VILLAINS, ALIENS AND ALCOHOL, A JAN. 2016 TR W/ CLUB VILLAIN REVIEW *Final Update 3/27 *

[Vernie822]

I feel like Citrico's is a hidden gem - not that I've ever been there to know, but it seems like it doesn't get a lot of mention as far as being a great signature. But everything you had looks so good!

I always prefer drinking beer right from the bottle but I decided I'd class up a little bit and drink from a glass tonight. Steve did too, his just isn't in the picture.

Can never go wrong with a Blue Moon!

As he put the bread down he pointed out that the bread had Kalamata olives in it. I was psyched! I LOVE Kalamata olives! I spread that Christmas tree sea-salt butter all over that bread and chowed down. I was delicious. You could taste the olives but the taste wasn't overpowering. Steve likes them but doesn't love them like I do, but still enjoyed the bread. I totally ate more bread than I should have, especially since I ordered this for my appetizer

Olives are my favorite. And who doesn't like Christmas tree butter this looks SO good.

These shrimp were huge and Steve loved the feta and tomatoes with them. The sauce was light and fresh and Steve almost got another order. The main reason he didn't is because when Rony brought these apps, Steve went ahead and ordered the Citricos Green Salad, which I had no idea he was going to do!

YUM!

If you know where we went you're either laughing at us or feeling sorry for us. If you don't know where we went, you're 1. smarter than we are and 2. luckier. This my friends is inside Stitch's Great Escape, something I can now say is one of Disney's biggest screw-ups E-V-E-R. Please don't take offense, but what the HELL is this thing? I can't even call it an attraction. I can't even say I'm sorry if you like it. I'd heard all the negative reviews. I knew most people would say stay away. But we could never talk the boys into trying it and as I've said before, I like to say I've tried everything in Disney at least once. So, we decided to see what it was about.

HAHAHA... I am cracking up.. Justin is always like "maybe we should just ride it?" and I keep saying "NO, I am not going on that!" And, well that sealed the deal. Maybe you can relax and get one of those cream cheese pretzels while Chris gives it a chance

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Citrico's looks great! glad you enjoyed it.

Sounds like a fun evening at MK - other than Stitch. the previous version (Alien Encounter) was actually pretty cool and fairly scary - so much so they felt like they had to make it less scary ... but now it is just - odd

 

[ALEXandFAB]

I'm terrified of birds too...pigeons, chickens, ducks, pelicans, you name it. THIS would have made me and then .

This is perfection.

Nope, I was wrong before. THIS is perfection

The beginning wasn't too bad but once we sat down?? OMIGOD.

The ONE time we rode this (Dec. 2004) there was a bit of a line because it had just opened a few weeks prior. I remember we were so excited . Couple of clueless suckers is what we were.... Anyway, once on the ride I felt like I was being kept prisoner. Just straight-up being held against my will .

Now my 8 year old is determined to ride it because he loves Stitch so much. We've tried to talk him out of it, explaining as best we can just how terrible it is. But there's no talking sense to him. He MUST see for himself. Pray for me because come this November, I will have to experience Stitch's Great Escape once more . I may not make it out and if that's the case, what an awful way to go it will be!

When it was finally over we walked out in silence. We looked at each other and, without saying a word, understood this would never be spoken of again.

 

[Carathryn]

I am following along. I am very jealous of your Club Villain visit and that chocolate tiara! I will definitely have to give Citricos a try on my next trip. I'm sorry you had less than stellar food at Cali Grill but at least you got some added entertainment? I almost gave Stitch's Great Escape a try on my visit last month just to see what all of the complaints are about but after reading about your experience I think I am ok with not getting that experience.

 

[kastoney]

Well it only took me 2 months to get here, though with alcohol in the title I'm sure you find that hard to believe. But I just read the whole thing I promise. How fun just to take a trip with your hubby. That sounds glorious to me, but not sure the little one would allow it ; ) And of course I'm loving all the signatures and adult beverages. You 2 are certainly doing it right.

 

[ariane37]

I feel like Citrico's is a hidden gem - not that I've ever been there to know, but it seems like it doesn't get a lot of mention as far as being a great signature. But everything you had looks so good!

I feel the same about it being a hidden gem. When I made the ADR I tried finding reviews and they were few and far between. I think it's because it doesn't have any "extra's" like Narcoossee's or Cali Grill has fireworks viewing; it's also not "known" for anything, like Yachtsman is known for steak, or Jiko with it's African flair. And if someone asks about signatures at the GF, they're more likely to be directed to Narcoossee's with the view or V & A's if they're adults only.

HAHAHA... I am cracking up.. Justin is always like "maybe we should just ride it?" and I keep saying "NO, I am not going on that!" And, well that sealed the deal.

Tell Justin you're doing him a BIG favor! Besides, he should just learn now his wife is always right

Maybe you can relax and get one of those cream cheese pretzels while Chris gives it a chance

Ha ha perfect idea!

I'm terrified of birds too...pigeons, chickens, ducks, pelicans, you name it. THIS would have made me and then .

Yup, that's my sister. I purposely take up close pictures of birds while we're in WDW and Universal and send them to her just to antagonize her. Because I love her

Pray for me because come this November, I will have to experience Stitch's Great Escape once more . I may not make it out and if that's the case, what an awful way to go it will be!

If I see something come across FB from one of the Disney sites I follow along the lines of " Stitch Ride Claims Guest" - I will mourn for you And then hope they close it down so if you're there earlier in Nov. than we are, I won't have to ride it with Chris

 

[ariane37]

I am following along. I am very jealous of your Club Villain visit and that chocolate tiara! I will definitely have to give Citricos a try on my next trip. I'm sorry you had less than stellar food at Cali Grill but at least you got some added entertainment? I almost gave Stitch's Great Escape a try on my visit last month just to see what all of the complaints are about but after reading about your experience I think I am ok with not getting that experience.

and thanks for reading! Club Villain was AWESOME! I'm so excited that so far they've extended it to April, and hopeful it becomes a regular "thing"!
Yes, Citricos was excellent, so much so that we're most likely taking the boys when we go this Nov. CG was sort of a let down but I know SO many people love it, but that's the beauty of all the different restuarants in the World. Something for everyone! And honestly the view of Wishes from way up there was beautiful

Don't waste your time on Stitch! Run, quickly, in the other direction......

 

[ariane37]

Well it only took me 2 months to get here, though with alcohol in the title I'm sure you find that hard to believe. But I just read the whole thing I promise. How fun just to take a trip with your hubby. That sounds glorious to me, but not sure the little one would allow it ; ) And of course I'm loving all the signatures and adult beverages. You 2 are certainly doing it right.

Alcohol in the title is even in all caps! Maybe I needed to bold it for you Glad you're here!
Our adults only trips are like heaven, but believe me Chris does not like them. Ricky's fine, but when we did our first one last year when Chris was 9 he was pretty much a mess. Didn't stop us though We went, had a great time, and then stayed one night longer this year! He was better about it but still not happy. It would've been much harder when they were younger, though. Maybe you can try in another 3 or 4 years??
Now, whenever Chris is pissing - um, trying my patience, I just yell, "knock it off or Dad and I will go to Disney alone again!"

 

[ariane37]

Citrico's looks great! glad you enjoyed it.

Sounds like a fun evening at MK - other than Stitch. the previous version (Alien Encounter) was actually pretty cool and fairly scary - so much so they felt like they had to make it less scary ... but now it is just - odd

I never actually rode Alien Encounter but I have read that many people enjoyed it, certainly more than enjoy Stitch.
Does ANYONE enjoy Stitch??

 

[Tia1977]

I'm LOVING your TR! I'm more of a lurker, but I just HAD to come out of the shadows to say! Ha, I love it so much that when I was up at 2:30 am reading it and DIS went down (maybe due to time change, not sure?) I was like NOOOOOOO....... Like a silly kid, I woke up this am giddy to finish reading In fact, I may or may not start re-reading until your last day is finalized to get another fix Thank you soooo much for sharing!

 

[ariane37]

I'm LOVING your TR! I'm more of a lurker, but I just HAD to come out of the shadows to say! Ha, I love it so much that when I was up at 2:30 am reading it and DIS went down (maybe due to time change, not sure?) I was like NOOOOOOO....... Like a silly kid, I woke up this am giddy to finish reading In fact, I may or may not start re-reading until your last day is finalized to get another fix Thank you soooo much for sharing!

Aw, thank you so much, that's so sweet Especially since this (and my Nov. one I'm doing at the same time lol) are my first ever TR's

I hate the spring time change for a couple reasons and now if it affects the Dis, there's another one to add to the list!

So glad you're enjoying, I'll try to keep our last day interesting

 

[MickeyReeds]

This my friends is inside Stitch's Great Escape, something I can now say is one of Disney's biggest screw-ups E-V-E-R. Please don't take offense, but what the HELL is this thing? I can't even call it an attraction.

Not to mention I spent the entire time trying to get out from under the restraints like a toddler trying to undo their 5 pt. harness car seat . Most uncomfortable restraints anywhere.

This made me laugh out loud! Then I shared with my DH and my kids (who are not too thrilled about us going alone this time) and they all thought it was hilarious! This is exactly how we felt when we "experienced" it for the first and last time last summer. It was AWFUL!

 

[Timon]

I am all caught up


Okay, Villains party looked totally wicked

So neat to see the Queen of Hearts as a FACE character!!!

We love Boma breakfast!!! One of the best buffets, in my opinion!!!

Loved the Goldbergs props, I cannot tell you how much I love that show!!! So many memories and soooo funny!!!

Funny, I have been wanting to stay at the Poly my entire life and I also rented points and stayed in the villas this trip, we were in the longhouse right next to the one you stayed at. I also did not fall in love with it

When Stitch's Escape was Alien Encounter, it was so much better! I was mad when they made into Stitch's Crapscape, I refuse to see it again..one and done!!!

I know where those special hieroglyphs in GMR are but even knowing where they are, it's still hard to see. I tried to take some photos this time but they didn't turn out so well.

Your Pinocchio's food looked really good! I can't remember the last time we ate there, probably in 2000 during our Key to the World Tour and it was crap

Looking forward to the rest

 

[ariane37]

We were up bright and early on Wednesday because 1.it was our last day and 2. we had an 8am BOG breakfast ADR.
Good morning chilly Orlando!

I'm not sure I talked about BOG at all in this TR, but we've had dinner there 6x and all were great experiences as far as meals and service. Definitely one of our favorite TS's. In fact, I had it booked for this trip but we decided we really wanted to try more new-to-us places so we cancelled. We've done lunch once and found it just ok. I've kind of felt like we should do breakfast just to say we've done all 3 meals, but the price is kind of ridiculous (and this was before the recent crazy price hike!) so......yeah, we'd never done breakfast.

BUT, DME was going to be picking us up at the Poly at 11:30 and I really wanted to get some morning park time in, since this was the first time since 2012 that we didn't have our next trip booked already. That's scary What if WDW disappeared before we returned? Or what if we didn't get back for like 18 months, and all of a sudden all these new lands were open in say......Hollywood Studios?
Nah, never happen- moving on.......

So I wanted to get into the park as early as possible and I figured a PPO ADR would work well here. Definitely didn't want Crystal Palace or CRT and since it was only 2 of us, the BOG price didn't bother me so much. We brought our luggage over to the Great Ceremonial House to check it and hop on the monorail to the MK.

This is a neat piece of art hanging on the wall as you walk down the stairs in the GCH to the first floor. It might be bamboo? Notice the hidden Mickey's in there



We got on the monorail at 7:23 and were through bag check by 7:33. This was our first experience with a pre-park opening ADR and we weren't sure exactly what you do. Turns out everyone goes over to the left and checks in with a CM with an Ipad, and then proceeds to a line also on the left. This is for everyone, whether you're going to BOG or CP or CRT and regardless what time. This picture is looking at the entrance after we checked in and got on the breakfast ADR line just after a bus had pulled right up front and unloaded. The bus pulled up at 7:36 if any of you are wondering about how early buses may get you to parks for early ADR's, but I didn't notice what resort it was from.



I don't know if they let everyone in at the same time, so I don't know how late all the people there had ADR's for. Was there a cutoff like 8:30? Or all pre-parks up till 9? Whatever the case we were fairly close to the front of the line but by the time they let us in at 7:50 there were ALOT of folks coming in behind us. Not that it was important to me, but it wouldn't have been that difficult to get a picture of the castle without anyone around



We decided to walk through the castle - let me rephrase that - my husband decided we should walk through the castle, since it seems whenever we're near it it's blocked off. I ended up getting this neat picture



I love this shot! As I said we've never done a PPO reservation. We've done morning EMH but at MK we never head to Fantasyland so I'm never by the castle first thing when there's now crowds; my boys were never interested in having their picture taken in front of it with nobody around.......but I loved looking down Main St. FROM the castle instead of the other way around.

Here's a shot of an empty Fantasyland over by Peter Pan and Small World



We got to BOG right about 8:00, checked in and got in line on the bridge. The folks behind us had an 8:25 ADR and came in at the same time we did. A couple minutes after we got in line, all the CM's from BOG came out and did a little opening spiel. I saw it out of the corner of my eye but unfortunately didn't hear it. The couple behind us were from Ga. and were VERY unhappy with the weather, and were busy telling us so. They have NO idea how those of us "up north" manage! And forget those of you who deal with temps below 0 on a regular basis, ya'll are nuts! LOL it was funny. My sister moved to Ga. last July and all of a sudden, 50 degrees is horrendously chilly to her.

We had pre-ordered to save some time so after we handed in our yellow rose confirming they had our order, we headed to a table in the West Wing which is my favorite room. It's apparently everyone's favorite room because except for a huge table for 10, we got the last empty table. Three different parties ended up sharing that table which was nice. There was a bit of a mix-up with our food, the mix-up being they lost our order, so it took just over 10 minutes before we were served while other parties had their food a minute or two after sitting down. Not a big deal other than wanting to try and get on 7DMT at least once before the RD crowd came in.

Shortly before our food came, our server brought out the pastry plate that everyone receives



I was a little disappointed that we didn't have an apple Danish on our plate since Disney apple Danish is AWESOME, and a couple tables around us had some. But the cinnamon roll and blueberry muffin were good. Steve had the chocolate-filled pastry and liked that, also.

I ordered the Eggs Florentine, a puffed pastry shell filled with scrambled eggs, cheese and spinach which came with a side of ham and roasted plum tomatoes




Steve ate my ham and said it was good. I loved the eggs and the pastry, the eggs were moist but not runny and the pastry was flaky and not too dry. The tomatoes were good with a little seasoning on them, too.

Since Steve isn't a big breakfast person and wasn't thrilled with any of the choices on the adult menu, he had me order him the kids French Toast. I was hysterical when they placed his dish in front of him



Don't get me wrong, the presentation is nice and it's the perfect size for a small child. But Steve is a big man-child. This was like 3 pieces of French toast the size of Oreos with fruit. He said it was good, though! And as I mentioned, I did let him have my ham.

Our food was good. It wasn't anything special and certainly didn't hold a candle to BOG dinner. I was glad we did this to get into the park early and I understand the draw. As we were eating we discussed doing this with the boys; at that point we said MAYBE if we were there again during a busy time where it absolutely made sense to be there pre-RD. However after this latest BOG breakfast price hike? No way!

But at least on this particular day it DID enable us to ride the mine train without a wait or a FP. We had gotten our food about 8:20 and walked out of there at 8:37, directly over to 7DMT. There were about 15 people in line so I got behind them while Steve ran over to the restroom by Gastons. We figured we had at least 10 minutes before they let us on, but then the CM smiled and said "OK, you can go through!" at 7:42! So I texted him and went on by myself When I got off I had a text from Steve that he got on, so I waited for him at the exit and we rode again, walking right on. When we got off the 2nd time it was still only 8:50 but the rope drop crowd had arrived. The stand-by time had been put at 40 which I thought was weird, but the line was crazy!! No 3rd ride for us, but I was very happy with 2. I think it's way too short a ride but I still enjoy it. Plus is was such a cold morning and once the mine carts got moving it was cold on them, too!

Once we decided we were done with the Dwarves we were also done with Fantasyland. It wasn't quite 9:00 and we had just about 2 hours before we had to mope on to the monorial back to the Poly where the dreaded Magical Express would be waiting for us.

UP NEXT: WE FINISH MK AND HEAD HOME

 

[Grumpy's Wife]

I'm about half way through reading your trip report. I'm loving it! Time to leave work for the day so I'll finish tomorrow. I'm living through you going with just the husband. Although my kids are older now I'd still love to get there by ourselves one day.

 

[kastoney]

What if WDW disappeared before we returned? Or what if we didn't get back for like 18 months, and all of a sudden all these new lands were open in say......Hollywood Studios?
Nah, never happen- moving on.......

Or what if it wasn't Hollywood Studios at all and they started calling it MGM again

We got on the monorail at 7:23 and were through bag check by 7:33.

Awesome. So love staying at the Poly

We decided to walk through the castle - let me rephrase that - my husband decided we should walk through the castle, since it seems whenever we're near it it's blocked off. I ended up getting this neat picture

What a great picture, don't think I've ever seen so few people there.

I ordered the Eggs Florentine, a puffed pastry shell filled with scrambled eggs, cheese and spinach which came with a side of ham and roasted plum tomatoes

Yum, this looks delicious. Is that the same shell they use for their seafood dish at night?

Since Steve isn't a big breakfast person and wasn't thrilled with any of the choices on the adult menu, he had me order him the kids French Toast. I was hysterical when they placed his dish in front of him

Certainly not a manly breakfast

So I texted him and went on by myself When I got off I had a text from Steve that he got on, so I waited for him at the exit and we rode again, walking right on. When we got off the 2nd time it was still only 8:50 but the rope drop crowd had arrived.

How awesome!!!! Guess the early morning ADR paid off

 

[kellykaiko]

Loving your trip report! We also stayed at Kidani during this same week this year. We absolutely love WDW in January, low crowds and cool temperatures make it one of my favorite times to visit!

We were very happy with our room and even happier in the morning when we woke up, looked out the window and saw this:

Over to the right more we could see the covered walkway with outside entrances to the Mara, Boma, the arcade and the fitness room. Every morning when we'd look outside we'd see maintenance spraying down the pool area, but being on the 5th floor we couldn't really hear it even on the balcony. It was very peaceful in the mornings and interesting to watch the couple times we stopped back in the room during the day.

NEXT UP: EPCOT AND CLUB VILLAIN!!!!!

 

[ariane37]

Okay, Villains party looked totally wicked

So neat to see the Queen of Hearts as a FACE character!!!

It was great! When the Queen of Hearts walked on stage you could hear all the gasps in the audience, everyone was surprised and she was such a great meet! I've seen pictures from other nights and it looks like there are at least 2 "friends" of the QoH - the one we had looked better

Loved the Goldbergs props, I cannot tell you how much I love that show!!! So many memories and soooo funny!!!

I can't find too many people who watch the show for some reason, but everyone who does, loves it! Especially those of us who grew up around that time......I love Bev's outfits and when they bleep out what she says lol

When Stitch's Escape was Alien Encounter, it was so much better! I was mad when they made into Stitch's Crapscape, I refuse to see it again..one and done!!!

I really wish I'd done Alien Encounter, don't know why I never did. But I have yet to see anyone say Stitch is better.

You will NEVER catch me on it again unless someone pays me some REALLY BIG BUCKS to ride it

Your Pinocchio's food looked really good! I can't remember the last time we ate there, probably in 2000 during our Key to the World Tour and it was crap

We were both surprised that it was good, although I do know a few friends who eat there every time they go. I still prefer CHH but at least now it's another option at MK. The pizza even looked good and in general I'm not a big fan of Disney QS pizza. Give it a shot again!

This made me laugh out loud! Then I shared with my DH and my kids (who are not too thrilled about us going alone this time) and they all thought it was hilarious! This is exactly how we felt when we "experienced" it for the first and last time last summer. It was AWFUL!

OMG I don't know whose idea that ride was but I hope they made them surrender their "ears" If someone you know is going to Disney, asks your advice and you want to play a cute trick on them, have them try the Beverly at Club Cool in Epcot. If said person asking advice is someone you're not fond of, tell them to be sure to make rope drop and head right for Stitch

That's funny your kids aren't thrilled you and DH are going alone, since from your signature it looks like they're older! Ricky doesn't seem to care but Chris hates it. When we went for the first time alone last year he was a wreck This year he did better but facetimed us like 5x a day lol. Last night Steve was joking around and told them he and I were going again by ourselves in July: Ricky was like "ok" but Chris screams, "WHAT??!!"

 

[ariane37]

Yum, this looks delicious. Is that the same shell they use for their seafood dish at night?

We believe it is Steve actually said that when they brought this out. Steve loves the seafood puff pastry at dinner.

Or what if it wasn't Hollywood Studios at all and they started calling it MGM again

LMAO!! And gave it a theme like..........."a Hollywood that never was, and always will be"

I'm about half way through reading your trip report. I'm loving it! Time to leave work for the day so I'll finish tomorrow. I'm living through you going with just the husband. Although my kids are older now I'd still love to get there by ourselves one day.

and thank you for reading! I'm glad I can make your work day a little more enjoyable A few years ago I never thought Steve and I would be able to go by ourselves and now I can't believe we've done it twice!! It's really so awesome and a different experience than going with kids - even though I love my trips with the boys, too

Loving your trip report! We also stayed at Kidani during this same week this year. We absolutely love WDW in January, low crowds and cool temperatures make it one of my favorite times to visit!

Thanks and to you too! We were pleasantly surprised that, even over MLK weekend, the crowds were extremely manageable and lower than we expected. If the weather was a tad warmer we would have called it perfect weather, but other than that yes, January seems like a good month to go! And we fell in love with AKV Still working out renting points for our stay this Nov!

 

[Timon]

Your last day, how sad

I love getting to the parks early and it's so much easier without kids

I thought the prices before were a little ridiculous for that breakfast but now, I feel the same as you...NO WAY!!! Oh well, we will stick with lunch and maybe try dinner one day.

Two rides on 7DMT yay!!! I concur, too short of a ride