Why does Flight of Passage always make me cry? ~ An 11 day August/24 Disney extravaganza! complete 01/25 + new TR link

Dining at Topolinos with the strangest waiter.

Our reservation was at 7:15 and we checked in about 10 minutes before. We had a lovely table with banquette seating on one side and chairs on the other. Our waiter appeared nice originally but proceeded to try to tell us what to order with a very determined upsell. I just smiled sweetly (everyone knows when I have this certain smile I am p*****d) and said oh we are quite sure of what our choices are. We'll take our time and let you know when we are ready to order. We all felt he was trying to rush us and upsell us for all he was worth. So we decided to meander out to the terrace after placing our drink and appie orders as the light was perfect for some cute photos. I had the Passion Fruit whiskey sour (
Jameson Irish Whiskey, Passion Fruit, Lime, Aquafaba)as my cocktail which was excellent.
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Melinda took these two of me and I love the second one so much it has been my FB profile pic ever since.
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We headed back to the table and our appetizers soon appeared. I went with the house made ricotta (Tomato, Aged Balsamic, Cracked Pepper, Basil, Epi) while Melinda chose the Gnocchi (Braised Lamb Shoulder, Exotic Mushrooms, Lamb Jus, Kale, Carrots) and Billie went with the pork belly (Handkerchief Pasta, Marsala Glaze, Spring Pea Soubise). We shared all the appies and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the lamb. I had never tried lamb before and I was so rich and flavourful. We opted to order our mains when we finished our applies as we wanted to pace our meal properly. We waited for the house bread to be brought to the table but our waiter was no where to be found. So we sweetly asked one of the managers who brought it to us after I said I can't imagine where our waiter disappeared to. We saw her chatting to him and he was on his best behaviour (if still smarmy) with us after that.

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For my main I chose the scallops (Celeriac-Parsnip Purée, Charred Apple Chutney, Winter Root Vegetables) while Melinda chose the Branzino (fingerling potatoes, olives, tomato coulis, scallions, panisse, fine herbs) and Billie opted for the Rigatoni (braised chicken sugo, broccolini, pancetta, wild mushrooms, black truffle). Melinda and I had the suggested wine pairings with our meals while Billie stuck with sweet tea as she was driving.
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We all shared the phenomenal molten chocolate cake for dessert which was so rich the three of us could not finish it. I had tea to end the evening while Melinda enjoyed another glass of wine. And of course being the loving, generous human that she is, she treated us to dinner.
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It was a spectacular evening with the kind of company that makes your heart happy.




 
This weekend is the 16th anniversary of the trip that started my Disney obsession! It was our first time with our three boys and my first time ever at WDW! I couldn't resist adding some throwback pictures from sheer cuteness value. :)
Awww... Thanks for those. :)
I'm sure they've changed quite a bit in the meantime, but you haven't changed a bit!
I missed the bus to AK from BLT by 2 minutes
So close!
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:laughing: "Not sure if supposed to look scary or not..."
dresses were all on point for an AK day too. :)
::yes::
You all look great. :)
Don't think I've seen that before. Is that a game or something for them?
We had fun running into Kevin and chatted away with her.
Chatted? She talks??
Of course Nomad Lounge called our name and we sat indoors as Billie isn't a big fan of the heat.
I'm not either. Indoors for me!
Drinks and churros all around
Some day I'm going to try those churros.
AP magnet distribution was happening in Dinoland and the girls headed down there. Sadly I had forgotten my ID in the hotel room so couldn't pick up my magnet.
Bummer. Hopefully you got it later.
Our waiter appeared nice originally but proceeded to try to tell us what to order with a very determined upsell.
:sad2:
I just smiled sweetly (everyone knows when I have this certain smile I am p*****d)
Uh, oh! :rotfl:
I had the Passion Fruit whiskey sour (Jameson Irish Whiskey, Passion Fruit, Lime, Aquafaba)as my cocktail which was excellent.
That sounds good. :)
Nice face painting. I especially like Melinda's. Understated, and yet not.
Great lighting. Love this.
Melinda took these two of me and I love the second one so much it has been my FB profile pic ever since.
I can see why!
I went with the house made ricotta (Tomato, Aged Balsamic, Cracked Pepper, Basil, Epi) while Melinda chose the Gnocchi (Braised Lamb Shoulder, Exotic Mushrooms, Lamb Jus, Kale, Carrots) and Billie went with the pork belly (Handkerchief Pasta, Marsala Glaze, Spring Pea Soubise)
I'd have any of those. They all sound good.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the lamb. I had never tried lamb before
Really! Good for you for trying it. :)
So we sweetly asked one of the managers who brought it to us after I said I can't imagine where our waiter disappeared to. We saw her chatting to him and he was on his best behaviour (if still smarmy) with us after that.
oooohhhh... you is evil! Love it.
For my main I chose the scallops (Celeriac-Parsnip Purée, Charred Apple Chutney, Winter Root Vegetables) while Melinda chose the Branzino (fingerling potatoes, olives, tomato coulis, scallions, panisse, fine herbs) and Billie opted for the Rigatoni (braised chicken sugo, broccolini, pancetta, wild mushrooms, black truffle).
Again, would do all of those. Yum!
We all shared the phenomenal molten chocolate cake for dessert which was so rich the three of us could not finish it.
Whoa!
And of course being the loving, generous human that she is, she treated us to dinner.
Wow! Very nice of her. :)
 
This weekend is the 16th anniversary of the trip that started my Disney obsession! It was our first time with our three boys and my first time ever at WDW! I couldn't resist adding some throwback pictures from sheer cuteness value. :)
I love the pictures of you and the boys. :)
Melinda took these two of me and I love the second one so much it has been my FB profile pic ever since.
It is a beautiful sunset. You look relaxed and happy. :)
 
Awww, such fun throw backs. I remember my first trip with my kiddos- only 3/5 like Disney very much, but we sure had fun.

Lovely dinner, even if a bit odd. I hate the upselling, hard pressure sales stuff. Turns me right off! Grrr.! >:(
 
Awww... Thanks for those. :)
I'm sure they've changed quite a bit in the meantime, but you haven't changed a bit!
Well.......I may have added some crinkles and a few white strands but I am happy about them. Getting older is a privilege and I plan to enjoy every year I have to the fullest.
You all look great. :)
Thank you!
Don't think I've seen that before. Is that a game or something for them?
It's one of the enrichment tools. I think they put food inside to entice them to come over and figure out how to get it out. That is baby Ada (now about 3) with it.
Chatted? She talks??
She will respond to what you say with her "caw caw". It's hilarious!
Some day I'm going to try those churros.
You will love them!
Here's my thing...I am a really nice person until I'm not. Then it's a watch out situation. But I will still smile and be sweet, just a deadly sweet.
Nice face painting. I especially like Melinda's. Understated, and yet not.
They both looked so good!
oooohhhh... you is evil! Love it.
When necessary.....
Wow! Very nice of her. :)
Melinda is the best! Don't worry, Billie and I managed to return the favour the next day. :)
Great throwback pictures! Thanks for sharing them.
You're welcome! The years go by so quickly.
I love the pictures of you and the boys. :)
Thank you so much!
It is a beautiful sunset. You look relaxed and happy. :)
It was one of those magical evenings that I will always remember.
Awww, such fun throw backs. I remember my first trip with my kiddos- only 3/5 like Disney very much, but we sure had fun.
Disney trip memories are the best!
Lovely dinner, even if a bit odd. I hate the upselling, hard pressure sales stuff. Turns me right off! Grrr.! :(
Same here...I find it rude and condescending. He had this whole "I know better than you" attitude.
 
Getting older is a privilege and I plan to enjoy every year I have to the fullest.
As a friend of mine reminded me the other day... beats the alternative.
It's one of the enrichment tools. I think they put food inside to entice them to come over and figure out how to get it out. That is baby Ada (now about 3) with it.
Ah!
She will respond to what you say with her "caw caw". It's hilarious!
:lmao:I had no idea!!
Here's my thing...I am a really nice person until I'm not. Then it's a watch out situation. But I will still smile and be sweet, just a deadly sweet.
<pkondz treads lightly...>
Melinda is the best! Don't worry, Billie and I managed to return the favour the next day. :)
:goodvibes
 
Hi Susan! I’m all caught up on your trip report and loved reading about your adventures. You enjoyed so much time with other DISers and so many great meals!

It’s too bad your main dish at La Hacienda was lacking, but I’m glad the appetizers and dessert (and view!) rectified the meal. Your dinner at Topolino’s sounded lovely even if your waiter was not.

I’d love to stay at POFQ one day - I’ve stayed at POR twice and think I’d love the smaller footprint of French Quarter. The beignets would be wonderful, too! Your room at BLT was also great (I’m glad they were able to switch your room) and your view was excellent.

Your day of four parks in one day was well done - I’m impressed that you even included a break!
 
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Aww great throwback photos of you and the boys. Time does indeed pass swiftly but isn’t it great to have the fab memories of those days when they were all small and full of fun.
Back to the present day and you ladies all look fabulous in your dresses at AK. It looks like a gorgeous day. Someday I will eat those churros Truthfully I can’t quite believe I haven’t already 😂
Your meal at Riveria looks absolutely scrumptious and I’m glad you were able to enjoy it despite your waiter. I hate when they try to tell you what to order and love that you handled it with your killer smile 😁👍
 
Hi Susan! I’m all caught up on your trip report and loved reading about your adventures. You enjoyed so much time with other DISers and so many great meals!

It’s too bad your main dish at La Hacienda was lacking, but I’m glad the appetizers and dessert (and view!) rectified the meal. Your dinner at Topolino’s sounded lovely even if your waiter was not.

I’d love to stay at POFQ one day - I’ve stayed at POR twice and think I’d love the smaller footprint of French Quarter. The beignets would be wonderful, too! Your room at BLT was also great (I’m glad they were able to switch your room) and your view was excellent.

Your day of four parks in one day was well done - I’m impressed that you even included a break!
Hi Jenny! So nice to see you here! My summer trip really was so lovely. It's fun to do an extended trip. :) Yes, POFQ is such a special place. I will definitely stay there again. I have two days left on this TR and then will be starting the TR from my Christmas trip with Caroline. My next Disney travels will be in December, I just can't get enough of Disney at Christmas. This summer my DH and I are going to Oahu with 6 nights at Aulani to celebrate our wedding anniversary and his retirement.
Aww great throwback photos of you and the boys. Time does indeed pass swiftly but isn’t it great to have the fab memories of those days when they were all small and full of fun.
Back to the present day and you ladies all look fabulous in your dresses at AK. It looks like a gorgeous day. Someday I will eat those churros Truthfully I can’t quite believe I haven’t already 😂
Your meal at Riveria looks absolutely scrumptious and I’m glad you were able to enjoy it despite your waiter. I hate when they try to tell you what to order and love that you handled it with your killer smile 😁👍
I love all those sweet memories. As much as I love the men they have grown up to be, it's nice to look back too.

Hopefully you will get to enjoy those churros sooner than later. Will you be taking those sweet grands any time? I really love Topolinos for both breakfast and dinner. The food is excellent.
 
. Will you be taking those sweet grands any time?
I would love to take the grandkids to WDW but it’s more likely to be Disneyland Paris as they tend to spend their extended holidays in Denmark seeing their dad’s side of the family. DLP is a lot closer so we could do a much shorter trip there but I have only been there once in 1999 and for me WDW will always have my heart. My sister is a frequent visitor and says it’s much better now than it was when I visited so we shall see. If I win the lottery it will be a huge family trip to WDW and I’ll bring my son-in-laws family too! A girl can dream right!
 
I would love to take the grandkids to WDW but it’s more likely to be Disneyland Paris as they tend to spend their extended holidays in Denmark seeing their dad’s side of the family. DLP is a lot closer so we could do a much shorter trip there but I have only been there once in 1999 and for me WDW will always have my heart. My sister is a frequent visitor and says it’s much better now than it was when I visited so we shall see. If I win the lottery it will be a huge family trip to WDW and I’ll bring my son-in-laws family too! A girl can dream right!
Absolutely!
 

Hi Friends!! I have exciting trip news to share. :) While the DVC hunger games have been fierce, I managed to secure two reservations. First I booked next December at my 11 month window for a studio at Boulder Ridge. Yesterday I booked an island gardens view studio at Aulani!!!!!! Yes , we are going to Hawaii!! So excited for this one. :goodvibes We are celebrating Bill's upcoming retirement and our 26th wedding anniversary. We are bookending our six night Aulani stay with 3 nights at the Prince Waikiki upon arrival and 3 nights on the North Shore to wrap up our trip. All Oahu/Aulani advice is most welcome!


Back to August and a fabulous day in the Magic Kingdom!
Billie and I met up first as Melinda had slept in a bit. We decided to stay near the front of the park and caught a set of the Dapper Dans before browsing the Emporium for a while. Melinda finally arrived and we took the opportunity for pictures!
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This one is my favourite...it perfectly showcases the joy we all felt together.
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We decided to stroll towards Adventureland and head to Pirates. We were passing the spring roll cart and I mentioned I had never tried the spring rolls from there. Billie decided this must be rectified immediately and we stopped and got three orders (1 pepperoni, 1 cheeseburger and 1 mixed). We all enjoyed these immensely and they will be a MK must do for me going forward.
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Pirates was a blast and we rocked our pose. :)
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We followed this up by checking out the new Country Bears show. Melinda and Billie did not care for it at all and I was soso on it. Some of the new songs are cute and the new costumes look great but I miss the cheesy, corny original. It's just not the Country Bears without "Blood on the Saddle" after all.
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Haunted Mansion was next on our agenda. Billie and Melinda's picture was priceless!
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And of course we got a few shots outside too!
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We lucked out getting a Plaza lunch reservation so headed in that direction next. We had a bit of a wait but luckily got seated about 5 minutes before it started pouring down with rain. Lunch was great but I completely forgot to take pictures. Melinda and I both had the club sandwich while Billie had the Chefs salad with ranch. Iced teas and waters all round completed our lunch.

After lunch it was still raining but not quite as bad. We all opted for a little rest with Billie heading over to the Polynesian, Melinda heading to her resort and me checking into my new resort. Why a new resort, you ask? Well I was supposed to fly home this night until the airline I was going to be on went bankrupt! Yes, I am still waiting for my money back from that flight....grrrr! I wasn't able to extend my BLT stay so found a night at Old Key West. While
I was waiting for the bus the rain started again and continued. Luckily my OKW room was ready but was about a 5 minutes walk from the bus stop and even with a raincoat and umbrella I got completely drenched! Of course my luggage hadn't arrived yet so I grabbed a hot shower and wrapped up in towels under the covers until I had something dry to wear again!

We were heading out to Disney Springs for dinner tonight and a chance to see Dreams that Soar. That's next!








 
We are bookending our six night Aulani stay with 3 nights at the Prince Waikiki upon arrival and 3 nights on the North Shore to wrap up our trip. All Oahu/Aulani advice is most welcome!
Your trip sounds wonderful. We have been to Hawaii many times, mostly on the island of Kauai. But we did stay on the north shore of Oahu once and really liked it there. :)
We followed this up by checking out the new Country Bears show. Melinda and Billie did not care for it at all and I was soso on it.
We really like the new Country Bears show. :)
Melinda and I both had the club sandwich while Billie had the Chefs salad with ranch.
We had lunch at the Plaza during our trip last August. We knew that the weather would be hot and we wanted air conditioning. We have salads and enjoy the food so much that the Plaza has been added to our list of "must do's". :)

The walk in the rain to your room at OKW sounds dreadful.
 
Summerhouse on the Lake and Dreams that Soar!

Finally my luggage arrived from Bay Lake Tower and I was able to change to head to Disney Springs. I hopped on the bus to the front of the resort thinking I would take the boat BUT boat service was suspended due to the drone show. That was annoying but not a deal breaker. I headed out to grab a Lyft instead as we were getting close to our reservation time.

Feeling excited for a fun night out! Also rocking the beautiful new Tomorrowland crossbody that Melinda made for me. I'll take some pictures of it and post them. It was so muggy and hot still after the rain so I was happy to have my light and comfy Lily Pulitzer dress to wear.
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Arriving at Summerhouse, we had about a ten minute wait before being led to a lovely table for 4 in the middle of the room. I loved how airy and bright the restaurant was. I decided to start off with an Aperol Spritz while Melinda had a bourbon based cocktail and Billie had sweet tea.
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We all shared the wood grilled artichoke (lemon, herbs, aioli) as we sipped our drinks.
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I went for the shaved brussel sprout salad with grilled chicken on the side. (manchego, bacon, avocado, toasted almonds, green peas, mustard vinaigrette). I really enjoyed this although the chicken was a bit dry.
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Melinda had the buena vista cobb (avocado, egg, corn, cucumber, tomato, bacon, blue cheese, herb vinaigrette) with grilled steak on the side.
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Billie chose the fish and chips (grouper fish ‘n’ chips
malt vinegar fries, tartar sauce). She enjoyed it but I thought it looked skimpy for $36.
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We had a great spot for the show as we were able to go into the scooter/wheelchair area with Billie. The show was really sweet!
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After the show we headed to Salt and Straw for ice cream and enjoyed walking around, chatting and listening to music. It was another great night.IMG_6684.JPEG







 
Your trip sounds wonderful. We have been to Hawaii many times, mostly on the island of Kauai. But we did stay on the north shore of Oahu once and really liked it there. :)
I am so excited to go to Hawaii. ♥️
We really like the new Country Bears show. :)
I prefer the old show but maybe the new one will grown on me. :)
We had lunch at the Plaza during our trip last August. We knew that the weather would be hot and we wanted air conditioning. We have salads and enjoy the food so much that the Plaza has been added to our list of "must do's". :)
It was my first time dining there but certainly won't be my last.
The walk in the rain to your room at OKW sounds dreadful.
It really was. I looked like a drowned rat. :(
 
First I booked next December at my 11 month window for a studio at Boulder Ridge
Terrific! More Christmas at Disney. :)
Yesterday I booked an island gardens view studio at Aulani!!!!!! Yes , we are going to Hawaii!!
Wow!!! Terrific!
We are celebrating Bill's upcoming retirement and our 26th wedding anniversary.
Both very noteworthy and worth celebrating. :)
3 nights on the North Shore
oooohhhh.... Loved the North Shore.
All Oahu/Aulani advice is most welcome!
Try surfing lesson on the North Shore. Lots of fun and very un-intimidating. You'll have someone hold your board while you climb on and even give you a push. I see North Shore Surf Girls are still in business. Was years ago, but thought they were great. Make sure not to miss Matsumoto Shave Ice. Be warned, though... Once you have that, you'll never want the kakigori at Epcot Japan again. There's just no comparison. Horseback riding at Kualoa Ranch is breathtaking. And make sure you stop at Giovanni's shrimp truck for the freshest and best garlic shrimp you'll ever have.
caught a set of the Dapper Dans
Always worth stopping for. :)
Melinda finally arrived
Geez, Melinda. Get a move on! People are waiting!


:lmao:
Fun shot. :)
This is terrific! Look at Billie's happiness! :goodvibes
We were passing the spring roll cart and I mentioned I had never tried the spring rolls from there.
I'm glad this travesty was corrected.
Billie decided this must be rectified immediately
Billie is smart.
pirate:
We followed this up by checking out the new Country Bears show. Melinda and Billie did not care for it at all and I was soso on it.
Hmmm... Have heard mixed reviews. No clear winner yet.
It's just not the Country Bears without "Blood on the Saddle" after all.
:laughing:
Good point!
:eek:
Such a classic. :thumbsup2
We had a bit of a wait but luckily got seated about 5 minutes before it started pouring down with rain.
Good timing!
Well I was supposed to fly home this night until the airline I was going to be on went bankrupt! Yes, I am still waiting for my money back from that flight....grrrr!
Um... why do I have a feeling that you might wait... forever.
I was waiting for the bus the rain started again and continued. Luckily my OKW room was ready but was about a 5 minutes walk from the bus stop and even with a raincoat and umbrella I got completely drenched!
Oh, no. Poor drowned Susan.
 
Finally my luggage arrived from Bay Lake Tower
Dry clothes!
boat service was suspended due to the drone show.
Huh! Interesting. But I guess makes sense. If even just one drone poops out...
I decided to start off with an Aperol Spritz
Finally tried one of those... and it's not for me.
We all shared the wood grilled artichoke (lemon, herbs, aioli) as we sipped our drinks.
How was that?
Melinda had the buena vista cobb
This would've been my choice. Sounds delicious!
Billie chose the fish and chips (grouper fish ‘n’ chips
malt vinegar fries, tartar sauce). She enjoyed it but I thought it looked skimpy for $36.
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Hmmm... yes, does seem pricey for the portion. Unless grouper is expensive? (I don't have a clue.)
The show was really sweet!
Looks cool!
After the show we headed to Salt and Straw for ice cream
This is new, isn't it? At least I don't remember it. How was the ice cream?
 
Loving all the MK photos.
Looks like you girls had great craic together. Definitely a fun day from start to finish ( except for the being like a drowned rat bit 😂).
 
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Your time spent with friends looks lovely, great meals and park fun! I remember you telling me about the airline debacle yikes! Silver lining it was Disney you were stuck at! I would have loved to see the Drone show, it looked really cool!
I finished my USO report yesterday. Let me know when you start the December one!
 



















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