The ABC's of Sauntering Through WDW- J is for: Just Like That, It's Judiciously Ended! (4/23)

[Steppesister]

I had friends who used to eat them as snacks in college. I was talked into trying one and they are so nasty. I'm not sure how dogs even eat them.

One time my grandmother came over and started munching on them. They were in a bowl on the counter, or so the story goes. My parents didn't have the heart to tell her what they were.

Loved this dish and I don't even like almonds or caramel.

Wasn't it decadent?

I'll join you in saying I've never tried Poutine and I doubt I ever will. I am not a fan of cheese curds and soggy fries covered in gravy just does not sound appetizing to me.

Well, I can see that if you don't like cheese curds, but I kinda liked the way the fries got a bit soft. Most were still quite crispy, but the ones that were under the gravy were good too. Kinda like mashed potatoes.. kinda, sorta.

This was my favorite dish of the whole festival. It appealed to my pickiness being a fairly simple dish but so tasty.

It was very satisfying in a down home, Mama's cookin' sort of way.

 

[Steppesister]

Always.

I knew I could count on you!

Who doesn't like food??

People who would rather shop?

Eh...I'm not sure I can totally go along with that thought.

Might be the next poutine-like craze. Odder things have happened.

Preach it, sister!

Vacation is where a little crazy goes on.

Losing me again...

Uh oh... come baaaaaaaaaaaaack....

...and I'm back!

Phew!

Sounds great except for the pecans. I'm glad you loved it so much!

Are nuts on the no-no list too?

Now this. THIS. How could that not be a winner?

I need to make it at home.

I hadn't heard of it until the Canadian DIS Dads brought it up a couple of years ago.

So I'm not the only one to have missed the poutine memo.

Hey, it was there. You had to try it. For journalism purposes.

Well... YEAH!

 

[amazingact21]

Mmmm, updates that involve are always a favorite of mine. The treats you picked, especially, looked and sounded really good. The pineapple with rum is one of my favorite desserts to grab at AK, so I'm always on board with that one.
Don't feel bad, I didn't know what poutine was until about a year ago, either! My SIL lives in MN and had to explain to me what cheese curds were.

Oh gosh! Did you really have a friend of Remy come to visit? You probably handled that better than I would have.

 

[Steppesister]

Mmmm, updates that involve are always a favorite of mine. The treats you picked, especially, looked and sounded really good. The pineapple with rum is one of my favorite desserts to grab at AK, so I'm always on board with that one.

I adore EPCOT's F&W. It just keeps getting better and better. I love that I can go each year and still find new nummies to try!

Don't feel bad, I didn't know what poutine was until about a year ago, either! My SIL lives in MN and had to explain to me what cheese curds were.

I did know what cheese curds are, but in Crapistan we ate them salted and dried. Legend has it they are are formed in the armpits of old women.

Oh gosh! Did you really have a friend of Remy come to visit? You probably handled that better than I would have.

Yep, as real and live as could be. Taking a little stroll around WS.

 

[pkondz]

Is there really such a thing as too many?

No. There is not.

Yes, very! A truly fantastic evening of fun!

So love that party. Need to go again some year.

No, you just can't. But it is tempting when there's so much offered. But if you try to pack it all in, you'll end up frustrated.

I think so. Pick a few (a few!) things and just go with that.

Absolutely! I really enjoy the creativity people go with.

Well, considering I was talking about you... then totally agree.

I don't think I'd realized that it was going to take that long. The lines didn't even seem that bad, so I'm not sure what the hold up even was.

"It's the party. So limited number of guests. Why don't we let half the staff go home for the night?"

It looked like they put a lot of time and effort into their costumes. I always appreciate a job well done.

They did great!

True, and that's when business actually starts to go down.

Yeah... permanently.

Apparently more than just you.

Thanks!

Well, I blame it on the Mad Hatter.

The rogue!

I guess it doesn't take a lot to entertain me. LOL!

I overheard someone say something. Not sure I'd have realized it if they hadn't.

Ah.

I know! But that's what makes it fun. Almost depends on it, in fact.

They're there to interact, so... interact!

Thanks! It's that new lens. I honestly have nothing else to give credit to.

oh pffttt… New lens helps. But you have to know the settings and have an eye for where to point it.

Thanks, PK. That always means a lot to me. You are a very fine photographer yourself, so I appreciate your complements.

I think you're far overshadowing me in the photo department. Admittedly, I mostly took snaps and not "photos" on my road trip... although... I did take the big camera out a couple of times and... hoping they turned out. We'll see.

Fog turned out to be trickier than I thought. This was a not-bad attempt, but I think I can do better.

Huh. Don't think I've ever shot fog. Have no idea.

Only one way to find out!

And... I may not. I so love my float!

Sadly, I never got to see him. Boo!

Yeah... shame, really. Wish they would find another pup.

Maybe if you washed them that way, you'd still have both when you're done.

Nah. I don't think that's possible.

I took about 30 photos of those guys. ONE actually turned out ok.

That's how ya do it.

Yep. I heard they practice in the middle of the night from about 3:00AM- park opening. Storytime with Steppe:

On my flight down, I was listening in on a conversation going on in the row behind me. The lady was a CM who quit a few years ago, but she was one of the major production people on the IJ Show, but also the Day Time parade (whatever that was at the time) Producer. She was saying the hours finally caught up to her with middle of the night dress rehearsals and everything. Fascinating conversation. It's not surprise that girl looks tired.

Huh. Never thought about that. But I guess it makes sense. Can't do rehearsals when the park's open.

I'd give you some. That wig was pretty uncomfortable.

Sweet! I'm in!

Maybe after the party. Can't be wasting time in the potty when I've paid $100 to be there.

So being constipated is a good thing here.

Never. Ever. EVER take a nurse's pen.

Okay! Okay!


sheesh!

Maybe it'll come together for you to get there next year! You never know!!

No. I highly doubt that. I guess you never know, but... very unlikely.

I've always found it FAR more difficult than PoTC. I guess just that much darker. And yes, moves faster. Only YOU seem to have the good fortune of the ride breaking down so you can get a good shot.

Yeah it's extremely tough. I got lucky once.

Nothing better than that!

Which is exactly why DISMeets are so great, no. Quite a testament to how nice folks are here.

Yes they are!

She's so flippin' hilarious. And her costuming and makeup are on point!

She alone is a not to be missed attraction.

Sorry, I found the mixed nuts and soft drinks running low, so I had to kick you all out for a short time.

I believe we are the mixed nuts.

It cracks me up every time I look at it.

I am too. I'm ok with the change, but still... not necessary.

Agreed.

 

[glennbo123]

I'm about mid-way through your chapters here. I saw that you have "yellow tights" in your scavenger hunt for Epcot. I wonder where you'll find them?

Thanks for posting links to some restaurant reviews. Tutto Wine Cellar I've been wondering about, and I've seen some things on the Edison but wasn't really considering it, but after reading these it (and Tutto) are moving up on my list. The only thing is, the next time we go we'll have everyone over age 21...except James. It looks like they'd let him into the Edison until 10pm, do you know about Tutto Wine Cellar? Also, regarding Tutto, the review said that you don't have to have a reservation, but do they take adrs?

 

[irene_dsc]

And did it?? Winter hasn't quite arrived here yet, but it should very soon. With our 5 months of grey, wet weather every day. YUCK!

This was the view out of my window this morning. Last night, I did rake a little bit right when I got home from work, but had to give up rather quickly due to it becoming way too dark to see what I was doing. I'm really hoping the snow melts sometime so I can rescue my lawn from being smothered by big thick Norway maple leaves!

All of your Food & Wine noshes looked super yummy, I gotta say. Good choices. Good thing I just ate lunch. (Chicken shwarma and gyros on rice at our favorite local Middle Eastern restaurant).

 

[Chrystmasangel]

And did it?? Winter hasn't quite arrived here yet, but it should very soon. With our 5 months of grey, wet weather every day. YUCK!

Well, I know you weren't asking me this...but only in Ohio do you get 2 seasons on 1 day

 

[Steppesister]

O is for: Overindulgent Oinkification of Ordered Offerings
​

Continuing on with Steppe’s Sauntering Trek around World Showcase, let’s pick up with the other half of the offerings she ordered up. It was no small amount, so hang on tight- the stomach stretching continues…

Our first stop is in Food Alley at one of the few booths I didn’t hit up the day before- the Wine and Dine Studio for:

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Brown Butter Vinaigrette, Parmesan Cheese and Pumpkin Seeds – $4.50

​

This dish had sounded so delicious and I was so excited for it, but sadly those hopes disappeared as quickly as my self-restraint does when a carrot cake shows up in the staff lounge. It was more tasteless than SNL on any given weekend. A bummer of a dish of whose main ingredients were wasted calories and buyer’s remorse. The best part about this booth was the décor around it.

​

Dejected (and hungry), I left to find greasier pastures. Next stop was for a dish that has, in the past, gotten rave reviews. But I came away from the Hawaii kiosk with an 0/2 so far after trying the:

Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour DOLE® Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise – $5.00

​

Here’s my beef, er… pork: The bun was a soggy mess and totally fell apart when I picked it up to eat it. The pork part was good, but I dunno, the whole thing just didn’t work for me. I hear lately it’s getting mixed reviews, so maybe it’s a love it or hate it item. Sigh…. moving on I came to another one on my list from Thailand:

Seared Shrimp and Scallop Cake with Cold Noodle Salad – $5.25

​

While I enjoyed this more than my first 2 choices, it also didn’t knock my socks off. I ate it, and it was okay, but not Loaded-Mac-and-Cheese-good. While tasty enough, I think I expected anything from the Thai booth to be bursting with unique flavors with WAY more heat. This had neither.

Maybe what I needed was some change in perspective. Alcohol can do that. So, I sat down to contemplate my rather crappy luck thus far with a Grapefruit Hefe in Germany.

​

No, not a unique to F&W offering, but a tasty old standby nonetheless. It was cold, refreshing and didn’t taste a lot like beer. Which by definition made it pretty good. A cup of courage safely stowed in my veins, I rallied and left in search of something that was (I hoped) a sure bet. I mean how can you go wrong with a hot dog and cheesy pasta. Seriously, if this disappointed me, I’d have contemplated heading to the nearest Urgent Care Center to have my vital signs checked.
3 cheers for:

Schinkennudeln: Pasta Gratin with Ham, Onions and Cheese — $4.25​

and​

Roast Bratwurst in a Pretzel Roll — $5.50

and

Riesling Flight — $6.50


​

Finally, a meal I could put the Steppe Stamp of Approval on. Cheese. Pasta. Meat. Yum. And while those things were pretty awesome, this was not:

​

Worst case of manspreading I’ve ever seen. He’s lucky I was satiated and lazy, or my snarky, confrontational side might have gotten the better of me. Yes, I do have an occasional urge to sidle on up to blatant rudeness and nudge a realization with a well-timed remark or two. “Hey Dung Beetle, think there might be room for a few more people on this one and only bench in the shade on this very, very, very hot day?”


Whatcha think? Subtle enough?


Anyway, because of this selfish oaf, I stood in the very, very, very hot sun and ate my delicious brat and nudeln.


And I was full. (And irritated.)

But not too full (or irritated) for dessert.

Because there is no such thing.

Besides, after being subjected to standing in the epicenter of Dante’s Inferno to eat my last course and the walk halfway around the world to France, I needed to cool off, and I always say, "there's no better remedy than booze and ice cream".

Ok, I said it once in EPCOT a couple of months ago, but I should say it more.

Ice Cream Martini - 2 scoops of ice cream or sorbet, served in a martini glass with a shot of Grand Marnier, Whipped Cream Vodka or Rum $11.97



​

I think I first heard of the Ice Cream Martini on @chunkymonkey 's report but could be wrong. I do know that this was really yum-yums. And strong too. Too strong in fact, until the ice cream melted a bit. I chose Grand Marnier with lemon sorbet and yogurt/blueberry ice cream. To be truthful, I didn’t realize how ginormous this would be when I ordered it. The scoops were super big and it was more than a full shot of liquor making this pick well worth the price tag. Would I do this one again? Yep! Would I split it? Affirmative, World Travelers. This is a shareable, unless you’re doing it for your meal.

By late afternoon, I had to call it quits since my evening plans included more pigging out. If I was to have any hopes of enjoying The Edison later, I’d have to call 2018 Food and Wine a wrap. As with all Food and Wine events, there were some hits and some misses. That’s to be expected. Still, it’s one of my favorite things to enjoy at WDW.


And now, for a few stats…

Total items (including drinks): 17

Favorite item this year: Loaded Mac and Cheese- 2-time Winner

Least favorite item(s): Tie between the Pork Slider and the Butternut Squash Ravioli

Best Value: Belgium’s Beef Stew and Gouda Potatoes @$5.25

Worst Value: The Ravioli @$4.50

Total Spent over 2 days: $97.50 which included 5 drinks (one a flight)

I’ll leave you with a random shot of, in my opinion, the prettiest kiosk at Food and Wine ’18- Brazil.

​

Next up: Some Scavenger Hunting in DHS

 

[Steppesister]

I'm about mid-way through your chapters here. I saw that you have "yellow tights" in your scavenger hunt for Epcot. I wonder where you'll find them?

Hey There!! Long time, no see!

I'd like to say I found them on me, but I wienie'd out at the last minute due to Crapistan-in-the-Summer like temps. Nevertheless, I DID find them. Stay tuned to find out where.

Thanks for posting links to some restaurant reviews. Tutto Wine Cellar I've been wondering about, and I've seen some things on the Edison but wasn't really considering it, but after reading these it (and Tutto) are moving up on my list. The only thing is, the next time we go we'll have everyone over age 21...except James. It looks like they'd let him into the Edison until 10pm, do you know about Tutto Wine Cellar? Also, regarding Tutto, the review said that you don't have to have a reservation, but do they take adrs?

You're welcome!! I think you guys would like both. I found the Tutto to be a bit noisy for my taste, but the food looked good as I took a cruise through. LOVED the Edison!

Tutto is open to everyone, but you're right, after 10:00 over 21 only at Edison. NO ADRs after 10:00.

 

[Steppesister]

This was the view out of my window this morning. Last night, I did rake a little bit right when I got home from work, but had to give up rather quickly due to it becoming way too dark to see what I was doing. I'm really hoping the snow melts sometime so I can rescue my lawn from being smothered by big thick Norway maple leaves!

Wow! Winter came on in a hurry there, but it sure is pretty!

I wish it snowed here more often as opposed to just gray and rain. Cold rain.

All of your Food & Wine noshes looked super yummy, I gotta say. Good choices. Good thing I just ate lunch. (Chicken shwarma and gyros on rice at our favorite local Middle Eastern restaurant).

Mmm, schwarma! YUM!! I love Middle Eastern cuisine!

Well, I know you weren't asking me this...but only in Ohio do you get 2 seasons on 1 day

That photo is hilarious! Snow on one side and a brown yard with leaves on the other. LOL!!

 

[pkondz]

O is for: Overindulgent Oinkification of Ordered Offerings

Oh my!

Continuing on with Steppe’s Sauntering Trek around World Showcase,

I completely endorse this. Sauntering, I mean. Sashaying takes far more skill and finesse than a full belly would allow. One could equate sashaying with an exaggerated waddle.

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Brown Butter Vinaigrette, Parmesan Cheese and Pumpkin Seeds – $4.50

Nope. Doesn't sound appetizing at all. That whole "squash" part needs to be replaced with, say... beef and cheese. And cover the whole thing in a nice marinara.

those hopes disappeared as quickly as my self-restraint does when a carrot cake shows up in the staff lounge.

You sound just like my DW.

How often does carrot cake show up in your lounge?

It was more tasteless than SNL on any given weekend.

Mind you, I haven't seen SNL in many years.

Had to zoom in. Had no idea.

Kinda like that.

Dejected (and hungry),

Well, that's not good.

I left to find greasier pastures

But that is very clever!

I came away from the Hawaii kiosk with an 0/2 so far after trying the:

Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour DOLE® Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise – $5.00​

Well... poop! I loved the slider.

The bun was a soggy mess and totally fell apart when I picked it up to eat it.

Hmmm.... Now that I don't remember. Bun wasn't soggy that I can recall. I wonder if you got one that had been sitting for a while.

Seared Shrimp and Scallop Cake with Cold Noodle Salad – $5.25

I like the sound of the cake, but not the salad. I typically like my noodles hot.

While I enjoyed this more than my first 2 choices, it also didn’t knock my socks off.

Then you can thank that dish for preventing blisters.
Man! Disney thinks of everything!!

So, I sat down to contemplate my rather crappy luck thus far with a Grapefruit Hefe in Germany.

Heard of that. Not sure if I want to try one since I'm not a beer fan at all... but... I also keep hearing that it doesn't taste like beer, so...

I mean how can you go wrong with a hot dog and cheesy pasta.

Yeah!

Now that looks delicious!!

Worst case of manspreading I’ve ever seen.

I had to look again. At first I just saw a man sitting on a bench.
But then I noticed his arms.

“Hey Dung Beetle, think there might be room for a few more people on this one and only bench in the shade on this very, very, very hot day?”

Whatcha think? Subtle enough?

Oh yes! Very subtle.

Anyway, because of this selfish oaf, I stood in the very, very, very hot sun and ate my delicious brat and nudeln.

Now that just ticks me off.

And yet, if you'd gone over and just sat down, he would've been forced to move those arms.

But not too full (or irritated) for dessert.

Because there is no such thing.

Correct!

I always say, "there's no better remedy than booze and ice cream".

Ok, I said it once in EPCOT a couple of months ago, but I should say it more.

Wow! That looks... amazing!

I think I first heard of the Ice Cream Martini on @chunkymonkey’s report but could be wrong.

I think that's right? At least I think I saw it there first too.

I do know that this was really yum-yums. And strong too.

Hmmm... Maybe I wouldn't care for it then. Not a fan of Grand Marnier or rum... and I think the "whipped cream vodka" might be too much?

By late afternoon, I had to call it quits since my evening plans included more pigging out.

MORE?!???!?

If I was to have any hopes of enjoying The Edison later

oooh! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on this place. Want to see it!

Least favorite item(s): Tie between the Pork Slider and the Butternut Squash Ravioli

Sad about the former. Totally get the latter.

Best Value: Belgium’s Beef Stew and Gouda Potatoes @$5.25

That did sound good.

Worst Value: The Ravioli @$4.50

Agree.
Butternut Squash Ravioli... Free!

Still worst value.

Total Spent over 2 days: $97.50 which included 5 drinks (one a flight)

Actually... that's not all that bad. You had quite a bit and it's over two days...

I’ll leave you with a random shot of, in my opinion, the prettiest kiosk at Food and Wine ’18- Brazil.

​

That is pretty. Very colouful.

 

[Terra Nova guy]

This dish had sounded so delicious and I was so excited for it, but sadly those hopes disappeared as quickly as my self-restraint does when a carrot cake shows up in the staff lounge.

Too bad the ravioli didn't meet expectations. It does sound good. Although I must confess I've never eaten squash. Isn't that one of those vegetable things people keep talking about?

Finally, a meal I could put the Steppe Stamp of Approval on. Cheese. Pasta. Meat. Yum.

Mmmm....cheese, pasta, meat...sounds like my main food groups. While I did not have the F&W version, I have had the regular nudel gratin from the QS window in Germany. I enjoyed the taste, but there was something about the texture of cheese curds that I didn't really like.
By the way, I was so disappointed that my August trip finished 3 days before Food & Wine started. I could see the booths, I even saw CMs training in the F&W costume. I would have loved to stay a bit longer, but of course the girls had school starting and my bank account was telling me 10 days was enough.

Worst case of manspreading I’ve ever seen. He’s lucky I was satiated and lazy, or my snarky, confrontational side might have gotten the better of me.

Yeah, it's sad how inconsiderate some people can be. Is it just me, or is a little annoying there are so many people sittings at tables in that picture, but none have food. If I saw a table, part of my conscience would say it's only OK to sit and take up that spot as long as there is food and/or drink involved.

 

[Pluto0809]

Schinkennudeln: Pasta Gratin with Ham, Onions and Cheese

I really wanted to try this one but I ended up skipping it for some reason. I think by the time we got to the Germany booth I was full and we never made it back over that way again.

Worst case of manspreading I’ve ever seen.

I probably would have plopped half a butt cheek on the bench next to him and forced him to move over. Well maybe not for me but I would have definitely approached if I was looking for a bench for my Mom. I'm a bit protective of her and am always looking for a shaded seat for her.

Ice Cream Martini - 2 scoops of ice cream or sorbet, served in a martini glass with a shot of Grand Marnier, Whipped Cream Vodka or Rum $11.97

Yum! Love this martini! I tried it with chocolate ice cream and the whipped cream vodka which was really good. They are definitely strong though, I was flying for about a half hour afterwards! Definitely on the list for May.

 

[glennbo123]

Okay, I'm finally caught up. One complaint -- your index isn't up-to-date, but I found my way through the alphabetic chapters.

Wow, that ice cream martini looks really good. I almost never get mixed drinks at Disney though, I just can't get over the price tag on them. That one looks tempting.

 

[irene_dsc]

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Brown Butter Vinaigrette, Parmesan Cheese and Pumpkin Seeds – $4.50

Gotta say, I probably would've gotten that, too. Butternut squash is yummy if it is seasoned well. Otherwise, not so much.

Here’s my beef, er… pork: The bun was a soggy mess and totally fell apart when I picked it up to eat it.

I agree with pkondz that it was probably sitting too long. That would definitely account for mixed reviews - how long it had been sitting and getting soggy before serving.

That photo is hilarious! Snow on one side and a brown yard with leaves on the other. LOL!!

Once our snow started melting, we had a bit of that! I had to go and rake over the weekend, after everything melted!

Wow! Winter came on in a hurry there, but it sure is pretty!

It was pretty early for us - I'm not used to it snowing in early November! At least it melted fairly quickly, tho it did hang out a few days in the shady areas. (And yes, I did design the garden so it would look good from inside, even over the winter.)

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Butternut Squash Ravioli

It was more tasteless than SNL on any given weekend.

I can't remember the last time I even watched SNL. I can't stay up that late anymore.

I'm not surprised at the issue, though. Squash might be the most tasteless food on planet earth.

Kalua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour DOLE® Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise – $5.00

Now this I would have expected to be better. Sad.

Maybe what I needed was some change in perspective. Alcohol can do that.

That's an understatement! Still pretty sure it's the only way Julie found me attractive.

Schinkennudeln: Pasta Gratin with Ham, Onions and Cheese — $4.25
and
Roast Bratwurst in a Pretzel Roll — $5.50​

This sounds like a winner all around!

Worst case of manspreading I’ve ever seen.

It took me a little while to figure out what this meant. I can't decide if I should condemn him for being selfish or if I should give him grace and figure that he was clueless about the image he was projecting and would have happily moved if someone had asked him to.

Total Spent over 2 days: $97.50 which included 5 drinks (one a flight)

That's like 3 t-shirts in the gift shop, so you got a lot more value for your $$.

Nice one!

 

[pkondz]

if I should give him grace and figure that he was clueless about the image he was projecting and would have happily moved if someone had asked him to.

This thought crossed my mind too. People (like... me!) can be a bit clueless. Not deliberately trying to be a jerk, and happy to share the bench if someone were to ask, or simply sit.
I'll have to make sure I don't do this in the future. (Not sure if I've done it in the past... but maybe? Unconsciously?)

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

This thought crossed my mind too. People (like... me!) can be a bit clueless. Not deliberately trying to be a jerk, and happy to share the bench if someone were to ask, or simply sit.
I'll have to make sure I don't do this in the future. (Not sure if I've done it in the past... but maybe? Unconsciously?)

Personally, I would fall into the "clueless" camp. My only thought would be, "Oh, nobody's on the bench, I guess I'll sit here." No thought whatsoever would be given to how I sat on the bench, especially if I was exhausted from walking around a theme park all day. I'd give up space right away if somebody asked me.

I'm sure I've done this in the past, too, so it's something to keep in mind for the future. I didn't even know it was a thing.

 

[pkondz]

Personally, I would fall into the "clueless" camp. My only thought would be, "Oh, nobody's on the bench, I guess I'll sit here." No thought whatsoever would be given to how I sat on the bench, especially if I was exhausted from walking around a theme park all day. I'd give up space right away if somebody asked me.

Yep.

I'm sure I've done this in the past, too, so it's something to keep in mind for the future. I didn't even know it was a thing.

There ya go, Liesa. Your TR has prevented two unwanted occurrences (and any future occurrences from said miscreants) of man-spreading from happening.