bus from DHS back to Coronado Springs. By the time we got back to CSR, it was already 10:45 or so. As much as we enjoyed our experience at Chef Mickey's, it really took much longer than we anticipated. I'm really glad we got to go to Chef Mickey's for breakfast, but I probably wouldn't do it again UNLESS we were staying at one of the resorts on the monorail line.

Coming up next - Blizzard Beach!

 

[inkedupmomma]

I love Chef Mickey's and now I am totally excited for our upcoming trip. Also, I love when people use Albeit <3

 

[alan_renfroe]

I love Chef Mickey's and now I am totally excited for our upcoming trip. Also, I love when people use Albeit <3

Your trip is just over a week away isn't it? Hope you all have a GREAT time! And yes, I'll use the word "albeit" in a heartbeat. Of course you love when people use that word...cause you know me....and that's how we roll!

 

[podsnel]

We never eat a big breakfast when we're in WDW, (that's the meal we eat in the room to save some $$ and we just like the other meals better) so we've never been to any of these places for breakfast, although we do like Crystal Palace and Chef Mickeys for other meals- we will be going to CM's the night we check into BLT this fall. The boys requested it since we haven't been in a while, and we're all looking forward to it!

On a side note- it cracks me up that I come on here and see Joan (who, by the way, is the BEST!) having a conversation with you! I LOVE that Joan is loving the DIS! Worlds are colliding....and it's so cool!

And yes, that was an obscure Seinfeld reference.

 

[alan_renfroe]

We finally arrived at Blizzard Beach around 11am. It looked like it might pour down rain any minute....but so far, so good. We figured we would just enjoy it while we could! If it happened to rain, hey, we were going to get wet anyway, right?

Wil and I had gone to Blizzard Beach by ourselves on last year's trip. This year, Elizabeth and Juliana went for the first time. After getting a locker rented, we got on the chair lift to the top of the 'mountain'.

Last year, Wil and I had a great time here, but I definitely seemed to like it better this year. Last year, we were very rushed and didn't have enough time to do everything. This year, we could just take it easy and enjoy it.

When we got to the top of the mountain, Wil continued on up the stairs to ride Slush Gusher, while Elizabeth, Juliana and I rode Teamboat Springs.

"Teamboat Springs? You can thrill the whole family in that puppy!"

... (sorry...I was channeling my inner-Stacy!)

More fun at Blizzard Beach:

Coming up next - more waterpark fun at Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, and a late lunch at Raglan Road