Trip Report COMPLETED - I said I'd never go during Spring Break again, but yet...

Our last Spring Break trip was a little bit of a nightmare. We said we'd never go during Spring Break again.

Well, no cruising means we got to do something. For our last cancelled cruise (7 of them) we went to Mexico and spent time a wonderful all-inclusive (TRS Coral) that felt like cruising sans kids. If you're looking for a place without kids, this is it. Our next one on the books is DCL Bermuda in October. I've got a TRS Coral reservation in my back pocket if DCL cancels.

This is the main adult-only pool:

Back to business.

Who:

When: April 3-10

April 3: We're staying at the Courtyard Marriott in Downtown Orlando and plan to hit a few breweries.
April 4: Boardwalk Villas
April 5 -10: Saratoga Springs

Dining Reservations:

April 4 - Big River Grill
April 5 - Morimoto Asia
April 6 - The Wave
April 7 - Narcoosee's
April 8 - Il Mulino
April 9 - Cityworks

Narcoosee's was a tough reservation to find, but from what I've been reading, dining reservations have been scarce. The Wave was pretty easy and the rest are on Opentable, which is highly more preferable than Disney's reservation system and often has better dining times.

We are not going to the parks. We were really holding out for APs, but that's not happening and while we can get the DVC discounted 4 days with 2 days free ticket, we didn't want to put any more money towards tickets since we are going in July as well.

We will be hanging out at the pools, drinking our drinks, and eating food while enjoying being away from home.

Blizzard Beach tickets are discounted for DVC members, so that may happen one of the days.

We're looking forward to getting back to Disney!

 

[imahistorygeek]

The refurbed rooms at Saratoga Springs are NICE! Plenty of space, modern furnishings, and plenty of places to plug in your stuff.

The Murphy bed is a much-needed improvement over the couch beds.

The theming is subtle, but still Disney, just not in your face.

The wall control is fancy digital and nice. Only complaint is that it's on a motion sensor and if you're not moving for a while, it's not working. However, that's not a bad thing since there's a pretty nice ceiling fan. At high speed, it felt like a wind tunnel.

We also have a great location with a nice view. The walkway to Disney Springs is right outside.

Disney Springs - not sure how I felt about it.

The walk was fine. Temp check was fine. A mom was losing her mind because her kid needed to wear a mask.

I'm going to step up on my soapbox right now. There is absolutely no enforcement of wearing a mask correctly at DS. At many places there were wall-to-wall bodies, especially at the many bottlenecks. There is no social distancing at DS, unless you are in a restaurant. Even in some stores, there was no social distancing. And don't get me started on the pool yesterday. There is no social distancing in that water. With all of this said, HOW is cruising still not happening? The pool conditions yesterday would be the same as in the pool on a cruise ship. I get the inside venues on a cruise ship, but restaurants seem to be doing just fine. I'm stepping down now.

Morimoto's was great. I ordered the lychee martini. If you've ever been on DCL during the Halloween season, they use lychee fruit as the white part of the eye ball as a garnish on a drink. Lychee fruit is really good and sweet.

For my main, I went with the spicy tuna roll and blistered shio peppers. Hands-down the best sushi roll I've ever had and there was nothing fancy about it. The peppers were also very good. The sauce was a wasabi cream something. Nothing burned my mouth, but that wasabi kills your sinuses. I don't have a picture of the sushi, but it was the standard 5 pieces and whole fish, not mushed up like some tuna rolls can be.

After dinner, we made our way to Everglazed. These donuts are LEGIT. The classic vanilla frosted was so good!
Then we headed to World of Disney. Posted wait time was 30 minutes. We were in within 5. I'm on the hunt for a new bag and so far, zero luck.

 

[Zipadeelady]

Pool has reached capacity! They are taking reservations to get in now.
In other news, time for lunch.
View attachment 545458

That salad looks delicious! Is that a "homemade" plate?

 

[ShookieJones]

Abracadabar time.
View attachment 545241
Where the devil is in those Disney details. I grew up watching B&B! This was a pleasant detail.
View attachment 545242
went with a Pepper’s Ghost and a Vanderberry. Both are wicked strong!
View attachment 545243

Wow! This place looks awesome. How is it that I've been going to the World for 20 plus years and I have never even heard of this place?

Also....is it wrong that it's 8:30 in the morning and I am salivating over all the posts of delicious libations?

 

[lostpro9het]

That salad looks delicious! Is that a "homemade" plate?

Yes and no. We hit up Publix for some prosciutto, dry salami, provolone, and tabouli salad. The salad was pre made and very good. We love a good charcuterie and this hit the spot.

 

[imahistorygeek]

Pins and an ornament. The ornament is not in my usual style, but thought it was cute. On a related note, the Christmas shop looks old and outdated when compared to the rest of DS, like a skating rink past its prime.

I know many people are not a fan of the new animation style, but I love it!

 

[lostpro9het]

Wow! This place looks awesome. How is it that I've been going to the World for 20 plus years and I have never even heard of this place?

Also....is it wrong that it's 8:30 in the morning and I am salivating over all the posts of delicious libations?

Never wrong! I lived it and am doing the same. Just stocked the cooler for today anticipating a solid repeat.

 

[imahistorygeek]

Wow! This place looks awesome. How is it that I've been going to the World for 20 plus years and I have never even heard of this place?

Also....is it wrong that it's 8:30 in the morning and I am salivating over all the posts of delicious libations?

Same. We went one time, but it was about 2 minutes to closing and packed. We didn't have time to look around that first visit. I loved the vibe of this place and there are some really interesting cocktails. The theming is off the charts in this place.

 

[ShookieJones]

The refurbed rooms at Saratoga Springs are NICE! Plenty of space, modern furnishings, and plenty of places to plug in your stuff.


The Murphy bed is a much-needed improvement over the couch beds.

The theming is subtle, but still Disney, just not in your face.

The wall control is fancy digital and nice. Only complaint is that it's on a motion sensor and if you're not moving for a while, it's not working. However, that's not a bad thing since there's a pretty nice ceiling fan. At high speed, it felt like a wind tunnel.

We also have a great location with a nice view. The walkway to Disney Springs is right outside.

Disney Springs - not sure how I felt about it.

The walk was fine. Temp check was fine. A mom was losing her mind because her kid needed to wear a mask.

I'm going to step up on my soapbox right now. There is absolutely no enforcement of wearing a mask correctly at DS. At many places there were wall-to-wall bodies, especially at the many bottlenecks. There is no social distancing at DS, unless you are in a restaurant. Even in some stores, there was no social distancing. And don't get me started on the pool yesterday. There is no social distancing in that water. With all of this said, HOW is cruising still not happening? The pool conditions yesterday would be the same as in the pool on a cruise ship. I get the inside venues on a cruise ship, but restaurants seem to be doing just fine. I'm stepping down now.

Morimoto's was great. I ordered the lychee martini. If you've ever been on DCL during the Halloween season, they use lychee fruit as the white part of the eye ball as a garnish on a drink. Lychee fruit is really good and sweet.
View attachment 545673
For my main, I went with the spicy tuna roll and blistered shi****o peppers. Hands-down the best sushi roll I've ever had and there was nothing fancy about it. The peppers were also very good. The sauce was a wasabi cream something. Nothing burned my mouth, but that wasabi kills your sinuses. I don't have a picture of the sushi, but it was the standard 5 pieces and whole fish, not mushed up like some tuna rolls can be.

View attachment 545675

After dinner, we made our way to Everglazed. These donuts are LEGIT. The classic vanilla frosted was so good!
Then we headed to World of Disney. Posted wait time was 30 minutes. We were in within 5. I'm on the hunt for a new bag and so far, zero luck.

Shish*to peppers and sushi (say that five times fast).....Hmmm...may need to see if we can get in at Morimoto's for our upcoming trip. We've had a few 'snacks' at the QS outdoor window there and always enjoyed it. May need try and get inside for some of this goodness.

 

[lostpro9het]

Pool is hopping and the weather is perfect! Brunch time.

 

[BigDis]

Following along.

 

[lostpro9het]

Found a little hidden gem at SSR for lunch.

Chip ‘N’ Dale’s cafe is tucked away in the golf course side of the resort and makes made to order food at a better price point than Artist’s Palette. Plus, 20% DVC discount! Don’t judge me, the beer came with the food.

 

[ShookieJones]

Found a little hidden gem at SSR for lunch.


Chip ‘N’ Dale’s cafe is tucked away in the golf course side of the resort and makes made to order food at a better price point than Artist’s Palette. Plus, 20% DVC discount! Don’t judge me, the beer came with the food.
View attachment 545748

I think what you meant to say here is "Don't be jealous" NOT "Don't judge me"
Ain't nobody judging you over here, just pure unadulterated jealousy.

 

[lostpro9het]

Pool is at capacity again! Let’s celebrate that fact, shall we?

 

[wdisney9000]

Yes and no. We hit up Publix for some prosciutto, dry salami, provolone, and tabouli salad. The salad was pre made and very good. We love a good charcuterie and this hit the spot.

Welcome to the White Card side with locally sourced charcuterie boards and lower standards! I'm impressed that it appears you willingly made this choice. Jk, y'all enjoy brother!!

 

[lostpro9het]

Welcome to the White Card side with locally sourced charcuterie boards and lower standards! I'm impressed that it appears you willingly made this choice. Jk, y'all enjoy brother!!

As a food stamp disciple, I know the ways! Stretching a penny runs deep. I’ve just been lucky to have a glimpse of both sides while taking the middle road. BTW, we’re still due a play date to exchange banana beers. Ive been saving a limit run Pontoon Belgian Strong for you. Might even have one of these habaneros for ya too.

In other news, its time for high tea again!

 

[wdisney9000]

Day 2 ctd....

We rode Pan, HM and PoTC and then headed out. None of the photo pass pics showed up in MDE. I think our Magic band batteries are low. But I did get Shirley Status in the restroom on the way out. #Score!!

We caught a boat to Wilderness Lodge so we could get dinner at Geyser Point.

Timing was perfect and we got to sail by the water paegent as it started. It was pretty cool.

We arrived at Geyser Point and snagged a table with a water view and ordered some drinks and an appetizer.

Shortly after, the water pageant made its way around the backside of the lake.

Our food came out a few minutes after the parade passed. We ordered the cheese dip and the bison burger.

I gave a brief review in my live report but to recap.... It was an overall enjoyable experience. Food was good, but I don't understand the hype you see online. We arrived about an hour before closing so it's not as if the kitchen was about to shut down. But we are gonna visit again on our next trip during the day.

Our server was great. The other server and bartender seems less than thrilled to do anything besides disappear to the back, which they did quite often. But again, the overall experience was good and I think we may have caught them on an off day. Looking forward to visiting again.

After we left Geyser Point, we walked to the boat dock and waited few minutes until a boat pulled up/docked. But the CM told us we couldn't board and they were only dropping off and that no more boats were allowing people to board. I asked him where they were headed and he said to the campgrounds and then back to MK. I explained we would gladly take the ride to campgrounds and then back to MK and could walk back to BLT but he refused. On the words of Jar Jar Binks, "how rude".

We walked back to the main lobby and chirped a lyft and got a ride back to our Resort. It would have been really nice to enjoy a boat ride to end the night and get back to our Resort but apparently customer service is not what it used to be. I understand the cast member has to follow the rules and it's not his decision but whatever executive or idiot up top made that decision is a moron in my opinion.

 

[wdisney9000]

As a food stamp disciple, I know the ways! Stretching a penny runs deep. I’ve just been lucky to have a glimpse of both sides while taking the middle road. BTW, we’re still due a play date to exchange banana beers. Ive been saving a limit run Pontoon Belgian Strong for you. Might even have one of these habaneros for ya too.

In other news, its time for high tea again!
View attachment 545807

I'm really loving these Sideward Brews! Keep em coming! And yes, i still have several bottles of the banana foster stout with your name on em! Play date TBD

 

[lostpro9het]

Day 2 ctd....

We rode Pan, HM and PoTC and then headed out. None of the photo pass pics showed up in MDE. I think our Magic band batteries are low. But I did get Shirley Status in the restroom on the way out. #Score!!

View attachment 545806

We caught a boat to Wilderness Lodge so we could get dinner at Geyser Point.

Timing was perfect and we got to sail by the water paegent as it started. It was pretty cool.

View attachment 545808

View attachment 545809

We arrived at Geyser Point and snagged a table with a water view and ordered some drinks and an appetizer.

View attachment 545810

Shortly after, the water pageant made its way around the backside of the lake.

View attachment 545811

Our food came out a few minutes after the parade passed. We ordered the cheese dip and the bison burger.

View attachment 545812

I gave a brief review in my live report but to recap.... It was an overall enjoyable experience. Food was good, but I don't understand the hype you see online. We arrived about an hour before closing so it's not as if the kitchen was about to shut down. But we are gonna visit again on our next trip during the day.

Our server was great. The other server and bartender seems less than thrilled to do anything besides disappear to the back, which they did quite often. But again, the overall experience was good and I think we may have caught them on an off day. Looking forward to visiting again.

After we left Geyser Point, we walked to the boat dock and waited few minutes until a boat pulled up/docked. But the CM told us we couldn't board and they were only dropping off and that no more boats were allowing people to board. I asked him where they were headed and he said to the campgrounds and then back to MK. I explained we would gladly take the ride to campgrounds and then back to MK and could walk back to BLT but he refused. On the words of Jar Jar Binks, "how rude".

We walked back to the main lobby and chirped a lyft and got a ride back to our Resort. It would have been really nice to enjoy a boat ride to end the night and get back to our Resort but apparently customer service is not what it used to be. I understand the cast member has to follow the rules and it's not his decision but whatever executive or idiot up top made that decision is a moron in my opinion.

BWHAHAHAHHABABAHAHA!

Do you even know how to trip report?!?!

 

[Bullseye1967]

BWHAHAHAHHABABAHAHA!

Do you even know how to trip report?!?!

I thought you guys were trading????

 

[littleroo]