You have GOT to be kidding me!! The Live Version

[Echo queen]

Great job, love love love live reports.

 

[PinkBubblegum]

Great report, I'm in!

I can only hope to share some of your pixie dust when we arrive next week. I'd love for us to be able to walk right onto at least a few rides.

Looking forward to more...

 

[Disney Brat]

Awesome report! I am definatly along for the ride!! Can't wait to read more!!

 

[cjhinch]

Reading a "live" trip report is so cool!! Keep it coming!

 

[happybratpack]

Loving it! We'll be there Tuesday and I'm hoping the crowds are good!!

 

[SugarMomma]

7-11-08

8:01am

I did get some sleep and woke the girls up at 7:10. Amazingly it didn't take too much to get them going. I was going to let them sleep in but it's a long story why we had to get going early. (I'm an idiot)

Got to the park in time to see the opening ceremony. Our first time and it was cute!! I activated my annual pass, bought the Disney Dining Experience card and off we went. The girls stopped to get a pic with Pluto and the mandatory castle pic (they're on Photopass) and we headed toward POC. And we WALKED ON!!!!! Is this JULY???!!! Honestly there are no crowds today! Fine with us!!

We went over to Jungle Cruise and waited 3 minutes. They were afraid!

After, the girls went to Splash Mountain while I got some water and a banana and people watched. The girls waited about 20 mins to get on and we met up in Frontierland. Where........Woody and friends were having a roundup. Megan and Sara were chosen to be in the show!

We rode Haunted Mansion (1st time for all of us) and IASW then headed to Liberty Tree Tavern for our 11:30 ADR. The girls were chosen to 'open' the restaurant and Megan got to holler 'Hear ye, hear ye, let freedom ring!!' Too cute!!

We had 2 Angus burgers, a Pligrim's Feast and a Tri Corner sandwich. Iced tea was fabulous!! Loved the meal and then we had to head to the front.

More soon!!!!!!!!!

I cant believe that A-you got up that early B- that you FINALLY rode the Haunted Mansion-did you see my camera anywhere?

 

[LLWDW]

I am in awe You are doing a great job, I love the live report! And 3 teenagers but they sound like nice girls.

 

[Hsminnie]

I cant believe that A-you got up that early B- that you FINALLY rode the Haunted Mansion-did you see my camera anywhere?

Very funny!! Meet my best friend everyone!

And yes, they are great girls!!

 

[ta2edgoofy]

what fun, haunted mansion is my favorite ride, i hope you guys enjoyed it!

 

[Hsminnie]

Here it is: Victoria and Albert's

WARNING!!!! If you plan to go to V&A’s and want a total surprise then STOP!!! I am going to attempt to describe in detail the evening we had and do not want to ruin your time.

That said, anything I write here will pale in comparison to the real deal.

Let me preface by admitting I am a country girl. There may be a restaurant like this in Columbus, OH but I haven’t been there. I like Texas Roadhouse and we hit Bonefish Grill for a fancy night out. All of which means I was ready to be dazzled. Mission accomplished. Same for the girls. Wicked WOW factor.

Our ADR was for 6pm so I wanted to leave no later than 5pm. The girls insisted on 3 hours to get ready (they did take 2!!) so we ran our errand to DTD and got back about 2:15. You should have been here, it was hysterical!!

We knew it would rain. It’s Florida. It’s summer. No big, right. ‘It’s over now. We don’t need the ponchos.’ Me being an idiot again. We went into the lobby to take pics and were out at the bust stop, damp, but 5:05pm. We waited a while but the bus came and it was all good. Until we got to the MK and had to get to the monorail. In the rain. In our fabulousness. So off we went. We all got wet and some straightened hair poofed but the girls were troopers. They all looked and behaved handsomely.

We stopped to take some pics and then headed to check-in. Christopher greeted us and recited our names which was fun to hear in such a formal manner. We were led to our table immediately and of course each sat into place and napkins were placed on our laps. The girls loved this, especially because every time someone left the table there was a fresh napkin and a chair assistant on their return! 

John was our headwaiter and Sal the assistant. 37 years at V&A’s between them. 37!!!! They were wonderful! Truthfully, I can’t find adjectives appropriate to the occasion.

Sal offered still or sparkling water, checked to see if I wanted a cocktail or wine pairings, removed the girls’ wine and champagne glasses and then brought my champagne. I thought it was sort of an ‘opening course’ by itself and drank it all with the bread.  which was great until John had to add a bit more for me to enjoy with the amuse bouche!! THAT wasn’t embarrassing!! 

A word about wine pairings. I was given at least half a glass of wine with each course plus a glass and a half of champagne plus a full glass of port. I’m no teetotaler but that was a LOT of wine! I finished quite a bit in the beginning but had exactly 2 sips of the port. Yum, but wow.

John came by to introduce himself and Sal, pass out the menus and wish Megan ‘Happy Birthday’. They were so excited to see their names printed on the menus and Megan’s said ‘Happy 16th Birthday’. John let us know Sal was coming with bread, we should look over the menu and he would explain in more detail in a minute, and welcome to the amazing fabulousness terrificness. (My words).

Sal came with bread. WOW. It was yummy. I forget what there was besides baquettes. Sal had a thick accent and spoke so quietly…..it was hit or miss. The butter was like a 4” round, ½” high pat in a silver domed dish all soft and yummy. Good start!! 

John came by and explained things which was good because we had no clue. Oh, I know what veal is, but I couldn’t even pronounce most of the rest of it. I’m no rube, just not used to such dining. He let us know the chef prefers to collect the entire evening’s order at one time so we set to thinking about our orders. Some of the girls were intimidated at first but I told them the only rules were no screaming and no throwing food at anyone  The eventually relaxed and seemed to enjoy themselves.

I'm really running on fumes at this point and want to get caught up, so I am gyping you all and giving you the short version until my final trip report thoughts.

Menu:

Amuse Bouche was a plate of four melon preparations. Puree', watermelon with pickled rind, yellow watermelon and watermelon wrapped in an Italian ham. (not prosciutto)

Cold Appetizer:

The girls all had Tamarind-Ancho Marinated Gulf Shrimp with Heirloom Tomato Vinaigrette

I had Jumbo Lump and Dungeness Crab with California Asparagus Salad
wine was Pascal Jolivet, Sancerre 2006

Hot Appetizer:

We all had Poached South Carolina Quail with Black Mission Figs and Fugi Apples
wine was Dr. Zenzen Valwiger Herrenberg Riesling Auslese Mosel 2001

Fish Course:

The girls all had Alaskan Red King Salmon with Torpedo Onions and Demi-Tasse Cup of Smoked Salmon

I had Virginia Black Bass Amandine with Bean Ragout and Marcona Almonds
wine was Rosenthal Chardonnay San Luis Obispo 2006

Entree:

2 of the girls had Niman Ranch Lamb with Artichokes and Zellwood Corn
1 had Kurobuta Pork Tenderloin and Belly with Banana Squash Ragout
I had Veal Tenderloin with Braised Veal Cheeks and Burgundy Poached Sweet Breads
wine was Prior d'Scala Dei Priorat 2003

Palatte Cleansing course:

2 had Stilton, Tarentaise and Nettle Meadow Kunik cheeses
2 had White Chocolate Gelato with Micro Mint
wine was Quinto do Crasto Late Bottled Vintage Porto 2001

Dessert:

2 had Tanzanian Chocolate Pyramid, Hawaiin Kona Chocolate Souffle and Peruvian Chocolate Ice Cream and Puff Pastry
1 had Caramelized Banana Gateau
I had Grand Marnier Souffle
NO WINE!!



It really was amazing but by the end of the meal we were ready to go. We were there for almost exactly 3 hours.

We came back, changed and went to MK. the girls went on BTMRR twice in about 30 mins then we went to Fantasyland. Got FP for Peter Pan, walked into Philharmagic and Snow White (dumb ride) rode Pooh with very little wait, back to Peter Pan with FP. That was all we had left in us! Headed back to the room to pass out and get up this morning.

 

[Backstage_Gal]

Hi Christy!

Just found your report today. What fun to read a live version.
Caught up on you PT. Tell Megan belated happy birthday from me. I was also born on July 10th, unfortunately exact 40 years before her, LOL.

Great report, I'll keep reading.

 

[Hsminnie]

Hi Christy!

Just found your report today. What fun to read a live version.
Caught up on you PT. Tell Megan belated happy birthday from me. I was also born on July 10th, unfortunately exact 40 years before her, LOL.

Great report, I'll keep reading.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

 

[Hsminnie]

SugarMomma, my truly best friend who was supposed to be on this trip but decided to WORK, can you believe it? .......has informed me that all we are doing is eating. Well, Saturday was the absolute worst!!! Check this out:

We were up at 8 and headed to the Contemporary for our Chef Mickey's ADR at 9:50am. (This resort is growing on me. I definitely want to stay here now.) While we were there the girls saw a couple who were seated behind me at V&A's the night before. He smiled and waved which was sweet.

Hmmm, Chef Mickey's. Food was standard buffet fare, place was LOUD and they certainly hook you with that picture, but of course the characters make it all good. What really made our experience was that they put us in a corner away from the main dining are which was relatively quiet. Whew. Don did a great job and BFF2 made his day when she asked him to sign her autograph book!!!

The characters were hysterical! There was a little boy next to us and his mom was getting her food. (He was maybe 9 or 10) Goofy sat down in her chair, grabbed a cup and proceeded to fix himself a coffee! Then Mickey came by and shooed him off and sat down himself!!! Then DON came by and fussed at both of them while they tried to blame it on each other!!! Too cute!!! We got their autographs and off they went.

BFF2 was the only one with her autograph book yesterday which was fine until Donald came by. Apparently she hates birds! He didn't care and signed it anyway AND made her take a pic!! We then saw Minnie and Pluto and finished our meal.

Next stop - DHS and Tower of TERRORRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think I have lost all adventurousness (?). ToT totally freaked me out and I kept my eyes closed the whole time. The girls loved it though. We waited about 20 mins. Is till cannot believe these crowds. Who knew July was the time to come? (I'll probably pay for those words today) We headed back toward the hat and ran into the High School Musical 2 show. Like I needed to hear any of those songs AGAIN!!!!!! It was cute, and we went back to the room to dress for tea.

I'll get the rest of the day later.......Sorry I'm lagging behind

 

[ta2edgoofy]

wow v&a's $120 a plate is way too much for a meal for me, it sounds like a good time but jeez.

and i hate tower of terror, more like tower of death, i use very vulgar words to describe that piece of garbage!

 

[Hsminnie]

wow v&a's $120 a plate is way too much for a meal for me, it sounds like a good time but jeez.

and i hate tower of terror, more like tower of death, i use very vulgar words to describe that piece of garbage!

ToT = AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!!


And I'll give ya that no meal is worth, in dollars, $125 a plate. The thing is, she only turns 16 once, she's out of my home in 2 years and she REALLY wanted it. Since we are blessed enough to have the money to afford it it was definitely a good value despite the cost. I can certainly appreciate your point of view though.

So, we left off at food. An eating tradition in our family is tea at the Garden View Lounge. We get the Buckingham Palace and have a lovely time. We do not generally 'dress' for this but just go in park attire. It is so relaxing! This time there was a baby shower in the lobby area and a wedding going on as well. We got to see the entire wedding party while they were having their pictures taken. Gorgeous!!!

Left the GF and headed back to DHS. We rode Star Tours and Muppets and were on our way to RnRC when we came upon some street perfomers. They were SO funny. One guy laughed so hard he spit ice cream all over his grandma!!! When they were done we started off again but TP1 realized she had left her phone in Muppets. Thankfully I remembered what row and about where we had been sitting, but we had to wait until the show ended to get in. Tony, bless his heart, kept us entertained so Megan didn't freak out too badly. In we went and BF1 found it right away.

Now, I know it seems too close together, but we had ADR at 50's Prime Time Cafe for 8pm. We finished tea around 4:20 so no one was 'big meal' hungry but we were anticipating the fun at this place so much that we went anyway. I have never had that much fun at a restaurant. And I don't cook so I go to a LOT of them. Byron (Dusty) had us in stitches. I ordered a cosmopolitan and told him to hurry while I looked at the girls and rolled my eyes. He came back 10mins later, told me to come with him and made me stand in front of the bartender while he explained the teenagers. Everyone at the bar thought I needed my cosmo too and out it came!

Then the insanity ensued. He gave the girls trouble about everything and they gave it right back. A little later he told us that as soon as we showed up he started dropping stuff, mixing up checks, all sorts of things and blamed it all on us!! What a hoot. He was very professional in the midst of the fun and seemed to enjoy himself too. We all agreed the food was SERIOUSLY no worth the price but the atmosphere was. But now I understand why some people do not like the place. Overpriced, blah food plus and unenthusiatic server would bum me out too. Next time we'll go for drinks and dessert to ensure a good time.

We decided to wander our way through some shops, bought some stuff and were going to leave when we noticed the mad crush. So we found a curb, parked and people watched. The girls had as much fun as I did!! When we finally left we were 4 of 12 people at our bus stop and everyone was in a good mood. Much nicer than the rush to get out and save 15 minutes while being grouchy.

At this point we are literally passing out each night. Even though it seems like we eat all day everyone is having a bunch of fun and the 13th involves way less food. So far. (I'm typing this at 3 on the 13th)

 

[Disney Brat]

Thanks for the update!! I am glad that the phone was found! I would have freaked myself!! LOL I really enjoy 50's! I agree that the food isn't all that great, but if you have a great server, it sure makes for a fantastic time!! Hope you are enjoying your day today!! Can't wait to read about it!

 

[happybratpack]

THanks for the update! We leave in a couple days and your reports that it's not horrible crowd wise there is giving me hope. How's the weather?

 

[MAJ RN]

Just found your report. Sounds like you are all having a great time together. I have to say that you are brave being alone with 3 teenage girls, I remember how I was at that age . Can't wait to read more and I hope your trip continues to be fabulous!!!


Melissa

 

[PinkandPink]

This looks like a fun trip report! I love Wilderness! I tried to book it for our trip but it was completely booked!

Look forward to reading more!

 

[lazydoxy66]

Sorry I'm late.
I want to be there with you!!! You are havin' such a great time with the girls. How were you able to walk after all that wine at V&A's? I wouldn't have been able to stand, let alone walk.

You are being a bad DISer with no food pictures. Shame, Shame. I want to see what you ate! I'm glad you had a good time at 50's PTC. I hope we get a CM that embarrasses my DH. Do you remember what you ate there? Just wondering.

Keep the updates coming!