Trip Report To Walt Disney World...and beyond! COMPLETED!

ginadee · Oct 11, 2014

Too funny. I loved coral reef and that was my exact meal. Lobster pasta and mousse. You have me douting my plan for quick service dining plan next trip. I will miss these restaurants.

belledream · Oct 11, 2014

ginadee said:
Too funny. I loved coral reef and that was my exact meal. Lobster pasta and mousse. You have me douting my plan for quick service dining plan next trip. I will miss these restaurants.

Haha yes!! Wasn't it just wonderful!?

There are some great QS gems (both entree and dessert) out there. Don't sweat it.

belledream · Oct 13, 2014

"Under the sea is better than anything they've got up there." Well Sebastian, I might have to disagree with you because it was a beautiful, shining day outside!

We strolled leisurely through Future World, through MouseGear, to Test Track again. And here, we achieved our greatest feat yet.

Yes, that 0-3 actually stands for -3. Didn't even know it was possible, but we did it! Woohoo!

After that, it was time for the daily World Showcase stroll. As mentioned above, it looked like a beautiful day!

We popped in for a showing of Wonders of China. So breathtaking. J has actually been to many of the places mentioned in the movie. It was pretty cool for him to envision himself standing in that very spot!

We stopped by Africa Coolpost to grab one very fine Coca Cola slushie. These are somewhat of a staple for us at Disney, even though you can find them at 7-11s on every corner. They just taste better at Disney!

Germany had some interesting merchandise on the shelves...made me wonder if they actually make any sales on items like these. They must...why else would they have them? If you've ever bought this, I salute you. You are a brave soul.

Take a moment to just stop and appreciate, what a gorgeous day.

Matsuriza is probably my favorite World Showcase entertainment! It's a must-see for us. We enjoyed the entire show from the balcony by Tokyo Dining. Under the shade, oh yes.

We always spend ample time perusing Japan's shops. They have so many interesting little things, from packages of ramen to sushi erasers to Pikachu backpacks, to of course, the Pick A Pearl station.

We were heading back to Future World for a certain dinner experience, but made one pit stop. J had been badgering me all year saying we should finally watch Captain EO so we can say we've truly done it all at WDW. That sounded pretty nice to me. And who knows how much longer it'll be around? We should probably do it while it lasts. It can't be that bad, right?

Wrong. Oh my gosh...I wish I could have those 20 minutes of my life back. I couldn't understand a single thing that was going on. It was just a disaster, both on screen and in my mind. Get me outta here!!!

A W Reezy · Oct 13, 2014

Loving the trip report! Those photos of Biergarten make me extremely happy! It is my favorite place to eat in all of Disney... I love the German food!!

belledream · Oct 13, 2014

Yes. This is much better.

GARDEN GRILL!!! I haven't been here since I was probably like 10! When it was all-you-care-to-enjoy chicken fingers, mac & cheese, and dirt cups! And thank heavens you are rotating. Such fun while you dine. Can you get this anywhere else!? When I first told J this was a rotating restaurant, I think he envisioned dining on the Tea Cups.

Pleasing to my OCD-self, we started off right at the beginning of the Living with the Land ecosystems: the rainforest. The sound of the waterfall was music to my ears.

We began with a serving of this fresh and vibrant “Living with the Land” Harvest-inspired Farmer’s Salad. How cool is that!? Fun Fact: I hate cucumbers. They are the most disgusting taste that befoul so many innocent dishes in this world. Luckily they were pushed off mainly to one side, so J got that end and any piece of lettuce that may have touched a cube of cucumber.

We were spun to the desert. Looking arid as ever. At this point is when most of the characters came around! Farmer Mickey looked so cute in his outfit.
Farmer Dale and J almost got into a little altercation. J took our picture and then Dale grabbed my hand and led me away from the table, waving cheekily to J. He brought me back after being scolded by the waitress and then demanded the camera and took a picture of J and I. It actually turned out good too. Better than some of the pictures that people took for us...too funny!
Farmer Chip was a little more well behaved and Farmer Pluto (my baby!) was cute as ever.

Oh, look! Now we are in the American Prairie.

And then the food came! From this point on, it was all business. From left to right:
Turkey Breast with Stuffing and a House-made Gravy
Sustainable Fish of the Day with Tomato Jam
Char-grilled Filet of Beef with Demi-Glace Steak Butter

We agreed that the beef was the best. The mashed potatoes were made with crack, I'm sure. The fish was our least favorite (it wasn't bad, just nothing special). I liked the turkey and stuffing more than J just because I enjoy Thanksgiving fare a little too much.

My absolute favorite scene. The lighting that clearly says 'sunrise', the rooster, the trees, the yellow house. I want to live here.

As we chowed down to more helpings (and a plate of sweet potato fries, mind you), we were making our way back to the front of the restaurant. Just sitting there, having food brought to you, while we just eat, talk, relax, and enjoy, was wonderful.

I had been craving this dessert for 180 days. I'm a sucker for cobblers. Fruit and dough and what have you, it's all good! It didn't have that same bread-y look that I've seen in pictures (it was more covered in granola and the like) but it was still DELICIOUS! It was warm, actually almost hot, and just warmed my tummy to happiness.

Not sure why, but our waitress also brought out the kid's dessert: Cupcake Cones with Crisp Pearls. Maybe it was the way we were conducting ourselves during dinner.

Not complaining though! I could only manage a few bites, but it had that light chocolatey goodness taste and texture to it and was a great way to round out the meal.

As you can guess, we were absolutely stuffed. Like, to the point that we couldn't move and sat it out for a whole nother rotation from the rainforest to the flower mural. I can't see us coming back here any time soon, not with the number of great options in and around EPCOT, but it felt very fulfilling to come back here after so long. The old memories, but the new menu, it was definitely a winner. We'll come back with the kids one day!

MRGEFF · Oct 13, 2014

belledream said:
Yes. This is much better.View attachment 69576
GARDEN GRILL!!! I haven't been here since I was probably like 10! When it was all-you-care-to-enjoy chicken fingers, mac & cheese, and dirt cups! And thank heavens you are rotating. Such fun while you dine. Can you get this anywhere else!? When I first told J this was a rotating restaurant, I think he envisioned dining on the Tea Cups.
View attachment 69586
Pleasing to my OCD-self, we started off right at the beginning of the Living with the Land ecosystems: the rainforest. The sound of the waterfall was music to my ears.
View attachment 69579
We began with a serving of this fresh and vibrant “Living with the Land” Harvest-inspired Farmer’s Salad. How cool is that!? Fun Fact: I hate cucumbers. They are the most disgusting taste that befoul so many innocent dishes in this world. Luckily they were pushed off mainly to one side, so J got that end and any piece of lettuce that may have touched a cube of cucumber.
View attachment 69577
We were spun to the desert. Looking arid as ever. At this point is when most of the characters came around! Farmer Mickey looked so cute in his outfit.
Farmer Dale and J almost got into a little altercation. J took our picture and then Dale grabbed my hand and led me away from the table, waving cheekily to J. He brought me back after being scolded by the waitress and then demanded the camera and took a picture of J and I. It actually turned out good too. Better than some of the pictures that people took for us...too funny!
Farmer Chip was a little more well behaved and Farmer Pluto (my baby!) was cute as ever.
View attachment 69580
Oh, look! Now we are in the American Prairie.
View attachment 69582
And then the food came! From this point on, it was all business. From left to right:
Turkey Breast with Stuffing and a House-made Gravy
Sustainable Fish of the Day with Tomato Jam
Char-grilled Filet of Beef with Demi-Glace Steak Butter

We agreed that the beef was the best. The mashed potatoes were made with crack, I'm sure. The fish was our least favorite (it wasn't bad, just nothing special). I liked the turkey and stuffing more than J just because I enjoy Thanksgiving fare a little too much.
View attachment 69583
My absolute favorite scene. The lighting that clearly says 'sunrise', the rooster, the trees, the yellow house. I want to live here.
View attachment 69584
As we chowed down to more helpings (and a plate of sweet potato fries, mind you), we were making our way back to the front of the restaurant. Just sitting there, having food brought to you, while we just eat, talk, relax, and enjoy, was wonderful.
View attachment 69587
I had been craving this dessert for 180 days. I'm a sucker for cobblers. Fruit and dough and what have you, it's all good! It didn't have that same bread-y look that I've seen in pictures (it was more covered in granola and the like) but it was still DELICIOUS! It was warm, actually almost hot, and just warmed my tummy to happiness.
View attachment 69588
Not sure why, but our waitress also brought out the kid's dessert: Cupcake Cones with Crisp Pearls. Maybe it was the way we were conducting ourselves during dinner. Not complaining though! I could only manage a few bites, but it had that light chocolatey goodness taste and texture to it and was a great way to round out the meal.

As you can guess, we were absolutely stuffed. Like, to the point that we couldn't move and sat it out for a whole nother rotation from the rainforest to the flower mural. I can't see us coming back here any time soon, not with the number of great options in and around EPCOT, but it felt very fulfilling to come back here after so long. The old memories, but the new menu, it was definitely a winner. We'll come back with the kids one day!

Thank You SOOOOO Much for the great pictures. Your TP is one of the best we've read/seen. Can't wait to be in WDW in 56 days.

belledream · Oct 13, 2014

MRGEFF said:
Thank You SOOOOO Much for the great pictures. Your TP is one of the best we've read/seen. Can't wait to be in WDW in 56 days.

Ahh! Have so much fun!!! Thanks for reading!

belledream · Oct 13, 2014

We left The Land feeling like the happiest of campers. It was drizzling outside but the sun was going down and the weather felt all kinds of cool and comfortable. We stopped by the Art of Disney shop to take a peek.

As new homeowners, I strongly feel that our new house would look great with all these Disney paintings on the walls.

We had fun browsing - no way could we afford some of these paintings!

Then, as we were right there, we decided it was prime time for our nightly voyage on Spaceship Earth. The whole Siemens video thing tends to make me miss the old ending most of the time, but it turned out hilariously awesome this time as J made a very unflattering sleepy face and then in the video, proceeded to stuff his mouth with breakfast. I don't know why we thought it was so funny, but we laughed like absolute maniacs the whole way down.

The Fountain of Nations looked so great reflecting off of the wet ground. I love when the surrounding buildings start lighting up. Everything looks so cool and calm.

We hung around MouseGear having fun trying on silly hats and looking at all the home goods until we came out to this absolutely mesmerizing sight.

It was time for Illuminations again! The pre-Illuminations music was bumpin' away while the torches flickered in the darkness. It was one of those moments that you just knew all was well.

After the fireworks, we made our way back to Sports. We always like to explore all of the resort, but hadn't gotten around to it until now. I guess this was the first day we came back before 10 PM.

Surf's Up! - where we were staying.

Touchdown! - we stayed here in 2011.

Center Court - I thought this was so cute. I love the interactive-feel to it.

Hoops Hotel - NBA is starting soon...YESSS! One of the things that helps ease the pain of our Disney droughts.

I guess I missed out on snapping a picture of Homerun Hotel and the infamous giant Cokes. Oh well, next time...(baseball is boring anyways).

After our nighttime stroll around the resort, we went back to our room, showered, and got into that lovely king-sized bed where J always complains the covers are tucked too tight.

We had to get rested for our final day at EPCOT: Where Food Dreams Come True.

Mickey2006 · Oct 13, 2014

I, too, want to live in the house in Living with the Land

belledream · Oct 14, 2014

I told you we'd be back. Today is Stuff-Ourselves-Silly-At-World-Showcase Day! Now who wouldn't like the sound of that?

But of course, it is before 11 AM and that means play time at Future World!

We're clear for take off!

Take me back to the serenity of Living with the Land.

Breakfast: Strawberry Shortcake courtesy of Sunshine Seasons.

This show is like a celebration of an beautiful, young, EPCOT morning with so much ahead for you.

We realized we hadn't taken the time to go on Ellen's Energy Adventure yet. Well that can't happen! So just as the sun started to get stronger, we ducked inside and enjoyed our 45 minute adventure. Though I can recite this show by heart, I can never get tired of the hilarious Ellen DeGeneres.

The JAMMitors were out and about doing their thing.

Not as good (or bad) as last time, but that paint-job is rockin'.

We had only been in the park for two hours and we were already craving lunch. Luckily, it was the first stop at the World Showcase.

MEXICOOOOOO!

belledream · Oct 14, 2014

Mexico wins in atmosphere - hands down. Upon entering, you hear the sounds of the water trickling in the fountain, you see the lanterns strung up against the night sky, the pyramid and volcano glowing in the distance, and you smell the whatever-it-is that smells so good from San Angel Inn.

And that's just where we went. San Angel Inn.

Yes, we were the first ones there. But look at this shot! Good job, my typical-nothing-fancy point and shoot camera. I'm proud of you.

Once we were seated, we just gazed back at this stunning view. This is why we eat here! Ambience is irreplaceable!

Yup, you guessed it. We were sitting right on the edge, with the prime view of the pyramid (and the boats from the Gran Fiesta Tour). It was pretty cool to watch the volcano erupt every now and then. Apparently there's supposed to be a Hidden Mickey forming from the smoke but we couldn't make a concrete ID.

We kicked off with some chips and salsa. Warm and fresh - but we couldn't fill up too much on these!

And even though we were on the dining plan, I chose the Prix Fixe option because it contained what I was going to get anyways. Here is the Sopa Azteca. Our waitress brought out the bowl that looked like it just had tortilla strips and avocado in it - then she poured the soup base into the bowl. I guess it keeps the tortilla strips from getting too soggy too fast. I've witnessed this before, but it still perplexed me momentarily.

My entrée was Enchiladas Verdes De Pollo. Tortillas with pulled chicken,served with rice and refried beans (FAVE!).

J got the Carne Asada, which of course, was steak.

This was a hefty meal. We just chowed down while we observed the passing boats and just completely lost track of time and space, soaking in the atmosphere.

After some time, it was dessert time!

I got the Crema Bavaria which had a very soft, milky, mousse-like texture.

Here is J's Mousse de Chocolate which tasted like it sounds - chocolate mousse. But the yummy part about this was the almond brittle candy (squished in the right side). Yummy yummy!

After we had (more than) our fill, we took a ride on the Gran Fiesta Tour for the novelty of it. We even saw our dishes still at our table as we passed by!

mrdrift · Oct 14, 2014

Great report, all of the pictures are really good. The food all looks really good. Following along.

belledream · Oct 14, 2014

We moved on over to Norway and took a farewell ride on Maelstrom. A farewell ride on Maelstrom that got stuck right before the trolls come out in the darkness. Safe to say, I actually felt scared, sitting there in the dark with all these shadows staying still around me. It made me feel they were staring into my soul even though I couldn't see their eyes.

I will miss Maelstrom but I'm a Disney optimist. I'm always excited to see what will come next.

We continued the daily stroll around the World Showcase. I love listening to how the music transitions seamlessly and flawlessly as you walk between countries. And not a speaker in sight!

Showcase Lagoon...you are so beautiful. You know how inside staterooms on the Disney Dream have magic portholes? I wish I had one right now and that this was my view.

We caught Sergio in performance. He even singled out J to toss him one of the soccer balls. Such fun entertainment!

It was hot hot hot and therefore seemed like the perfect time to cross an item off of our Disney Snack Bucket List: Kaki Gori from Japan. It's like a snow cone that actually tasted like something other than ice! And in three different flavors, no less.

One of my favorite landmarks on the World Showcase.

This was one of those moments where I though: how could I possibly be in the mainland Florida? Look at this place!

Stopped by for a showing of Impressions de France. It was more enjoyable than I remembered! We shall visit one day.

Our lovely Photopass photographer, taking a selfie before he took one for us. He was hilarious.

A park break was imminent. And that meant...an afternoon of exploration of my favorite resorts in all of the land...Yacht & Beach Club!

belledream · Oct 14, 2014

This sight just makes my heart swoon. This resort brings back some truly wonderful memories with my family. From the first time we discovered the sand-bottomed pools, to racing over and under the bridge on the walkway to EPCOT, to when we were stranded 3 extra days thanks to Hurricane Charley. I am home.

The prettiest trash cans you ever did see.

I had to remind myself to breathe as we entered Yacht Club's lobby. The chandelier, the globe, the shiny hardwood floors, the ropes draping from the balconies. We just sat on the couches for a while so I could get my fill.

Exploring the shops like I did when I was 14. I used to spend so much time here poring over all the merchandise, trying to pick out that one, perfect souvenir.

Everything from the color of the walls to the carpets felt so familiar and just brought back memories.

My brother, dad, and I used to play in this very spot for hours at a time. How I miss that!

Beach Club is pretty much my interior-design soulmate. I'm a lover of pastels and white furniture/walls/appliances so basically what I'm trying to say is that I'm a fan of Beach Club.

Lobby Love. That should be the name of the TV show that Beach Club and I will create together. They had just finished putting up this chandelier the last time I stayed here.

I need The Solarium in my house. So bright, so colorful, so relaxing, so chill.

After a loooong time of roaming the halls, the marketplace, (we may have even taken an elevator ride for fun - I remembered them to be oddly/awesomely faster than normal elevators so I just had to show J), we emerged from my fantasyland out to this foreboding sky.

I know this entire installment has just be me spazzing over trashcans and curtains, but that is truly the essence of our afternoon. It's the little things and the little details that stand out to me that make Disney World such a special place. It's my inspiration and my motivation.

Mom@disney · Oct 14, 2014

What a gorgeous resort! I could spend all day just laying around that pool and water playground! Maybe someday it will happen

how's the restaurants there?

belledream · Oct 14, 2014

Mom@disney said:
What a gorgeous resort! I could spend all day just laying around that pool and water playground! Maybe someday it will happen how's the restaurants there?

I've only been to Cape May (buffet at Beach Club) and it was always excellent! Character breakfast with Minnie, Mickey and some of the gang all wearing unique, cute, beach-y outfits. Lots of seafood selection for lunch/dinner - they call it the 'Clam Bake'. Definitely planning a trip to Captain's Grille and/or Yachtsman's Steakhouse next year!

dancingtodisney · Oct 15, 2014

Just finished reading your TR so far and it has me super excited for my trip! I’m glad you loved Animal Kingdom Lodge, we’re staying there for three nights and also at All Star Sports so it was interesting to see your pics from there too.

I’ve never heard of the night vision goggles do they do that every night? Sounds pretty cool and my boyf is a total geek and that would be right up his street!

Excited to read more!

belledream · Oct 15, 2014

dancingtodisney said:
Just finished reading your TR so far and it has me super excited for my trip! I’m glad you loved Animal Kingdom Lodge, we’re staying there for three nights and also at All Star Sports so it was interesting to see your pics from there too.

I’ve never heard of the night vision goggles do they do that every night? Sounds pretty cool and my boyf is a total geek and that would be right up his street!

Excited to read more!

They do it every night - ask the front desk for the exact time and location as they may change the location due to weather. AKL was out of this world - ENJOY!!!

Sports gets a bad rep but if you're not going during some crazy competition time, it's actually great! You get dropped off before the others on DME and when the All Stars share buses (rare occurrence in our experiences there).

Thanks for reading!

dancingtodisney · Oct 15, 2014

belledream said:
They do it every night - ask the front desk for the exact time and location as they may change the location due to weather. AKL was out of this world - ENJOY!!!

Sports gets a bad rep but if you're not going during some crazy competition time, it's actually great! You get dropped off before the others on DME and when the All Stars share buses (rare occurrence in our experiences there).

Thanks for reading!

Oh brilliant! We'll definitely check that out, tI keep finding out about lots of little things like this and I want to do them all! Boardwalk seems great for night time entertainment too. I really want to toast marshmallows but I think you can do that in AKL as well..

As for Sports that's where we have the majority of our stay (10nights) so I'm hoping we like it. Considering we'll barely be in the room though I can't see how it would dissappoint and I hear the new food court is nice too. I love the cute little ducks you took pictures of! That's great about the buses too!

belledream · Oct 15, 2014

We just decided to walk back to EPCOT from Beach Club. Somehow, the sky looked as amazing as it did, but it didn't feel like it was going to rain either. We just strolled our way back through the gates into EPCOT.

Hey there, Rose & Crown. Thanks for participating in our day of EPCOT gluttony! We were seated outside on the patio. It was quite comfortable with the breeze coming in and the water glittering in the sunlight.

In no time, J decided he wanted to try a flight of beer. As I mentioned in a previous post, his tolerance is not the best. Well, you'll find out what happens.

Ordering was a no brainer here. J's Grilled New York Strip Steak and Fried Fish combo. He was a happy camper.

My Shepard's Pie. Very hearty and comfort-food-like, but a little on the salty side.

Unfortunately, at this point, I started being attacked my mosquitoes. What?! I've never gotten bit at Disney before! (I don't know...maybe I have, but I was always too overstimulated to notice). Luckily, our waitress, Rose, was so kind and she moved us inside right away and brought all of our food and J's beers along. Couldn't thank her enough for saving me from hours of itchy rage.

Dessert was DELICIOUS! J got Mandy's Mess which was pound cake with fresh fruit, whipped cream, and a light syrup. Smacking my lips right now.

Rose recommended the Jaffa Tarts to me and THEY WERE AMAZING. Inside is a orange-y tasting cake. Covered in that chocolate layer, with a hint of raspberry sauce, it was so so tasty and just the perfect remedy for all the salt I just consumed.

It was a fun meal. Watching J force himself to finish all the beers he just paid for, trying to convince me that he liked them all, and was ok. He wasn't.

We walked slowly from UK to Canada. Canada's gardens and landscaping is unparalleled in WDW. So beautiful. And I'm so glad that I managed to get J to take one good picture with me here before he gave in and declared that he needed to rest.

We parked it on a bench while J (I'm not kidding) took a 20 minute nap on my shoulder. The poor thing. I had joked with him leading up to the trip that if he wasted any of my 'Disney time' being drunk, I'd abandon him, but of course I wasn't going to actually do that.

This was my view and I was actually very content. Dusk (again, the favorite) was fast approaching and it was absolutely beautiful and quiet up here in the back of Canada. I could even see some of the top rooms at Beach Club standing tall against the intensifying sunset.

Trip Report To Walt Disney World...and beyond! *COMPLETED!*

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Trip Report To Walt Disney World...and beyond! COMPLETED!