The Widow and the Spinster take a Holiday Trip to WDW - Throwing All the Plans Out the Window - 7/11

[Steppesister]

And I look back at this and it was so long ago!

It does seem like so long ago.

Well....perhaps you saw on the Book of Face.....

I did, I did!!!

Sounds interesting. I'm not sure I'll have that chance now, but that's OK.

Like.... huh? You're not going back to WDW?

I'm so far behind. I think yours is the only TR that I'm reading now, and you've probably finished it by now.

Thread 'Steppes In Africa; A Disney-inspired Safari- L is for: Life in the Crater- Large and Little- Ngorongoro Crater, Pt. 4 (7/13)'

Apr 12, 2025

A is for: African Adventures Await!
*****Warning a lot of words and not many photos in this introduction!*****​

Who’s ready for an adventure?! I mean a really, really big one!

Welcome one and all to another Journey with Steppe kicking off on May 2nd! 3 short weeks away!!

For those who have followed me for years, a special hug to you- you give me the warm fuzzies when I see your comments and chatter! To those of you who might be finding me for the first time, thank you for stopping in and saying hello! A warm...

• Steppesister
• Replies: 282
• Forum: Disney Trip Reports

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There's the new Africa one, should you be interested.

Not to mention I was having insomnia back then and couldn't sleep through the night to save my life.

I know exactly what that's like.

Well the Jingle Cruise had way too long a line, and I was pooped, so we just found a quiet place and we chatted some more.

Sometimes that's a very acceptable option.

Once we arrived at the Riviera, we found our way up to Topolino’s. We were seated almost as soon as we got there and we had a nice table by the window. It would be perfect for Epcot fireworks if we wanted to make it a 2 ½ hour dinner.

Oh, VERY nice!! I've done that at Mr. Paul's but that's easy to do there with the slow pace and impeccable service.

There was lemon curd In between the lady fingers and mascarpone.

Now that sounds heavenly!

As the pair approached the sliding doors to exit the lobby, the kid was struggling so violently that she whipped her head and knocked the sliding doors out of their track. The kid had to have received some sort of concussion from that.

Holy crap!

 

[DnA2010]

She parked and then we walked over the MK hoping to ride the Jingle Cruise.

I was really sad when I found out that they don't do this at DLR anymore we really wanted to ride it, D especially

Very clean and urban? looking!

Yayyy jetted tub!

We split an order of the Gnocchi with Braised Lamb Shoulder, Exotic Mushrooms, Lamb Jus, Kale, Carrots. It was so delicious! I am ruined for store bought gnocchi now! These were handmade daily and they were fluffy little pillows of goodness.

Man I love homemade gnocchi! I must say the Disney gnocchi I've had has been great!

Instead it was a traditional tiramisu with coffee flavors and a lemon creme on top. This was disappointing. We're expecting something more like this that I made when staying at my parent's house once. Or like Jenny's daughter Chloe made for my birthday last month. There was lemon curd In between the lady fingers and mascarpone.

That's super odd indeed, I would have also expected what you describe, not a traditional coffee base still!

Trying to get back in the game on this one, as I think I missed it for a while!

 

[franandaj]

Good room luck! Epcot is BIG especially when walking from front to back!

It sure is!

It's really not further and you don't have to climb the steep ramps!

I beg to differ!

I love the MK tree and decorations.

It was great catching up!

Absolutely!

I wasn't arguing! Lyft is sometimes a nice indulgence!

Yup!

Bread was delicious!

It always is there!

So good! I love homemade gnocchi!

I am spoiled now.

This was very good and I ate around the mushrooms.

More for me!

This was not good for me....I expected it to be fully lemon. The menu did not describe this accurately. If I'd known what it actually was I would have ordered something else.

Yeah, that was false advertising.

The sound of the kid's head reverberated through the lobby. I don't know how they didn't knock themselves out. Quite an end to a great day!

Talk about weird!

 

[franandaj]

And now I'm home and looked at the photo... and have no idea what I was talking about! Maybe that Jill hadn't finished eating it? No idea! Or maybe... hmmm... more likely it just doesn't look like a Wookie cookie to me. Needs some icing strands to simulate fur or something.

And now that it's a few months later, who knows?

Much to the relief of all those in your vicinity. They have no idea of the direness of their situation, should you not have eaten.

Right?????? Two hangry women can be very dangerous!

Long way to walk to the car.

Did you not read the first part of the TR?

Always wanted to be able to do this from my room. Maybe some day... but probably not.

Well, you could always rent points from me....especially since they're supposedly cracking down on commercial rentals.

I'm thinking it probably wasn't that much farther to CR monorail station than the MK entrance.

I beg to differ. Someday I will use Google maps and figure it out. But not today. I'm trying to catch myself back up this week.

Short visit, but I hope a nice one.

Yes, it was and that reminds me I need to text her about

I'll never forget getting popcorn at DL... was stunned at how good it was. Still haven't had any at WDW, though.

The popcorn at DL is crazy good. I don't think I've had it at WDW either.

Big room!

I love the one bedrooms at BLT, they are so spacious!

I like it. I suppose the goal of most is a view of MK, but... I kinda like this. More serene. Calm.

No, not really. MK view costs a lot of points and really it's a parking lot view. I booked Lake View and I personally I like that better.

Makes sense even if you weren't tired. Much quicker.

Especially to Riviera, it's all by itself.

Eat S L O W L Y...

Yeah, even I can't eat that slowly, nor would I have been able to stay awake.

mmmm... yes please!

It was so good!

Thanks for the warning. Don't eat the gnocchi at Topolino's!

Unless you want to be spoiled on Gnocchi for life!

That sounds really good too.

I've had that several times before and it's always a solid choice.

I'd probably have gotten this as well...
...and been just as disappointed.

Yeah, no truth in advertising there.

The things you see at Disney...

I know! Right?

Heck, with a tub like that, I'd take a bath after 20 steps.

Heck with a tub like that, I'll take it any time.

Awwww... All tuckered out.

That happens to me often.

 

[franandaj]

Such a busy afternoon, but nice to catch up with a local friend!

That's part of the fun of visiting Disney, catching up with friends you don't see too often.

Your view from Toppolino's looked perfect!! I've stretched dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table in order to see the fireworks...but not sure I could stretch for 2 1/2 hours either!

Yeah, I've had dinners that long, but they were multiple courses and the service was very well paced. We really weren't going to be able to do that here with this menu.

Your room looked beautiful, as well! So big!!

I love Bay Lake Tower, the rooms have really grown on me.

BIG YIKES on the tiny mermaid hitting her head on the doors!!!

Yeah, I hope she was OK.

ANd a very well deserved soak in the tub. 22,000 steps is no joke!

It certainly is not! Rarely have I ever done so many steps! I almost never get over 20,000.

 

[DVCjj]

I am always thrilled to see a Trip Report from you and this one is no exception. I'm delighted you met a 'new friend' recently but worried no more trip reports. Understand but definitely will miss them.

I will never forget your kindness to me several years ago when I DM'd you that I was struggling with a new R.A. diagnosis and had several questions about Fran to ask you. It helped me more than you know and will always appreciate what you told me about what drugs she was on. I miss her and know you do greatly.

PS: Your "fancy" dress in the earlier picture is stunning!!

 

[franandaj]

It does seem like so long ago.

And now this was a long time ago.....so busy with living life!

I did, I did!!!

Like.... huh? You're not going back to WDW?

Well the new girlfriend is not a Disney fan. I'm working on it, but she will never be a rabid fan like the rest of us. I have got her interested in a trip to WDW, but AKL was what did it. She's much more into nature, the Beach, and things like that. She's also not a drinker, so I don't see getting her to many lounges even though they serve food. Maybe on a trip with Jill. You never know.

There's the new Africa one, should you be interested.

Interested, yes, but sadly my DIS time is non-existent. I'm taking this week at Jill's house to catch up on a number of things that have fallen by the wayside since becoming coupled.

I know exactly what that's like.

Funny. Once we officially became a couple my sleep problems went away!

Sometimes that's a very acceptable option.

It was very nice!

Oh, VERY nice!! I've done that at Mr. Paul's but that's easy to do there with the slow pace and impeccable service.

Yes, I was saying to Jackie, there are restaurants where you can have a nice long meal, but this wasn't one of them.

Now that sounds heavenly!

Yes! We made it at my Mom's house! And Jenny's daughter Chloe made me one for my birthday cake this year!

Holy crap!

Yeah! Scary!

 

[franandaj]

I was really sad when I found out that they don't do this at DLR anymore we really wanted to ride it, D especially

It was corny, but an amusing change.

Very clean and urban? looking!

At first when I saw the pictures I didn't like it at all, but after staying there once, I really liked it. Now that I've stayed there a few times, it's one of my favorite resorts.

Yayyy jetted tub!

Man I love homemade gnocchi! I must say the Disney gnocchi I've had has been great!

I almost tried making it for Kat, but she said she tried some of one of her friend's dishes when they were out and she thought it was "meh." I'm not sure I want to go through all that effort for her to think it was "meh."

That's super odd indeed, I would have also expected what you describe, not a traditional coffee base still!

Yup. False advertising!

Trying to get back in the game on this one, as I think I missed it for a while!

Well, I think I have three or four updates left on this one. Trying to bang them out before I get home, cause the rest of July is pretty busy for me!

 

[franandaj]

Day 6

I woke up around 5:30AM after a good 7 hours of sleep. I sort of laid around trying to go back to sleep until Jill got up to use the restroom. Since she was awake I asked if she minded if I took a bath. I know I just had one before I went to sleep but my body still hurt. The tub is loud and I didn't want to bother her.

After my bath, I tried for the Guardians VQ, but didn't get it.

I ate a big breakfast of leftovers from several different nights.

We tried to decide what to do. Pam was visiting us that day, but she wouldn't arrive until later. We decided to take the boat to WL and see the decorations. We walked out on the boat launch and no boats.

We did see this bird.

Jill went back to the boat rental shack and asked about the boat launches and they didn't start until 3PM. OK pivot.

We went up to the 4th floor of the Contemporary, and looked in the shops. We took pictures of the gingerbread castle and decided just to head to Epcot on the monorail.

Our first stop was the kiosk in China.

We split the XO Fried Rice. It was OK, the spicy chili oil was definitely apparent. It wasn’t as good as my favorite fried rice place back home, but it was decent little taste here.

We got in line at the Germany kiosk and this was a long line, but it moved quickly.

Pam had arrived at our resort and parked her car. She was heading toward the monorail. We were in line at 1PM so I played the Virtual Queue game. This time I got boarding group 125. We had like 270 minutes until our boarding group would be called.

At first I wanted both the Schnitzel and the Fondue, but as we got closer to the front I could see the size of the fondue portion. It was mostly bread and it was very big. I didn’t want to fill up too much, so we decided just to get the Schnitzel and a glass of wine.

It looks good enough, but when I tried to cut it in half, it broke my fork. Not a good sign! Half of it was pretty tender, but the other half was rock solid. After a couple bites, we both decided that it really wasn’t worth the calories and we tossed it. By this time the monorail had experienced a brief outage, but Pam had made it to the TTC.

Next was America.

The line here was long too. Neither of us are fans of catfish, and why waste calories on turkey and stuffing when we just ate that a couple weeks ago? We were here for the SNICKERS-Doodle Cookie.

This was good, but it needed more of the Snickers, cause the Doodle part was just meh by itself.

By this point Pam had reached Epcot and we told her just to meet us in France because that was our next stop.

We got in line and she found us pretty quickly after that. Here we got the Ham and Potatoes dish, a Busch Noel, and each of us got a Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini.

The only thing that was really good was the Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini. The other two were OK, but not that great. We walked around France and looked in the shops, and displays.

Epcot was so busy on this day, we just wanted to wrap up the cookie challenge and head out. Our Guardians time wasn't even close to being called so we gave up on that too.

I got this Coffee Mocha Cookie at the Hawaiian Kiosk to wrap up our Cookie Quest. Jill got this Cookie mix, which she was going to take back with her to do with her niece at Christmas. They didn't have time at Christmas and now the mix is sitting in my pantry. Maybe I will make it when I get back from Denver and have Christmas in July!

Where do we end up next?

 

[jedijill]

Since she was awake I asked if she minded if I took a bath. I know I just had one before I went to sleep but my body still hurt. The tub is loud and I didn't want to bother her.

Alison is a very considerate travel partner!

I ate a big breakfast of leftovers from several different nights.

I'm still dreaming of those potatoes!

Jill went back to the boat rental shack and asked about the boat launches and they didn't start until 3PM. OK pivot.

We shoulda read the sign before walking all the way down to the end of the dock.

We went up to the 4th floor of the Contemporary, and looked in the shops. We took pictures of the gingerbread castle and decided just to head to Epcot on the monorail.

The castle was massive! So creative and so much work.

We were in line at 1PM so I played the Virtual Queue game. This time I got boarding group 125. We had like 270 minutes until our boarding group would be called.

Alison is the master VQ player.

It looks good enough, but when I tried to cut it in half, it broke my fork. Not a good sign!

It looked good but was not. Epcot was not winning the food booth game today.

The line here was long too. Neither of us are fans of catfish, and why waste calories on turkey and stuffing when we just ate that a couple weeks ago? We were here for the SNICKERS-Doodle Cookie.

Cookie looked good but was lacking.

We got in line and she found us pretty quickly after that. Here we got the Ham and Potatoes dish, a Busch Noel, and each of us got a Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini.

The frozen hot chocolate was divine!

Jill got this Cookie mix, which she was going to take back with her to do with her niece at Christmas. They didn't have time at Christmas and now the mix is sitting in my pantry. Maybe I will make it when I get back from Denver and have Christmas in July!

I had good intentions but alas not enough time. I bet a certain someone back home would like them.

Jill in CO

 

[franandaj]

Alison is a very considerate travel partner!

Awww....

I'm still dreaming of those potatoes!

So much that we will hopefully go back in October!

We shoulda read the sign before walking all the way down to the end of the dock.

Doh!

The castle was massive! So creative and so much work.

I'm so impressed with the Disney bakers!

Alison is the master VQ player.

I try.....

It looked good but was not. Epcot was not winning the food booth game today.

Yeah, as I was writing up this update I realized just about every booth struck out today.

Cookie looked good but was lacking.

Yeah, the best part was the snickers in the middle.

The frozen hot chocolate was divine!

This was a definite winner.

I had good intentions but alas not enough time. I bet a certain someone back home would like them.

I bet she would! I should make them when I get home!

 

[franandaj]

We had just finished up the Cookie Stroll at Epcot, and received our prize. We decided to go back to our resort via the Wilderness Lodge and see their decorations, since we weren't able to do it this morning. Our bus mojo was definitely gone because as we were walking up we watched the Wilderness Lodge bus leave the bus stop. We waited while three Animal Kingdom Lodge buses came and went, two Old Key West buses, and numerous other buses for different resorts.

Finally our bus arrived and we made it to the WL. We took some pictures at the Christmas Tree.

We headed off to the boat launch. The line was long and the first boat that came filled up rapidly so we had to take the second boat. It took a while to arrive and it was going to Ft. Wilderness before the Contemporary, but we finally made it back just as the sun was setting.

We still had 50 minutes until our boarding group for Guardians would be called.

We sat around the room chit chatting about various things until Pam realized she needed to get on the road. She had an hour and a half ride to get home and an early wake up call in the morning. Jill took a spin in the tub, while I got caught up on the Trip Report.

Dinner tonight was at the California Grill, so all we had to do was walk across the bridge to the Contemporary to get to dinner. We both got dressed up and then made our way to the restaurant.

The menu has been a Prix Fixe since reopening after the pandemic. Neither of us are as happy with it as we were with the previous menu.



We were served bread.

Jill ordered the Pork Belly for her starter.

I got the goat cheese ravioli. This was very tasty, I liked it.

The restaurant looks very nice and was fairly busy. Most of the tables were filled.

I got the scallops for my main, and they were very nicely cooked and very tasty, but even three scallops were too much for me.

Jill got the Cast-Iron Grilled Pork Tenderloin. And something came over her after they set the food down, and she just could not eat the meal. Just one of those strange feelings of malaise. The dish also wasn’t what she expected or as tasty as she had hoped.

We had our entrees packed up to go. We figured we would freeze them and then I could take them home for Naked Jim.

Shortly after dessert arrived, they told us we could go out on the balcony to watch the fireworks for the Christmas Party that was happening that night.

After the fireworks we picked at our desserts. Jill got the Lemon Mousse and Olive Oil Poppy Seed Cake.

I got the Caramel Mousse and Apple Spiced cake. It wasn’t nearly as tasty as I had hoped. None of the offerings really spoke out to me. I’m not a fan of White Chocolate, nor do I like Hazelnut. I’ve had Olive oil cakes and they’re not my favorite. I got this one by default, and it was just OK. I didn’t waste my calories finishing it.

Then we went back to the room and I went to bed after putting the leftovers in the fridge.

Coming up: Our last full day and we throw all plans out the window!

 

[jedijill]

Our bus mojo was definitely gone because as we were walking up we watched the Wilderness Lodge bus leave the bus stop. We waited while three Animal Kingdom Lodge buses came and went, two Old Key West buses, and numerous other buses for different resorts.

Yep, we lost our mojo.

Finally our bus arrived and we made it to the WL. We took some pictures at the Christmas Tree.

I love the WL and their tree is gorgeous!

Great group of friends!

We headed off to the boat launch. The line was long and the first boat that came filled up rapidly so we had to take the second boat. It took a while to arrive and it was going to Ft. Wilderness before the Contemporary, but we finally made it back just as the sun was setting.

I love taking the boats between resorts...its so peaceful!

Jill took a spin in the tub, while I got caught up on the Trip Report.

See, Alison shares the tub! It was very relaxing!

Dinner tonight was at the California Grill, so all we had to do was walk across the bridge to the Contemporary to get to dinner.

A great perk of BLT is the bridge!

The menu has been a Prix Fixe since reopening after the pandemic. Neither of us are as happy with it as we were with the previous menu.

I don't love the menu...CA Grill used to be so creative and one of my favorites.

We were served bread.

The bread is sourdough and delicious!

Jill ordered the Pork Belly for her starter.

It was good but not a wow.

Jill got the Cast-Iron Grilled Pork Tenderloin. And something came over her after they set the food down, and she just could not eat the meal. Just one of those strange feelings of malaise. The dish also wasn’t what she expected or as tasty as she had hoped.

I'm on some meds that sometimes just hit me and I don't feel like eating. The pork was good but not amazing and I didn't like the fried polenta cakes. They used to serve the pork tenderloin with cheese polenta and that was so good.

Shortly after dessert arrived, they told us we could go out on the balcony to watch the fireworks for the Christmas Party that was happening that night.

The fireworks are amazing from the platform!

After the fireworks we picked at our desserts. Jill got the Lemon Mousse and Olive Oil Poppy Seed Cake.

It was just ok. I won't be back to CA Grill until they get rid of the prix fixe menu.

Jill in CO

 

[franandaj]

Yep, we lost our mojo.

I love the WL and their tree is gorgeous!

The lobby is stunning any time of year, but even more so decked out for the holidays!

Great group of friends!

I love taking the boats between resorts...its so peaceful!

Definitely a fun way to resort hop!

See, Alison shares the tub! It was very relaxing!

Well, I'm not sure "shares" is the correct word....

A great perk of BLT is the bridge!

Yes! Most definitely!

I don't love the menu...CA Grill used to be so creative and one of my favorites.

I don't love it at all. The only reason we dined there was for the fireworks, and it wasn't worth it.

The bread is sourdough and delicious!

Probably the best part.

It was good but not a wow.

Yeah, I agree, I believe that I had a bite.

I'm on some meds that sometimes just hit me and I don't feel like eating. The pork was good but not amazing and I didn't like the fried polenta cakes. They used to serve the pork tenderloin with cheese polenta and that was so good.

I didn't even try this one, it just didn't sound good to me.

The fireworks are amazing from the platform!

Yes, but not worth $200 worth of dinner.

It was just ok. I won't be back to CA Grill until they get rid of the prix fixe menu.

Agreed.

 

[franandaj]

Day 7

Today we threw all the plans out the window. Originally we were supposed to have lunch at Tony’s and we scrapped that a couple days back. We were already talking about canceling Narcoosee’s after having eaten at way too many Signature restaurants already.

I woke up at 5:30AM and decided that was too early. I went back to sleep and slept until about 6:40AM, fell back asleep and then woke up again at 7:10AM and finally for the last time at 7:53. Jill and I had talked about doing rope drop, but obviously that wasn’t happening so I took a bath.

It was 10AM before we actually were fully dressed and I finally got up to make coffee and have breakfast.

We were still sitting around the room at 11AM. I was getting caught up on TR notes and Jill was playing her games and watching reels. I finally finished my coffee and we decided to leave.

I convinced Jill to take the monorail instead of walking. I'm still convinced that it's closer even with having to walk to the Contemporary and from the monorail Station to the front gates.

There were only a few rides we really wanted to do. I wanted to ride Haunted Mansion so that I could see the real mansion and not the pesky NBC overlay. The app said it was a 35 minute wait, but when we actually got to the ride, the sign there said it was a 50 minute wait, but the line extended back out of the queue, around the corner, past where the ship boarding queue is located almost all the way to Frontierland. That was a hard pass.

So we went to the next ride on the list, Country Bear Jamboree. This attraction had a refurb in the past year and we were curious. Cute props in the lobby of the waiting area.

It was a cute little show. They took familiar Disney tunes and gave them a country twang and a beary twist. It was a fun way to spend a half an hour.

Then we headed across the park. We took some photopass pictures.

Our next ride was the Wedway Peoplemover. I didn't see a sign with the wait time, but it was only about a 10 minute wait. Sprinkles of rain started to fall on us while we waited in the line.

Then we went on the Carousel of Progress. You can check my previous TRs for more pictures. I just wasn't feeling like taking pictures of something I've heavily photographed in the past.

When we came off the ride it appeared that we had missed a downpour.

This was all we really wanted to do. Most of the rides in MK have equal or superior counterparts in California and it would be just about a month until Jill would be out for a weekend of more shenanigans. We decided to take a stroll through The shops on Main Street after procuring our preferred beverages from Starbucks.

The parade (which was supposed to have started a few minutes earlier) was delayed and when it actually happened, it was the rainy day parade as opposed to the full blown parade. I wasn't planning on buying anything, but there was a pair of Rebecca Hook earrings that spoke to me. They were quite pretty and reasonably priced. Sorry no picture!

After that purchase we walked through the remainder of the shops and nothing else tempted me. I was able to convince Jill to take the monorail again because the forecast said that there would be about 15 minutes between showers. It rained on the monorail as we traveled back to the Contemporary.

We were both feeling a little peckish, but there was nothing at Starbucks that sounded good. So when we got off the monorail we went To the Contempo Cafe and ordered the three meat flatbread to take back to the room.

It took longer than we thought it would, but it was worth the wait. They really loaded it up with meat.

We got ourselves as packed as we could. I took everything out of my owners locker, rinsed it out, and did a complete Inventory of the contents.

Around 5PM we went to the monorail to head to the Poly for our visit to Trader Sams.

They quoted an hour to an hour and a half wait, so we went up to the Tambu Lounge. I got a Lapu Lapu and Jill got. Bahama Mama. It was just about an hour, when I decided that I should go to the restroom, because surely that would trigger the reservation. And it did.

We ended up being seated with some folks who were a bit younger than us, two sisters, and the husband of one of the sisters. We thought they were all in College, but it turns out the couple had kids who were 2 & 4 years old back at the Contemporary with their Grandparents. We felt old, but that didn't stop us from having fun!

We ordered some dumplings and the order came up right away. The drinks took a bit longer.

ETA: What I seem to have forgotten (and Jill reminded me in the comments) was that at the long communal table in the center of the room there were several folks who had been there a little too long. If you get my drift. The guy was getting very flirty, like overly so, and the woman wasn't actually shunning him. It got out of hand and a little bit uncomfortable for other patrons. Eventually Management and Security "encouraged" them to leave the bar and things calmed back down.

Jill got a Spikey Pineapple with an extra shot of 151. I got a Dark and Stormy upgraded to a Category 5, or an extra shot of 151.

Then I got a zombie with the mug. I have a collection of these and hopefully soon I can get my tiki mugs where they can be displayed.

We paid the check and headed over to Captain Cooks, where we had agreed to have dinner. Jill got the Chicken strips and fries. I got the Korean version of chicken strips drenched in a spicy sauce and over Rice. It was really a spicy sauce, but luckily did not affect me in the same way that the bread service at Sanaa did.

I got a lid for my bowl and took the leftovers back to the room. I had frozen our leftovers from CA Grill in baggies, so I just put these leftovers with the others and figured that I would take them all home with me and give them to Naked Jim. I have an insulated pocket in my carry-on that will keep them cold on the trip home.

 

[jedijill]

Today we threw all the plans out the window. Originally we were supposed to have lunch at Tony’s and we scrapped that a couple days back. We were already talking about canceling Narcoosee’s after having eaten at way too many Signature restaurants already.

We really threw out the plans! I still need that almond cheesecake at Narcoosee's some of these days!

Jill and I had talked about doing rope drop, but obviously that wasn’t happening so I took a bath.

It was so nice just to relax in bed in the morning and not have to get up and start working!

I convinced Jill to take the monorail instead of walking. I'm still convinced that it's closer even with having to walk to the Contemporary and from the monorail Station to the front gates.

Getting on the monorail is very easy at the Contemporary.

The app said it was a 35 minute wait, but when we actually got to the ride, the sign there said it was a 50 minute wait, but the line extended back out of the queue, around the corner, past where the ship boarding queue is located almost all the way to Frontierland. That was a hard pass.

Yep, that's a no from me.

So we went to the next ride on the list, Country Bear Jamboree.

We had to see the new show!

It was a cute little show.

So fun and vintage!

Our next ride was the Wedway Peoplemover. I didn't see a sign with the wait time, but it was only about a 10 minute wait. Sprinkles of rain started to fall on us while we waited in the line.

One of my favorite MK rides! Gotta put your feet up!

Then we went on the Carousel of Progress.

I love CoP....its so nostalgic!

We decided to take a stroll through The shops on Main Street after procuring our preferred beverages from Starbucks.

It hit the spot!

They were quite pretty and reasonably priced.

They were gorgeous!

I was able to convince Jill to take the monorail again because the forecast said that there would be about 15 minutes between showers. It rained on the monorail as we traveled back to the Contemporary.

Another wise decision made.

It took longer than we thought it would, but it was worth the wait. They really loaded it up with meat.

The Contempo Cafe is a hidden gem...they always have good food for QS.

Around 5PM we went to the monorail to head to the Poly for our visit to Trader Sams.

I love the Poly and it made me want to go to Aulani!

We ended up being seated with some folks who were a bit younger than us, two sisters, and the husband of one of the sisters. We thought they were all in College, but it turns out the couple had kids who were 2 & 4 years old back at the Contemporary with their Grandparents. We felt old, but that didn't stop us from having fun!

You forgot the drama! There were two couples sitting at the high top that had been enjoying all that TS offers...apparently in great quantity. There was a man and woman who were drunkenly "flirting" at the top of their lungs. Management and Security were there and they got cut off and escorted out. The drama left with them.

Jill got a Spikey Pineapple with an extra shot of 151. I got a Dark and Stormy upgraded to a Category 5, or an extra shot of 151.

The spiky pineapple is dole whip with rum!

Jill got the Chicken strips and fries. I got the Korean version of chicken strips drenched in a spicy sauce and over Rice.

I love me some Disney chicken strips. They just hit the spot!

Jill in CO

 

[Steppesister]

Wonderful last couple of days at the parks. Too bad the meal at Cali has gone prix fixe. Not a fan of that at all. I've taken to just getting lounge or bar seating to avoid that nonsense. LOVE the mug!!! Trader Sams is always fun.

I need to look into an insulated pocket for my carry-on too. Sure would be helpful!

 

[pkondz]

Phew! Catching up. I can't see your pics at work (and that's where I normally catch up on the Dis ( )), so I'm catching up now...

Right?????? Two hangry women can be very dangerous!

I can't even imagine! I just know I don't wanna be the one to come between you ladies and some food!

Well, you could always rent points from me....especially since they're supposedly cracking down on commercial rentals.

Really?
Well...
I don't expect to be at WDW (or DL either) for, oh... about 4 years.
And I guess I assumed you used your points so wouldn't have any to rent.
Plus... I'm loathe to ask people for things like that. But you offering (very nice, BTW) makes it okay.

I beg to differ. Someday I will use Google maps and figure it out. But not today. I'm trying to catch myself back up this week.

You're right! And you don't have to Google. Just a quick measurement (in a straight line, but who cares) shows a big difference. BLT to MK entrance is about 2,500ft vs to CR at about 650. It's not even close!

The popcorn at DL is crazy good. I don't think I've had it at WDW either.

Then I guess we'll just have to put that on the list.

Yeah, even I can't eat that slowly, nor would I have been able to stay awake.

Take a bite... take a nap... take a bite...

Heck with a tub like that, I'll take it any time.

I woke up around 5:30AM after a good 7 hours of sleep.

Not great... but not too bad.

I asked if she minded if I took a bath. I know I just had one before I went to sleep but my body still hurt.

One does not need an excuse to take a bath.

What a spread!

We walked out on the boat launch and no boats.

Swim it is!
(brain eating amoeba be darned!... No?)

We did see this bird.

You got close!

Our first stop was the kiosk in China.

I'll take one of everthing.

We got in line at the Germany kiosk

<sigh>
I would've hesitantly ordered the schnitzel too... because I just assume I'm going to be disappointed... as you were.

It looks good enough, but when I tried to cut it in half, it broke my fork.

Next was America.

I know you're not a fan, but I'd go for that catfish in a heartbeat.
And probably be disappointed again.

meet us in France

Buche de Noel... I'd have to see how it compares to my own.

each of us got a Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini.

Whoops! I missed this. That looks (and sounds) delicious!

the Hawaiian Kiosk

Kalua Pork

Our bus mojo was definitely gone because as we were walking up we watched the Wilderness Lodge bus leave the bus stop.

Stunning.

Magic shot is cute, but I like this one.

we had to take the second boat. It took a while to arrive and it was going to Ft. Wilderness before the Contemporary,

Took the scenic route. At least it wasn't a three hour tour.



a three hour tour

Jill took a spin in the tub,

I've never heard it put that way and...
I had this vision of a whirlpool in the tub, Jill going round and round, waving her hands in the air, and yelling "Put the plug in the drain! Put the plug in the drain!!!"

Jill ordered the Pork Belly for her starter.

That looks interesting. How was it?

I got the goat cheese ravioli. This was very tasty, I liked it.

That looks really good.

I got the scallops for my main, and they were very nicely cooked and very tasty, but even three scallops were too much for me.

Must've been large scallops?

Jill got the Cast-Iron Grilled Pork Tenderloin. And something came over her after they set the food down, and she just could not eat the meal. Just one of those strange feelings of malaise.

Well, that's too bad. Was it the food that put her off? Or just... a feeling.

Shortly after dessert arrived, they told us we could go out on the balcony to watch the fireworks for the Christmas Party that was happening that night.

Nice.

After the fireworks we picked at our desserts.

Too full? Or (for Jill) still not feeling well?

Jill got the Lemon Mousse and Olive Oil Poppy Seed Cake.

Yes.

I got the Caramel Mousse and Apple Spiced cake.

Yes, too.

It wasn’t nearly as tasty as I had hoped.

Well, shoot. Sounded good.

nor do I like Hazelnut.

I don't mind the taste, but... I have trouble with it.

Today we threw all the plans out the window.

Baby with the bath water!

We were already talking about canceling Narcoosee’s

Ah. One place I've wanted to go for a long time, but haven't been able to.

I woke up at 5:30AM and decided that was too early. I went back to sleep and slept until about 6:40AM, fell back asleep and then woke up again at 7:10AM and finally for the last time at 7:53.

Well... I guess you eventually got your sleep.

We were still sitting around the room at 11AM. I was getting caught up on TR notes and Jill was playing her games and watching reels.

Nope. I can't do that. I get to Disney so seldom that I have to maximize my time there.

I convinced Jill to take the monorail instead of walking. I'm still convinced that it's closer even with having to walk to the Contemporary and from the monorail Station to the front gates.

See my previous comment.

I wanted to ride Haunted Mansion

As one should.

so that I could see the real mansion and not the pesky NBC overlay.

Heh. We've had this conversation before. Here's me wanting to see the NBC overlay.

the line extended back out of the queue, around the corner, past where the ship boarding queue is located almost all the way to Frontierland. That was a hard pass.

I love HM... but I'd pass too.

Those are great!

It was a cute little show.

I'm always interested to see what people say. It's certainly getting mixed reviews, but I think overall, the majority enjoy it.

Like this shot.

Our next ride was the Wedway Peoplemover.

Thank you.

There it is!

When we came off the ride it appeared that we had missed a downpour.

I love when that happens.

The parade (which was supposed to have started a few minutes earlier) was delayed and when it actually happened, it was the rainy day parade as opposed to the full blown parade.

Well, shoot.

I was able to convince Jill to take the monorail again because the forecast said that there would be about 15 minutes between showers. It rained on the monorail as we traveled back to the Contemporary.

Good call.

That looks good!

It was just about an hour, when I decided that I should go to the restroom, because surely that would trigger the reservation. And it did.

We felt old, but that didn't stop us from having fun!

Nah. Not old.

there were several folks who had been there a little too long. If you get my drift.

Their bottoms were getting sore from sitting too long?

The guy was getting very flirty, like overly so, and the woman wasn't actually shunning him. It got out of hand and a little bit uncomfortable for other patrons. Eventually Management and Security "encouraged" them to leave the bar and things calmed back down.

Wait... they sent them out together?

I got the Korean version of chicken strips drenched in a spicy sauce and over Rice.

I'd try that.

It was really a spicy sauce, but luckily did not affect me in the same way that the bread service at Sanaa did.

Phew!

 

[DnA2010]

We took pictures of the gingerbread castle and decided just to head to Epcot on the monorail.

Looks huge! They do such amazing jobs on these, I'm glad you share them in TR's!

I knew you wouldn't be having the Butterfly Lantern, which I would probably really like as I do like pear as a flavour

I read the description and saw the pic and was like yummmmm

It looks good enough, but when I tried to cut it in half, it broke my fork.

and then I read this....too bad it was crappy

This looks good but could have more middle! that cookie we had at DCA, now that one if I remember was pure "goodness"

we got the Ham and Potatoes dish, a Busch Noel, and each of us got a Frozen Hot Chocolate Martini.

I wasn't sure from the look of the ham dish, but the frozen martini, now that looks very very good indeed!

How was this? Nice mocha flavour? Was the cookie part dry?

 

[DnA2010]

This picture is so good! You are all so very surprised!

Yum! I would probably order this one as well

We figured we would freeze them and then I could take them home for Naked Jim.

Jim must have had quite a smorg with it all!

Shortly after dessert arrived, they told us we could go out on the balcony to watch the fireworks for the Christmas Party that was happening that night.

Do they play the music out there as well? I'm thinking I've read before that they do?

I’m not a fan of White Chocolate, nor do I like Hazelnut.

I'm not a white chocolate fan, but I do like Hazelnut, so would probably go that way, not overly exciting desserts though

I wanted to ride Haunted Mansion so that I could see the real mansion and not the pesky NBC overlay.

The app said it was a 35 minute wait, but when we actually got to the ride, the sign there said it was a 50 minute wait, but the line extended back out of the queue, around the corner, past where the ship boarding queue is located almost all the way to Frontierland. That was a hard pass.

Good thing at least the sign was updated, jeez

So we went to the next ride on the list, Country Bear Jamboree.

I have childhoof memories of animal heads on the wall which I'm pretty sure talked!

They really loaded it up with meat.

Whoa! they sure did! Was there enough cheese?

there were several folks who had been there a little too long. If you get my drift. The guy was getting very flirty, like overly so, and the woman wasn't actually shunning him. It got out of hand and a little bit uncomfortable for other patrons. Eventually Management and Security "encouraged" them to leave the bar and things calmed back down.

Yikes! Glad they got sorted, however wowzas, Disney isn't really the place folks!

I got the Korean version of chicken strips drenched in a spicy sauce and over Rice. It was really a spicy sauce,

Were they still crunchy under the sauce? I quite like Asian spicy