The Widow, the Spinster, and the Missus take on Disneyland - The Widow and the Spinster back again! - 9/9

[franandaj]

This seems to be a reoccurring trend!

I'm just that kind of a team player!

That's a meme, not a song. Even when you listen to it.

I'm excellent at those... well after the fact!

I'm usually not, even after the fact.

In moderation, I guess? Better as an addition to something with milk chocolate.

Or with English peas? Who woulda thought?

Now that I think of it... I might've asked to speak to the manager about it. I mean... service and food was poor. I think I would've requested a reduction on the tip to reflect that. Just based on how bad it was. If they'd said no... nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I never think to do that. Then again I don't like conflict, and to me that's conflict

It just seems like yesterday you were in Austria/Germany!

I know! Like how does that work exactly?

Like the name of the booth

I'm pretty sure you said that the last time I posted about this festival!

ooohhh... yum!
That sure sounds good.
Where every dish has 20 garlic cloves!!


No?

Suffice to say most of the things I tried were good!

Whoopsie.

Exactly!

I'm guessing that's work related. Just a guess.

Actually it's family related. His mother is very old (as most of ours are), and she was having some health issues over the last few years. For a while he was mostly living out there and just returning to his apartment in NoHo a couple times a month.

He eventually inherits the house in Highland, and so he does upkeep like mowing the lawn, and tending to the yard. It's in a slightly rural area and they have chickens, and a large backyard that he's always working on.

 

[franandaj]

What a fun day with Leonard! The food all looked amazing!

It was a great surprise to see the food booths open a day early! I didn't think I was going to make it to F&W this year with everything else that I had going on!

 

[franandaj]

She's a beaut! Excellent work on the hedges!

I didn't notice the hedges, but it does have that classic French Chateau look to it!

In your next sequence of photos, that's def evident!

How kind of him to leave the bottles I'd have thought a little top up in order hehe

As soon as the photo was done, they were whisked away! I think too many people would have thought of that too!

Super pretty, at lease the atmosphere seems quote nice

Yeah, it had promise.....

Bread doesn't look that great, and 3 minutes, geez

It's like they were getting paid based on how many tables they served an hour.

that skin is indeed Very crispy- right up D's alley, not always my thing, but the fish looks nice

It was! And had it not been served back to back on the previous course, I might have had some time to enjoy it.

like what the?!

Exactly!

When I read this I was like ummmm dude, think of you tip...then I kept reading...

Yeah, they don't have to.

Gross! that's brutal!

Yup.

That's just ridiculous! Really really is! I'm guessing they were flipping for another seating?

But they weren't. The place was pretty empty.

I'm glad the dessert was good, and then I read the 20% - ahhh ha!!! ( I did scroll back and see it was on the menu) funny how it also mentions "served promptly"

Actually it said, "To be served properly, tasting menu must be ordered by the entire table".

Aww Leonard! Cutie! I enjoyed booth hopping with you as well

Booth hopping is always a fun pastime!

Garlic and bacon, yum!

Yikes! I would have thought they'd warm people if it was!

Maybe they weren't scotch bonnet, but they were spicy!

LOL!
I'm so glad when we shared the cookie thing that we only got one! Pretty sure we really struggled to finish it

Yeah, I've learned. The sweet treats are pretty rich and filling. I knew we would only need one of those macarons!

Jackson 5 I've sure!

I cannot confirm or deny this. I just don't remember.

Such a great photo of you 2!

Thanks!

Lol, I wonder if this will still be one of Makenna's favs next time we visit

Who knows? Kids are fickle.

Onwards!!

We are watching that this weekend!

 

[DnA2010]

Who knows? Kids are fickle.

Sure are...lately she's been talking about her old favourite the Tiki room, about the parades, and oddly about Incredicoaster which I thought she didn't like

 

[pkondz]

I'm just that kind of a team player!

That's a meme, not a song. Even when you listen to it.

Correct. Party on, Alison!

Or with English peas? Who woulda thought?

Right!

I never think to do that. Then again I don't like conflict, and to me that's conflict

Yeah... I doubt I'd do it either... but probably should!

I know! Like how does that work exactly?

Airplanes!

I'm pretty sure you said that the last time I posted about this festival!

Probably!

Actually it's family related. His mother is very old (as most of ours are), and she was having some health issues over the last few years. For a while he was mostly living out there and just returning to his apartment in NoHo a couple times a month.

Ah yes. My sister is doing that (and has been for a couple years) as well.

 

[franandaj]

Sure are...lately she's been talking about her old favourite the Tiki room, about the parades, and oddly about Incredicoaster which I thought she didn't like

Well sounds like you all need another trip back!

 

[franandaj]

Correct. Party on, Alison!

I'm trying!

Airplanes!

Funny how those things work.....

Ah yes. My sister is doing that (and has been for a couple years) as well.

Wait? Are you not living with your mom anymore?

 

[franandaj]

Back in March some other friends came out to visit. Anita and Marc actually arrived in Southern California on the day of the Oscars. Originally I'd promised to cook Jenny a “Happy Birthday” turkey on March 10th, but when we realized it was Oscar Sunday we pivoted and I went for a meal of finger foods. Anita and her husband came to the house, and the four of us enjoyed an afternoon of friends, food and fun. The pictures weren't that exciting, so I didn't post them!

Because I've had a super busy schedule this year, I wasn't able to make it out to Disney to see them until the following Friday in the afternoon. Anita had invited me to meet up with a few of her friends from the Harvey's Handbag group, when they planned to have some drinks at Trader Sam’s.

When I arrived late Friday afternoon they were in Disneyland Park. Their group had dwindled to just two friends, Kate and Erica. We decided to ride Space Mountain. They all had been on several rides before I got there. Erica opted out on the ride as she had to take a work call just as we were entering the queue.

Since it was getting late and we knew that Trader Sam’s would have a wait, we decided to take the Monorail over since it was close. Here’s a shot of the Matterhorn while we waited on the platform.

As we suspected, there was a 90 minute wait, so we put in our names in and decided to check out the bar/restaurant in the new DVC area. It was a 20-30 minute wait for our party of five, but then Kate decided she needed to get home and didn’t want to wait. Once we became a part of four, the wait went down to 5 minutes and we were seated almost immediately.

I took some pictures of the menu in case you were curious.

There’s the bar. If you didn’t realize it, the name Palm Breeze bar is because it’s outside in a Breezeway, so it can get gusty at times.

Here is what’s left of our crew.

They had all eaten earlier in the parks, and I was willing to save money by just eating some leftovers at home, so we just ordered a round of drinks. I didn't take notes, but I ordered a glass of wine, probably the Sauv Blanc from Marlborough, Marc got a coke (maybe diet), but Anita ended up drinking it because she got a the Tropical Shandy and didn't realize that it was ale based and she didn't like it one bit. I have no idea what Erica's cocktail on the right is.

Remember I said that we were in a Breezeway, luckily they have these nice blankets for when patrons get cold. Evidently it happens often….Erica was happy to model so all you folks on the DIS could see the comfy little blanket.

So after we finished our drinks, we all decided to head to our respective homes. Anita and Marc were packing it up back to Kansas the next day. And Erica and I had at least a half an hours drive home. I was glad to meet them and spend some more time with Anita and Marc.

 

[jedijill]

What a fun way to watch the Oscars and then to meet up with Marc and Anita at the parks!

Jill in CO

 

[pkondz]

I'm trying!

Yes you are!

Wait? Are you not living with your mom anymore?

Yes and no.

Anita and Marc actually arrived in Southern California on the day of the Oscars.

I used to watch them religiously, but... haven't for several years now.

Because I've had a super busy schedule this year,

You don't say!

Anita had invited me to meet up with a few of her friends from the Harvey's Handbag group,

Harvey's Handbag group?

Erica opted out on the ride as she had to take a work call just as we were entering the queue.

Work should never intrude. I mean... is there a faster way to wreck the magic? I think not.

Some people know where the camera is!

Here’s a shot of the Matterhorn while we waited on the platform.

Nice shot.

As we suspected, there was a 90 minute wait,

Eep! No wonder you didn't go.

Once we became a part of four, the wait went down to 5 minutes and we were seated almost immediately.

That tracks. I'm sure there are plenty of 4-tops and not many larger tables... or two free tables that can be moved.

I took some pictures of the menu in case you were curious.

The beignets actually stuck out right now.

If you didn’t realize it, the name Palm Breeze bar is because it’s outside in a Breezeway, so it can get gusty at times.

Um... that sounds a bit... unpleasant?

Nice shot of the group, but... that planter is really interesting!

we just ordered a round of drinks.

No beignets???

Anita ended up drinking it because she got a the Tropical Shandy and didn't realize that it was ale based and she didn't like it one bit.

Heh. I wouldn't have had that problem since it also has rum in it.

Remember I said that we were in a Breezeway, luckily they have these nice blankets for when patrons get cold. Evidently it happens often…

Or... how about closing it off so patrons don't freeze?

She looks cozy, though.

 

[DnA2010]

Well sounds like you all need another trip back!

The withdrawal is real, I tell ya! Dec is a long time away

The guy in the back

Cute, I didn't recognize the name, so this was a good explanation for me

Erica was happy to model so all you folks on the DIS could see the comfy little blanket.

Thanks Erica, they do indeed look cozy!

 

[franandaj]

OK, I got bored with not doing Disney updates, so I decided to revive this TR and do a few updates from past trips to the DLR. Replies will be coming soon and an update as well.

It's all getting me excited for the upcoming Westbound Transatlantic Cruise on the Dream that Jill and I have booked in a little over a month.

Watch this space!

 

[franandaj]

What a fun way to watch the Oscars and then to meet up with Marc and Anita at the parks!

That reminds me.....did we want to watch the Emmy's this Sunday??

 

[franandaj]

I used to watch them religiously, but... haven't for several years now.

This was the first year that I had seen any of the movies that were nominated!

Harvey's Handbag group?

It's a buy/sell group on Facebook. Harvey's is a purse manufacturer in Santa Ana. They make all their bags out of seatbelts. They are rather durable. Here are a few examples. They do a lot of partnerships with the artist Shag. Two of these examples are his renderings.

A lot of the bags are this more traditional woven pattern. I actually have this same bag, but I stole all of the pictures from the interwebs.

Work should never intrude. I mean... is there a faster way to wreck the magic? I think not.

Well I have been known to have to call a plumber or deal with a tenant issue at the parks. It's just kind of life.

Some people know where the camera is!

Eep! No wonder you didn't go.

Yeah, I think we were paying the check when our reservation came up.

That tracks. I'm sure there are plenty of 4-tops and not many larger tables... or two free tables that can be moved.

The beignets actually stuck out right now.

I didn't even notice them on the menu.

Um... that sounds a bit... unpleasant?

Most of the time it's not.....

Nice shot of the group, but... that planter is really interesting!

It is kind of funky, isn't it?

No beignets???

We were already full from earlier.

Heh. I wouldn't have had that problem since it also has rum in it.

Nope!

Or... how about closing it off so patrons don't freeze?

But you would lose the "open concept" which is so hip in So Cal right now.

She looks cozy, though.

I bet she was!

 

[franandaj]

The withdrawal is real, I tell ya! Dec is a long time away

Well it's a little closer now, and you're getting a Disney fix!

The guy in the back

I know right!

Cute, I didn't recognize the name, so this was a good explanation for me

Yeah, I need to give it another chance and try some food there.

Thanks Erica, they do indeed look cozy!

And actually I got the two gals mixed up. This is Kate, we are pals now!

 

[franandaj]

So back in December, I did a post on a “girls weekend” where I met Allyson and her friends (now my friends too!) at Disney. That visit culminated in a quick overnight trip where Jill joined us and we had a lovely meal at Club 33, while I drove back and forth to Downtown LA for a band rehearsal and concert.

What I learned from that trip was that it was possible to stay at Disney and still keep up my regular musical regimen which included weekly (sometimes twice weekly) band practice. So when I was looking for Disney fun and two nights at the VDH were available in mid May, Jill and I decided to go for it!

The nights were a Wednesday and Thursday, and in 2024 Jazz Band rehearsals started on every other Thursday. This week in May was going to be one of those Thursdays. In the scheme of things I had all the way until around 5:30 Thursday to enjoy the parks before I would have to leave for band. So we went ahead and booked the studio for two nights.

Jill’s plane got into the Long Beach Airport on Wednesday at around 10AM. I picked her up and we were on our way, well after a stop at Stater Bros to get her some diet Dr. Pepper and then Target to get an Apple Watch charger (she forgot to pack hers). Then we were on the way!

We parked and dropped the bags at the DLH, the room wasn’t ready, so we decided to go on some rides. We popped into the Grand Californian (for old times sake) and took this picture of the Galactic Creation for Season of the Force. Then we went off to Tomorroland to get some “Force” of our own.

Star Tours was down, so we went on to Buzz Lightyear

I’m always an L-3

Followed by Space Mountain

Jill got a Jabba the Hut popcorn bucket

Then we rode Pirates

We got the text that the room was ready but on our way back Star Tours had come back up. I really need to watch the Disney+ series, because I didn’t understand the scenes that we got!

Pixar fest!

Then we got to our room. It was on the first floor and mirror identical to the one I had in February.

On our way to the room, we put in our name at Trader Sam’s and just as we finished minimal unpacking Jill got the text that our reservation was up! We had a seat at the bar. I really like this new system. You don't have to hover to get a seat. They only call you when your seats are available.

I had the Zombie, and got the mug. I didn't have a green one, so I added that to my collection. I’m actually putting together a curio cabinet in my hall with all the Tiki mugs that are special to me. Jill got the Angolada, but without the mug.

We also got a pupu platter. Recently they changed their recipe on the green beans from panko to Tempura, which were very good. Also they brought back the Tempura Shrimp, a decision that makes me very happy.

After another drink for me, we moseyed back to the room and went to sleep.

 

[jedijill]

That reminds me.....did we want to watch the Emmy's this Sunday??

Yes! Dan and Eugene Levy are hosting! (Schitt's Creek!)

 

[jedijill]

Followed by Space Mountain

I knew where the camera was here!!!

Jill got a Jabba the Hut popcorn bucket

Get in my belly Solo!

We got the text that the room was ready but on our way back Star Tours had come back up. I really need to watch the Disney+ series, because I didn’t understand the scenes that we got!

The new scenes are from Ahsoka which is really really good!

On our way to the room, we put in our name at Trader Sam’s and just as we finished minimal unpacking Jill got the text that our reservation was up! We had a seat at the bar. I really like this new system. You don't have to hover to get a seat. They only call you when your seats are available.

It's a great system! I love Trader Sams so much! Such a whirlwind but fun weekend!

Jill in CO

 

[pkondz]

This was the first year that I had seen any of the movies that were nominated!

I've not been keeping up with movies at all... except for the occasional one on streaming.

They make all their bags out of seatbelts.

How cool is that! What a great idea.

A lot of the bags are this more traditional woven pattern.

That's not for me. Well, I wouldn't have any bag, but I don't care for the woven pattern so much. But that's just me. I really liked the other bags, though.

Well I have been known to have to call a plumber or deal with a tenant issue at the parks. It's just kind of life.

I know.
And don't you wish that didn't happen when you were at the park?

Hmmm... Maybe, don't you wish that you'd never have issues with tenants/buildings.

We were already full from earlier.

This is no excuse.

But you would lose the "open concept" which is so hip in So Cal right now.

We have open concept here too! That's where the frozen food is kept.

What I learned from that trip was that it was possible to stay at Disney and still keep up my regular musical regimen which included weekly (sometimes twice weekly) band practice.

Nice.

So when I was looking for Disney fun and two nights at the VDH were available

I presume that's Villas at Disneyland Hotel, yes?

took this picture of the Galactic Creation for Season of the Force.

At first I was... "Okay... what makes this so special?"

And then... "YOU CAN EAT IT!!!"

Star Tours was down

The force was not with you afterall.

I’m always an L-3

No idea what that means.

Fun shot of you two...
But the guy in the front row is so chill!
And the other guy in the last row (making the V sign) is chill too, in his own way.

Jill got a Jabba the Hut popcorn bucket

I dunno if I could eat out of Jabba!

Kudos to Jill!

Then we rode Pirates

I miss this ride. Some day...

I really need to watch the Disney+ series, because I didn’t understand the scenes that we got!

I haven't seen them... I just go with the flow.

Nice! Shower seat...

On our way to the room, we put in our name at Trader Sam’s and just as we finished minimal unpacking Jill got the text that our reservation was up!

Score!

I really like this new system. You don't have to hover to get a seat. They only call you when your seats are available.

Meh. I had a foolproof system already. Wait until you get a text saying your friends are already seated.

What a nice shot of you both.

I had the Zombie, and got the mug. I didn't have a green one, so I added that to my collection.

I had no idea there were different colours. Green seems appropriate.

I’m actually putting together a curio cabinet in my hall with all the Tiki mugs that are special to me.

I like that.

Yes! Dan and Eugene Levy are hosting! (Schitt's Creek!)

I never watch the Emmys... and can't anyways (I don't think.)
But this would be a reason I would.

 

[jedijill]

I never watch the Emmys... and can't anyways (I don't think.)
But this would be a reason I would.

Eugene and Dan Levy and Ryan Reynolds make up for Canada inflicting Justin Beiber on us.