Trip Report *COMPLETED* A Swolphin Sandwich (Thanksgiving Week 2017)

My DW M and I have returned from a wonderful week of Disney, family, and more Disney! I can make no guarantees for fast or frequent updates, but I'll do my best!

Introduction

Here's the PTR: ProcrastiNations: Deflections of Work. There you can read all about the cast and plans. We decided to take it easy on this trip as we've just gotten through an extremely stressful few months relating to our living situation. I've posted bits and pieces about it in various TRs/PTRs recently, but to make a long story short our building was purchased and our lease wasn't renewed, but we couldn't move into our new place until eleven days after we moved out and didn't find out until the day before we were supposed to move in. We had to put all our stuff in storage and stay in temporary housing during that time. Luckily the new landlord has done their best to make up for the financial strain of paying for last-minute temporary housing (they delayed our official lease date to December 1 so we didn't have to pay anything for the 2/3 of November we lived here). That said, this was a pretty horrible chapter of our lives and we lost a lot of sleep and got behind in work and...cried a lot!*

The biggest change to the trip was the decision not to do any early mornings at parks in an effort to catch up on sleep. This meant changing and canceling some ADRs, and only visiting two of the parks. We spent more time in the room than we typically do and chose rest time over busy park time when presented with the decision.

So, if you're ready for a million photos (mostly of food...and beverages...;) ) keep reading!

*Lest you worry about us, we are VERY happy in our new place now that the garbage of November is behind us. It is the biggest and nicest place we have ever lived in. We have a beautiful kitchen with a dishwasher AND we have our own washer and dryer in-unit, which is almost unheard of in this area! We are still waiting on two chairs to arrive but once they do and we have everything set up I'll post photos here.

Up next: The flight to Orlando!
 

Songbird76

Well-Known Member
Day 2, cont.

Soon we arrived at a restaurant that somehow, as many times as we have been to WDW, we had never tried before.

tumblr_p03cy1mtpi1un92rjo1_1280.jpg


tumblr_p03cy1mtpi1un92rjo3_1280.jpg


BEACHES AND CREAM!!

tumblr_p03cy1mtpi1un92rjo4_1280.jpg


tumblr_p03cy1mtpi1un92rjo8_1280.jpg


Our server was Kimberly and she was marvelous! We decided to split the veggie burger and she had kitchen actually split it onto two plates.

tumblr_p03cy1mtpi1un92rjo5_1280.jpg

With onion rings!

Okay, funny (?) story here. M and I have been vegetarians for almost ten years, and before we went fully vegetarian we both cut out red meat, so it's been well over ten years since either of us has eaten a hamburger. Normally Disney restaurants serve either the Morningstar black bean burger, or a housemade veggie burger that contains vegetables you can see. This was neither of those. M took a bite first and had a strange look on her face, and afterward said, "We did ask for the veggie burger, right?" It's hard to see in the photo but it did look more like meat than most veggie burgers. I smelled it and bravely took a bite, and fortunately recognized it as a particular patty made by Boca Burger. It's all very funny to me, because I'm sure a meat eater would have immediately recognized it as NOT meat, but we were both (briefly) fooled.

Kimberly stopped by to ask if we would be getting dessert (as if she didn't know) and I asked her, "how big IS the No Way Jose?" She said it is a very large sundae and that we should probably share it. So we did!

I should add that we were seated by this large party on a family vacation together...

tumblr_p03cy1mtpi1un92rjo2_1280.jpg


...and I said, "If they don't order a kitchen sink I want my money back!"

Luckily for everyone, not only did THEY order a Kitchen Sink, but another table did as well!

And soon, we were served this beauty:

tumblr_p03cy1mtpi1un92rjo9_1280.jpg


This dessert has been calling my name for years now, ever since the first time I saw @Tuvalu post a photo of one. Chocolate? Peanut Butter? Vanilla? Fudge? Chips? ALL TOGETHER??? Yes, please!!!

tumblr_p03cy1mtpi1un92rjo10_1280.jpg

WE DID IT!

I would definitely return to B&C! We enjoyed a generous amount of food and ICE CREAM for a reasonable price, and we loved the SHTICK of it all! My mouth is watering right now thinking of the No Way Jose...I may have to ask M to concoct a homemade version of it for my birthday later this month... :hungry:

Up next: In search of Rainbow Mickey
Yum!!! The No Way Jose is on my list now too, having seen several pictures in @Tuvalu TRs. I'm trying to convince my husband we need to go in August 2019....only a year and a half to wait!!
 

bee

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Yes way, Jose!
Si, si, si!

Too funny. Those bocas are a bit meaty for me. My dh likes them:confused:
Yeah, they're not my first choice. If we do veggie burgers we like the Aldi brand black bean burger. Not sure if it's vegan.

Joining in the fun!

I scored a B&C reservation for may (10pm, just for a No way Jose) I can't wait!
Welcome! I would totally go back just for Jose! Even though it's not listed on the walk-up menu I saw someone emerge from the to-go line with what appeared to be a No way Jose.

Yum!!! The No Way Jose is on my list now too, having seen several pictures in @Tuvalu TRs. I'm trying to convince my husband we need to go in August 2019....only a year and a half to wait!!
Welcome to Club Jose!
 

bee

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 2, cont.

After B&C we were on a mission to find a certain Mickey lanyard clip for my keys. The app said the store at BC had it, so we explored the Beach Club a bit.

tumblr_p03d23jh0J1un92rjo1_1280.jpg


It was around this point that I started feeling scratchy in my throat. :( I mentioned it to M and she said, "Maybe it's just because you ate so much sugar." I could only hope that was the case...

tumblr_p03d23jh0J1un92rjo2_400.gif


tumblr_p03d23jh0J1un92rjo3_1280.jpg


tumblr_p03d23jh0J1un92rjo5_400.gif


tumblr_p03d23jh0J1un92rjo6_1280.jpg


FOUND IT!!

tumblr_p03d23jh0J1un92rjo4_1280.jpg


As I was waiting on line to check out, a dad and his two preteen or young teen kids were checking out. His wife approached with items in hand and said, "You're getting all this, and what about the things we came here for?" Then she started muttering to no one in particular and didn't stop until they left, "I love how he just goes to the register. What about what we came in the store for?...he just goes to the register..."

I paid for Mickey and we decided to look around the YC to see the lobby decorations.

tumblr_p03d23jh0J1un92rjo9_1280.jpg


tumblr_p03d23jh0J1un92rjo10_1280.jpg

M: "You already took a picture of this bunny."
B: "But...I need another one...!"

tumblr_p03d44i6Q91un92rjo1_1280.jpg


tumblr_p03d44i6Q91un92rjo2_1280.jpg


tumblr_p03d44i6Q91un92rjo3_1280.jpg


tumblr_p03d44i6Q91un92rjo4_1280.jpg


tumblr_p03d44i6Q91un92rjo5_1280.jpg


tumblr_p03d44i6Q91un92rjo6_1280.jpg


Back inside we saw the completed chocolate display:

tumblr_p03d44i6Q91un92rjo7_1280.jpg


And with that we took showers and went to bed, ready to enjoy a morning in Epcot the next day.

Up next: Change of plans!
 

bee

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
THNX I'll check out the Aldi ones this weekend, BTW you can never have too many Disney duck or bunny pics:joyfull:
Thank you!! How were the burgers?

All caught up!! That balcony though :inlove::inlove::inlove: Some fantastic views! Also this makes me want to go during Christmas again and see the decorations. It all looks so beautiful!
We loved having a balcony! It was such a nice surprise. And, Christmas is the best!!

One can never have too many bunny pictures!
Thank you!!
 

bee

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 3: Wednesday, November 22

Remember my scratchy throat from Tuesday night? It was still scratchy and I was definitely sick. :(

Instead of going to Epcot for breakfast at Les Halles, we took our time getting ready and had breakfast at the Dolphin.

tumblr_p03d6mt5Ka1un92rjo1_1280.jpg


tumblr_p03d6mt5Ka1un92rjo2_1280.jpg


tumblr_p03d6mt5Ka1un92rjo3_1280.jpg


tumblr_p03d6mt5Ka1un92rjo4_1280.jpg


tumblr_p03d6mt5Ka1un92rjo5_1280.jpg


M held a table for us in the lobby while I ordered at Fuel.

tumblr_p03d6mt5Ka1un92rjo6_1280.jpg


tumblr_p03d6mt5Ka1un92rjo7_1280.jpg


tumblr_p03d6mt5Ka1un92rjo8_1280.jpg


The iced coffee was good, but the egg and cheese sandwich was premade and no better than a McDonald's egg and cheese sandwich (but the Fuel cost wayyy more!).

tumblr_p03d6mt5Ka1un92rjo9_1280.jpg


I used the Dolphin lobby/convention center bathrooms and stopped for a few pics...

tumblr_p03dfodUkZ1un92rjo1_1280.jpg


tumblr_p03dfodUkZ1un92rjo2_1280.jpg


In the lobby...

tumblr_p03dfodUkZ1un92rjo3_1280.jpg


tumblr_p03dfodUkZ1un92rjo4_1280.jpg


tumblr_p03dfodUkZ1un92rjo5_1280.jpg


tumblr_p03dfodUkZ1un92rjo7_1280.jpg


tumblr_p03dfodUkZ1un92rjo8_1280.jpg


tumblr_p03dfodUkZ1un92rjo9_1280.jpg


tumblr_p03dfodUkZ1un92rjo10_1280.jpg


Up next: Leaving Disney...for now
 

bee

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 3, cont.

Shortly before noon we found the Guest Services area of the Dolphin lobby and checked in at the Alamo rental desk. There was no line and we were in and out very quickly. We had to give the keys to one of the valet staff, who retrieved the car for us.

tumblr_p03dmlVLED1un92rjo2_1280.jpg

More Christmas!

And here's the car we ended up with. Obviously this is not at WDW but I forgot to take a photo until we were already in Jacksonville.

tumblr_p03dt1R5fl1un92rjo1_1280.jpg


Before we left Orlando we had a mission to visit the Character Warehouse at one of the outlet malls.

tumblr_p03dmlVLED1un92rjo3_1280.jpg


tumblr_p03dmlVLED1un92rjo4_1280.jpg


tumblr_p03dmlVLED1un92rjo5_1280.jpg

Sooo...did gay male couples buy up all the Mr. mugs and only Mrs. are left for us lesbians? :p

tumblr_p03dmlVLED1un92rjo6_1280.jpg

This MK 45th set was tempting, but I resisted!

They had TONS of cool merchandise for reasonable prices; for example, ALL coffee mugs were only $6 each!! It was very crowded (it was a holiday week after all!) but we didn't mind, and we both came out with some souvenirs we liked!

Here's what we actually DID buy:

tumblr_p0bbqtvp5q1un92rjo2_1280.jpg


tumblr_p0bbqtvp5q1un92rjo4_1280.jpg


tumblr_p0bbqtvp5q1un92rjo1_1280.jpg

Wait...that's not from WDW! But we've been there!

We got some little gifts for family as well, and soon we were on our way to M's parents' house.

tumblr_p03dmlVLED1un92rjo7_1280.jpg

Traffic was intensifying, and we were glad we left when we did and not later.

We stopped for lunch at Taco Bell.

tumblr_p03dmlVLED1un92rjo8_1280.jpg


They have a surprising number of decent veggie or veggie-fy-able options. We went with chalupas with beans instead of meat.

tumblr_p03dmlVLED1un92rjo9_1280.jpg


Back on the road, we listened to some Disney parks music.

tumblr_p03dmlVLED1un92rjo10_1280.jpg


The next post or two will not be Disney-related, but they will be KITTY-RELATED!!!!

Up next: Family time (including Frisky time!)
 

Sans Souci

Well-Known Member
Thank you for the Swolfin photos. I've never stayed, but I usually eat there once on my trips. I do want to stay some time. I think the new lobby looks great.

I had the chili spiced tofu at Satuli (sp?) a couple of weeks ago and I tucked in. I was like, "What spice?" But I did think the chimichurri sauce was tasty, too. Overall, I really liked my meal there.

That crazy elf thing looks delicious. RumChata and Fireball--:hungry: I missed so tasty things, namely the fondue. :grumpy:
 

amjt660

Well-Known Member
New

Might have to rethink our friendship....:cautious:
Click to expand...
Somehow I KNEW you would be the first to react to that bit!

I am with Bee on this one
MK is under capacity for the crowds and it is getting less attractive

Give me Epcot any day over Magic Kingdom
We did it once of our 7 days last time and it was not the best day of the trip

Max

(bring on the hate!!!)
 

bee

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
I don’t have any TR updates, sorry! I’ve been getting home from rehearsal almost every night at midnight which does not leave much time to do anything but go to bed!

BUT today is my birthday and M made me a Mickey Mouse cake from scratch! This was one of the layers before she frosted and put it all together.

35C21C77-6816-4FDE-B12F-77640A7FF045.jpeg


I have two more days of rehearsals/gigs, then we are visiting M’s extended family for Christmas. So maybe there will be an update by New Year’s??
 

Songbird76

Well-Known Member
I don’t have any TR updates, sorry! I’ve been getting home from rehearsal almost every night at midnight which does not leave much time to do anything but go to bed!

BUT today is my birthday and M made me a Mickey Mouse cake from scratch! This was one of the layers before she frosted and put it all together.

View attachment 251676

I have two more days of rehearsals/gigs, then we are visiting M’s extended family for Christmas. So maybe there will be an update by New Year’s??
Break a leg!!
I hope the old saying about not leaving your best notes in the green room is accurate. Our sound check tonight was awful. Our headsets didn't work and we spent our entire rehearsal time trying to figure it out and only got to rehearse ONE of our songs. Then the pieces we did with the band sounded terrible. Then they added one piece to our set that I've never done before. Guess who gets to cram tomorrow morning?? Hope yours goes better than ours. What music are you doing?

PS Happy birthday!
 

LisaBelle

Well-Known Member
I don’t have any TR updates, sorry! I’ve been getting home from rehearsal almost every night at midnight which does not leave much time to do anything but go to bed!

BUT today is my birthday and M made me a Mickey Mouse cake from scratch! This was one of the layers before she frosted and put it all together.

View attachment 251676

I have two more days of rehearsals/gigs, then we are visiting M’s extended family for Christmas. So maybe there will be an update by New Year’s??
Love the cake! Happy Birthday and Merry Christmas!
 

Register on WDWMAGIC. This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.

Back
Top Bottom