Value Resorts and Inside Staterooms? Bah Humbug! 30 days of Disney fun! 02/10 Day 30

[dizneeat]

I love Wilderness lodge...my dream is to stay there one day. It's so pretty.

It is a beautiful resort, Jen!
We stayed there in 2001 and really enjoyed it. You would love it too!

 

[Stefy]

I love Goofy's Candy Co, you got some great treats there

Cool that Sound of Music was on, a little reminder of home

 

[Teri1]

I have always wanted to visit the Wilderness Lodge but it has never fit into our schedules. It looks beautiful.

 

[dizneeat]

It is time to celebrate Christmas!
Merry Christmas to ALL my DISfriends!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

A Very Merry and Blessed Christmas to you, Tom and your family, Karin!​

 

[dizneeat]

I love Goofy's Candy Co, you got some great treats there

Cool that Sound of Music was on, a little reminder of home

Tom and I just love to order some of the "make your own" treats at Goofy's. Not only is it fun to watch them being made, but they are yummy too!

I nearly fell over when Tom turned on the TV and "Sound of Music" was on. We are always asked about it and this is not a popular film here. If you would ask the average Austrian if they have seen "Sound of Music" they would say no.

I have always wanted to visit the Wilderness Lodge but it has never fit into our schedules. It looks beautiful.

We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge during one of our first trips to WDW. It really is a wonderful resort and reminded us of the Lodge we had stayed at at the Grand Canyon.
Our room was overlooking a quiet pool and the hike there was LONG! But we enjoyed sitting out on the balcony and have a feeling of being somewhere peaceful. You would not have thought that you were so close to a theme park.

A Very Merry and Blessed Christmas to you, Tom and your family, Karin!​

Thank you, Christine! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas too!

 

[dizneeat]

Day 23, September 5

Shopping, reservation changes and Extra Magic Hours - Part 3

We explored the shop, enjoyed the lobby and after about 10 minutes we were called back to the restaurant. We were seated right towards the entrance at a nice little table for two and our server appeared at the table after just a minute or two.
She explained the menu and left us to think about what to order, while fetching our drinks, the usual Diet Cokes and

a Raspberry Rapids, Frozen Coconut Cream and Pineapple Juice with Bacardi Silver and Chambord for me, while Tom ordered

a Widmer Hefeweizen. We were both somewhat surprised at the way it was served. Usually a Weizen(beer) is served in a tall glass with a nice foam on top. Now you can see how this one was served! But Tom liked the taste anyway. While we were waiting for our starters, the server brought over

some warm crusty bread with butter and sea salt which we nibbled on until our starters arrived. I had

the Heirloom Tomato Salad with Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Micro Basil and Tom had ordered

the Pulled Hoisin Short Ribs with Asian Slaw, which came bitesize served on little spoons.

Shortly after we had finished them we received our main courses.

Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Blue Lake Green Beans and Espresso Reduction for Tom and the signature dish,

the Cedar Plank Roasted Wild King Salmon - with spring vegetables, Citrus-Miso Buerre Blanc, and parsley oil. This is served on a huge cedar plank and plated table side. Both portions were huge and very tasty. We still had dessert to conquer. I ordered

the Valrhona Chocolate Terrine with Amarena Cherries and Salted Hazelnut Brittle, heaven for a chocolate lover. Tom actually just wanted some coffee, but the server talked him into trying this dessert coffee trio.

A dense brownie like chocolate cake with some coffee icing. Coffee mousse with a cream topping and coffee ice-cream. When we had finished our meal we walked over to the boat deck to wait for a boat to the Magic Kingdom.
We waited for about 10 minutes, then got on the boat and went right to the Seven Seas Lagoon,

where we had to stop as the Water Pageant was blocking our way.
We waited for about 10 minutes and then we were off to the Magic Kingdom.

When we arrived the Extra Magic Hours had already started and we phoned Mary Ellen and Joe to spend the rest of the evening with them. We met at the castle,

then made our way over towards Liberty Square. The Haunted Mansion was our first ride that night, then we walked over the Pirates of the Caribbean, which had a pretty short line.

Off we went on another one of our favourites, especially at night, the Jungle Cruise. Most of the skippers crack a lot more corny jokes during Extra Magic Hours, so it is a lot more fun than usual.
It was getting late and we went to ride Big Thunder Mountain, which Mary Ellen and Joe didn’t ride and then we were off to Splash Mountain. Once we got off the ride slightly wet, Extra Magic Hours were nearly over, so we slowly tracked towards the exit.
We said goodbye to Mary Ellen and Joe at the boat deck and decided on a time at which to meet the next morning. Tom and I made our way over to the parking lot, got into our car and off we went to Old Key West. We were pretty tired, so it didn’t take long until we found ourselves in bed, ready to fall asleep.

 

[Teri1]

The food you had for dinner at the Wilderness Lodge looked wonderful. That probably wouldn't be included in the regular dinning plan would it? We are hoping to get to go to WDW next year during a free dining discount time period.

 

[dizneeat]

The food you had for dinner at the Wilderness Lodge looked wonderful. That probably wouldn't be included in the regular dinning plan would it? We are hoping to get to go to WDW next year during a free dining discount time period.

We loved our food at Artist Point.
Artist Point is a signature restaurant and takes two credits of your DDP.

Best news - I really really hope that you get to go to WDW during FD next year!

 

[dizneeat]

Day 24, September 6

A washed out visit to Universal - Part 1

We slept in a little, got up around 9am and let Mousekeeping know that we needed a little privacy. There was lots of food in the fridge, so we snacked a little for breakfast and enjoyed some leisure time around the villa.
At around 11am we walked to the car and drove to Downtown Disney to meet with Mary Ellen and Joe

for lunch at Wolfgang Puck’s Café. They were already waiting for us even though we were perfectly on time.

The restaurant looked packed and they were turning away guests, but we were seated immediately. Our server seemed a bit in a hurry when he came by to introduce himself and put some bread and butter on the table.
Since Tom and I were on the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan we were entitled to an appetizer, but there was always so much food, that we decided to order our appetizers and share them with Mary Ellen and Joe. We got one order of

the Crab Cakes - Sauteed Maryland Style crab cakes with marinated tomato basil aioli, garnished with micro greens and

the Artichoke and Five Cheese Dip - California artichokes with mascarpone, fontina with crispy flat bread, which we all enjoyed.
Next were the main courses. Joe ordered

the Burger - served with cheddar, bacon and onions and a side of french fries and Mary Ellen ordered

the Chicken Aioli Pocket - Sliced chicken breast with mozzarella, chopped Romaine, diced tomatoes, and red onion with cilantro aioli and a side of house made chips. Tom voted for

the Rigatoni with Beef Bolognese - Artisan pasta with braised beef, tomatoes and fresh basil while I knew exactly what I wanted. Wolfgang Puck is famous for his pizza creations, so I HAD TO get one of them.

The Spicy Shrimp Pizza, roasted eggplant, sauteed zucchini, Kalamata olives, sun dried tomatoes and prawns was right up my street.
All the portions were huge and we did our best, but some of us were not able to finish the main course. We paused for a little while until we made our minds up about dessert. Mary Ellen ordered

the Florida Key Lime Pie - Swiss meringue with a buttery graham cracker crust and I had

the Classic Carrot Cake with homemade cream cheese icing with candied pecans, one of the best carrot cakes I have ever had.
Joe and Tom didn't want ANY dessert, so they just asked for

coffee and got it! We had all enjoyed our lunch and were now on our way over to the Characters in Flight.

While we strolled over we could see the balloon sitting there and were joking that they were just waiting for us.
Little did we know that the balloon was grounded due to the wind situation. So we discussed what we all wanted to do and since Tom and I wanted to drive to Universal we just asked Mary Ellen and Joe to come along.

 

[tinacaplan]

All of the food looks fantastic. Unfortunately, WL holds little appeal for me. I'm sure its beautiful, but it just seems odd to try and recreate the Northwest in Florida.

Your meal at WPC looks fantastic, too. My mouth is watering.

And your evening EMHs at MK bring back such great memories.

 

[dizneeat]

All of the food looks fantastic. Unfortunately, WL holds little appeal for me. I'm sure its beautiful, but it just seems odd to try and recreate the Northwest in Florida.

Your meal at WPC looks fantastic, too. My mouth is watering.

And your evening EMHs at MK bring back such great memories.

Spending EMHs with friends is the best!

All of the food WAS fantastic - Artist Point and WPC - as a matter of fact, just the other day I talked to Tom and told him that I was craving the Shrimp pizza. It was pretty hot, but sooooooo good.

Now, your comment about the WL reminds me of a friend I have, hm, now come to think of it, I think her name is Tina too. She never wanted to stay at the BC until she tried it and loved it ......... sounds familiar? Sorry, Tina, just couldn't help myself!

 

[dizneeat]

Day 24, September 6

A washed out visit to Universal - Part 2

So we discussed what we all wanted to do and since Tom and I wanted to drive to Universal we just asked Mary Ellen and Joe to come along. We all squeezed into the car and off we went.
A short while later we arrived at the Universal parking structure, paid for parking and drove and drove until we found a parking space. We were on the top level and pointed out some of the attractions and hotels to our friends

before we tracked over to City Walk.

There were several shops we all wanted to visit, but the surfboard at the entrance to Citywalk attracted our attention and our friends had to do some surfing.

Then we browsed the Fossil and Fresh Produce store, watched the rides at the Studios for a while

and then decided on taking a boat ride to the Portofino Bay Hotel. We walked down to the boats and the Portofino Boat was about to leave, but the captain decided to wait and we could still get on. The boatride takes about 10 minutes and all of us really enjoyed it.

After we had gotten off the boat we explored the area and took a few fun photos.

While we had fun the heaven had turned grey and it started to rain, so we went to one of the little restaurants that was open for a snack. Joe wanted a brownie sundae! What we had ordered was supposed to be a "double" serving, but it was tiny!

They should go over to to Beaches and Cream and have a look at what a decent sundae looks like! Mary Ellen just wanted

some strawberry ice-cream. Tom and I shared

a strawberry tart and

some Orangina, which we remembered from "the real" Italy. Unfortunately it tasted different to what we remembered!
We sat and chatted for quite a while but the rain outside just got worse. There was no way we could go back to CityWalk on the boat, so we went to the reception area, where the shops are, picked up some ponchos and headed outside to catch one of the buses that go back to the parks area.
We waited for quite some time and even though the waiting area was covered, we were all happy to have our ponchos. Finally the bus arrived and we all got on. The bus picked up more passengers at the other hotels and finally we arrived back at CityWalk.
We then picked up our purchases from the stores and went over to Bubba Gump’s for an early dinner.

 

[dizneeat]

Happy New Year!

 

[Stefy]

Great updates Yummy dinner at AP, that tenderloin looks sooooo good

Bummer about the rain at US, but looks like you were having a good time though

 

[dizneeat]

Great updates Yummy dinner at AP, that tenderloin looks sooooo good

Bummer about the rain at US, but looks like you were having a good time though

We were pleasantly surprised with the dinner at AP, unfortunately we haven't made it back yet - but there are more trips in our future!

Yes, the rain was a HUGE bummer! The resort doesn't look all that glamorous when it rains.

 

[tinacaplan]

Spending EMHs with friends is the best!

Now, your comment about the WL reminds me of a friend I have, hm, now come to think of it, I think her name is Tina too. She never wanted to stay at the BC until she tried it and loved it ......... sounds familiar? Sorry, Tina, just couldn't help myself!

No..no. I think the idea of recreating the Pacific Northwest in Florida is absurd. But you're right...although, they rooms themselves just don't appeal to me, whereas at the BC, the rooms are light and pretty.

Day 24, September 6

A washed out visit to Universal - Part 2
some Orangina, which we remembered from "the real" Italy. Unfortunately it tasted different to what we remembered!

We then picked up our purchases from the stores and went over to Bubba Gump’s for an early dinner.

I love the vespas! Really cute. I've not been to Universal and doubt I will be for quite awhile.

I wonder if the Orangina in the states, which I love, has more sugar in it than the real Italian version. Knowing this country, I'm going with yes.

 

[jenseib]

getting caught up again. Loving the pictures though. The food looks great. i really want to head over to Universal sometime. I just need more days.

 

[dizneeat]

No..no. I think the idea of recreating the Pacific Northwest in Florida is absurd. But you're right...although, they rooms themselves just don't appeal to me, whereas at the BC, the rooms are light and pretty.

I love the vespas! Really cute. I've not been to Universal and doubt I will be for quite awhile.

I wonder if the Orangina in the states, which I love, has more sugar in it than the real Italian version. Knowing this country, I'm going with yes.

Tina, I am pretty sure, you'd love the WL if you stayed there - it's a beautiful resort and they really have done well with the theming.

We have been to UO quite often, used to go every trip, but somehow it doesn't draw us in that much any more. We always stayed at one of their hotels for the Front of the line pass and then found ourselves driving to Disney instead.

Since the Portofino is supposed to be an Italian resort they had a lot of Italian products, and I thought that the Orangina we had was an Italian one, but it just didn't taste like the one we were used to as kids. The one in Italy used to taste like fizzy orange juice, while this one had a nasty artificial taste. We will have to get one in Italy in early May when we go back for a long weekend.

getting caught up again. Loving the pictures though. The food looks great. i really want to head over to Universal sometime. I just need more days.

We all seem to play catch up all the time. It's easier for me at the moment as I am still on my holiday break, but I know once I am back to work, playing catch up is the game to play!
If you haven't been to UO lately there are lots of things that have changed or been added, but we won't hurry back to the parks soon. We will go back to Citywalk though - you know they have a Bubba Gump there.

 

[dizneeat]

Day 24, September 6

A washed out visit to Universal - Part 3

We then picked up our purchases from the stores and went over to Bubba Gump’s for an early dinner.
We were seated immediately and handed the menus. Joe thought we all needed some

Garlic Bread as a starter and indeed it was very good. Joe decided he didn't like anything on the fish/shellfish menu, so he stuck with ribs, but Mary Ellen and I had

the Dumb Luck Coconut Shrimp, served with Cajun Marmalade and Fries. I just LOVE those! The crisp, slightly sweet coconut batter and the juicy succulent shrimp make for a real excellent taste, which dipped into the Cajun Marmalade is even better.
As I said before I love them. It didn't look like Mary Ellen liked them. She kept peeling the batter off and just had them "plain".
Tom had

Shrimper’s Heaven, Hand Breaded Coconut Shrimp, Chilled Shrimp, Fried Shrimp, and Japanese style Tempura Shrimp with Fries. And of course it comes with great Dippin’ Sauces like Tangy Asian, Cajun Marmalade, and Zesty Cocktail Sauce.
Joe picked up the check once we had finished our early dinner and off we went to hike back to the car.
We drove back to Old Key West to spend some more time with our friends at our villa and indeed had a lot of fun there.
Later that evening we drove them back to the Wilderness Lodge and after we had dropped them off we felt the urge for something sweet. So we got out the GPS and off we went to Krispy Kreme in Kissimmee.
When we approached the shop, we could see the Hot Now sign from far away, so we were two very happy bunnies.

We parked the car, walked in and were immersed in the sweet smell. It didn’t take long until someone took our order and we bought two dozen doughnuts and a Diet Coke.

We went to one of the small tables at the back of the restaurant and inhaled some of those wonderful yummy goodies right there and then. All the time while we enjoyed our doughnuts we watched the conveyer belt producing more and more of these yummy sweet treats.

When we couldn’t eat any more we picked up the rest of our purchases and walked out to the car. Not all of the doughnuts we still had were to be consumed by us.
One dozen of them was for the guards at Old Key West. That is something we always do, get them some doughnuts and deliver them for welcoming us home every time we drive through those gates!
It is so sweet to see the surprise on their faces once they realize that THEY are on the receiving end of "pixie dust" for a change!
So when we approached the guard house, we were welcomed home and instead of slowly driving through we stopped and handed the surprised guard the box of doughnuts. Boy, she WAS surprised and promised to share with the rest of the guards.
We drove back to our villa and watched TV for a while, since we were on a sugar high and not tired at all. Around midnight we called it a day and went to bed. There were more adventures ahead of us the next day.