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

[Pluto0809]

Tiffins

I'm really looking forward to trying this in May! I'm also a little scared too since I'm a picky eater. The meats in your dishes look yummy but I'm not a big fan of veggies. I'm hoping they will let me do some subbing.

Rafiki's Planet Watch

I haven't been out to RPW for a few years but I was sad to see it close. I did hear that it's supposed to reopen eventually. It will be interesting to see what changes they make out there.

I really love your Lion King shirt!

 

[chunkymonkey]

When it comes to Disney.... aren't we all?

An emphatic YES.

I'm a good judge of unmet people.

Oh good hope that doesn't change in May.

Yay! I'll wear it to Tiffins.

Oh so that means you will come to Tiffins? LOL.

Whoa! High praise indeed! With an even better qualifier.

They are completely different type of desserts, one is sweet, warm, gooey and banana-y, and the other is tart, cold, refined, and fresh. I love them both!

I honestly can't tell if you're kidding or not.

I'm not. It's seriously the best place to catch a breather!

Ah. Didn't think you'd pay the price. I hear those things are more expensive than Minnie Vans.

Not with the new rates.

I think Rafiki's planet watch is going to reopen? Or at least I think I heard that somewhere. . . I never have had any intention of going over there though. Animal Kingdom really has soooo much to do and see and it's a surprise every time because you never know what animals and street performers you might see!

Oooh I would love if they reopened! I guess it may be seasonal? I really have come to appreciate AK a lot more than I did.

This looks really good.SO, I just went and checked out the menu and it looks complete different. I think I wan to put this on our August trip list. I know Andy's sister has gone there and love it. The kids menu is a little scary, though. Gwen will ONLY eat the pasta option. Throw some chicken nuggets on there, for peats-sake!

The menu changes every time we go! Who knows, they may have nuggets when you go! I think my nieces and nephew ate the pasta when we were there.

Your Tiffins lunch looked delicious, as usual.

I really love this restaurant! Although I dont' have an ADR for January, it's a shorter trip and we wanted to try new things, but I really want to go back!

I've only been to Rafiki's Planet Watch once. I'm curious if it will be something Zootopia themed. That could be pretty cool.

Your photos with Rafiki are adorable and you captured some great images on the safari!

OMG if it turns into a Zootoopia thing I'd be so happy! That would be a smart move on their part because Zootopia is so popular.

thank you!

I am so totally 100% getting this next time!! WOW!!!!

I love that dessert so much!

I'm seriously going to miss it too.

Yes. Too bad. Although they are going to reopen I hear?

So freaking cute!!!

thanks!

A Golf Cart ride is always helpful. I was lucky that the VGC is so small so I could make it back to my room after dinner at Napa Rose the other night.

Oooh how was dinner? I have to catch up on your TR.

I forget the days of your trip, I know you cut a few for the May trip. Tuesday we are in AK on our trip.

right now it's still March 15-20th. I actually haven't made any other plans for March! I've been behind on my planning for my other trips and the May trip is where my planning energy goes.

I can totally see that. But Fran would kill me if I canceled her Strawberry soup restaurant!

I was a little bummed to miss Strawberry Soup but we had it in Sept so I got my fix.

Perfect. I do that a lot. But above you said you let Steve sleep in. In my book getting somewhere at 11AM means you didn't get to sleep in! We are usually calling Bell Services at quarter to 11!

Haha but you're on California time so that would be early for you.

Based on your comments and a few other people, I tried to convince my parents to dine there, and I thought they might be adventurous enough to sway Fran to try it, but nope. They thought the menu was weird too!

It's so funny but I seriously think the menu sounds waaay more exotic than what is served. I think they have to come up with some adventurous stuff, but literally Steve had a surf and turf the other day there that looked like...surf and turf with whipped potatoes. It was amazing!

He looks happier than he did on some of your cruise photos and previous pictures with characters.

He is not one for character meets!

That's one of the few things that I have done there. I could never get into the booths due to people like you sleeping in there!

That is funny because every time I am there they are never being used! It's like no one knows about them!

I'm really looking forward to trying this in May! I'm also a little scared too since I'm a picky eater. The meats in your dishes look yummy but I'm not a big fan of veggies. I'm hoping they will let me do some subbing.

I would say veggies portions are very small. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. I don't think it's as exotic as you think. It sounds more weird than it looks!

I haven't been out to RPW for a few years but I was sad to see it close. I did hear that it's supposed to reopen eventually. It will be interesting to see what changes they make out there.

If it's a zootopia theme that would be awesome! I don't know what else they would do there to make it more "Disney" lol.

I really love your Lion King shirt!

Thank you! I got it at Trend-D earlier in the year.

 

[pkondz]

Oh good hope that doesn't change in May.

It May. Maybe. Maybe not.

Oh so that means you will come to Tiffins? LOL.

Nope. Sorry. Not that day, at least.

They are completely different type of desserts, one is sweet, warm, gooey and banana-y, and the other is tart, cold, refined, and fresh. I love them both!

I'll take two.



Of each.

I'm not. It's seriously the best place to catch a breather!

And I'd never heard of them. Huh!

Not with the new rates.

 

[franandaj]

Oooh how was dinner? I have to catch up on your TR.

Dinner was awesome, but it will be a while before I get to that one. I got super sick two days later and I'm finally just getting back to the boards.

right now it's still March 15-20th. I actually haven't made any other plans for March! I've been behind on my planning for my other trips and the May trip is where my planning energy goes.

All I've done is make a rough outline of meals and parks. Over Christmas I'll sit down with my folks and plan our FP+.

I was a little bummed to miss Strawberry Soup but we had it in Sept so I got my fix.

I can't wait to have some in March it's been a year now.

Haha but you're on California time so that would be early for you.

Even once we've adjusted to East Coast time. In fact at the VGC we still are checking out at 11AM.

It's so funny but I seriously think the menu sounds waaay more exotic than what is served. I think they have to come up with some adventurous stuff, but literally Steve had a surf and turf the other day there that looked like...surf and turf with whipped potatoes. It was amazing!

Since most people rave about it, I'm excited to try. Maybe in October.

 

[chunkymonkey]

Whew sorry for the lack of updates, it has been a very tiring month!

November 4th Part 2 - A Change of Pace

We arrived at Flight of Passage in time for our FP. The wait was incredibly long on standby, as usual. I think the only time I have seen low waits was during the weekdays most recently this September when it was only 60 minutes. I personally don't believe it was that short but that was the shortest I have ever seen it. Every other time, including this trip last year it has been about a 3-4 hour wait. Due to impeccable DISboard planning, we had FP and luckily didn't have to wait that long, LOL.

In fact the FP line was rather empty. Look at my surprised face:

After another amazing ride on FoP we got a few PP Pictures.

Oh, hello there!

I decided that it was now or never that I get my beloved Satuli Canteen Chicken Bowl. We wouldn't be returning to AK after today and I didn't get to have my chicken bowl yet. Yes it's only been a few hours since Tiffins but I do have a particular set of skills...to eat even when not hungry! I know that all I really need is a child's portion to satiate my craving. There are so many great things to eat in AK so this is my way of having many of my favorite things in an afternoon. #greedy

I LOVE the charred green onion vinaigrette! It really makes the dish. I tried the mayo-based sauce once and it wasn't for me. I like this sauce because it is like chimmichurri but not as garlicky so you can still talk to people after.

OK craving satisfied and we can move on.

I took this panorama of Pandora to show you how crowded it was that day in AK:

Our last FP for the day was with my favorite couple at Adventurer's Outpost!

I love them in their safari outfits. They are so chic.

We left AK soon after that to check into our new hotel for 2 nights...The Swan!

I booked a standard room on points, and it had a king sized bed and was actually really big, especially when compared to standard Disney rooms. We didn't get a view but that didn't matter as we weren't going to be there for long. I was just so happy to get a king-sized bed!

I think the only difference between the Swan and Dolphin rooms is the extra sink located outside the bathroom.

I've only seen standing showers in the Swolphin complex but I think there may be tubs too.

The extra tiny sink outside of the main bathroom. So I guess it's a dual sink! There's also a pretty large storage space opposite the sink.

We were going to spend the evening at Disney Springs to watch Thor: Ragnorak on opening night. We thought a relaxing afternoon at the pool would be nice so that's what we did.

I loved how incredibly uncrowded it was here!

Later on that evening we headed to Disney Springs. We decided to grab some quick service and ended up at D-luxe burger. It was pretty crowded and we got on a longish line. You can mobile order but they didn't apply any discounts if you did and Steve was adamant on using his TIW card to the fullest so we just waited on line. It moved pretty quickly though.

We got the Premium Duo: One Classic Cheeseburger and choice of one Premium Burger. We ended up with the Southern Burger with pimento cheese, fried green tomato and bacon. The duo is served with fresh cut fries to share and 2 fountain drinks.

I think the sauces we ended up with were garlic ranch and chipotle mayo. I am not a fan of chipotle so that was Steve's choice. We both really enjoyed the burgers here. I loved the fries too. I am a fry gal. I always eat my fries first as I like them piping hot and crisp! I think I liked the classic cheeseburger better but I am a sort of burger purist and I usually stick with a cheeseburger rather than burgers with all sorts of different toppings, but I did think the Southern burger was quite tasty because it had a fried green tomato on it, and that is a-ok with me!

After dinner we went to the AMC theater. We did not know the dine-in theater entrance was different from the regular theater entrance we just thought they were all part of the same entrance, but no, if you want the dine in, it's one theater and the other regular theaters are further down. We were in the regular theater so had to walk further down but did not know that at first

Below is the picture of the theater we thought we were supposed to go to!

The regular theaters had screens that were much bigger and I think we saw it in the biggest theater they had. We both loved Thor Ragnorak. It was so funny! It was such a perfect night to watch a movie! I really loved our low-key day with lots of food!

Coming up...even more food, the BEST FAMILY MEAL WITH STRANGERS, and finally, this TR could be over!!
​

 

[missjackiemcg]

I LOVE the charred green onion vinaigrette! It really makes the dish. I tried the mayo-based sauce once and it wasn't for me. I like this sauce because it is like chimmichurri but not as garlicky so you can still talk to people after.

I really want to try this on our next trip! We didn't make it there on our January trip this year, so I sadly didn't get to try any of the food or even that beautiful drink everyone is always posting!! On my list for sure. And that vinaigrette sounds amazing.

I really loved our low-key day with lots of food!

We usually tour commando style, but a day like this sounds really delightful!

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Oh my those burgers look good.

I'm totally one of those people that love low key Disney days!!!

 

[Pluto0809]

The wait was incredibly long on standby, as usual. I think the only time I have seen low waits was during the weekdays most recently this September when it was only 60 minutes.

Yeah, 60 minutes seems kind of suspect. I waited 50 minutes in August during morning EMH!

Satuli Canteen

Tried this in October and really liked it. I need to find a way to fit it in during the May trip.

Our last FP for the day was with my favorite couple at Adventurer's Outpost!

Cute character photos!

We decided to grab some quick service and ended up at D-luxe burger.

Those burgers look amazing! This one is definitely on my list to try someday. There are just too many new restaurants at Disney Springs that I want to try.

I loved the fries too

These also look amazing.

We both loved Thor Ragnorak.

I really need to go back and start from the beginning and watch all of the super hero movies. I have seen both of the Guardians of the Galaxy ones but that's it.

 

[MeghanEmily]

I know that all I really need is a child's portion to satiate my craving. There are so many great things to eat in AK so this is my way of having many of my favorite things in an afternoon. #greedy

Oh is this your pictures of a child's portion?! Did they let you put sauce on it? I was told in past that you can't have sauce on a kids' meal, which seemed silly to me. It was an allergy meal, but that shouldn't make a difference because you can have sauce on adult allergy meals. I'll know to ask now.

Your pictures with the main mice are awesome! I love that meet in their safari clothes.

You can mobile order but they didn't apply any discounts if you did and Steve was adamant on using his TIW card to the fullest so we just waited on line.

That seems silly that you can't use discounts with mobile ordering there yet. They should definitely update that.

Also, side note, I always think it's interesting that some places in the US you guys say "on line," and up here we say "in line."

I am a fry gal. I always eat my fries first as I like them piping hot and crisp!

Me too! I usually do the same thing! But I try not to as much when we're sharing, or Nathan never gets any fries.

 

[Cloe Colton]

We did the same thing with the AMC theaters. We thought it didnt matter what side you went in on too haha Im sure everyone makes that mistake!

What a great day!

 

[pkondz]

We arrived at Flight of Passage in time for our FP.

FP for FoP. Got it.

In fact the FP line was rather empty. Look at my surprised face:

Whoa!!! You is shocked!

Oh, hello there!

awwww...

I do have a particular set of skills...to eat even when not hungry!

I like this sauce because it is like chimmichurri but not as garlicky so you can still talk to people after.

I took this panorama of Pandora to show you how crowded it was that day in AK:

Um... picture didn't work? Just see a broken link.

We left AK soon after that to check into our new hotel for 2 nights...The Swan!

Cool! Don't know anyone that's stayed there.

I booked a standard room on points, and it had a king sized bed and was actually really big, especially when compared to standard Disney rooms.

Looks huge in comparison.

There's a ghost in your shower!!!!

I loved how incredibly uncrowded it was here!

Place looks empty.

You can mobile order but they didn't apply any discounts if you did and Steve was adamant on using his TIW card to the fullest so we just waited on line.

Gotta make it pay for itself!

mmm... those look good!

I think the sauces we ended up with were garlic ranch

But then you can't talk to people!

We both really enjoyed the burgers

Good! Might have to try that place some day.

I think I liked the classic cheeseburger better but I am a sort of burger purist and I usually stick with a cheeseburger rather than burgers with all sorts of different toppings, but I did think the Southern burger was quite tasty because it had a fried green tomato on it, and that is a-ok with me!

Interesting. I'm more of a... burger snob. I want a good burger and I'm pretty selective about what qualifies... but I'll happily take interesting toppings if I think they'll work. Like an egg, or thick slice of ham.

We did not know the dine-in theater entrance was different from the regular theater entrance we just thought they were all part of the same entrance, but no, if you want the dine in, it's one theater and the other regular theaters are further down.

Huh. Wouldn't have known that either.

We both loved Thor Ragnorak. It was so funny! It was such a perfect night to watch a movie! I really loved our low-key day with lots of food!

Glad you enjoyed the show and had such a nice day!

 

[Steppesister]

I LOVE the charred green onion vinaigrette! It really makes the dish. I tried the mayo-based sauce once and it wasn't for me. I like this sauce because it is like chimmichurri but not as garlicky so you can still talk to people after.

I think I'd prefer that sauce more too. Will try that next time when Mom and I go there in May.

I've only seen standing showers in the Swolphin complex but I think there may be tubs too.

I'm not sure I'd want a room without a tub. I need my long soak every night.

 

[franandaj]

OK playing catch up so comments will be brief. Perhaps I might try one of the kids bowls from Satuli Canteen, maybe split it for. snack. I'm always bummed when I get one of those rooms without a tub.

I've heard good things about D-luxe burger, perhaps someday....

 

[chunkymonkey]

OK everyone, this trip was more than a year ago, so it's about time to close out this TR!
I've been away for a while traveling internationally and if you've also read on my other in-progress TR, my dad is not well and is currently in hospice care so we've just been spending more time with him and trying to get his affairs settled. A lot of family has been over to visit so that is nice. You can read more on my other TR.

Hope everyone had a very nice Thanksgiving (we spent it in Singapore) as well as a lovely Black Friday/Cyber Monday season.
Can't believe it's December already, but looking forward to 2019.

November 5th Part 1: French Family Meal Traditions

We started our last full day at DHS since it's so close to the Swan. I like to plan my days efficiently so that we go to the parks closest to our resort the most. That's why I like staying at different resorts all the time to mix it up. When we arrived at DHS it was a little after rope drop and we did our FP+ which pretty much only consisted of TSM and I think the rest were throwaways which we did not do. Then I got myself a matcha frappucinno from Starbucks. It was my first frappe in a while and I didn't quite like it, decided they are too sweet for me. I like the regular matcha lattes better.

We went to meet up with our favorite spherical droid, and he was quite enamored with my t-shirt. We waited about 25 minutes to meet him since the park was getting crowded.

We wanted to wait for Chewie but his line was a little too long at that point and we had to make it to Epcot for our lunch event, so we headed out on the Friendship Boats and soon we were in Epcot.

Our next Food and Wine event was the French Family Meal Traditions at Monsieur Paul. I had heard many good things about this event and French food is one of my favorites and I don't have it all that much so I was really looking forward to it!

Before we entered I changed into my "Parisienne-inspired" shirt. We checked in and were brought to our "table".

Now the idea of a French Family meal is to have a meal with a large family, although it was only the two of us they placed us in a table of 6 with myself and Steve sitting across from each other next to two couples. We were in the middle. It seems completely awkward but let me tell you, maybe we lucked out or something but we had a FABULOUS group of people to talk to during lunch. Maybe it was the common interest of being at Disney World, or the shared love for delicious food and copious amounts of wines, but we had a wonderful time chatting with our lovely "family for an afternoon"

Here's Steve flanked by the two lovely ladies that were part of our group:

On to the food! Here is the delectable menu:

Almost each course had a wine pairing. And let me tell you, they are very GENEROUS with the pours, they were pretty much unlimited. If you wanted more of one wine they will eagerly refill your glass for you. For us lightweights, it wasn't necessary since each pour was so generous and there were many different wines and spirits.

We started with the Aperitif: Rye Puff Pastry with Chives and Goat Cheese Cream

These were brought on a plate and everyone got one. This was delicious, with the buttery flaky pastry serving as a nice platform for creamy goat cheese with bright pops of chive and tomato. A great little teaser of our meal to come.

This was paired with a lillet chambord cocktait which they called a French mule. It was perfect. Subtlety sweet, with ginger beer and lime, not too overbearing and just right for the pungent goat cheese. I think I had two of these because I liked it so much.

Sorry blurry picture:

This teaser was followed by our Hors D'Oeuvre trio: Cheese Gougere, Salmon Rilettes, and Sweet Pea Soup

Everything on this platter was just perfect, the buttery Gruyere cheese puff was warm and crisp with a soft center, the Salmon rilettes were creamy and bursting with fresh salmon flavor. And wow I totally remember the pea soup as the best pea soup I've ever had, served with a dollop of creme fraiche - it was delicious.

We got some Rose to pair with the appetizers.

Soon our main course arrived, it was set down in front of us in the cutest Le Creuset mini dutch oven.

Opening the lid revealed the most succulent main course...Blanquette de Veau. Basically a veal stew - in a creamy sauce served over rice.

OMG I have no idea what sorcery they did to this veal but it was sublime. I normally am not a veal fan, it's often tender just kinda bland and not my favorite, but whatever they did to this veal was just out of this world. It had a nice sear on the chunks of meat and were fall apart tender, with plenty of marbled fat throughout. It was literally one of the best things we ate that week. I know this is not normally on Monsieur Paul's regular menu but it really should be. The creamy sauce was rich and full of buttery flavor, and the fresh peas offset the richness. I thought this dish was perfect as did everyone else on the table and everyone polished off their little pots of goodness.

This was paired with a red wine, I think it was kinda like a pinot but not sure. Was probably a little tipsy at that point.

The goodness doesn't end there. One of my favorite things is cheese, so our next course is, of course, fromage.

It didn't specify on the menu but this was probably a brie or Camembert. This was paired with a Bordeux. Yum.

I didn't finish the wine with my veal so I'm slowing creating a wall of wine:

Our dessert course was so pretty: A Lemon Raspberry Merveilleux cake with Raspberry sorbet.

This was ridiculously good, so light and refreshing to counterbalance the rich meal we just had. If every French family meal was like this, I'm moving to France to be adopted!

Here's all the wines that we drank that afternoon. We also had a champagne that we had with dessert.

Towards the end of the meal all the chefs came out in a little march and we all applauded and cheered. I may have embarrassingly yelled out "Encore!!" a few too many times.

Here's a group shot of our table companions. We entered as strangers and left as friends. I probably should email them now that I've finished my TR update on this meal.

We also got a gift bag as a parting gift. Inside it were some pretty substantial items including a cookbook from Paul Bocuse (of Bocuse D'Or fame and the namesake for this restaurant), a Lillet Mirror and mixology booklet, and this little thing that I was very excited about: a Le Creuset spatula!!

Overall, we LOVED the French Family Meal. I would do it again in a heartbeat. They seem to serve different items each time they have the event as @franandaj had it the weekend before and they had a different main course. I wanted to go again this year but our September trip didn't coincide with any of the dates. It tends to start at the middle of Sept and goes into November so we missed it. Either way I am putting Monsieur Paul at the top of my list for a signature meal! We have never dined there on a regular evening.

After lunch we had another DISmeet with none other than @ariane37 and her hubby Steve!

Here's us and our Steves, and you can see my Parissienne shirt a little better. Actually it's a DCL shirt that I picked up on our cruise the week before but let's just pretend it's cruising down the Seine.
It was great to see you guys again, it's been more than a year now! Hope to make up for lost time in May.

After lunch we headed back to the Swan for some pool time and relaxation. We actually had another full evening...dinner at Yachtsman and a night at the Post-Race Party at Epcot! My goodness, I was so full, how was I ever going to eat again? Stay tuned...

​

 

[ONUAtrain]

Sorry to hear about your dad, I hope he remains comfortable throughout. We'll be thinking about you and your family.

 

[Jenny Sanders]

After lunch we had another DISmeet with none other than @ariane37 and her hubby Steve!

What a fab pic of the 4 of you!!!!

 

[pkondz]

I like to plan my days efficiently so that we go to the parks closest to our resort the most.

Huh. I'd never have thought of that. I don't resort-hop, so... that'd be why.

we did our FP+ which pretty much only consisted of TSM and I think the rest were throwaways which we did not do.

Really? Nothing else appealed?

We went to meet up with our favorite spherical droid, and he was quite enamored with my t-shirt

I bet!

Our next Food and Wine event was the French Family Meal Traditions at Monsieur Paul.

Mmmmm... Mr. Paul.

Love the napkin.

Now the idea of a French Family meal is to have a meal with a large family, although it was only the two of us they placed us in a table of 6 with myself and Steve sitting across from each other next to two couples.

Huh. That's... not sure if I'd enjoy that. Maybe if I lucked out like...

maybe we lucked out or something but we had a FABULOUS group of people to talk to during lunch.

...this.

Almost each course had a wine pairing. And let me tell you, they are very GENEROUS with the pours,

Uh, oh! I'd be under the table, not at it!

And wow I totally remember the pea soup as the best pea soup I've ever had, served with a dollop of creme fraiche - it was delicious.

Really! Wow!

OMG I have no idea what sorcery they did to this veal but it was sublime.

No way! My feelings of veal are the same. Unless it's schnitzel.

A Lemon Raspberry Merveilleux cake with Raspberry sorbet.

Man that sounds amazing.

Towards the end of the meal all the chefs came out in a little march and we all applauded and cheered.

I like that!

I may have embarrassingly yelled out "Encore!!" a few too many times.

We also got a gift bag as a parting gift. Inside it were some pretty substantial items including a cookbook from Paul Bocuse

Very nice! Tried any of the recipes?

After lunch we had another DISmeet with none other than @ariane37 and her hubby Steve!

Nice!

you can see my Parissienne shirt a little better.

 

[missjackiemcg]

I really enjoy reading and living vicariously through all your dining adventures!!! I am just not adventurous enough (and don't like wine enough...at all) to make the cost worth it, but it's really amazing to see these things I didn't even know exist at WDW because they're just not on my radar!!!

Love that you leave with a goody bag, too.

Such a great pic of you ladies and your Steves

 

[dolewhipdreams]

maybe we lucked out or something but we had a FABULOUS group of people to talk to during lunch

So glad you had a great table! Random group seatings make me nervous, but somehow Disney always seems to know who to seat people with.

Here's all the wines that we drank that afternoon.

Steve looks like some sort of wine lord behind his wall of wine

I was so full, how was I ever going to eat again?

A Disney Saga

Man that whole meal looked aMAZing. You give me such food envy/inspiration!

 

[missangelalexis]

The French Family meal sounds awesome! What a great afternoon