Trip Report **Completed** The Wine and Dine Half Marathon and we are never changing hotels again!

Hello everyone! I have been (sadly) back for over a week now so I suppose its time to start my TR. I have been in a moderate Disney depression since I have been back, so hopefully this cheers me up. Its probably the freezing cold weather here in Buffalo, but I am longing for Disney and sunny weather (I know its only like 55 there right now, but its 25 here :)). I suppose this is the true sign of a Disney addict! Anyway, on with the TR!

Who?:

From left to right:
My Dad (Jeff), Me (Megan), Mickey :p, My sister Betta (her name is Elizabeth, we call her Betta), my nephew Max, my Mom (Mary) my sister Jill and Betta's friend Deanna
PhotoPass_Visiting_MK_7854565120.jpeg

Deanna came with my sister to help with Max :) She has been to Disney before, but not for several years. This is Max's first trip! The rest of us have been to Disney (several times...;))

When?
My Mom and I: November 3 - 12
My Dad and Jill: Nov 5 -12
Betta, Deanna and Max Nov 7 - 12

Where?
We moved hotels 3 times, I will introduce them as we go :)

Why?
Jill and I really wanted to run the Wine and Dine Half Marathon so we planned a trip around it! Plus, Betta wanted to bring Max to Disney the first time!

The Title?
Well, its pretty obvious! We ran the Wine and Dine Half Marathon :) Also, we were not keen on moving hotels during the trip. It is incredibly disruptive and takes up a decent amount of free time. I will comment more as we go.

T-5 days
As my Mom and I were driving to help my sister and Max pack for the trip we were getting a little bit Disney crazy and really did not want to stay at All Star Sports. We have nothing against people who like the values (or can only afford them), but we really don't enjoy them. When I was a kid we only stayed at values and we loved them, but we definitely have gotten spoiled lately. Knowing we booked All Stars to save us money I did not think a hotel move would be possible. However, the huge AP discount was still a thing so we started looking into other hotels. While at my sister's house I kept trying to change the hotel, but it was not working. Eventually I gave up and finally called Disney. I had the sweetest CM ever on the phone and we chatted for quite a bit about all sorts of things. In the end I decided on moving to the Wilderness Lodge because we love it so much! The CM also added a bit of magic and upgraded us to Concierge level for free. :):p:joyfull::inlove: Woohoo!!! The only downside is this would mean we would have to pick up our luggage in the airport for Magical Express. Annoying, but no big deal overall :)

November 3, 2016
We got up around 5 am and got ready to go to the airport. It was a gross and rainy day in Buffalo so we were happy to be heading to sunny Florida! While my Mom and I were finishing up last minute things and taking pictures my Dad started grabbing our suitcases and bringing them to the car. Only, we weren't done with them yet so he had to bring them back in. Because it was rainy he really looked the part of a grumpy airport worker :joyfull:
IMG_1842.JPG

IMG_1843.JPG

We had a quick ride to the airport and we got there by 6 am. We had the same Southwest worker check us in that we had in October. Thats when you know you travel too much? haha
We both had TSA pre-check and for once I did not set off the metal detector! We were through security by 6:08 am. You have got to love TSA pre-check :)
For breakfast we had some bagels and water
IMG_1846.JPG

Petey and Drake were ready :)
IMG_1849.JPG

Since we had a crazy amount of time to kill we sat down at our gate and I already started working on my notes haha
IMG_3482.jpg

Then we took some selfies...
IMG_2492.jpg

Finally it was time to get on the plane. We ended up in row 4! I love sitting in the front, takes less time to get off the plane!
Magic Bands ready :)
IMG_1853.JPG

IMG_2495.jpg

Purple Magic Bands for the win! The woman sitting next to me also had a purple Magic Band :)
IMG_1851.JPG


Next up: Arriving in MCO!
 
Last edited:

Doc Disney

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 9 continued
After eating our treats my Mom and sister spent some more time in the Christmas store and my Mom bought Jill and I Sandy Claws ornaments :)
Done with shopping we took the boat home
IMG_3220.JPG

We realized we forgot to take the Do Not Disturb off the door and even though we took it off then Mousekeeping never came. Oh well...we just grabbed pool towels :)
We went down to the pool but it was cold again and while I had plans on going to the hot tub I took some pictures first
IMG_3222.JPG
IMG_3223.jpg
IMG_3224.JPG
IMG_3225.JPG

Playing with some settings on my camera
IMG_3226.JPG

IMG_3227.JPG

IMG_3228.JPG

IMG_3229.JPG

Our home sweet home room number
IMG_3230.JPG


Next up: we almost leave Jill behind
 

MerMom1981

Well-Known Member
Yay! You tried Blaze!
We have a few locations in Chicago, and we LOVE it, so I was excited to hear they were opening in DS.
We were there before the opening, but I'm glad to know I can get my blood orange lemonade fix next time!

Glad to hear their prices are still reasonable too!
 

LadyBelle

Well-Known Member
In the Parks
No
Oh, POFQ! Your pics kind of made me wish I had stayed there instead of Riverside. I did love Riverside, but the intimacy of FQ is so nice.
 

LeighM

Well-Known Member
I'm finally caught up! Seeing your food pictures is making me so hungry!!! Sanaa is one of my favorites and I daydream about their naan. My only disappointment was the steak I got there my last trip but I was expecting it. I always request mine medium well and apparently it's difficult for many to achieve LOL :rolleyes: But the flavor was fantastic. I hope to try D-Luxe burger next time if I can stay away from the shrimp and grits at Homecoming. I can hear it calling my name all the way to Virginia:) But fortunately (or unfortunately for any type of diet), we have a Blaze less than 30 minutes from the house and we go there more than we should.
 

prfctlyximprct

Well-Known Member
Ahhh that Blaze pizza looks delicious! Via Napoli, Blaze, guess my next trip will be all pizza! :p

Your AK pics are beautiful! Love the shots of the Tree! I one day hope to be brave enough to try Sanaa... I am such a picky eater! @lostpro9het will never let me live it down, so one day I will get there! The bread you posted alone should win me over... and your wine, I'm sold!

Your report cannot end! Don't do it!!!!!!!! :(
 

Doc Disney

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Yay! You tried Blaze!
We have a few locations in Chicago, and we LOVE it, so I was excited to hear they were opening in DS.
We were there before the opening, but I'm glad to know I can get my blood orange lemonade fix next time!
Glad to hear their prices are still reasonable too!

Yum! It was so good! I'm kind of glad there aren't any near me because I feel like I would eat there all the time! That blood orange lemonade sounds amazing! I wish I tried it :)

Oh, POFQ! Your pics kind of made me wish I had stayed there instead of Riverside. I did love Riverside, but the intimacy of FQ is so nice.

I think thats the reason POFQ is our favorite. Its so small and quiet :)
 

Doc Disney

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
I'm finally caught up! Seeing your food pictures is making me so hungry!!! Sanaa is one of my favorites and I daydream about their naan. My only disappointment was the steak I got there my last trip but I was expecting it. I always request mine medium well and apparently it's difficult for many to achieve LOL :rolleyes: But the flavor was fantastic. I hope to try D-Luxe burger next time if I can stay away from the shrimp and grits at Homecoming. I can hear it calling my name all the way to Virginia:) But fortunately (or unfortunately for any type of diet), we have a Blaze less than 30 minutes from the house and we go there more than we should.

I always try to order steaks at Disney medium too and it like never happens :) Sanaa was amazing! I can't wait to go back there someday :) My sister and Dad said D-Luxe burger was great, but very expensive :( I have heard amazing things about Homecoming! I can't wait to try it!!! I just checked out the Blaze website to see the closest one to me and noticed they are opening one in Erie, PA ! Its where I went to med school and its only a hour and a half from me :) We usually drive through it if we go to some of the outlet malls (even though we have an outlet like 20 mins from us too haha). Maybe I can get there again haha

Ahhh that Blaze pizza looks delicious! Via Napoli, Blaze, guess my next trip will be all pizza! :p
Your AK pics are beautiful! Love the shots of the Tree! I one day hope to be brave enough to try Sanaa... I am such a picky eater! @lostpro9het will never let me live it down, so one day I will get there! The bread you posted alone should win me over... and your wine, I'm sold!
Your report cannot end! Don't do it!!!!!!!! :(

All pizza isn't a problem :)
Sanaa was great. I am also a picky eater and did well with it! Even if you just go for wine and bread service that can fill you up :)
I don't want to finish it either. Its why its taking me forever.... I'm so sad its almost over :(
 

Doc Disney

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 9 continued
Back at the pool Jill fell asleep :p
IMG_2582.jpg

Don't tell her I posted this picture :angelic:
Anyway, we tried to wake her up several times and she didn't so we actually left her hahahahah Only for a few minutes while we went back to the room and got ready for the evening :joyfull:
Eventually my Dad went down and grabbed her !
IMG_3616.jpg
IMG_3618.jpg

She wasn't too mad at us....:rolleyes:
Since we were ready fairly early we headed to Epcot to pick up Jill and Dad's Food and Wine AP glasses
PhotoPass_Visiting_EPCOT_7858172364.jpeg

Unfortunately they were out of the AP glasses :(
We were a little bit at a loss for things to do at this point since Epcot was packed. We were on our way to grab a drink at a booth somewhere when I found a reservation for Be Our Guest for 5:15 pm instead of the 7:30 one we had.
It would be a tight squeeze, but we could do it! So, we turn around and rush towards the monorail. I looked up and saw the monorail making its loop so we really started booking it. We made it in time, but I turned around and noticed my Dad was way behind :facepalm:. I literally was like hurry up and he was like I'm trying but he looked ridiculous because it looked like he was talking to no one when he was saying it to me :happy:. I swear he was being slow on purpose! The rest of us ran a half marathon earlier in the week and we were booking it!
Anyway we made it to the TTC, switched to the Express monorail and we were doing great on time until we hit bag check. It was so slow :( Then of course what do we hit? Parade traffic! They were doing the F of F parade later because of all the Christmas filming :eek:. I literally left my Dad behind in the dust at this point and checked in late (but only about 5 minutes so overall not bad!). The CM said no worries since he knew the parade was going on! Phew! My Dad was all like "see I told you we would make it!" I shut my mouth because I did not want to start an argument but I wanted to say "no thanks to you dragging your feet." :arghh:
It was during this whole race in 45 minutes to BOG that @samantha788 texted me to see if I could meet up, but unfortunately I couldn't :(
We waited about 20 minutes to get into the restaurant, but no worries because we took like 100 pictures!
IMG_3235.JPG
IMG_3619.jpg

IMG_3238.JPG

IMG_3239.JPG

IMG_3242.JPG

IMG_3244.JPG


Next up: BOG continued
 

Doc Disney

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 9 continued
I know you guys wanted to see more light fixtures...
IMG_3255.JPG

IMG_3256.JPG
IMG_3258.JPG

IMG_3261.JPG
IMG_3263.JPG

For drinks my Mom and Jill got Moscato and I got a Riesling
IMG_3264.JPG

My Dad got a beer...I have no idea what kind :)
IMG_3265.jpg

Cheers!
IMG_3266.JPG

Bread to start!
IMG_3268.JPG

We all started with appetizers
My Dad ordered mussels ?! He said they were good! I will take his word for it :)
IMG_3271.JPG

Next up: food!
 

Doc Disney

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Day 9 continued
I forgot to show the picture of the rose!
IMG_3253.JPG

My Mom and I ordered French Onion soup...of course!
IMG_3273.JPG

Wish I had some now, I need to stop writing TRs when I am hungry :)
Jill had the Potato Leek soup!
IMG_3272.JPG

We all really enjoyed our appetizers!
For entrees my Mom ordered the chicken
IMG_3275.JPG

My Dad and Jill both had the shrimp and scallops
IMG_3276.JPG

I had the steak
IMG_3274.JPG

The was the first time I had this steak and didn't love it! It was cooked well and I ordered it medium and I'm sure that had something to do with it. It wasn't like I didn't eat it, but it was not my favorite meal of the trip. Everyone else was also a little meh about their entrees. Maybe the days of me being obsessed with BOG are coming to a close? JK I'm sure I will be back !
For dessert we ordered the grey stuff to finish!
IMG_3284.JPG

As we were leaving we stopped by the Beast
We were behind a huge family taking tons of pictures, but we were also behind this little girl that was so sweet and so excited to see the Beast! She was dressed like Belle...it was so cute!
PhotoPass_Visiting_MK_7858435750.jpeg

We got out of dinner just as the Christmas party was gearing up. I was just trying to get out of the park and the CMs were directing us in all sorts of directions. I was trying to inform them I didn't have a wrist band and was just trying to leave but they were being pretty snippy about it :(
Oh well!
We got to see some snow one last time, esp since it took us like 20 minutes to get down Main Street
IMG_3293.JPG

IMG_3296.jpg

After getting back to the hotel we said goodbye to Betta, Deanna and a sleeping Max since they were leaving very early in the morning and we packed up our room to get ready to leave the next day :(

Next up: Betta, Deanna and Max's day
 

LeighM

Well-Known Member
Be Our Guest stopped serving the shrimp and scallops in the bread bowl :jawdrop:? That was something I thought made it so good. Sorry about your steak. That's the only thing I've been getting there the last couple of times we had dinner and they have been the only place that's ever gotten my medium well steak correct. Next time we go, we want to try all new places for us. New resort, new restaurants (except Ohana LOL) and now I don't feel too badly about not being able to do BOG :)
 

blreinsel

Well-Known Member
Ahhh that Blaze pizza looks delicious! Via Napoli, Blaze, guess my next trip will be all pizza! :p

Your AK pics are beautiful! Love the shots of the Tree! I one day hope to be brave enough to try Sanaa... I am such a picky eater! @lostpro9het will never let me live it down, so one day I will get there! The bread you posted alone should win me over... and your wine, I'm sold!

Your report cannot end! Don't do it!!!!!!!! :(

@prfctlyximprct We can eat there on our BFF trip. :p
 

Doc Disney

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Be Our Guest stopped serving the shrimp and scallops in the bread bowl :jawdrop:? That was something I thought made it so good. Sorry about your steak. That's the only thing I've been getting there the last couple of times we had dinner and they have been the only place that's ever gotten my medium well steak correct. Next time we go, we want to try all new places for us. New resort, new restaurants (except Ohana LOL) and now I don't feel too badly about not being able to do BOG :)

Yea I was super surprised my steak is usually so good there! More and more I'm thinking I just like Mama Melroses that much more :) Thats not to say I'm not going back to BOG because I am....especially for the French Onion soup :) I did not know it usually came in a bread bowl! But yea, they just had regular ones! Its fun to try new places anyway! I really enjoy trying at least one new thing a trip
 

Big Hair

Well-Known Member
All this talk about Blaze pizza and Via Napoli for pizza has got me excited. I did a solo trip 9/3 to 9/7 and went back with my daughter, sister, and brother in law 10/28 to 11/4 and never made it to DS except for a a quick visit for a Pre-showing of Doctor Strange. Drove straight from Michigan to make it. Should of ate there that day. We were hungry but went directly to the resort for pool time. Returning again 2/5 to 2/14 and I will definitely be taking my daughter, son, daughter in law and grand daughter to Blaze and Via Napoli. I am really enjoying your trip report
and am sad it is coming to an end.
 

Doc Disney

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
All this talk about Blaze pizza and Via Napoli for pizza has got me excited. I did a solo trip 9/3 to 9/7 and went back with my daughter, sister, and brother in law 10/28 to 11/4 and never made it to DS except for a a quick visit for a Pre-showing of Doctor Strange. Drove straight from Michigan to make it. Should of ate there that day. We were hungry but went directly to the resort for pool time. Returning again 2/5 to 2/14 and I will definitely be taking my daughter, son, daughter in law and grand daughter to Blaze and Via Napoli. I am really enjoying your trip report
and am sad it is coming to an end.

Thank you for following! Sometimes I think its hard to make it to DS because it takes so long to get there, but we really enjoy it there so always make time. I equally enjoyed Blaze and Via Napoli so I do hope you get to try both. Its especially odd that I like them since I hate pizza :)
 

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

Back
Top Bottom