Wine and Dine...to the Finish Line! Fall 2017 TR NEW 1/25 The Last Day - THE END!

[missjackiemcg]

I'm so far behind I didn't quote, but finally caught up. Love that you were able to meet up with some friends Your cruise TR was so fun, I totally forgot you got to go back to Disney afterward!! Lucky duck!!

 

[Elizabeth Smith]

I'm such a bad disboards friend! I've completely dropped off on reading trip reports, but I'm going to try to get back into the swing of things.

Last I left off you were still in September.

Honestly, most of the food and wine food does not appeal to me since I don't really eat seafood or fish. And it's always funny, the food I think looks the best in photos people say it wasn't impressive. The food you got at the Indian and African F&W booths looked amazing to me, but you say it didn't wow you. LOL. Looks can be deceiving I guess!

You make me want to try dismeets since you always look like you're having such a great time meeting people from here.

Great reporting, as always, and making me hungry, as always.

 

[Steppesister]

Hi Ladies!! And AWESOME pic of you 4!

This might be the last picture of Fran's scooter! If you haven't read @franandaj latest TR then you should to find out the fate of the scooter!

Duh, duh, duuuuummmm.....

We stopped at the India and Africa booths and got :

India: Korma Chicken with Cucumber Tomato Salad, Almonds, Cashews and Warm Naan Bread plus a Mango Lassi.
Africa: Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket with Mint Raita (which really just sounds like it should be in the India booth to me.)

Both are TOTALLY on my list in October!! I too missed them last year when I got too full by going the other way.

At the Brewer's Collection we tried the Schöfferhofer Hefeweizen Pomegranate Beer. It was good but think I prefer the Grapefruit one, it was refreshing though.

\
Oddly, I am sipping one RIGHT now as I reply to this. But grapefruit. I like it better.

Awwww.

 

[chunkymonkey]

I hear ya on those early morning flights, we've started flying out the night before on the last flight. We usually just grab a value for that night because I would rather switch resorts than deal with the sick feeling I get on those early morning flights. But Disney is worth it!!

I agree! I have done that a few times, even staying at the airport Hyatt and getting on ME the next day. It was definitely an option but I wanted this trip to start out in the morning for a change...just probably not that early!

Way to put those APs to work last year!

Yes, had to squeeze every last bit out of them.

I love/hate our 5:50 am flights out of Chicago to Orlando. I love landing by 9 am and have the entire day to go to a park, but hate having to be out the door by 3:15. Usually, someone is pretty crabby by the end of the first day that we question if it is worth it. Somehow, I always rationalize that early flight to get the most of the day.

Epcot is such a great first day park. Food & Wine Festival is a plus, too!

I know, it somehow IS worth it just because of all that you can accomplish in a day but sometimes it's best to also take it easy! LOL

I feel like I have to start almost all trips at Epcot, it's just MY park, ya know?

You hit some really cool temps for that time of year. On our January, 2017 trip, we had temps reaching 86-88 degrees everyday. I will say weather apps make it easier to pack today.

Yeah sometimes it's so unpredictable. This was the only cool day in the forecast and the rest of the time was back in the 80s. I just didn't expect it to be so windy, so it definitely brought the temps down even though it said 69 in the app.

How nice you were able to meet a couple DISers and your friend from the cruise.

Always a pleasure to have DISmeets!

It's tough waking up so early for flights but worth it when you are able to get a full day in the parks! You guys wasted no time by heading to Epcot and getting started at the booths! So nice that you could have 2 meets with friends too!

Absolutely! It was worth it in the end though because we got to do so much and meet our friends!

That does stink that it was so chilly though! Good thing you had a hoodie!

I knew it would be cooler temps that first day just didn't expect it to be cooler than Canada!

Isn't it the WORST when you get to Florida and it is cold! Such a let down! However I will take cold in Disney over cold in Boston every day of the week! All that food is making me hungry and wish my carrots and lemonade were Food and Wine goodness lol. Looks like we may be overlapping dates in September! I booked yesterday (in a I hate everyone wedding planning rage) the 7-10th at the Yacht Club! I almost picked BC but I have not stayed at YC yet and they were the same price (and a great price at that!).

Oh absolutely!! Cold at Disney is actually nice! I would much rather be cold than hot, just didn't prepare for it to be cooler than in Canada, but still a lovely day.

Oh that's awesome you will be there for Food and Wine too! Let's have a DISmeet if you're not too busy! Esp since we will be neighbors

That is crazy for such a chilly time!

Yeah, I was not expecting it. It's like how Anaheim gets super cold once the sun sets - for those that aren't used to that type of weather and are just wearing shorts and a tank all day you'd be freezing at night!

haha! I didn't know you could get a negative!

Me neither, but now it's like my new goal! Buahaha.

Ah, V&A. I get warm fuzzies just thinking about it

It was a spectacular dinner, I can't wait until I get to that part of it!

I feel you on that one! We are swearing them off as well.

Sometimes it's worth it when you think about all you can accomplish that first day when you arrive, but I also value sleep, LOL. Do you guys ever take the red eye over? That must be rough.

I was operating under that same premise!

I think most people were, that's why all those Mickey jackets sold out everywhere!

Steve looks perturbed.

"Can't believe I'm doing this all over again..."

I had just finished purchasing a super warm Mickey jacket (that I've only used once since then!)

Haha yes those were the coats that were sold out everywhere in my size!
They did bring some out later in the week when we didn't actually need it, and it didn't end up looking that great on me anyways but I love the style!

I don't like salmon, but I don't think I would like cooked bacon on raw sushi, just a weird combo.

Yeah it was a little weird. It was alright though.

We're at the Beach Club from March 14-21!

WOOHOO!!!

I think we had just finished our slushies when we ran into you. Kind of needed a drink after all the scooter stuff.

Yeah I think that you might have had some almost-finished slushie in your hand!

Wasn't I just commenting on another car of yours the other day?

Haha yes, from Sept!

I was behind but caught up now. I was at MK on Labor Day and then Epcot on your last night of your Sept trip. I would have loved to have met you guys! I think I started reading all your TRs right after that trip.

Aw that's awesome! Thanks and welcome for reading! Hopefully there is a next time!

Bahaha I feel you! We thought the exact same thing when we went in January!

I'd rather it be cold than August hot for the record LOL.

For a minute I wondered why the CM would write "9th" on a button about a fireworks show. And then I realized it was an anniversary button. Silly me!

Haha yeah they got rid of the Anniversary buttons and now they just use these. I maybe should have gotten the I'm Celebrating buttons instead. But these were pretty.

Nice picture!! Sounds like a lovely Dismeet.

Always fun to meet my DISboard friends!

Wow, Steve is saving the planet! Between that and his hydroponic garden!

Haha someone has to! In between my minus efficiency score and my lack of a green thumb.

I'm so far behind I didn't quote, but finally caught up. Love that you were able to meet up with some friends Your cruise TR was so fun, I totally forgot you got to go back to Disney afterward!! Lucky duck!!

I had to overcome the Disney cruise blues somehow!

I'm such a bad disboards friend! I've completely dropped off on reading trip reports, but I'm going to try to get back into the swing of things.

Last I left off you were still in September.

Welcome back!

Honestly, most of the food and wine food does not appeal to me since I don't really eat seafood or fish. And it's always funny, the food I think looks the best in photos people say it wasn't impressive. The food you got at the Indian and African F&W booths looked amazing to me, but you say it didn't wow you. LOL. Looks can be deceiving I guess!

It wasn't bad, it was still good just not amazing...I think Sanaa is much better!

You make me want to try dismeets since you always look like you're having such a great time meeting people from here.

It is! I've met some really great people and we're all friends on FB as well. You already know you have something in common...Disney!!
Hope we get to meet up in Jan!

Great reporting, as always, and making me hungry, as always.

Thank you!!

Hi Ladies!! And AWESOME pic of you 4!

Hi Liesa!! Thanks!

Both are TOTALLY on my list in October!! I too missed them last year when I got too full by going the other way.

I knew I had to start form the other direction this time or else I'd be too full again!

Oddly, I am sipping one RIGHT now as I reply to this. But grapefruit. I like it better.

Me too

Awwww.

I know, it's embarrassing but I guess for the DISboards it's ok.

 

[chunkymonkey]

Oct 30th Part 2: Happily Ever After at the Grand!

We made it to our next FP+ which was LWTL - of course we cannot leave Epcot without going on Steve's favorite ride.

And I couldn't leave without saying Hi to Baymax, my favorite squishy thing!

It was time to leave Epcot because we had an ADR to make! We exited out the front and hopped on the monorail to...the Poly!

We had no idea that a month later we'd be calling this resort home, LOL. But for now we were just here to eat and drink at our "cousins" house!

We had a bit of time and I knew I wanted to get another souvenir mug so we headed to Trader Sams. Of course we could not get to sit inside as it was full, but I was plenty happy to just sit outside and enjoy the view. I got a: HippopotoMai-Tai Coruba Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, Bols Orange Curaçao, Orgeat (Almond), Organic Agave Nectar, and fresh Lime Juice. Served in a souvenir Tiki Glass.

(Notice popcorn bucket, I got this on our cruise and it was said to never expire and can be refilled at any Disney park, I put it to the test on this trip and they accepted it, also used it in Dec and most recently in June 2018 with no issues.)

I really enjoyed my drink and happy to have the souvenir cup to take home. To note, they give you a brand new cup in a box when you leave so you don't have to take a used cup home, LOL.

Finally it was time for 'Ohana, our favorite non signature meal! I've talked about this restaurant a lot in my past trip reports so no need to rehash what has already been said, just some good food (a lot of it), Hawaiian tunes in the background, and an overall great time.

Pineapple bread:

Mixed Greens Salad with a Lilikoi dressing

Dipping sauces, which I have really grown to love in my most recent trips. I used to never use the sauces and then one day I tried them and I'm like, oh this is tasty! Why have I not used it before? Also if you ask for hot sauce they will bring you some good ol' Sriracha sauce, which is potent stuff!

All the good things on a platter: Pork Dumplings tossed in Garlic-Ginger Sauce, Honey Coriander Chicken Wings, Noodles in Teriyaki Sauce, Stir fried Veggies. I notice we did not get the egg rolls like we did on our August Chunky Family Trip to 'Ohana. It's so strange, that was the only trip that we ever got them! Are they only reserved for big parties? Did we get egg roll pixie dusted? They weren't great or anything I'm just so curious why we got them on that one trip!

Soon our skewers of meats begin to arrive. Steve is very serious about his 'Ohana.

Steve really loves the grilled shrimp, and in fact had an eating contest during our August Chunky Family trip with our brother in law, but Steve won with about 52 shrimp eaten. I don't know where he puts it to be honest, but I told you he eats very little during the day when dining at 'Ohana (I certainly ate most of the Food and Wine snacks because I have no self-control. )

I can tell you though that Steve has not been able to eat as many shrimp since that day in August, LOL, he probably ate about 30 that night and called it quits.

The BEST dessert: 'Ohana bread pudding with bananas foster sauce and vanilla ice cream

I think we may have picked the Poly as our home resort for DVC just to be closer to this bread pudding. I'd sleep on it if I could...it's like a soft sponge-y pillow, right?

And a cupcake for our anniversary:

Bellies super full, we rolled out of the Poly and headed back to the resort we were actually staying in...the Grand Floridian! I had been texted our room number so we headed right to the DVC building. It was a short and beautiful walk from the Poly. I love how close the resorts were. We have so many food options!

Here's some images from inside the DVC building. It's gorgeous...so elegant and so much attention to detail. I think I like the decor inside the DVC building more than the main building.

And here was our room: (I can't remember the room number right now... but it was a standard view Deluxe Studio)

Just beautiful! Wished the bathroom had two sinks but I love that there is a standing shower with rain shower head and also a tub/shower combination.

There was also a TV in the mirror which was cool but it never worked! I think the remote was somewhat broken as I could turn it on but could not change the channel or the volume.

Kitchenette:

Here was our view, it was a partial pool view.

(sorry, bad glare from the window so you can see my fat hand)

We really loved our room and immediately felt comfortable in it. I wish DVC studios have king sized beds because we're used to a king bed at home, but oh well, you force us closer together Disney, hahaha.

After resting up in our room for a few hours, we headed out as it was the only night we could see Happily Ever After. The other nights we had other events or there was a Halloween party going on, and since I cannot miss HEA we threw on our warmest clothing and I believe we took the monorail over.

Of course, for some reason, the evening was not as cold as it was during the day. Go figure but I think the weather was beginning to warm up which was good for us for the coming week!

(Steve looks tired! See, the early morning flight was probably taking it's toll...also food coma.)

Since we were just there to watch the fireworks, we didn't venture too far into the crowd and kept towards the middle of Main Street. Of course there was some lady with a balloon who squeezed in front of everyone, and only held the balloon down after some people behind her complained. So these are not my best pics of HEA but it was still a fantastic show!

I just love this show!

We got a bit of a head start to avoid the masses exiting the show and we ended up on line for the ferry boat to the Grand. It's so convenient! But this boat doesn't hold a ton of people so be prepared to wait a bit if there's a long line.

On the way back we saw the Electric Water Parade, aaah a bit of nostalgic Disney!

Coming up...it's Halloween!!!
​

 

[Raeven]

I don't know where he puts it to be honest, but I told you he eats very little during the day when dining at 'Ohana (I certainly ate most of the Food and Wine snacks because I have no self-control. )

That's what Josh does when we go to Shula's But I still eat all the snacks too

I love it!

 

[missangelalexis]

Yum, Ohana is the best meal! Glad you enjoyed!

Your room looks beautiful!

Glad you were able to see HEA...and the water pageant!

 

[wdwnut61]

Oh my I behind a bit
Ok your breakfast at Captains Grille looked so good and I have to go back and look at all your YC pics cause we’re booked there for the second half of our Thanksgiving trip
After Universal HRH so excited and we booked the Yachtsman for Thanksgiving dinner
Now love your DVC room at the GF so pretty
We would walk through that building to enjoy the spa then take that gorgeous walk over to the Poly for ‘Ohanas best meal ever!

 

[MeghanEmily]

MMmmmmmm Ohana

(I certainly ate most of the Food and Wine snacks because I have no self-control. )

This is so me!

I think we may have picked the Poly as our home resort for DVC just to be closer to this bread pudding. I'd sleep on it if I could...it's like a soft sponge-y pillow, right?

Most delicious bed ever.

There was also a TV in the mirror which was cool but it never worked! I think the remote was somewhat broken as I could turn it on but could not change the channel or the volume.

No way! That's cool...or at least it would be if it worked properly.

Of course there was some lady with a balloon who squeezed in front of everyone, and only held the balloon down after some people behind her complained.

 

[Lesley Wake]

I really enjoyed my drink and happy to have the souvenir cup to take home. To note, they give you a brand new cup in a box when you leave so you don't have to take a used cup home, LOL.

I love when they do this! Usually when I get souvenir sippers I always try to get the drink on the side to avoid having to deal with sticky wet cups!

All the good things on a platter: Pork Dumplings tossed in Garlic-Ginger Sauce, Honey Coriander Chicken Wings, Noodles in Teriyaki Sauce, Stir fried Veggies. I notice we did not get the egg rolls like we did on our August Chunky Family Trip to 'Ohana. It's so strange, that was the only trip that we ever got them! Are they only reserved for big parties? Did we get egg roll pixie dusted? They weren't great or anything I'm just so curious why we got them on that one trip!

Soon our skewers of meats begin to arrive. Steve is very serious about his 'Ohana.

Mmmm, I can't wait to try this in December!

 

[missjackiemcg]

The rooms at GF are simply gorgeous!! Someday maybe we'll stay there. I have seen pics of the penguin fountain before, but was never sure where it was. Mystery solved

 

[mommaof3boys]

Wow the Grand Floridian is beautiful. It's my wish list to stay there. Maybe someday when my kids are grown.

 

[disneyAndi14]

We love Ohana, so your review and pictures look so wonderful.

The walk to GF from the Poly is so nice, we did many times when we stayed at the Poly and GF. I am feeling a little remorse about not staying at one of those two resorts in August. GF is my all time favorite with Poly 2nd, and Contemporary 3rd.

The water pageant gives some warm fuzzies doesn’t it?

 

[paradesintherain]

Served in a souvenir Tiki Glass.

Such a cute glass!

ll the good things on a platter: Pork Dumplings tossed in Garlic-Ginger Sauce, Honey Coriander Chicken Wings, Noodles in Teriyaki Sauce, Stir fried Veggies.

The best part of the meal! I could live off those pork dumplings (and bread pudding)

The DVC rooms are soooo nice!

I just love this show!

Me too! Which is kind of inconvenient since it's kind of a pain to try to watch the fireworks with a good view!

 

[Steppesister]

Well looky at you two all fancy schmancy pants. Such a decadent room!!

Okay, I'm a sucker or the EWP. I love it's little retro-y feel and it's very nostalgic for me to find it on a beach and enjoy it.

You got some great shots of the fireworks! Happy you could find a night to make it work. I know finding a time to see them during Party Season can get a bit dicey.

 

[Woth2982]

Oh absolutely!! Cold at Disney is actually nice! I would much rather be cold than hot, just didn't prepare for it to be cooler than in Canada, but still a lovely day.

Oh that's awesome you will be there for Food and Wine too! Let's have a DISmeet if you're not too busy! Esp since we will be neighbors

Yes lets make it happen! We plan to spend a lot of time at the hotel so we can work something out for sure!

 

[bcwife76]

The GF is so opulent. I'd be afraid to take my kids there for fear of staining and breaking anything A good choice for your trip, though!

Mmmmm.....Ohana....looks so delicious and comforting!!! I scored a breakfast(brunch?) ressie for this October, our first time at Ohana and I'm super looking forward to it. Wonder if I can get that bread pudding at breakfast? Our ressie is at 11:30 so technically we'll be going into lunch.....

 

[Elizabeth Smith]

I will always think of Steve when I ride LWTL. Lol.

I love the souvenir tiki mugs at Trader Sams, but we're not drink people, so I have no reason to want one. I just like other people's collections. From all Ive seen Trader Sams is a real cool place you would want to commemorate.

I love the DVC lobby at GF because of the tiny Mary Poppins touch with the penguins. I love that its very Disney, but I dont think its tacky.

 

[franandaj]

Sometimes it's worth it when you think about all you can accomplish that first day when you arrive, but I also value sleep, LOL. Do you guys ever take the red eye over? That must be rough.

Never. Travel day is hard enough on Fran when we do it during the day, but to arrive and not have a room to crash in would be disastrous. She has already requested that we don't do split stays any longer.

I think most people were, that's why all those Mickey jackets sold out everywhere!

Yeah, I got one!

Haha yes those were the coats that were sold out everywhere in my size!
They did bring some out later in the week when we didn't actually need it, and it didn't end up looking that great on me anyways but I love the style!

For me it was lucky that they had all the larger sizes, but it warmed up enough that I ended up not needing it.

We had a bit of time and I knew I wanted to get another souvenir mug so we headed to Trader Sams. Of course we could not get to sit inside as it was full, but I was plenty happy to just sit outside and enjoy the view. I got a: HippopotoMai-Tai

A good choice! I got one of those earlier that week.

Pineapple bread:

You have neglected to include the *blech* ingredient, coconut.

All the good things on a platter: Pork Dumplings tossed in Garlic-Ginger Sauce, Honey Coriander Chicken Wings, Noodles in Teriyaki Sauce, Stir fried Veggies.

That looks so yummy! One of my choices for our dinner next month is Tambu lounge, but Fran may prefer Trader Sam's.

The BEST dessert: 'Ohana bread pudding with bananas foster sauce and vanilla ice cream

And this is why I'd love to eat at Tambu lounge. Wings for dinner, bread Pudding for dessert.

Bellies super full, we rolled out of the Poly and headed back to the resort we were actually staying in...the Grand Floridian! I had been texted our room number so we headed right to the DVC building. It was a short and beautiful walk from the Poly.

And while you were having lovely drinks and dinner, I was struggling with a lame duck scooter, trying to push it against it's will.

Here's some images from inside the DVC building. It's gorgeous...so elegant and so much attention to detail.

Now I want to stay there again!

So these are not my best pics of HEA but it was still a fantastic show!

We're going to have to make it there someday but I'm not sure when it would happen.

 

[pkondz]

I'm suffering from low sugar!! I need my fix now!

Get this girl some sugar! Stat!

If I haven't made anyone hungry then my trip reports are pointless.

t's the best! You have to try it!

I put it on my Disney "to do" list.

When you have another trip in 2 months it's not so bad.

I guess so. I wouldn't know.