Pop Century, Pachyderms and a Proposal - May 2011 Trip Report

Hello fellow Disney lovers!
After years of lurking and randomly posting here and there on these boards...I figured it was time to write a trip report. This is my second attempt at writing a TR - my first came to a stop when my computer crashed and I lost a bunch of pictures. But I vow to finish this one! (Hell, I'm only starting it 4 months late - I've had enough prep time!) I was really on the fence about writing one but it seemed Holly (Hollybelle) nudged (more like pushed) me over the edge. :lol: So here I am. And who am I?

I'm Jess.

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23 year old self proclaimed Disney expert. This is my 7th trip…about 6th since I’ve been obsessed. My first trip in 1997 – First ride was Honey I Shrunk the Audience. Absolutely terrified me. I was scarred for the rest of the trip, scared to ride almost every ride. I was scared to ride Peter Pan’s Flight…no joke. My parents are still shocked that I now adore the place. The only ride I can remember riding and not being scared of was Spaceship Earth. Therefore I felt incredibly brave for riding the slow moving journey through time and rode it many times and this ride is still my favorite ride in all of Disney. So Spaceship Earth not only signifies my bravery but now it just SCREAMS “you’re at Disney World” to me. The sight of the mural paired with that SSE smell…gives me that feeling of “yep, you’re in Disney…feel free to tear up a bit.” And I usually do.

Anyway…traveling with me on this trip is my boyfriend(?) of 3 ½ years Bill.

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25 year old medical student, avid Haunted Mansion fan and tolerater of my Disney obsession. This is Bill’s 5th trip to the World…1st being with his high school class, the subsequent 3 being with yours truly. His 1st trip – he was not impressed (clearly he hadn’t met the right girl yet). Even after his 2nd trip he was not convinced. But the 3rd trip did the trick. He is still not obsessed to the point of posting on a Disney forum but he is hooked. Just thinking about how much he brags about how clean Disney is and how good the food is and how amazing everything is just brings a tear to my eye. He bragged about it so much to his family that joining us on this trip are….

Bill’s sister Samantha and her boyfriend Anthony.

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This will be both of their 2nd trips. Both of their trips were (separately) when they were in high school or middle school. Both were coming to Disney with one thing on their minds – FOOD. We had the dining plan on our last trip (free dining pin) and we got the pin again and Bill was bragging about the fantastic food we have encountered on our previous trips. Both were excited to stuff themselves full. (spoiler alert - mission accomplished)

This trip took place from May 17th – 24th. We were on the basic dining plan. And we were staying at the gorgeous, extravagant, larger than life, everyone’s favorite resort…you know it, you love it…starts with a P….O….takes you to a place you’ve never been. Say ‘Aloha’ to….

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POP CENTURY!!! Where else? :lookaroun We are avid Pop fans because we spend little time at the resort and can’t really justify shelling out the bucks for a place to sleep and shower.

So let’s get on with the show, shall we?

Monday May 16th“Do I really have to go to work today? Don’t they know I need to prepare for Disney tomorrow?”

Early morning work meetings are like getting jammed at the end of PoTC by the treasure room – always longer than expected. After listening to my boss and clients talk about something that was not Disney and therefore not interesting…I headed home to finish packing. Bill had just finished his first round of medical school boards (tests) so he was relaxing at home…leisurely packing. We finished up and headed to his parents house who live about 30 minutes away from the airport. We had a nice dinner with his parents and other siblings celebrating Bill being done with his boards. Then after a trip to the bar to REALLY celebrate…I put myself to bed for we had to get up early for our 7:50 flight.

Tuesday May 17th“Yes I do plan to ride SSE again and again…”
The alarm at 4 came quite quickly and we were showered and ready to hit the airport. We arrived without problem and got in line for TSA. And walking to the back of the line we spotted this man in line…

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(we didn't take a pic of him - too star struck - so this is from the internet)

Yes that is hockey legend Mario Lemieux. Former player and current owner of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Yeah…he’s kind of a big deal. So after our first (and only…unless you count Mickey Mouse…which, who am I kidding? You do.) celebrity sighting we headed through TSA. Samantha and Anthony were selected for body scans – Bill and I were not. True of our flight back to Pittsburgh as well. BUT who cares about heading back to Pittsburgh…we’re on our way to (as John would say) Walt F’in Disney World! We stopped for a delicious McDonalds breakfast before boarding our flight.

Flight was a bit bumpy – Samantha was not impressed, actually feeling rather sick from the bumps. When we landed the pilot informed us it was 70 degrees and sunny in Orlando, as well as 55 degrees and rainy in Pittsburgh. That’s what I love to hear! We got off the plane and bolted for Magical Express. This is when Anthony commented that all he saw through MCO was the back of my head as I was pretty much sprinting through the airport.

We’ve got places to go…Magical Expresses to catch. We walked through DME without problems and got the next bus that came. On the bus and off The Most Magical Place on Earth!!!!

We got to POP a little after 11 and our rooms were not ready. So after a quick change and checking our carry ons with the baggage people...we were heading out to the parks.

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PolynesianPrincess

Well-Known Member
I'm loving this TR so far!!! :)

AK is probably my least favorite of the parks, but I still love it. My sister and I are both animal people so maybe that's why we enjoy it so much.

And yay for the positive reviews of Sanaa! I think with the positive reviews I've read of the place recently (yours and fractal's!) I think we may have to add it to our places to dine in the spring. Like you, Im a VERY picky eater but the NY Strip steak looks DELISH!!! Oh, and so do the Zebra Domes... Gonna have to make a stop for those, too!!

Can't wait to read more!!! :wave:
 

plaz10

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
YAY so excited can't wait 22 days until my first Sanaa experience(thanks again Fractal):)

Ooo I'm so excited for you! We were really pleased with it. Get there a little early and enjoy the animal viewing area right outside the check in desk.

Yay! A proposal trip report!! I love it!! My ds is right there with you at Animal Kingdom. After we ride Everest, he's ready to go. I enjoy it but we usually don't spend long there.

Your food at Sanaa does look amazing. All the food pictures are making me so hungry!!:D

Keep it coming!!

Can't blame the boy for having good taste! HA! And yes Sanaa was quite the surprise to us - Bill was totally into it and I wanted to go back to somewhere we knew was good...but I obliged for him - darn it he was right! dont tell him I said so!

Your pictures are fantastic!!!Make me hungry with an 1 1/2 to go for lunch. Can't wait to see the ring and hear about the proposal. I've been married 15 years and never get tired of seeing and hearing about other's big moment.

Yes Disney food pics are great right before meals! There are more of them on the way! I liked seeing Disney engagements all the time...so hoping one day I could share my own!

I'm loving this TR so far!!! :)

AK is probably my least favorite of the parks, but I still love it. My sister and I are both animal people so maybe that's why we enjoy it so much.

And yay for the positive reviews of Sanaa! I think with the positive reviews I've read of the place recently (yours and fractal's!) I think we may have to add it to our places to dine in the spring. Like you, Im a VERY picky eater but the NY Strip steak looks DELISH!!! Oh, and so do the Zebra Domes... Gonna have to make a stop for those, too!!

Can't wait to read more!!! :wave:

Samantha enjoyed the NY strip. But I'm fulling supporting the beef tips. And don't forget the Chai cream! Good stuff! And yes the Zebra Domes are pretty tasty...and they count as a snack credit!
 

plaz10

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
May 19 - The Dreaded Disney Disease (how’s that for alliteration?)

The title of this chapter should be explained. Every trip – without fail, either Bill or I experience the Disney Disease. 2 years ago I was completely stuffed up and congested the whole trip. Last trip my stomach was giving me major issues causing me to be up all night. This trip – Bill’s stomach would be our enemy. The alarm went off at 6:10 but Bill was already up with stomach pains. He said he could barely move he was in so much pain. So I thought “well if he needs to get to the hospital, should we call a taxi? Will Disney drive us there? It’s not an emergency so we don’t need an ambulance, just a ride there.” So I call the front desk asking this question and the response I get is “well you can call the paramedics.” Thanks smartass I figured that much but it’s not really an emergency. Bill said he did not need to go to the hospital, just get some rest. So Samantha and I went to the gift shop and bought some Maalox for him (Samantha asked if it was on the dining plan – CM working at gift shop not amused.) So with Bill down for the count, the rest of us went to EPCOT.

[in my defense, I tried to stay with him but he said...and I quote "you will just keep me up." plus he knew it would KILL me to sit in the resort while he slept...so I followed his order and went to EPCOT...no arguing that!]

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hello, gorgeous.

We didn't make it to rope drop...probably about 20 minutes late. We headed over to Soarin' to grab some FP and then jump in standby...it was only 20 minutes.

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It was the most obnoxious ride EVER. The family about 3 people down from us CHEERED at every scene. “Wooo San Francisco! Wooo Orange Groves! Woooo DisneyLand! Wooooooo!” Sounded like we were riding with Ric Flair. After we left the Nature Boy’s family we headed to Mission:Space. On our way we caught a performance of the Jammitors.

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I can't lie...I was super excited to get a Junior Jamminator sticker! :sohappy:

Then it was off to Mission:Space!! (to be said with an echo, of course)

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At Mission Space we chose the Green mission as I’m crazy prone to motion sickness. As Gary Sinese is giving us our instructions, Bill calls and says he just got to EPCOT so we told him to meet us outside Mission Space.

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I really love this ride, I love playing with the switches and buttons and it’s just fun. Once we met Bill we picked up FP for Test Track. Bill and Anthony were thirsty so a trip to Club Cool was next.

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We sampled a few and got Samantha to have a cup of the delicious and oh so refreshing….

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Clearly…she loved it. (actually I don't know whose face is better - Samantha's or Bill's!)
Then we cashed in our FP’s for Soarin’.

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A much less obnoxious experience. Then we took a ride on Living with the Land. Love this ride – so calming and peaceful. The park was getting a bit crowded so we headed to World Showcase to have some fun!
 

plaz10

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
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Took a ride on the 3 Caballeros and then over to Norway to go “back, back over de falls!”

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And no trip to the land of trolls and giant polar bears can be explored without a trip to Kringla!
I had 2 desserts to cross off my 'must eat' list, Cloudberry Horn and School Bread.

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Today’s victim would be the cloudberry horn as it’s smaller and we had a le cellier lunch coming up. Bill opted for the sweet pretzel as he fell in love with it last trip.

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After munching on our sweets...we decided to head over to Canada for our lunch at Le Cellier...my total fav! We took the Future World route instead of through all the countries because we figured we'd get sidetracked.

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Hello...I [want to] live here.
 

PeoplemoverTTA

Well-Known Member
I am loving your TR - great pics! I was in charge of booking ADRs for our trip (just got back last week), and I really wanted to book Sanaa, but my sister is extremely picky. Knowing you're a picky eater and still enjoyed it gives me hope...I'm definitely adding it to my list for our next trip!

I'm glad everything worked out, but in the future, don't be afraid to use Reedy Creek Emergency Services. I unfortunately made a trip to Celebration Hospital last week, and I was going to call a cab. The manager at POP overheard and insisted on calling Reedy Creek first, so that they could assess and determine whether I needed an ER, or whether urgent care would work. Also, unlike most ambulance companies, there is no charge if they have to take you to the hospital. POP also gave us a taxi voucher for the return trip...they went above and beyond! I'm sorry to hear that the CM you spoke to didn't take the extra initiative (although it seems to have worked out in the end).

Looking forward to the rest of your TR :wave:
 

plaz10

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Oh Canada!

Canada - I appreciate you keeping America warm, as our hat.
- Your movie is boring, but I like Martin Short
- Your pavilion has no ride...but makes up for it in it's gorgeous scenery
- Your table service restaurant is the best in EPCOT

So in short...I find Canada's pavilion to be boring but beautiful and delicious.

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We checked in at the best Steakhouse in all of Disney. (and the real world too!)

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(cues the angels, baby.)

My mouth was watering as this place has served me the best steak I’ve ever eaten. We sat down and ordered some smoothies.

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Halfway through this smoothie I thought - woah slow down there eager mcbeaver, you've got pretzel bread and filet to get through. pace yo-self! And soon enough...I heard the choir of angels once again

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FILET BABY! with cream cheesed mashed potatoes. :slurp:
Anthony got the same thing. Bill got the filet with risotto. Samantha ordered the NY strip with the yukon gold.

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OM NOM NOM. I want steak right now. It was cooked to perfection as always. Our server was a little slow but no worries. For dessert we all ordered something different so we could sample one another’s. I got the chocolate moose, Bill got the bumbleberry cobbler, Anthony got the maple crème brulee and Samantha got the chocolate whiskey cake.

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plaz10

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
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I’m partial to the chocolate moose, it’s what I always get here…but the winner for best dessert today was the bumbleberry cobbler. It was so freakin’ good! It’s what I’ll be getting next trip! We were so full from lunch that we needed to walk around to help digest.


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We had another ride on SSE!!!

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we're so attractive.

We wanted to go to DtD. So we got off at TTC where they tell us we have to go to the Poly and catch a bus. So we do and it took us around an hour to get to DtD. I was not pleased. We get to DtD and I’m even less pleased. I was so disappointed in the merch selection this trip. I come to Disney with some cash ready to blow on Disney stuff and bought nothing at World of Disney. Then we go to Goofy’s Candy Kitchen where Samantha had seen pics for the make your own rice krispie treats. So that was our last stop.

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plaz10

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Hold on to your hats, kids...I went a bit crazy in Goofy's Candy Kitchen with food pics.

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Through all of this deliciousness...Samantha had her heart set on making her own rice krispie treat. Well last trip, Bill and I made our own. Mine with oreos and his with Reeses peanut butter cups. Well the PB cups werent an option anymore...so she went for peanut butter chips w/chocolate drizzle.

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She said it was fantastic...but that the chips were hard and the tops come to a point so it was kind of sharp to bite. Ha. But it was still enjoyable.
 

plaz10

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
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We walked around a bit more. I normally like DtD but the lack of merch just ed me off pretty much so I was ready to head out.

But not without a sweet villains sighting! (yes I take what I can get!)

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We were pretty tired after that so we went back to Pop. Took a swim and grabbed a pizza at the food court. We watched some TV and called it a night. It was a lazy night which I was not happy with but we all needed the rest.

The day started out awesome (as all EPCOT days do!) and a Le Cellier lunch was phenom as usual. But Bill's sickness, the poor transportation choices to DtD and the poor merch brought the day down. But I enjoyed actually spending some time at POP for once!

Up Next: An unexpected surprise!
:animwink:
 

blackthidot

Well-Known Member
In the Parks
Yes
I'm boycotting your TR because we have talked like 6 times since you been back and you NEVER told me you saw Mario.
 

mamamouse

Well-Known Member
LMAO @blackthidots comment above,Anyways I'm loving your report,And I too like to take funny pics of random strangers lol but usually its because of really bad mismatched clothes or very obvious winter items when it's far too hot:)
 

PolynesianPrincess

Well-Known Member
I agree with you, hands down, Le Cellier is the best steakhouse in the world!! I ALWAYS get the filet with risotto... SO. GOOD. I'm practically drooling at my desk right now thinking about it!!!!!! :slurp:
 

HollyBelle

Well-Known Member
Loving it, Jess. I'm happy to see Bill made it to Epcot to join you, especially in time for that fabulous Le Cellier lunch. Speaking of, loved your commentary on lunch. And yeah, pretty much your commentary throughout the whole report. I've laughed out loud at least a few times this morning. So thank you!!

Let's get real though, it wasn't just the transportation and merch getting you down... the other thing that drug the day down was constantly wondering when Bill was going to propose, right?! :animwink: :lol: Seeing as how you were a couple days into your trip, were you starting to wonder if it was even going to happen?! I secretly kind of love that he made you sweat it out. Can't wait for the big reveal!!! Time for an update, please!
 

plaz10

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
im sooooooooooo excited!!!! THE SURPRISE!!!!:sohappy::sohappy:

Yes, Yes it's on it's way! Sorry for the delay - late night in the office last night. I promise to try and post tonight after work. It's been an exhausting week!

I'm boycotting your TR because we have talked like 6 times since you been back and you NEVER told me you saw Mario.

:lookaroun eek. I'm sorry! But I took lots of food pics and pics of people looking ridiculous to make it up to you!!


LMAO @blackthidots comment above,Anyways I'm loving your report,And I too like to take funny pics of random strangers lol but usually its because of really bad mismatched clothes or very obvious winter items when it's far too hot:)

Oh there are a few more of them to come. Some people just don't wear clothes that fit them. And I feel it should be documented.


I agree with you, hands down, Le Cellier is the best steakhouse in the world!! I ALWAYS get the filet with risotto... SO. GOOD. I'm practically drooling at my desk right now thinking about it!!!!!! :slurp:

Ah I want some filet right now. It's just the best ever. I always say "im going to pick all new ADRs this time" but le cellier is always one that sticks. if it ain't broke - don't fix it!

Great TR. Love seeing the food pics. I see I will definately be gaining back anything I loose in the next year.

What? Disney food has no calories! MAGICAL! :lol:

Loving it, Jess. I'm happy to see Bill made it to Epcot to join you, especially in time for that fabulous Le Cellier lunch. Speaking of, loved your commentary on lunch. And yeah, pretty much your commentary throughout the whole report. I've laughed out loud at least a few times this morning. So thank you!!

Let's get real though, it wasn't just the transportation and merch getting you down... the other thing that drug the day down was constantly wondering when Bill was going to propose, right?! :animwink: :lol: Seeing as how you were a couple days into your trip, were you starting to wonder if it was even going to happen?! I secretly kind of love that he made you sweat it out. Can't wait for the big reveal!!! Time for an update, please!

Well as you know we had plans for a trip this September so after day 1 I figured well he'll probably wait until September now. I had totally put it in the back of my mind after Day 1. Which he later claims he did on purpose because if I was expecting it (which I may have been...) he knew I'd think he'd do it the first day (correct again) so he totally faked me out! Crazy long day at the office yesterday (did not get out of here until 8 :eek:) so hopefully today after work I can get an update on!
 

plaz10

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
I am loving your TR - great pics! I was in charge of booking ADRs for our trip (just got back last week), and I really wanted to book Sanaa, but my sister is extremely picky. Knowing you're a picky eater and still enjoyed it gives me hope...I'm definitely adding it to my list for our next trip!

I'm glad everything worked out, but in the future, don't be afraid to use Reedy Creek Emergency Services. I unfortunately made a trip to Celebration Hospital last week, and I was going to call a cab. The manager at POP overheard and insisted on calling Reedy Creek first, so that they could assess and determine whether I needed an ER, or whether urgent care would work. Also, unlike most ambulance companies, there is no charge if they have to take you to the hospital. POP also gave us a taxi voucher for the return trip...they went above and beyond! I'm sorry to hear that the CM you spoke to didn't take the extra initiative (although it seems to have worked out in the end).

Looking forward to the rest of your TR :wave:

OOps I missed ya in the quotes! Thanks for the heads up about RC Emergency Services. Thats some good info to tuck away for the future. Hopefully we never have to use this but I'm glad to know now. Thanks again!
 

fractal

Well-Known Member
Awesome report and pictures! The one of you as "Vader" is great. NOOOO!
Where is exactly is that because I've never seen it?

I'm happy to see you enjoyed Sanaa as much as we did. It's now among our favorite WDW restaurants.

You take great "food " photos! Looking forward to more. :)
 

plaz10

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Awesome report and pictures! The one of you as "Vader" is great. NOOOO!
Where is exactly is that because I've never seen it?

I'm happy to see you enjoyed Sanaa as much as we did. It's now among our favorite WDW restaurants.

You take great "food " photos! Looking forward to more. :)

The Vader picture spot is in the backlot area. Like...where the Backlot Express seating is...there is a gift shop that has some star wars stuff and some monsters inc stuff - it's by the entrance to the monsters inc meet n greet. i know - so descriptive. lol.

Sanaa was an awesome experience! And it's not hard to take good food pics...I just take pics of all the food I wish I had room to eat! haha! So much good stuff to choose from!
 

plaz10

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
May 20 - An Unexpected Surprise. Hmm…what could it be?

The alarm went off at 8am. Today we were heading to TYPHOON LAGOON!

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We did not have a waterproof camera so the camera came out for about 10 seconds before it got stored in a locker. But it was really awesome, so glad we decided to take a morning off from the parks. Really loved the Crush n Gusher. We were able to hit up all the slides and spend a good amount of time in the wave pool and lazy river. Really enjoyed our time there. We would definitely hit it up again next trip.

We went home to take a quick nap and shower to get ready for our dinner at Coral Reef. Off to EPCOT!

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glorious!

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PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THIS LAST PICTURE. Just tuck it away in your back pocket for later.

Time to ride SSE (of course!) Then shopped around MouseGear a little and over to ride the Seas w/Nemo and Friends.

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And hang out with Bruce a little!

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Then it was time for our ADRs at Coral Reef.

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I went to check us in and the hostess was from Pittsburgh, PA! Woo Hoo! I asked if we could have a table by the glass as we had 2 first timers and we were willing to wait a little extra for it. She said she’d see what she could do. About 5 minutes later our buzzer went off…the dude showing us to our seats said he hoped we packed our ponchos as we were sittin in the splash zone!!! Sweet! Unfortunately the view would be the only good thing about this meal. While Bill and I loved our meals here last trip, this one was a complete disappointment.
 

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