The ABC's of Trip Planning, Pt 1- K is for Keeping Things Kooky- Drinks V-Z; pg. 197 + New Link

[Steppesister]

I'm sorry that one didn't work out but I have no doubt that there will be lots more out there!! Love the costume!!! I can't wait to see pics!!! I totally agree that you should dress up to go to the MNSSHP...however....it's an added bonus if you can have a costume that looks great AND is comfortable to be at the parks in...which is why my costume was pretty lacklustre last year because I was way more concerned about the comfort factor - there is nothing worse than not being comfortable in your outfit and having to wear it for a long time...yours will be amazing though!! Good call probably on the black sneakers for comfort too!

YES! The right job is out there, and while it may take some time to find, I'm excited to watch the process. Sort of. Being patient is not my forte.

Funny how I have my MNSSHP costume all pretty much done, but have a ways to go on my Mortarboard for Graduation. Will be working on that this coming week. All that aside, yes, I think scrubs will be pretty darned comfy. I mean I can work a 12 in them and not even notice. Hmmm... yep, now to get some cheap, but comfy black tennies.

Sorry to hear this but I am sure that there is another job out there that will be just right for you. I do sympathize with you as writing cover letters is the absolute worst!

Cover letters suck; mostly because you have to actually research the company/hospital you are applying to before you can write it. BLECH! But a necessary evil it is. Lots to do to find that 'right' place for me.

Sorry to hear this, but I'm sure there will be others and hopefully you find the one that is the right fit.

I'm sure it'll come around, but may take a fair bit of work on my part.

I hope that you have other options in the works, but remember, something good, or something good for right now, will be good news. It will be nice to have something lined up where you can share your learning and enthusiasm.

I have 4 more options in the works, and plans to deliver Cover Letters/resumes on Tuesday. The Hospice place called me back yesterday, so right now 2 places have my packet. We'll see... 2 more local hospitals will have my "stuff" by Tuesday.

Good luck with the job hunt. The right position will come around.

Thanks, Jill. I'm confident of that, but it will take hard work- like most things in life.

Keep your chin up! Some job is going to come up that needs someone of your caliber.

Thank you for your confidence in me. I've worked hard, and have, like others have said, a healthy amount of enthusiasm. I hope something comes around soon!

Human cannonball, for instance.

Am I *that* overpowering? LOL!

Kidding aside, I echo what everyone else has said -- hang in there; wherever you are eventually hired, they will be very fortunate to have you!

Thanks, Glenn! You've known me for a long time now, and have seen this process for over 5 years. It'll be good to see it come full circle when I finally land that perfect position I've waited so long for.

 

[Steppesister]

Bummer on the job, but I'm sure you will find a great opportunity soon, and as everyone else agrees, they will be lucky to have you!

Thanks so much! I have some other opportunities in the works, but the right one will be the one I get- I'm confident of that!

Sorry the job you applied for didn't work out. I'm sure there is some reason it wasn't the perfect one for you yet. Something will come along soon that is going to be even more awesomer!

"Awesomer". I like that! And yes, I will find the right one with a bit more hard work.

But managers have no soul, so I'm still good.

Phew! You had me worried, Gingersnap.

Dang. I'm sorry to read that. Well, I think we all agree that it's their loss! Something else will pop up. Really, it will.

It'll turn up- just haven't looked in just the right place yet.

Yumz - I really enjoyed the Casey's chili cheese hot dog more than I expected. I'm going to order the foot long size next time! And I really enjoy the make your own pasta at AoA, and yes, I have not been able to finish a whole serving myself.

So, we're right on with 2 orders for 3 light eaters? We can always add more bread! LOL!

I like the corn dog nuggets, and will probably eat the whole order myself. Not a place I'd be too cranky about getting 3 separate meals at.

I don't think anyone here would have a problem with that lol. We (or at least "I") totally love dreaming about food. Agree that sometimes it is hard to decide so far out what you "might" feel like eating on any given day...but when there is SO MUCH food goodness at WDW....well it's fun to think about anyway...and good that you are flexible. I love your strategy of ordering less food with the option of getting more if anyone's still hungry. I wish that my usual travel companions would let me ogo with a plan like this...unfortunately we are the ones usually left with a boat load of leftovers that no one wants to look at later...sigh...

Nope! We've done that before. My sister and her family went with us a few years back and they WAYYYYYY over-ordered. We ended up carrying around some Mickey ravioli from Akershus the entire day in the hot Florida sun, because we "didn't want that over-priced meal to go to waste." What a joke! NEVER.AGAIN! EVER! 3 of us could have split that child's meal. Such a sad waste of food.

Taco Bell? That could give you some extra turbo power down the highway

Touche! Vroom, vroom!

This is called "weeknights" at my house.

The stale PB&J part? Tonight it's Ragu and quesadillas. I like to put on airs with Happy Hours (which we actually did do with salami/ hard cheeses and Cabernet Sauv in the garden) but we're really just Joe Schmos with dirty dishes in the sink like everyone else.

Presentation is overrated!

So, Mrs. KnowItAll doesn't put hoity-toity parsley on all the dishes served?

Oh, man. There's a Constitutional Amendment against cruel & unusual punishment, you know.

We put them all to work in the Pond Garden today and made them scoop poop, clean out dead salamanders from the fountain, and trim hedges and weed today. Nothing is sacred when it comes to Family Work Days.

Mmmm...cow.

Steaks tomorrow. Wanna join?

Hey, that can double as my "H" photo!

If there was EVER a stretch in game answers, this would be it.

Of course! No justification required.

You, of all people, I thought would approve.

Here's an "I" photo for you--my ice cream sandwich from France.

Is that a hamburger bun with ice cream in it?

 

[Steppesister]

But of course.

I'm glad you're still aroud.

Love all your food dreams!! Everything looks delicious! I hope your sharing plans are working out. I seem to have picked up a few comments recently how portion sizes have been cut down quite a bit (while making everything a few dollars more expensive) recently. But as you say: If it is not enough, you can just always get some more food.

UH oh! My money saving strats may be out the window. I'll have to gauge as I go and poke around a bit more on the Boards. It may not be something I can really know for sure until we get there. Nevertheless, we'll order more soups or dessert if we need to.

My I picture:

Fashioned after Mary Blair's art. My favorite! I'm absolutely mesmorized by all the dozens of ethnic costumes represented in IaSW.

 

[cinderkelly]

I know you probably couldn't give a give a crap, but I've thought long and hard on those upcoming Nomathons. I completely realize that some of you might be abhorred at

I totally get it! Half (or more than half) of my obsessive planning is food. Mostly where we are going to eat, what we are going to eat, and where we are going to eat after that!! I for one enjoy reading about everyone's food adventures!! Keep those food pics coming!

 

[Steppesister]

I totally get it! Half (or more than half) of my obsessive planning is food. Mostly where we are going to eat, what we are going to eat, and where we are going to eat after that!! I for one enjoy reading about everyone's food adventures!! Keep those food pics coming!

I think after the food, I really need to switch up the obsessing to FiP strats (once upon a time, in a DIS far, far away, someone came up with FiPs for FPs. Rolls off the tongue. Maybe it was Jordy? Any Old Timers remember?) , and my wardrobe. Got me the MOST awesomest shirt EVER. Pic coming up...

 

[Steppesister]

I Have a (Food) Dream- Pt. 2​

Let's turn our attention, Friends, to another installment of Food Dreaming. Come with me now to a land of good eats, where mermaids beckon us to enchanted restaurants, unicorns serve delicacies on WDW logo-emblazoned dishes, and mandatory tipping is subtly (or not) added with smiles on their faces.

Day 3:

Meal 7-

Having been out rather laaaaate the night before at the Party, we'll likely not be getting up at the first light. Regardless, it's another morning at Landscape of Flavors where we'll likely get the same Platter as the day before. Who knows, really? Who cares? Breakfast isn't our gig, so we're leaving all the doors open for whatever strikes our fancy. But if I were to put money on it today, I'd say yeah, another World of Flavors Platter. Fair warning: I've had really crappy luck at my weekly $2 Lotto tix for the last.... forever. So please make no bets, Boys and Girls. Could be bagels and cream cheese for all I know. At $6.49 a pop for the breakfast sammies, I can see us doing those too. And just to add visual interest to this never-ending PTR, here is yet another shamelessly stolen photo from the internet. Because I haven't gone yet and have none of my own. Yet.

Meal 8-

The first half of the day, if we can manage to pull our butts out of bed and out the door, the Plan is to haul over to AK until after lunch. Since we have 2 lunches there during the trip, possibly 3, for the first we'll take several of yours' advice and try out Harambe Market.

I absolutely cannot choose one thing that sounds like "THIS IS IT! WE'VE GOTTA TRY *THAT*!" Ribs sound good, gyros sounds better, sausages sound great. Who knows. What I do know is that everything everyone has said about this place is 2 thumbs up. We're not that picky.

VV THIS is what I'm talkin' about! VV

Meal 9-

The late afternoon and evening will find our intrepid little group at MK where we'll be whisked away to Land that Never Was, a Tomorrow that Never Will Be, and a Main Street in America that is definitely not. Most people have a Go-To place that they enjoy a lot. Although it won't make or break any trip if we don't hit it up, Columbia Harbor House is certainly a great place to find something just a little different. It's a place that has never disappointed and our usual go-to. Not your typical burgers and fries, club sandwiches, and hot dogs (don't get me wrong; those hit the spot here and there too!) but more than one of those in a row brings me down. A tuna sandwich, a lobster roll, or chicken pot pie are all major hits for this crowd. Please, keep your drooling to a minimum; keyboards don't work so well with slobber all over them.

Day 4:

Meal 10-

I doubt the night before will be an incredibly late night out, (We've all said that before, haven't we? How many times do we tell ourselves, just one more ride, K?) so we should be able to get up and out at a decent time. And to mix it up and do something out of our Landscape of Flavors box, we'll grab some breakfast at Starring Roles at DHS. I am one of those weirdos that really prefers anything savory over sweet 99% of the time. Especially at breakfast. Leftover meatloaf, or even better lasagna, are my heavenly choices if there is one. A big, fat cinnamon roll will probably lose out over a ham sandwich, but you never know. They have both, so I can choose either depending on how vacation has goofed up my palate. For your viewing pleasure I've found this:

http://www.****************/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Disney-Dining-Starring-Rolls-Cafe-food.jpg

Seriously, enough for all 3 of us! VV

Maaaaaaybe with coffee ... Maybe.

http://www.****************/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Disney-Dining-Starring-Rolls-Cafe-Cheese-Danish.jpg

The afternoon is going to be a slow one. By now, we'll be needing a break, mostly because the kids, if they haven't gotten enough pool time by now, will start to give me grief about not building in more. So I did. By the way, I already bought my poolside reading material. I'll bet that piques your interest....

Since lunch is our bigger meal, we'll be taking advantage of the Pizza at Landscape of Flavors. While the kids play and splash and annoy all the adults who want a quiet poolside experience, I'll run in and grab a large veggie pie for us. When I get back, I'll also play, splash, and annoy the adults who thought coming to a Disney pool would be nice and quiet and devoid of splashing. (psst... there are 2 "quiet pools" at this resort. )

The pizza below is glaringly devoid of veggies, obviously, but this is a good enough image to give you an idea of the size. Wanna know something cool? This is probably big enough to give us leftovers for breakfast the next morning. I'm kinda diggin' that.

The last meal of the day (Day 4)/ Meal 11:

will be at EPCOT. Somewhere. Remember, I did get an ADR at Coral Reef which I truly think the kids will love. And frankly I think I will really like it too, but F&W will be calling me. This will be a gametime decision depending on the heat, our moods, pretty much everything. We may honestly just be needing a "time out" from the crowds and from being on our feet.

IF, and that is a HUGE if, we do go to The Reef, here's what looks rather delectable:

Shrimp and Grits:

Creamy Lobster Bisque:

It could be that we make our way around WS after dinner and mix and match a dessert sampler. Of course, there's always nightcap(s) to be had as well, but the list of chosen, daily, adult bevvies will be a series of posts coming up after we finish with the Meal Lineup.

Round 3 in the next few days... Stay tuned, Lovelies!

 

[franandaj]

Others are WYSIWYG; I can't imagine that there are very many of you who aren't familiar with that term of endearment for "a half can of chili for you, a PB&J on stale bread for you over there, and last night's taco salad for the runner up late to the kitchen."

Well those are not my desperate choices, but I know what you mean. I try to keep frozen dinners on hand for desperation situations.

Not every meal can be WOW at Disney, although one can get a heck of a lot closer by the theming alone. Unless you are the CEO of a start up or hedge fund manager, which I am not- then you can have WOW every time. Some meals will be on the fly, some will be in more "lively" establishments, and some promise to knock my socks off. That's okay; I'm excited for them all.

It doesn't have to be WOW every time. If it were, then you wouldn't appreciate the really WOW meals!

I completely realize that some of you might be abhorred at my overzealous planning. I mean what's to say I'll be in the mood for XYZ at 2:00 137 days from now? Isn't that really being a bit anal, Steppe? Why lock yourself in? Nay, my friends, I have definitely NOT locked myself in, and these choices I lay before you are simply the fare that sounds most delicious to me/us now given past (and current) food choices, price, reviews, and perusing the menus over the last 6 months. If something sounds better in the moment, things will change; I'd like think I'm a rather flexible gal.

Oh no, I completely understand! Most of the time, I am salivating over my potential meal choices as they approach.

We definitely won't be going any further than Landscape of Flavors

And if you don't feel like the Make it Yourself Pasta there are plenty of other choices.

Raglan Road will be our next stop.

Again, plenty of choices, but your bangers and mash with beef stew sounds like it will definitely feed three!

Ger's Bread & Butter Pudding - Like no other pudding you have ever tried. Believe us $8.50

I have never heard of this, sounds delicious!

Breakfast at LoF

This (x2):

World Flavors Breakfast Platter - scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, sausage, bacon and mini naan bread $10.99

I'm not a fan of eggs that I don't know came from the shell before it went to my plate. I usually prefer them over easy or poached so you can see that it is a real egg. But that's me. I'm weird!

Lunch at F&W (I'm going to save this topic for an entire different post- just haven't done enough research yet on this so again, more to come...)

This can go virtually any direction you want! There are so many choices there!

Caseys and Dole Whips. I'm thinking we all know that this will be a grab and go meal or even better an: Eat-While-We-Wait-On-the-Curb-For-the-Parade-Meal. But I'll deliver up another shameless pilfered photo of a hot dog, because Casey Dogs are just... better.

We really liked their corn dog nuggets in December. We ordered a polish sausage too and that was really good, but way too much food for two people.

I like hearing your plans, it makes me feel not quite so crazy for planning my meals that way.

 

[franandaj]

Who knows, really? Who cares? Breakfast isn't our gig, so we're leaving all the doors open for whatever strikes our fancy.

I usually prefer something a little less for breakfast, especially if I'm going to be on the go. But of course, it's your trip, your call!

I absolutely cannot choose one thing that sounds like "THIS IS IT! WE'VE GOTTA TRY *THAT*!" Ribs sound good, gyros sounds better, sausages sound great.

All those sound good! I would say one of each and share, but we always end up with leftovers.

Although it won't make or break any trip if we don't hit it up, Columbia Harbor House is certainly a great place to find something just a little different.

We like that place too. Nice change from all the burgers and stuff there. Not that I don't like burgers.

Not your typical burgers and fries, club sandwiches, and hot dogs (don't get me wrong; those hit the spot here and there too!) but more than one of those in a row brings me down.

Exactly. I like those things, but if there is something a little different, sign me up!

And to mix it up and do something out of our Landscape of Flavors box, we'll grab some breakfast at Starring Roles at DHS. I am one of those weirdos that really prefers anything savory over sweet 99% of the time. Especially at breakfast. Leftover meatloaf, or even better lasagna, are my heavenly choices if there is one.

I will take a savory breakfast of leftovers over a cinnamon roll any day. Especially now that I know what it and some coffee do to me!

Since lunch is our bigger meal, we'll be taking advantage of the Pizza at Landscape of Flavors. While the kids play and splash and annoy all the adults who want a quiet poolside experience, I'll run in and grab a large veggie pie for us.

I think I'd rather have the one that you pictured!

Remember, I did get an ADR at Coral Reef which I truly think the kids will love. And frankly I think I will really like it too, but F&W will be calling me. This will be a gametime decision depending on the heat, our moods, pretty much everything. We may honestly just be needing a "time out" from the crowds and from being on our feet.

If you're like me, you'll see that there are so many F&W booths and so little time that you'll want to spend every possible minute sampling the goodies from there!

 

[pkondz]

Got 5 minutes before back to work... here goes!

I confess. I confess I am a foodie at heart and love a well thought out, well presented, well served meal made from fresh ingredients, in a quiet, peaceful place with good company.

But then again... I loves me some mac 'n' cheese too. Or a quick burger. (or any burger... I love burgers.)

Some of mine, especially lately as I've gone through school have been as pathetic as a Taco Bell burrito wolfed down while cruising at 55 mph on the way home or to the next Clinical.

Been there.... Haven't we all!

I can't imagine that there are very many of you who aren't familiar with that term of endearment for "a half can of chili for you, a PB&J on stale bread for you over there, and last night's taco salad for the runner up late to the kitchen."

Although it's usually.
"Dad! What's for dinner?"
"I dunno. Look in the fridge. There's plenty of leftovers. Help yourself."
"But I don't want that!"
"Okay. Glad I could help."

Not every meal can be WOW at Disney,

What?!?!!? Blasphemy!!

Unless you are the CEO of a start up or hedge fund manager, which I am not- then you can have WOW every time.

Hmmm... so I need to become a CEO.

That would work... except I have no experience and don't know what a CEO does...

and some promise to knock my socks off.

Unless you're wearing flip flops or sandals, then it's no good.


Unless you're wearing flip flops or sandals and socks.
In which case it's a tragedy.

I know you probably couldn't give a give a crap,

Au contraire.

I mean what's to say I'll be in the mood for XYZ at 2:00 137 days from now?

Because I'm in the mood for ZYZ right now.

Isn't that really being a bit anal, Steppe? Why lock yourself in?

Because otherwise you're not going to get into Beaches & Cream.

I'd like think I'm a rather flexible gal.

So many.... uh.... thoughts.... about that....



-------------------------------------

And that's as far as I got.
It's now three hours later.
And you've posted another update.
<sigh> Will never catch up. I get it now.

Moving on!

(actually, yes Dear, you DO have to eat that sheep eyeball and the fried guts put in front of you)

Had boiled cow guts the other day.
Didn't care for it.

Raglan Road will be our next stop.

Another place that's fairly high on my list...

Bangers and Booz - Guinness and onion banger on mash, topped with caramelized onions and beef stew $20

Looks good!

Ger's Bread & Butter Pudding - Like no other pudding you have ever tried. Believe us $8.50

This one....

Not a fan of bread pudding.
But this looks intriguing.

(No, Children. If you value your hands and fingers, please keep your forks at a safe distance.)

Darn.

We are DEFINITELY not big breakfast eaters. We usually eat pretty light, but are pretty famished around 10:30-11:00.

Same here.
Skip it. Some OJ. That's about it.

Can I throw in a Dole Whip? Pretty please...

Yes!!!!

Brats and scalloped potatoes if you're interested.

Yummmm...

 

[pkondz]

where mermaids beckon us to enchanted restaurants

HELLO!!!!

unicorns serve delicacies on WDW logo-emblazoned dishes

Meh. Unicorns. Whatever. Bring back the mermaids!!!

and mandatory tipping is subtly (or not) added with smiles on their faces.

Do NOT get me started with that!!

here is yet another shamelessly stolen photo from the internet. Because I haven't gone yet and have none of my own. Yet.

The key word there being.... "yet".

we'll take several of yours' advice and try out Harambe Market.

Not my advice... because I've never done it.

But.... I'd like to!

and a Main Street in America that is definitely not.

Nor ever was, really.

Columbia Harbor House is certainly a great place to find something just a little different.

Another place I need to try.

Please, keep your drooling to a minimum; keyboards don't work so well with slobber all over them.

Or when you're holding a squirming puppy.


Trust me.

I am one of those weirdos that really prefers anything savory over sweet 99% of the time.

If you're talking strictly breakfast, then I agree. Otherwise.... I'd say I'm around 50/50.

Especially at breakfast. Leftover meatloaf, or even better lasagna, are my heavenly choices if there is one.

Hmmm.... No to the lasagna, but meatloaf? With eggs yes, otherwise probably no.

A big, fat cinnamon roll will probably lose out over a ham sandwich, but you never know.

It would win for me. Unless the ham sandwich is a croquet monsieur.

By the way, I already bought my poolside reading material. I'll bet that piques your interest....

When I get back, I'll also play, splash, and annoy the adults who thought coming to a Disney pool would be nice and quiet and devoid of splashing.

Good for you! An adult who actually goes in the water!
I'll be darned... they exist!

Remember, I did get an ADR at Coral Reef which I truly think the kids will love.

Suggestion. If you do decide to stick with Coral Reef, it would be very much in your best interest to ask for a window (aquarium) table, even if you have to wait for a bit. Totally and completely worth it.

 

[Poolrat]

Ok, now I"m seriously in the dumps. It's just really turned into a crappy day. Some days are great, mountain top days, and others are like today.

Mike just got off the phone with his dad and his dad invited he and his 2 sisters to....


KEY WEST

all expenses paid in November.

Ummmmmm.... freaking never mind the fact, that OUR trip was already booked and paid for.

Now Mike is pretty sure we should dump the Keys part and just plan out Guam trip for a year out. We really needed a 2nd Honeymoon. I won't go into any personal drama, but we really kinda needed this trip. In a lot of ways.

My knee jerk reaction is to get huffy and just plan a Girls' Trip to Cabo or WDW and forget it. (I really wanted to visit the Keys.) I dunno.

I'm going to eat Stroganoff now.

So sorry about that. Seems like you compromised and had the Keys and grew fond of the idea only to have that pulled out from under you. I hope you guys get some couple time and figure it all out. Nursing school too has been such a intrusion on your life now that hopefully things are ready to get easier and you have more time home, you can get things back to "normal".



Now onto Food. You have great choices there. I have seen portion sizes get smaller. Not a terrible thing but it makes splitting a meal interesting but it is still enough for a light meal.

 

[Steppesister]

Well those are not my desperate choices, but I know what you mean. I try to keep frozen dinners on hand for desperation situations.

Usually, at the same time, I'm trying to get LO's cleared out of the fridge. Generally, my peoples are pretty good about doing that for me. The frozen dinners are what I take for lunches/dinners for work. Then I swing through Taco Bell around 11:00 after my shift and get a snack to eat on the way home. Otherwise, we eat pretty healthy and home-cooked.

It doesn't have to be WOW every time. If it were, then you wouldn't appreciate the really WOW meals!

Very true. And even the non-wow meals are a little more wow than home because of where they are!

Oh no, I completely understand! Most of the time, I am salivating over my potential meal choices as they approach.

I think it's all part of the anticipation. Seriously, in some ways, I've been on my trip to WDW for like 2 years! And I'll re-live it all over again when I write and share my TR!! And Dining Report.

And if you don't feel like the Make it Yourself Pasta there are plenty of other choices.

Absolutely! Still trying to decide on the mugs or not; thinking not. I'd rather save my $$ for other souvie mugs, and we just don't drink a lot of pop at all.

Again, plenty of choices, but your bangers and mash with beef stew sounds like it will definitely feed three!

I'm thinking so. And the soup should fill in the holes where needed. Plus there is free bread.

I have never heard of this, sounds delicious!

I'm really not a huge dessert fan, but there will be a few we do splurge on this trip. I"m thinking it was Rosie and Tim who raved about this one.

I'm not a fan of eggs that I don't know came from the shell before it went to my plate. I usually prefer them over easy or poached so you can see that it is a real egg. But that's me. I'm weird!

I'm not a fan of eggs at all. But tucked into a sandwich or burrito, I can handle them. At that point in the day, we just want something to tide us over and those should do the trick.

This can go virtually any direction you want! There are so many choices there!

For sure!! I really need to get myself on the F&W page and study up a bit.....

We really liked their corn dog nuggets in December. We ordered a polish sausage too and that was really good, but way too much food for two people.

CDNs FTW!!!!!! I'm really not set on any particular hot dog, and will finish anything the kids can't eat (although, likely that'll be not much). But I MUST have my CDNs!

I like hearing your plans, it makes me feel not quite so crazy for planning my meals that way.

 

[Steppesister]

I usually prefer something a little less for breakfast, especially if I'm going to be on the go. But of course, it's your trip, your call!

It'll be a wait and see thing; the only for sure is the place at this point. Lots of options, so we can keep an open mind and go from there as to WHAT to try.

All those sound good! I would say one of each and share, but we always end up with leftovers.

LOs at WDW are a no-go. I'm not going to be the one hauling around a Salmonella petri dish in a doggy bag. That's a trip to the Urgent Care waiting to happen. I'm happy ordering not enough or JUST enough and ordering more if need be. But I know you 2 often go back to your room for breaks. I don't see us doing that a lot.

We like that place too. Nice change from all the burgers and stuff there. Not that I don't like burgers.

I really like the upstairs seating area too. Nice view and a cool place to get some downtime.

Exactly. I like those things, but if there is something a little different, sign me up!

Yes, YES!! We really seem to be on the same page in a lot of areas.

I will take a savory breakfast of leftovers over a cinnamon roll any day. Especially now that I know what it and some coffee do to me!

EEK!! Que no bueno!! Upset tummies suck- especially on vacation!

I think I'd rather have the one that you pictured!

I thought someone might say that.

If you're like me, you'll see that there are so many F&W booths and so little time that you'll want to spend every possible minute sampling the goodies from there!

That is QUITE possible!! It's REALLY hard for me to gauge this as I've never seen the portion sizes or how it's really laid out before. There are a lot of great photos out there, but none seem to give any frame of reference or scale. I LOVE the variety that I'm certain abounds, but all else is a little wishy-washy on me right now.

 

[Steppesister]

Got 5 minutes before back to work... here goes!

We've had this "5 minutes" conversation before. And now you say it's "work"?!

But then again... I loves me some mac 'n' cheese too. Or a quick burger. (or any burger... I love burgers.)

I'm a once-every-few-months kinda burger girl. Too many other delicious things to get into a burger rut.

Although it's usually.
"Dad! What's for dinner?"
"I dunno. Look in the fridge. There's plenty of leftovers. Help yourself."
"But I don't want that!"
"Okay. Glad I could help."

I only need to keep the ingredients for bean burritos and never have to hear a peep. Run out of sour cream and suddenly I'm a nightmarish ogre who's incompetent to boot.

What?!?!!? Blasphemy!!

I know. I know.

Hmmm... so I need to become a CEO.

That would work... except I have no experience and don't know what a CEO does...

You seem bright. I'll bet you could learn and then earn a bizillion bucks.

Unless you're wearing flip flops or sandals, then it's no good.


Unless you're wearing flip flops or sandals and socks.
In which case it's a tragedy.

It must be really kinda too late to be trying to respond with witty and coherent comebacks. This was lost on me. Sorry, Cowboy.

Because I'm in the mood for ZYZ right now.

Is that even an option? It doesn't even have all of the ingredients.

Because otherwise you're not going to get into Beaches & Cream.

My point exactly.

So many.... uh.... thoughts.... about that....

And so many replies. And yet.... family board and all that. As a side note, my kids got me The Incredibles for my birthday and I really LOVE Elastigirl. She's got some serious moves.

And that's as far as I got.
It's now three hours later.
And you've posted another update.
<sigh> Will never catch up. I get it now.

Moving on!

Another break; another DISSession.

I told you this was gonna go fast. But unless I can get up in time and get an update done before a Swing Shift tomorrow, you're off the hook for a few days. The week is looking VERY busy.

Had boiled cow guts the other day.
Didn't care for it.

One of our favorites was dumplings made with tripe. Not mentioned here

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazakh_cuisine

but we ate all of this and more. My personal favorite is the Kazy- horse sausage. YUM!

Another place that's fairly high on my list...

Then I'll make sure to do an extra special write up.

This one....

Not a fan of bread pudding.
But this looks intriguing.

That sauce. Did you SEE that sauce?!

Same here.
Skip it. Some OJ. That's about it.

And in my case: coffee. Just a good, fresh latte and that'll hold me til brunchy time.

 

[Steppesister]

HELLO!!!!

Well, I do know how to get your attention.

Meh. Unicorns. Whatever. Bring back the mermaids!!!

...but have to appeal to a wide audience.

Do NOT get me started with that!!

Too late. Tell us how you REALLY feel. I think it's safe to say we're in the same camp on this one.

The key word there being.... "yet".

But my time is coming... my camera may blow up from abuse.

Not my advice... because I've never done it.

But.... I'd like to!

I'm sure it'll live up to the hype- the folks who've steered me to it have never steered me wrong before!

Another place I need to try.

You're list is as long as mine.

Or when you're holding a squirming puppy.


Trust me.

Ah, so you went home and typed Set 2 from there... holding the Squirmalator.

If you're talking strictly breakfast, then I agree. Otherwise.... I'd say I'm around 50/50.

If your trip to Hawaii was any indication, you do like your sweets.

Hmmm.... No to the lasagna, but meatloaf? With eggs yes, otherwise probably no.

My all-time favorite breakfast: Corned beef hash, hash browns, a crap-ton of gravy, OJ, and coffee. At 10:30.

It would win for me. Unless the ham sandwich is a croquet monsieur.

No, no deep fried anything before 10:00 or later. Too heavy.

Good for you! An adult who actually goes in the water!
I'll be darned... they exist!

Well, I AM a mermaid. Geez.

Suggestion. If you do decide to stick with Coral Reef, it would be very much in your best interest to ask for a window (aquarium) table, even if you have to wait for a bit. Totally and completely worth it.

Oh for sure. That's a given.

 

[Steppesister]

So sorry about that. Seems like you compromised and had the Keys and grew fond of the idea only to have that pulled out from under you. I hope you guys get some couple time and figure it all out. Nursing school too has been such a intrusion on your life now that hopefully things are ready to get easier and you have more time home, you can get things back to "normal".

Now, he's actually telling me we should keep it as it was. That kinda puts me in an awkward situation. Oh well.... it'll be what it'll be...

Seriously, Nursing School was soooooo much more than I'd bargained for. WAY harder than I'd ever thought it'd be going into it. It has taken a serious toll on everyone in this family and it will indeed take some doing to normalize things again. s right back at ya!

Now onto Food. You have great choices there. I have seen portion sizes get smaller. Not a terrible thing but it makes splitting a meal interesting but it is still enough for a light meal.

Food waste is a huge pet peeve of mine. So smaller portions will be welcome. And with the heat and all the snacking I have planned, I think we'll be ok. I DON'T like the higher prices though. BOOOOOOOOO!

 

[pkondz]

We've had this "5 minutes" conversation before. And now you say it's "work"?!

5 minutes is what I can do between work!

I'm a once-every-few-months kinda burger girl.

I'm a no more than once or twice a week burger guy.
Well, maybe three.

Four at the most.



Five if it's a really good burger.


But probably not six.





Maybe.

I only need to keep the ingredients for bean burritos and never have to hear a peep.

Lucky. If I make a special effort to make a meal before going to work, it won't be touched. If I don't I get complaints that there's nothing to eat.

Run out of sour cream and suddenly I'm a nightmarish ogre who's incompetent to boot.

Funny. Had this exact conversation with Alison yesterday.

You seem bright. I'll bet you could learn and then earn a bizillion bucks.

Nah. On the DIS I'm brilliant, but in real life I'm a dullard.
Lots of "Huh's?" and "Hunh's?"

It must be really kinda too late to be trying to respond with witty and coherent comebacks. This was lost on me. Sorry, Cowboy.

You said "Knock my socks off"
I meant you can't if you're not wearing socks.
(Hence the flip flops or sandals comment)
And if you were wearing socks with flip flops or sandals???

And so many replies. And yet.... family board and all that.

Stoopid rulzes.

As a side note, my kids got me The Incredibles for my birthday and I really LOVE Elastigirl. She's got some serious moves.

Flexible.

But unless I can get up in time and get an update done before a Swing Shift tomorrow, you're off the hook for a few days.

This makes me relieved.... and then immediately sad.
No update? Awww.... poop.

Then I'll make sure to do an extra special write up.

That sauce. Did you SEE that sauce?!

Yes! That's the reason I'd try it!

Well, I do know how to get your attention.

You always have my attention.

...but have to appeal to a wide audience.

Nah. It's all about me.

But my time is coming... my camera may blow up from abuse.

You're list is as long as mine.

Despite the number of TRs I've written in recent years, I haven't been all that often.

Ah, so you went home and typed Set 2 from there... holding the Squirmalator.

Oh, no. I was at work when I wrote that.
I was thinking of that morning.
I wanted to quickly write a sentence on the DISdads thread.
It went like this.

Sentence I want to type (for example): Hi all, raining here this morning but supposed to clear up.

What actually happened: h (need two hands for a capital, hang on) AAS (stop squirming Luna) HF (stop) Hi (no, don't move) al (just hang on for a second) all, rakwejo (get your butt off the keyboard) raiatrkltrkltrkltrkltrkltrkltrkltrkltrkltrkltrkltrkltrkltrkltrkl (bad dog! do not bite the keyboard) raining h (OUCH!! don't bite me either!) here (hold still!) this mo (yes, thank you for licking my face. I love you too. But can you let me finish this line?) morni (don't bite the chair arm) morning.... (ah crap. I give up. Good enough. <POST!>)

If your trip to Hawaii was any indication, you do like your sweets.

But I don't tend to write about pretzels.

My all-time favorite breakfast: Corned beef hash, hash browns, a crap-ton of gravy, OJ, and coffee. At 10:30.

I don't know if I have a favourite.
Depends on my mood I suppose.

The apple pancake they make at The Pancake House is probably pretty high up there though.

No, no deep fried anything before 10:00 or later. Too heavy.

Not deep fried, just fried in a pan with a little butter.

Well, I AM a mermaid. Geez.

 

[KathyM2]

A tuna sandwich

I have to say this was one of my fave things to eat at MK - at CHH...because I got so sick of the deep fried...though that is good too lol.

During food and wine...sigh...I wanted to make ALL my meals out of that lol. There is just so much good stuff to eat and perfect little portions lol. But you have a good strategy of a sit down meal and dessert at F&W plus some bevvies...especially if you can stay out late lol

 

[Steppesister]

I Have a (Food) Dream- Pt. 3​

Sorry for the barrage of Chapters this weekend, but you know the old saying, "Make hay while the sun shines." The upcoming week is looking rather busy, so I figured I'd get as many of these cranked out as possible while I could and pick it up again next time I have a little downtime.

Meantime, just sit back, put on your bib, and enjoy the montage of foodaliciousness.

This chapter begins with waking up on

Day 5:

Meal 13-

Breakfast will be simple fare. But please don't for one minute think we'll be skimping on flavor or novelty. How many jalepeno cream cheese pretzels can you find on earth that happen to have this in the background while eating it?

With some OJ or coffee? Yes, PLEASE!! Again... 2 oughta do it. When I got one of these bad boys last trip, it was as big as my face. I ended up throwing half away because it went stale before I could finish it.

Meal 14-

The next logical place to hit up at the AK, our 2nd meal there, is obviously Flame Tree BBQ. I imagine a couple of the pulled pork sandwiches will be the choice of the day with an extra order of fries to round out the meal. They used to have a HUGE and delicious fresh fruit platter, but sadly, I don't see it on the menu anymore. That brings a small tear to my eye. Watermelon salad is fine, but not a giant platter with pineapple and melon and grapes.

Clearly, this needs about a gallon of sauce on it; hopefully, that can be requested. This order is also showing a glaring lack of BBQ beans- a travesty. Beans and pulled pork belong together like Abbot and Costello, Oreos and milk, Mickey and Minnie.

Meal 15-

That should stave off hunger until the next tempting snack rears it's mouthwatering head. I have some ideas (I'm sure you're shocked!) and will spill all the beans, no WAIT, don't wanna be spilling my beans!, on snacks pretty soon. In all seriousness, we should be pretty satisfied until what may possibly be the most awesome meal during our trip- The FLYING FISH!!

You all know how long I've waited for this particular meal, shared with wonderful people. It was dicey there for a bit while we all waited for the announcement of its re-opening, and it looks like it's a GO! WOOT!! An all new menu, a completely refurbed kitchen and dining room; I'm excited.

I wish I could show you a few food photos or even begin to tell you what looks good because I have NO idea what's on their menu, what the place will look like, or what I might want to try. But, I just can't imagine we could possibly go wrong here. It's fish, many of you will be there, and they serve wine. That's a grand slam! The piece de resistance will certainly be the new Abracadabra Bar. To say I'm just a little excited might be the most understated thing in print today.

Day 6:

Meal 16-

A brand new day; a 100% Park-free day. Options are all we have today- swim, relax, sleep in, jump on Disney beds, have a pillow fight, play arcade games...

The only solid plans start at Noon when we are supposed to kinda think about heading out to DTD (I ain't changing to DS) for what I had hoped to be a meal at the new Edison. That's probably not going to happen, so I'm needing to come up with a BFP (Big Fat Plan) 2.0. I'm tossing around Fultons, WGPE, EoS, and some others, but we may end up at a resort on the monorail if we decide to do a monohop. This may a good day to not even have a plan and hope for the best at getting in somewhere walk up. I'm sad that the Edison let me down, but I'll have to go back, and we all know that excuses to go back just.... happen.

Meal 17-

Trader Sam's will be our next stop. While I won't be eating here, the kids will be. This is another DISMeet gathering place and we hope to show up around 3:30 to snag a place in line for the 4:00 opening. I'll have to take one for the team and order something "fun". I know, I know... really, it's ok, I don't mind. Just doing my civic duty.

The following 3 are solid YESSES for my crew:

Meanwhile, I"ll be gathering up my souvenir cups and trying to stay sober enough to get myself to my next meal...


Meal 18-

Victoria and Alberts. Where I still don't have a Dinner Partner. Which is fine. Either way, I"m going to absolutely, thoroughly enjoy every minute. This has been something on my bucket list for a very long time (like years) and this trip seems as good a time as any.

After my meal, I'll walk out with a long stemmed red rose, and be able to say I've eaten at the most snobby place on property. By the way, I bought my dress for this very special dinner.... I bet you wanna see it. Sorry, you'll have to wait. I can tell you it's white though.

Yes, I'm going to eat up the hoity toity along with my prix fixe meal and bring it to you in all its glory after it's all said and done in my TR: coming soon to a laptop near you- debuts in November....

That concludes this episode of I Have a (Food) Dream- Pt.3. Pt. 4 soon...

 

[Steppesister]

Well, friends, I'm off to work. Replies tomorrow. Be safe and cherish your freedoms- they came at a terrible price.