Trip Report Part III - as in Caballeros (plus 2)

My first trip report - we'll see how this goes...

We are driving up from Fort Lauderdale, about 3 to 3 1/2 hours, right...NOW.

We were supposed to leave tomorrow morning, but decided a few days ago to get a jump on things today. Only problem was our doggy-sitter (booked for Monday) had other plans and could not come today, so we wanted to wait until late enough that it would be OK to leave our precious pup overnight. I hate leaving this fuzzy face!!

That's about 58 pounds of Shep/Chow mix we call Kylie. I love this dog too much and miss her every day of these trips! (Kylie will be 6 next month.)

Almost my turn to drive - not gonna take a pic of us now looking a little frumpy - so here's a shot of us at a random local bar. You probably should get used to bar pics.

That's Brian on the left and me on the right. We're heading up for our 8 year wedding anniversary on Tuesday the 8th. Yes, we were married on 9/8/7 - very easy to remember!

Hoping to arrive just in time to get our TiW card at DTD and hit Raglan Road. (Never been.) Staying off property tonight as it will be all about getting right to sleep and hoping for that early check-in text so we can avoid the separate check-in bldg at CBR! Fingers crossed.

Well, we moved from I-95 to the FL Turnpike a few minutes back, and that was my cue to take the wheel, so I'd better do that or risk a dirty look LOL.

I miss my puppy!

 

[Uncle Lupe]

LOL - that's nothing. Didn't you see that nightmare thing that I wore to California Grill? But I'd still be careful if I were you. Kim Davis is out of jail. If you see anyone flying across the moon on a broom, RUN!!!

I live in that Tri State area and that is the news story of the year.

Your shirt maybe gay but you are doing more manly things than me. Drinking beer and taking shots of Jack, (I hope the whiskey) Give me a fruity cocktail anytime. Got me questioning myself.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

I live in that Tri State area and that is the news story of the year.

Your shirt maybe gay but you are doing more manly things than me. Drinking beer and taking shots of Jack, (I hope the whiskey) Give me a fruity cocktail anytime. Got me questioning myself.

Ha! Yes, bottle of Jack Daniels in the room. Saves us a $10 drink every time

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Ended up at the Banana Cabana bar for one, just before it closed. The whole MK EMH thing was pretty much a total disaster. 25 minute wait on HM...really? That's because unlike the night before, there was no parade or fireworks to tie people up. We left having not gone on one attraction. We are spoiled lol.

We were parked at Epcot, so the whole monorail to TTS to MK ended up being mostly a waste of time and a buzzkill, and there was no monorail back to Epcot, had to wait for a bus. Drove back to the room, ditched the pants (!!) and walked the long way around the lake to the pool bar. Seemed a little longer than this morning, took about 12 minutes.

Mike was behind the bar. Not only did he remember us from our January trip, he remembered my drink. That was damned impressive! We remembered him, too, but that's considerably less impressive lol.

We've run into so many great CM's on this trip. Ryan was our waiter at the steakhouse tonight. Brian ordered the prime rib which came with a sweet potato side. Ryan suggested that particular side was very rich and sweet with marshmallows, etc. and we said good thing he mentioned that with Brian being diabetic. It's not something we normally need to mention or make a fuss over, in fact Brian would rather not. But naturally it came up in that context. He switched it out for mashed potatoes.

The mashed potatoes also came with my filet mignon, and we split a "family style" side of caramelized onions that were to die for. Everything was utterly fantastic, including the roasted garlic they brought out with the onion and sourdough bread. And those Rye Manhattans with three little black cherries in each - loved! And went great with the steak.

Of course Ryan brought the souvenir anniversary menus. What surprised me was after dinner, he brought out two glasses of champagne for a toast, a tray of six little dessert bites of heaven including mini-macaroons and something filled with I believe panna cotta. He then acknowledged that he remembered Brian couldn't have that, to explain the big glass he brought out for B with no-sugar freshly whipped cream and fresh berries. I was so, so appreciative and touched by all of that. It was a really memorable and special dinner.

And shout out to Tables in Wonderland - hello! How did we not find you until just this week?!!

Side note: I hope I am not repeating myself, but if I am, it's 3am so gimme a break, Nell Carter. The TiW card is good for 13 months from date of purchase even if your annual pass expires first. Our AP goes buh-bye in January, but we can still swing by DTD or any of the resorts for a great time and get the 20% off anyway. Love that. Ok back to sleep!

 

[catmom46]

Ended up at the Banana Cabana bar for one, just before it closed. The whole MK EMH thing was pretty much a total disaster. 25 minute wait on HM...really? That's because unlike the night before, there was no parade or fireworks to tie people up. We left having not gone on one attraction. We are spoiled lol.

We were parked at Epcot, so the whole monorail to TTS to MK ended up being mostly a waste of time and a buzzkill, and there was no monorail back to Epcot, had to wait for a bus. Drove back to the room, ditched the pants (!!) and walked the long way around the lake to the pool bar. Seemed a little longer than this morning, took about 12 minutes.

Mike was behind the bar. Not only did he remember us from our January trip, he remembered my drink. That was damned impressive! We remembered him, too, but that's considerably less impressive lol.

We've run into so many great CM's on this trip. Ryan was our waiter at the steakhouse tonight. Brian ordered the prime rib which came with a sweet potato side. Ryan suggested that particular side was very rich and sweet with marshmallows, etc. and we said good thing he mentioned that with Brian being diabetic. It's not something we normally need to mention or make a fuss over, in fact Brian would rather not. But naturally it came up in that context. He switched it out for mashed potatoes.

The mashed potatoes also came with my filet mignon, and we split a "family style" side of caramelized onions that were to die for. Everything was utterly fantastic, including the roasted garlic they brought out with the onion and sourdough bread. And those Rye Manhattans with three little black cherries in each - loved! And went great with the steak.

Of course Ryan brought the souvenir anniversary menus. What surprised me was after dinner, he brought out two glasses of champagne for a toast, a tray of six little dessert bites of heaven including mini-macaroons and something filled with I believe panna cotta. He then acknowledged that he remembered Brian couldn't have that, to explain the big glass he brought out for B with no-sugar freshly whipped cream and fresh berries. I was so, so appreciative and touched by all of that. It was a really memorable and special dinner.

And shout out to Tables in Wonderland - hello! How did we not find you until just this week?!!

Side note: I hope I am not repeating myself, but if I am, it's 3am so gimme a break, Nell Carter. The TiW card is good for 13 months from date of purchase even if your annual pass expires first. Our AP goes buh-bye in January, but we can still swing by DTD or any of the resorts for a great time and get the 20% off anyway. Love that. Ok back to sleep!

Awww, so glad you had such a wonderful dining experience! Sweet dreams!

 

[ScarletBegonias]

Sounds like you are having a great trip!! What a wonderful experience at the restaurant!

 

[officialtom]

To fill in a few gaps…

As soon as I took the wheel, Brian fell asleep. He deserved it, he just worked a billion hours at dolphin Stadium this week. I proceeded to look for a radio station that would hold my attention and pass the time… And came across a station that was actually rebroadcasting things from 1945. One was an episode of Ozzie and Harriet - I knew who they were but had never heard a radio show of them. So I actually sat there and listened to all of this.

Another gap: as soon as we finally checked into the hotel and threw some gel in our hair, we did a pre-downtown Disney shot of Jack Daniels.

Side note: if you ask Siri for directions to downtown Disney, she gives you directions to California. It wasn't until we passed a sign reading "Disney springs" that I realized my mistake LOL.

And finally – though grateful we were able to squeeze everything in tonight at DTD, Raglan Road was only offering an abbreviated "late night" menu. So no shepherds pie for me LOL. We both got a grilled chicken sandwich that was actually much better than anticipated that had a really nice dressing on it. And of course the flight of beer.

We got out of there at midnight on the dot, so everything else was closed and we headed back to the hotel.

As we passed the theater, I noticed a movie poster for "Walt Before Mickey." I had never heard of it, but it looks kind of interesting – it's about the time in Walt Disney's life from age 17 until just before creating Mickey Mouse. Will have to catch that at some point.

And now I have to try to force myself to sleep LOL. Waiting for that text in the morning.

Thanks for the note about Walt Before Mickey. I've been reading a lot of historical Disney books, and this movie sounds great! I'll definitely be checking it out before our next trip.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Thanks for the note about Walt Before Mickey. I've been reading a lot of historical Disney books, and this movie sounds great! I'll definitely be checking it out before our next trip.

Sure. From what I could find online, it's in limited release since last month, mixed reviews (Disney fans seem to enjoy it.). Hoping it's playing back home.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

I have mixed feelings about this, but today is our last day and I think we are driving home without going to the parks.

Took the little boat over to the food court for a little breakfast, got late checkout for noon - and we are both just so beat.

There's nothing we wanted to do that we missed, we know we'll be back in about two months, and leaving records in the car would be really bad.

And I miss my puppy!

Plus I could place some supply orders in the car, answer emails...uh oh, there's real life creeping back in, and we haven't even left CBR yet! Stop it.

Will stop at Port Royale on the way out to get my fave pulled pork sandwich to go, and once again we can skip going to check-out at the custom house. Yay!

I like the short two and three day trips. No need for "vacation time," and it's easier to splurge on meals and what not when you aren't paying for 7 days.

Need to come back for Food & Wine!!

 

[Longers]

Sounds like a great trip and so pleased you had a great anniversary. Sounds like some great cast members made it special. How much do those records go for they look really neat. Hope your last day isn't too painful and you have a safe journey home

 

[Tony the Tigger]

I have mixed feelings about this, but today is our last day and I think we are driving home without going to the parks.

Took the little boat over to the food court for a little breakfast, got late checkout for noon - and we are both just so beat.

There's nothing we wanted to do that we missed, we know we'll be back in about two months, and leaving records in the car would be really bad.

And I miss my puppy!

Plus I could place some supply orders in the car, answer emails...uh oh, there's real life creeping back in, and we haven't even left CBR yet! Stop it.

Will stop at Port Royale on the way out to get my fave pulled pork sandwich to go, and once again we can skip going to check-out at the custom house. Yay!

I like the short two and three day trips. No need for "vacation time," and it's easier to splurge on meals and what not when you aren't paying for 7 days.

Need to come back for Food & Wine!!

Sike!!!

OK that really was the plan until about a half hour ago...then I got in the shower and my Virgo brain began spinning to solve the equation of how to meet all needs and still do Carousel of Progress lol.

Btw CBR had full hot water today!

So I got my pork sandwich for later, and we get to do a little Mickey time before hitting the road. Ta-daaa!

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Yippee!!!

Yippee!!

 

[StephK]

Important to note about CBR right now, and I don't know how long this will last - but the bridge is out! It's being worked on. So that bridge connects Aruba and Jamaica to Port Royale. You cannot walk over to Port Royale. We are in Aruba and luckily have the car. Without that, we'd have to rely on the resort shuttle every 15 mins or so, which would be less than ideal.

I would definitely call ahead to find out if the work will be done before you get there - and if not, pick a different village for this trip!

Thank you! Have any recommendations for the next best building lol?

 

[smk]

Came to the hotel first, thinking quick freshen up before DTD - in a rush, so of course the people in front of me are having cards declined and taking 20 minutes to check in LOL.

IF that has ever happened to you as it has us, it is a HORRIBLE feeling! It took forever for our call to the company to get it worked out and I was keenly aware of the people behind us! Awful feeling!

 

[BuddyThomas]

IF that has ever happened to you as it has us, it is a HORRIBLE feeling! It took forever for our call to the company to get it worked out and I was keenly aware of the people behind us! Awful feeling!

Did it go a little something like this?

 

[smk]

no speakers hooked up on my computer! We got it worked out, it was a glitch from the night before stay in a Holiday Inn in Georgia. I knew the minute we checked in at the Holiday inn that the clerk did something wrong with our card, she took it to a back room. It was late, I should have called her on it but it was late! (did I mention that it was late)...anyway she robbed us! Awful experience on vacation, just awful. We had to pull out a few other cards and put some on one, some on another. I am sure it looked to the people watching that we should not be taking a vacation....we were saying things put 150 here, 75 here...it was ridiculous!

 

[catmom46]

Did it go a little something like this?

I loved that movie - so funny!!

 

[catmom46]

no speakers hooked up on my computer! We got it worked out, it was a glitch from the night before stay in a Holiday Inn in Georgia. I knew the minute we checked in at the Holiday inn that the clerk did something wrong with our card, she took it to a back room. It was late, I should have called her on it but it was late! (did I mention that it was late)...anyway she robbed us! Awful experience on vacation, just awful. We had to pull out a few other cards and put some on one, some on another. I am sure it looked to the people watching that we should not be taking a vacation....we were saying things put 150 here, 75 here...it was ridiculous!

Huge bummer, especially on vacation, although anytime is bad! But I've definitely at one time or another played the "which card is the good one?" game, too.

 

[Ella's Mommy]

Love your trip report!! The running convo between you and BuddyThomas is great

 

[Tony the Tigger]

Thank you! Have any recommendations for the next best building lol?

They go clockwise in order: Trinidad, Jamaica, Aruba, Barbados, Martinique.

( I remember that by "The Jackpots Are Big Money" LOL.)

So I would probably go with Barbados until the bridge is fixed.

That said, in the morning, when a lot of people want to go to the food court for breakfast, the boat runs constantly back-and-forth between Aruba and Port Royale. Virtually no wait time. And it's a cute little boat ride.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

So, yesterday...

There was blood on the saddle…

Random picture – where is this from? You get one guess.

Wouldn't that be a fun thread? "Guess where I am at WDW."