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

[kastoney]

Refreshing and classy

Two words rarely associated with me

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

You can Casey can stick to the virgin varietal cause that just means more rum for me ; )

So cute. Wonder what the queens are conversing about

Sadly probably not too much. Casey tends to clam up around the characters. Some version of being star struck I think.

Your snow queen is adorable as always! I'm bummed the curry ketchup was not as inspired in execution as it sounds Yay to you for a new trip, yay to me for another one of your awesome DR's lol

Ah thanks. Curry ketchup definitely sounded like it could have been inspired, maybe it was just an off night of them.

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

Thank you. I'm hanging in there as best I can.

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!

Chewy??? Where on earth did you get that idea from ; )

Yeah pretzels on an actual pooper definite ewe! Casey is so gonna hate us when she can read and learns she been calling the People Mover the pooper for several years.

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."

Thanks for the condolences. You are right we just never know.

Glad to hear we aren't the only ones who just didn't gel with Trader Sams. Not sure what I was expecting, but the food at least sounded fairly unique. Too bad they just couldn't execute it. What is that pineapple drink?????

You must try the pretzel. I think they have them in the American Pavilion in Epcot too, but it's a must on the pooper for us ; )

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.

Thank you. Looks like we'll be there at the same time. Maybe you and Jason can run together and Mark and I can double the cheering squad ; )

Very sorry for your loss!! Sending hugs your way!

Thank you Vicki

 

[kastoney]

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!

Thank you. You got it exactly right trying to carrying on with life and take care of Casey while I break down every other minute has been both a good distraction and a horrible experience. Plus as a Mom watching her mother say goodbye to her daughter was just gut wrenching and something no parent should have to go through. We're all taking good care of each other cause we know we'll only get through this together.

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.

Run to tomorrow land terrace and get your pretzel on the pooper now!!!!!

Trader Sam's/Trader Joe's both male traders so same ; ) Yeah, you'll see later in the trip Jason and I contemplated going to Trader Sam's again and ultimately went to Tambu Lounge (cause my brain is barely working today) instead. Think we preferred to chillness of the lounge vice Sam's too. If only they sold the cool glasses though ; )

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.

Thanks Niki. I'll take all the hugs and prayers I can get.

So sorry for your loss, Cari. Thoughts and prayers to you at this very sad time.

Thank you

So very sorry for your loss.

Thanks

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!!

Thanks Ashley. We're getting through as best we can and memories are both comforting and heartbreaking at the same time.

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.

Thanks Lauren, that means a lot. I'll take all the good thoughts you have. We have Casey's birthday this weekend, which of course is a wonderful occasion, but will be the first real event since she passed. Will put on my brave face for Casey and then drown my sorrows in some good wine when she goes to bed.

Thanks for sharing. Very interesting reading.

Thanks

Whoa!

Whoa is an understatement

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

Thankfully schools and work were closed for a few days so we just stayed put.

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

Thanks Colleen.

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

Yep, they had all the promise in the world just couldn't deliver.

Yay! I hope you g0t everything you wanted.

I did, thanks! Only real priorities were mine train while my inlaws will be with us and an anna and elsa for Casey, which thankfully we got.

 

[ohiotinkerbell]

Hi following along. Hope to stay at the Poly next Oct. Haven't stayed there for a long time. Really enjoying your review.

 

[jock76]

great review.I am very sorry for your loss.

 

[nataliej_vk]

I am so sorry for your loss! Loosing a friend so young is very hard especially in those circumstances praying for you and the family.
Also me and my daughter just booked a last minute trip in April I'll keep my eyes open to say hi!

 

[hokieinpa]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a friend so unexpectedly is so very hard.


Trader Sam's seems like the perfect way to tie up your Poly pool afternoon. Those drinks do look yummy. Too bad the food game wasn't on par!

Love Casey's Elsa 'do! While I'm happy most of the time not to have to scramble to book every princess-related event on our trips, I do miss the excitement that it seems like little girls have meeting the Princesses and getting all dressed up!

I've heard mixed reviews of the Wishes FP+ area. I think they were keeping it pretty open in the beginning but have started stuffing it full of people now.

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

This is a parenting system I can totally get behind!

 

[NJlauren]

Was thinking about you this weekend. Hope the birthday party was wonderful, even thought I am sure it was unimaginably hard for you.

 

[vettegirl]

All caught up Kari, I am so very sorry for your loss and hope you are doing okay.

 

[Mrsd]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[kastoney]

Hi following along. Hope to stay at the Poly next Oct. Haven't stayed there for a long time. Really enjoying your review.

Hi and Welcome. So glad you are enjoying. Hope you get to stay at the Poly. We all really loved it and fingers crossed thing we may be returning in August.

great review.I am very sorry for your loss.

Thank you!

I am so sorry for your loss! Loosing a friend so young is very hard especially in those circumstances praying for you and the family.
Also me and my daughter just booked a last minute trip in April I'll keep my eyes open to say hi!

Thank you Natalie!

Are you going the same time as us (15-24 April)? If so please do keep an eye out I'd love to say hi to some DIS friends.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a friend so unexpectedly is so very hard.


Trader Sam's seems like the perfect way to tie up your Poly pool afternoon. Those drinks do look yummy. Too bad the food game wasn't on par!

Love Casey's Elsa 'do! While I'm happy most of the time not to have to scramble to book every princess-related event on our trips, I do miss the excitement that it seems like little girls have meeting the Princesses and getting all dressed up!

I've heard mixed reviews of the Wishes FP+ area. I think they were keeping it pretty open in the beginning but have started stuffing it full of people now.



This is a parenting system I can totally get behind!

Thanks Jamie, appreciate your support.

How about we trade Casey for one of the boys some trip??? You can get some Princess time in and I can take a much needed break ; )

Yeah, the fast pass for wishes was a massive disappointment. We'd done FoF one time and it was practically empty with lots of room. This was definitely a one and done for us.

Was thinking about you this weekend. Hope the birthday party was wonderful, even thought I am sure it was unimaginably hard for you.

Thank you Lauren, that really means a lot. I'll try and post an update tonight or tomorrow on Casey's birthday. It was definitely a wonderful day for her. I muddled through as best I could but to say it was tough is an understatement.

All caught up Kari, I am so very sorry for your loss and hope you are doing okay.

Thanks Lori. I'm holding up as bestI can.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Thank you

 

[cinderkelly]

Oh Kari my heart goes out to you. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I don't know what I could say to help, but just know that your extended "family" here is there for you.

 

[kastoney]

Oh Kari my heart goes out to you. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I don't know what I could say to help, but just know that your extended "family" here is there for you.

Thanks Kelly. That really means a lot. Being with my "family" here and all things Disney is a great escape

 

[kastoney]

Back to the Future

Quick real life update before I get to the FOOD!!! Sunday was Casey's birthday and she is now a very big 5 year old. She wanted an inside out party so she could rewear her Disgust costume from Halloween, so of course her wish was granted. We also got to see one of the Disney live shows that day which was fun. She had a blast, while we pondered where in the world five years have gone (and of course drank while we pontificated). Here is a quick snapshot of our girl with her cake that her very talented Daddy made.


Now back to regular programming.....

Day 6 brought us back to MGM for the day and thankfully with much better results than the first go round (Brown Derby I'm looking at you). Cool magic bands in hand for Casey and I....


Our first stop was the not so great movie ride, which Casey oddly loves, though she refers to it as the shooting lady ride thanks to the gangster scene, before we spun around in 3-D glasses in some kid named Andy's bedroom.

From there Casey got to spend some quality with the Disney Jr. gang and she was clearly fan-girling a bit.







She was in the mood for some characters today, so we also got to see Sorcerer Mickey, Goofy, and Pluto


Before making our way to see a couple of very scary Monsters

This was one of the best character interactions we had as Sully did not want Casey to go and kept holding onto her. He finally let go, but proceeded to follow us out the exit and into the store next door. Casey still talks about it.

Character-palooza out of the way we were all ready for some lunch at one of our favorite spots: ABC Commissary (Sorry couldn't resist lambasting one of the worst counter services we ever had.) We'd originally had an ADR At 50's because I was jonesing for some fried chicken, but Jason didn't want to be torn apart from his mecca of cars, campy movies, and eating in the dark: SciFi.

The wait was brief before we we were escorted to our car.

In case you can't tell, it was nasty awful hot this day.

To cool ourselves down I partook of a delicious Orange Blossom Brewing orange and honey beer, which oddly enough tasted like orange and honey. Strange how that happens.


Jason decided to channel our other favorite Florida Destination with a Key West Southernmost Wheat.


As we contemplated our entree's I decided to channel my fried chicken craving into some onion rings.

These were pretty solid onion rings that came with a horseradish dipping sauce. They weren't the best I had all week (yes there will be at least 3 more in my self anointed onion ring showdown) but were nice and crispy with a good batter. My only complaint was they were not as hot as I would have liked them to be. Though, I'll add even our onion hating daughter couldn't resist.


For our entree, Casey and I split the Build Your Own Angus Burger.

This is a served on a Brioche Bun topped with your choice of the following: Swiss, Cheddar, or American Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Jalapeños, Caramelized Onions, Mushrooms, Bacon, Onion Rings, or Barbecue Sauce. I'd ordered this medium rare with cheddar cheese and some caramelized onions on the side for me and mushrooms and bacon on the side for Casey. While this as a bit overcooked for medium rare it was juicy and flavorful and a very good burger. The fries were also quite tasty, but needed some salt

Jason was apparently on some sort of healthy kick so he got the Smoked Turkey Sandwich.

This is served on Fresh-baked Multigrain Roll, Smoked Turkey, Hickory-smoked Bacon, Lettuce, and Vine-ripened Tomatoes with Avocado Mayonnaise. Jason said this was fine, but nothing stellar Though I'm not sure stellar and turkey sandwich are ever in the same sentence. The avocado mayo added some much needed flavor to this. Without it this would have just been turkey sammie 101.

Overall this was another solid SciFi meal. You can't beat the ambiance and the service is always efficient. While the food isn't out of this world (pun intended) it's solid and relatively inexpensive for a table service. Plus they take Tables in Wonderland, so we saved $11.53.

We skipped dessert at SciFi so we could head next door for one of my favorites....The Carrot Cake Cookie at Writers Stop.

Words cannot describe how good this "cookie" is. It's essentially a oatmeal cream pie meets gob meets carrot cake meets happiness in my mouth. This is a must on almost all our trips and should not be missed.

I'll leave it there for today. Up next, Eataly is where I want to be!!!!!​

 

[followthatmouse]

Happy Birthday to the Big Girl!!! I just love that cake!

Mmm, onion rings! You know how to make a girl hungry.

 

[suse66]

Yay for Sci-Fi! We are having an early dinner there on the 13th of March and I can't wait!!! Your Angus burger is exactly what my boys and DH will be devouring. I am planning on either the veggie burger (tried it last year and loved it) or the the veggie shepherd's pie (which I have heard good things about). Was your beer the pilsner? I am definitely going to try that carrot cake cookie too! It looks divine! Do you remember if there were nuts in it or not?

Thanks again for your great reviews!

 

[Vernie822]

Quick real life update before I get to the FOOD!!! Sunday was Casey's birthday and she is now a very big 5 year old. She wanted an inside out party so she could rewear her Disgust costume from Halloween, so of course her wish was granted. We also got to see one of the Disney live shows that day which was fun. She had a blast, while we pondered where in the world five years have gone (and of course drank while we pontificated). Here is a quick snapshot of our girl with her cake that her very talented Daddy made.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CASEY!!!!

I can't handle the sweetness for one thing.. for another, how talented is Jason! Wow. I really enjoyed Inside Out - cute movie.

Our first stop was the not so great movie ride, which Casey oddly loves, though she refers to it as the shooting lady ride thanks to the gangster scene, before we spun around in 3-D glasses in some kid named Andy's bedroom.

HAHA.. shooting lady ride

To cool ourselves down I partook of a delicious Orange Blossom Brewing orange and honey beer, which oddly enough tasted like orange and honey. Strange how that happens.

Both of those beers sound delicious. We've never done Sci Fi but I've been thinking about it. The food sounds good.

Words cannot describe how good this "cookie" is. It's essentially a oatmeal cream pie meets gob meets carrot cake meets happiness in my mouth. This is a must on almost all our trips and should not be missed.

Yes! The best! Everything about it. I saw on Disneyfoodblog, a chocolate whoopie pie with peanut butter in the middle at Disneyland.. I see that in my future.

 

[momof3princes]

Happy Birthday to Casey! Five is fun So impressed that the only thing on your table is Casey and the very cute cake! Clear tables are very rare in my house!
Yum for onion rings and the carrot cake cookie

 

[NJlauren]

OMG amazing Cake making skills!

Happy to hear the party was a success for Casey!

I don't love onion rings, but i love horseradish dipping sauce, so that might a reason to try them! I am looking forward to seeing where there are better ones!

 

[ariane37]

ABC Commissary

I had.....the most hideous burger there in January I don't even know why I ordered it. Thank God I still had half my carrot cake cookie with me to eat after I chucked the burger!

Happy Belated Birthday to Casey! That cake is awesome I was eating my Rapunzel cake the same day but hers was more special since dad made it

 

[1stTimeDisneyer]

Happy Birthday Casey! It is nice to find other people who I share a birthday with!