Trip Report The Tuvalu Chronicles ~ Chapter 25 *COMPLETED*

Welcome, welcome, welcome to my 25th trip report.

Over the past five years, I have loved chronicling my WDW adventures with fellow forum readers who share my Disney passion. Writing keeps the magic alive for me. Discussions that result from your comments are icing on the cake! I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read my posts. (And for those of you who have been following from the beginning ~ THANK YOU!!)

All my reports have been live, live-ish, or shortly-afterwards.....except one. In 2016 I wrote a retro TR detailing my first visit to the park that forever captivated my heart. You can read about it here. Or you can merely mock the photo below which is proof positive I cannot pull off wearing a hat.

Similar in style to last summer’s novel, this report will incorporate my June, July and August vacations. The ship has already sailed for a live report for June, but I may attempt some live updates in July/August. Or not.

Trip #1
Who: Tuvalu and Em
When: June 8-13, 2019
Where: Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Did we meet the Wicked Queen? Who got shoved in the Haunted Mansion? Did the rain rain rain come down down down? Was there an attraction evac? Did one of us really cause a ride to shut down?

Answers to come!

(Special thanks to @krisri18 for another trip report title! )

 

[slipperalwaysfits]

The bacon was extra crispy, just the way we like it.

My hubby is very picky about his crispy bacon, too! There's a special restaurant in my beloved PACNW @PacNWTigger --have you heard of it? The Oak Table Cafe. They have four locations around the state and have their bacon sliced extra thick from a local butcher and it's prepared immaculately. I'm not a bacon lover, but I'll rearrange my day to have some of that!

As I was raving about the food as I ate, Em reminded me that I had ordered this very meal last summer....and had raved about it then.

My mom has this problem, too. Hey, at least you ladies know what you like!

(Check out the volume of water running out of the gutter. Also, you can see the smokehouse below.)

Wow! I love storms like that (when I'm not on vacation)! I'm glad you made it to safety in time and sorry it literally "rained on your parade" @JosieBee

 

[Tuvalu]

We did not have to venture far for dinner....just an elevator ride down!

Mom loves the Seven Dwarfs so I sent her the next two pics and asked if she wanted the table.

Of course she said yes!

We checked in and were told to wait until our table was ready.

Full disclosure ~ neither Em nor I had done a whole lot of research about Storybook Dining at Artist Point. In fact, the only review I had read prior to tonight was @Doc Disney ‘s in her New Year’s Eve trip report....and my previously-mentioned senior brain had forgotten it. We knew the basics ~ it was a prix fixe three course meal and there were characters from Snow White. (And there were trees!)

So we had no expectations going in.

Therefore our review won’t classify our experience as “better than we expected”, “what we expected” or “worse than we expected.”

Continue reading to discover what we thought.

 

[slipperalwaysfits]

OOOOOOOOOohhhhhhhhhh I'll continue reading ... (at least until Monday, when I go off the grid for three weeks and then have to work hard to catch up on your adventures!) I LOVE the statue of the Dwarves on the log! Beautiful!

 

[MinnieM123]

We didn’t stay in our chairs very long as the pool was beckoning us. The water was cool and refreshing, thanks to all the rain last night.

OMG -- empty lounge chairs!!

My pet peeve about most resorts (with pools) is that there are never enough lounge chairs. You must have been there early by the pool. Good idea!

 

[MinnieM123]

Boma is a must for us each trip. Their soups are so yummy! We are, however, fans of zebra domes

Just an fyi for those who may not be able to get to Boma, but are still on WL property. Go to the QS (The Mara) and they have Zebra domes there as well.

 

[Nunu]

I was floating on my back, eyes closed, in a blissful state from the contrast of warm sun vs. cool water.

“Umm, Mom?”

I cracked open an eye.

“You might want to look over there,” pointed Em.

I did not want to look over there. I was afraid of what I was going to see.

“Mom!” Em was a bit more forceful.

It was just what I feared.

View attachment 384563

Even though we were already wet, getting pelted by a deluge (or struck by lightning) on our way to the main Lodge was in no way appealing. We hurried out of the water, did a quick dry off with some towels, and power-walked to safety.

It was not long before the rain rain rain came down down down....

View attachment 384564
(Check out the volume of water running out of the gutter. Also, you can see the smokehouse below.)

It rained steadily for a couple hours. Poor @JosieBee and her sister were in the MK waiting for a parade that never came. (Don’t worry, those gals made the best of the situation! See @JosieBee ‘s TR for full details.)

Em and I took showers and rested.

When I saw that last picture with those ominous clouds approaching, I imagined a musical score used in movies when a villain first appears!

 

[Nunu]

Monday, June 10

I did not sleep well. In spite of all the medication I was taking, fits of coughing kept waking me throughout the night. Em said she did not hear me, for which I was thankful.

We had a hankering for Mickey waffles and went to Roaring Fork for breakfast. We got there at a perfect time, because it wasn’t crowded and chaotic.

Roaring Fork serves “loaded” Mickey waffles ~ chocolate chips, strawberry sauce, Bananas Foster sauce, caramel sauce, chocolate syrup and whipped cream.

That’s way too many sauces for us, so we requested just chocolate chips and whipped cream.

View attachment 384463

The bacon was extra crispy, just the way we like it.

View attachment 384464

Today was a resort day ~ no plans to go anywhere, just enjoy the amenities of the Wilderness Lodge.

After breakfast we put on swimsuits and sunscreen and headed for Boulder Ridge pool.

View attachment 384468

View attachment 384467

Plopped ourselves in our loungers.

View attachment 384465

View attachment 384466

We didn’t stay in our chairs very long as the pool was beckoning us. The water was cool and refreshing, thanks to all the rain last night.

I like my bacon so crunchy, that I cannot use a fork and knife to eat it, because it breaks!

 

[DisneyGigi]

Looking forward to your opinions on food at Storybook Dining. I thought about booking again for this trip but didn’t. (Canceled last time)
Going to comment on the bacon, but feeling that bacon might be the new Guacamole- lol.
Has to be “floppy” for my family. My mom is a crispy person- I never knew I loved bacon, until I cooked it myself. Crystal Palace has the best Floppy bacon!
The sky and pool, I stay in as long as I can, and make a mad dash before the lightning strikes- at home that is. I don’t have far to go, just up the steps, but so feel that awful sky, happens everyday about 2:00.

 

[Darstarr]

Looking forward to your opinions on food at Storybook Dining. I thought about booking again for this trip but didn’t.
Going to comment on the bacon, but feeling that bacon might be the new Guacamole- lol.
Has to be “floppy” for my family. My mom is a crispy person- I never knew I loved bacon, until I cooked it myself. Crystal Palace has the best Floppy bacon!
The sky and pool, I stay in as long as I can, and make a mad dash before the lightning strikes- at home that is. I don’t have far to go, just up the steps, but so feel that awful sky, happens everyday about 2:00.

>!!!
That is all

 

[TrolleyFollower91]

I love Em's bag! Do you have any idea where she got it? Could you ask please? TIA!

It’s a Kavu bag. I got mine at D ick’s Sporting Goods. They have them all over the place. I love mine!!

 

[Matt and Kelly]

I can’t wait to see your thoughts on the restaurant, as this is one I’m up in the air about. I think I’m more excited about the characters than the actual food.
Kelly.

 

[Bullseye1967]

Following along....late as usual, but loving it so far! (as usual)

 

[mouse_luv]

It’s a Kavu bag. I got mine at D ick’s Sporting Goods. They have them all over the place. I love mine!!

 

[PacNWTigger]

My hubby is very picky about his crispy bacon, too! There's a special restaurant in my beloved PACNW @PacNWTigger --have you heard of it? The Oak Table Cafe. They have four locations around the state and have their bacon sliced extra thick from a local butcher and it's prepared immaculately. I'm not a bacon lover, but I'll rearrange my day to have some of that!

Oak Table Cafe is a little further north for us, but I definitely want to check it out the next time we're in that area!!! Thanks for the tip.

 

[krisri18]

I like my bacon so crunchy, that I cannot use a fork and knife to eat it, because it breaks!

I like mine cooked to about 30 seconds before it gets to that point. Lol

 

[Tuvalu]

Monday, con’t

We received notification that our table was ready and proceeded to the host stand inside Artist Point. I couldn’t help but glance up at all the trees (the finished product of all the noise we endured in our room last December). To be honest the “forest” was very pretty and successfully created a Storybook atmosphere.

We were guided through the center of the restaurant, past the meeting area of the Wicked Queen. Both Em and I felt this was an odd location for the meet and greet. (Picture a wedding banquet room with a dance floor in the middle with the Wicked Queen in the center of the floor.) The Wicked Queen was holding court and there were families lined up to see her ~ but our host curtly told us to wait until after we’d eaten to go meet the Queen.

Upon arrival at our window table the loud refrain of Silly Song began to blast through speakers, which startled us! The tree lights began to blink and change color, and Snow White, Dopey and Grumpy began to clap and dance among the tables. We were surprised by the performance.

We were also surprised to have “Stay in your seats” mentioned to us several times, both by our host and our server. We are two adult women ~ did they think we were going to run amok through the restaurant? The command left us so flustered that we were afraid to even stand up when the characters visited our table.

The giant green leaf platter was used to hold appetizers and desserts. It was.....unique.

Our view out the window.

Our view inside.

Note the color change of the tree lights.

Our server explained the menu (the worn, rugged leather cover was a nice touch) and asked for our beverage choices. I told her not to bring the shrimp appetizer since we wouldn’t eat it. In a worried voice she asked, “Is there an allergy?” Her posture indicated she was about to run off and fetch the chef.

“No, we just don’t eat shrimp,” I replied, trying to not make a big deal out of it.

“Then I will bring a substitute,” she announced. I wanted to tell her that wasn’t necessary, we would have plenty of food....but decided not to start a battle.

Em toasted our meal with a glass of rosé.

Our server never asked if Em wanted a second glass. And our water glasses sat empty most of the time....we had to practically beg for refills.

A runner brought us our appetizers. As he began to place the SHRIMP down I said, “We aren’t supposed to have shrimp.”

This set him into a frenzy, glancing all around for our server. When he saw her he rushed to her and began gesturing towards us.

What I didn’t want to be a big deal had become a big deal.

Both runner and server disappeared into the kitchen and our server returned with a plate of veggie spring rolls. She didn’t apologize for the mix-up.

The spring rolls had a zing to them. Hence the reason our water glasses emptied so quickly.

The “Hunter’s Terrine” ~ fruity chicken sausage and pickles.

@ELeigh described this dish better than I could. She called it “an abomination on a plate.” (I recently read her TR and literally LOL at the truth of her words!)

There was one saving grace among the appetizers. The mushroom bisque.

The irony here is that neither Em nor I like mushrooms.* It’s a texture thing. But puréed into soup? This bisque was absolutely delicious.


* A request dear readers ~ let’s not start a mushroom discussion. TIA!

 

[Swissmiss]

I had the impression that the menu at Storybook dining is seasonal - or am I wrong?

 

[LeighM]

I had a reservation there for our April trip but I cancelled it because of the menu items. I don't eat that much meat, the husband hates all things mushroom, and neither of us are big fans of sweet desserts (the exceptions being custards, bread pudding, and key lime pie ). I figured we would be paying more for the experience than the food. I would love to go next trip but only if they tweak the menu a little bit.

 

[Rista1313]

Even though your dinner interaction so far sounds less than stellar, I'll be keeping our reservation because I really really want to do this one!

 

[93boomer]

Monday, con’t

We received notification that our table was ready and proceeded to the host stand inside Artist Point. I couldn’t help but glance up at all the trees (the finished product of all the noise we endured in our room last December). To be honest the “forest” was very pretty and successfully created a Storybook atmosphere.

We were guided through the center of the restaurant, past the meeting area of the Wicked Queen. Both Em and I felt this was an odd location for the meet and greet. (Picture a wedding banquet room with a dance floor in the middle with the Wicked Queen in the center of the floor.) The Wicked Queen was holding court and there were families lined up to see her ~ but our host curtly told us to wait until after we’d eaten to go meet the Queen.

Upon arrival at our window table the loud refrain of Silly Song began to blast through speakers, which startled us! The tree lights began to blink and change color, and Snow White, Dopey and Grumpy began to clap and dance among the tables. We were surprised by the performance.

We were also surprised to have “Stay in your seats” mentioned to us several times, both by our host and our server. We are two adult women ~ did they think we were going to run amok through the restaurant? The command left us so flustered that we were afraid to even stand up when the characters visited our table.

View attachment 384777

View attachment 384778

The giant green leaf platter was used to hold appetizers and desserts. It was.....unique.

Our view out the window.

View attachment 384779

Our view inside.

View attachment 384780

View attachment 384781
Note the color change of the tree lights.

Our server explained the menu (the worn, rugged leather cover was a nice touch) and asked for our beverage choices. I told her not to bring the shrimp appetizer since we wouldn’t eat it. In a worried voice she asked, “Is there an allergy?” Her posture indicated she was about to run off and fetch the chef.

“No, we just don’t eat shrimp,” I replied, trying to not make a big deal out of it.

“Then I will bring a substitute,” she announced. I wanted to tell her that wasn’t necessary, we would have plenty of food....but decided not to start a battle.

Em toasted our meal with a glass of rosé.

View attachment 384782

Our server never asked if Em wanted a second glass. And our water glasses sat empty most of the time....we had to practically beg for refills.

A runner brought us our appetizers. As he began to place the SHRIMP down I said, “We aren’t supposed to have shrimp.”

This set him into a frenzy, glancing all around for our server. When he saw her he rushed to her and began gesturing towards us.

What I didn’t want to be a big deal had become a big deal.

Both runner and server disappeared into the kitchen and our server returned with a plate of veggie spring rolls. She didn’t apologize for the mix-up.

View attachment 384786

The spring rolls had a zing to them. Hence the reason our water glasses emptied so quickly.

The “Hunter’s Terrine” ~ fruity chicken sausage and pickles.

View attachment 384785

@ELeigh described this dish better than I could. She called it “an abomination on a plate.” (I recently read her TR and literally LOL at the truth of her words!)

There was one saving grace among the appetizers. The mushroom bisque.

View attachment 384783

View attachment 384784

The irony here is that neither Em nor I like mushrooms.* It’s a texture thing. But puréed into soup? This bisque was absolutely delicious.


* A request dear readers ~ let’s not start a mushroom discussion. TIA!

I have never laughed so hard in my life at your description of this dinner! I read it out loud to DH and he roared. Remember to stay in your seats!!! ps I think we will skip this one