The (Foodie)Force is Strong with Us...a Feb/Mar 2016 trip! THE END - NEW 9/13 Disneyland TR link!

[BlvInMagic]

That Golf Cart ride was definitely some pretty cool pixie dusting! Very awesome! I love hearing great cast member interaction stories... let's others know that anything's possible at Disney.

 

[absolutmey]

OMG your V&A meal looked amazing. 4:45pm ... so hungry... truffle butter!!!

 

[Cali Cat]

BTW do you know if DL has a photopass package? My sister is asking because she loves her character pics.

They do use photo pass, the old one, not memory maker. But, I believe they have recently changed it. I'll have to check it out to see what's changed when I go next time.

 

[soniam]

Cool! Thanks for the info! Everyone I know who has been to both recently loves DCA and DL. I think individually they are great parks. I'm so excited! I'm definitely going back when SW is built. Is the DLR one opening sooner? Might be a good idea to get one of those super premier annual passes that year as I have a feeling I'd want to go multiple times.

The DIS Unplugged podcast is going to have special videos up every Monday starting in June talking about Disneyland and doing giveaways. They are going to talk about planning a trip, probably helping out WDW goers particularly.

I've heard so much about RSR and I've even seen ride video. It's probably my most anticipated ride because I love test track. I love speed! I can't believe even with FP+ you had to wait an hour? Damn. I'm hoping staying in the GC will help alleviate that a bit.

We didn't have early entry. We went to DCA on the day the park didn't have it. I doubt it's quite as bad now, but early entry will never hurt.

What!! You're going again?!? Jealous! And you get to see the new Soarin' and see the new SW fireworks....waaaah I want to come!

It started as a solo trip for the DIS Podcast anniversary. I know a couple of DISers in town that I thought would be going, and they are. Then I asked DH, and he said he wanted to go. So, I arranged for DS to do his annual summer visit to the grandparents during our trip. So it's an adults only trip I am really excited for all it. It starts July 20. We will hit Universal to see Reign of Kong and maybe try out the new chocolate restaurant in Citywalk. Then we will hit DHS for the new SW fireworks show, AK for the new restaurant, Tiffins, the new Jungle Book show, the nighttime safari, and all of the new nighttime stuff, Epcot for the new Soarin film and Frozen Ever After, the live podcast from the Cirque du Soleil theater, and probably a bunch of new stuff at Disney Springs. The timing just really worked out. We are also going to eat at some places that are new to us, Emeril's Tchoup Chop at Universal Royal Pacific, Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge, new food kiosks at DHS, Sanaa, BOG breakfast, Boma, and Spice Road Table. Unfortunately, I don't know if we will be back until summer 2017 when we do our DCL cruise. I don't know if I can wait that long though, so I have been hatching a plan to go adults only again between xmas and New Years. Crazay huh We'll see though. DH might put his foot down on that, but I don't know if I can go a year without some sort of Disney trip.

I do agree that the marbling in he Kobe is great. But I do prefer fattier cuts like ribeye. Although I'm sure a kobe ribeye might be overkill.
I like steak and butter. I like steak WITH butter too!
Jiro Dreams of Sushi just made me want to eat nothing but sushi for weeks. But not the cheap stuff from the corner Japanese restaurant, like a proper sushi omakase. Which kinda reminds me...I may try that omakase sushi offering at Morimoto Asia. I wonder how good it is. It could either be good or just plain bad. I've not heard much about it.

Pretty much anything with butter is good. I and DS have been known to just eat a little plain off a knife I can't decide if I want to try the sushi there again. It was really good but not awesome. We have an awesome sushi place in town called Uchi. Between Uchi and Nobu in NY, I am ruined for sushi. I do want to try some of the new quick stuff from Morimoto. They have some little bun tacos that look really good.

 

[dmlovullo]

In any case...we DO have another Disney vacation planned...to DISNEYLAND RESORT! I booked our flights and put a deposit on our package yesterday! We'll be in California from Sept 3-10 (labor day week) and in DLR from the night of the 5th to the 9th! We're staying in the Grand Californian for 3 nights, and then moving off to a good neighbor hotel in Anaheim for 1-2 more nights.

Awesome!! I so have to get to DLR! We were originally planning to make a trip out west this year, but it wasn't it the cards for us. Hope you enjoy your trip there experiencing all the new night time shows and Hyperspace Mountain!

During the cheese course they got started on the coffee. They had these really cool siphon contraptions that brew coffee in an old school way. They are fun to watch. The coffee was a single origin from Indonesia.

I would go here just to get coffee out of this spectacular contraption! Such a cool concept! Glad you enjoyed your V&A meal and the personalized menu was just so special and I am glad you go to keep it!

What a great CM, Laurie, to take you guys back to the Poly! Love hearing stories like this as it truly is a part of the magic that is a Disney vacation!

 

[mlegerto]

A Dole Whip Float!! I was supposed to share with DH but there was barely any left for him by the time I got back to the room. Oops.

DH set you up for an impossible mission. He couldn't have expected you to actually return with a full Dole Whip to share...that's crazy talk!

It was nice to enjoy the pool and the sun. I haven't been to the new pool since they refurbished it (it was closed in 2014 when I was here with my sister) and it really is nice, although definitely a bit small when you compare it to some other resort pools.

I couldn't agree with you more. The atmosphere is lovely around the pool and beach area, but the pool has gotten so small. It's fine when it isn't crowded, but on any nice day, it gets crowded.

I remember going to the Poly WAY BACK in the early 90's when you used to walk up the volcano from within the pool and I remember it being A LOT bigger. Granted I was A LOT smaller, but still. I wish they made it larger when they remodeled the area.

And because I have to...this is the last time, I promise, one last shot of the birthday bling.

B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L.........your wedding set is spectacular as well!

Can I just tell you...sour cream ice cream rocked my world. It tasted like a creamier frozen yogurt. It was so yummy.

Say WHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAT? Sour cream ice cream sounds revolting! I guess it's one of those things you've got to try before you knock it!

Here's a picture of us as we were leaving:

DH looks very handsome (although very full with his hand on his stomach, but I only know he's full because of your TR and explanation of your 10 course meal) and you look beautiful. I love your dress. Such a great photo!

She was amazing and it's people like her who really make a Disney vacation so magical!

Couldn't agree with you more. I feel like when I was younger, there were more CM who went out of their way to make special moments. Seems this kind of activity has decreased a lot in the 2 decades I've been visiting. However, now it makes it that much more special. Good job Laurie! I love that you went to make a compliment about her to guest services - we always seem to focus on the negative, glad you made a point to encourage the positives!

 

[chunkymonkey]

I haven't commented yet but had to for a V&A review .... we have only done the regular room but it was an amazing meal and I think you described the feeling of the place perfectly. It is very traditional looking but all the servers and everyone are so down to earth that you feel really comfortable there

Yes totally! The room looks really regal and royal, but the service is so warm and friendly that it was very enjoyable!

Oh, and that truffle bread and truffle butter is just amazing!

Yum! My favorite bread course!

that is cool that you got to try the two beefs side by side - definitely a unique opportunity.

It was great! Both pieces were good but the kobe just melts in your mouth...unbelievable.

Your husband looks very full and very satisfied in that picture in the FG after the meal!

Haha, I just realize he looks like he's rubbing his tummy! Very funny.

I mean, a private golf cart ride is really the only proper way to return to your room!

Spoiled for life by Disney, once again!

That Golf Cart ride was definitely some pretty cool pixie dusting! Very awesome! I love hearing great cast member interaction stories... let's others know that anything's possible at Disney.

OMG your V&A meal looked amazing. 4:45pm ... so hungry... truffle butter!!!

They do use photo pass, the old one, not memory maker. But, I believe they have recently changed it. I'll have to check it out to see what's changed when I go next time.

The DIS Unplugged podcast is going to have special videos up every Monday starting in June talking about Disneyland and doing giveaways. They are going to talk about planning a trip, probably helping out WDW goers particularly.

Hey that sounds perfect for me! I'm a podcast newbie though, do you just download them on itunes?

We didn't have early entry. We went to DCA on the day the park didn't have it. I doubt it's quite as bad now, but early entry will never hurt.

Cool. I hope it's worth it to stay at the GC!

It started as a solo trip for the DIS Podcast anniversary. I know a couple of DISers in town that I thought would be going, and they are. Then I asked DH, and he said he wanted to go. So, I arranged for DS to do his annual summer visit to the grandparents during our trip. So it's an adults only trip I am really excited for all it. It starts July 20. We will hit Universal to see Reign of Kong and maybe try out the new chocolate restaurant in Citywalk. Then we will hit DHS for the new SW fireworks show, AK for the new restaurant, Tiffins, the new Jungle Book show, the nighttime safari, and all of the new nighttime stuff, Epcot for the new Soarin film and Frozen Ever After, the live podcast from the Cirque du Soleil theater, and probably a bunch of new stuff at Disney Springs. The timing just really worked out. We are also going to eat at some places that are new to us, Emeril's Tchoup Chop at Universal Royal Pacific, Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge, new food kiosks at DHS, Sanaa, BOG breakfast, Boma, and Spice Road Table. Unfortunately, I don't know if we will be back until summer 2017 when we do our DCL cruise. I don't know if I can wait that long though, so I have been hatching a plan to go adults only again between xmas and New Years. Crazay huh We'll see though. DH might put his foot down on that, but I don't know if I can go a year without some sort of Disney trip.

Oh that sounds like so much fun!!! It sounds like the perfect trip! It will be really hot though, right?

Pretty much anything with butter is good. I and DS have been known to just eat a little plain off a knife I can't decide if I want to try the sushi there again. It was really good but not awesome. We have an awesome sushi place in town called Uchi. Between Uchi and Nobu in NY, I am ruined for sushi. I do want to try some of the new quick stuff from Morimoto. They have some little bun tacos that look really good.

Yeah I was wondering if the sushi during the special omakase menu would be more traditional style vs the rolls we got during lunch. If you're in NY next, check out Ushiwakamaru or Tanoshi sushi for their omakase.

Awesome!! I so have to get to DLR! We were originally planning to make a trip out west this year, but it wasn't it the cards for us. Hope you enjoy your trip there experiencing all the new night time shows and Hyperspace Mountain!

Thanks! I am really looking forward to it! I'm embracing this DLR trip like I would a WDW trip so will do more planning than I have ever done for DLR.

I would go here just to get coffee out of this spectacular contraption! Such a cool concept! Glad you enjoyed your V&A meal and the personalized menu was just so special and I am glad you go to keep it!

It was really cool! You can get them on amazon and make coffee in it. You just put it over your stove I think. I think it tastes the same as a french press, but it's much cooler to look at

What a great CM, Laurie, to take you guys back to the Poly! Love hearing stories like this as it truly is a part of the magic that is a Disney vacation!

She was great and the perfect ending to the night! I really loved meeting CMs like this!

 

[chunkymonkey]

DH set you up for an impossible mission. He couldn't have expected you to actually return with a full Dole Whip to share...that's crazy talk!

Crazy talk indeed. What was he thinking?!? And what was I thinking agreeing to such a request!?! LOL

I couldn't agree with you more. The atmosphere is lovely around the pool and beach area, but the pool has gotten so small. It's fine when it isn't crowded, but on any nice day, it gets crowded.

I remember going to the Poly WAY BACK in the early 90's when you used to walk up the volcano from within the pool and I remember it being A LOT bigger. Granted I was A LOT smaller, but still. I wish they made it larger when they remodeled the area.

I wishes we spent more time at the pool but we just didn't see the incentive when it was so small and crowded most of the time. It was pretty though, but definitely packed with the weather was nice. That's so cute how you though it was much larger when you were smaller! Heehee.

B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L.........your wedding set is spectacular as well!

Thank you!!

Say WHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAT? Sour cream ice cream sounds revolting! I guess it's one of those things you've got to try before you knock it!

Hmm, it does sound gross, doesn't it? But the taste...it was sooo good. It was like a frozen yogurt but none of that non fat stuff, this was creamy and delicious with a hint of tartness and sweetness.

DH looks very handsome (although very full with his hand on his stomach, but I only know he's full because of your TR and explanation of your 10 course meal) and you look beautiful. I love your dress. Such a great photo!

Haha, yes we were both very full but thanks! Whenever I tell my DH that someone has complimented him he says, well, they all know I'm the good-looking one. LOL. Men.

Couldn't agree with you more. I feel like when I was younger, there were more CM who went out of their way to make special moments. Seems this kind of activity has decreased a lot in the 2 decades I've been visiting. However, now it makes it that much more special. Good job Laurie! I love that you went to make a compliment about her to guest services - we always seem to focus on the negative, glad you made a point to encourage the positives!

I agree that having such great service really stood out. I mean Disney service is usually great for us, but we will never forget this wonderful moment when Laurie took time out of her day (and her job!) to take us back to the resort. We felt she had to have some special commendation for that!

 

[KathyM2]

Wow that meal looked AMAZING!!! That sour cream ice cream sounds heavenly!!! As does all the other foods!!

I'm so excited for your trip to DL!! So much fun!! We actually went waaaay back for part of our honeymoon. But back then I just don't remember the whole Disney trip planning being such a "thing" ya know? I mean...I looked a bit online about what they had there but mostly we just showed up on the day...now I can't BELIEVE I did that without extensive research lol. But at least without FP+ you don't have to decide months out what you might want to do...which I think is kind of a plus...even though part of me does enjoy the planning.

 

[chunkymonkey]

Wow that meal looked AMAZING!!! That sour cream ice cream sounds heavenly!!! As does all the other foods!!

It was a fantastic once in a lifetime experience! I'm not sure when we'll be able to go back (and I think DH is going to put his foot down about bringing a dinner jacket on a Disney trip) so I'll just treasure this meal...forever!

I'm so excited for your trip to DL!! So much fun!! We actually went waaaay back for part of our honeymoon. But back then I just don't remember the whole Disney trip planning being such a "thing" ya know? I mean...I looked a bit online about what they had there but mostly we just showed up on the day...now I can't BELIEVE I did that without extensive research lol. But at least without FP+ you don't have to decide months out what you might want to do...which I think is kind of a plus...even though part of me does enjoy the planning.

Thanks! We're so excited too! DH is excited that he'll be able to visit his family the weekend before and after we're at Disneyland. He was actually thinking about getting...gasp...annual passes for DL! But they are really expensive and not sure we'll make it worthwhile especially since we visit WDW a lot too. I know what you mean about the never doing any research before. I barely did any research before our previous DL trips...we always just showed up and bought tickets at the gate. I guess I don't need to worry about FP+ anyways, but we can book dining 60 days out now, and I do have to plan our EMH out since we're allowed into DL or DCA an hour early. But the parks vary from day to day I think, so one day it'll be DL and the next day DCA and so on. So I have to make sure we're making the most out of the early entry! I've heard FP+ for the Radiator Racers run out very quickly!!

 

[soniam]

Hey that sounds perfect for me! I'm a podcast newbie though, do you just download them on itunes?

Oh that sounds like so much fun!!! It sounds like the perfect trip! It will be really hot though, right?

You can get them off iTunes. You can also get the videos of You Tube. If you go to www.disunplugged.com, they have links to everything.

It will be hot in July, but we live in Texas. It will probably be slightly cooler in Orlando than here; however, it will be more humid. The heat doesn't really bother me. I can't stand being cold though.

I forgot to mention that DH actually bought me one of their coffee contraptions for our anniversary last year. It's really cool looking, but I have to admit that we haven't used it. I think it uses special fuel, like a sterno pot, that we haven't gotten yet Maybe we'll have to remedy that

 

[AussieMumma]

Oh my goodness, that food at V & A's looks amazing!!!
Yay to your Disneyland trip! Coming from Australia we have visited DLR more times then WDW and really love it there. It has some sort of magic to it being the original park

 

[dizneeat]

I am all caught up!
Looked at one of the updates on my phone and never got any more notifications, so I was more than three pages behind!!

Your dinner at V&A looked AWESOME!!! Thanks for sharing.

On a side note, we will miss in California by just a few days.

 

[cinderkelly]

Wow your V&A dinner looks exquisite! What a special night it must have been! That food looked almost too pretty to eat. And how cool that you got the "royal golf cart treatment" back to the Poly!!

 

[Gracefulskinny]

I'm FINALLY caught back up!!! Yay for all the exciting adventures!

 

[disneydaydreamer33]

Wow! That V&A dinner looks AMAZING!!!! Seriously, I am drooling over here! What a fun night for you two. And I love the personal chauffeur taking you back to Poly!

 

[Elevationist]

We have not seen the LMA! show that often but I was glad to catch it one last time. It's sad when familiar shows and attractions are being closed for bigger and better things. Granted, the new Star Wars Land will trump everything but you can't help but feel like something familiar is gone.

This going away makes me feel my age, since I clearly remember when it was first being BUILT.

Heaven!!

Whenever I win the lottery, I'm buying a house in Hawaii and these are the first chairs I'm purchasing!!

So cute!

Why wait until you're living in Hawaii?!

We made our way over to Victoria and Albert's and checked in with the hostess. It was like they were waiting all day for us...and welcomed us inside...

OMG THE ANTICIPATION IS KILLING ME.

I can't even. I need all of this. Right now. In my face.

Since we got the caviar course on the cruise at Remy, this time we opted to add the additional kobe beef serving, which will be plated side-by-side with the wagyu in the beef course. Very exciting!

Well YEAH! Even when I was reading the menu just now, when I saw that part, I was like "Oh yeah, I would TOTALLY add that!"

Jesus, that looks so perfect!

Mmm, buttery sorta-lobstery goodness. Those look so yummy!!

WHY AM I LOOKING AT ALL THIS WHEN I'M STARVING?! Or am I starving because I'm looking at all this? Hmm...

And now the grand finale of the "savory" foods, the seventh course, the side-by-side pairing of the Australian Wagyu and the Miyazaki Kobe beef.

Australian Kobe Style beef with Comte Gnocchi, paired with Japanese Miyazaki real Kobe beef.

There are no words. Every comment I want to type isn't family-friendly enough for the DIS.

I tend to like ribeyes

Me too, girl! Me too...

Whoa! That's SUPER neat!

he said, "Well, hop on, I'll take you there."
"Really??" I said, "Won't we take up too much of your time?"
"Nah" she said, "Just hop on and I'll take you guys there."

Talk about SUPER DUPER PIXIE DUST!!
Because we were in a private golf cart headed back to the Poly!!

Say whaaaat! That's AWESOME!!

 

[kastoney]

Wow, I almost have no words or at least not any appropriate to type on here The food porn is out of control. What an amazing experience. Thank you so much for sharing it. And as someone who has been the the French Laundry, this looks pretty on point and similar. Think we had a caviar/cauliflower dish that was near identical.

 

[chunkymonkey]

You can get them off iTunes. You can also get the videos of You Tube. If you go to www.disunplugged.com, they have links to everything.

Ah ok that is great, thanks!!!

It will be hot in July, but we live in Texas. It will probably be slightly cooler in Orlando than here; however, it will be more humid. The heat doesn't really bother me. I can't stand being cold though.

I am the opposite. I prefer to be too cold and too hot. When you are cold I can put on more layers, but when you're hot, there is only so much you can take off. LOL

forgot to mention that DH actually bought me one of their coffee contraptions for our anniversary last year. It's really cool looking, but I have to admit that we haven't used it. I think it uses special fuel, like a sterno pot, that we haven't gotten yet Maybe we'll have to remedy that

Ah that is cool!! You should totally use it!

Oh my goodness, that food at V & A's looks amazing!!!
Yay to your Disneyland trip! Coming from Australia we have visited DLR more times then WDW and really love it there. It has some sort of magic to it being the original park

It was amazing and the experience was gerat!

I am all caught up!
Looked at one of the updates on my phone and never got any more notifications, so I was more than three pages behind!!

LOL, it happens. Love the DISBoards but sometimes it doesn't do what it's supposed to!

Your dinner at V&A looked AWESOME!!! Thanks for sharing.

It was an amazing experience! That evening felt very special.

On a side note, we will miss in California by just a few days.

Aww to bad!! It would have been fun to meet!!

Wow your V&A dinner looks exquisite! What a special night it must have been! That food looked almost too pretty to eat. And how cool that you got the "royal golf cart treatment" back to the Poly!!

It was an amazing experience and the golf cart ride back made me feel like I was in my own carriage.

I'm FINALLY caught back up!!! Yay for all the exciting adventures!

Yay! Good to see you back! Hope you continue your TR too!

Wow! That V&A dinner looks AMAZING!!!! Seriously, I am drooling over here! What a fun night for you two. And I love the personal chauffeur taking you back to Poly!

Thanks! It was wonderful, the entire night was such an amazing experience![/QUOTE]

 

[chunkymonkey]

This going away makes me feel my age, since I clearly remember when it was first being BUILT.

I was there before it was built!! Then there was a gap of a few years before I returned to Disney and then voila, it was there! But now it's gone...

Why wait until you're living in Hawaii?!

Because these chairs alone will take up my entire living room.

OMG THE ANTICIPATION IS KILLING ME.

I can't even. I need all of this. Right now. In my face.
Well YEAH! Even when I was reading the menu just now, when I saw that part, I was like "Oh yeah, I would TOTALLY add that!"
Jesus, that looks so perfect!
Mmm, buttery sorta-lobstery goodness. Those look so yummy!!
WHY AM I LOOKING AT ALL THIS WHEN I'M STARVING?! Or am I starving because I'm looking at all this? Hmm...
There are no words. Every comment I want to type isn't family-friendly enough for the DIS.
Me too, girl! Me too...
Whoa! That's SUPER neat!

I love your comments! They are too funny! I know you really wanted to say this: %**!#$!#$!! and *%(*&@?!! though!

Say whaaaat! That's AWESOME!!

Yup our own private little carriage ride to the Poly. Im' spoiled for life.

Wow, I almost have no words or at least not any appropriate to type on here The food porn is out of control. What an amazing experience. Thank you so much for sharing it. And as someone who has been the the French Laundry, this looks pretty on point and similar. Think we had a caviar/cauliflower dish that was near identical.

It was such an amazing experience. Apparenty this post has elicited mega curse words from both you and @Elevationist. $*!%*@! ***$*!*! LOL
I have to get me to French Laundry one day! Have to convince DH that it will be worth the plane ticket and back!