Will You Chill Out if I Sprinkle You With Pixie Dust? The End p136 *New TR Link* p138

[MEK]

Continued

Ah....Yes......My trusty adult beverage cleverly disguised as an innocent fountain drink.

Final pool pic

So - Did I ever make it back to AK?

No! If you are a park commando, then I apologize for being such a dead beat park participant today. I spent a lovely two hours at the pool. My SIL and kids never showed up. Maybe they did, but it was right when I was leaving. So I spent my couple hours of pool time with solitude reading.

When I got back to the villa Denny was "resting" as was my brother. Denny wanted to go to Walmart. The reason why escapes me right now. Suffice to say, Denny has to go to Walmart on every trip. It's sort of a ritual. A religious experience. I decided to go with him.

I'm glad I did. I ended up getting this really cute bag.

I hope this posts the right direction

It was only $12. Score! And it doesn't look like it rotated.

By the time we returned it was time for dinner. Our plan tonight was for Wolfgang Puck Express.

My Bros family wanted to take the boat, but I sort of talked them out of it. My fear was it might rain and then we would all be stuck taking the bus back. And I had more than enough bus on this trip.

So we drove. It was packed. We ended up pretty far away from the Marketplace and once we got out of the car it dawned on me - I had no real idea where WPE was. I knew there was one near Cirque and the other was in the Marketplace, but where.

Of course, I picked the wrong direction. I think people where starting to get upset with me, but I remained undeterred and just kept walking until I found it.

A few pictures I took when I went the WRONG direction

Time to walk in the RIGHT direction

Obviously I have never eaten at WPE before, but I figured with the QSDP this would be a great time to try it.

My entree. The salmon

It was excellent. Good choice. Just the right amount of food. Not too much. Not too little.

I think Nick got this - the alfredo with the peas that almost killed Poolrat Pat (she is allergic to peas)

My dessert

Somebody's creme brulee

So what did everyone think??????

My brother's family loved it. They thought they died and went to heaven. Ok - it was good, but not THAT good. Seriously - they raved about it all week. My brother got the meatloaf and my SIL got some kind of sandwich. I have no idea what Denny got.

We spent the rest of the evening shopping and sight seeing in DTD.

Of course, we had to stop here

The boys obviously had no interest in shopping

Cute murals behind the register

Continued in Next post......

 

[MEK]

Continued.....

Here is the wine glass I bought in December at AK. Wait - actually Denny gave it to me for Christmas. Love this!

I left the Christmas shop and went to that store that sells sock and flip flops (I forget the name of it). They had some cute socks.

There's that carousel again

Next Stop....

Oh Yeah Baby......

This is the grapefruit rita. I was yummy, and more importantly, well made (ie strong). Loved it! Good to the last drop and don't think I didn't slurp it right through that little straw!

Just because I love umbrellas

It was another gorgeous night. Low humidity. Perfect temperature!

We walked over to sit and listen to these guys

Actually, all I remember about this is that my SIL had to take all the boys to the BR so they basically missed the entertainment.

It was at this point that I was ready to dump my brother's family and just hang out in DTD with Denny. I was ready for another rita. But, instead, I did the family thing and we walked around a little bit more.

I got all turned around again trying to find the cars, but we eventually made it. Nick and my SIL took the kids home on the boat. The kids loved it.

And with that my drama free evening concludes. I am glad that we decided to go back to the villa. I don't have a clue what we did for the rest of the evening, but I'm pretty sure I was fast asleep by 10pm.

Up Next.....Would we finally ALL make rope drop?

 

[15isto2]

Thanks for another superb update

 

[MEK]

I almost forgot. Now that we just finished Day 3 of 5 days in the QSDP, I wanted to post an analysis....

Day 1

Artist Palette
Veggie Flat bread $7.99
Muffin $2.59
Drink $2.59
Total $14.11

Columbia Harbor House
Lobster Roll $9.99
Apple Crisp $3.59
Drink $2.89
Total $17.62

Snack
Auntie Gravity
Frozen Cappucino $4.48

Mug $15.50

TOTAL $51.74 Price for 1 day $34.99


Day 2

Pecos Bill
1/3 lb cheeseburger $8.69
Carrot Cake $3.59
Beverage $2.89
Total $16.85

Snack
Mainstreet Bakery

Cinnamon Bun $4.46

DAY TOTAL $21.31
TOTAL TO DATE $73.05 Price for 2 days $69.98


Day 3


Pizzafari
Hot Italian Sandwich $8.99
Strawberry Parfait $3.59
Drink $2.89
Total $16.55

Wolfgang Puck Express

Salmon Platter $18.00
Vanilla Cheesecake $5.00
Drink $2.69
Total $27.49


DAY TOTAL $44.04
TOTAL TO DATE $117.09 Price paid for 3 days $104.97



Please note: I only used one QS meal on Day 2. I am also estimating drink prices when I don't know what they were. I add 7% tax to all the meal totals and I took some representative snacks that we purchased. The left column is what I would have paid OOP and the right column is what I actually paid.

Bottom Line. Even skipping a meal on Day 2 (which we will make up later), we have saved $13.

 

[MEK]

Thanks for another superb update

Thanks! So glad you enjoyed it!!!!!

 

[dawnbu40]

I love the pictures of SSR (and the shout out to Caitlin) and I can't wait to get back there!

The balloon is no longer at DTD. There was a problem with one at Tokyo Disney so they took it down. They haven't said if/when it's coming back

Glad the qsdp was paying off for you

 

[MEK]

I love the pictures of SSR (and the shout out to Caitlin) and I can't wait to get back there!

I have to say that after staying at all the other WDW DVC resorts, I will always be especially fond of SSR and I am very happy I purchased points there. Loved Caitlin's Grandstand pools pics!

The balloon is no longer at DTD. There was a problem with one at Tokyo Disney so they took it down. They haven't said if/when it's coming back

Really? OMG! I had no idea. I guess I need to pay more attention and I'm glad I got all those pictures when I did.

Glad the qsdp was paying off for you

I really thought it was going to be a break even deal, but I do think there is some cost savings associated with it. If it had just been Denny and I we could have maximized it a bit more, but it was hard on the group trip.

 

[amandaw]

Love all of your pictures! They are fantastic!

Your quiet time at the pool sounds lovely!

We really like WPE. Very good food!

I love the Christmas store - one of my favorites! I don't think I've ever gone into the store that sells flip flops & socks. I must rectify that this year - I love socks!

 

[Pinkocto]

Alone time at the pool, that sounds blissful

WPE is on my list for September. Glad the family enjoyed it.

I got that same bag for my birthday, it's so cute.

Thanks for the dining recap, that is definitely helpful.

Loving the pictures as always

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I'm glad you got to enjoy your solitary pool time in the afternoon. I believe I will want to try that sugar cane mojito at AK. I think we're going there on our first day - so I can tell you how good it is right away.

What wonderful pictures!! I love the artistic shots - the red really pops!

WPE is supposed to be a really great deal on the DDP or QSDP. Better food and portions for the money than so many other QS places.

I'm glad the kids got to ride the boat back and you didn't have rain.

Things are always a bit different when you are with a large group, aren't they?

Oh and thanks for the Turtle Krawl and Cynthia update!!

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

Your pool time sounds so nice and relaxing! I don't think that's a bad way to spend an afternoon at all!

I'm glad you all liked WPE! DTD can get a bit confusing, I never know which way I'm going until I see a good landmark!

Mmm rita's! You always find the best drinks around the World!

 

[MEK]

Love all of your pictures! They are fantastic!

Thanks! I am really pleased with the way the pictures for this update turned out. Some of my favs!

Your quiet time at the pool sounds lovely!

It was. There is something very rejuvenating about alone pool time. Loved it.

We really like WPE. Very good food!

I really enjoyed my dinner. It was just the right amount of food for me. I really wanted to go back there a second time, but it didn't happen.

I love the Christmas store - one of my favorites! I don't think I've ever gone into the store that sells flip flops & socks. I must rectify that this year - I love socks!

I wish I could remember the name of the store. The socks were adorable!

Alone time at the pool, that sounds blissful

I really needed that alone time more than I needed anything else. It was great. When I was reading or taking pictures I just sat there and stared at the big puffy white clouds in the sky.

WPE is on my list for September. Glad the family enjoyed it.

They LOVED it! I wanted to go back a second time, but that didn't happen for me. Stay tuned.......

I got that same bag for my birthday, it's so cute.

Don't you wish you could get stuff like that in your local Walmart. I hate that you have to go all the way to Florida to find it. A small selection locally would be nice, especially when shopping for an upcoming trip.

Thanks for the dining recap, that is definitely helpful.

I'm glad. It's been helpful for me, too, because I really didn't expect to be ahead at this point.

Loving the pictures as always

Thanks! So glad you are enjoying the pics!

I'm glad you got to enjoy your solitary pool time in the afternoon. I believe I will want to try that sugar cane mojito at AK. I think we're going there on our first day - so I can tell you how good it is right away.

I hope its still there. Funny, too, since Denny and I went back to AK later in the trip, but I don't remember seeing the sign. Or maybe I was hungover and ignored the sign.

What wonderful pictures!! I love the artistic shots - the red really pops!

Thank you! So glad you like the pics.

WPE is supposed to be a really great deal on the DDP or QSDP. Better food and portions for the money than so many other QS places.

Definitely a great deal on the DP. My brother's meatloaf dish looked huge. I wanted to go back a second time, but it didn't happen. Bummer!

I'm glad the kids got to ride the boat back and you didn't have rain.

They really enjoyed the boat ride, especially Josh. Except my SIL got off at the wrong dock (SSR) and then had to wait for another boat for the treehouses.

Things are always a bit different when you are with a large group, aren't they?

Yes - its so unruly - for lake of a better word. I feel like you are always in getting in people's ways and everything takes so much longer. But WPE turned out to be a very efficient ordering/serving experience.

Oh and thanks for the Turtle Krawl and Cynthia update!!

You are welcome. Guess what drink she is having tonight? None other than the grapefruit margarita. You know what they say about great minds!

Your pool time sounds so nice and relaxing! I don't think that's a bad way to spend an afternoon at all!

I don't either. My whole approach to Disney World is changing. I am really enjoying the relaxing moments as much as the park moments. In fact, sometime the pool time is better.

I'm glad you all liked WPE! DTD can get a bit confusing, I never know which way I'm going until I see a good landmark!

Ugh - I am terrible at DTD, but I think I finally have it all figured out. Finally!

Mmm rita's! You always find the best drinks around the World!

If you like ritas, you've got to try that pink grapefruit rita. It is simply awesome. No other word. But maybe - strong! I found out about it from another DISer.

 

[staceyeid]

Just wanted to say I am LOVING your trip report. The pictures are great and you have handled traveling with family very very well. Don't think I could have been that calm Look forward to reading more!

 

[teekathepony]

Drama free!!
You posted some seriously beautiful pictures this update!

I like this picture, but I have no idea what that odd haziness is in the lower right hand corner.

It looks to me like a plant or something in the extreme foreground... did you have your long lens on here? If you are far from something and focusing on the subject in the distance, small foreground objects will sometimes get so blurry they look more like a haze. Just a guess.
And yes, those horses are very photogenic!

I always get turned around in DTD. I do it every time. I'm very glad your whole family enjoyed their meals!
I just got some serious chills when I saw your Christmas store pictures!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Loved all of the pictures of Saratoga Springs. We've eaten dinner at The Turf Club but didn't have time to really see the resort because we were too busy hurrying to get to Cirque. The red and white theme around the pool is so pretty.

When you ended the update with the fact that you didn't remember what ya'll did for the evening, I thought "Well that's a good thing. It means it truly was drama free."

 

[Charleston Princess]

That picture of the Turtle Crawl had me pricing a stay at OKW earlier today.

Now, I suspect that your pictures of SSR will have me doing the same thing. Just beautiful!

Maybe that haziness was a ghost!

Love the Christmas shop! I could spend a lot of money in there!

Glad you had such a lovely evening.

 

[CatNipRules]

I loved the pictures of the Dwarves behind the cash register. When I was a baby my parents had decorated my room with Snow White and the Dwarves. LOL! When I got older I thought they were scary!! LOL!

Love the pool pictures. You have a knack for photography. Me? I take pictures of very random and sometimes strange things. LOL!!

 

[vamassey1]

Really great pictures of SSR pool area. I have to agree the red really pops in these pictures.

I have to admit the first time we went to eat at WPE I lead our group in the wrong direction. I got it mixed up with the the WP and we got off at the wrong bus stop and had to walk our way back. Not good for hungry people, but the food made up for it. I really want to try the salmon after seeing your picture. We usually go for the chicken.

The Christmas store is my favorite. I can spend some some major time and money here. Dennis usually has to come get me out. I try to send him somewhere else so he's not hovering over me, it ruins my fun when he rushes me and sees how much I'm spending.

I happy everyone had a drama free evening and I hoped it helped get everyone up for rope drop the next day.

 

[Millie12591]

Your time by the pool sounds like heaven, especially after the afternoon you had.

I think you're an to put up with all that you have been, but then again when you travel with family that's kinda how it goes. Not everyone is going to do things the same way we do.

I'm with you on eating anything in AK but pizza, but alas everyone else wanted pizza on our last trip, I thought it was pretty decent. I thought it was going to be pretty bad but it wasn't and I really liked that it came with a salad. The a/c is what sold me and I thought it had to be better than eating outside at the moment. Next time, come heck or high water, I'm eating anywhere but there. I haven't tried anywhere else except Tusker House....when it was counter service.

The drinks Cynthia is having look pretty darn yummy! Something else I haven't tried when in AK, next trip I'm changing that. It was just last trip I even tried any of the drinks anywhere around WDW. What are your favorites to drink when in WDW? I'd have to say I'm pretty fond of the Magical Star at AK and the Poly and the bellini while walking in Italy. I've had others but they all were too sweet, I like sweet drinks but I'm not big on overly sweet. I'm looking forward to trying others on my next trip.


LOOOOVE eating at WGPE!! Such a great use of a counter service! Their salads are beyond yummy, and big!! You should have had the creme brulee, probably the best dessert on property besides The Wave at Coral Reef and the nepoleon, in the EPCOT France patisserie.

Sounds like your evening in DTD went much better than your day in AK.

 

[natebenma]

The Turtle Crawl

For you that are subbed to eandesmom (cynthia's) TRs, you know that she just left for OKW, then Vero, the Dream cruise, then AKL. Well, she texted me this picture yesterday of the infamous Turtle Crawl.

Isn't that just heaven in a solo cup? I got the text on my way home from work. Why do my friends torture me like this? No Seriously, I laughed. It was awesome!

Charleston Princess (Jackie) found the recipe

Turtle Crawl

1/2 oz Castillo rum
1/2 oz Bacardi Silver rum
1/2 oz Malibu rum
1/2 oz Myers dark rum
Splash Grenadine
Splash key lime juice
Equal parts orange juice and pineapple juice

- Shake to mix in an ice filled 12 oz cup

So if you are adventurous and need a little taste of Disney, I say - go for it!

YUM!!!

Cynthia certainly deserves this after the months of turmoil she has been through!!!

To answer Jack Sparrow "But where's the rum? Why's the rum gone?"

It's all in the Turtle Crawl!