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

[MeghanEmily]

I'm drooling at your Monsieur Paul post!!

 

[Monykalyn]

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

LOL!

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.

Wow the meal looked fabulous!! We weren't impressed with Chef de france so next time will have to try Monsieur Paul instead, special event or regular.

The rooms at the swan look really nice! And now that Marriott points work there...hmmm...always planning!

 

[annie170]

Your room at the Swan is lovely. I remember seeing the Swan and Dolphin being almost ready to open on a trip in 1990. Where does time go?!

I've never eaten at Monsieur Paul. Your lunch looked fabulous and I'm glad you had nice tablemates, also! Is the family meal a regular thing or was that a special event?

 

[AV007]

Caught up on this one! Can't wait to see more!!

 

[Steppesister]

Whoa!! That meal looked fantastic!!! Holy cow!!

I've never done any of the "extra" events with F&W but that one would sure be one I would choose. I've not gotten to try Mr. Paul's either, but it's definitely on my list to try someday!!

 

[franandaj]

The French Family meal is my favorite! We stay at the Beach Club so that all we have to do is go back home and sleep it off. I've had as many as nine glasses of wine (when they let them go empty so I could count). Often times they fill your glass before it gets half full and you can't count. As long as you know they'll put you under the table, it's a great value and so much fun.

We have always been paired with great tablemates and always enjoyed it. Kind of like meeting DIS folks who haven't embraced the DIS!

Even if there were parts of the courses that I didn't like, I've never left hungry and it's always so much fun! Glad you enjoyed it!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Trying to finish this TR before I do anything else! Only a couple of posts left!! Replies coming soon!

November 5 Part 2: Yachtsman and Wine and Dine Runners Event

After our scrumptious French meal, we really needed to relax as we were so lethargic after that meal. We even had dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse coming up shortly and so we headed back to the Swan to rest and use the jacuzzis.
Here's my very happy very tipsy face:

Later that evening we got ready and headed out to the Yacht Club. I think we may have walked it since it was such a nice evening, and also since we had such a big meal for lunch that we still had to work off before yet another decadent meal.

I was meeting my good friend Betsy @tankgirl427, her boyfriend Kris, and her friend Carol who had just ran the half that morning. Betsy and Kris had just arrived that day from Boston and were going to continue their stay at WDW while we were leaving the next day, so jealous!

When we arrived at Yachtsman we met Betsy outside and we had to get a picture together because our outfits, even though different, just meshed well.

Haha we both have on Disney food related clothing. #greatmindsthinkalike or is it #foolsseldemdiffer?

We were seated with our wonderful and favorite server, David. Too bad we did not get a picture this time around, but we were too busy chatting away and of course, eating.

Steve and I started by sharing the tuna tartar. It's fantastic here, with a crisp deep fried seaweed crisp that you can use as a spoon for the tuna. So yum! Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be on the menu anymore. They have definitely changed their menu since 2017 but it could also be a seasonal thing. (BTW their new menu is just as awesome)

We got an intermezzo of mango sorbet with champagne. It looks so simple but it was soooo divine!!

Since Steve and I had such a rich lunch we opted to share a ribeye and not get our usual which is the porterhouse for 2. They kindly split it for us in the kitchen.

Steve and I got beef fat potatoes with our meal and the table shared sides of mushrooms and caramelized onions. So delicious! And so filling!

None of us got dessert but Yachtsman gifted us with little domes of chocolate and fruity things.

Never had a bad meal at Yachtsman and we're headed there at the end of February in about a month and a half, so excited!

After dinner we were all set to go to Epcot for the Post Marathon Wine and Dine event. It was basically an event for all the half marathon runners and their guests. Guests have to pay about 70 bucks but runners did not. The food and wine booths were kept open all night, most rides were open, and they had special characters. It sounded like a great event...but was it? So I'm gonna sound like a downer but I did not think this event was worth the money. Maybe if we didn't eat at Yachtsman before, and could partake at the booths...but in reality the event was super crowded. The lines for everything were long, stores and pavilions weren't open so that's probably why all the people were just milling about world showcase. A lot of people were drunk, which didn't bother me, but there were a lot of them. So the event was really a time to hang out with our friends, and we met up with even more of Betsy and Carol's friends who also ran the half that morning. We decided to head to Soarin and then Test Track.

Here's a picture of some of us walking around Epcot:

Waiting for Soarin for about 35 mins:

And Test Track, which we waited close to 45 minutes for on standby.

After Test Tract some of us split up and headed to World Showcase. The only thing that I wanted to do was to get a picture with Mushu. So we walked to China and I waited on line for about 30 minutes to finally get this picture:

Here's Betsy and Kris who waited on line with us:

OK Goal achieved!!

When we walked by America we saw the cutest little patriot Mickey. Betsy and I were oooohing over how cute Mickey was but his like...it snaked around the pavilion so there was no way we were going to wait on it.

Such a cute outfit though!

Since we walked by Japan I decided to get something just so I could say I did eat something at the event, so I got some wasabi dumplings or something like that I can't remember the name. Sorry for the blurry pic. It tasted ok, nothing exciting, but it wasn't bad. It's like shumai but wrapped in a wasabi flavored wrapper.

With that said, the event was almost over. We really didn't get to do much at all, but the time spent with friends was good.
Here's a picture before we departed:

I probably won't go to this Wine and Dine event again unless I was a half marathoner (yeah so like, never) or if I knew people that really wanted to go. It was just crowded even the food booths were crowded however the lines died down considerable around 10pm (event ended at 11). But it was a beautiful night to walk around Epcot and we really did enjoy the company!

Steve and I walked back to the Swan while Betsy and Kris headed back to Pop.

A lovely night!


Coming up, my final final post on this trip report!!!

Stay tuned!​

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

I think they said on the Backside of Magic that, that event was meh as well. So, I don't think you are alone on that. At least you had good company with you.

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Never had a bad meal at Yachtsman

Us too. It remains one of my favorite Signatures!!!
On a side note...Is Steve going on the Epic Trip???

 

[pkondz]

After our scrumptious French meal, we really needed to relax as we were so lethargic after that meal.

I envision you both lying on a couch or the floor, lying very still.

Oh, and Steve's burping.

We even had dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse coming up shortly

More food????

How?​

Here's my very happy very tipsy face:

Cute!

we had such a big meal for lunch that we still had to work off before yet another decadent meal.

Sure. Of course. "We just ate. We're stuffed. Is there anything we could do to let us eat more?"

we had to get a picture together because our outfits, even though different, just meshed well.

That's awesome! Did you guys plan that??? I mean... No way!

Steve and I started by sharing the tuna tartar. It's fantastic here, with a crisp deep fried seaweed crisp that you can use as a spoon for the tuna.

That sounds really interesting. I've never had tuna tartare since DW is allergic, I tend to stay away from fish a fair bit. I'll occasionally have it, but...

Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be on the menu anymore.

Well, poop. Now I can't try it!

We got an intermezzo of mango sorbet with champagne.

oooohhh… that sounds soooo good.

So delicious! And so filling!

It sure sounded like it! Both parts!

After dinner we were all set to go to Epcot for the Post Marathon Wine and Dine event.

Yay! Let's go eat!

So I'm gonna sound like a downer but I did not think this event was worth the money

Oh, that's too bad.

The lines for everything were long, stores and pavilions weren't open so that's probably why all the people were just milling about world showcase.

Um... yeah. Doesn't sound particularly inviting.

So the event was really a time to hang out with our friends, and we met up with even more of Betsy and Carol's friends who also ran the half that morning.

But that part's good, though.

Waiting for Soarin for about 35 mins:

Not too bad.

And Test Track, which we waited close to 45 minutes for on standby.

Getting a bit longish. For a "private" event, you expect the lines to be shorter. Then again... Everyone is going to go to those two rides, so...

Yay! You got it!

Betsy and I were oooohing over how cute Mickey was but his line...it snaked around the pavilion so there was no way we were going to wait on it.

Nope. I imagine it would be over an hour.

It's like shumai but wrapped in a wasabi flavored wrapper.

Spicy at all?

With that said, the event was almost over. We really didn't get to do much at all, but the time spent with friends was good.

I probably won't go to this Wine and Dine event again unless I was a half marathoner (yeah so like, never)

 

[soniam]

For the life of me, I can't remember any of the Post Race Party at Epcot. I know I bought a ticket, and DH had his free half one. It's a total blank. I guess it just seemed like a normal evening at Epcot during F&W. I don't know if I would pay to do it again either, and I don't see a half in my future everHeck, I haven't even run since I bought new running shoes this summer.

 

[Steppesister]

I've long wanted to try Yachtsman, but I think my actually getting there is a long shot given the length of my wanna-try list.

The event actually, sorry to agree with you, sounded like a dud. Too people-y and yeah, not much to really do. Like you said, maybe if you hadn't have eaten such a rich, big meal... maybe then. ??

 

[missangelalexis]

I love your snack themed dress!!

Sounds like a great dinner! I'm sorry the event wasn't great but still sounds like a fun time with friends!

 

[iivye]

The lines for everything were long, stores and pavilions weren't open so that's probably why all the people were just milling about world showcase.

We did the Wine & Dine after party this year and somehow I completely missed that none of the stores or pavilions would be open. That's what I was looking forward to most. The after party was definitely a one and done for me.

Your dinner at the Yachtsman looked delicious. I have only ever done lunch there but will be adding to my list for dinner now. Great trip report!

 

[Lesley Wake]

When we arrived at Yachtsman we met Betsy outside and we had to get a picture together because our outfits, even though different, just meshed well.

Super cute dress!

When we walked by America we saw the cutest little patriot Mickey. Betsy and I were oooohing over how cute Mickey was but his like...it snaked around the pavilion so there was no way we were going to wait on it.

That must be Mickey's outfit he wears on July 4th!

 

[chunkymonkey]

catching up on some much delayed replies...

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 love Satuli! I always make it a point to eat here at least once on our trip.

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

Rght? That is usually us. But I'm glad we took it easy, it was nice!

Oh my those burgers look good.

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

They were really good!

Yes, you have inspired me to just be a bit more chill at Disney...that is, after 3 days of going commando.

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

Yeah, I am just thinking they didn't update the screen at that point. It probably jumped fro 60 mins to 120!

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 hear ya, sooo many things I have yet to try because I keep going back to old favorites!

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.

They really are great! I love at the GoTG, and all the Captain Americas as well. Also the first and third Avengers movies are amazing. The first Iron Man was good I was just not into the other 2 as much. The Ant Man movies are great fun, and Black Panther was awesome.

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.

Yup, they should let you put sauce on any childs portion. I've done it about 3 times so far.

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

Me too! So cute!

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 hope they have updated it! I haven't been there in a while.
Haha, it's really a typo on my part, it should be in line, but I am so used to saying "online" I naturally type out "on line" and don't even notice it!

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.

Oh I tell Steve I want my OWN fries.

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!

Thank you!! It certainly was a great day!
And they should have put a sign on the AMC!! I totally didn't realize that one side was dine in and one side was not!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Yes!! That's my special skill!!! It's my talent!!

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

I fixed it! I hope it works!

Looks huge in comparison.

Yeah their rooms are big, not themed though.

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

Place looks empty.

It was during that time

But then you can't talk to people!

Good thing we were just watching a movie where you can't talk!

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.

I like simple burgers for the most part. I don't do too much crazy toppings. An egg is ok. I like In N Out the best for best cheap burger.

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

It was a nice day indeed!

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

I love it! I will have to see when I can fit this in, since we are already doing Tiffins on our only AK day.

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

Me too! I only discovered this last year and now all I want to do is soak every night. I'm a little disappointed rooms at the swan dolphin don't have tubs.

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.

yeah I like a nice soak too so I'd gladly have a tub over one with not.
I love the Satuli bowls! They also seem healthy and not too heavy.

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

Well, you know I'm a fan of In n Out so I would say you'd be ok if you don't try D-luxe for a while.

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

Thank you so much. It's so nice to hear these words of comfort on the DIS!

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

Thanks!! It was great catching up with them!

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

I don't do it often but now that I'm DVC and there's so little availability for the points you have, you kinda have to make do.

Really? Nothing else appealed?

I think we had already done Star Tours a few times that week and we just have to get to Epcot at a decent time because we weren't going to miss lunch!

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

...this.

You can sit at my table!!

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

I'll still talk to you. And take pictures of you. And post it on the DISboards of course.

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

It was amazing, it was the most amazing veal I've had. It could have been short rib but it was even more tender than short rib.

Very nice! Tried any of the recipes?

Er, no. I'm more of an eater.

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!!!

Thanks!! That's why WDW has something for everyone!!

Love that you leave with a goody bag, too.

That was a nice surprise!

Such a great pic of you ladies and your Steves

Hehehe.

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.

I was a little nervous sitting down, but everyone was so sweet and nice that we all just got along really well!!

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

Hahaha, he'd like to think so too.

A Disney Saga

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

It was so delicious!!! I am figuring out when to go to Monsieur Paul again in Feb. I already have so many meals planned...

The French Family meal sounds awesome! What a great afternoon

It was amazing!! I definitely want to do it again.

I'm drooling at your Monsieur Paul post!!

Soooo goooood.

 

[chunkymonkey]

Wow the meal looked fabulous!! We weren't impressed with Chef de france so next time will have to try Monsieur Paul instead, special event or regular.

Yes, since it's a signature, it's definitely got an amped up level of food...I'd go to Monsieur Paul over Chefs too, but it's been a while since I've been to Chefs. I just felt like it wasn't the best representation of French food.

The rooms at the swan look really nice! And now that Marriott points work there...hmmm...always planning!

YES!! But they recently devalued the points and some properties like Swan and Dolphin went up in points required per night, boo. Still, one of the few ways we can go to Disney and stay for free while keeping (most) of the onsite benefits.

Your room at the Swan is lovely. I remember seeing the Swan and Dolphin being almost ready to open on a trip in 1990. Where does time go?!

I know! I remember thinking they were gorgeous and I thought I could never afford to stay there! HA, nowadays it's the Disney deluxe resorts that are un-affordable!

I've never eaten at Monsieur Paul. Your lunch looked fabulous and I'm glad you had nice tablemates, also! Is the family meal a regular thing or was that a special event?

It was a special event for Food and Wine. It happens almost every Sunday of the festival. They change their menus too so you can probably attend two in a row and have different entrees. It was an amazing event, I really want to go again!

Caught up on this one! Can't wait to see more!!

Thank you!

Whoa!! That meal looked fantastic!!! Holy cow!!

I've never done any of the "extra" events with F&W but that one would sure be one I would choose. I've not gotten to try Mr. Paul's either, but it's definitely on my list to try someday!!

I'm definitely putting this on my list of restaurants to try for a regular meal. I loved the food there but I did know that it was a special event and their regular menu does not have the same items. I'm sure it's fabulous though and I've only heard good things about it!

The French Family meal is my favorite! We stay at the Beach Club so that all we have to do is go back home and sleep it off. I've had as many as nine glasses of wine (when they let them go empty so I could count). Often times they fill your glass before it gets half full and you can't count. As long as you know they'll put you under the table, it's a great value and so much fun.

We have always been paired with great tablemates and always enjoyed it. Kind of like meeting DIS folks who haven't embraced the DIS!

Even if there were parts of the courses that I didn't like, I've never left hungry and it's always so much fun! Glad you enjoyed it!

We had such a fabulous time!! We should go together one year so we all sit on the same table! Well perhaps we'll end up under the table considering they will not let our glasses stay empty!

 

[pkondz]

Yes!! That's my special skill!!! It's my talent!!

I fixed it! I hope it works!

It did! And yes... crowded.

Good thing we were just watching a movie where you can't talk!

Well, there's that, too.

I like simple burgers for the most part. I don't do too much crazy toppings. An egg is ok. I like In N Out the best for best cheap burger.

I've tried In N Out twice now. First time I think my expectations were too high and I was very much "meh" about it. Second time was better.

Not bad for a chain burger.

I don't do it often but now that I'm DVC and there's so little availability for the points you have, you kinda have to make do.

Oh. That doesn't speak well for DVC, actually.

I think we had already done Star Tours a few times that week and we just have to get to Epcot at a decent time because we weren't going to miss lunch!

Okay, makes sense.

You can sit at my table!!

Yay! Can I eat your food?

I'll still talk to you. And take pictures of you. And post it on the DISboards of course.

Of course. Sometimes TRs write themselves.

Er, no. I'm more of an eater.

 

[chunkymonkey]

I think they said on the Backside of Magic that, that event was meh as well. So, I don't think you are alone on that. At least you had good company with you.

Yeah I didn't expect it to be so meh. But I guess it really was meant for the thousands of runners in the half...

Us too. It remains one of my favorite Signatures!!!
On a side note...Is Steve going on the Epic Trip???

So yum!
Yes Steve and my sister Chunkysis are both going on Epic Trip!

I envision you both lying on a couch or the floor, lying very still.

Oh, and Steve's burping.

That sounds about right...

More food????

How?

I told you, I have a very special skill...

Sure. Of course. "We just ate. We're stuffed. Is there anything we could do to let us eat more?"

Every little thing helps!

That's awesome! Did you guys plan that??? I mean... No way!

We did not! Great Disney minds think alike. Actually more like...obsessed Disney foodies think alike.

That sounds really interesting. I've never had tuna tartare since DW is allergic, I tend to stay away from fish a fair bit. I'll occasionally have it, but...

Oh that's too bad, I love tuna tartar!

Well, poop. Now I can't try it!

Hopefully it'll make a comeback!!

oooohhh… that sounds soooo good.

If you ever go to Yachtsman I can have David give you an intermezzo too!

Getting a bit longish. For a "private" event, you expect the lines to be shorter. Then again... Everyone is going to go to those two rides, so...

Yeah...it seemed like WAY more people than at EMH which I was not expecting.

Spicy at all?

no not really. Just a hint of wasabi.

For the life of me, I can't remember any of the Post Race Party at Epcot. I know I bought a ticket, and DH had his free half one. It's a total blank. I guess it just seemed like a normal evening at Epcot during F&W. I don't know if I would pay to do it again either, and I don't see a half in my future everHeck, I haven't even run since I bought new running shoes this summer.

Haha yeah me neither, I just know that I'll probably never purchase another post-race event! I was thinking of doing Star Wars but it'll probably be too hot and also since I hurt my knee last Sept I haven't actually done anything either.

I've long wanted to try Yachtsman, but I think my actually getting there is a long shot given the length of my wanna-try list.

The event actually, sorry to agree with you, sounded like a dud. Too people-y and yeah, not much to really do. Like you said, maybe if you hadn't have eaten such a rich, big meal... maybe then. ??

I know, my list is very long too!

Yes it was a dud. It was more crowded than EMH and everyone was drunk. Oh wait that sounds like Epcot on a regular festival weekend!

I love your snack themed dress!!

Sounds like a great dinner! I'm sorry the event wasn't great but still sounds like a fun time with friends!

Thank you! I got it from Etsy.

Dinner was great but the event was not so much but considering we were with our friends it wasn't so bad in the end. Just wish we didn't pay extra for it!

We did the Wine & Dine after party this year and somehow I completely missed that none of the stores or pavilions would be open. That's what I was looking forward to most. The after party was definitely a one and done for me.

Your dinner at the Yachtsman looked delicious. I have only ever done lunch there but will be adding to my list for dinner now. Great trip report!

Right?? I thought the pavilions would be open too. I was fully expecting the stores to be open, it would have been so cool. I love to browse the stores in all the countries too.
For sure, I will not do another post-race event either!

Super cute dress!

Thank you! It's from Etsy! It may be my "eat and drink around the world" outfit!

That must be Mickey's outfit he wears on July 4th!

It must be! Patriot Mickey is so cute!