VWL Groupies & Lovers Thread (Special Collectors Edition 2.5) updated 2 February 2025

[MiaSRN62]

HI!!!

I am to be re-evaluated Monday plus I see my surgeon so I will know a lot more then. I still lack on some range of motion, but I think I can live with what I have.

Some good news Kathy! Hopefully you will continue to get stronger with some improved range of motion.

 

[ottawagreg]

Hello Groupies. I am getting ready to pack it in for the evening. Four consecutive days golfing, and my back is sore. The weather in Illinois has been completely awesome. The best summer for weather that I can recall in my fifty-five years. I have not been here in awhile, so I am trying to catch up.

My belated Happy Birthday to Tammy. Did you spend your birthday at WDW? If so that is a very nice way celebrate. I don't have any awesome clip art like most of you folks. So I guess bold font will have to do. I have Disney graphics envy when I see all the great postings here.

Hello Happydinks! Don't recall seeing that name before. I should have thought of something snappy and cool like that. I have no imagination. October should be a great time of year to vacation in Orlando. The heat has to be done with, and there appears to be no hurricanes on the horizon. So good for you. Hope your trip is a great one.

We are starting to plan our Christmas trip, our first time at the castle during the holiday season. Looks like we are in for new experience. Many of our most favorite restaurants are already booked. Kat4 recommends Cali Grill but no luck for now. Any way I am wondering about Monsieur Paul. Does anyone here have an opinion or an experience to share. All I can tell is that I may have to sell my golf clubs to pay the check. Four dollar signs! Yikes!! My daughter wants to go. Have a hard time telling her no sometimes.

Have a great week everyone!

 

[MaryJ]

Hello Groupies. I am getting ready to pack it in for the evening. Four consecutive days golfing, and my back is sore. The weather in Illinois has been completely awesome. The best summer for weather that I can recall in my fifty-five years. I have not been here in awhile, so I am trying to catch up.

My belated Happy Birthday to Tammy. Did you spend your birthday at WDW? If so that is a very nice way celebrate. I don't have any awesome clip art like most of you folks. So I guess bold font will have to do. I have Disney graphics envy when I see all the great postings here.

Hello Happydinks! Don't recall seeing that name before. I should have thought of something snappy and cool like that. I have no imagination. October should be a great time of year to vacation in Orlando. The heat has to be done with, and there appears to be no hurricanes on the horizon. So good for you. Hope your trip is a great one.

We are starting to plan our Christmas trip, our first time at the castle during the holiday season. Looks like we are in for new experience. Many of our most favorite restaurants are already booked. Kat4 recommends Cali Grill but no luck for now. Any way I am wondering about Monsieur Paul. Does anyone here have an opinion or an experience to share. All I can tell is that I may have to sell my golf clubs to pay the check. Four dollar signs! Yikes!! My daughter wants to go. Have a hard time telling her no sometimes.

Have a great week everyone!

We have been to Monsieur Paul twice and all I can say is Yes, it's expensive but it's worth every penny! It may very well be Disney's TRUE best kept secret! We ate there for my birthday one year and had a table by a window with a view of Illuminations. Not a completely unobstructed view, but better than what was outside because it was raining at the time!

I can't remember what we had to eat, but I do remember that it was delicious! If you can save up the $$$$, I say try it.

 

[eliza61]

My belated Happy Birthday to Tammy. Did you spend your birthday at WDW? If so that is a very nice way celebrate. I don't have any awesome clip art like most of you folks. So I guess bold font will have to do. I have Disney graphics envy when I see all the great postings here.


We are starting to plan our Christmas trip, our first time at the castle during the holiday season. Looks like we are in for new experience. Many of our most favorite restaurants are already booked. Kat4 recommends Cali Grill but no luck for now. Any way I am wondering about Monsieur Paul. Does anyone here have an opinion or an experience to share. All I can tell is that I may have to sell my golf clubs to pay the check. Four dollar signs! Yikes!! My daughter wants to go. Have a hard time telling her no sometimes.

Have a great week everyone!

I tried Monsieur Paul's last October with a friend. Loved it. How old is your daughter? I mean, I wouldn't take a kid there. It is one of the few places at the world I would do again.

We did the prix fixe menu which was 90 bucks each (ouch) My girlfriend that I went with is the type that likes to "dress" for dinner so we gave it a try.

Service is very personal. artisan bread brought fresh to your table. Maitre D that comes to your table to make sure every thing is to your liking.
The prix fixe gives you an appetizer, an entrée and a dessert . there usually is 3 or 4 choices in each category.

The wine guy ( I know there's a fancy word for him) was helpful and funny. really asking our preferences when suggesting a wine.

Décor is wonderful, once again very intimate and a lot less noisy than most Disney restaurants.

Ok, be ready. Our price tag after the TIW discount was $237.00 bucks. tag on a 40 dollar tip and it was almost 150 pp. You have been warned lol

ps. I would gladly sell one of the kids for a dessert call Le Mille-feuille. roughly translate (a thousand leaves). some type of puff pastry with crème and lemon sauce and strawberries.

 

[sleepydog25]

I tried Monsieur Paul's last October with a friend. Loved it. How old is your daughter? I mean, I wouldn't take a kid there. It is one of the few places at the world I would do again.

We did the prix fixe menu which was 90 bucks each (ouch) My girlfriend that I went with is the type that likes to "dress" for dinner so we gave it a try.

Service is very personal. artisan bread brought fresh to your table. Maitre D that comes to your table to make sure every thing is to your liking.
The prix fixe gives you an appetizer, an entrée and a dessert . there usually is 3 or 4 choices in each category.

The wine guy ( I know there's a fancy word for him) was helpful and funny. really asking our preferences when suggesting a wine.

Décor is wonderful, once again very intimate and a lot less noisy than most Disney restaurants.

Ok, be ready. Our price tag after the TIW discount was $237.00 bucks. tag on a 40 dollar tip and it was almost 150 pp. You have been warned lol

ps. I would gladly sell one of the kids for a dessert call Le Mille-feuille. roughly translate (a thousand leaves). some type of puff pastry with crème and lemon sauce and strawberries.

All of you are making me want to try Monsieur Paul's. We've thought about it but have not done so out of concern for quality. We don't mind dropping money on fine dining just not on fine dining that isn't. Also, the fancy word is sommelier.

 

[eliza61]

All of you are making me want to try Monsieur Paul's. We've thought about it but have not done so out of concern for quality. We don't mind dropping money on fine dining just not on fine dining that isn't. Also, the fancy word is sommelier.

THAT'S IT!! Said in my best Lucy Van Pelt imitation

Lol

Sleep, consistency is one of the big issues with Disney restaurants. You are absolutely right. I've been burned by many a meals that way. We're planning a trip for next August with some cousins and I would love to plan a meal there but boyo will I be salty if the quality dives

 

[sleepydog25]

THAT'S IT!! Said in my best Lucy Van Pelt imitation

Lol

Sleep, consistency is one of the big issues with Disney restaurants. You are absolutely right. I've been burned by many a meals that way. We're planning a trip for next August with some cousins and I would love to plan a meal there but boyo will I be salty if the quality dives

Having owned a wine shop has its advantage.

Speaking of consistency, we had to dine at AP when were at WDW recently. Overall, we were happy with the food and experience, though I'm saddened the buffalo filet now comes with a lobster tail, too, as part of some upscale surf and turf. While good, it lacks focus, thus lacks cohesiveness as a meal--it was if I was eating two different meals piled onto one plate. The portobello soup remained delicious, and the Cornish game hen my daughter had was scrumptious. The berry cobbler has actually improved over the last time I had it two years ago. While there were a few minor issues, in the larger picture, AP is still a very good go-to restaurant.

At this point, I must relate a funny story, and I hope it doesn't offend anyone who might find a particular server as their favorite. His name is Izzy, and he likes to call himself Dizzy Izzy. Again, if you love him, I apologize, and I understand how he can make people feel special since he tries so hard. The problem is he tries too hard with us. We had him once about three years or so ago, and we loved him at first. However, as the meal dragged on, his constant chatting began to wear us down as we prefer each other's company and conversation. Fast forward to 10 days ago, and we had my DD14 with us who also loves AP. We made a joke that we hoped a certain CM wouldn't be our server if he was even still at the restaurant. My daughter asked why, and we just said he wasn't our favorite and left it at that.

We were seated by a nice gentleman named Dave who we figured would be our server which made us breathe a sigh of relief. After settling us in, he turned to us and said, "Your server will be right with you, and his name is Izzy." We burst out laughing, and my daughter asked, "What's so funny?" We told her he was the server in question. She inquired again why we didn't prefer him, and no sooner did those words come out of his mouth, when Izzy popped up at the table. If you don't know Izzy, he is full of energy and gushes. . .a lot. He is a non-stop bundle of nervous vim and vigor with scads of detailed information about the menu and wine list. Five minutes later, he stopped, said he'd go get water, then he'd return to check on what we wanted for drinks. We looked at my daughter, and her eyes were huge, and she slowly turned her face our direction as if incredulous with the firestorm that was Izzy. I asked, "You understand now?" and all she could do was laugh and nod affirmatively. I'm laughing as I type this note, in fact.

Honestly, Izzy isn't terrible, and we had a good meal both times. Yet, for our tastes, he's overly intrusive and quite inefficient. Both meals with him as our server have taken nearly two and a half hours. I suppose if we only get him once every three years or so, it'll be okay.

 

[DiznyDi]

Loved your story, sleepy!
DDad and I have eaten many meals at AP, and we've not ever had the pleasure of having Izzy as our server. Too bad for us, I guess

JT, you've got a wedding coming up. Any details you'd like to share? I've been following your daughter on FB. Such an exciting time for your family!

Kathy, hope you had a good report from your Dr!

 

[jimmytammy]

WDW restaurants have been still high on our list of wonderful treats to do. Now I say this in regards to recent meals we have had. San Angel Inn has been up to par recently, The Wave for breakfast very good, Via Napoli, very good pizza, and AKL room service for breakfast, tasty. Rose and Crown is a must do these days as well. I do think as many will say, DDP has dumbed a lot of the really top notch places down. But for us, the appeal of WDW goes beyond the parks, and into the eateries. If it aint good, I aint goin back

Di
You are right, the wedding is slipping up very quick. I know my DD will not see this so I can share some of the details. Tonight, she revealed ideas for piano music to be played before and after the ceremony. This includes We Go On and Promise from Illuminations as folks are exiting after the ceremony, she knew this would make me smile. Another cool thing, she will have our local Alamance Jazz Band that plays mostly 40s style Glenn Miller type music for the reception. Keep this under your hat or else its for me!!

 

[twokats]

Kathy, hope you had a good report from your Dr!

I was released from therapy today. It will be unusual not going in on Wednesday.

My doctor said I am about 85% healed. They said do my home exercises and they will see me in two months. Now to get ready for the September and October cruises and visits to WDW.

 

[eliza61]

I was released from therapy today. It will be unusual not going in on Wednesday.

My doctor said I am about 85% healed. They said do my home exercises and they will see me in two months. Now to get ready for the September and October cruises and visits to WDW.

CONGRATULATIONS

I have admired your grace and positive outlook through this entire thing Kats.

 

[MaryJ]

Having owned a wine shop has its advantage.

Speaking of consistency, we had to dine at AP when were at WDW recently. Overall, we were happy with the food and experience, though I'm saddened the buffalo filet now comes with a lobster tail, too, as part of some upscale surf and turf. While good, it lacks focus, thus lacks cohesiveness as a meal--it was if I was eating two different meals piled onto one plate. The portobello soup remained delicious, and the Cornish game hen my daughter had was scrumptious. The berry cobbler has actually improved over the last time I had it two years ago. While there were a few minor issues, in the larger picture, AP is still a very good go-to restaurant.

At this point, I must relate a funny story, and I hope it doesn't offend anyone who might find a particular server as their favorite. His name is Izzy, and he likes to call himself Dizzy Izzy. Again, if you love him, I apologize, and I understand how he can make people feel special since he tries so hard. The problem is he tries too hard with us. We had him once about three years or so ago, and we loved him at first. However, as the meal dragged on, his constant chatting began to wear us down as we prefer each other's company and conversation. Fast forward to 10 days ago, and we had my DD14 with us who also loves AP. We made a joke that we hoped a certain CM wouldn't be our server if he was even still at the restaurant. My daughter asked why, and we just said he wasn't our favorite and left it at that.

We were seated by a nice gentleman named Dave who we figured would be our server which made us breathe a sigh of relief. After settling us in, he turned to us and said, "Your server will be right with you, and his name is Izzy." We burst out laughing, and my daughter asked, "What's so funny?" We told her he was the server in question. She inquired again why we didn't prefer him, and no sooner did those words come out of his mouth, when Izzy popped up at the table. If you don't know Izzy, he is full of energy and gushes. . .a lot. He is a non-stop bundle of nervous vim and vigor with scads of detailed information about the menu and wine list. Five minutes later, he stopped, said he'd go get water, then he'd return to check on what we wanted for drinks. We looked at my daughter, and her eyes were huge, and she slowly turned her face our direction as if incredulous with the firestorm that was Izzy. I asked, "You understand now?" and all she could do was laugh and nod affirmatively. I'm laughing as I type this note, in fact.

Honestly, Izzy isn't terrible, and we had a good meal both times. Yet, for our tastes, he's overly intrusive and quite inefficient. Both meals with him as our server have taken nearly two and a half hours. I suppose if we only get him once every three years or so, it'll be okay.

I have to agree with you about the berry cobbler, but for one reason in particular. When we were at AP in January for DH's birthday, I had informed Disney Dining that I needed a dairy free meal. At the end of the meal, our server (not Izzy, but we have had him in the past!) informed us that for the first time that night, they were offering a dairy free, gluten free and sugar free cobbler. I asked him if it was also taste free, and he said all the servers had tried it and it was very good. He was right! It was so good in fact, that when I came back the next month for the Princess Half Marathon and we ate at WCC, I asked my server if she could get it for me for my dessert. She did, I ate half of it, took the rest back to my room and had it for breakfast the next morning!

 

[ottawagreg]

We have been to Monsieur Paul twice and all I can say is Yes, it's expensive but it's worth every penny! It may very well be Disney's TRUE best kept secret! I can't remember what we had to eat, but I do remember that it was delicious! If you can save up the $$$$, I say try it.

Ok, be ready. Our price tag after the TIW discount was $237.00 bucks. tag on a 40 dollar tip and it was almost 150 pp. You have been warned lol

ps. I would gladly sell one of the kids for a dessert call Le Mille-feuille. roughly translate (a thousand leaves). some type of puff pastry with crème and lemon sauce and strawberries.

Thanks for the input ladies!

My daughter is fifteen so she would appreciate it. We don't drink, so that would save some cash. But I'm hearing $300 for supper. I dunno.... I'll have to ponder that some more. We can dine at artist point twice for that kind of cabbage!

Twokats, I have been following your posts from afar and have had no comments to make. I cannot recall one word of complaint, nor self pity. You have handled this season in your life with a lot of class. May God bless you, and I hope the rest of the rehab be less painful and short lived.

 

[Corinne]

THAT'S IT!! Said in my best Lucy Van Pelt imitation

Lol

How did I never know Lucy's last name was Van Pelt?

my DD will not see this so I can share some of the details. Tonight, she revealed ideas for piano music to be played before and after the ceremony. This includes We Go On and Promise from Illuminations as folks are exiting after the ceremony, she knew this would make me smile.

Oh man, that just gave me goosebumps!

I was released from therapy today. It will be unusual not going in on Wednesday.

My doctor said I am about 85% healed. They said do my home exercises and they will see me in two months. Now to get ready for the September and October cruises and visits to WDW.

Great news Kathy! Hope you're feeling better each and every day!

 

[jimmytammy]

Happy Birthday Dynaguy!!!!

 

[twokats]

CONGRATULATIONS

I have admired your grace and positive outlook through this entire thing Kats.

Twokats, I have been following your posts from afar and have had no comments to make. I cannot recall one word of complaint, nor self pity. You have handled this season in your life with a lot of class. May God bless you, and I hope the rest of the rehab be less painful and short lived.

Great news Kathy! Hope you're feeling better each and every day!

Thanks. . . . I appreciate ya'll more than you will ever know. I am sometimes amazed at my outlook myself. My family says they feel that this is one way that God slows me down. (Sometimes I agree with them) I know others that have dealt with worse health issues than I have, but I just praise God that he has given me the ability to deal with them at this stage in my life and can continue with most of my usual activities (especially WDW and Disney Cruising) and I hope that my testimony thru this helps someone along the way with something in their life. OK enough of me. . . .


Happy Birthday Dynaguy!

 

[DiznyDi]

Wishing Dynaguy a very Happy Birthday! Enjoy your special day!

Yea Kathy! Keep up the good work! At 'our' age, those 'ole bones don't heal as quick as they once did. You should be in pretty good shape for your cruise, right?

JT, thanks for sharing details of the upcoming nuptials. That day will be here before you know it. Certainly opening a new chapter in life for your family. You won't be gaining a son-in-law, but rather a son-in-love. How many days left?

It's to rain ALL day today! Probably a good day to put a pot of soup on the stove.

Enjoy your day, Groupies!

 

[jimmytammy]

Di
She is getting married on Sept. 13, not sure how many days we are away(though I can tell you exactly how many days are left til our 1st Disney cruise). We are looking 4wd to it and hoping it all to go off without a hitch. Thanks for all your well wishes, prayers and good thoughts thrown our way!

twokats
I too have thought how much of a trooper you have been through it all, and how much you have inspired so many of us. Keep on the sunny side as its way better than the alternative for sure...as you have done

 

[twinklebug]

Happy Birthday Dynaguy!

 

[sleepydog25]

Happy Birthday Dynaguy!

I second this sentiment!