What did WE celebrate? .. 30 days of Disney fun and food! Update 04/02

[Schoolbread]

YUM!

I'm mixing some recipes this weekend. LeCellier's cream cheese mashed potatoes and Liberty Tree Tavern's pot roast this weekend. CAN'T WAIT! You've made it that much harder seeing those taters. LOL!

 

[dizneeat]

Sorry this is going to be a post on the dining boards but this fits.

After 10 + days of driving our motor home across U.S. I know what were we thinking. Well we planned to get on Disney Property around noonish. We did not get to go under the Disney Welcome sign . What we did see was so magnificent I made husband pull over first chance so I could breath it all in.

First sight on Disney property was the swan and dolphin's atop each of the resorts. That trip was in 1993 and still takes my breath away thinking about that most wonderful sight.

Thanks for letting me share.

Patty

The retired laundry mistress------ME

Any first sight at Disney is pretty special - can be the Swolphin, can be the WDW sign! For me - it is the sign, but more than that the DVC lighthouse at he corner of OKW! I get goosebumps every time I see it, and believe me, I get to see it quite often - we LOVE to stay at OKW!

When I saw you had ordered the salmon, I figured I was going to be free of this picture. And then you surprised me with Tom's order. And my mouth is watering again!!!

You said, you were ready for another update, Dave!

I guess you need to invite your DW to the filet to celebrate, once little Anna has joined you in the US!

You're getting me excited for our upcoming Le Cellier lunch. I figured I had to cave into the Dis pressure and try it and we were able to score a lunch adr. I am so looking forward to that cheddar cheese soup...what's not to love? And while I had been thinking beef for my entree...that sandwhich sounds like its right up my alley and something original. I like ordering things in restaraunts that I can't either cook at home or, if I'm at Disney, can't get someplace close to home! I can't believe that you still have that many more days of food to report on! EXCELLENT!

We just love Le Cellier, Tina! We have 2 reservations there during our weeklong stay, so you can see - we REALLY love it!
We love the Cheese soup - especially with the sausage, dipped into it!
When is your ADR?

What a steal!!! I can't believe the price of the DxDDP. I can't wait to travel off season--- only 8 years to go before I can.

I hope, I explained that the right way - we had the free DDP and just upgraded and paid the difference, but it was still a bargain!

YUM!

I'm mixing some recipes this weekend. LeCellier's cream cheese mashed potatoes and Liberty Tree Tavern's pot roast this weekend. CAN'T WAIT! You've made it that much harder seeing those taters. LOL!

Sounds yum - can I come visit?

 

[KatMark]

I am so mad at myself for not going to LeCellier in September. I really missed my filet and now I am drooling after looking at your photos.

 

[DaveInTN]

I guess you need to invite your DW to the filet to celebrate, once little Anna has joined you in the US!

That sounds like a plan!! I need you to be my travel agent!

 

[tortoni]

I'm just catching up here and really enjoying the reviews. Looking forward to the next installment. The Disney Wonder looks like a lot of fun.

 

[cbg1027]

I love that pretzel bread, cheese soup, and maple creme brulee!

 

[dizneeat]

I am so mad at myself for not going to LeCellier in September. I really missed my filet and now I am drooling after looking at your photos.

There will be another chance in September, Kathy!
We just really love the atmosphere and food there very much. We actually have two reservations at LeCellier in February!

That sounds like a plan!! I need you to be my travel agent!

I can't believe that I am playing "TA" for Americans twice this week!
Just got my friend's trip straightened out.

Any news on when you will be able to bring Anna home? The video of her and your DW is just so cute!

I'm just catching up here and really enjoying the reviews. Looking forward to the next installment. The Disney Wonder looks like a lot of fun.

Thank for being a part of this "trip". We really enjoyed our long vacation and YES, we are in LOVE with the Disney Wonder.

I love that pretzel bread, cheese soup, and maple creme brulee!

 

[dizneeat]

Still Day 20, September 2

A Krispy Treat and Refillable Mugs

After our lunch we strolled through World Showcase for a while and happened to see this!

A very talented Cast Member indeed!

We left Epcot about an hour after we had finished our lunch and went offsite to do some grocery shopping at Publix. Our fridge was EMPTY!!! We couldn't leave it that way!

Since we were in Kissimmee already we just went down HW 192 and picked up some of these little beauties!

Yummy, fresh, still warm, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts!

On the way back to the resort we picked up the two refillable mugs which came with the DDP and after rinsing them out we both had a mug full of soda, while sitting at the tables overlooking the marina.

Once we had finished our drinks, we walked back to the General Store and picked up 4 bottles of water, to spend some of our snack credits. There was no way we would be able to spend 36 snack credits, so we decided to use some of them on water.

We had Free Disney Dining Plan which we had upgraded to the DxDDP. We booked through the British Disney Travel company and the cost for nine nights and 2 people was ....... 270 British Pounds = 420 $

So, we paid 420$ (difference between DDP and DxDDP) for 9 days of DxDDP!

How much did we actually cost Disney?
54 dining credits
36 snack credits
Le Cellier ...... 86,20 (2 DC ......... 52 DC remain)
2 Refillable Mugs ...... 29,80
OKW General Store ...... 4 bottles of water 10,00 (4 snack credits ......... 32 snack credits remain)
Cost altogether ..... 126,00$

420$ - 126$ = 294$

Next up - Dinner at the California Grill

 

[Stefy]

It's hard not to get too mad, but it CAN be done!

Don't worry about going in September, Stefy. Dave is right, if there IS a storm they will change the itinerary and they can predict what it will be like long before the storm is actually there.
We got the remnants (spelling? sorry!!) of a storm during our second cruise and we were warned quite some time before that it would be choppy!
The worst that can happen is that they can't go to CC! Now that would be horrible, but on the other hand, better safe than sorry!
We talked to a CM who lives on CC, while at CC and he told us that they had all be evacuated before a Hurricane! Forgot which storm it was!

I will definitely let you know before you leave! Oh, and BTW - I LOVE the second ticker you have got!

Fingers crossed that doesn't happen and we skip CC, would be so devastated

Thanks, I was finally able to get rid of the DLRP one and wanted a wedding one so...

What a wonderful last meal on the Wonder. That food looks soooo good and you got to have a chat with the chef too

Loving your first day in WDW great way to kick it off with LC

 

[englishrose47]

Great Le Cellier update !!! Anymore we can only go during free dining as the cost would be to much without !!This year we had to upgrade frm QSP to DDP but for 8 nights for 5 of us it was only $340 so not bad !!

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

We tried LeCellier last month for our first time. My husband was very doubtful it will be good but we were happy that our meal was great and we had an awesome server.
I love Krispy Kreme donuts...yummy

 

[KatMark]

Now you know that I HAVE to go and get some of those Krispy Kreme donuts on this trip. I am still infuriated that they closed all of ours and I've not had one in years. So where exactly in Kissimmee is it?

 

[dizneeat]

Just wanted to let you know that I actually did it!!!!!! I started my new pre-trip report for our summer vacation!

Here it is!

If your heart is in your DREAM ........

 

[dizneeat]

Fingers crossed that doesn't happen and we skip CC, would be so devastated

Thanks, I was finally able to get rid of the DLRP one and wanted a wedding one so...

What a wonderful last meal on the Wonder. That food looks soooo good and you got to have a chat with the chef too

Loving your first day in WDW great way to kick it off with LC

Some friends of mine, who are on the Panama Canal cruise just had to skip CC because the drift was to heavy! She was sad she didn't get to go to CC, but they had a fun day at sea!

When are you going to start your pre-trippie for September? I really want to know all about your planning.

Great Le Cellier update !!! Anymore we can only go during free dining as the cost would be to much without !!This year we had to upgrade frm QSP to DDP but for 8 nights for 5 of us it was only $340 so not bad !!

Le Cellier can be very expensive! I am glad we have our TiW to at least score some kind of discount!
340$ for the 5 of you to upgrade? That's not bad at all! That's why I love FD!

We tried LeCellier last month for our first time. My husband was very doubtful it will be good but we were happy that our meal was great and we had an awesome server.
I love Krispy Kreme donuts...yummy

We have never had bad food or bad service at LeCellier. On the other hand since we mostly ask for a special server maybe that does the trick!
And I am glad your experience was a wonderful one as well!

We only discovered Krispy Kreme by reading a trip report. Sonya made them sound so good, that we had to go try for ourselves. They had the "Hot Now" sign on and we were hooked!

Now you know that I HAVE to go and get some of those Krispy Kreme donuts on this trip. I am still infuriated that they closed all of ours and I've not had one in years. So where exactly in Kissimmee is it?

You can get them at the Hess station across from DTD, but they are not "really" fresh, as in HOT!
If you want a hot one try to go to the one on HW 192. You need to drive past the Orange thingy there. It is at the far end of Kissimmee. I need to ask Tom for the exact address, he's got it under "favourites" in the GPS!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Some friends of mine, who are on the Panama Canal cruise just had to skip CC because the drift was to heavy! She was sad she didn't get to go to CC, but they had a fun day at sea!

That must be the Taginators?! I had so wanted to be in the group who will meet them in Disneyland, but did not work out this time. It is going to be so much fun!!

 

[dizneeat]

That must be the Taginators?! I had so wanted to be in the group who will meet them in Disneyland, but did not work out this time. It is going to be so much fun!!

YES! I was talking about Carol, Kathy, Gary and John! I am following Carol's trip report - I just love the way Gary writes the reports! Too funny!
Are you following them too?

So sorry it did not work out for you! I wish that they would do an activity we could all participate in. Unfortunately their Tag-meets are always during my school year!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

YES! I was talking about Carol, Kathy, Gary and John! I am following Carol's trip report - I just love the way Gary writes the reports! Too funny!
Are you following them too?

So sorry it did not work out for you! I wish that they would do an activity we could all participate in. Unfortunately their Tag-meets are always during my school year!

You know, I forgot to follow their TR and I enjoy theirs so much!! (gee, could I have been busy reading on the DIS?? )

 

[Stefy]

Some friends of mine, who are on the Panama Canal cruise just had to skip CC because the drift was to heavy! She was sad she didn't get to go to CC, but they had a fun day at sea!

When are you going to start your pre-trippie for September? I really want to know all about your planning.

I guess if it came to it a day at sea would be ok because then you can make the most of the ship and explore galore without feeling bad that you are missing out on something else off ship

I am hoping to start soon, maybe March once the hours have come out can you wait that long?

 

[dizneeat]

You know, I forgot to follow their TR and I enjoy theirs so much!! (gee, could I have been busy reading on the DIS?? )

I couldn't believe their cruise was already sailing! But they got to see the Dream! Lucky them!

It's a shame they missed Castaway Cay, and I think it's already the second time that has happened to them, but by the looks of Carol's photos they did have a fun time!
Gary's style of writing is just hilarious! I just love reading his daily updates!

I guess if it came to it a day at sea would be ok because then you can make the most of the ship and explore galore without feeling bad that you are missing out on something else off ship

I am hoping to start soon, maybe March once the hours have come out can you wait that long?

I would not worry about it too much ...... CC or not! There will be plenty to do and see on the DREAM! And you could always have a spa treatment or a drink, or a drink, or a drink ..........

Any time you start your PTR is a perfect time! Just let me know when you do it .... I surely wanny be along for the ride!
Waiting for park hours for August, so I can start definite plans! We'll have the DDP (free again) and my booking window opens in just 32 days!!! The pressure, the pressure!

 

[dizneeat]

Still Day 20, September 2

Dinner at the California Grill, Part 1

We finally made it back to our villa and this is what was waiting for us!

We had a very creative Mousekeeper again!

The afternoon was spent unpacking and doing a few loads of washing. We spent some relaxing time out on the balcony as well, with a refreshing drink - all that work needed to be rewarded!

In the evening we drove over to the Contemporary Resort, a little ahead of time so we could watch the fireworks from the observation deck!
We handed over the car to Valet Services, (LOVE that perk that comes with the TiW) and made our way up to the second floor to sign in.
There was the usual spiel - we're running about 20 minutes late! Sweet - we had a late reservation anyway.
A friendly CM took us up to the restaurant and we walked out to the observation deck and our beeper goes off right away! Excuse me, we are early and you are running behind and you are calling us NOW????

Went back in to hand in the buzzer and were taken to a nice four top opposite the sushi station. Our server was sweet and explained the menu and what about drinks ........ YES, but .........


CAN WE GO OUTSIDE RIGHT AWAY TO SEE THE FIREWORKS???????????

We could and she fetched our drinks in the meantime.

Watching the fireworks from the top of the Contemporary either at the beginning or at the end of our vacation is something we love to do! We still found a nice spot and enjoyed the fireworks.

Then it was back to business ........ FOOD, and lots of it!

As soon as we sat down, our server brought our drinks and put some of that yummy bread on the table. Reminds me of the Sourdough bread they sell in San Francisco!

We were on the Deluxe plan, so we could order a starter each!

It was easy to talk Tom into sushi! He really likes it and sitting opposite the Sushi station, helped too!
He ordered the Spicy Kazan Roll, Crab, Shrimp, Bay Scallops, Tuna and Fireball Sauce. I tasted a tiny bit and it was very nice ......... and hot!!!
Tom enjoyed it and cleaned his plate!

I on the other hand LOVE their flatbreads! So tasty! So I ordered the "Chef's Garden", Heirloom Tomatoes with Baby Mozzarella, Balsamic Onions and Micro Basil. I tried hard but couldn't finish it all ...... and we still had two more courses to go!

Tom's dish, the Seared White Sea Bass, Portabellas, Baby Brussel sprouts, Brentwood Corn, Chipotle Salsa and Tomato Vinaigrette.
Here is where tasting each other's dishes is such a treat! Because this was just outstanding. Perfectly cooked Bass, all moist and silky and crisp outside! The veggies went so well with it, not overpowering at all!
I wish they would keep that on the menu!

I had the Herb-grilled Lamb Chops with Kiln-dried Garbanzo Beans, Summer Vegetable Vinaigrette and Mint Chimichurri!
Looking at the photo, it looks quite burned, but I swear it was not burned at all - must be the flash I used to take the photo!
Lamb still pink in the middle, soft and melt in your mouth and the Mint Chimichurri enhanced the flavour! So yummo!!!!