With 6 Todd will eat your egg roll! Nicki, Todd, Katmark & Family Xmas! UPDATED 1/2

[Tracerr00]

Chefs was our favorite meal of our entire trip in September! My DD said that she didn't want an app so I told her to order the onion soup and that I'd eat it. And then when it came I had to fight her for it! She loved the mac and cheese too. I'm dying to go back there during my trip in Feb but sadly there is no room for it. Excellent review!!

[H20DogsNDisney]

great start

[TanzUnited99]

Joining in!

Love the review of Boma and the drinks at Epcot.

Btw your food pics are killing me!!

[Rumpletinker]

Whew! I'm out of breath (and a little hungry) from running through five pages to catch up; but here I am and feeling fortunate to experience a Nickki/Todd/Mark/Kat dining review. Can't wait!

[chocovrdmicears]

Well poop - page 5 before I hop in. Gotta love working retail during the Holidays.

On the upside - I love love love reading about you and Kathy together - from your many posts I know how much you two adore each other - warms my heart to see your two families enjoying vacation together.

looking forward to more....

[2xcited2sleep]

Oh, how I love your reviews! And so excited that you got to return with your besties!

I've forgotten but have you stayed at the Swan/Dolphin before? What do you think? Is there a difference between the two? Do you miss the Disney theming? Seems like it's a great location & value but I haven't tried it yet... very curious.

Love the AKL lobby... especially at Christmas. So beautiful.

Yum, yum, yum to Beaches 'n Cream. Have you ever tried the Fountain at Swan/Dolphin? I hear it mentioned as comparable but have never strayed from my beloved BnC.

I absolutely adore Chefs for lunch and that prix fixe menu is a great value. YUM!

Oh and apple thingy shot in Germany... duly noted.

Looking forward to more!!

[happy2012]

I am lovin' the review as always Nicki!!!It's so awesome you got to meet up w/ ur friends!! We did Boma & it was off the hook!!! I see why you love it so much!! My DH got that pecan thing & his eyes rolled back in his head & told me to try it...it was AMAZING!!!! I can't wait to go back!! I am seriously jealous that you live so close to WDW!!! You are SO Lucky!!!

[englishrose47]

At work and just found this so am subbing and ya' know I'm gonna read it !!

[englishrose47]

I am all caught up !! Let me see ... Beaches and Cream, all I have had there is icecream, when we took the 8 guys for the Kitchen sink. Food looked good. Sunshine Seasons .. many times my favorite is the Strawberry shortcake !!Boma Breakfast ... the Best ever!! That juice is pure Heaven, I love the sausages too. Chefs I have has the onion soup , very tasty but not HOT enough for me , the Mac and cheese now is incredible . Okay I will drool along as usual !!!

[MickeyNicki]

Originally Posted by KatMark

That drink you had was disgustingly sweet.

I'm so glad you could talk Andy into spending the $10.00 to buy the extra day...it was so great to have an extra night in Epcot. I can't believe after the early hour we were up that they stayed for Illuminations.

The popcorn was super yummy as always...no one makes popcorn like Disney.

It was horrible wasnt it? So happy we squeezed in extra park time that night! Dont forget, they are much younger than us and they can pull of late nights Disney is the best popcorn, I think its the container lol

Originally Posted by pas130

I hope we do!!! We were there for dessert years ago when we stayed at BCV and it was yummy!!! We are staying YC (unless I go nuts and start changing ) so I am sure we'll be there at least once or twice

Those drinks sound

As many cupcakes as you can eat..this is a goal I LOVE

I love the YC! If the prices keep climbing and discounts keep dwindling I am never going to stay there anymore I was scouring the boards for new cupcakes and had a running list of what I wanted to try!

Originally Posted by KatMark

The cupcake in the cup looks adorable...sorry you didn't like it.

I had forgotten you ate breakfast earlier than us; I have to say even though I don't like cinnamon rolls especially, that one was very tasty.

It was cute but I think it was $10...my cupcake, the one with the snowflake on top, was $5 and totally not worth it. Can you believe Todd didnt eat one cinny bun while we were there?? Shocking I know!

Originally Posted by pooh'smate

Joining in. All that food looks amazing!!!!

Welcome! The food was excellent!

Originally Posted by Jenna319

I'm joining in! I'm going to have to try one of those apple shots in Germany!!

It was excellent, going to Total Wine this weekend, hopefully they have it there

Originally Posted by mommy2mrb

we will have a couple of times to try and meet up!

love the mickey mug with the cupcake, sorry it wasn't fresh!
bummer about the yucky drinks too!

Santa's bringing megan one of the vinylmations! she is getting quite the collection!

drooling over all the food photos...we had dinner at LeChefs and LOVED it! what no one got the creme brulee could make a meal out of the french onion soup and all the bread!

A meet would be great! I didnt try the one in the cupcake but one that was in the refrigerator...it was way too cold, that might have been why I didnt like it. We never cared for dinner at Chefs but love lunch!

Originally Posted by disnut1149

Hi Nicki,
I've been waiting for your trip and reviews!!! I need my Disney food fix!! I've never been to Chefs and the mac and cheese looks great. I'm veggie, so I'm going to have to try that on my next trip in August. I have to wait so long. You're so lucky you live so close to DW. Thanks again for your reviews!
Joan

Hi Joan, Happy Holidays! I love living just 3 hours from the World, I hope we can get back again soon!

Originally Posted by KatMark

Chefs -- one of my favorite meals of the trip. I cannot believe that Mark and I never ventured into this restaurant before. Mark and I really enjoyed it and plan on going back in August. I think Mark wants to try that mac and cheese next time. And my soup was outstanding. And happy to share my salad with you...not a big salad eater unless it's ceasar.

I am so glad you all enjoyed it, hope we can add it to our list the next time too! Look at us, already planning next Dec! I love it! You always share your veggies and I am so thankful!

Originally Posted by Moira222

Hi Nicki! I followed you over from Kathy's TR and had to say hello. Feel like I know you from Kathy's TRs

I am enjoying your reviews and food photos so far.

Boma sounded yummy....mmmm sweet potato pancakes? Goat cheese & chive eggs? I'm sold.

Too bad the the drinks were too icky sweet. and that your cute cupcake was dry. I hate when i dig into something and it turns out dry or just not calorie worthy. The apple cupcake looked yummmm

I am a huge salad eater too so could relate to the yum factor of Kathy sharing hers. We enjoyed Les Chefs for dinner last summer and the lunch looks great too. That mac & cheese....mmmmmm

thanks for sharing, subbing for more reviews!

Happy to have you here! Kathy writes the best reports doesnt she? Boma is amazing, I could eat there every single day! For our Oct trip we decided to eat at Boma and Kona a few times during our long stay, its so worth it! I was very picky with what I spent my carbs on and for the most part I picked right!

Originally Posted by NHTikiBeckie

I'm in!

Thanks for reading along!

Originally Posted by LisaKeys

I'm on board. I just love the little video of Mark seeing you both at CSR!

Did the Cupcake in the Mickey Cup include the cup? It looks ceramic, was it?

I am loving reading of a terrific trip for all 6 of you. Great weather, great friends, great family and a birthday to boot! Who could ask for more?

Read you soon! (Hopefully Kathy will post a link in this TR when hers is ready to go.

Wasnt that video great! I was sneaking behind the guy so Mark wouldnt see me but the guy moved and I just had to run to my Romeo! Yes the cupcake was in the Mickey Cup, I didnt get it though. We had the most incredible time and we all want to do it again next year!

Originally Posted by bigal'sdaughter

Hi! Just wanted to say thanks and how much I love your reviews! Now that our kiddos are getting a bit older - evenings in Epcot - our favorite!- are back on the agenda! Can't wait for more!

Thank you! I could just stay in Epcot every day and be very happy!

Originally Posted by SusieBea

Oh, yay! You're back! I always enjoy your reviews, and this one is especially fun. Now, tell me how you and Kathy know each other ...... (I have a lot of time....)

Kathy and I met on the Dis almost 5 years ago and chatted online for a long time. THey came to Marco Island, where I live, in 2009 and we met for coffee. One look at this woman and I knew I was meeting my best friend for life! The four of us clicked so well, they come to visit us twice a year and I have to get Todd to plan a trip to Chicago to visit them!

Originally Posted by PhoenixStrength

I'm joining in!! Now to go catch up

I have much more to post so stick around!

[MickeyNicki]

Originally Posted by Tracerr00

Chefs was our favorite meal of our entire trip in September! My DD said that she didn't want an app so I told her to order the onion soup and that I'd eat it. And then when it came I had to fight her for it! She loved the mac and cheese too. I'm dying to go back there during my trip in Feb but sadly there is no room for it. Excellent review!!

Normally the french onion is my favorite but I was in a lobster bisque kinda mood and I am so glad I was! I think Todd was glad too because he didnt have to share lol!

Originally Posted by H20DogsNDisney

great start

Thank you!

Originally Posted by TanzUnited99

Joining in!

Love the review of Boma and the drinks at Epcot.

Btw your food pics are killing me!!

So glad you found me! I wish I lived closer so I could eat at Boma once a week!

Originally Posted by Rumpletinker

Whew! I'm out of breath (and a little hungry) from running through five pages to catch up; but here I am and feeling fortunate to experience a Nickki/Todd/Mark/Kat dining review. Can't wait!

It was worth it though right? LOL! I have much more to report so stay tuned!

Originally Posted by chocovrdmicears

Well poop - page 5 before I hop in. Gotta love working retail during the Holidays.

On the upside - I love love love reading about you and Kathy together - from your many posts I know how much you two adore each other - warms my heart to see your two families enjoying vacation together.

looking forward to more....

Better late than never I say! The two of us are quite a pair, you should have seen us in action! She was in the lead, me not too far behind them and the boys....well the boys were WAY behind us!

Originally Posted by 2xcited2sleep

Oh, how I love your reviews! And so excited that you got to return with your besties!

I've forgotten but have you stayed at the Swan/Dolphin before? What do you think? Is there a difference between the two? Do you miss the Disney theming? Seems like it's a great location & value but I haven't tried it yet... very curious.

Love the AKL lobby... especially at Christmas. So beautiful.

Yum, yum, yum to Beaches 'n Cream. Have you ever tried the Fountain at Swan/Dolphin? I hear it mentioned as comparable but have never strayed from my beloved BnC.

I absolutely adore Chefs for lunch and that prix fixe menu is a great value. YUM!

Oh and apple thingy shot in Germany... duly noted.

Looking forward to more!!

This trip was something we always wanted to do together, it was perfect and I am so happy it came true! We have stayed at the Swaphin many times and really enjoy it. Yes it has no Disney feel whatsoever but I love the rooms and the location. On the ride home Todd and I talked about staying there for the 11 nights in October, it will cost the same as the POFQ...usually he prefers a more themed resort but I think I convinced him on the Dolphin!

Originally Posted by happy2012

I am lovin' the review as always Nicki!!!It's so awesome you got to meet up w/ ur friends!! We did Boma & it was off the hook!!! I see why you love it so much!! My DH got that pecan thing & his eyes rolled back in his head & told me to try it...it was AMAZING!!!! I can't wait to go back!! I am seriously jealous that you live so close to WDW!!! You are SO Lucky!!!

Thank you! That pecan thing was soooo dangerous wasnt it? Delish! I am praying for another trip in Jan or Feb, just a short one but that is fine with me!

Originally Posted by englishrose47

I am all caught up !! Let me see ... Beaches and Cream, all I have had there is icecream, when we took the 8 guys for the Kitchen sink. Food looked good. Sunshine Seasons .. many times my favorite is the Strawberry shortcake !!Boma Breakfast ... the Best ever!! That juice is pure Heaven, I love the sausages too. Chefs I have has the onion soup , very tasty but not HOT enough for me , the Mac and cheese now is incredible . Okay I will drool along as usual !!!

Hi Rosie! The food is great at B&C, you have to try it one day! You are right about Boma, and real coffee too!

[MickeyNicki]

Now I know why I love writing a live review, I can remember everything a lot better! Trying to recall things after 2 weeks is stressing out my brain

After our wonderful lunch at Chefs Des was saving room for her dessert...no it wasnt on the menu but it was at the French Bakery next door. Honestly it doesnt look like they are moving quickly on the remodel..hopefully it will be done soon.

Her favorite item is the lemon meringue tart. She really enjoyed it and offered me a bite but I am not a fan of meringue



As we strolled along the countries Andy and I popped into Tangierine Cafe and I picked up some bakalava for Mark and myself. I had a walnut one and he had the pistachio. These were not good, they were too stale





I had a glass of Rosa Regale from Italy. In the past I have been given a small dark chocolate with my wine but this time they charged me a quarter . The wine was excellent, crisp and cold, a bit sweet and just perfect with the dark chocolate, it really enhances the flavor of both items



Whats Germany without caramel? I told Todd he could pick and he ordered a pecan covered caramel chocolate pretzel stick. He thought it was ok, he wished he had the one without the nuts...but I loved it!



Our day was split between Epcot and HS, had to see the lights! It was time to catch a boat and see what other snacks we could find...I was on a cupcake hunt you know!

[dvc4life]

Great report as always Nicki! So far looks like you are having lots of fun. And lots of good food!

[MickeyNicki]

It was a nice boat ride over to HS, the kids and the guys went off to Rockin Rollercoaster while Kathy and I had some sister time and shopped and took pictures and just laughed and laughed.

I was making a beeline for Starring Rolls because I have been reading all about their gingerbread cupcake. Not realizing what time it was I was a bit upset to find the door was locked! Poor Kathy was pulling and pushing on that door but it wouldnt budge! We saw people inside and went to the other door where a CM told us they were closed! The horror! I begged to come in because I just wanted one lil ol' cupcake!

And they let us in! Not before giving Kathy 2 free cookies..Des ate the chocolate ears but I dont know what happened to the rest



Rushing over to the case where the cupcakes are I was shocked to find just the red velvet and butter finger! Oh no! Have no fears, another CM pointed to the second case, so I turned quickly to find it was EMPTY! OH NO! But these CM's are just too wonderful to let me go away empty handed, they want into the back and got me one! The people were incredible!

So here it is, in all its glory, I present - THE GINGERBREAD HOLIDAY CUPCAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING





We quickly grabbed a seat and I started right in on the little sucker. It was super moist, very gingerbread-y and the cream cheese was excellent, light and creamy and not too sweet. Kathy had to keep reminding me to save some for Todd Aw man, I wish I bought two, but I did save some for him because that is what a nice wife does right?

The two of us mosied over to the rollercoaster where we met everyone and Todd ate his half of the cupcake and then wanted something else! Popcorn? Pretzel? OK!

Popcorn, just excellent!



Pretzel, the best in the world!



And a souvenier mug, holiday style, with soda for just $5! Bargain! I have been using mine every day, a great way to relive our trip









Deciding on a rest stop before seeing the Osborne Lights and getting our picture with Santa Goofy I spied with my little eye an alcoholic menu! Right by Backlot Tours...



Kathy and I bought ordered a Snowball...this drink was fantastic! Very creamy and not too sweet and just delish...I have been making them at home as a treat after a busy day or not so busy day at the office



We hopped in line for Santa Goofy and the four of us are just chatting up a storm when a husband and wife who were sitting there say "Can I ask you a question? Are you MickeyNicki and Todd?" YUP - RECOGINIZED AGAIN! Todd is used to it but Mark couldnt believe I was ID'd Turns out she knew of Kathy and my trip and had been following along! Small world huh?

A great time was had by all and everyone loved the lights but we had to get moving...see we had late reservations at the Yachtsman, what seemed like a great idea when we booked it now not so much as we were all exhausted but no way could we cancel so lets get our butts on a boat and sail over to the Yacht Club!

[MickeyNicki]

Our reservation at the Yachtsman was for 8:30, we arrived around 8:15 and we had to wait about 15-20 minutes. We were all so exhausted I dont know how we made it but we did! This was Mark's big celebration meal and none of them have ever been to a signature restaurant before so this was a huge treat for all of us!

I think every one had sodas, I had ice tea and I love the sugars that come with it



Suddenly we were all starving, shocking to all of us, and I told the server to bring a ton of bread..and he took that literally!

Sourdough and onion pull apart rolls...he brought over 3 butters and 3 garlics too...holy moly this was outstanding. Slather one of those onion rolls with butter and garlic, YUM! I had some restraint and just had the one, but I really wanted more!







Andy had the lobster bisque and said it was spicy, pretty good but the one at Chefs was a lot better



Mark and Todd had the wedge salad...they both enjoyed it and ate it all...I was lucky to share some of Todds and it was very good, a bit too much blue cheese for him but I liked it



Andy had the Porterhouse with the garlic butter and fries....he ate all of it so I guess he enjoyed it!



Todd and Mark had the NY Strip, again they both loved it but I dont think they cared for the potatoes, they had the sauce on the side. I wish I had ordered the NY Strip because the flavor was just outstanding!





Us ladies had the filet, mine with string beans and bernaise sauce and the other two with mashed potatoes. A hit with all of us!







The table shared three sides, the truffled mac and cheese (OMG this stuff should be illegal its that good!) the mushrooms (Todd and I could not get enough of them) and the creamed spinach (the best I have ever had anywhere)







The six of us ate like we were starving animals but were too full for dessert...they did bring out a cupcake for Mark



Everyone loved it and Mark commented that he would love to eat there again, I sure hope they do!