These are NOT the rooms that I paid for! 3 Resorts in 10 days - Trivia Answers 9/3

[BringingUpDisney]

Subbing! Came over from the BC/YC thread and just loving your report!

 

[magichusky]

Love love your BLT surprise-TPV room! Is that a towel creature on the table underneath the tv? It looks like it has a happy face on it!

I adore eating at Tony's! The pistachio creme brulee is amazing!

WOW- that DL tour looks so fabulous- I'm totally signing myself up for that before my DL AP expires! I didn't know the tour lets you see the inside of Walt's apartment! Looking forward to Part 2!

 

[teekathepony]

Wow, another upgrade? Excellent! You guys had some serious pixie dust going on for this trip! Your new BLT room is pretty awesome too.
Ooh delicious meal at Tony's! I love that place. Italian is my favourite.
I think my eyes misted up a little at the thought of (and pictures of) the walking in Walt's footsteps tour. What an amazing experience!

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[emmysmommy]

You three snuck in while I was updating... just so you know I wasn't ignoring you, I'm making you my honorary "posters of the day!!"

Your villa looks amazing! I hope I get to stay at BLT again someday. I love it.

May have to sneak in a visit to Tony's from some Crème Brûlée and Mark Anthony.

Emily completely agrees about Mark Anthony so it may be worth it to make some plans to dine at Tony's!! Wishing you an awesome trip and I hope we get to say hi next week!!

Another great view from your new room! I bet Wishes looked very nice from the room.

Your quest to look for a CD memory card for the camera reminded me to make sure I pack all of the extra cards I bought for our trip to Korea coming up in a week. I didn't want to take any chances so I'm taking 5 extras along with an extra battery pack! Hope you had a fun weekend!

Hi Dave! I believe you are already out of here as well! Enjoy your trip and I look forward to seeing some of your 5,000 photos!!

I think this was one of our only trips that we didn't see Wishes from our room. We tend to be at dinner during the fireworks show. But I can tell you from past experience that it is a treat to be able to sit on the balcony and watch the show.

BLT looks great! We only stayed there for one night (opening night of the resort!), but the villa was fantastic, and I loved the theme park view. So cool that you got an upgrade!

As for Tony's, I would love to try it for the pistachio crème brûlée alone. And I'm definitely looking forward to the bonus update!

Hi Mr. DDW! That is epic to have stayed at BLT for opening night! You must have received the commemorative lithograph print. I heard about them but I don't recall seeing one.

 

[SAT887]

Another upgrade!! Awesome!!! I love all the pictures I love you 101 pictures, because I am looking for things I need to kid proof on our January trip! So you are actually offering a very valid public service! How sweet your waiter sang happy birthday to Em, did you call and have it noted on all of your ADR's?

I really really enjoy seeing all your DL pictures, it is a welcomed intermission - the tour looked great, and very interesting. I want to do the keys to the kingdom tour in in WDW one day. One of the main reasons I want to one day go to DL is to see what it's like, you always hear about how much you can see/feel Walt's influence there.... So cool!

 

[emmysmommy]

Oh my goodness, another upgrade!! How awesome. These BLT pictures are making me miss it so much! That place will be my favorite forever.

Yum yum yum, your Tony's meal looks awesome! I loved Tony's when I went there too. And may I just say, a teenager that isn't into Beiber? Music to my ears. I applaud Em for that!

Can't wait to read the rest of your tour update. Sounds amazing! Club 33... wow!

Hi Marissa! I will always think of you and your gallons of pixie dust when I think of your TRs and staying at BLT! I need to get caught up on your current TR!

Yeah, Em is not really into most of the "teen" music icons. No Beiber for her.

Congratulations on yet another upgrade! What a lovely amount of pixie dust you had received.

I am going to DL in a month... I want to do the Walk in Walt's Footsteps Tour again! I am not doing it this time, but I guess that means I need to go back again for another trip, and I'm not even there yet! Look on a map and see where PEI is and you'll see how far I've got to go for all these DL trips!

Thanks! We were just lucky this trip.

I think you almost need to do those tours more than once because I'm sure I don't remember half of what they said already. I love your logic of needing to come back again but my goodness you DO have a LONG way to come here to CA!!

Nice room at BLT and on the TPV upgrade!!!

Dinner at Tony's looked great! We almost ate there once. We had reservations the year we did the Deluxe Dining Plan, but my son had a stomach issue during the trip so he didn't want to go to any restaurants. This was one of the meals that was sacrificed, and we have never made it back! Tempted after seeing your meals and hearing about the hot waiter!

I'm enjoying hearing about your Walking in Walt's footsteps tour. A few weeks ago I purchased a (kids') biography of Walt Disney and I just started reading it last night.

It's cool that you have been able to take pictures so far on the tour. Looking forward to reading more!

Hope you bring some warm weather when you come to our neck of the woods. It has been such a cold spring here!!!

Hi Dee. Tony's definitely gets mixed reviews and until last August, I wasn't convinced we would ever really feel the need to return. However... between a great lunch, the awesome theming, and a cute waiter.. well, what can I say, my priorities shifted!

After that Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour I have been reading so much more about Disney history. I purchased "Disneyland through the Decades" and "Disneyland from Once Upon a Time to Happily Ever After" that I am really enjoying. I don't realize how much I don't know until I start reading! I hope you enjoyed your Disney reading!

CT was lovely last week despite some rain but the temperatures were great!

Love the pictures of your room at BLT! I sure do miss it there. Nothing beats looking out your window and seeing the Magic Kingdom! MMMMM, Tony's is so good! I haven't been there in a couple years...maybe that is a possibility for an ADR in December...haha

That's awesome you did the tour at Disneyland! I am sure it would be really interesting-my dad and I did the KTTK at the Magic Kingdom last year and loved it!

Hi there Sarah! You are another fellow BLT'er!! I completely agree, there's nothing like that magical view!

Looks like you will be back to WDW after I leave in December.

You gals are so lucky with the upgrades!

Glad to see that you had a good experience at Tony's. It has been very hit and miss with us and yet I keep going back because I love Lady & the Tramp so much!

Where are you going in Connecticut? That is where Jay is from and parts are somewhat close to me ....

Hi Vicki! We were completely lucky. I must have had some great Tony's luck with our last two meals since our first experience was not great. Of course, having great service from Mark Anthony wasn't bad either.

We've already chatted but sorry I didn't extend my trip by a day so I could head in your direction! There's always August AND December!!!

What a cool tour you got to do!

Wow that shrimp scampi does look greasy, I can see how she wasn't that pleased.

However, that pistachio creme brulee is my favv!!!

Hi Rachel! You noticed the puddle of oil for the shrimp scampi. I almost mentioned it but thought Em would weigh in for that one in her Dining Review when she gets there. But yeah, it's pretty obvious that they mistook the scampi dish for the ramekin with oil for the bread.

Another upgrade couldn't have happened to a nicer person!
Ohhhh, the yellow painting above Em in your room is so pretty, I love it!
Where is the photo of the yummy waiter?

Hi Alysa! You are so sweet!

It's funny that you mentioned that print in the living room of the villa since even after our first stay I hadn't paid attention that it is the monorail. It is subtle but so well themed for the resort.

Ha!! I'm definitely going to have to ask Mark Anthony to pose for a photo if we have him as a waiter next time.

Thanks for sharing the walk in Walt steps tour pictures and notes on the tour. I am looking forward to the rest of the tour and pictures from Walt's apartment.

The time DH and I stayed at BLT I loved just being able to walk next door to the MK. You are hitting the upgrade jackpot this trip, and I am loving the pictures.

Thanks and I will be posting part 2 of the tour shortly.

I love being able to walk to MK too!!

Wow, you guys really lucked out on this trip! What a view! I love the art and that bathroom!

Oh Tony's. I think they're given a bad rap. The food pictures looked yummy. Looks like you guys had a nice time. How nice of you to chime in on happy birthday! I love E's shirt, super cute!!

I realllly want to do that tour when we're there in August, but I don't know if we'll have time because of the expo. Thank you for sharing that with us! It looks so amazing.

Hi Jennifer! I just made the connection that you will be doing the D23 Expo in August - how awesome! I have several friends going as well. I've never been... for such a Disney fan I feel ashamed!

Em loves Ariel so her T shirt was a must have!

Awesome update!

Thanks!

Wow I am so glad I caught up I didn't realize how far behind I was, the ToT picture is great, myself and dd had actually just been talking about the ToT this weekend, she mentioned how she can't wait to ride it in August and I had to break the bad news that it would not be happening since I do not do well with heights ... The tour looks awesome I can't wait to read about the rest of it.

Hi there! Oh my, yes, if you don't like heights then I don't think you would like to be all those stories up especially when those doors open and you see the DHS park from that high up. Your look of terror in the ride photo may be more than real.

 

[emmysmommy]

Lurker coming out of lurkdom here! I absolutely had to post when you mentioned that Mark was your waiter at Tony's.

I've had the BIGGEST crush on that man since I was in high school. We used to eat at Tony's on the regular and I would always have my picture taken with him because he was just so handsome! I remember his wife Becky worked there with him as well and I kept thinking, she is one lucky woman!

We haven't been in Tony's in a while but every time we walk past I ask my mom (who has a nice crush of her own on him), "Do you think Mark is in there?" And she'd always try to convince me to go in there and look.

Now I know he's still there so you know I'm going to have to pop my head in there in October!

P.S. Love you TR. You girls are so beautiful! And have such great luck with rooms!

Oh my gosh! I'm so glad that you commented - and WELCOME!! I have to be careful not to appear to be overly twitter-patted (Bambi term if anyone gets that) with Mark Anthony buy you get it!!! That's so funny that your mom also has a Mark Anthony crush. This settles it, I need to get a photo of that man!

Thanks again for your kind comments and reading along! You made my day!

OK it's settled. I'm travelling with you from now on. You really are Disney royalty!
Another beautiful, never want to leave it, room with a fantastic view.

Haha, "Look Justin Bieber". I am so glad to hear that didn't work.

And you're off on another trip. Please be safe and enjoy!

Oh Brenda, Thank You for the wonderful report on the tour. I'm getting goosebumps just reading about it. Can't wait for more!!!

Yes, Rob, I shall grant you your request to travel with us damsels so that a sprinkling of pixie dust may befall you as well! Actually truth be told, I would be thrilled to meet you one day you are one cool Disney Kid!

Thanks for the well wishes... the trip was lovely! I'm a sicko. The first thing I thought when I arrived in CT was that I was in the same time zone as WDW!!! Ha! There's no cure for this sickness!

I'm seriously going to get caught up with you wonderful TRs this weekend!

Nice upgrade! That room is great at the contemporary. I can see why you want to split up your stays...I always think would be a pain to pack and move however after seeing all your great rooms this trip makes me want to try them.
Yummy on the cannelloni ..and the creme brûlée
Thanks for the bonus update from the tour..very cool

Hi Patti! See, it's so hard to stay in just one resort when there are so many lovely ones!! To make it easier we usually pack our bags so that one bag has the things we need for the first resort and a second has the things we'll use/wear for the next resort. Since the resorts transfer your bags for you it makes it even easier. If you do on-line check in at the new resort, it is even easier.

Crème brulees and me are great friends!! Especially Tony's version!

That is IT! You MUST come with us in March and check in our resort for us! I'm sure that it is the ONLY way for me to get a fancy upgrade!!!!!!

I want to take one of those tours one day!!

Hi there Christen! Ha, you are so funny. I think I told you that our Spring trips will miss by a couple weeks next year. Darn!!! I suppose I could take an entire month to tour Disney but my DH would completely disagree that that is necessary!!

Subbing! Came over from the BC/YC thread and just loving your report!

Hi there! I'm so glad that you moseyed over! That thread moves so quickly that I feel like a total newbie whenever I pop in! Looks like you will be there (YC) later this year but you have a DLR trip coming up?? How Awesome!!!

Thanks again for dropping by and commenting. I hope you enjoy your YC stay as well!!

Love love your BLT surprise-TPV room! Is that a towel creature on the table underneath the tv? It looks like it has a happy face on it!

I adore eating at Tony's! The pistachio creme brulee is amazing!

WOW- that DL tour looks so fabulous- I'm totally signing myself up for that before my DL AP expires! I didn't know the tour lets you see the inside of Walt's apartment! Looking forward to Part 2!

Hi Lauren! You have a good eye. Yes, that is a puppy towel animal sitting by the TV.

I totally agree with you about Tony's!

Your AP gets you a 20% discount for the tour and it includes lunch and a commemorative pin not to mention Walt's apartment and the lobby of Club 33 if that helps sway you!! It was a wonderful tour.

Wow, another upgrade? Excellent! You guys had some serious pixie dust going on for this trip! Your new BLT room is pretty awesome too.
Ooh delicious meal at Tony's! I love that place. Italian is my favourite.
I think my eyes misted up a little at the thought of (and pictures of) the walking in Walt's footsteps tour. What an amazing experience!

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Hi Wendy!! Oh thanks!

I have to say that I was so distracted taking pictures at the first part of the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour that I didn't really pay attention. But when the soundtrack came on when we were standing where he stood for the park open dedication speech, I had a moment! It just hit me that this amazing man's dream came true right there! I can't wait to share the rest.

I thought of you today when I actually took my DLSR off of auto and put in on ... wait for it.... MANUAL... Can't say my photos were fabulous but at least I controlled the shutter speed and what nots that you know more about than me!!! (Patting myself on my back!)

Take care and have a great weekend! You are on my list to get caught up with TR/PTRs as well!

 

[emmysmommy]

Another upgrade!! Awesome!!! I love all the pictures I love you 101 pictures, because I am looking for things I need to kid proof on our January trip! So you are actually offering a very valid public service! How sweet your waiter sang happy birthday to Em, did you call and have it noted on all of your ADR's?

I really really enjoy seeing all your DL pictures, it is a welcomed intermission - the tour looked great, and very interesting. I want to do the keys to the kingdom tour in in WDW one day. One of the main reasons I want to one day go to DL is to see what it's like, you always hear about how much you can see/feel Walt's influence there.... So cool!

Oops! Almost missed you there Sarah!

Ha!! So glad that I am helping. One thing that I always think deserves extra caution is the slippery bathroom floor but that's not specific to kids. The master bathroom floor always seems so slippery to me even with the bath mat.

For Tony's, we didn't note her birthday on any ADRs this time. I think they just paid attention to her button that she was wearing.

Thanks for appreciating the intermission tour/photos. (Definitely not the caliber of photos that you would be able to take but I didn't take the camera off auto for this tour since I didn't want to miss anything and I'm not skilled yet!)

Definitely keep DLR on the radar at least for comparative purposes! It is so cool to know that Walt walked Main Street every day for the first couple years and that his influence is everywhere.

 

[emmysmommy]

TR Intermission for Walk In Walt's Footsteps - Part 2​

After visiting the beautiful Club 33 lobby, we proceeded to Orleans and Royal Streets across from the Court of Angels (a Herb Ryman inspired design) where we stopped at the Mlle. Antoinette Parfumerie. This perfume shop, which was an inspiration from Lillian Disney who adored French perfume, was designed around a focal point of a beautiful chandelier that was purchased from New Orleans. However, the highlight of the shop is the stunning hand painted mirrored floral murals that Baroness Glendra von Tessel hand painted. She was a gifted artist who crafted in reverse imagery the mirrored panels on the walls.

Baroness Glendra von Tessel

When Baroness Glendra died before the panels were complete, Dorthea Holt Redmond completed the work. Dorthea was an illustrator and designer who had worked with Alfred Hitchcock and Walt Disney. She created the mosaics in Cinderella Castle at WDW as well as other Disney designs. The panels are distinguished between the artists because Glendra signed her panels.

The store was open from 1966-1996 when, as had occurred with so many Disney shops and attractions, it was re-imagined as the Jewel of Orleans until last year when it was restored to its original name and theme. However, they did not bring back the ability to create your own unique fragrance and catalogue the formula for future reference.

I was so impressed with this shop that Em and I returned last night to tour the store and indulge in some fragrance sampling. They feature Dior, Shalimar, Givenchy, and Guerlain brands. Complimentary bottle painting by Pam Smith is offered with any purchase. She includes Swarovski crystals in the designs so with an AP discount this is quite a deal! I was tempted to buy a bottle just for the free floral design but honestly I couldnt land on a scent that made it worth the purchase of simply a pretty bottle! (Now I love whatever scent I happened to splash on me last night& go figure!)

Our favorites

Guest book

Debbie is the CM that has worked at this shop for over 30 years. She was very helpful and knowledgeable. This photo was from last night.

Next Up: Walk in Walt's Footsteps continued....
​

 

[emmysmommy]

Walk In Walt's Footsteps Disneyland Tour Part 3​

Moving on to the New Orleans Train Station where we listened to more facts and Imagineering secrets. Did you know that the original tracks followed the Rivers of America; however, when the Haunted Mansion was built they were relocated farther out to the perimeter of the park? We hopped on the train to travel across the park to Tomorrowland. All but one of the 5 Disneyland trains are named after key members of the Santa Fe railroad. The remaining train is named after Ward Kimball, a renowned animator and one of Disneys Nine Old Men. Poor Esteban, he sat next to me on the train so he couldn't escape my barrage of questions. Honestly, he loved his job and was so excited to share all that he knew.

The tour made stops at Innoventions, Matterhorn/Nemo Submarine ride, and Its a Small World before we went back down Main Street to the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln opera house theater. Esteban disappeared for a short period of time and then emerged letting us know that they usually take in the show but that they were instead going to provide us with a readmit pass for any attraction of our choice in Disneyland.

While in Fantasyland, we broke into two groups and were ushered in the exit to ride Peter Pan which just happens to be one of my all time favorite rides!!

Next was the moment I had been waiting to share with Em for weeks! The tour of Walts apartment above the firehouse!! First we divided into our Walt and Lillian groups so that there would be a smaller number of people at one time in the apartment. The Walt group had lunch waiting in a private section of the Jolly Holiday Bakery while the Lillian group toured the apartment first. Being a part of Lillian we were first up.

Unlike the VIP tour that I did 2 years ago that included Walts apartment, we were cautioned not to take photos or video. They did offer to take photos of us inside the apartment but apparently they didn't feel we were safe with any photographic evidence of our tour. Too bad! Being completely compliant I didn't sneak in a single contraband photo. However, I do have photos from my last tour so if their intent was no photos at all, they are not consistent. So there! (Take a peek here if you are interested in more photos of Walt's apartment.)

Because Walt would be at the parks very late and return early in the morning he needed a place to stay. Back in the mid 50s there were no hotels in the area. Therefore, Walt had the apartment strategically built near the entrance to Disneyland and designed to blend in with the Americana Main Street theme above the firehouse.

The apartment is only 500 square feet so it is very tiny. It was designed in a Victorian theme to match Main Streets early 1900 era. Lillian loved roses so the carpeting is a deep red floral design. It is filled with collectibles and gifts that Walt gave Lillian like an antique photograph with real music There was a small kitchenette/wet bar area that had a couple appliances including a sandwich maker for his beloved grilled cheese. Walt was fond of Tom and Jerry Christmas time cocktails. There is a Tom & Jerry crock that sits on the counter that was used by Walt during the holidays when he occupied the apartment.

The day Disneyland opened, Walt watched from his apartment window how the crowds poured through the gates. Mousketeer, Sharon Baird was there and shared the following:

"On the opening day of Disneyland, we (Mouseketeers) were in Walt Disney's private apartment above the Main Street Fire Station when the gates of the park opened for the first time. I was standing next to him at the window, watching the guests come pouring through the gates. When I looked up at him, he had his hands behind his back, a grin from ear to ear, I could see a lump in his throat and a tear streaming down his cheek. He had realized his dream. I was only twelve years old at the time, so it didn't mean as much to me then. But as the years go by, that image of him becomes more and more endearing."

Then came the moment when we were finally allowed to pose for a photo in the apartment!

The Lillian group then went back to the Jolly Holiday Bakery where our lunch had been set out.

I ordered the Caprese sandwich, fruit salad, and coconut macaroon Matterhorn cookie. This was a delicious lunch and a perfect way to end the tour.

Our final parting gift was a special Walk in Walts Footsteps pin. On the cover it has a photo of Walt walking through the castle entrance in an empty park. The pin is fashioned in the image of a book and inside on the left is inscribed I think what I want Disneyland to be most of all is a happy place, where adults and children can experience together some of the wonders of life. On the right is a replica of the commemorative dedication plaque with Walt's opening day speech.

Again, this was a great experience for any Disney fan!

​

 

[francis6306]

Okay, so this tour is going down on my future Disneyland to-do list!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Again Brenda, thank you SO MUCH for adding this little intermission. I'm getting chills reading about it. Plus that lovely quote by Sharon Baird... OMG. So touching!

"To all who come to this happy place... welcome". Oh my goodness. That little momento is just... OMG.

 

[WDWaddictt]

Wow...how cool! Thanks for sharing!

 

[MrsDrewsky]

How wonderful that you got another upgrade at BLT. I hope you were able to watch Wishes from your balcony.

Wonderful intermission update about the tour. Thank you for sharing that with us. I love reading how Walt picked out the carpet with Lily in mind and included her in other details in the park. It sounds like he was a romantic guy.

 

[teekathepony]

I thought of you today when I actually took my DLSR off of auto and put in on ... wait for it.... MANUAL... Can't say my photos were fabulous but at least I controlled the shutter speed and what nots that you know more about than me!!! (Patting myself on my back!)

Take care and have a great weekend! You are on my list to get caught up with TR/PTRs as well!

Great to hear! The more you play the more comfortable you will get. I couldn't learn anything until I really put the camera through its paces!

Oh that tour. Seriously, I still have little tears in my eyes thinking of being in his actual apartment! Wow. What an amazing experience! If I ever get anywhere near there I absolutely have to do that tour. The pin you got is adorable too, I absolutely love the story book look and the quote inside. How special is that!

Also the perfume shop is stunning, those paintings must be really incredible in person!

Thank you for sharing this side adventure Brenda, I'm loving it!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Carable]

That was an amazing intermission. I got chills just reading it and seeing my old, beloved DL attractions. But, I can't wait to see the next part of your TR now!

 

[SAT887]

I love the tour update! The panels are beautiful, and the parting gift/ souvenir is so neat! I would really love to do this tour one day. Hopefully DLR stays in the semi near future!

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I loved reading about the tour, from Walt's apartment to the parfumerie to your lunch (Matterhorn macaroon!). It's amazing how much history is preserved in the perfume shop alone! And your photos have me missing DL more than ever - thanks for giving such a detailed look at everything.

 

[Alysa]

The print is the monorail! How perfect! I am even more excited about staying there (next trip!)

I love all these details! Now I want to go to DL more than ever! What a great tour!
As an artist I love the story of the mirror. Sad that she didn't finish but beautiful that she leaves something so lovely as part of her legacy for millions of people to enjoy.
Thank you for sharing!

 

[emilyindisney]

Again, a fantastic upgrade- what luck! I've never really understood the appeal to BLT but seeing your room makes me totally change my mind. The room is so chic and with a theme park view to boot! I really love the color scheme too. I'll have to add a night there to my resort list.