The Blakes Bombard Disney! Ten Days of Food and Fun!
- Thread starter choirchic
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OhioDisneyLover
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Awesome updates! I've always wanted to go during Food/Wine. And Beast is one of my favs too. 
choirchic
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I gained 6 pounds on vacation this year...but it was worth every pound!
Awesome updates! I've always wanted to go during Food/Wine. And Beast is one of my favs too.
Thanks! And Yay! A Fellow Beast Fan!
IheartDDuck
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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!
Oh, I'm glad you guys had a good time. I so wanted to go this year, but I wasn't able to. I was excited that there was a Belgium booth, because my mom is from Belgium, immigrated here when she was 15. I hope they keep it next year, because that's when I'm going back. My mom used to make waffles like that homemade for us every Saturday when I was growing up.
choirchic
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Oh, I'm glad you guys had a good time. I so wanted to go this year, but I wasn't able to. I was excited that there was a Belgium booth, because my mom is from Belgium, immigrated here when she was 15. I hope they keep it next year, because that's when I'm going back. My mom used to make waffles like that homemade for us every Saturday when I was growing up.
That booth seems to be a big hit so I'm sure it would be returning next year! I hope you get to enjoy it! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!
onelilspark
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Joining in! I'm originally from Philly, so I loved your Phillies gear!!
choirchic
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Thanks and welcome! I'm so sad they didn't make it to the series this year, but better luck next year! So glad you are joining in!
choirchic
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Alas...my next post bring us to Saturday morning and the parentals are leaving today. This is also out last day in the Time Share. We all had a relaxing evening the night before so we woke up, finished some last minute packing, did a quick look around, and then it was time to check out.
We decided to have a laid back family breakfast at Panera Bread. We spent a good hour there just relaxing, playing on our new Ipods, and enjoying the last time we'd all see each other until the holidays.
It was time to part ways...the parentals were headed back to Maryland...BIL, SIL and the nephews were headed to MK for a half day before driving back to Alabama, and DH and I were off to Pop Century for the rest of our weekend!
We originally were only going to stay the night and drive home on Sunday, but we REALLY weren't ready to go home, so we paid for an additional night and extended our stay through Monday. Woo Hoo! If you've never stayed here, this is a super cute hotel. I've stayed at all of the All Star Resorts, but this was my first time here.
We got settled into our room, walked around a bit, and decided to head on over to MK to maybe catch up with the kids one more time before they left. We stayed in the 70's section behind the giant Mickey Telephone. Outside of our room was a giant Fooz-Ball court!
My only criticism with transportation here and the other value resorts is that man, they sure do pack you into the busses like sardines!
Even though we had already eaten breakfast, we were a little hungry when we got to MK. I convinced DH to stop in the Main Street Bakery to see if I could FIANLLY get to try those delicious Cinnamon Rolls! Lo and Behold...as I was getting in line, one of the cast members brought out a FRESH batch!
OMG these things are HUGE! When you look at this picture, please note that the the bottle of water next to the cinnamon roll is actually a LARGE bottle! This will help you understand how big these snacks are!
DH and I walked around for a while...got on Big Thunder Mountain, circled back to the Jungle Cruise, and by then we decided to check in with BIL to see if they wanted an early dinner before they left. We took a leisurely stroll over to Fantasyland to meet up at Pinnocchio Village Haus. We stopped along the way for some photo-ops!
This is such a cute place...it has generic food (Pizza, Fries, Salads...that sorta thing) so nothing special. What is cool are the rooms and all of the artwork if you take a minute to look around. We found a quiet table in the back of the Figaro Room!
After our early dinner, we took our eldest nephew back over to Big Thunder Mountain to ride one more time before they went home. It was a lot of fun. DH and Nephew sat in front of me, and I got to sit behind them and watch as my husband became a kid and enjoyed the company of his nephew. It was special...
It was about time for them to hit the road so we took the railroad back around to main street. SIL wanted to do one last bit of shopping so we sat near the restrooms and relaxed with the kids for a few minutes. We even let them play in the water fountain...shhh, don't tell their parents!
We were a little sad to see them go. but they had a long drive back to Alabama.
DH and I walked up Main Street on our way to Tomorrowland after they left, and came upon a random parade. I still couldn't tell you the name of it.
We took in some of the attactions in Tomorrowland, went for a stroll by the Rose Garden, then made our way up to the hub so I could get our picture at the Castle.
It was starting to get crowded and people were already lining up for the parade. It didn't start for another 2 1/2 hours and Main Street was already lined with people! I couldn't believe it. Since we had already seen the fireworks a million times, and had gotten up really early that day, we decided to grab a snack at Caseys and then head back to the hotel for a relaxing evening by the pool!
And yes...I did say Caseys...we were like bottomless pits today! I think we had at least 5 meals today!
We got back to our room to find a towel animal...which I LOVE!
And spent the rest of the evening drinking and relaxing by the pool! It was another great day!
Stay tuned...up next, another full day at AK with just Me and DH, and Dinner at Whispering Canyon! Oh the fun we had!
We decided to have a laid back family breakfast at Panera Bread. We spent a good hour there just relaxing, playing on our new Ipods, and enjoying the last time we'd all see each other until the holidays.
It was time to part ways...the parentals were headed back to Maryland...BIL, SIL and the nephews were headed to MK for a half day before driving back to Alabama, and DH and I were off to Pop Century for the rest of our weekend!
We originally were only going to stay the night and drive home on Sunday, but we REALLY weren't ready to go home, so we paid for an additional night and extended our stay through Monday. Woo Hoo! If you've never stayed here, this is a super cute hotel. I've stayed at all of the All Star Resorts, but this was my first time here.
We got settled into our room, walked around a bit, and decided to head on over to MK to maybe catch up with the kids one more time before they left. We stayed in the 70's section behind the giant Mickey Telephone. Outside of our room was a giant Fooz-Ball court!
My only criticism with transportation here and the other value resorts is that man, they sure do pack you into the busses like sardines!
Even though we had already eaten breakfast, we were a little hungry when we got to MK. I convinced DH to stop in the Main Street Bakery to see if I could FIANLLY get to try those delicious Cinnamon Rolls! Lo and Behold...as I was getting in line, one of the cast members brought out a FRESH batch!
OMG these things are HUGE! When you look at this picture, please note that the the bottle of water next to the cinnamon roll is actually a LARGE bottle! This will help you understand how big these snacks are!
DH and I walked around for a while...got on Big Thunder Mountain, circled back to the Jungle Cruise, and by then we decided to check in with BIL to see if they wanted an early dinner before they left. We took a leisurely stroll over to Fantasyland to meet up at Pinnocchio Village Haus. We stopped along the way for some photo-ops!
This is such a cute place...it has generic food (Pizza, Fries, Salads...that sorta thing) so nothing special. What is cool are the rooms and all of the artwork if you take a minute to look around. We found a quiet table in the back of the Figaro Room!
After our early dinner, we took our eldest nephew back over to Big Thunder Mountain to ride one more time before they went home. It was a lot of fun. DH and Nephew sat in front of me, and I got to sit behind them and watch as my husband became a kid and enjoyed the company of his nephew. It was special...
It was about time for them to hit the road so we took the railroad back around to main street. SIL wanted to do one last bit of shopping so we sat near the restrooms and relaxed with the kids for a few minutes. We even let them play in the water fountain...shhh, don't tell their parents!
We were a little sad to see them go. but they had a long drive back to Alabama.
DH and I walked up Main Street on our way to Tomorrowland after they left, and came upon a random parade. I still couldn't tell you the name of it.
We took in some of the attactions in Tomorrowland, went for a stroll by the Rose Garden, then made our way up to the hub so I could get our picture at the Castle.
It was starting to get crowded and people were already lining up for the parade. It didn't start for another 2 1/2 hours and Main Street was already lined with people! I couldn't believe it. Since we had already seen the fireworks a million times, and had gotten up really early that day, we decided to grab a snack at Caseys and then head back to the hotel for a relaxing evening by the pool!
And yes...I did say Caseys...we were like bottomless pits today! I think we had at least 5 meals today!
We got back to our room to find a towel animal...which I LOVE!
And spent the rest of the evening drinking and relaxing by the pool! It was another great day!
Stay tuned...up next, another full day at AK with just Me and DH, and Dinner at Whispering Canyon! Oh the fun we had!
IheartDDuck
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2009
- Messages
- 6,506
POP just looks like such a cute resort. My mom and I are staying there over our Thanksgiving weekend trip, so I'm really excited. We've never stayed there before.
I am always a bottomless pit in WDW! I think calories don't count when you're there......
I am always a bottomless pit in WDW! I think calories don't count when you're there......
choirchic
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2008
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- 1,392
POP just looks like such a cute resort. My mom and I are staying there over our Thanksgiving weekend trip, so I'm really excited. We've never stayed there before.
I am always a bottomless pit in WDW! I think calories don't count when you're there......
It really was...I'd definitely stay there again. (Aside from breakfast...which was blah and I'll review in my next post) we really liked it! My favorite part was sitting by the pool and drinking. The bartenders at Petals are awesome!
choirchic
DIS Veteran
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- Jul 9, 2008
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- 1,392
Hi everyone! Sorry I havn't posted...Halloween weekend was super busy!
We woke up relatively early on our last day and decided to have breakfast at the resort. I've heard great reviews about the Pop Food Court so I thought this was a good idea. It was super crowded (which seemed promising) so DH got a table while I grabbed our breakfast.
I got us both croissaint sandwiches and a soda to split.
UGH! Blech! The bacon was rubbery on my sandwich, the eggs were cold and watery on both sandwiches, the croissaint was oily and the potatoes were just barely seasoned. Thank the Lord for Katchup! I don't think I'll be eating breakfast at Pop ever again.
I was so disappointed in Breakfast, but wasn't going to let that ruin our last full day! We decided to spend it in the Animal Kingdom. We have never done two days here, but we are liking this park more and more with every trip! It has so much to offer if you just take your time and give it a chance!
As soon as we got in the park, we ran on over to Everest, grabbed a couple fastpasses, and then got into the Stand By line. It was actually nice to stand in line...there are fun things to look at, and bells to ring...take your time to read and look at the pictures around you. It tells a great story and makes the ride a little bit more fun!
After Everest we walked back past the Blue treat truck. (I always forget it's name) but they make the BEST floats! You can get any combination of soda and soft serve that you can imagine as log as it's on their menu.
DH gets the traditional Root Beer Float, and I opt for the Orange Soda Float...Kinda tastes like a creamsicle. Yummy!
After our snack, we walked around to see what the Tigers were up to. They were just chilling in a perfect spot to take pictures...I think they knew I was coming back to see them!
After the Jungle Trek, we were feeling a little hungry. Since breakfast was a disappointment we decided to grab some real food and walked around to Flame Tree.
It was just barely lunch time and it already smelled yummy!
DH ordered the pulled pork sandwich, I ordered the ribs, and we made our way down the path to the secret "seating" spot that came so recommended here in the Dis. Oh So Pretty!
Here's our food and the yummy condiment station...
And here are some of the beautiful views from the seating area:
After lunch, we made our way over to It's Tough to Be a Bug. It was the first time I noticed that all of the pictures in the holding area are themed after Broadway shows.
I was cracking up, they were so funny!
It was the best crowd we've ever experienced. There was screaming, and laughing, and people yelping. That was the most fun ever!
It was getting kid of late, and I knew we wanted to make it out of the park ahead of the parade so we made our way back to Everest for one last ride. On our way there, I came across the Royal Anandapur Tea Company. I had hear a rumor about a Frozen Chai Tea that I just had to investigate. This is a cute little stop. I highly suggest checking it out the next time any of you go!
We took a few pics of me being silly, and then went on Everest one last time.
We caught one last vision of beauty on our way out of the park:
And so ended our day in the Animal Kingdom. For dinner we tossed around a few ideas and in the end decided on Whispering Canyon Cafe at the Wilderness Lodge.
Stay tuned for our adventure!
We woke up relatively early on our last day and decided to have breakfast at the resort. I've heard great reviews about the Pop Food Court so I thought this was a good idea. It was super crowded (which seemed promising) so DH got a table while I grabbed our breakfast.
I got us both croissaint sandwiches and a soda to split.
UGH! Blech! The bacon was rubbery on my sandwich, the eggs were cold and watery on both sandwiches, the croissaint was oily and the potatoes were just barely seasoned. Thank the Lord for Katchup! I don't think I'll be eating breakfast at Pop ever again.
I was so disappointed in Breakfast, but wasn't going to let that ruin our last full day! We decided to spend it in the Animal Kingdom. We have never done two days here, but we are liking this park more and more with every trip! It has so much to offer if you just take your time and give it a chance!
As soon as we got in the park, we ran on over to Everest, grabbed a couple fastpasses, and then got into the Stand By line. It was actually nice to stand in line...there are fun things to look at, and bells to ring...take your time to read and look at the pictures around you. It tells a great story and makes the ride a little bit more fun!
After Everest we walked back past the Blue treat truck. (I always forget it's name) but they make the BEST floats! You can get any combination of soda and soft serve that you can imagine as log as it's on their menu.
DH gets the traditional Root Beer Float, and I opt for the Orange Soda Float...Kinda tastes like a creamsicle. Yummy!
After our snack, we walked around to see what the Tigers were up to. They were just chilling in a perfect spot to take pictures...I think they knew I was coming back to see them!
After the Jungle Trek, we were feeling a little hungry. Since breakfast was a disappointment we decided to grab some real food and walked around to Flame Tree.
It was just barely lunch time and it already smelled yummy!
DH ordered the pulled pork sandwich, I ordered the ribs, and we made our way down the path to the secret "seating" spot that came so recommended here in the Dis. Oh So Pretty!
Here's our food and the yummy condiment station...
And here are some of the beautiful views from the seating area:
After lunch, we made our way over to It's Tough to Be a Bug. It was the first time I noticed that all of the pictures in the holding area are themed after Broadway shows.
I was cracking up, they were so funny!
It was the best crowd we've ever experienced. There was screaming, and laughing, and people yelping. That was the most fun ever!
It was getting kid of late, and I knew we wanted to make it out of the park ahead of the parade so we made our way back to Everest for one last ride. On our way there, I came across the Royal Anandapur Tea Company. I had hear a rumor about a Frozen Chai Tea that I just had to investigate. This is a cute little stop. I highly suggest checking it out the next time any of you go!
We took a few pics of me being silly, and then went on Everest one last time.
We caught one last vision of beauty on our way out of the park:
And so ended our day in the Animal Kingdom. For dinner we tossed around a few ideas and in the end decided on Whispering Canyon Cafe at the Wilderness Lodge.
Stay tuned for our adventure!
choirchic
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2008
- Messages
- 1,392
After our day at MK, we hopped the first bus over to the Wilderness Lodge. I have ALWAYS wanted to see this place, and now that I have I think I'd like to make it a point to stay here sometime...maybe for our 10th anniversary we will treat ourselves. It seems so relaxing and amazing here. I LOVED it!
Our favorite part was the rocking chairs...I left DH here to rest while I went to see if Whispering Canyon had any walk up reservations available for dinner.
It was about 5pm and the host said we'd be able to be sat as soon as they opened so I woke my husband up...
While waiting to be sat, he discovered the lincoln logs and turned into a big kid. I love it when this happens...
We were seated by our server, and she quickly took our drink orders and gave us a few suggestions on what to try for dinner.
Our meal started with cornbread...
I had heard all about the antics at this place, and was a little nervous.
Fortunately we were sat in the back half of the restaurant, and our server gave us enough of "the experience" without scaring us away!
I really wanted to try the skillet, but that was WAY too much food. So we chose the BBQ pork egg rolls for an appetizer.
Be warned...the garnish they are served with is not tomatos!
We both took a big bite and were surprised to taste Watermelon!
I guess we didn't read the menu too closely! LOL! They were still very tasty.
For Entrees I chose the Pot Roast and DH had the Meatloaf...
Both tasted like they were fresh out of a Grandmother's Kitchen. Yum-O!
This is a really cute place to have a meal...
At one point I even got in trouble for texting at the table...it was pretty funny.
We'll definitely be eating here again...and next time, I plan to save room for the skillet.
At this point, we called it a day and took the boat over to MK so we could hop on a bus back to Pop. It was a fun, slow paced, and relaxing day.
My next post will be about our last morning in the world and finally getting to try the ever popular Tonga Toast...stay tuned to see if it lived up to the hype.
Our favorite part was the rocking chairs...I left DH here to rest while I went to see if Whispering Canyon had any walk up reservations available for dinner.
It was about 5pm and the host said we'd be able to be sat as soon as they opened so I woke my husband up...
While waiting to be sat, he discovered the lincoln logs and turned into a big kid. I love it when this happens...
We were seated by our server, and she quickly took our drink orders and gave us a few suggestions on what to try for dinner.
Our meal started with cornbread...
I had heard all about the antics at this place, and was a little nervous.
Fortunately we were sat in the back half of the restaurant, and our server gave us enough of "the experience" without scaring us away!
I really wanted to try the skillet, but that was WAY too much food. So we chose the BBQ pork egg rolls for an appetizer.
Be warned...the garnish they are served with is not tomatos!
We both took a big bite and were surprised to taste Watermelon!
I guess we didn't read the menu too closely! LOL! They were still very tasty.
For Entrees I chose the Pot Roast and DH had the Meatloaf...
Both tasted like they were fresh out of a Grandmother's Kitchen. Yum-O!
This is a really cute place to have a meal...
At one point I even got in trouble for texting at the table...it was pretty funny.
We'll definitely be eating here again...and next time, I plan to save room for the skillet.
At this point, we called it a day and took the boat over to MK so we could hop on a bus back to Pop. It was a fun, slow paced, and relaxing day.
My next post will be about our last morning in the world and finally getting to try the ever popular Tonga Toast...stay tuned to see if it lived up to the hype.
IheartDDuck
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2009
- Messages
- 6,506
I love the Royal Anandapur Tea Company. I love tea in general, and it also has some awesome hot tea selections as well. Great update.
shinysparklybubbles
DIS Veteran
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- Feb 1, 2010
- Messages
- 3,527
Great report!
choirchic
DIS Veteran
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- Jul 9, 2008
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- 1,392
There were several things on the menu that I wanted to try...I look forward to going back again just so I can!
Thank you for joining...glad you're enjoying it!
choirchic
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2008
- Messages
- 1,392
Thank you for joining! It was my first year with a new camera...I"m still learning how to use it!
choirchic
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2008
- Messages
- 1,392
So today's post brings us to our last day...boooo! 
When making our ADR's, I wanted to find a low key place for us to have an intimate last day breakfast.
After browsing these boards for days and days, I remembered something...something I've always read about, but never tried, something so delicious it's legendary...something that to this day I continue to talk about and drool over...something that words just can't describe!
TONGA TOAST!
We checked in a little before 9am, and there was barely a line.
This is such a cute little place!
We settled in and looked over the menu.
When I read the description for the Tonga Toast, I was unsure if I wanted to have something so sweet for breakfast.
I had seen pictures on here, but reading the description, and smelling all the food around me had me torn...
I decided on the Pineapple Macadamia Nut Pancakes but DH was so kind as to order the Tonga Toast so I could at least try it.
Once the food came, I was IMMEDIATELY sorry that I did not order the Tonga Toast! That stuff is AMAZING!
Don't get me wrong, my pancakes were quite yummy. The perfect combination of sweet and salty...but OMG, that Tonga Toast is HEAVEN on a Plate!
For our next trip, I will DEFINITELY be making an ADR so I can get my own!
After Breakfast, it was time to hit the road.
We stopped at the Hess station on the way out, and I said goodbye to my favorite place.
When making our ADR's, I wanted to find a low key place for us to have an intimate last day breakfast.
After browsing these boards for days and days, I remembered something...something I've always read about, but never tried, something so delicious it's legendary...something that to this day I continue to talk about and drool over...something that words just can't describe!
TONGA TOAST!
We checked in a little before 9am, and there was barely a line.
This is such a cute little place!
We settled in and looked over the menu.
When I read the description for the Tonga Toast, I was unsure if I wanted to have something so sweet for breakfast.
I had seen pictures on here, but reading the description, and smelling all the food around me had me torn...
I decided on the Pineapple Macadamia Nut Pancakes but DH was so kind as to order the Tonga Toast so I could at least try it.
Once the food came, I was IMMEDIATELY sorry that I did not order the Tonga Toast! That stuff is AMAZING!
Don't get me wrong, my pancakes were quite yummy. The perfect combination of sweet and salty...but OMG, that Tonga Toast is HEAVEN on a Plate!
For our next trip, I will DEFINITELY be making an ADR so I can get my own!
After Breakfast, it was time to hit the road.
We stopped at the Hess station on the way out, and I said goodbye to my favorite place.
IheartDDuck
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2009
- Messages
- 6,506
Boo! Departure day is always the worst. It's so sad.
Tonga toast is pretty amazing! It's a little much for me to eat all of, so normally my mom and I share meals. I order one thing, she orders another and we split. She's cool like that.
Tonga toast is pretty amazing! It's a little much for me to eat all of, so normally my mom and I share meals. I order one thing, she orders another and we split. She's cool like that.
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