The Blakes Bombard Disney! Ten Days of Food and Fun!

[pinkxray]

Your AK and MK days look like fun. Your pictures are so clear they look like they should be in a Disney Photo Guide book.

Love the picture of the bar in AK. I'll have to keep an eye out for that one. I always see people mentioning great drinks on here but I when we were there in May I couldn't remember where they were from.

Too bad about the headstones being blocked off. That gets you in the mood for the ride.

The fake orange ice cream looks a little too orange. I'm sure it tasted good though and that is all that matters.

Wow... that Pirate Goofy is all over you!

 

[choirchic]

Your AK and MK days look like fun. Your pictures are so clear they look like they should be in a Disney Photo Guide book.

Love the picture of the bar in AK. I'll have to keep an eye out for that one. I always see people mentioning great drinks on here but I when we were there in May I couldn't remember where they were from.

Too bad about the headstones being blocked off. That gets you in the mood for the ride.

The fake orange ice cream looks a little too orange. I'm sure it tasted good though and that is all that matters.

Wow... that Pirate Goofy is all over you!

Thank you very much! I had a new camera for this trip...it was the Nikon D3000. I absolutely LOVED it! I was always telling DH what photos to take so he finally got me one of my own!

I didn't get to try that orange ice cream...SIL had that one. The cookie was mine! Mint Chocolate Yumminess! I thought it was a little too orange too...it kinda scared me!

AS for Goofy...I think I might have to get a restraining order!

 

[heaven2dc]

What a fun trip you all had! I would love to travel with a fun family like yours!

 

[choirchic]

Awwww! Thank you very much and

It's my husband's family and they're very good to me! We weren't going to go to Disney this year but FIL and MIL decided it was time for a family trip. We probably won't get back again until after the Magic Kingdom is done with the expansion, but I'm having fun sharing this trip with everyone!

Stay tuned...there's plenty more ahead!

 

[IheartDDuck]

You had me at food and fun! That's awesome that you auditioned for American Idol. I want to, but part of me is very scared.

 

[DizFan101]

I just read your trip so Far. I too am looking forward to the Beauty and the Beast Restaurant as Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney movie (just watched the Blu Ray copy of it last week. O.M.G.

I'm going to the world with my mom in 21 days time. Sooo excited.
I can't wait to read the rest of your trip report.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Looks like you had a great time at DAK. I need to find that bar!!!

I have to say that I can't wait for the construction to be completed at MK. The magic seems lost with all the dirt, cranes, etc.

 

[choirchic]

You had me at food and fun! That's awesome that you auditioned for American Idol. I want to, but part of me is very scared.

I was terririfed! But they make it fun!

I just read your trip so Far. I too am looking forward to the Beauty and the Beast Restaurant as Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney movie (just watched the Blu Ray copy of it last week. O.M.G.

I'm going to the world with my mom in 21 days time. Sooo excited.
I can't wait to read the rest of your trip report.

I have a love affair with Beast...I stalk him every time we go to Epcot. You'll see pictures.
I hope you guys have an awesome trip!

Looks like you had a great time at DAK. I need to find that bar!!!

I have to say that I can't wait for the construction to be completed at MK. The magic seems lost with all the dirt, cranes, etc.

The Bar is next to Tusker House...it's tucked back a little bit and to the left.

(PS...I agree about a little of the Magic being lost...I didn't even get to ride my Teacups this year! )

 

[choirchic]

After some adult time at MK we went back to the time share to meet up with the family and go to dinner. I had a reservation and T-Rex because we thought it would be a fun place to take the boys. We checked in a bit early, and I'm really glad we did because we were able to be seated in the Ice Cave!

For those of you who've never been here, it's a really fun restaurant. It's along the same lines as Rainforrest Cafe, but it's themed with dinosaurs and various other pre-historic happenings. The ice cave is a pretty fun place to sit. It changes colors all throughout your meal, and during the "meteor shower" it turns a pretty cool shade of red.

For food, DH and I shared the "Supersaurus Sampler"
It comes with queso, chips, bruschetta, quesadillas, onion rings, and if you care to add them it will also come with ribs!

The kids can drink slushies from these fun tall cups, and us adults can get Cotton Candy Martinis!

If you happen to need to use the restroom, you get to use the coolest hand dryer I've EVER seen!
No matter how wet they are, it drys your hands in like two seconds!
It was awesome! I was the dork in the ladies room taking pictures!

After dinner, we decided we wanted a little more adult time, so we kidnapped FIL and MIL and took them to the Boardwalk to walk around, hang out, and head over to Jellyrolls.

If you ever have the chance to get to the Boardwalk at night, there are all kinds of games and street performers. It's really fun. We stopped in Seashore Sweets for a little bit of chocolate. This used to be my favorite sweet shop on property, but something has changed. It was more generic and chalky. I didn't like it as much as I usually do and threw half of it away.

By this time, Jellyrolls was opening so we walked on in and got ourselves a table. I thoroughly enjoyed the $9 drink specials, and Mom and Dad seemed to enjoy themselves too. We started requesting some silly songs...Dad even got them to sing "Oh Lord, Won't you Buy me a Mercedes Benz." It was a great time!

I was feeling good, and t was getting close to midnight, so we decided to head out and call it a night. It was one of the best nights of the trip!

Coming Up Next...A Family Day in the Magic Kingdom and a romantic Dinner at Tony's with DH.

 

[choirchic]

Oh my gosh...I almost forgot to tell y'all the best thing about our Animal Kingdom Day!!! We pulled up to the gate to pay for parking, and the guy was taking forever. Then he gave us this weird blue card for our window and told us to follow the green line. Apparently we had just been granted something called "Disney Dream Parking!" We were able to park in this tiny area that was REALLY close to the gate! There were only a few other cars parked there with us. It was awesome!

 

[choirchic]

Our next full day was spent at the Magic Kingdom. We walked around with Mom and Dad for a little while before meeting up with the rest of the family. It was a nice relaxing pace waking with them. We took them in to see the Tiki Birds and then onto the Haunted Mansion as Mom doesn't get to ride the rough stuff because she has a sensitive neck. I was able to get a few more shots of the mansion...I love this place!

We met up with the family, walked around for a little while and then took a little train ride around to Toontown for the kids to play.
(Well...maybe the adults too...but don't tell anyone! )

From there, we walked back around to Tomorrowland. It was almost time for dinner so DH and I broke away for a little while.
We eat at Tony's every time we go to Disney...it's become a little tradition for us.

They knew it was our Anniversary, so this is what was on our table:

We pretty much get the same thing every time...I get Chicken Parmesan, and DH gets Spaghetti and Meatballs!

And on to Dessert...It's October so of course we were looking forward to their seasonal offerings. DH gets the Pumpkin Cheesecake, and I get the Granny Smith flavored Sugar Free Sorbet (not because I'm diabetic or anything...I just get it because it's tasty and refreshing!)

We got seated toward the back of the restaurant so I was finally able to look through the window and see Lady and the Tamp eating their spaghetti!

After Dinner we walked up to the hub to take some pictures. This is one of my favorites.

After strolling around for a little while, we called the rest of the family to see what they were up to. They had just sat down to eat at Casey's so we decided to try and find a spot for everyone to share for the parade and fireworks. It was a tight squeeze, but we found a little spot outside of Casey's near Main Street. We decided not to take pictures of the parade or Wishes this year, and just sit back and enjoy the faces on our nephews who were seeing it for the first time. It was very exciting...and I LOVED the return of the Electrical Parade!

When all was said and done, we made our way out of the park with the crazy crowd. The line for the Monorail was insane! I'm not sure which would have been faster at this point, but the line for the ferry definitely seemed to be moving. So we stood smooshed in line for the ferry boat to get back to the car...after waiting for 2 boats to pass, we finally made it on and back to the Transportation and Ticket Center. It was a long but fun day!

Tomorrow...half day at Epcot, Dinner at O'Hana, and then MNSSHP!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Oh my gosh...I almost forgot to tell y'all the best thing about our Animal Kingdom Day!!! We pulled up to the gate to pay for parking, and the guy was taking forever. Then he gave us this weird blue card for our window and told us to follow the green line. Apparently we had just been granted something called "Disney Dream Parking!" We were able to park in this tiny area that was REALLY close to the gate! There were only a few other cars parked there with us. It was awesome!

Dream parking!? I've never heard of it, but that's awesome!

 

[choirchic]

Dream parking!? I've never heard of it, but that's awesome!

Neither had we, but it sure was awesome! I think it might have had something to do with the fact that we already had our anniversary pins on and the attendant must have seen them. We still had to pay the regular price for parking, we just got an amazing spot!

 

[choirchic]

For our next day we had a bunch of fun stuff planned. We woke up, took our time, ate breakfast at the Time Share, and then met up with the rest of the family at the transportation ticket center.

We took the monorail over to Epcot for the first half of the day. I was hoping to get to ride the "Tron"orail and get a good picture of it, but apparently there was only one running that day and it wouldn't be in service until later that afternoon. Bummer.

Oh well...on with the day!

When you get off the monorail at Epcot, take your time and don't rush off. There are some nice views of Spaceship Earth from up there!

Once we got into the park, the family broke up and decided to go our separate ways for a little while.
Mom and Dad stayed with me and DH while the Nephews stayed with BIL and SIL.

We stopped for a photo since the park was so nicely decorated for the Food and Wine Festival.

We walked around for a little bit and then I took Mom and Dad through Club Cool.
DH and I have had the pleasure of tasting Beverly and we wanted to share the fun.

Dad didn't mind the taste, but I got a good shot of Mom. People that knew what I was up to even stopped to watch.

She told me I was a brat and I promised to make it up to her by walking over to Mexico for a yummy lunch! I had read about all of the changes made at the Cantina and I couldn't wait to try some of their new offerings! The four of us LOVE mexican food, so this was a great choice for lunch!

DH and I shared the Tacos de Pollo and Mom and Dad shared the Empanadas de Queso. Both were EXCELLENT!

After lunch we strolled around to a few low key attractions, and took in some of the sights. It was a nice relaxing afternoon.

Speaking of sights...did you know that you can see the Tower of Terror if you look close enough behind Morocco? It blends in perfectly!
See if you can spot it in this picture. I wish I had a better lens so I could have gotten a closer shot! I'll have to remember that for next time!

Mom wanted to do a little bit of shopping so stopped in Mouse Gears before heading over to Innoventions.

Did you guys know that you can star in your own video game over at Innoventions?
If you have boys that are into games, I guarantee that they would LOVE this! It was soooo much fun!

After playing at Innoventions for a bit, we went on over to the Imagination Pavilion. I am a die hard Figment fan and I really wanted to see Captain EO so the family humored me and off we went!

I enjoyed Captain EO and all of it's cheesy 80's goodness. I haven't seen it since high school and I still thought it was cute.
DH said he wanted his 20 minutes back. I guess he just isn't a fan of MJ!

After our brush with Captain EO, we strolled on over to the Seas to see if we could find Nemo.
(Although I must admit, my favorite part are the Seagulls out front that yell "mine!")

By the time we got done at the Seas, we met up with the family so we could go explore Mission Space. Now you all know this is a rough ride, so out of all of us, only 4 went on! It was Me, DH, FIL and BIL. We also decided to do the side with full intensity. We left our cameras with the family and off we went. It was a LOT of fun being the only girl and watching all of the guys act like kids pressing all of the buttons. Another favorite memory!

We walked around a bit more, then it was time to head on over to O'Hana for a family dinner! I gotta say, I am now HIGHLY addicted to O'Hana!

Stay tuned! I took a TON of pictures at dinner!

 

[choirchic]

We left Epcot, hopped on the Monorail and took it around to the Polynesian...O'Hanas didn't open for another 20 minutes so we sat down at the bar for a little while. I had read amazing things on the DIS about the Poly bar so I was excited to have a few minutes here. While I was intrigued by the Back Scratcher and the Lapu Lapu, I took a chance and asked the bartender if he would make me the famous Kungaloosh! He said he could make the "liquid" version and not the blended version...I didn't really catch why, but I said sure!

Mine didn't look anything like I pictured, but it definitely tasted like I remember! (I miss the Adventurer's Club! )

DH ordered the Wild Berry Margarita and said his was pretty good too!

By now, the rest of the family had shown up and I was ready to check us in!

If you've never been there, before they take you to your seat, they walk you by the desserts and drinks and tell you a little bit about the place. Some of our family had been there, but it was definitely mine and DH's first time for dinner! We were seated, drinks were ordered, and then the food started flowing!

First out is the delicious "Welcome" bread and the Mixed Green Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing. It was the perfect combination of sweet and tart! We definitely ordered a second round of salad!

The next course brings out dipping sauces, chicken wings, pork dumplings, lo mein noodles, and broccoli.
Can I just tell you that I now DREAM about and CRAVE these wings! Sooooooo YUMMY!

Next out were the Skewers...there was Chicken, Shrimp, Pork, and Steak.
The steak was a little hard to chew, and the shrimp required too much work in my opinion, so I stuck with the pork and chicken.
The servers kept our plates plenty full.

Here are a few shots of the family really enjoying their dinner:

And OH the carnage!

Last and CERTAINLY not least was Dessert!
Bananas Foster Bread Pudding served with Vanilla Ice Cream

They also brought chocolate cupcakes out since we were all celebrating!

I can see why I had to stalk the DIS Boards for a cancellation to get into this place!
I cannot tell you how much we enjoyed this dinner.
DH and I will definitely be putting this on our Must-Do list for the next time we visit!

After Dinner we decided to take our two oldest nephews over to the Magic Kingdom for MNSSHP...stay tuned to see if we're crazy!

 

[IheartDDuck]

Speaking of sights...did you know that you can see the Tower of Terror if you look close enough behind Morocco? It blends in perfectly!
See if you can spot it in this picture. I wish I had a better lens so I could have gotten a closer shot! I'll have to remember that for next time!

Makes me wonder if Disney did that on purpose. You know, because they're clever like that.

 

[choirchic]

Makes me wonder if Disney did that on purpose. You know, because they're clever like that.

I'm sure that they did! And they did a good job too! I forgot where we heard it from, but we've been trying to find it for the past few years that we've gone to Disney...this year we finally spotted it!

 

[choirchic]

After Dinner the family parted ways. We took the nephews, hopped on the Monorail, and made our way over to the Magic Kingdom for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party! I thought it would be super crowded and crazy because it was close to 7pm and the start of the party, but it really wasn't. The cast members were well trained and had a good handle on the traffic coming in and out of the park. This party has such a great atmosphere right from the get-go!

We got our Wrist Bands and our Trick or Treat Bags and in we went. It's always so festive and it's really fun to people watch! The ideas that people come up with for costumes are amazing! Such creativity! DH stopped to buy a pair of Jack Skellington ears while me and the kids sat for a little bit to let traffic go by. They didn't have costumes since it was a last minute plan, but the kids were still very excited to be there!

Our nephews could have cared less about meeting any of the characters so off we went to Tomorrowland to make our rounds on the Trick or Treat trails...the kids had a blast, especially when we told them that they could get back in line as many times as they wanted! We also did a few rides while we were in the area...who can resist a giant video game?

I didn't take many pics of this years party, but if you're interested here's a link to a thread with some great shots we got in 2008
(It really hasn't changed too much...and that's not a bad thing! We've gone every year since!)

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1966817

Around 9pm we had made our way around to Fantasyland and decided it was time to make our way to Main Street so the kids could sit for a little while and watch the Fireworks. We got a spot near the Hub where everyone was just sitting down on the ground. DH went to get us drinks, and just as he got back, the show started. I <3 HalloWishes!

We stayed there for a while, and then somewhere in the midst of waiting for the crowd to pass, and walking over to Fronteirland, our oldest Nephew decided he was ready to ride his first roller coaster. I stayed with the younger nephew while DH got to take the oldest on over to Big Thunder Mountain. It was a special moment!

While they went on the coaster, me and the little one staked out a spot for the late parade. It was great fun having a little bit of time with just him...I even let him sneak a piece or two of candy.

It was getting close to parade time and DH wasn't back yet, but I knew it was about time for the Headless Horseman. Unfortunately they didn't make it back in time, but I was able to share that moment with the little one. He was very excited but didn't understand why he was riding the horse and had a pumpkin for a head! I promised I'd tell him the story later...

After the parade, DH and I started to lose steam. We did a little bit more trick or treating and then let the boys ride the Tomorrowland Speedway one more time before we left the park.

We wanted to keep the kids awake on the ride home, so all the way back to the time share we started singing crazy kiddie songs like "The Wheels on the Bus Go Round..." It kept them giggling and yelling for us to stop.

It was after Midnight, and we were beat, but it was an awesome day!

Tomorrow...Food, Wine, and Feeling Fine!
My first trip to the Food and Wine Festival and OH what fun it was!
Stay Tuned!

 

[choirchic]

Since I'm free tonight...I decided to keep posting!

And now it's time for my MOST FAVORITE day of vacation! My FIRST visit to the Food and Wine Festival! Yes it was a Friday, and yes I knew it was going to be crowded, but that's just how our week worked out. We had already discussed that it would be adults only today so it was just us and the parentals! We had a leisurely morning at the Time Share, ate breakfast, took our time getting dressed, and got to the park around lunch time. We made our way up toward the World Showcase and bought our Giftcard/Wristband thingies at the Port of Entry!

Hooray for my Drinking Buddy! (My MIL is too cool!)

Mom's first stop was Chile to try the Beef and Corn Pie...she said it was ok.

My first stop was the Desserts and Champagne Booth...why not start the day with dessert? How can you go wrong?
There were so many tasty options on the menu that I opted for the tasty trio so I could try all three!
OMG The Pear Streusel Pudding Cake was Heavenly!

Our next stop was Brazil...we both got the Grilled Pork Skewer with Farofa to share with our better halves. It was just ok.
I didn't really understand what the "Farofa" was supposed to be...to me it tasted like shake and bake pork chop on a stick.

DH and I strolled on over to Puerto Rico. I was very excited to try the Bacardi Frozen Torched Cherry Colada. DH was feeling adventurous today and decided to try the Medianoche Sandwich. Both of us LOVED these selections...Although the portions were a bit on the small side...the drink was cool, sweet, and refreshing and the sandwich was a little slice of heaven. As Rachel Ray would say...this booth was YUM-O!

Mom and Dad were trying out the fare over at the Argentina booth. They tried both the Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Puree, AND the Roasted Corn and Cheese Empanada. The Beef Skewer was one of Mom's favorite picks of the day. She said it was very tasty.

Next up for me and DH was Mexico...I really wanted to try the Tamal de Pollo and the Passion Fruit Frozen Margarita. This was an excellent combination...the Tamal was a bit spicy, but the Margarita was just sweet enough to counter that spice. We found a table in the shade on the side of the pyramid and sat down to relax a little bit.

I REALLY wanted to try the Guacamole and Crab Tostadas from La Cava de Tequila but it was WAY too crowded AND there was a line so we decided to move on.
(Bummer...oh well...maybe next time!)

After sitting for a little bit and taking the boat ride in Mexico, we moved on to Poland! I'm part Polish so I was SUPER excited to try the homemade pierogie! It was AMAZING! I REALLY wanted more but decided to behave and save my stomach for the rest of the trip around the world!

I also tried the Strawberry Balsamic Chiller from Poland. It was so nasty, I didn't even take a picture! It tasted like frozen vinegar. Blech!

It was starting to get really warm so we wanted to find another shady spot to sit down for a while.
I convinced the family to stroll on over to Norway for some Schoolbread.
Mom wasn't going to get one, but once she and Dad saw mine they decided to enjoy one too.
Creamy, Yummy, Deliciousness!

I also couldn't resist posing my macho men with the Viking!

The next stop for me was the Joy of Tea stand in China to finally try the Peach Snap.
I gave it to my Husband to hold so I could take a few pictures and re-load my wristband.
Before I knew it, he had already drank half of it!

I don't blame him though, it really was tasty.
Kind of like a frozen Fuzzy Navel.

Since DH and I were being adventurous, we decided to check out the Singapore Booth. Here we tried the Shrimp Cake with Noodle Salad, and the Coconut Braised Beef Rendang with Jasmine Rice...the beef was good. It tasted sort of like curry. The Shrimp Cake and noodles were tasty but packed a bit of a punch. Luckily the woman running the booth warned us...she told us to chew on the skewer after eating the Shrimp Cake. Turns out that it was a piece of Sugar Cane. Very nice twist...

After our brush with "Spicy Singapore" we made our way around the Germany.
I wanted to try the Apple Streudel, and Mom was interested in the Sausage in a Pretzel Roll.
This stand reminded me of the Song in Oliver..."Food Glorious Food."
We had no complaints about this booth.

I was very interested in the new Karamell-Kuche Store so I poked my head in to see what was happening. The smell in this store alone is enough to put a diabetic into a coma. There were walls full of Werthers Originals, and a case full of sweet caramel concoctions. There was a line, so we didn't buy anything, but I had to take a couple pictures before we left.

To Be continued...I'm not full yet!

 

[choirchic]

And now for the rest of our Journey...

Mom and Dad found a cool place to sit while DH and I waited in line at the Italy Booth. We love Italian Food almost as much as we love Mexican Food so everything her sounded yummy. We tried the Polpettine (fancy word for meatball) and the Baked Ravioli. WOW this was Yummy! We Soooooooo wanted to go back for seconds!!!! We were so excited, we started eating before I remembered to take the picture!

It was about time to give out stomachs a break, so we strolled around Italy for a little bit and then made our way up to the American Adventure to take in a show. We were lucky when we got there because the Voices of Liberty were performing. This group is amazing and I cry nearly every time I hear them sing!

After our "nap" in the American Adventure, we stopped in Japan so DH could have some Kaki-Gori. There were a few new flavors, and the serving size was definitely bigger then last year!

Next up, DH and I stopped in Morocco while Mom and Dad stopped in Belgium and Spain. We tried the Beef in a Pita Pocket. It was just ok...nothing special. Mom and Dad tried the Belgium Waffle and the Taste of Spain...I've got to admit, their selections looked and tasted much better then our Pita Did. We'll remember that next time...

It was now time to stroll over to France to get the ever famous Gran Marnier Slush.
Mom knew this was one of my favorite drinks and she wanted to try mine before she ordered hers.
One Sip and she was back in line!

After our drink, I had a moment so I decided to stalk the Beast. He's my absolute favorite character, and I see him EVERY year that we go!

Walking up through France, we caught a little bit of the street performance.

Our next plan was to take our time and walk over to the UK to catch a seat for the British Invasion. We got there about a half hour before showtime and we were able to get a bench up front.
Me and Mom decided to walk up to Canada so I could use the rest of my gift card.

Mom and I both got the Chicken Chipotle Sausage and I also got the Cheese Soup. I REALLY like the soup, but OMG there was nothing good about that sausage. It was WAY too spicy, and the Polenta was way to tangy. It was a weird combination. Dad had to go out and get a beer to wash away the taste of his!

This was the end of our trip around the world. It was really fun and I would definitely like to try it again sometime.

We called it a day and went back to the Time Share to chill by the pool for a nice relaxing evening.
This was the last day in Disney for the rest of our family so the pool was a good way to spend their last night!

AFTER THOUGHTS:

Mom and Dad's Favorites:
Argentina, Germany, and Belguim

Our Favorites:
Puerto Rico, Poland, and most defintiely Italy

It was an AMAZING day!