VWL Lovers & Groupies thread: It all started with a Moose

[Dizny Dad]

Washing down a good fruit cake (DiznyDi makes a great one as long as I stay out of the kitchen) with a 12 ounce eggnog is what holiday eating is all about.

Please send all your fruitcakes here: the eggnog is ready.

Merry Christmas.

 

[sleepydog25]

Sorry to have missed you all, but we not only had a scheduling conflict on for Monday's meet, but as it turns out, I was sick as, pardon the pun, a dog all day Monday. I'll spare you the details but suffice to say it was so bad that I was MIA all day and night.

Still, the trip was a good, albeit short, one that was made even moreso by the aforementioned Dark Monday (no, that is not a shopping holiday). Despite the cold, we had a blast. The parks were amazingly uncrowded, especially since we hit them early and late. One morning in the Kingdom, I thought maybe we had mistakenly been let in with the cast members as we wandered around and spent no more than three minutes in any line for nearly two hours. That night was a Party, so perhaps folks were waiting to show up late. In any case, we disregarded a couple of park strategists' plans which called for avoiding EMHs and other such moves and went with our instincts. . .and we were spot on.

The Lodge was gorgeous, of course, and it was my first time to see it in all its splendor gussied up for the holidays. Amazing. Our room was immaculate and in a great location where we caught both the EWP on the lake and could see much of Wishes over at the Kingdom a couple of the nights. The temps didn't keep us from riding Splash, either, and yes we got soaked.

Artist Point still gets high marks, though our service the second time around left quite a bit to be desired. That's the first bad service I've had their in eight trips. However, we did V & A's which more than made up for that poor service. It was truly outstanding.

We had to leave too soon, of course, but I'm sure another trip will be in the planning stage soon. Again, sorry to have missed meeting you all, but perhaps we'll see you at some point down the road.

 

[Muushka]

Hi Sleepy

I am sorry you were sick. No fun. But even though you weren't with us, we did use your info for our ice breaker.
So you were with us in spirit.

 

[Muushka]

Where is WD? I miss his dancing men! It was great meeting you WD and your wife and son.

 

[horselover]

Sorry to have missed you all, but we not only had a scheduling conflict on for Monday's meet, but as it turns out, I was sick as, pardon the pun, a dog all day Monday. I'll spare you the details but suffice to say it was so bad that I was MIA all day and night.


However, we did V & A's which more than made up for that poor service. It was truly outstanding.

Sorry you had to spend part of your trip being ill Sleepdog. Sounds like you were still able to make the best of most of the trip.

Would you mind sharing the details of your V&A experience? I've often considered trying it for a special occasion, but I'm not that much of an adventurous eater so I'm worried I may not liked what's being served. I understand it's a rotating menu. Please do tell all if you don't mind!

 

[jimmytammy]

Eliza

That is too funny about the fruitcake and eggnog

It reminds me of my mom and her "concoctions" around Christmas time.

Once, she made eggnog, had way more nog than egg in it. We accused her of trying to make sure the eggs were cured of any possible salmonella by killing it off with alcohol! If any one would have lit a match, I wouldnt be here today!

Another time, we had a family Christmas get together with about 50 or so of her relatives. My mom made rumballs and they were a hit with a particular great uncle who at the time was in his 80s. He ate half the tin full of the things and was feeling no pain, and this was before we could get the party started good! My mom had doused the things so much, you could smell them across the room when you walked in the door. My great uncle was laughing and giggling and having a grand time. This all took place in a church, no less!

 

[Muushka]

Eliza

That is too funny about the fruitcake and eggnog

It reminds me of my mom and her "concoctions" around Christmas time.

Once, she made eggnog, had way more nog than egg in it. We accused her of trying to make sure the eggs were cured of any possible salmonella by killing it off with alcohol! If any one would have lit a match, I wouldnt be here today!

Another time, we had a family Christmas get together with about 50 or so of her relatives. My mom made rumballs and they were a hit with a particular great uncle who at the time was in his 80s. He ate half the tin full of the things and was feeling no pain, and this was before we could get the party started good! My mom had doused the things so much, you could smell them across the room when you walked in the door. My great uncle was laughing and giggling and having a grand time. This all took place in a church, no less!

More nog than egg!!

And your elderly great uncle getting snoggered on rum balls! At church!

 

[horselover]

Eliza

That is too funny about the fruitcake and eggnog

It reminds me of my mom and her "concoctions" around Christmas time.

Once, she made eggnog, had way more nog than egg in it. We accused her of trying to make sure the eggs were cured of any possible salmonella by killing it off with alcohol! If any one would have lit a match, I wouldnt be here today!

Another time, we had a family Christmas get together with about 50 or so of her relatives. My mom made rumballs and they were a hit with a particular great uncle who at the time was in his 80s. He ate half the tin full of the things and was feeling no pain, and this was before we could get the party started good! My mom had doused the things so much, you could smell them across the room when you walked in the door. My great uncle was laughing and giggling and having a grand time. This all took place in a church, no less!

Love this story JT!

 

[stopher1]

Washing down a good fruit cake (DiznyDi makes a great one as long as I stay out of the kitchen) with a 12 ounce eggnog is what holiday eating is all about.

Please send all your fruitcakes here: the eggnog is ready.

Merry Christmas.

I'll be sure to send any we happen to receive you way...

 

[stopher1]

Eliza

That is too funny about the fruitcake and eggnog

It reminds me of my mom and her "concoctions" around Christmas time.

Once, she made eggnog, had way more nog than egg in it. We accused her of trying to make sure the eggs were cured of any possible salmonella by killing it off with alcohol! If any one would have lit a match, I wouldnt be here today!

Another time, we had a family Christmas get together with about 50 or so of her relatives. My mom made rumballs and they were a hit with a particular great uncle who at the time was in his 80s. He ate half the tin full of the things and was feeling no pain, and this was before we could get the party started good! My mom had doused the things so much, you could smell them across the room when you walked in the door. My great uncle was laughing and giggling and having a grand time. This all took place in a church, no less!

Awesome Jimmy. Simply awesome.

 

[horselover]

Need some groupie advice. I'm counting the days until I can make my reservation for next Dec. We're giving serious consideration to going over Christmas next year rather than early Dec. It will be on a Sun. next year so we're considering arriving on the Wed. or Thu. before & leaving on Tue. We may need a 2 BR instead of our normal 1 BR because I've invited my mom to join us. She still has not given me a definitive answer, but she's going to have to soon whether she likes it or not! I understand 2 BRs are one of the hardest to book & given that's it's actually over Christmas I would imagine even harder. So am I going to have to walk this reservation? I hate the idea of doing that, but I don't want to lose out on a room either. What do you all think? And am I crazy to be considering going over Christmas rather than early Dec.? Obviously the crowds would be much better early in the month, but it would also mean the kids missing more school. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

 

[Granny]

horselover...we've gone during Christmas week and yes it is very crowded. But it was also very special. With the tree sharing program we had a very nice decorated tree for the villa and our teenage children really enjoyed the trip. For us, that week was more about visiting other resorts to see the decorations and hanging out rather than trying to do too much park stuff. Still, we were able to visit all the "must do" rides and attractions using FastPass and a little patience.

Our Christmas dinner that year was at Liberty Square Tavern which was perfect.

As for walking the reservation, I don't know how much that is necessary. But if it makes your mind rest easier and you have enough points, you can give it a go. We always book 2BR villas if more than two of us going and I can empathize with the challenge. Good luck!

 

[Muushka]

HL, Im with Granny on this one (not to be confused with The Couch )

We did approximately what you are talking about a few years ago. We arrived a few days before Christmas. That is when we did the parks. After Christmas day, no more parks. We just soaked up the atmosphere. The parks are not too bad just before Christmas (I guess the locals are preparing for the holiday and kids are still in school for the most part). Plus, staying at WL for Christmas and seeing Mickey and Minnie in the lobby is priceless.

 

[sleepydog25]

Hi Sleepy

I am sorry you were sick. No fun. But even though you weren't with us, we did use your info for our ice breaker.
So you were with us in spirit.

Was the spirit with you looking ashen and wobbly?

 

[Muushka]

Was the spirit with you looking ashen and wobbly?

No!

Did you ever figure out what made you sick? A friend who was there also became quite sick.
Sounds like maybe something was floating around our beloved,

 

[sleepydog25]

Sorry you had to spend part of your trip being ill Sleepdog. Sounds like you were still able to make the best of most of the trip.

Would you mind sharing the details of your V&A experience? I've often considered trying it for a special occasion, but I'm not that much of an adventurous eater so I'm worried I may not liked what's being served. I understand it's a rotating menu. Please do tell all if you don't mind!

Truly, I don't believe not being an adventurous eater would be a problem for you, horselover. Granted, some of the menu items are a bit esoteric, but none of them are gross nor taste oddball in any fashion. With that in mind, here's a rundown on our evening there. . .

SERVICE
In a word--exceptional. . .as it should be. But, it wasn't pretentious in the slightest. From the moment you arrive to the time you exit through their doors on the way back to the Lodge, it is topnotch attention to detail. My companion had a purse and camera, and we had barely settled in when one of the staff proffered a small ottoman upon which to place these items. The staff call you by name throughout, and even the menus have your name printed on the cover. Your glasses, regardless of beverage, never come close to being empty, and finished courses are cleared quickly and unobtrusively. The servers engage you in conversation, and it revolves around you and your meal. Casual elegance is a good term for service overall.

AMBIENCE
The main dining area (we didn't do the extra cost chef's table) is somewhat dimly lit, but not so much you can't see what you're eating nor have to squint at your partner through a single candle. Somehow, they have managed to capture the perfect mood lighting that is low enough to make the dinner seem intimate, yet is bright enough to make it possible to see the entire room. I can't be sure, but I believe they do so with indirect sources that cast an overall glow without being particularly bright at any one table. The tables themselves are spread out so that you don't feel you are dining with anyone else. Light orchestral or ensemble music was piped in with the perfect volume to hear the music but not for it to be overwhelming. Though they didn't ask us to, we both felt the need to turn off our cell phones while there. The last thing you want to hear in such an atmosphere is a phone ringing and someone talking in a loud voice. And that didn't happen while we were there.

FOOD
What can I say? It was fabulous. I'll list what we each had, but don't let some of the items scare you--the tastes are exquisite. We are both quite adventurous diners, so perhaps that taints my view a little, but I doubt you'd find anything objectionable if you tried it. In each category below except the first, you have at least two items that are part of the prix fixe (fixed price) menu. You can stray and order something else, but you have to pay extra. For example, with the appetizer course, you could get a hard-to-find caviar for $90 for half an ounce. We stayed strictly with the prix fixe menu! lol However, we did do the wine flights which was extra but well worth it.
Amuse-Bouche
These technically aren't part of the six-course meal since they are merely mouthfuls. But, they are wonderful. I don't recall exactly what each one was, but we received four amuse-bouche on a square, segmented plate. One was a small demi-tasse cup of lobster bisque (divine), and I believe the other three dealt with seafood or fish such as a salmon mousse with red caviar on top. Each was delightful.
Hors D'oeuvres
Tuna & Octopus a la Plancha with Jamon Iberico
Applewood Smoked Buffalo "Waldorf"
Both were stunningly delicious, especially the buffalo.
Fish Course
Vegetable Crusted Halibut w/butter clams and corn chowder
Sake-soy-marinated Alaskan King Salmon with bok choy
I love fish and lived in Alaska for four years, so I was right at home. Scrumptious!
Chef's Choice
Niman Ranch Lamb w/rutabaga turnip kraut and violet mustard
Duck Breast, Sausage, and Confit with gooseberries
As we both love duck and lamb, these were heavenly.
Entree
Kurobuta Pork Tenderloin and Belly w/cannellini bean sauce & baby fennel
Poulet Rouge w/chanterelles, black trumpet mushrooms, & truffle gnocchi
Kurobuta is the pork version of Kobe beef and truly melted in your mouth. My companion felt it was too fatty (it was fatty), but the taste was sublime, and it did literally melt in your mouth.
Cheese Course
One item had four expensive cheese bites but the other menu item was a white chocolate gelato. Granted, the latter wasn't cheese but the intent of having a dairy product to smooth over the protein remains intact.
Dessert
There were six choices here including two souffles (Hawaiian Kona chocolate or Grand Marnier), a creme brulee, a chocolate pyramid, Bananas Gateau, or their signature Meyer Lemon and Blood Orange Purse with blackberry-violet sherbert. We did the latter two as they seemed lighter, for although the portions aren't huge, the pace of the meal (never rushed but never waiting long, either) and the number of courses tend to make you feel quite full. The desserts were my least favorite item, not because they weren't good (they were excellent, actually), but due to being very sated by that point. lol

In addition to the wine (we were served champagne with the amuse-bouche), we had water which was chilled but had no ice (so no chance of the ice dumping in your lap) and was kept in a ceramic cooler on the table. It wasn't the typical Florida water, either, but some sort of quality bottled water. The coffee served with dessert was brewed at the table in some sort of reverse osmosis device that was fascinating to watch and made exceptional coffee to boot.

Obviously, we loved Victoria & Albert's. It is pricey but I have not one negative word to say about the entire meal--they were that good. Sorry this was so long-winded, but you did say detailed! lol

 

[sleepydog25]

No!

Did you ever figure out what made you sick? A friend who was there also became quite sick.
Sounds like maybe something was floating around our beloved,

We at at several places during our drive down and the first full day and a half of the trip, so it would be hard to pin down. Further, she had bites of pretty much everything I had (and vice versa as is our custom), and didn't get ill at all. It's quite possible it was a stomach virus passed along somehow, and for now, that's what I'm leaning toward believing since we do tend to share food. As a side note, we did contact where we had eaten at the World to alert them just in case others called them with similar stories, and a wonderful cast member in some management position wound up sending a fruit plate to the room along with 8 fastpasses. Since the parks were so uncrowded, we wound up not using all of the FPs, so hopefully, my companion can use them during a trip to the World in February.

 

[eliza61]

Eliza...thank you for your public service announcement for the Groupies. I'm always impressed in how we look out for each other and help each other. Very nice.

Yes thanks eliza for taking such good care of us
I have already agreed to # 5

LOL. I have to ensure we all keep a healthy level of insanity. It helps.

 

[eliza61]

Truly, I don't believe not being an adventurous eater would be a problem for you, horselover. Granted, some of the menu items are a bit esoteric, but none of them are gross nor taste oddball in any fashion. With that in mind, here's a rundown on our evening there. . .

SERVICE
In a word--exceptional. . .as it should be. But, it wasn't pretentious in the slightest. From the moment you arrive to the time you exit through their doors on the way back to the Lodge, it is topnotch attention to detail. My companion had a purse and camera, and we had barely settled in when one of the staff proffered a small ottoman upon which to place these items. The staff call you by name throughout, and even the menus have your name printed on the cover. Your glasses, regardless of beverage, never come close to being empty, and finished courses are cleared quickly and unobtrusively. The servers engage you in conversation, and it revolves around you and your meal. Casual elegance is a good term for service overall.

One item had four expensive cheese bites but the other menu item was a white chocolate gelato. Granted, the latter wasn't cheese but the intent of
Obviously, we loved Victoria & Albert's. It is pricey but I have not one negative word to say about the entire meal--they were that good. Sorry this was so long-winded, but you did say detailed! lol

WoW!! simply wow.

 

[horselover]

Truly, I don't believe not being an adventurous eater would be a problem for you, horselover. Granted, some of the menu items are a bit esoteric, but none of them are gross nor taste oddball in any fashion. With that in mind, here's a rundown on our evening there. . .

SERVICE
In a word--exceptional. . .as it should be. But, it wasn't pretentious in the slightest. From the moment you arrive to the time you exit through their doors on the way back to the Lodge, it is topnotch attention to detail. My companion had a purse and camera, and we had barely settled in when one of the staff proffered a small ottoman upon which to place these items. The staff call you by name throughout, and even the menus have your name printed on the cover. Your glasses, regardless of beverage, never come close to being empty, and finished courses are cleared quickly and unobtrusively. The servers engage you in conversation, and it revolves around you and your meal. Casual elegance is a good term for service overall.

AMBIENCE
The main dining area (we didn't do the extra cost chef's table) is somewhat dimly lit, but not so much you can't see what you're eating nor have to squint at your partner through a single candle. Somehow, they have managed to capture the perfect mood lighting that is low enough to make the dinner seem intimate, yet is bright enough to make it possible to see the entire room. I can't be sure, but I believe they do so with indirect sources that cast an overall glow without being particularly bright at any one table. The tables themselves are spread out so that you don't feel you are dining with anyone else. Light orchestral or ensemble music was piped in with the perfect volume to hear the music but not for it to be overwhelming. Though they didn't ask us to, we both felt the need to turn off our cell phones while there. The last thing you want to hear in such an atmosphere is a phone ringing and someone talking in a loud voice. And that didn't happen while we were there.

FOOD
What can I say? It was fabulous. I'll list what we each had, but don't let some of the items scare you--the tastes are exquisite. We are both quite adventurous diners, so perhaps that taints my view a little, but I doubt you'd find anything objectionable if you tried it. In each category below except the first, you have at least two items that are part of the prix fixe (fixed price) menu. You can stray and order something else, but you have to pay extra. For example, with the appetizer course, you could get a hard-to-find caviar for $90 for half an ounce. We stayed strictly with the prix fixe menu! lol However, we did do the wine flights which was extra but well worth it.
Amuse-Bouche
These technically aren't part of the six-course meal since they are merely mouthfuls. But, they are wonderful. I don't recall exactly what each one was, but we received four amuse-bouche on a square, segmented plate. One was a small demi-tasse cup of lobster bisque (divine), and I believe the other three dealt with seafood or fish such as a salmon mousse with red caviar on top. Each was delightful.
Hors D'oeuvres
Tuna & Octopus a la Plancha with Jamon Iberico
Applewood Smoked Buffalo "Waldorf"
Both were stunningly delicious, especially the buffalo.
Fish Course
Vegetable Crusted Halibut w/butter clams and corn chowder
Sake-soy-marinated Alaskan King Salmon with bok choy
I love fish and lived in Alaska for four years, so I was right at home. Scrumptious!
Chef's Choice
Niman Ranch Lamb w/rutabaga turnip kraut and violet mustard
Duck Breast, Sausage, and Confit with gooseberries
As we both love duck and lamb, these were heavenly.
Entree
Kurobuta Pork Tenderloin and Belly w/cannellini bean sauce & baby fennel
Poulet Rouge w/chanterelles, black trumpet mushrooms, & truffle gnocchi
Kurobuta is the pork version of Kobe beef and truly melted in your mouth. My companion felt it was too fatty (it was fatty), but the taste was sublime, and it did literally melt in your mouth.
Cheese Course
One item had four expensive cheese bites but the other menu item was a white chocolate gelato. Granted, the latter wasn't cheese but the intent of having a dairy product to smooth over the protein remains intact.
Dessert
There were six choices here including two souffles (Hawaiian Kona chocolate or Grand Marnier), a creme brulee, a chocolate pyramid, Bananas Gateau, or their signature Meyer Lemon and Blood Orange Purse with blackberry-violet sherbert. We did the latter two as they seemed lighter, for although the portions aren't huge, the pace of the meal (never rushed but never waiting long, either) and the number of courses tend to make you feel quite full. The desserts were my least favorite item, not because they weren't good (they were excellent, actually), but due to being very sated by that point. lol

In addition to the wine (we were served champagne with the amuse-bouche), we had water which was chilled but had no ice (so no chance of the ice dumping in your lap) and was kept in a ceramic cooler on the table. It wasn't the typical Florida water, either, but some sort of quality bottled water. The coffee served with dessert was brewed at the table in some sort of reverse osmosis device that was fascinating to watch and made exceptional coffee to boot.

Obviously, we loved Victoria & Albert's. It is pricey but I have not one negative word to say about the entire meal--they were that good. Sorry this was so long-winded, but you did say detailed! lol

Wow Sleepydog! Thanks for the very detailed details! It does sound like it's a truly amazing experience. Judging but what you ate it's seems to be heavy on the seafood. I don't eat seafood. So it does seem like it would not be the best place for me, but thank you for sharing your night with us.