What's the Big Deal With Staying On Property Anyway? *Goodbyes* 12/17 p.114

[carissanboys]

Hope everybody had a happy Easter! We went out to eat at Quaker Steak and Lube (had gift cards! ) and then took DD's 11 and 7 to see the Hannah Montana movie. Movie was actually well done, surprisingly. Better run...it's bedtime!

I've heard great things about that place (and I've seen the episode of Dives, Drive-Ins, and Diners - or whatever it's called - when Guy goes there and eats the hottest wings they have)!

I hope you had a Happy Easter!

Thanks Amy - you too! I'm trying to wake up enough to roll out an update. (there really needs to be some sort of sleepy smiley)

 

[carissanboys]

After dropping things in our room (and taking quick pictures), we headed over to the dock to catch a boat taxi to DTD.

The boat goes from POR to POFQ - then on to DTD. On the way back it stops at POFQ first - then to POR. If you get on at POR you should know that they have to leave a certain amount of seats open so that people getting on at POFQ can have room too. Many people did not seem to understand why this was and I tried explaining once to a couple of people - but they just thought the captain was giving them a story.

Anyway - we had no issues finding a seat at that time of day. We sat down and settled in to enjoy the ride down the Sassagoula River.

This is where I must confess something.

It was on this boat ride that I fell in love.


The boat ride to DTD is what made me first start falling for Port Orleans Riverside. It is such a relaxing, beautiful experience. It really was one of my favorite parts of this trip.

After the 15 minute ride to DTD, we disembarked and headed over to Raglan Road.

Our first view of "Flights of Wonder"

Here's where things started to go a bit "meh."

I had made a reservation online for 5:30. I knew the entertainment started at 6 so I figured this was a good time for us to arrive and get our meal ordered, etc. I walked up to the desk and yes - they did have my reservation. Unfortunately, they didn't have a table available in the main section until 6. I asked if we could come back at 6 instead of sitting around to wait. She said she couldn't change our reservation at that point. I said, "But, our reservation was for 5:30."

I consulted with Chuck and we decided to try sitting outside to eat. Well, the sun was starting to set (right in the eyeballs) and it was very windy that day. We lasted a few minutes before I went back in and told the girl we would take the next one she had available for us inside and we'd wait in the outdoor area. I kind of felt she was a bit annoyed with me - but maybe it was me being paranoid.

By this time I was DYING of thirst. You remember one of my rules of driving?? I don't drink much on driving days. I decided against ordering a Guinness because I figured I was already dehydrated. So, I got a lemonade and Chuck got a Guinness.

I swear Owen wasn't drinking.

I did have a sip of the Guinness and it was just as good as I remembered from our last visit to RR.

I asked our waitress how we'd go about paying - if we could just get a bill to add on to our meal. She said, "I'll bring you a check." In my mind that meant - I'll bring you a check to take with you so you can pay all together. She knew we were eating at the restaurant because she brought us menus to look over while we were waiting.

Our buzzer went off (it was before 6 I believe) and we headed inside. We got a table with a great view of the stage. Shortly after sitting down, the waitress from outside came up to me. She thought I was running off on her without paying.

I explained to her what I thought bringing me the check meant (I had placed the check on our table), but that I'd be happy to pay up now if she wanted. She said no - she'd just have to get her manager to add it to our new bill.

So far our meal at RR wasn't going super well!

We ordered our food and settled in to enjoy the entertainment. I had to get a picture of Mona enjoying my favorite beverage!

It's so beautiful inside!

One of my favorite parts of the meal - the Irish Soda Bread - arrived, but instead of slices of bread, it was now in the shape of muffins. It was still good, but I like the bread better. I didn't take any pictures for some reason. The best part is the olive oil and Guinness you dip the bread in.

I can't remember the name of the duo performing, but they were very good - and funny. Here's a short video clip:



Then our food arrived!

Chuck had the Serious Sirloin Steak and said it was outstanding.

I have looked at different websites trying to find the name for what I had, but I can't find it listed anywhere. It was pasta, with meatballs (which were cooked in Guinness), tossed in a red wine sauce. It was awesome! The meatballs had wonderful flavor, the pasta was cooked perfectly, and the sauce was nice and light.

Sully and Owen had the fish 'n chips and Connor had the Dalkey Duo, which he really didn't eat. This was one place that we had a very hard time picking something for Connor.

I was very full after my meal, but since we were on the dining plan, we decided to share a dessert. I think they must have changed their menu recently because I can't find the dessert listed either.

It was an apple/berry crumble (is that right Chuck??). Very tasty.

When it was time to pay up, we had to pay out of pocket for the Guinness (this is where it would have been tricky to pay outside - my lemonade was included on the dining plan, but if we weren't eating a meal at the time - what would have happened?) and I put that and the tip on our room tab. I realized afterwards that probably the girl outside wouldn't get a tip?? I felt badly, but I didn't realize it until we were back in our room.

I definitely didn't enjoy our meal at Raglan Road nearly as much as I had on our last trip when Chuck and I went alone. It was a combination of it being very loud with the music playing and chaotic - but also just having the boys along and not being able to relax. The food was awesome though!

We were all pretty tired so we decided to head back to our room and save shopping for another day. We did take time to snap a few photos along the way.

The boat ride back was even more relaxing as the sun was setting and it was just so peaceful and cool with a lovely breeze blowing.

Up Next - Renovations Anyone?

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Awesome update Carissa!

I am so with you about the boat ride from POR to DTD! It is so relaxing and beautiful! It's perfect after a long day of traveling or hitting the parks.

We are going to try Raglan Road's CS restaurant, Cooke's of Dublin. I hope the food is as good as inside! It looks delicious!

Loved the video...the shot of one of the boys (I think Owen???) with the wide open mouth made me giggle!!

Looking forward to more updates...you are going to keep me going this week while I get ready to go! Your pics make me want to be there NOW!!

 

[jcc0621]

I heave heard wonderful things about the boatride to DTD from POR. My brother and SIL said it was their favortie part of their last trip

Raglan Road - we went there last August. We had a 5:00 reservation, we arrived at exactly 5:00...we were the only one's there and they gave me a buzzer When I questioned why they said that ALL of the servers were running late Don't think I will be running back there anytime soon.

 

[jbmom]

Great update Carissa! That is my favorite part of staying at POR too, I love that boat ride and my boys love looking for critters in the water. They are Steve Irwin wannabes, unfortunately for me they have success catching less than desireable creatures too.

Here are some sleeping smiles. Personally, I like the first one!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I wanted to pop in and tell you how much I have been enjoying your TR.

I know how you feel about the boat to DTD. I felt the same way about the boat from Wilderness Lodge to Magic Kingdom. It just made me feel so relaxed.

 

[carissanboys]

Awesome update Carissa!

I am so with you about the boat ride from POR to DTD! It is so relaxing and beautiful! It's perfect after a long day of traveling or hitting the parks.

We are going to try Raglan Road's CS restaurant, Cooke's of Dublin. I hope the food is as good as inside! It looks delicious!

Loved the video...the shot of one of the boys (I think Owen???) with the wide open mouth made me giggle!!

Looking forward to more updates...you are going to keep me going this week while I get ready to go! Your pics make me want to be there NOW!!

I saw on a dining plan snack thread that Cooke's of Dublin had fried chocolate bars!! I once had fried oreos in Syracuse, NY and they were to die for - seriously!!!!

Yes, that was Owen being silly.

You'll be there soon!!

I heave heard wonderful things about the boatride to DTD from POR. My brother and SIL said it was their favortie part of their last trip

Raglan Road - we went there last August. We had a 5:00 reservation, we arrived at exactly 5:00...we were the only one's there and they gave me a buzzer When I questioned why they said that ALL of the servers were running late Don't think I will be running back there anytime soon.

I was disappointed with the service a bit on this trip, but we still love the food! I believe the hostess told me that all of their servers weren't on yet either. On our last trip we didn't have a reservation - just walked up and were seated immediately and had an awesome server.

Great update Carissa! That is my favorite part of staying at POR too, I love that boat ride and my boys love looking for critters in the water. They are Steve Irwin wannabes, unfortunately for me they have success catching less than desireable creatures too.

Here are some sleeping smiles. Personally, I like the first one!

We've been to Steve Irwin's Zoo (the Australia Zoo)! We all love animals and we enjoyed the many birds we saw on our boat rides.

Thanks for the smileys - I'll have to save them.

I wanted to pop in and tell you how much I have been enjoying your TR.

I know how you feel about the boat to DTD. I felt the same way about the boat from Wilderness Lodge to Magic Kingdom. It just made me feel so relaxed.

It's Lady Lallie! Thank you so much for reading.

 

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

What a bummer about the poor service and the confusion over the bill for the drinks. At least the food was yummy!

 

[torsie24]

Yay!! Update! Lovely photos too!!

 

[pamouselover]

Sorry your dinner was not up to your expectations this time. Why does that always seem to happen? Love the new theme sign! Thanks for getting a pic of it. P.s You handbag looks great on you! Looking forward to more.

 

[DisMomAmy]

The boat ride sounds great! We'll be taking the MK/Wilderness Lodge boat when we eat at Whispering Canyon. It should be fun!

Sorry the restaurant wasn't what you remembered... I hate when that happens.

 

[pamouselover]

Hi Pam,

I made Carissa and Heidi's pictures, feel free to PM me if you want some made for TRs.

Ok, I will! Thanks!

Forgot to say glad you enjoyed the boat ride. I thought that made POFQ and POR speical.

 

[Phibbles]

Just got caught up today. Whew, this is moving quick. Keep up the good work, sounds like trip started very nice.

Phibbles's ticker just had to shout out that I love your title "sweatin with Mickey" so true in those summer months I did my fare share last June

Thanks. Will be title of my TR when we return too. Last Aug wiped me out and I swore we would never go in summer again. Then I went and booked a trip for DW's Aug birthday. Glutten for punishment I am.

 

[GGOOFY1]

Carissa enjoying your TR We stay at OKW and I love the boat ride to DTD. I prefer to take the boat over the bus. It is so relaxing.

 

[carissanboys]

What a bummer about the poor service and the confusion over the bill for the drinks. At least the food was yummy!

That it was! I love their food.

Yay!! Update! Lovely photos too!!

Thanks

Sorry your dinner was not up to your expectations this time. Why does that always seem to happen? Love the new theme sign! Thanks for getting a pic of it. P.s You handbag looks great on you! Looking forward to more.

Thanks! I love my bag.

The boat ride sounds great! We'll be taking the MK/Wilderness Lodge boat when we eat at Whispering Canyon. It should be fun!

Sorry the restaurant wasn't what you remembered... I hate when that happens.

I knew it would be a different experience because we'd be there during entertainment (our last meal there was very quiet because there was no one performing and it was dead). I probably wouldn't have minded the atmosphere if I'd been there with a bunch of friends - hanging out and having some drinks. I think we were just too stressed from the two day drive and the boys being tired. I'd still eat there again.

Just got caught up today. Whew, this is moving quick. Keep up the good work, sounds like trip started very nice.

Thanks Kevin

Carissa enjoying your TR We stay at OKW and I love the boat ride to DTD. I prefer to take the boat over the bus. It is so relaxing.

We didn't use the buses once on our trip.

 

[MagicShell]

The boat to DTD was our favorite part of staying at POR.

 

[torsie24]

Ooooh, I didnt notice your bag! Off to look again now!

 

[torsie24]

Very pretty I love Paisley! It's where my Mum's half of my family are from, when I was little I always said I'd get married in Paisley Abbey.....sadly it lost out to WDW!

 

[momrek06]

Great update, Carissa. First off all your pictures are wonderful. You always do such a great job taking pictures. The boys loook so happy and I love the pic of you and Chuck!!

Ahh..that boat ride looks to be very relaxing. I already love POR (through your pictures) and have never even been there.

Ahh..Car, you will have a few little bumps in the road here and there but it is all good because you and your family are at the WORLD!!!

AND I love your bag too...is it a Vera?

 

[carissanboys]

The boat to DTD was our favorite part of staying at POR.

Ooooh, I didnt notice your bag! Off to look again now!

Very pretty I love Paisley! It's where my Mum's half of my family are from, when I was little I always said I'd get married in Paisley Abbey.....sadly it lost out to WDW!

It's a Vera Bradley Hipster.

Great update, Carissa. First off all your pictures are wonderful. You always do such a great job taking pictures. The boys loook so happy and I love the pic of you and Chuck!!

Thanks Karen! I actually have a few other ones taken at the same time (of Chuck and I) - I kept cutting Chuck off.

Ahh..that boat ride looks to be very relaxing. I already love POR (through your pictures) and have never even been there.

Ahh..Car, you will have a few little bumps in the road here and there but it is all good because you and your family are at the WORLD!!!

AND I love your bag too...is it a Vera?

I have a lot more pictures of the grounds at POR that I can't wait to share!

Yes - it is Vera.