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

[pattiken]

I don't know if I would like our name being called either and place..lol about Beverly Hills ...good idea..unless you do live there? I would love to say patti from Beverly Hills

Yum on the pot roast.
Ok that video is great. Em is so cute.
So convenient to be so close to MK!!!

 

[eandesmom]

what fun updates! I love Emily's tea party, that is just adorable but oh, that naked dessert just LOOKS dry! So very much better with all the goodies on it.

Ah, the little things like a light up Ariel. I love that!!!!!!!!!!

OW on the dangerous Peter Pan Sail, I can totally see myself whacking my head exactly the same way!

Beverly Hills

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

After a short wait, the Brenda family from Beverly Hills was seated in the Betsy Ross room.

Love it!
You should have them announce as "Brenda from 90210"

We took some time to sashay through Fantasyland near the castle and take more photos. Even posing with my fake bird by the fountain. I was trying to pretend that I had one of Cinderellas birds on my finger. I only made it look like I was a crazy lady seeing things.

Between your Captain Hook impression and this picture, you were on a roll with your finger posing!

They must have been holding for clearance for traffic or some other official monorail business. Makes me wonder what you do if you have a kid that needs to pee?? Ok, perhaps only I think of that.

Nope - not just you. I think about that all the time since Murphy Law says that every time I forget to think ahead, our kids undoubtedly has a potty emergency at the most inopportune time and location!

 

[emmysmommy]

Well, first off- Happy 4th, Brenda!

How fun that you got to meet the White Rabit? Does he generally meet with Alice or was that a special occasion?

I like your castle shot! I got so caught up in getting on the moving ride and settling in that I forget to take my camera out all together for that shot

I love LTT! I wish they still served family style, but I digress...

How's the weather out there in...Beverly Hills? That's pretty funny! Maybe I'll do that next time!

Your meal looks awful yummy! I love that Ariel clip that Em got on her plate- she's my favorite princess too!

Hi Emily and thanks for the Holiday greeting!

We've seen the White Rabbit (or Mad Hatter) with Alice before so we knew if we followed the rabbit we would likely see Alice!

I think I took about 8 photos of the castle before I had a decent shot so sometimes I get lucky.

Lunch, cake AND a light up Ariel - perfection!

Happy 4th of July!

I could have sworn I posted comments after reading your last few updates... but I guess I didn't.

Kona Cafe looks delicious for breakfast. I might have to consider adding this to our ADR list.

I read your Grand Marshal story, how magical. What a special moment for you and Emmy. Drew (DH) never wants to watch any of the parades at WDW. I told him we have to watch some of the parades during our next trip to at least see if Jonah has some interest in watching one. Jonah is also my excuse to finally do some character greetings as well.

Haha, the "naked" ooey gooey toffee cake looks so sad and lonely. I am the same way with ice cream and dessert. I am just not a big fan of cakes and ice cream, but I kind of like how the ice cream run-off makes the cake a little moist. I don't know if that makes sense or not.

Hi there Ashley! Considering Kona Café is my favorite breakfast restaurant in all of WDW I would highly recommend it!!

I'm not a huge parade fan either but after being Grand Marshals it rather changed that for WDW! Babies and characters just go together so well that you may have a chance at a few choice photo ops!

What you noted about the melted ice-cream and the cake I get that...and it reminded me of the tres leche cake. It is kinda soggy but sweet if that makes sense.

Looks like a really yummy lunch and I'm glad that your cake was no longer naked but fully clothed this year! Love your photoshoot by the fountain, I really love that fountain and could (and have) spend so much time photographing it from every angle!
Ouch, I hit my head on Peter Pan once too. They should include that warning for sure. Like no dancing signs, add it to those.

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Hi Wendy! No more naked cake for me, I learned from my mistake. In fact, I may ask for MORE toffee crunches. I love those.

Ha! You could photograph the sidewalk and it would turn out cool let alone focus on a fountain!

Oh my, warnings must be in order for that dangerous Peter Pan ride! I like your idea.

How cute! A tea party with alice & the white rabbit must have been super fun!

Ok, I think we need to try ltt for lunch...pot roast is my favorite!! Such cute photos of you guys. I love your skirt! Polka dots are the best.

I totally understand getting hurt on Peter Pan. I smacked my knee getting onto the boat in both disneyland & wdw. Those boats can really get you.

Those characters sure know how to create some fun moments.

That shirt and polka dot skirt were part of the Disney collection earlier this year. I don't think you can tell but they had cute Minnie Mouse details with the bow of the skirt. I even have a photo since I was so impressed with it...

Awesome pics!

Thanks wii!

I don't know if I would like our name being called either and place..lol about Beverly Hills ...good idea..unless you do live there? I would love to say patti from Beverly Hills

Yum on the pot roast.
Ok that video is great. Em is so cute.
So convenient to be so close to MK!!!

Hi Patti! Next time I may be Brenda from Stockholm.... but then I'd need to talk with a Swedish accent.

YES, the pot roast has consistently been great. And I agree, Em was cute. I wasn't getting it thus the video is a bit awkward. Plus we had just been laughing at something else and it didn't get caught on film. Oh well.

Lovely updates! I cannot WAIT for Kona in Sept!! I had the Tonga toast room service style on a solo trip but haven't actually been to the restaurant. Do you find the press style coffee any good? If you've had it that is haha.

I find that I am like you in the not so adventurous dining. I find a favorite and I tend to stick to it because I know it's good! I couldn't tell you how many times I've eaten the turkey sandwich at Cosmic Rays haha

Love the Move It Shake It! We were watching it and dancing along later that day!! We got to MK right as the 5:40 one started. SO CLOSE to running into you guys....okay...only kind of, but we did get out of a cab at the Contemp and run over! Lawl.

I think LTT is on my list of places to try next trip! It's something different and looks tasty!

Can't wait to read about dinner!

Hi Katt!! I don't drink coffee so I can't comment on the pressed pot. But I can tell you that the juice if fabulous! I've heard they offer the tonga toast at Captain Cook's as well. I hope you enjoy it in September!!

We sound a lot alike. If I find something that I like, why try something different? I would try your favorite turkey sandwich at Cosmic Rays but I'm afraid that I can't switch from the rotisserie chicken!

That would be hilarious if you showed up in our photos somewhere... there's still a chance. I'm sure you must be in other Diser's photos since you have so many trips to WDW. It could happen.

OOPS, look at me commenting in the middle of your updating. Shame on me!

No shame here. You are welcome to drop by anytime!!

But now I get to comment on comments again!!

I absolutely accept your belated Happy Canada Day greeting without any doubt.

Whew! You'll still talk to me then!

Wow, how awesome that your update on the Fourth of July is Liberty Square, across from The Hall of President's, and dining at Liberty Tree Tavern. The planning and plotting of dates you must have done since the beginning of this report to have this update fall on this day. Really and truly impressive.

I'm so glad that you noticed my timing was impeccable! I couldn't have planned that better although in truth it was coincidental.

OK, so we all know we have smilies for laughter, etc, but honestly there is not a good enough one available to display my reaction to "the Brenda family from Beverly Hills".
That one seriously had me doubled over with laughter and no, I am not kidding.

This doesn't even come close to your wand bashing little girl gif but here's one for you

Hahaha, that video was too cute. Also, I now want a light up Ariel.

Hi there Rob!! Laughter is mutual! I need to find a better laughing gif because they seriously need something that goes beyond LMAO and ROTGL! You've had some great moments of hilarity in your TR so I feel that I can't compete with you!

 

[emmysmommy]

what fun updates! I love Emily's tea party, that is just adorable but oh, that naked dessert just LOOKS dry! So very much better with all the goodies on it.

Ah, the little things like a light up Ariel. I love that!!!!!!!!!!

OW on the dangerous Peter Pan Sail, I can totally see myself whacking my head exactly the same way!

Beverly Hills

Hi Cynthia! Thanks! Yeah, I definitely felt underwhelmed with the naked cake but I won't make that mistake again!

Who would have thought there should be warnings on Peter Pan? I'm more the type that needs to walk where I'm going especially if there are steps involved. Boom!

Hope you are having a relaxing weekend.

Love it!
You should have them announce as "Brenda from 90210"

Between your Captain Hook impression and this picture, you were on a roll with your finger posing!

Nope - not just you. I think about that all the time since Murphy Law says that every time I forget to think ahead, our kids undoubtedly has a potty emergency at the most inopportune time and location!

Hi Dave - welcome back home! I followed along and viewed ALL of your FB photos. Stunning!

Ha! I get it!

I think I may have thought those poses were better than they actually were. If I have to explain the photo it just doesn't work.

See! Anyone who has had kids KNOWS that it can happen. The good news is that I don't worry so much about my 30 year old having to go potty anymore.

Glad to see you back and back to counting down for your October trip.

 

[scottny]

My ringtone is “Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” on my work phone so he hears it. LOL. Thankfully he likes the ride and sings along too.
Love those macadamia nut pancakes.
Some take their jobs very seriously. LOL
Philharmagic is one of my faves.
I think the Castle shot from peoplemover is good.
NY in da house. LOL. Felt like I was at a club for a moment there.
It is nice to be from Beverly Hills. LOL
LTT is so good for lunch. I have not tried it for dinner yet.
Peter Pan is the only ride I will go on. I find it so boring. Vinny loves it. He goes by himself. LOL
Great updates and pics.

 

[livsmom04]

Love the updates! We love going to LTT for dinner which we did this past trip as usual and of course this mama forgot to take pics. Gasp I know! Hahaha. But the cake that Em ordered is what I normally order if we eat lunch there.

 

[Linda67]

Hi Brenda

Hope you are having a lovely Sunday

Great updates for me to catch up on.

Kona looked delicious as always. We've never been to LTT but looking to put that right in December !

 

[emmysmommy]

My ringtone is “Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” on my work phone so he hears it. LOL. Thankfully he likes the ride and sings along too.
Love those macadamia nut pancakes.
Some take their jobs very seriously. LOL
Philharmagic is one of my faves.
I think the Castle shot from peoplemover is good.
NY in da house. LOL. Felt like I was at a club for a moment there.
It is nice to be from Beverly Hills. LOL
LTT is so good for lunch. I have not tried it for dinner yet.
Peter Pan is the only ride I will go on. I find it so boring. Vinny loves it. He goes by himself. LOL
Great updates and pics.

Hi Scott! Did I miss your sharing your Aruba trip?? If you have a separate TR please let me know. I'd love to see your photos and hear about that trip.

Heck, if I was from Beverly Hills I'd be able to go to the real Italy and not the Epcot version!

Agreed, LTT has a great lunch. I'm not ready to try it for dinner since it is just family style turkey dinner.

I'm with Vinny for the Peter Pan ride.

Love the updates! We love going to LTT for dinner which we did this past trip as usual and of course this mama forgot to take pics. Gasp I know! Hahaha. But the cake that Em ordered is what I normally order if we eat lunch there.

Hi Brenda

Hope you are having a lovely Sunday

Great updates for me to catch up on.

Kona looked delicious as always. We've never been to LTT but looking to put that right in December !

Hi Linda! Thanks! Yes, LTT has a veggie burger/sandwich calling your name in Dec. Looking forward to trying it with you. Remember to leave room for dessert!

 

[emmysmommy]

Thurs. February 28, 2013: Day 6, Part 4​

We were welcomed back to the room with a greeting card from the big cheese himself. Mickey was wishing us a Magical Celebration! Very generic but we knew he meant Happy Birthday!

We had a bad case of the lazies over-come us and we ended up napping for an hour. Hey, it is vacation, don’t judge me! The sun was starting to set when I awoke so I went onto the balcony to take photos of the final minutes of the sun’s descent. I love those moments when you hear the sounds of the boats on Seven Seas Lagoon, the train whistle, and the swish of the monorail periodically passing by all framed by the view of the setting sun! Absolutely priceless!

We dressed for our 8:15 ADR at Citricos before heading across the sky bridge to the CR to hop on the monorail to the Grand Floridian. While we were awaiting the monorail, a CM who I will call “Joe”, was on his supervisor phone making a huge stink about some of the other Cast Members. His quote was “I shouldn’t have to tell them to close the doors, they are not doing their jobs and I won’t take it!” Uhhh… he was really angry and didn’t mind that there were guests right there listening to him carry on. Wish I could tell you how this ended but the next time we saw “Joe” he still had a scowl so maybe he’s always that way?? Next time I may tell him a knock-knock joke and see if he cracks a smile!

Here's "Joe"... I made sure the photo was out of focus so you can't recognize him!!

We made it to GF and checked in to Citricos. This was our 4th time eating dinner at this restaurant and I have to finally admit that although we’ve not been wowed, I keep going back because it just seems like a place that should deliver stellar service and amazing food. I mean, it IS inside the GF hotel, right? However, the reality is that we’ve had just ok to friendly but not exceptional service, the food has been nothing remarkable, and the desserts, well, I’ve only shared a dessert once. Lemon scented cheesecake it is so good that it almost makes it worth the journey on the monorail to dine here. However, and a big however…. I LOVE the olive bread. There I said it. I know, it’s so lame to dine at a restaurant only for the bread. They have a bakery that pits and chops the olives and makes the bread fresh on the premises. A little salted butter smeared on the olive bread and I’m happy!

We were seated by the windows overlooking the pool area that was getting a refurb at the time. Lonzy was our server, and he performed his job in a courteous manner – nothing exceptional but then again I’m now comparing everyone to Ricardo at YSH. He had worked at WDW for over 20 years and we had the pleasure of hearing some of his stories.

Table

I decided to start the meal with a magic star cocktail. Check the box for trying something new since I had not tried one of these fun cocktails before! And fun is definitely the category that I would place this drink since tasty it was not. The glowing cube changing colors was a show in itself but heck, after my first sip I decided that I’m not a fan of mango or passion fruit liqueur. There is alcohol in this thing right?? I couldn’t tell and since I wasn’t dancing on any tables after a drink or two. Perhaps it was a mocktail.

Make it pink!

Make it blue!

In the interest of not turning this update into a dining review, I’ll just post a few photos of what we ordered and our impressions.

Wonderful olive bread:

Heirloom Apple Salad – delicious!

Oak Grilled Filet of Beef. I wasn’t as impressed as I’d expected. Perhaps more so for the sub-par barley risotto but it was tasty nonetheless.

Em’s Pan Roasted Free Range Chicken breast with creamy goat cheese polenta.

Dessert wasn’t going to happen no matter how wonderful that lemon scented cheesecake may be.

Photos of the Grand Floridian:

Continued Next Post

​

 

[emmysmommy]

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!

My annual conference next week at Disney's Grand Californian hotel came with such a great room rate this year that I booked 5 nights even though I live 20 minutes from the resort area. My boss said to go ahead and book a few nights since we'll have some cocktail hours and I won't drive after that. While the amazing rate was available, I went ahead and booked a few more nights on my own dime!

What that means is that I will be there for Disneyland's 58th Birthday next week as well. Em will be tagging along for the first 3 nights and hanging out in the parks during the day and then for the weekend Michael will join me.

I'll probably post a few updates within this TR since Lord knows I'm going so slow getting this thing completed. If I had to juggle another TR, it likely wouldn't get done. Some people are able to do this successfully - looking at you DisneyKidforLife!

Plus.... we have another girls only WDW trip in less than 40 days and another in December I need to get this wrapped up.

Exciting stuff.

Hope y'all are having a great weekend!

​

 

[MrsB1228]

Finally able to catch up on some of my DIS reading! I can't believe I fell so far behind on your wonderful trip report Brenda, but I'm all caught up now and still enjoying every word.

How wonderful you were upgraded to theme park view at the CR! Your room looks lovely and that view is awesome!

Thoroughly enjoyed the extra-added DL review of the Walk In Walt's Footsteps tour. That must have been a magical experience to share with Em! The perfume shop is a place I'd love to visit, those windows are breathtaking!

I can't believe that woman had the brass to walk out with a handful of M&M's!! And in front of her kid no less! There are people in this world that really make you shake your head. I shudder to think what her child will do in future. So sad.

Carousel of Progress is one of my most favourite attractions in MK too, a total nostalgic must-do every trip!

Sounds like Citrico's can be pretty ho-hum, but I agree the olive bread sounds completely yummy.

I just finished reading Em's DR updates before popping over here. Between her report and yours, it's obvious the two of you had a really wonderful trip! Looking forward to more.

Hope you and your family had a happy and safe 4th of July weekend!

 

[MrsB1228]

Oops! Forgot to mention that I'm really excited about your trip to DL for the 58th Birthday celebration, woot!! Looking forward to more of your great pictures and wonderful reports!!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Love your plans for staying at the Grand Californian during your and after your conference! Don't you love it when a conference happens to take place at Disney?

While we were awaiting the monorail, a CM who I will call “Joe”, was on his supervisor phone making a huge stink about some of the other Cast Members. His quote was “I shouldn’t have to tell them to close the doors, they are not doing their jobs and I won’t take it!” Uhhh… he was really angry and didn’t mind that there were guests right there listening to him carry on. Wish I could tell you how this ended but the next time we saw “Joe” he still had a scowl so maybe he’s always that way?? Next time I may tell him a knock-knock joke and see if he cracks a smile!

Hmmm. Joe doesn't sound like the type of person who would appreciate a good knock-knock joke. In fact, he may call his supervisor on his cell to complain about the knock-knock joke.

Make it pink!

Make it blue!

Did you clap to make it change colors?

 

[natebenma]

And one of those awkward photos where you're not even looking at the camera!

[/CENTER]

Although you may not be looking at the camera, there is not a hare out of place.

A shout out to New York!

[/CENTER]

Love this picture!


Enjoyed your update. We haven't been to LTT, so your pictures from the meal were enlightening. I agree, the typical version of the Ooey-Gooey-Toffee Cake was the way to go!

Seemed like a nice afternoon of laid-back touring, lunch and then a little cat nap.

Gorgeous sunset shots from your room. Again, nice view!

So you hit the monorail resort trifecta that day- CR-BLT/Poly/CR-BLT/GF

Love that you will be playing tourist in your hometown. Oh, wait, your hometown is Beverly Hills. But that is fantastic that you will be staying at the Grand Californian. Not a bad place for a work conference. Can't wait to hear about that side trip.

 

[Wood Nymph]

I had a Magic Star cocktail at the Coral Reef in February and I loved it. But then I like fruity drinks in which you can't taste the alcohol. And you really can't taste the alcohol in that one.

I love reading about Disneyland in your trip report. I've never been there and it is nice to find out more about the place. The Grand Californian sounds like a great place to stay.

 

[teekathepony]

What gorgeous pictures of a gorgeous view from your balcony! Monorail and castle views at sunset sound pretty amazing.

That cm needs to gets himself a chill pill... And a more private area for his phone calls! How very unprofessional.
At least your meal wasn't bad, but I'm sorry it didn't wow you. I would expect stellar service and food too from a place like that!

Ooh how exciting about your GC Disneyland trip! Can't wait to hear all about it!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[wiigirl]

Great update!

 

[marDgreen88]

I have the Hamish stuffed animal! It's the cutest thing.

Sounds like a fun time in MK! Both of your meals sound pretty good too.

That's such exciting news about the Grand Californian! One of these days I HAVE to get to Disneyland! I want to stay at all of the resorts there, but for some reason I'm drawn to Paradise Pier. Have you stayed onsite at Disneyland before? So exciting!

 

[Carable]

How exciting about the 5 nights at the GC! I'm dying to stay there myself. I've already looked ahead and my national conference will be at WDW in summer 2015 and I will DEFINITELY be going. Sadly, public schools don't help our poor librarians with conference costs anymore here, but I've got plenty of time to save up. Looking forward to the details as usual.