The $6,688.00 Disney World Trip - It's a wrap 6/30, Has it really been a year? 3/2 Link to new TR 4/18

[pkondz]

Fran ordered eggs benedict for breakfast this morning....extra Hollandaise. And then we sat in the parking lot in our car and ate breakfast.

Eggs benedict are good anywhere.. anytime.

I remember you saying you were a fan of 20,000 leagues.

Very!

The things that you learn on these DIS forums.

And all of it 100% reliable!

Actually, kidding aside, I've found that most of the info on these boards is pretty good.

There was a little flap that you could open up, but I didn't push it, I was afraid of breaking it. I saw a kid who got one and his mother poured the fries into the little compartment. Instantly losing it's value.

Ew... grease.
Wait... I'm betting it needed grease from time to time stay space-worthy.

What category do you solve? I like the kitty puzzles.

It varies. I like the winter scenes sometimes. Other times I'm just looking for high-contrast. Which is why I've been doing all the comic book ones lately.
Mostly I do the Medium ones (I think that's 80-120 pieces), because I can do them in about 10-12 minutes. But I've also done 200 or even 400 piece ones.

Or learn bulimia....

Do not do that!!!

I hope that they do something, but the fact that they picked up your luggage was awesome. I know you didn't have that option, but we loved it!

I did have that option! Well, on the flights in that arrived before 10pm anyways.

 

[Positively Bashful]

Hello, I was eavesdropping on your conversation with pkondz. The Jigidi puzzle site sounded interesting so I went over to check it out. I'm not sure if I should thank you or not, but I'm becoming addicted to it.

 

[franandaj]

What a lovely breakfast with the bonus of meeting such a fascinating man!

I miss things like that.

The ride sounds amazing, but with all of the changes at WDW, I'm not sure I'll ever get to experience it.

I'm sure eventually it will die down, but I'm sure it will take a long long time.

 

[franandaj]

Well ****e...coming asap!

I'm not sure that we will make it, we don't have a lot of those spirits in house.

Ya...whenever that will be...we will be back as soon as we can...whenever that will be...apparently Canada is to be all vaccinated by Sept, but who knows...

And LA will be done in 2022 unless it picks up.

Love it as it's been giving me dinner ideas...tired of all the regs

I've tried so many new recipes this year.....

I'm not a huge "cold meat for breakfast" person, but this all looks quite nice.

I like a little bit, like salami on my bagel is a favorite!

I'm a weirdo who only likes a little Hollandaise sauce as I don't like it to make things too mushy, but can't imagine I'd complain over those!

I don't like too much, but this was just right.

Very cool! I bet it's a good read?

I never got a chance. It got put somewhere and I don't know where.

Thanks for getting back to updates, they are a cheer-up

You're welcome, I'll try to be better about them, but things are just so darned busy!

 

[franandaj]

Well ****e...coming asap!

I'm not sure that we will make it, we don't have a lot of those spirits in house.

Ya...whenever that will be...we will be back as soon as we can...whenever that will be...apparently Canada is to be all vaccinated by Sept, but who knows...

And LA will be done in 2022 unless it picks up.

Love it as it's been giving me dinner ideas...tired of all the regs

I've tried so many new recipes this year.....

I'm not a huge "cold meat for breakfast" person, but this all looks quite nice.

I like a little bit, like salami on my bagel is a favorite!

I'm a weirdo who only likes a little Hollandaise sauce as I don't like it to make things too mushy, but can't imagine I'd complain over those!

I don't like too much, but this was just right.

Very cool! I bet it's a good read?

I never got a chance. It got put somewhere and I don't know where.

Thanks for getting back to updates, they are a cheer-up

You're welcome, I'll try to be better about them, but things are just so darned busy!

 

[franandaj]

How could anyone complain about that?!! WOW!

I know! Right? It was delicious!

I loved that part of the "ride"/experience the most I think. I LOVE the role playing they do! Disney cast them so perfectly.

It was definitely fun, but I like the ride part. A lot.

 

[Steppesister]

I know! Right? It was delicious!



It was definitely fun, but I like the ride part. A lot.

I rode it last week for the 3rd time and it just keeps getting better and better. The first couple of times I rode, I just didn't get it- the storyline was so lost on me because I was so wrapped up in seeing the stuff. There's just so much in there. The next couple of times I figured out the flow of things and then was able to tie the details to a bigger picture.

 

[franandaj]

Eggs benedict are good anywhere.. anytime.

Perhaps I should make some...I cooked a ham last night and made Croque Monsieurs this morning. I have all the fixins to make us two more tomorrow. I posted pics on FB.

And all of it 100% reliable!

Actually, kidding aside, I've found that most of the info on these boards is pretty good.

And I'm going to have to relearn "doing Disney" when I finally decide to go back. We are seriously thinking of scrapping our Sept/Oct trip this year.

Ew... grease.
Wait... I'm betting it needed grease from time to time stay space-worthy

That ole bucket o bolts?

It varies. I like the winter scenes sometimes.

I got hooked in the summer and no one was really posting winter scenes, but I liked the pictures from Europe and the deserts.

Other times I'm just looking for high-contrast. Which is why I've been doing all the comic book ones lately.

I didn't even realize there were comic book ones!

Mostly I do the Medium ones (I think that's 80-120 pieces), because I can do them in about 10-12 minutes.

The 80-108 ones take me anywhere from 15-30ish minutes. I kinda suck at these.

But I've also done 200 or even 400 piece ones.

I did a 200+ piece puzzle and it took me nearly three hours. That's why I draw the line at 108 for now.

I did have that option! Well, on the flights in that arrived before 10pm anyways.

I'm going to miss that.

 

[pkondz]

Perhaps I should make some...I cooked a ham last night and made Croque Monsieurs this morning. I have all the fixins to make us two more tomorrow. I posted pics on FB.

I do look on FB, but usually only at the first very few things I see. I occasionally see your food porn shots.

And I'm going to have to relearn "doing Disney" when I finally decide to go back. We are seriously thinking of scrapping our Sept/Oct trip this year.

Wouldn't blame you if you did cancel. I hope things will be better by then, but... all better? Who knows.

That ole bucket o bolts?

I didn't even realize there were comic book ones!

I've been doing Archie (et al) ones almost exclusively.

The 80-108 ones take me anywhere from 15-30ish minutes. I kinda suck at these.

I did a 200+ piece puzzle and it took me nearly three hours. That's why I draw the line at 108 for now.

Whoa. That's a time commitment all right.

 

[franandaj]

Hello, I was eavesdropping on your conversation with pkondz. The Jigidi puzzle site sounded interesting so I went over to check it out. I'm not sure if I should thank you or not, but I'm becoming addicted to it.

You're not really eavesdropping, this is a public forum!

I felt the same way towards the person who introduced me to it as well. I am completely addicted to it!

 

[franandaj]

I rode it last week for the 3rd time and it just keeps getting better and better. The first couple of times I rode, I just didn't get it- the storyline was so lost on me because I was so wrapped up in seeing the stuff. There's just so much in there. The next couple of times I figured out the flow of things and then was able to tie the details to a bigger picture.

I seem to remember you saying that you weren't a huge Star Wars fan either, so not being immersed in the "lore" may have a reason as well.

 

[franandaj]

I do look on FB, but usually only at the first very few things I see. I occasionally see your food porn shots.

You should scroll until you find my food porn! That's about all that I post nowadays!

Wouldn't blame you if you did cancel. I hope things will be better by then, but... all better? Who knows.

I'm pretty sure that it's not going to happen. With Fran's immune system, and the weather October 1st in Florida, having to wear a mask, in a crowded park. (You know it will be crowded since it's the 50th Anniversary.) It sounds less and less appealing....

I've been doing Archie (et al) ones almost exclusively.

Not that there is a ton of contrast on them, but I wonder if there are any Far Side ones?

ETA: I went over there and found the comic book puzzles. I found your name in the leaderboard of one of the Archie puzzles! You're definitely a better puzzle solver than me!

 

[franandaj]

So I know I’m not very consistent on here anymore, but I guess with us not going anywhere, Fran has more time to get stuff up on eBay. Therefore with more listings, we eventually generate more sales. That’s a good thing, but it also keeps me really busy. Plus with her sitting at her computer (next to mine) so much, I don’t get to sneak in much time on the DIS. I mentioned last month that I would have a post about “what I did last year” which really isn’t much, but there are some amusing and weird stories, so I hope to back with that before my next Disneyland update.

So back to our regularly scheduled programming.

Back in January we had no idea that there was a virus in China, at least Fran and I didn’t. We were blissfully enjoying our lives, and one of the things we would do was attend Winemaker dinners. This one was at Steakhouse 55, and it was a great one! We were seated at our own table and presented with this menu.



They also gave us this price list, however, it was missing two other options which we ended up purchasing.



The Amuse Bouche was a “Green Vegetable Meatball” with Osetra Caviar, Citrus Mango Gremolata, Olive Leaf Extraction. I don't remember much about this one, so it probably wasn't that momentous.



Now the wine that was served with this and the first course, is different than the one that was offered for purchase, but I know that we purchased a bottle of white wine, and I thought we tasted it because we both agreed it would be perfect to drink at the Hollywood Bowl that summer. Best plans….

OK, since I wrote that above, I checked my refrigerator and yes, we did buy a bottle of that one.

Our next course was a Maine Lobster and Beetroot salad. It was served with an Artichoke Fritter, Blood Orange Vinaigrette, “Burnt” White Asparagus, Lemon Verbena along with the white wine we were drinking with the Amuse Bouche.



I know this one was good because all of those things are yummy and it was a nice chunk of Lobster!

Our next course was served with this Pinot Noir from Riva Ranch.It was nice, but not stellar.



The Pinot Noir went with this Crispy Kurobuta Porchetta, Smoked Pork Jowl, Tonkatsu style polenta, Pickled Plum Croquette, Oyster Leaf



Those Tonkatsu polenta things were really yummy! And I’m sure that I enjoyed the pork as well, everything we had this night was fantastic

This red wine blend would be paired up with our rib eye….it was nice and hearty, but when you have 20 year old aged robust cabernets in your cellar that you are used to, it’s hard to be impressed with younger wines like this.



Here is Dry Aged Eye of Ribeye, Bone Marrow Whipped Potato, Golden Raisin Agrodolce, Blue Foot Mushroom, Brown Butter Ketchup.



It’s not quite the same as the hunk of meat many of you might have seen me post on FB, but what it lacks in size it definitely makes up in flavor!

Next was the cheese course, Savile Row Stilton Blue, Dried Cherry-Peppercorn Chutney, Poached Walnut Tapenade, Drizzle Honeycomb, this was served with a Cabernet Sauvignon, but I seemed to stop taking pictures of the bottles after the main course.



Love honeycomb with blue cheese! This is one guilty pleasure that we still enjoy during the stay at home stuff because I know where to buy both!

Our dessert, White Chocolate-Satsuma Gateau, Dark Chocolate Streusel, Satsuma Orange Sherbert, Muscat Reduction, Vanilla Cardamom Tullie, was served with the Wente Vineyards, Orange Muscat, Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay, 2018. I KNOW that we bought a couple bottles of that one!



That concluded our lovely dinner! That was one of the last dinners like that we have had. I know we went to WDW in February of last year, but Fran specifically asked that we not do too much fine dining, so I think the only signature dinner we did was with Scott and Vinny at Yachtsman. And we did a signature Brunch at Le Cellier. I think all the rest of our meals were either at QS locations or casual places like Beaches and Cream and 1900 Park Fare. Boy do I miss these lovely sorts of meals with many courses, and wine pairings. It's just not the same when you cook it yourself at home.

We picked up our wines and headed out of the restaurant.

Now those of you who have been around for a while might remember me talking about Fran’s “Art pusher”. he was like a Drug pusher who keeps his addicts supplied, this guy was selling Fran artwork like crazy in much the same manner. He eventually got another job, and it was with Disney, so he had to sign a contract that he wouldn’t deal in artwork with his clients any more, so we’re off the hook now. But evidently the artist who supplied us with most of our original paintings is local (Seal Beach) and lots of his customers were in attendance at the dinner, so he came down to say, “hi”. We had never met him before, but he knew what we looked like and was thrilled to finally meet us after all those pictures he supplied us with! We took a picture to commemorate the event. His name is James C. Mulligan in case you're interested in Googling his work.



Interestingly enough, after years of not meeting him, we ended up seeing him again at another unrelated Disney event two months later, the very day before the lockdown was announced.


I’ll be back with more later.

 

[tiggrbaby]

What a fancy evening!
I agree with you about not being ready to go back to the parks.

 

[Steppesister]

I seem to remember you saying that you weren't a huge Star Wars fan either, so not being immersed in the "lore" may have a reason as well.

Not really, no. Just not my cup of tea. I'll watch them and when I do I enjoy it, but definitely not my go-to when queueing up something to watch. But as with all the "lands" and rides in Disney, I can enjoy them for the detailing and artistry without being enamored with the source material.

So I know I’m not very consistent on here anymore, but I guess with us not going anywhere, Fran has more time to get stuff up on eBay. Therefore with more listings, we eventually generate more sales. That’s a good thing, but it also keeps me really busy.

Makes sense, but we sure do miss you, Alison. It's nice to be able to catch up on the phone now and then.

That concluded our lovely dinner! That was one of the last dinners like that we have had.

I could cry. I really miss fine dining and got a small taste at my trip a couple of weeks ago, but that's the first I've gotten to have/do in over a year.

Boy do I miss these lovely sorts of meals with many courses, and wine pairings. It's just not the same when you cook it yourself at home.

OH Gosh! Me TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

lots of his customers were in attendance at the dinner, so he came down to say, “hi”. We had never met him before, but he knew what we looked like and was thrilled to finally meet us after all those pictures he supplied us with! We took a picture to commemorate the event. His name is James C. Mulligan in case you're interested in Googling his work.

OH how fun!! What a happy coincidence! Bummer about not getting an inside pipeline though. I'm sure Fran is disappointed. You? Not so much! LOL!

 

[pkondz]

You should scroll until you find my food porn! That's about all that I post nowadays!

I'd be hungry all the time!!

I'm pretty sure that it's not going to happen. With Fran's immune system, and the weather October 1st in Florida, having to wear a mask, in a crowded park. (You know it will be crowded since it's the 50th Anniversary.) It sounds less and less appealing....

I'm not expecting to go to Disney this year. Maybe... if we're all really lucky, by the end of the year, but... I have my doubts.

Not that there is a ton of contrast on them, but I wonder if there are any Far Side ones?

Oh! That'd be fun... but I've not seen any of those.

ETA: I went over there and found the comic book puzzles. I found your name in the leaderboard of one of the Archie puzzles! You're definitely a better puzzle solver than me!

But nowhere near as good as some. I don't know how they can move the pieces that fast!

I guess with us not going anywhere, Fran has more time to get stuff up on eBay. Therefore with more listings, we eventually generate more sales. That’s a good thing, but it also keeps me really busy.

Busy is maybe good in these times?

Plus with her sitting at her computer (next to mine) so much, I don’t get to sneak in much time on the DIS.

"Fran! Look over there!!!"
<quickly posts on the DIS>

Back in January we had no idea that there was a virus in China, at least Fran and I didn’t.

I was aware of it in January, I think. But I don't think I was expecting this.

This one was at Steakhouse 55

Someplace I'd love to go. You've mentioned it several times.

We were seated at our own table and presented with this menu.

Everything sounds so good! (except the walnuts. Not a fan.)

So pretty.

we both agreed it would be perfect to drink at the Hollywood Bowl that summer. Best plans….

Yeah....

I know this one was good because all of those things are yummy and it was a nice chunk of Lobster!

You had me at "nice chunk of lobster."

The Pinot Noir went with this Crispy Kurobuta Porchetta,

You know... I'm not sure if I've ever had Porchetta.
I know I've had none of the rest that was on that plate!

everything we had this night was fantastic

Sure looked it!

when you have 20 year old aged robust cabernets in your cellar that you are used to, it’s hard to be impressed with younger wines like this.

It would be lost on me.

Here is Dry Aged Eye of Ribeye, Bone Marrow Whipped Potato, Golden Raisin Agrodolce, Blue Foot Mushroom, Brown Butter Ketchup.

I need Mark's Drooling Homer...

Hang on... gonna find one.

Love honeycomb with blue cheese! This is one guilty pleasure that we still enjoy during the stay at home stuff because I know where to buy both!

I know where to find... neither!
Blue cheese is not high on my list, though, so I haven't really looked.

Our dessert, White Chocolate-Satsuma Gateau, Dark Chocolate Streusel, Satsuma Orange Sherbert, Muscat Reduction, Vanilla Cardamom Tullie

oooohhh...

Now those of you who have been around for a while might remember me talking about Fran’s “Art pusher”.

Yes!

He eventually got another job, and it was with Disney, so he had to sign a contract that he wouldn’t deal in artwork with his clients any more, so we’re off the hook now.

Or... are you disappointed?

But evidently the artist who supplied us with most of our original paintings is local (Seal Beach) and lots of his customers were in attendance at the dinner, so he came down to say, “hi”. We had never met him before, but he knew what we looked like and was thrilled to finally meet us after all those pictures he supplied us with!

Nice you finally got to meet!

His name is James C. Mulligan in case you're interested in Googling his work.

I did!

 

[DnA2010]

I'm not sure that we will make it, we don't have a lot of those spirits in house

I had to get a few things for this, as I mainly just drink gin at home as far as spirits go

Our next course was a Maine Lobster and Beetroot salad. It was served with an Artichoke Fritter, Blood Orange Vinaigrette, “Burnt” White Asparagus, Lemon Verbena along with the white wine we were drinking with the Amuse Bouche.

That Looks SO DELISH!

he Pinot Noir went with this Crispy Kurobuta Porchetta, Smoked Pork Jowl, Tonkatsu style polenta, Pickled Plum Croquette, Oyster Leaf

This one does too! Pickled plum croquette sounds interesting

20 year old aged robust cabernets in your cellar that you are used to

Drooling...I need a big ol' glass of red

Next was the cheese course, Savile Row Stilton Blue, Dried Cherry-Peppercorn Chutney, Poached Walnut Tapenade, Drizzle Honeycomb, this was served with a Cabernet Sauvignon, but I seemed to stop taking pictures of the bottles after the main course.

As mentioned, I'm going to give this a try sometime..well the blue and honeycomb...who knows about adding other stuff

Our dessert, White Chocolate-Satsuma Gateau, Dark Chocolate Streusel, Satsuma Orange Sherbert, Muscat Reduction, Vanilla Cardamom Tullie

Awww man, I really want a fun dessert like this now too...love dark chocolate and orange together

might remember me talking about Fran’s “Art pusher”

I do remember stories about her pusher

with Disney, so he had to sign a contract that he wouldn’t deal in artwork with his clients any more, so we’re off the hook now.

At least he has good taste, working for Disney

James C. Mulligan in case you're interested in Googling his work.

Will indeed....

we ended up seeing him again at another unrelated Disney event two months later, the very day before the lockdown was announced.

What are the chances hey!

 

[franandaj]

Someone should close this thread, it is getting too long and boring. Sorry, I can't read 27+ pages of posts. Just start a new thread with a new title and let this die.

I don't know what your problem is, but no one is forcing you to read this Trip Report. If it's not your cup of tea, just move along.

There are many trip reports out there that are several hundred pages long. With the update of the DISboards several years ago, threads over 250 pages long don't upset the system any longer.

There are still people reading, commenting, and following along, so why can't you just let us enjoy the interaction and you can ignore this? The rest of the folks here are having fun.

 

[Steppesister]

Troll Alison, ignore and we'll be here having fun being friends online and reading about your yummy meals and Disney interactions.

 

[DVC Doctor]

I don't know what your problem is, but no one is forcing you to read this Trip Report. If it's not your cup of tea, just move along.

There are many trip reports out there that are several hundred pages long. With the update of the DISboards several years ago, threads over 250 pages long don't upset the system any longer.

There are still people reading, commenting, and following along, so why can't you just let us enjoy the interaction and you can ignore this? The rest of the folks here are having fun.

I posted that as a joke, here my large "cup of tea"