WDW in October vs. Hilton Head in March: a tale of two trips NEW! 10/6 p20

[Mndisneygirl]

cont....
Peek through from the Bath to the BR




I guess Sarah was in charge of the bathroom pictures



This is the kind of room I want to stay in for a nice week long trip! So much space! It was a totally relaxing atmosphere!

We got our stuff unloaded, took a look around, snapped a bunch of pictures, and headed back to Epcot! We got our stuff unloaded, took a look around, snapped a bunch of pictures, and headed back to Epcot! I needed some more time at the Food and Wine Festival! So we hit up a few booths:

Ireland


Lobster and Seafood Fisherman’s pie- pretty good.


Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with Bailey’s Ganache. Good but too small!
I don’t have a lot of notes in my passport, but I do remember eating it!

Greece
Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki

Spanakopita

Desserts


A trio of Yogurt Panna Cotta w/orange cake, Raspberries and Pomegranate
Lemon Custard Verrine w/ Bluberry Compote
Dark Chocolate Mousse w/ Chili and Salted Caramel
Sarah thought it was just chocolate cake, and then felt the burn afterwards when she realized there was Chili powder in there!


Canada




Canadian Cheddar Cheese soup – So good, I wish the servings were bigger!

Le Cellier Wild Mushroom Beef Filet w/ Truffle Butter Sauce – OMG! I love this stuff! DH loved it too, but scraped the mushrooms off for me to eat!
Okay, no pictures of the food this time around. I think we were too busy stuffing our faces!!

Then it was TIME! Time for our special DIS meet! Stay tuned!!! Some of you may see yourselves in the pictures!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

wow...I was so behind! Ok..Beaches & Cream has some of the BEST food at Disney! I don't know why they are all so good there, but the whole menu is fantastic...no matter what we all get, we always love it!
MNSSHP is one of my favorite things too...tried to talk Mike into going mid-Oct or first of November this year just to see the Fall decor, and got shot down! He's such a Christmas guy. Ok, where did your friend find her Mary Poppins Hat?!!! That was so perfect! And y'all looked so cute in your Halloween attire!
Love all the space in your 1bdrm...and the area...that would be worth it for me!! The view was awesome as well..

 

[MeMom]

Le Cellier Wild Mushroom Beef Filet w/ Truffle Butter Sauce – OMG! I love this stuff!

I think I could have eaten a double portion of this. Sooo good!

I love the OKW theme! I probably would have eaten every meal out on that porch.

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Hi Sheree!
I seem to have fallen behind.....
You have some great updates and I am now all caught up!

Let's see, so many things to comment on.
I didn't know that you could pool hop over to Kidani. So they don't ask for a key card to get in?

We just stayed at Jambo club level before the cruise in a 1br, it was pure bliss.... We will be in a 2br at Kidani just before heading to Chicago at the end of next week.
So much to love about both resorts...

I seem to remember having much the same luck with the new Fantasyland during that trip. Most everything was pretty near walk-on. Wish it was still that way.
We really enjoyed getting to finally (officially) meet you and Dave and the girls in person. I always feel like I know my Dis-buddies, even though we have never met face to face.

I agree with MeMom, I would have chosen Fantasmic too, very unselfish mommy moment on your part.

Isn't that 1br at OKW fabulous? Vero Beach has that same layout. We love those as well. So much in fact that we head down there this Saturday to stay in their version of a Grand Villa but it's a free standing beach cottage!
Nope, I'm not excited about that at all.....

Disney Mommy 3
As for the Mary Poppins hat:
I searched on Etsy for a straw hat that I thought would look right then I added the cherries and daisies. It was a fun and simple project. The rest of the costume was a bit more of a headache...

 

[Mndisneygirl]

wow...I was so behind! Ok..Beaches & Cream has some of the BEST food at Disney! I don't know why they are all so good there, but the whole menu is fantastic...no matter what we all get, we always love it!
MNSSHP is one of my favorite things too...tried to talk Mike into going mid-Oct or first of November this year just to see the Fall decor, and got shot down! He's such a Christmas guy. Ok, where did your friend find her Mary Poppins Hat?!!! That was so perfect! And y'all looked so cute in your Halloween attire!
Love all the space in your 1bdrm...and the area...that would be worth it for me!! The view was awesome as well..

You tell that Mike he NEEDS to go in October! It's not humid or anything!! Just tell him I said so. That should do it!

I think I could have eaten a double portion of this. Sooo good!

I love the OKW theme! I probably would have eaten every meal out on that porch.

Oh yeah, me too!
I love the porch - I really need more days there!

Hi Sheree!
I seem to have fallen behind.....
You have some great updates and I am now all caught up!
Hi Anita! So sweet of you to stop by while you're on your big vacation! I'm touched and honored!!
Let's see, so many things to comment on.
I didn't know that you could pool hop over to Kidani. So they don't ask for a key card to get in?
Um, yeah, I'm not sure you're really supposed to. No one asked for a key card. But I thought I read that you could use either Jambo or Kidani pool if you were staying at either villa. Don't quote me on it!
We just stayed at Jambo club level before the cruise in a 1br, it was pure bliss.... We will be in a 2br at Kidani just before heading to Chicago at the end of next week.
So much to love about both resorts...
You do it right, lady!
I seem to remember having much the same luck with the new Fantasyland during that trip. Most everything was pretty near walk-on. Wish it was still that way.
We really enjoyed getting to finally (officially) meet you and Dave and the girls in person. I always feel like I know my Dis-buddies, even though we have never met face to face.
I was beyond thrilled with what we got to do and see at new Fantasyland!
It was a highlight for us to meet you and Marc too! You are both so sweet! I just wish we could have spent more time together! You guys had such great costumes too!

I agree with MeMom, I would have chosen Fantasmic too, very unselfish mommy moment on your part.
Once in a while, I play the martyr and sacrifice for my kids. Someday I will go without them and do ONLY what Dave and I want to do.
Isn't that 1br at OKW fabulous? Vero Beach has that same layout. We love those as well. So much in fact that we head down there this Saturday to stay in their version of a Grand Villa but it's a free standing beach cottage!
Nope, I'm not excited about that at all.....
Oh my gosh! Will you please share pictures! I'd be thrilled!!! Aren't Memom and gang joining you? Have a GREAT time!!

Disney Mommy 3
As for the Mary Poppins hat:
I searched on Etsy for a straw hat that I thought would look right then I added the cherries and daisies. It was a fun and simple project. The rest of the costume was a bit more of a headache...

But you looked awesome!!! I bet you were warm though - it was pretty hot out that night.

 

[wiigirl]

Love the pics!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

wigdoutdismom~you are so crafty!! and from what I could see, perfect match on all of it!

Sheree~I will tell him today and I am sure he will change it! LOL!!!

 

[dizneeat]

Sheree, I think we have stayed in that SAME 1 BR at OKW.

Need to look it up to be sure, but I am pretty sure!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

I'm here I'm here!! Told you I'd be a better DIS friend now that school is out!!

Wow your OKW room was HUGE!! Awesome! So was the balcony! Did you get a good location - as in close to everything?? We liked our room the 2 nights we spent there, but we were so far away from everything it was crazy!

Looks like more fun at Epcot! Lots of yummy food. Can't wait to hear all about your DIS Meet!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

oops, double post

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Sheree, I think we have stayed in that SAME 1 BR at OKW.

Need to look it up to be sure, but I am pretty sure!

That's too funny!! Wasn't it a great room? I would definitely stay there again!

I'm here I'm here!! Told you I'd be a better DIS friend now that school is out!!

Wow your OKW room was HUGE!! Awesome! So was the balcony! Did you get a good location - as in close to everything?? We liked our room the 2 nights we spent there, but we were so far away from everything it was crazy!

Looks like more fun at Epcot! Lots of yummy food. Can't wait to hear all about your DIS Meet!

Now you're a good DIS friend!! I'm glad you're here!!

Yeah, that room was awesome. We specifically booked the category near Hospitality House and it was just a short walk and across the bridge from the marina and restaurants. I thought it was a prime location! But it is a special booking category through DVC for those buildings. I don't believe we made any other requests, but I really liked being up on the second level as opposed to ground level. Much better view!

Oh, how I loved Epcot's F&W! I love Epcot anyway especially World Showcase, but with all that extra food to taste, OH MY!!! I was one happy girl!

The DIS meet - so much fun - definitely a highlight of our trip!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

If you can see this map, we were in building 25.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

If you can see this map, we were in building 25.

Great location!

We were in building 50. On the very furthest end of the building. We could hear the traffic from the highway.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

I agree that October is a fabulous time to go! How lucky are we that is when MEA break falls?

I love, love your big OKW room! So big and spacious.

I'm going to cry when I read your next update. I'm such a dumb dumb for missing the meet. Boo.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Great location!

We were in building 50. On the very furthest end of the building. We could hear the traffic from the highway.

You're not kidding!! You poor thing! It was nice and quet by the golf course, and our building was set back in the section too.

I agree that October is a fabulous time to go! How lucky are we that is when MEA break falls?

I love, love your big OKW room! So big and spacious.

I'm going to cry when I read your next update. I'm such a dumb dumb for missing the meet. Boo.

Don't I know it. Wish I could afford to fly down every October!

Oh, and I feel bad that we never exchanged numbers so I could have reminded you or something!! Well, we live and learn I guess!

 

[Dancegrl624]

I'm here! I just read all of your posts, so I'm all caught up.

MNSSHP is my favorite thing ever!!! Best money we've ever spent at WDW for sure. So much fun...parade, Hallowishes, trick or treating, great characters...love it! I hope to do it again soon. The costumes you wore were great!

 

[eandesmom]

I love that 1B at OKW! I especially love the so amazing having a whole room for it.

Even though Vero has the same layout I do like the ones at OKW better as the windows are much bigger so the whole room is so airy it is just delightful! I really could stay there every trip and be quite content I think. Such a different vibe and it feels so "away" but in a good way.

Lovely view.

That fisherman's pie looked YUMMY! I am hungry now

 

[Poolrat]

I was in a studio in OKW in Jan but that 1BR is HUGE.

I love Food and Wine and look forward to it every year.

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I'm here! I just read all of your posts, so I'm all caught up.

MNSSHP is my favorite thing ever!!! Best money we've ever spent at WDW for sure. So much fun...parade, Hallowishes, trick or treating, great characters...love it! I hope to do it again soon. The costumes you wore were great!

Yay! Meghan!
I loved MNSSHP so much, I could go back every year!
Thanks - our costumes were pretty easy to do and cheap, that's for sure!

I love that 1B at OKW! I especially love the so amazing having a whole room for it.

Even though Vero has the same layout I do like the ones at OKW better as the windows are much bigger so the whole room is so airy it is just delightful! I really could stay there every trip and be quite content I think. Such a different vibe and it feels so "away" but in a good way.

Lovely view.

That fisherman's pie looked YUMMY! I am hungry now

I know, that laundry made my day! It was so nice to come home with only a couple days worth of dirty clothes!
It was a really relaxed place to be and I want to be there again!!
I want to go to Vero too - we do own there but have never stayed! Just visited once before we bought any points!
Oh, the fisherman's pie was pretty dang good.

I was in a studio in OKW in Jan but that 1BR is HUGE.

I love Food and Wine and look forward to it every year.

Isn't it crazy? I'm sure it's as big as some people's houses! We had so much space for the four of us, it was heaven!
I wish I could go to Food and Wine (and MNSSHP) every year! If only airfare wasn't so bad, I could go during our kids' four day weekend every year!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Before I get on with my update - just wanted to wish all the dads out there a Happy Father's Day! I got to spend some time with my dad today and my kids enjoyed a whole day with their dad and papa time too!

Yesterday was our BIG dance day! We had three recitals in one day, and were gone from 9 am to about midnight (we went out after with some dance friends and teachers). It was a lot of fun, but really tiring! Dave did the Dads' dance with the girls again and it was so funny! We all took our time getting going this morning, that's for sure! Stupid me, I forgot to take a lot of my usual pictures of the girls! There's always next year!

*******

Okay on with the update!!

We raced over to the DISmeet at the Rose and Crown patio. I never realized you could just sit out there! It was so great to meet so many DISers – Brook, Pat, Tracy, Mary Ellen, Cynthia, Mary (and Cayley and Avery) again, Melissa, Christine, gosh I hope I got everyone!
Getting everyone arranged for a picture





Mary Ellen and Cynthia had brought cute little gift bags for the kids, and given them things that were unique to their favorite characters, pins, candy. It was really thoughtful and my kids were so excited to receive their gifts. Not everyone was able to stay long, but it was definitely a highlight of the trip to be a part of such a fun gathering with my “internet DIS friends”. I was especially happy to meet Tracy in person, of course not knowing that it would be her last trip to WDW. Like so many others, I felt as if I had known her many years and was so saddened when I found out she lost her battle. I will always think about that special meet when I pass that patio.
Whatever Mary Ellen was saying, Pat was contemplating, or worrying!



Goodie bag


Sarah loved her tootsie pop!

Once we had spent some quality time together (about 30 minutes), it was time for more grazing around the world. It was really hot that day – I think it was 93 degrees!

We headed across the bridge to France and did a little shopping. I bought a soap that reminded me of the smell of the Beach Club (ocean I think it’s called) and some cute coasters with French landmarks. I saw the Eiffel Tower figurine with Mickey that I bought in Disneyland Paris. Yes, apparently I could have gotten it here, but at least I know it was really from Paris!
We caught a few minutes of the chair guy outside of France



Outside in the heat again, we got some food!

Escargots Persillae en Brioche (Garlic and Parsley Snails in Brioche) – Paige and I had these. She basically just liked the little bread bowl. I ate the whole thing!

Crème Brulee au Chocolat au Lait – So creamy and yummy!


My notes aren’t clear, but maybe I have a picture. I want to say I got a drink here. From the pictures, it appears to be the Eiffel Sour Cosmo Slush.


Next up – Belgium! Where of course we enjoyed, a Belgian waffle with berry compote and whipped cream. My only complaint is I wanted more! I also enjoyed the Godiva Chocolate Liqueur Iced Coffee here on the little patio area.

We apparently ate the waffle very quickly, since I don't have a picture! But you all know what they look like, right?

Who’s up for sushi? I’m not a huge sushi lover, so I just got an order of California Rolls. Paige tried it and while she said it was “ok” she didn’t eat much of it. I was glad she was willing to try it.



cont. in next post