Wait, weren't you just at Disney World? An August '14 Pre-Trip Report *updated 8/24*

[TheMaxRebo]

Oooh to the spa time! What a lovely gift!! And ay for brewery time too! Okay I don't actually like beer but I love the brewery type atmosphere and how fun getting to try their experiments!!

That onesie is adorable!!

Yeah, I love hanging out at breweries and craft beer bars. Just a chill environment. Plus I feel like a fit in as about 90% of the people there have facial hair

Thanks - I couldn't resist that onesie!

Thanks! I know where that is. We literally went to HP every summer growing up and all of those outlets and restaurants were not there. We stopped at Chocolate World on the way home from Disney last year (my brother lives in MD so it was a slight detour from easiest path 95- a pretty route, but too of the beaten path I think). Anyway, I couldn't believe how built up the area was since I'd last been there like 10 years ago.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Yeah, that area has really gotten built up and just a lot in Hershey now - it's pretty cool! Definitely check the brewery out if you get a chance

I heard that at the spa, they incorporate chocolate in to their products, is this true?! That's so nice and i'm sure Judi loved the spa! Good job

Man, if I were given the option between the spa and a beer tasting, it would have been a very tough decision. I probably would have tried the majority of their scratch list too, along with their double bock.

Can you believe i've never tasted pork rinds before?! Not sure why, guess I've just never had the opportunity.

Love the home brewed onesie! Perfect!

The spa's signature treatments are chocolate based, but Judi opted to not get the chocolate scrub as she didn't want to smell like chocolate

Oh, and I realized I didn't really post pictures of our hotel room since I didn't get many good ones, but I saw I did capture the bath products they provide and they are also all cocoa infused - the shampoo particularly smelled really good!

A lot of Troegs beers are really good - but I didn't get any of the standard beers as I figured 7 beers was enough for that day

To be honest I am not sure if I have ever had pork rinds before so I guess I can't comment with much authority but I thought these ones at least were really tasty!

Thanks! I'll definitely post a picture the first time I get Emma in that onsie!

 

[Marsheliz]

What a great gift to Judi!! Especially the prenatal massage! And I know you enjoyed your " man" time as well!

Love that onesie for the baby too! I like the funny ones!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

What a great gift to Judi!! Especially the prenatal massage! And I know you enjoyed your " man" time as well!

Love that onesie for the baby too! I like the funny ones!

Judi definitely enjoyed her gift - she came out looking so relaxed ... she definitely needed it! And going to breweries is about the most (only) manly thing I do - so I have to do it a bunch

Yeah, I thought the onsie was really cute and definitely fit!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Pre Trip Report: Part 23 - Hershey DISmeet: Part 5​

​

​

We now come to the portion of Date Night that Judi and I actually spent together

We were going to go out for a nice, romantic dinner. I wasn't sure where in Hershey was good to go and a lot of the places I found with good reviews either seemed a bit too casual or a bit too old school, and then I came across the Devon Seafood Grill and knowing that Judi loves seafood this seemed like a winner. And as an added bonus, when I made the reservation though Open Table and checked the box to get updates from the restaurant they sent us a $10 coupon!

So after getting all dolled up we were off ... and we didn't have to go to far. In fact, you could see the tops of some of the rides at Hershey Park from the parking lot of Devon Grill. First pick is the top of one of the roller coasters and the second is of the "Kissing Tower"

Oh, and here is the door to the restaurant, just so you don't think I made it up where we were going:

The vibe of the restaurant was really cool - very chill and modern but not stark. Big open bar area. Definitely the feeling we tend to like in places.

We were seated in a booth in a nice location to take in the place and while not in the middle of everything didn't feel isolated or anything.

We started off with some wine ... well, I started off with two wines that Judi wanted to taste Added bonus of the Salvador Dali effect on Judi's face through the wine glass:

The white is a Savignon Blanc from Stoneburn in New Zealand which was good but a little fruity for my taste. The Rose was called "Love Drunk Rose" from Williamette Valley in Oregon. It too was quite good, but not great - not quite flavorful enough for me. I like my roses very dry but with some fruit to it ... looking back I obviously should have combined the wines

We were kinda all over the place in what we wanted as so many things looked/sounded good. So we decided to get a few appetizers and split a main.

For appetizers we got the Shrimp Tempura Roll and the Vietnamese Crab Spring Rolls:

Both of these were really good and tasted quite fresh - they were perfect to share!


For our main we split the Seared George's Bank Scallops which came with our choice of two sides, for which we selected the Sauteed Harricots Verts and the Grilled Artichoke with paremssean garlic sauce. Without even asking they split it on to two place for us which I thought was very nice:

And we also got a separate side dish of their Lobster Mac n' Cheese:

Oh. My. Goodness. All of this was sooooo good! Everything was cooked and seasoned so well and that Mac n' cheese is some of the best I ever had.


And splitting this was perfect as it left room for us each to get a dessert.

Judi opted for the Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee, while I went for the Strawberry Shortcake with Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream:

The creme brulee was quite good - but didn't hold a candle to the stawberry shortcake! The sauce was so rich and yummy and that roasted strawberry ice cream is like a top 3 ice cream flavor ever, it was that good. Actually, just today Judi is trying to make her own version of that at home - will let you know how it turns out.

We lingered for a little bit but then made our way back to the hotel where we almost immediately fell asleep - super exciting, I know. We were just enjoying not having kids to put to bed and just getting to sleep in a bit.


The next morning we had breakfast in the restaurant of the hotel - I had french toast that of course came with chocolate chips on it. Then we packed up and met Judi's parents and the kids at their church for Sunday Mass, hung out at their house for a little while and then headed home. I had a quick turnaround as I needed to drive up to Boston the next morning for a client meeting (and drove back that evening, so definitely did some driving over a few days).

All in all it was a really nice weekend and am so glad we did it. It was definitely a bit rushed and would have been nice to spread things out a bit more. But I will take what I can get for a mini-vacation.


... ok, now back to seeing how I need to change our WDW trip plans based on the new Frozen summer activities at DHS

TTFN

 

[KatMark]

We now come to the portion of Date Night that Judi and I actually spent together


I was beginning to wonder if that was ever going to happen.

The vibe of the restaurant was really cool - very chill and modern but not stark. Big open bar area. Definitely the feeling we tend to like in places.

We were seated in a booth in a nice location to take in the place and while not in the middle of everything didn't feel isolated or anything.

We started off with some wine ... well, I started off with two wines that Judi wanted to taste Added bonus of the Salvador Dali effect on Judi's face through the wine glass:

Very cool picture!

The white is a Savignon Blanc from Stoneburn in New Zealand which was good but a little fruity for my taste. The Rose was called "Love Drunk Rose" from Williamette Valley in Oregon. It too was quite good, but not great - not quite flavorful enough for me. I like my roses very dry but with some fruit to it ... looking back I obviously should have combined the wines


I bet you it would have been perfect then.


For our main we split the Seared George's Bank Scallops which came with our choice of two sides, for which we selected the Sauteed Harricots Verts and the Grilled Artichoke with paremssean garlic sauce. Without even asking they split it on to two place for us which I thought was very nice:

This looks amazing. I love scallops and these look mouth watering.

And we also got a separate side dish of their Lobster Mac n' Cheese:

I don't like lobster, but that looks good too.


Judi opted for the Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee, while I went for the Strawberry Shortcake with Roasted Strawberry Ice Cream:

I only do chocolate for my dessert, but my husband would love that strawberry thing.

We lingered for a little bit but then made our way back to the hotel where we almost immediately fell asleep - super exciting, I know. We were just enjoying not having kids to put to bed and just getting to sleep in a bit.

Sounds like a typical married couple with young kids.

The next morning we had breakfast in the restaurant of the hotel - I had french toast that of course came with chocolate chips on it. Then we packed up and met Judi's parents and the kids at their church for Sunday Mass, hung out at their house for a little while and then headed home. I had a quick turnaround as I needed to drive up to Boston the next morning for a client meeting (and drove back that evening, so definitely did some driving over a few days).

All in all it was a really nice weekend and am so glad we did it. It was definitely a bit rushed and would have been nice to spread things out a bit more. But I will take what I can get for a mini-vacation.


... ok, now back to seeing how I need to change our WDW trip plans based on the new Frozen summer activities at DHS

TTFN

Sounds like a great mini-vacation, except for the extra driving the next morning.

Have a great 4th of July.

 

[amberg93]

Aww, the spa treatment is such a great gift.

Sounds like a good time at the brewery and that onsie is adorably clever.

All the cocoa infused bath products kind of cracked me up, I'm not going to lie.

I'm not a seafood person or a wine person, so I'll take your word on everything The desserts do look do delicious though.

Sounds like you had a great time overall and that's what's important.

 

[Li Li]

Wow, the whole evening sounds fabulous! Did Judi tell you how fabulous the robes are at the Spa? Cause they are!

Good pick with Devon; those crab spring rolls are my fave!!! If you ever need a Troegs fix, just let me know!

 

[MEK]

Dinner looks delish! I love reading about your Hershey travels because I don't live that far. It's great to have good recommendations if I end up doing an overnight up there. I am also always looking for fun day trip locations. I have done the park before. It's a great local park.

Both of those wines sound like they are right up my alley. I definitely prefer fruity to dry.

 

[DisMom1981]

Frozen summer activities and packages are seriously making me crazy!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Sounds like a great mini-vacation, except for the extra driving the next morning.

Have a great 4th of July.

The scallops were great - really everything was excellent!

I think at that point we were choclated out a bit so went in a different direction for dessert

Yeah, the driving was definitely a bit much. I originally was going to take Monday off too but had to change plans due to the client meeting

Hope you also have a great 4th of July Kathy!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Aww, the spa treatment is such a great gift.

Sounds like a good time at the brewery and that onsie is adorably clever.

All the cocoa infused bath products kind of cracked me up, I'm not going to lie.

I'm not a seafood person or a wine person, so I'll take your word on everything The desserts do look do delicious though.

Sounds like you had a great time overall and that's what's important.

It's a bit of a fall back but spas/massages are definitely something Judi enjoys and doesn't get to do much so she appreciates it as a gift

I actually used the cocoa shampoo (my hair doesn't really warrant bringing my own) and it actually smelled pretty good ... not too chocolatey - I was kinda surprised

Yeah, probably not your ideal meal then, but the desserts were good!

Definitely a great night out and good time just spending time alone!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Wow, the whole evening sounds fabulous! Did Judi tell you how fabulous the robes are at the Spa? Cause they are!

Good pick with Devon; those crab spring rolls are my fave!!! If you ever need a Troegs fix, just let me know!

I think Judi did mention the robes - or just being super comfortable and relaxed in general.

Aw - now I have an expert I can ask for future trips! Glad I chose wisely. I am always up for some Troegs! I'll let you know next time we will be in town and can meet up there!

Dinner looks delish! I love reading about your Hershey travels because I don't live that far. It's great to have good recommendations if I end up doing an overnight up there. I am also always looking for fun day trip locations. I have done the park before. It's a great local park.

Both of those wines sound like they are right up my alley. I definitely prefer fruity to dry.

I remember going to Hershey park as a kid but not so much about the town but there really is a lot to do there!

You probably would have liked the white better than the rose then ... I don't mind a little fruit (actually prefer some strawberry notes in my roses) but generally prefer dryer wines

Frozen summer activities and packages are seriously making me crazy!

I know! I actually floated the idea of cancelling our Fantasmic! Diner package and get the Frozen thing instead but Judi doesn't really want to try to get there that early that day and I think wants to make sure we get to Fantasmic! and have set seats for it, etc. ... hopefully we can still get to a sing-along party and maybe do some ice skating and then still be able to at least see some of the fireworks after Fantasmic!

 

[Dugette]

Great mini-TR! What a nice anniversary. How great to have the grandparents there for the kids and a chance to have some alone/relax time and then reconvening for a delicious dinner. That strawberry shortcake looks awesome! Oh, also, that onesie is adorable and I'm excited to see little Emma in it!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Great mini-TR! What a nice anniversary. How great to have the grandparents there for the kids and a chance to have some alone/relax time and then reconvening for a delicious dinner. That strawberry shortcake looks awesome! Oh, also, that onesie is adorable and I'm excited to see little Emma in it!

Thanks Dugette! It was really nice to get some time away/alone. The strawberry shortcake was really good! Could go for some of that right now

Definitely will post a picture of Emma in the onsie as soon as she is big enough to wear it ... which, if she is a big as Peter was when he was born, that will be like day 2

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Just wanted to post to say Happy 4th of July to everyone!

Where ever you are, I hope the weather cooperates!

 

[DisMom1981]

Happy hot, humid, and stormy fourth! LOL

 

[khaleesi]

I really need to start popping in more than once a week. I'm all kinds of behind! LOL.

The Dismeet/podcast event sounded like a huge success! I'm very fond of Make-a-Wish and GKTW is a place I would love to go volunteer at. I'm cracking up at the "Amber G" vs "Amberg" thing... especially since it sounds like "Hamburg" which is a town right near me. (Rhymes with "Amberg"...LOL. Not like the German version!)

I wish Hershey was a little bit closer. I love being places... I just hate getting to them

Yay for winning the Elsa dress! Peter looks stunning in it!!

Splitting up for date night makes me laugh. Glad Judi enjoyed her relaxation... although I think smelling like chocolate would be amazing thing. Also looks like you had fun on your solo excursion!

Those desserts are making me drool!!!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Happy hot, humid, and stormy fourth! LOL

Same to you! We had quite the rain but it tapered off right around when our annual party began. So we started off inside but were able to move outside for most of the party and the sun ever broke out for a bit.

Here are pictures of Olivia and Peter holding sparklers ... and of course wearing patriotic Disney clotes

BTW - I have more pics of the party up on Facebook so if anyone who hasn't already wants to shoot me a friend request, let me know

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I really need to start popping in more than once a week. I'm all kinds of behind! LOL.

seriously - a lot can happen in a DISweek

The Dismeet/podcast event sounded like a huge success! I'm very fond of Make-a-Wish and GKTW is a place I would love to go volunteer at. I'm cracking up at the "Amber G" vs "Amberg" thing... especially since it sounds like "Hamburg" which is a town right near me. (Rhymes with "Amberg"...LOL. Not like the German version!)

Definitely does seem like a good charity and they use a ton of volunteers at the facility. They said $0.94 of each dollar donated goes right to the programs which is pretty cool.

It was funny especially b/c Amber said she knew that was going to happen and first chance ... yup, it happened!

I wish Hershey was a little bit closer. I love being places... I just hate getting to them

Yay for winning the Elsa dress! Peter looks stunning in it!!

I know! They really need to get on that whole teleporter thing! Would be cool to be able to live anywhere you want and yet get to anywhere you want whenever you want instantaneously!

Splitting up for date night makes me laugh. Glad Judi enjoyed her relaxation... although I think smelling like chocolate would be amazing thing. Also looks like you had fun on your solo excursion!

Those desserts are making me drool!!!

It was great that we actually got some alone time but time together as well. The desserts were really good!

oh, and I can post this too - someone made this strawberry chocolate trifle thing for our party on the 4th - it was sooooo good!

 

[annie170]

Caught up, again.

DIS meet, time at a spa (brewery in your case), a fabulous dinner, equals a perfect anniversary weekend!

What a great photo of Peter wearing the Elsa dress for future bribery!

Glad you had a nice 4th! Judi's getting close to the due date, right? Very exciting!