A Signature a Day Keeps Reality Away: A Sep '15 Dining Report - Updated 4/11 x2

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Thanks to everyone for your support. Thought I'd post a quick picture of me and my best friends, Jen and Donna, which you will be shocked to know was taken at a winery last fall. Jen, the blonde on the left, is the one who passed away. She was the yin to our yang, inherently good, saw only the best in people, and made us all better. Donna and I aren't sure what the world will be like with no good to counterbalance our "evil" but we intend on trying to channel our inner Jen's everyday


So sorry for your loss. We also had an unexpected and sudden loss this last week. Nothing makes it easier.
 
Groggin' in the Grotto

After our sun and drink filled day at the pool, we only had one thing on our minds: MORE DRINKS!!!! And what better place for that than Trader Sam's. Unfortunately by the time we arrived (right before the 4pm opening) the inside was already to capacity, so we elected to sit on the patio rather than wait. It was rather nice out here and felt removed from the rest of the resort, just a bit sticky in the September heat.


Now for the best part of the experience. Our drinks!!!! Jason got the HippopotoMai-Tai, cause nothing says manly more than drinking a fruity drink from a hippopotamus.

This is Coruba Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, Bols Orange Curaçao, Orgeat (Almond), Organic Agave Nectar, and fresh Lime Juice. They clearly aren't skimping on the alcohol here, because this thing was STRONG. I'd describe it as rum with a side of rum followed by a chase of you guessed it rum. It wasn't up my alley but Jason enjoyed it, especially being able to take the hippo home with us.

I opted for something a bit more refreshing: The Mosquito Mojto.

This was Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum, Organic Agave Nectar, Falernum (a sweet Caribbean syrup, thank you google), Mint, and fresh Lime Juice topped with Soda Water. While I was a bit disappointed this didn't come with a souvenir glass it hit the proverbial spot.

Even Casey decided to get in on the action.

This is the Skpper Sipper, which is essentially a mojito sans the rum. Seems like a waste to me, but Casey seemed to like it :drinking:

And of course after all the alcohol we needed some food to wash it down with. Sadly though, in this case drinks are clearly their strong suit. We tried three of their different appetizers and you'll see the operative word for all of them was chewy.

First up we have the corn-battered portuguese sausages with curry ketchup.

The sausage in these had a little heat, but not too much for Casey, and the corn batter was sweet and crispy. The "curry" ketchup was rather nondescript with no discernible curry flavor, but that of course didn't keep me from dunking away. While these had promise, unfortunately they had left the casings on the sausage so it was very chewy.

Next we had the Kalua Pork Tacos with cabbage and pickled vegetables.

The pork in here was tasty, but a bit too spicy for Casey's 4 year old palate. The shells looked delicious, but sadly were (you guessed it) chewy. Overall these had good flavor and the slaw added both some sweetness and crunch, they just need to work on the shells a bit.

Last, but not least, we had the food "winner" of the bunch the roasted chicken and pork pate bahn mi sliders.

While these weren't the authentic vietnamese sandwich I love so much, they were quite good. I was a bit disappointed the "pate" was just pieces of pork but they had good flavor and the picked vegetables on top were a great accompaniment. The buns on the other had were - say it with me now - chewy. Not sure if they had just been overcooked a bit or what but were a bit difficult to bite through.

Overall, despite the chewiness we did enjoy Trader Sam's. I'm hopeful to actually get inside next time, but will likely just skip the food and stick to what they do best, the drinks. Sadly they don't take tables in wonderland, so full price it was for us.
 
Pretzels on the Pooper

In case you hadn't guessed from Casey's attire, we headed to the Magic Kingdom for the evening so my Elsa could meet her twin and sister. Betcha can't even guess which one in Casey.




While there we also swam with a mermaid, hit up a comedy show with some very peculiar looking comedians, joined 999 ghosts in a very creep house, and went off to work in a diamond mine with some very small men all before I also had the privilege of being chauffeured by a real life snow queen (funny the car didn't freeze though)


We ended the evening with our family tradition of a sweet cream cheese pretzel from Tomorrowland Terrace on the People Mover (aka pretzels on the pooper if you're hip to Casey's name for the ride).

In case you've never tried this bad boy, its amazing. A soft and salty pretzel outside, filled with a sweet cream
cheese filling. It's perfection and of course made all the better by a trip on the Pooper (For those just following along on her first trip Casey somehow thought the People Mover was called the pooper. We being her amazingly obnoxious parents never corrected her and to this day she still thinks it really is called the Pooper.)

Before seeing wishes from the fast pass area. We're typically Fantasyland fireworks watchers as I'm not staking out a place for anything an hour in advance, so this was the first time we saw it from in front of the castle. I'm happy we can say we did it, but after being stuffed like sardines in there, I'll stick to fantasyland from now on.


With all the crowds we ended up walking to the Contemporary and catching the monorail from there, which worked out quite well.

Before I leave ya just wanted to mention that midnight tonight opens our fast pass window for our April trip. Not only will we be staying at our beloved Wilderness Lodge, but Jason will be running the Star Wars half marathon (I'm at least waining excitement over that one) and my inlaws will be joining us for part of the trip. They haven't been since the early 80's so I can't wait for them to see the world, especially through Casey's eyes. So if anyone wants to stay up and drink some wine with me tonight, feel free ; )


Next up: Dining in the Dark
 
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So sorry for your loss. I think losing a friend is particularly hard as a parent... Does that make sense? Being a mama means both you are always needing to carry on and also more raw to emotion, in my experience. Hard no matter what. Take care!
 
Jason got the HippopotoMai-Tai, cause nothing says manly more than drinking a fruity drink from a hippopotamus.

:rotfl:

I opted for something a bit more refreshing: The Mosquito Mojto.

Refreshing and classy

Even Casey decided to get in on the action.

This is the Skpper Sipper, which is essentially a mojito sans the rum. Seems like a waste to me, but Casey seemed to like it :drinking:

Sorry to say, but I'm with Casey on this one. Ok maybe with a little rum.


So cute. Wonder what the queens are conversing about
 
Your snow queen is adorable as always! I'm bummed the curry ketchup was not as inspired in execution as it sounds :sad2: Yay to you for a new trip, yay to me for another one of your awesome DR's :rotfl:lol
 


so sorry about your friend. It really makes you think about what in life truly matters and happy day memories are everything. Hope you are going ok xx
 
So what you're saying is ..they are chewy? Haha.... I love your report. The mojito looked fantastic and I'm super glad the poop is the people mover because otherwise ewe!
 
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. The advice you offered is well-taken...sadly, we just never know. I hope that you can find the DIS & April trip planning as a helpful distraction.

I agree with you on Trader Sam's. I didn't love the food either, or, honestly the drinks. That almondy ingredient doesn't appeal to me and unfortunately they won't stray from the recipes at all. There is a pineapple drink, avaialable only on the patio, that is divine!!

I've heard many talk about that pretzel but never tried it. Will have to put it on my list for next time. Casey's name for the People Mover is too funny. When I first read the title I was worried there was an "unfortunate incident."
 
So very sorry for your loss. It's always hard especially when it's untimely.

We are going in April too- I'm running the Star Wars half and Mark is coming along as my one man cheer squad. First trip sans kids. :)
 
Sweet cream cheese pretzel-now on my list! Not sure how I've missed it??

DH and I sat at the bar inside Trader Sam's ( which he kept calling Trader Joe's) when we went last month and stayed at the Poly. Like you we arrived just after 4 and all the tables were full. It was interesting, glad we went once but we actually preferred hanging out at the bar by 'Ohana-my brain isn't working right now and I can't think of the name. I had the Hippopoto-Mai-Tai because I likes me rum and offhand I can't remember what Steve had but we both thought they were ok. Strong yes! But otherwise just ok.
 
So sorry for your loss Kari. I thank God every day my bestie is still with me. I have lost friends before, but never as close as you two. Hugs and prayers for healing your grief. Hold on to the memories.
 
So sorry for your loss, Cari. Thoughts and prayers to you at this very sad time.
 
Hey Kari - I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. I can't imagine what that's like. I hope you find comfort in her memories. Hugs!! :grouphug:
 
Hi everyone, just wanted to pop in and let everyone know I hadn't fallen off the face of the earth. Unfortunately though I have not been absent for good reasons. My best friend fell suddenly ill and sadly after a brave week long fight passed away last week. To say I'm devastated is an understatement and now we're trying to work through the grief and help her parents settle affairs. I'm hopeful to get back on here in the days or weeks ahead, as these boards are a wonderful and much needed distraction from reality.

I share this to pass along three things that I've sadly learned in the last two weeks. First, life is fleeting love those around you with everything you have every chance you have. Second, as much as you think you know your own body you are not a doctor. Had my best friend sought care just 24 hours earlier I would not be posting this today. Lastly, get your sh*t in order. You never know when your time may come and it will be much easier on your loved ones if you have your affairs in order.

Thanks in advance to all for your thoughts. Hopefully I'll be seeing ya real soon.

I cried when i read this, I am sending you positive thoughts and thinking of you often. Death is never easy, but sudden death is unimaginable. Hugs, and love. :hug:
 
img_0956-jpg.147187

Whoa!


Boy, I hope you guys didn't have anywhere you needed to be. :eek:


Aww! Beautiful!

Hi everyone, just wanted to pop in and let everyone know I hadn't fallen off the face of the earth. Unfortunately though I have not been absent for good reasons. My best friend fell suddenly ill and sadly after a brave week long fight passed away last week. To say I'm devastated is an understatement and now we're trying to work through the grief and help her parents settle affairs. I'm hopeful to get back on here in the days or weeks ahead, as these boards are a wonderful and much needed distraction from reality.

I share this to pass along three things that I've sadly learned in the last two weeks. First, life is fleeting love those around you with everything you have every chance you have. Second, as much as you think you know your own body you are not a doctor. Had my best friend sought care just 24 hours earlier I would not be posting this today. Lastly, get your sh*t in order. You never know when your time may come and it will be much easier on your loved ones if you have your affairs in order.

Thanks in advance to all for your thoughts. Hopefully I'll be seeing ya real soon.

I am very sorry for your lost, Kari. I'm thinking of you. :hug:

It wasn't up my alley but Jason enjoyed it, especially being able to take the hippo home with us.

I'll have to try Trader Sam's if only for the souvenir cups. SO cool!

Next we had the Kalua Pork Tacos with cabbage and pickled vegetables.

These look delish, too bad they didn't live up to their appearance.

We being her amazingly obnoxious parents never corrected her and to this day she still thinks it really is called the Pooper.)

:lmao:

Not only will we be staying at our beloved Wilderness Lodge, but Jason will be running the Star Wars half marathon (I'm at least waining excitement over that one) and my inlaws will be joining us for part of the trip.

Yay! I hope you g0t everything you wanted.
 
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