The ABC's of a FALL Trip with Friends, Food, Wine, and a Conference-Y is for: Yearning for More, But This is the End (4/17) & Z is for: Zero Warning

[vamassey1]

Where are you seeing posts that Joe Rohde would put up? Point me there!!!

He posts on Insta Gram. He goes by joerohde.

YES, YES, YES!!!! It was such a unique name; how could I forget!!!! That's awesome that she remembered her. She had such wonderful things to say about Danielle!

Danielle has great things to say about her too. She knew who I was asking about right away.

Too bad. Then you could've gone even more often, like Vanessa does.

But I'm slowing it down this year.

 

[pkondz]

But I'm slowing it down this year.

WHAT?!?!?!?

 

[vamassey1]

WHAT?!?!?!?

It's already April and I haven't gone once this year and currently don't have a trip booked until June. I did already renew my AP even though it's not up until almost the end of May.

 

[vamassey1]

I loved your photos from your Early Morning Tour of the MK. It really is the best time of the day. I'm very impressed with your touring plan and starting with PP gets high marks in my book.

 

[pkondz]

It's already April and I haven't gone once this year and currently don't have a trip booked until June. I did already renew my AP even though it's not up until almost the end of May.

Better make use of it!

 

[rndmr2]

Great day at MK, you guys got so much done!

 

[Steppesister]

W is for: Of Witches and Wine- An Evening of Wonder at Disney Springs​

Having wrapped up a practically perfect morning at MK, we arrived back at our lovely room at AKL by 2:45… enough time for some rest and recharging before heading back out for an evening of spooky, and possibly illegal, fun.

I was still trying to make tracks on my stooooooopid CMEs and was able to rack up a few more credits. I suppose this is as nice a place as any to study:

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This is too (I moved locations halfway through the study session):

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We’d planned to be at The Springs by 5:30 so we could get our names onto the Gideon’s VQ and have a pre-dinner cocktail at Jock’s. Gosh darned I love that place!

We rolled up to the creepy cookie place at 5:20 or so and were told that the wait to be called was about 3 hours. I think I permanently dislocated my eyes when they rolled. Seriously? Who is going to wait that long for a cookie? Hopefully, the wait to get into Jocks wouldn’t be nearly that long. Our ADR for Enzo’s Hideaway was for 7:00; let’s see how we fared!

At 5:24 we put our names in at the podium at Jock Lindsay's Hangar Bar and took our place in the outdoor queue. There were maybe 4 parties ahead of us? Maybe. It’s been a long time since this trip, Friends. I apologize I take so long at writing these, but I want to be thorough and give you quality information and photos that you might find useful or enjoyable and that takes effort.

Alright, back to the deets. It was hardly any time at all to get called to an inside table. While we waited for menus and service, we took time to explore the over-the-top Halloween décor. Honestly, Jock’s is the prime place that does a moonshot for the Halloween vibe. If you're there during Halloween or Christmas, an INDOOR table is better than outside just for the decor.

They set the tone before you even get in:

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They continue it en masse throughout the interior. The best part is that it’s done in a retro, 1930’s/1940’s style that makes my all-things-vintage inner heart smile.

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I loved this “Black Cat” section!

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I love the Diving Bell even more, but only the luckiest of the lucky get to sit there. I’ve been lucky enough twice, and patient enough once more.

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By 5:42, this scary, but sweet treat was sitting in front of me. I mean how absolutely adorable is this?!

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We both ordered this and I really loved it; Caroline thought it was too heavy on the coconut flavor, so gave half of hers to me. Yippee!!! <slurp>

The themed appetizers/small plates (which would totally serve as a meal for me!) were so creative and fun! As much as I wanted to try a couple of them, we needed to abstain in lieu of a pig out at the super-secret boozy hideaway. Shhh, don’t tell anyone!

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We didn’t really rush at all and lazily finished up our drinks, paid our bill, and wandered out amongst the mayhem that The Springs has become. If general chaos is your vibe, this is your place. A little bit goes a long way anymore in the evenings.

The 3-hour wait for Gideon’s suddenly turned into 30 minutes when we got our text saying we could hop in line. Sorry, no thanks. We were in the middle of happy hour and we’d definitely be late if we got in line after we were done. Besides, we had an alternative (better) cookie plot up our sleeves or later.

In our time-killing wandering, we ran into the man, the Legend, the one, the only, Maserati! Think what you will about him- I personally think he embodies the exuberance and joy for life with that "no flips to give" vibe I can only hope to have when I’m 70-something. Don’t like me dancing? Too bad. No, he’s not mentally ill, he’s just having FUN and says he dances at Disney “to get exercise”. If you so choose, there are loads of bios and articles about him on the nets.

I asked him if I could take a photo with him and he graciously consented. I let him know he’s an inspiration and we went on our merry way. (Caroline got one also!)

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Honestly, if you ever encounter him, take time to take note. You won’t be sorry.

It was time to get to the underground speakeasy that Enzo runs on the side. Maria claims she has no idea, but I’m sure she must have some clue with all the extra pasta being ordered through their upstairs, more legit/legal, establishment. Where is it all going?!

Life is good in the underground.

Let’s sneak in!

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We were taken to a quiet booth and settled in. Mmmm, Italian food. Me loves it!

(This would be a fun little off-room to get to sit in!)​

I like Italian wine too. Specifically, Tuscan wines. Luckily, there were a few to choose from. So, living on the edge, as this is the era of Prohibition, I quietly ordered one. Luckily, it was ‘free’ as well. $16 for the wine we each ordered.

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For my meal, I settled on the:

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My goodness, this was fantastic. And huge! A good portion of this went home with me and was every bit worth the minor intestinal upset that followed from sitting out a bit long on its journey home. What can I say, I live on the edge at times. At $29, this was definitely not the “best” use of the DDP, but hey, gotta go with what you crave.

Caroline chose the cannelloni stuffed with ricotta and spinach for $32. She liked hers well enough, but didn’t love it as much as I did mine.

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We sipped, we dined, we indulged.


And indulged some more:

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Love me some gelato but wowza was this tart! Holy smokes and pucker up! I ate about half.

Caroline got the:

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Enzo's Olive Oil Cake- Strawberries, Sweet Ricotta, aged Balsamic and Vanilla Gelato
$15.00

Again, the DDP won at the price point game on this one. Thoughts? Enzo’s is a solid choice for The Springs in general. It was quieter this time around than I remember it in the past. The food is very good, depending in what you order, I think. I’m anxious to compare it with Il Mulino in a few weeks. You can easily eat for under $30 sans alcohol and get a good meal in a fun place.

And now for our late night cookie caper…

Gideons is not the only cookie haven at The Springs. The Ganachery, Gideon’s, Summer House, Amorettes, and Erin Makenna’s are just a few of the places that have cookies that are equally as good as Gideon’s and quite possibly better. Or at least for a much better price.

I’d only just recently heard of the Summer House’s Cookie Bar and that’s what we had our sights set on.

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I’d learned that they have a thing where you can get a “tub” of broken cookies of different flavors so you can try a nice sampling without breaking the bank. Sadly, they weren’t offering this option when we got there. Sadness, but not a total loss. I mean when the Cookie Bar looks like this:

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Choices must be made.


I made several.


Sigh…

1 cookie ideation had babies and I happily walked away with 3 luscious cookie varieties to nibble on for the next week or so. Yes, they are large; yes, I only need a few bites at a time to satiate the bedtime cookie craving.

Sorry, I have no idea what kind they were at this point, but I vaguely do remember something with pistachios in it. Some were definitely seasonal like the pumpkin one. Cookies are $5.50 which I think is very reasonable for fairly large cookies at Disney where you know you’re going to encounter 2,000% markups baked into everything.

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Cookies safely in hand, we made that extraordinarily long trek out to the bus stall and nibbled on cookies before falling asleep. That is the stuff that Disney vacations are made of.

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[Steppesister]

I tend to fall asleep when watching Disney cartoons.

Need to watch Bambi next. Love that one!

I took my grandchildren on Dumbo and they had a very fun play area for the children. The parents got a pager to tell them when it was their turn for the ride. That was about 12 years ago, so I don't know if they still have the play area. But it was a great idea.

Yes, the play area is very nicely done! And nice in summer with the water features. It's still there. Nice, quiet bathrooms too!

I didn't know that they had this. I have to check this out.

A cute little diversion off-the-beaten path.

We usually go to Geyser Point from MK for lunch or have a very delicious lunch at The Plaza. Pecos Bills and Columbia Harbor House are places we've eaten. But Caseys is a big No for us.

I've not had much of anything from Geyser Point, tbh. The last meal I had at the Plaza was ho-hum. They used to have a decent "Hot Brown" sammie but that's been gone a few years now, sadly. I think I got the Chef's Salad which was rather uninspired. Do admit, I like the setting and the view though.

 

[Steppesister]

So that's why there's so much construction!

oops, sorry!

Well, that'll keep you busy for a little bit.

Considering how long I go between watching them.... yeah, til I'm 80 or so.

Geez, you make it sound like taking advantage of people with obvious physical disabilities is a bad thing.

I was more referring to the skeevy rigged games, underpaid tent workers, etc....

But it wouldn't have hurt...

Well, I mean, you do have a point.

Yeah... that one's a tear-jerker...

So is Bambi which is up next.

The what now?

Yes, you read that right. Cute play on words, no?

You didn't have to say that you were going to do this.

I can just see you two...
"B.O. ... B.O. ... Way too much perfume... B.O. ... Got one! Apple!......... B.O. ... B.O. ..."

No, that's the game I play in EVERY queue ever.

Why are you trying to punch the flying elephant that Caroline pointed out??

I wasn't ready!!!! I'm such a dork on these photos.

You stole that line from me!

#sorrynotsorry

I'll agree with that statement. One of the last bits of Snow White's Scary Adventures is on it.

It's my hands-down favorite part of this whole ride! That used to scare the absolute crap out of me as a kid. LOVE IT!

Hmmm... I don't think any park can compete with an Epcot festival for food. But... I'd say that's a toss up between MK and DHS.
You left out Gaston's giant cinnamon rolls, Dole Whip floats (or even the upside down pineapple cake if you're into that), many (not me) like the cheeseburger spring rolls, LTT's feast, BOG's french onion soup, lobster roll at CHH, to name a few.

Ok, yes, a cinnamon roll is good. Dole whip cake, yes, don't care for the spring rolls (unpopular opinion for sure!) but none of those are a meal. I will say that CHH is on my list of "probables" coming up. Been a long time since I've eaten there.

No. The obvious choice is to exit WDW and find a decent hot dog somewhere. I've been consistently underwhelmed/disappointed by Disney's hot dogs.

True.

Your colon thanks you.

Not for long.

It's the shell... looks like a cloak, here. Like...

Hey, I'mma see that guys' castle soon!

Do they still have those? Haven't seen one in a long time.

I saw someone carrying one around last trip, but only one.

There it is! Atta girl.

It's gotta be done.

I asked my mom if she knew Albert Schweitzer and she said "Of course!"

That's so cool! Sad that it's so lost on so many.

Yah... it snowed... AGAIN.
Annnnnnddd... forecast for the next two days.

And now...?

 

[Steppesister]

Now there’s an idea! I might just give this a shot too.

There ya go! Good to back to the roots now and then.

What a lovely memory

This is it!! I found one like it!

You became a horse vaulting lady! Wow! I definitely don’t have the balance for that. Tell me more. Was this a summer job for you?

Every year, my sisters and I were lucky enough to go to a summer camp that was a bona fide working ranch outside of Glenville, CA. In addition to getting to take part in round ups, slaughter/butcher Tuesdays, and "work duty in the garden" there were loads of activities you could do. Riflery, rock climbing, roping, crafts, sailing, synchronized swimming... I dabbled in a bit of everything. One thing we could do was horse vaulting (I'm sure that's gone now due to liability) but yes, I could jump rope, flip off, vault on and do headstands, etc... When parent's came to visit halfway through our stay we'd do a little show for them.

My arthritis is probably a thing because of my past hobbies. :/

I think these are a fun addition.

Me too! Fun for all ages.

And this is what I love about “Disney people”.

Some can sure be friendly!

Definitely not just you. The food options for a proper lunch really are the pits ( with the exception of The Plaza imo) at MK. I do like the snacks though so we just do that. Big fat cinnamon rolls, ice creams/ dole whips and the “make your own popcorn” to take back to the resort because, as you well know I’m sure, you can never have enough snacks on vacation

I think my go-to for a proper sit down is Tony's for the porch option and food, but few and far between there.

I do love my snacks and can certainly opt for just those on any given Disney day.

I have never ever noticed that tree before. Clearly I am not the most observant person
You ended your MK day right! Love getting the feet up for a leisurely ride above the crowds

It's not an obvious tree at all. It's definitely tucked into some other non-descript trees and bushes so not obvious when just walking by. I think the first time I saw it, I was having an orange soft serve from Sunshine Terrace? so was loitering nearby.

 

[Steppesister]

Thanks for showing me the Jack fruit tree! All my walks by this area and never noticed!
The chili cheese dogs wow! It was a fun splurge and for all the hate Casey’s gets I enjoyed the lunch! The mint Julep started out strong but definitely did become very sweet, the mint taste did help some!
I didn’t even know you were getting all these great photos along the way and I love Disney history thanks for the TTA PPM info!
Our count down is on for our F&G trip, coming up soon! I can’t wait because winter is not letting go in our area yet! Yuck

You're welcome!

If we do that again, we'll have to split one. Yikes!

I think if I got the julep again I'd add ice and let it dilute some. LOL!

Definitely love some Disney history for sure! Lots there for the taking.

We've finally turned the corner here and I've got my deck mostly set up. Can't afford plants right now, so that'll have to wait. Soon maybe... But yes, I'll have to get my plant and flower fix at the Festival.

 

[Steppesister]

How fun! I love this idea!


Love! My Mom used to sing it to my brother....he had gigantic ears as a baby, so the Dumbo connection was strong, LOL.

Awww!

 

[Steppesister]

He posts on Insta Gram. He goes by joerohde.

Now I know!

Danielle has great things to say about her too. She knew who I was asking about right away.

That's so neat! Disney's a big company with thousands of food service employees alone, so it's amazing to me that 2 folks I have met know each other! Cool!

But I'm slowing it down this year.

Say what?! Now that I have my AP back?

Sure would love to see you again!

 

[Steppesister]

It's already April and I haven't gone once this year and currently don't have a trip booked until June. I did already renew my AP even though it's not up until almost the end of May.

My goodness! Hope our paths cross at some point!

I loved your photos from your Early Morning Tour of the MK. It really is the best time of the day. I'm very impressed with your touring plan and starting with PP gets high marks in my book.

It really pays to get up and out in the cool and low crowds of the day! Staying one step ahead of the late-sleepers always pays off!

Great day at MK, you guys got so much done!

We really did! The crowds were the absolute polar opposite of what they were when we'd been there for our Beak and Barrell visit. That was absolute insanity.

 

[pkondz]

an evening of spooky, and possibly illegal, fun.

When I read that, I thought you were going to MNSSHP, but I couldn't connect that with the "illegal" part.

I suppose this is as nice a place as any to study:

I've seen worse.

a pre-dinner cocktail at Jock’s. Gosh darned I love that place!

I like it there too.

were told that the wait to be called was about 3 hours. I think I permanently dislocated my eyes when they rolled. Seriously? Who is going to wait that long for a cookie?

No way in heck. There isn't a cookie made that would entice me to stand in line (virtually or otherwise) for 3 hours.

Honestly, Jock’s is the prime place that does a moonshot for the Halloween vibe.

Not surprised. The themeing in there is really good even on non-holiday occasions.

Creepy!

I loved this “Black Cat” section!

It's the cat's meow.

What was on top? Looks like foam?

Caroline thought it was too heavy on the coconut flavor, so gave half of hers to me.

I'd give you all of mine. Nope!

The themed appetizers/small plates (which would totally serve as a meal for me!) were so creative and fun!

Fun. I especially like the mummies in the coffin.

The 3-hour wait for Gideon’s suddenly turned into 30 minutes

Wonder why? Probably everyone else also realizing that 3 hours for a cookie is ridiculous.

In our time-killing wandering, we ran into the man, the Legend, the one, the only, Maserati!

vibe I can only hope to have when I’m 70-something. Don’t like me dancing? Too bad. No, he’s not mentally ill

Heh. You want to be like him... then hastily explain he's not mentally ill.

It was time to get to the underground speakeasy that Enzo runs on the side. Maria claims she has no idea, but I’m sure she must have some clue with all the extra pasta being ordered through their upstairs, more legit/legal, establishment. Where is it all going?!

Mmmm, Italian food. Me loves it!

(This would be a fun little off-room to get to sit in!)

Would be.

For my meal, I settled on the:

I love a good risotto. One of my faves.

A good portion of this went home with me and was every bit worth the minor intestinal upset that followed from sitting out a bit long on its journey home.

Playing a dangerous game, there.

Love me some gelato but wowza was this tart!

mmmm... love lemon gelato.

I’d only just recently heard of the Summer House’s Cookie Bar

Me too. Haven't been there, though.

Cookies are $5.50 which I think is very reasonable for fairly large cookies at Disney where you know you’re going to encounter 2,000% markups baked into everything.

I see what you did there.

 

[pkondz]

oops, sorry!

Get that figured out, will ya?

Considering how long I go between watching them.... yeah, til I'm 80 or so.

I was more referring to the skeevy rigged games, underpaid tent workers, etc....

Ah yes. That too.

So is Bambi which is up next.

True. They should've rounded out that movie by making Thumper hasenpfeffer.

No, that's the game I play in EVERY queue ever.

True.

don't care for the spring rolls (unpopular opinion for sure!)

Actually, I'm not a huge fan either. I expected better.

but none of those are a meal. I will say that CHH is on my list of "probables" coming up. Been a long time since I've eaten there.

Ah. Bon appetit.

Not for long.

Hey, I'mma see that guys' castle soon!

Yeah, but he's a pain in the neck.

And now...?

Snow forecast for tomorrow... and Tuesday and Wednesday.

 

[Wood Nymph]

The themed appetizers/small plates (which would totally serve as a meal for me!) were so creative and fun!

Those appetizers are adorable. We never seem to have time for Jock Lindsay's. They no longer have my favorite drink and our favorite appetizers. So, it has been off our list. There are just too many other options.

In our time-killing wandering, we ran into the man, the Legend, the one, the only, Maserati!

I'll have to look for him.

The food is very good, depending in what you order, I think. I’m anxious to compare it with Il Mulino in a few weeks.

We ate at Il Mulino for the first time last month. I'm looking forward to your review.

I’d only just recently heard of the Summer House’s Cookie Bar and that’s what we had our sights set on.

Summer House is now on our list for dinner at Disney Springs We've dined there several times.

The cookies look good but I'm not a fan of huge cookies.

 

[Steppesister]

When I read that, I thought you were going to MNSSHP, but I couldn't connect that with the "illegal" part.

LOL!!

I've seen worse.

I always tried to find places the give rest to my soul when studying all throughout my years of school.

No way in heck. There isn't a cookie made that would entice me to stand in line (virtually or otherwise) for 3 hours.

Not surprised. The themeing in there is really good even on non-holiday occasions.

Creepy!

Very. My guess is an assortment of historical witches? Fictional one? Either way, creepy!

It's the cat's meow.

har har.

What was on top? Looks like foam?

It was a ghost "PEEP". Supercool! Such an adorable garnish!

Fun. I especially like the mummies in the coffin.

I didn't get a photo of these myself but these were actually my favorite:

Wonder why? Probably everyone else also realizing that 3 hours for a cookie is ridiculous.

I'd imagine so. My guess is that Summer House is going to cut into the Gideon business. It's a super cool venue, but the cookies aren't any better than what I had at Summer House and, while a bit smaller, a bit less $$. Still though, for me, big enough to cut into fourths and frozen for later.

I love a good risotto. One of my faves.

Mine too, but one I have only made at home once. I'm too lazy to wait around stirring. I'll save it as an "eating out treat".

Playing a dangerous game, there.

Hey, I like to live on the edge now and then. Keeps life interesting.

I see what you did there.

I'm glad someone appreciates my silliness.

 

[Steppesister]

Get that figured out, will ya?

Prolly not.

True. They should've rounded out that movie by making Thumper hasenpfeffer.

I've had that once in Scotland at a teensy pub.

It was horrifically bad (jugged hare). It literally had a bit of hair still on it and smelled like urine.

Actually, I'm not a huge fan either. I expected better.

Especially for the price. They are miniscule.

Yeah, but he's a pain in the neck.

I vant to suck your blood....

Snow forecast for tomorrow... and Tuesday and Wednesday.

For real?!

 

[Steppesister]

Those appetizers are adorable. We never seem to have time for Jock Lindsay's. They no longer have my favorite drink and our favorite appetizers. So, it has been off our list. There are just too many other options.

They sure were! So cute. And I'd agree. LOADS of great places to find great options.

I'll have to look for him.

You can't miss him if you're there when the band near Paddlefish is playing.

We ate at Il Mulino for the first time last month. I'm looking forward to your review.

I've only heard good things.

Summer House is now on our list for dinner at Disney Springs We've dined there several times.

The cookies look good but I'm not a fan of huge cookies.

Kari and I ate there together once, and I did enjoy it. I'd go back but might choose WBG over it first. Hard to get a reservation there though.

I like the bigger ones because I can bring them home and cut them into 4 pieces and freeze them to snack on for a few weeks.