dvc at last !
DVC Member 2006!
- Joined
- May 27, 2006
I have really enjoyed reading your TR. Beautiful pics, meals and your honesty.
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Aliens, F&W waddle & food porn-Oct2014 BCV & 1st time DCL (Updated 19Apr2015)
- Thread starter saintstickets
- Start date
saintstickets
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2009
Why thank you! Ask and ye shall receive.....
saintstickets
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2009
Sunday – 10/05/14
Disembarkation day. It would be really sad but we are heading to WDW!
We didn’t stick around for breakfast and we decided to bus our own luggage instead of setting it out the night before for bell services to collect. Going thru customs was pretty easy. The customs agent was kinda imposing so I resisted the temptation to try and cut up with him. “No sir, nothing to declare. The wife wanted to buy some expensive jewelry in Nassau and hide it in her purse but I wouldn’t let her, although I do have to contact Discover when we get back about a mysterious $1900 charge while in Nassau.” Nah, I wouldn’t do that, would I?
After a short wait for our shuttle back to the Radisson, we were at our car, packed up and headed to Orlando. A stop at Mickey D’s for breakfast and several toll booths later
and we were pulling up to the Beach Club before noon! Naturally our room wasn’t ready and our son’s flight doesn’t arrive at MCO until 2:25 so we walked over to the Dolphin to eat lunch at the Fresh Mediterranean Market. They have a limited menu and a daily special menu. This is the daily menu
We ordered the Southwest Steak salad and a Caesar salad with rotisserie chicken.
It was good for what it was and our waiter Kahley was really friendly. We chose it because it was nearby, no reservations are needed, we have never been there and they give a DVC discount. My rating
B-
It was good. I wouldn’t hesitate to go again but due to the very limited menu, it will not be a first choice but it was nice to put another check on the bucket list of all the WDW restaurants.
(Continued in next post)
Disembarkation day. It would be really sad but we are heading to WDW!
We didn’t stick around for breakfast and we decided to bus our own luggage instead of setting it out the night before for bell services to collect. Going thru customs was pretty easy. The customs agent was kinda imposing so I resisted the temptation to try and cut up with him. “No sir, nothing to declare. The wife wanted to buy some expensive jewelry in Nassau and hide it in her purse but I wouldn’t let her, although I do have to contact Discover when we get back about a mysterious $1900 charge while in Nassau.” Nah, I wouldn’t do that, would I?
After a short wait for our shuttle back to the Radisson, we were at our car, packed up and headed to Orlando. A stop at Mickey D’s for breakfast and several toll booths later
and we were pulling up to the Beach Club before noon! Naturally our room wasn’t ready and our son’s flight doesn’t arrive at MCO until 2:25 so we walked over to the Dolphin to eat lunch at the Fresh Mediterranean Market. They have a limited menu and a daily special menu. This is the daily menu
We ordered the Southwest Steak salad and a Caesar salad with rotisserie chicken.
It was good for what it was and our waiter Kahley was really friendly. We chose it because it was nearby, no reservations are needed, we have never been there and they give a DVC discount. My rating
B-
It was good. I wouldn’t hesitate to go again but due to the very limited menu, it will not be a first choice but it was nice to put another check on the bucket list of all the WDW restaurants.
(Continued in next post)
saintstickets
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2009
(Continued from previous post)
After we finished, we walked back to the BCV.
As expected, our room wasn’t ready but there to greet us was the famous Teena!!
What a wonderful person to meet and talk to. We have “met” on the DISboards in one of Dee’s TRs. We talked for a good 30-45 minutes about all things Disney and Disney Cruise Line. Teena has been on many cruises and gave us some tips and insight for our upcoming Alaska cruise. We talked about our children and trips we have taken. It was so nice to meet her and get to know each other. During the conversation, she asked if we had been to the newly expanded Beach Club Concierge lounge. Of course we had not but we were very interested in seeing it. She arranged for us to get a tour! Here are a few pics
What a fantastic place to sit and relax, get a snack, start a day or finish one. Thanks for the tour Teena and it was such a pleasure to meet you. If any readers ever get the chance to meet her, do not hesitate. She will make you feel like a long lost friend and is a wealth of information!
(Continued in next post 2)
After we finished, we walked back to the BCV.
As expected, our room wasn’t ready but there to greet us was the famous Teena!!
What a wonderful person to meet and talk to. We have “met” on the DISboards in one of Dee’s TRs. We talked for a good 30-45 minutes about all things Disney and Disney Cruise Line. Teena has been on many cruises and gave us some tips and insight for our upcoming Alaska cruise. We talked about our children and trips we have taken. It was so nice to meet her and get to know each other. During the conversation, she asked if we had been to the newly expanded Beach Club Concierge lounge. Of course we had not but we were very interested in seeing it. She arranged for us to get a tour! Here are a few pics
What a fantastic place to sit and relax, get a snack, start a day or finish one. Thanks for the tour Teena and it was such a pleasure to meet you. If any readers ever get the chance to meet her, do not hesitate. She will make you feel like a long lost friend and is a wealth of information!
(Continued in next post 2)
saintstickets
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2009
(Continued from previous post 2)
Eventually our room was ready.
This is a 2 bedroom villa. The master bedroom and bath
The living room & kitchen
The 2nd bedroom
Views from the balconies
The 2nd bedroom balcony
The joint living room/master bedroom balcony
(Continued in next post 3)
Eventually our room was ready.
This is a 2 bedroom villa. The master bedroom and bath
The living room & kitchen
The 2nd bedroom
Views from the balconies
The 2nd bedroom balcony
The joint living room/master bedroom balcony
(Continued in next post 3)
saintstickets
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2009
(Continued from previous post 3)
DS1 soon arrived from MCO via DME. As I mentioned at the beginning of this TR, DDiL, his wife, was supposed to join us but had to back out at the last minute. We wish she had been able to come but were glad DS1 decided to join us. After he stowed his gear, we were off to EPCOT. Most of you know that BCV is considered an EPCOT area resort due to its proximity to the park. It is literally a 5 minute walk from BCV to the International Gateway and entrance to EPCOT! Our original DVC purchase was at OKW and we’ve also owned at VWL but once we stayed at BWV, we knew we wanted BWV and BCV to be our home resorts. We LOVED OKW and VWL but EPCOT is our favorite park, so for us, it was an easy decision to sell the other points and consolidate at BCV & BWV.
We have an ADR at Via Napoli for 7:00pm but before that, we have a FP+ for Norway’s Maelstrom
As you know, this ride has closed. This day was the last day for it to be open so I had to go. So many times I have put off going to a show, on a ride, visit during a certain time of the year and then before you know it, it is gone for good. I wasn’t going to let that happen this time. It’s not a favorite of ours but we’ll never get the chance again. Some pics from Maelstrom
I wonder if Disney would have kept the ride open if that picture of the Norwegian Cruise Line ship was not there?
More from Maelstrom...
And within an hour after we got off Maelstrom, it was closed forever.
Okay…I’ll not dwell on it…a new ride is in the making so I’ll let it go!
(Continued in next post 4)
DS1 soon arrived from MCO via DME. As I mentioned at the beginning of this TR, DDiL, his wife, was supposed to join us but had to back out at the last minute. We wish she had been able to come but were glad DS1 decided to join us. After he stowed his gear, we were off to EPCOT. Most of you know that BCV is considered an EPCOT area resort due to its proximity to the park. It is literally a 5 minute walk from BCV to the International Gateway and entrance to EPCOT! Our original DVC purchase was at OKW and we’ve also owned at VWL but once we stayed at BWV, we knew we wanted BWV and BCV to be our home resorts. We LOVED OKW and VWL but EPCOT is our favorite park, so for us, it was an easy decision to sell the other points and consolidate at BCV & BWV.
We have an ADR at Via Napoli for 7:00pm but before that, we have a FP+ for Norway’s Maelstrom
As you know, this ride has closed. This day was the last day for it to be open so I had to go. So many times I have put off going to a show, on a ride, visit during a certain time of the year and then before you know it, it is gone for good. I wasn’t going to let that happen this time. It’s not a favorite of ours but we’ll never get the chance again. Some pics from Maelstrom
I wonder if Disney would have kept the ride open if that picture of the Norwegian Cruise Line ship was not there?
More from Maelstrom...
And within an hour after we got off Maelstrom, it was closed forever.
Okay…I’ll not dwell on it…a new ride is in the making so I’ll let it go!
(Continued in next post 4)
saintstickets
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2009
(Continued from previous post 4)
Back on the streets, it was time to try a F&W kiosk offering. For those that have not been to F&W, here is a brief primer. There are 11 countries wrapped around the World Showcase lagoon. Each has their own food and drink offerings throughout the year. F&W is an annual seasonal festival at EPCOT that allows additional countries to come in for about 7 weeks from late September to mid-November and set up kiosks that offer appetizer size portions of a few favorite dishes from their country along with desserts and adult beverages. There are additional kiosks each year for American favorites from Florida & Hawaii as well as beverage kiosks. In 2014, there were a total of 36 kiosks with their various offerings. The prices are very reasonable and it allows you to try a cornucopia of dishes you might have seen in a restaurant but didn’t want to risk $20, $25 or more for an entrée. Make sure you get one of the free F&W Passports
I know...Free at Disney? Is that an oxymoron? Regardless, it is a nice souvenir to remind you of all the different culinary delights you sampled. Inside the passport is a summary of all the kiosks and then each individual kiosk lists their offerings. When you make your purchase at the kiosk, be sure to get your “passport” stamped.
As you can see, we visited 23 of the 36 kiosks.
But that’s not all F&W offers. There are food preparation seminars, numerous adult beverage seminars, mixology seminars and seminars that specialize in cheese or chocolate. And it’s not just food and wine, there are Eat to the Beat concerts each night where a well known group/performer plays a concert in the American amphitheater for 2 or 3 nights and then a new group takes its turn. Jo Dee Messina, Pointer Sisters, Commodores, Chris Cross, Air Supply, Starship, Fuel, Smash Mouth, 38 Special, Boys II Men and David Cook were some of the performers for 2014. But for us, the best part of F&W are the special dining events. Numerous countries offer 3, 4 or 5 course dinners or a breakfast or luncheon. These are ticketed events that provide a showcase of that country’s unique culinary offerings. They are fantastic and they sell out VERY quickly. But the pièce de résistance is the Party for the Senses. It is a once per week tiered ticketed event that combines reserved seats to the Eat to the Beat Concert, a command performance in EPCOT from Cirque de Soleil’s La Nouba and unlimited access to about 50 different food and beverage stops. If you attend F&W and don’t gain at least 5 pounds, you wasted your time going!
Okay, maybe it wasn’t so brief but you can’t explain F&W in just a few sentences. I’m sure there were things I left out and things we don’t know about that some of you that have been going for years know to do at F&W. Our first time for F&W was 2013 and we obviously returned in 2014. If we weren’t going on a cruise in August of this year and going to WDW in December, we would be going again in 2015. We are already planning on a trip to WDW during F&W for 2016.
Now back to the TR. Our first stop to sample the offerings at a F&W kiosk was in New Zealand. We had the lamb meatball with spicy tomato chutney and the venison sausage with pickled mushrooms, baby arugula and black currant reduction.
I won't try and rate each of the kiosk offerings. The whole idea is to sample the different options. Not a lot is put into presentation but that's okay. We liked probably 60% of what we tried during the week, loved about 30% and about 10% we could have done without. Our tastes are not limited to meat and potatoes so your likes & dislikes will vary from ours.
We have a FP+ for Soarin’ so we head that way but first we stop at Club Cool. DS1 has never sampled the liquid refreshments at Club Cool.
I was too slow but this was after his first try of Beverly
It was priceless! We sampled the others and then walked to Soarin’. I love this ride. As part of the 60th anniversary celebration for Disneyland, this year they will unveil a new film for Soarin’ in DL. In WDW, there are plans to open a 3rd Soarin’ theater in a couple of years which will give Disney Imagineering time to film a new World Soarin’ for WDW. The new WDW Soarin’ film will showcase world sights and not just California.
I stopped to buy a pin
(Continued in next post 5)
Back on the streets, it was time to try a F&W kiosk offering. For those that have not been to F&W, here is a brief primer. There are 11 countries wrapped around the World Showcase lagoon. Each has their own food and drink offerings throughout the year. F&W is an annual seasonal festival at EPCOT that allows additional countries to come in for about 7 weeks from late September to mid-November and set up kiosks that offer appetizer size portions of a few favorite dishes from their country along with desserts and adult beverages. There are additional kiosks each year for American favorites from Florida & Hawaii as well as beverage kiosks. In 2014, there were a total of 36 kiosks with their various offerings. The prices are very reasonable and it allows you to try a cornucopia of dishes you might have seen in a restaurant but didn’t want to risk $20, $25 or more for an entrée. Make sure you get one of the free F&W Passports
I know...Free at Disney? Is that an oxymoron? Regardless, it is a nice souvenir to remind you of all the different culinary delights you sampled. Inside the passport is a summary of all the kiosks and then each individual kiosk lists their offerings. When you make your purchase at the kiosk, be sure to get your “passport” stamped.
As you can see, we visited 23 of the 36 kiosks.
But that’s not all F&W offers. There are food preparation seminars, numerous adult beverage seminars, mixology seminars and seminars that specialize in cheese or chocolate. And it’s not just food and wine, there are Eat to the Beat concerts each night where a well known group/performer plays a concert in the American amphitheater for 2 or 3 nights and then a new group takes its turn. Jo Dee Messina, Pointer Sisters, Commodores, Chris Cross, Air Supply, Starship, Fuel, Smash Mouth, 38 Special, Boys II Men and David Cook were some of the performers for 2014. But for us, the best part of F&W are the special dining events. Numerous countries offer 3, 4 or 5 course dinners or a breakfast or luncheon. These are ticketed events that provide a showcase of that country’s unique culinary offerings. They are fantastic and they sell out VERY quickly. But the pièce de résistance is the Party for the Senses. It is a once per week tiered ticketed event that combines reserved seats to the Eat to the Beat Concert, a command performance in EPCOT from Cirque de Soleil’s La Nouba and unlimited access to about 50 different food and beverage stops. If you attend F&W and don’t gain at least 5 pounds, you wasted your time going!
Okay, maybe it wasn’t so brief but you can’t explain F&W in just a few sentences. I’m sure there were things I left out and things we don’t know about that some of you that have been going for years know to do at F&W. Our first time for F&W was 2013 and we obviously returned in 2014. If we weren’t going on a cruise in August of this year and going to WDW in December, we would be going again in 2015. We are already planning on a trip to WDW during F&W for 2016.
Now back to the TR. Our first stop to sample the offerings at a F&W kiosk was in New Zealand. We had the lamb meatball with spicy tomato chutney and the venison sausage with pickled mushrooms, baby arugula and black currant reduction.
I won't try and rate each of the kiosk offerings. The whole idea is to sample the different options. Not a lot is put into presentation but that's okay. We liked probably 60% of what we tried during the week, loved about 30% and about 10% we could have done without. Our tastes are not limited to meat and potatoes so your likes & dislikes will vary from ours.
We have a FP+ for Soarin’ so we head that way but first we stop at Club Cool. DS1 has never sampled the liquid refreshments at Club Cool.
I was too slow but this was after his first try of Beverly
It was priceless! We sampled the others and then walked to Soarin’. I love this ride. As part of the 60th anniversary celebration for Disneyland, this year they will unveil a new film for Soarin’ in DL. In WDW, there are plans to open a 3rd Soarin’ theater in a couple of years which will give Disney Imagineering time to film a new World Soarin’ for WDW. The new WDW Soarin’ film will showcase world sights and not just California.
I stopped to buy a pin
(Continued in next post 5)
saintstickets
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2009
(Continued from previous post 5)
Up next for us was our ADR at Via Napoli. This was our first time here and it did not disappoint. A couple pics of the venue
For an appetizer we had the Arancini which is fried risotto balls filled with mozzarella & meat ragù.
DS1 and I split a beer flight
We couldn’t decide on the pizza so while DS and I were deciding on what to drink, DW ordered. There are 3 different sizes of pizza – individual, large and mezzo metro. Somewhere in the recesses of my mind, I heard her asking CM Giulio about the different sizes. After he left, I asked her what size she ordered. She said the mezzo metro. I asked her how big was this pizza. She said Giulio said it was about a meter long. A METER LONG?!?! DW and I need to have a talk about the metric system compared to the US standard system of measurements!
This is a terrible pic but I couldn’t back up far enough to get a good picture because it was so big! Look in the background and you see it is two people wide! It is so large that they bring a rack for the pizza to sit on that elevates it off the table because the table is not big enough for pizza, plates and drinks! Of course, it could be that DW was more interested in talking to the cute Italian CM and she wasn’t paying attention to what he said…nah, that couldn’t be it, could it?
For dessert, we had Coppa Brutti Ma Buoni (Amarena cherry & vanilla gelato sundae) and Tiramisu (Mascarpone cream, espresso coffee, lady fingers, chocolate). DS1 opted out.
Needless to say, we had plenty of leftover pizza to take back to the room. My rating for Via Napoli?
B+
The food was very good but not to die for. The prices are a bit high for the type of food and the tables are too close together. We will definitely go back and if your party has several women, you might want to go just for the eye candy!
I have no idea what I was thinking when I made our FP+ reservations. After our meal, we had a FP+ for Mission Space. Are you crazy?!? Mission Space, even the green side, after eating a big meal? Sighhhh. Needless to say, we did not go to Mars!
By now we were getting tired and with our appetites sated, it was time to walk back to our room. Along the way, one of the F&W groups was playing at the America Gardens Theatre as part of the Eat to the Beat concert series. Tonight it was Starship!
We listened for a song or two and then made our way out of EPCOT to the BCV after a long but very nice day.
Our plans for tomorrow include a visit to Hollywood Studios and a first time ADR later that evening.
Up next for us was our ADR at Via Napoli. This was our first time here and it did not disappoint. A couple pics of the venue
For an appetizer we had the Arancini which is fried risotto balls filled with mozzarella & meat ragù.
DS1 and I split a beer flight
We couldn’t decide on the pizza so while DS and I were deciding on what to drink, DW ordered. There are 3 different sizes of pizza – individual, large and mezzo metro. Somewhere in the recesses of my mind, I heard her asking CM Giulio about the different sizes. After he left, I asked her what size she ordered. She said the mezzo metro. I asked her how big was this pizza. She said Giulio said it was about a meter long. A METER LONG?!?! DW and I need to have a talk about the metric system compared to the US standard system of measurements!
This is a terrible pic but I couldn’t back up far enough to get a good picture because it was so big! Look in the background and you see it is two people wide! It is so large that they bring a rack for the pizza to sit on that elevates it off the table because the table is not big enough for pizza, plates and drinks! Of course, it could be that DW was more interested in talking to the cute Italian CM and she wasn’t paying attention to what he said…nah, that couldn’t be it, could it?
For dessert, we had Coppa Brutti Ma Buoni (Amarena cherry & vanilla gelato sundae) and Tiramisu (Mascarpone cream, espresso coffee, lady fingers, chocolate). DS1 opted out.
Needless to say, we had plenty of leftover pizza to take back to the room. My rating for Via Napoli?
B+
The food was very good but not to die for. The prices are a bit high for the type of food and the tables are too close together. We will definitely go back and if your party has several women, you might want to go just for the eye candy!
I have no idea what I was thinking when I made our FP+ reservations. After our meal, we had a FP+ for Mission Space. Are you crazy?!? Mission Space, even the green side, after eating a big meal? Sighhhh. Needless to say, we did not go to Mars!
By now we were getting tired and with our appetites sated, it was time to walk back to our room. Along the way, one of the F&W groups was playing at the America Gardens Theatre as part of the Eat to the Beat concert series. Tonight it was Starship!
We listened for a song or two and then made our way out of EPCOT to the BCV after a long but very nice day.
Our plans for tomorrow include a visit to Hollywood Studios and a first time ADR later that evening.
TheMaxRebo
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2008
I am sure knowing you were heading to WDW had to make things a bit easier to get off the boat. If I was just going to be heading back home (where we currently have about 2 feet of snow on the ground I think I may have tried to stow away and go back out to sea
Sounds like things were pretty smooth to get off (good thing you didn'tmention that fancy necklace in your wife's purse) and you got to WDW and the BCV fiarly quickly.
Glad you had that chance to talk with Teena and sounds fun to get the tour of the new concierge lounge (looks really nice)
I never made it on Maelstrom our last couple of trips (my oldest daughter won't go near anything with trolls) so a little bummed about it - but that's cool you got on it on it's last day
a new ride is in the making so I’ll let it go!
Ok, someone is auditioning to be a Jungle Cruise skipper
I love you you spend a paragraph trying to explain just how big the pizza was ... and then you went right into what desserts you got
saintstickets
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2009
Most people say to do WDW first and the cruise second because it is not as rushed on the cruise and you can wind down. Since it was our 1st cruise and only for 3 days, we tried to do as much as possible so other than DW's massage, there wasn't much down time. I'm not much of a "down time" person anyway but we're doing a combo F&G and DCL in April, 2016 and for that one we will do WDW first.
Not knowing what to expect, it was a real smooth process. It might not have been if we would have had to fill out all the customs reports for items over the $ limits. Good thing he believed me when I told him we only bought some souvenir t-shirts!
Note to NSA, CIA, DHS, IMF & UNCLE - it's a JOKE!!! Don't send drones or black helicopters to my house! Meeting Teena really was one of the highlights of our WDW portion of the trip. She's so easy to talk to and after 5 minutes you feel like you've known her for years.
We've missed out on several things the past few years so we had to go.
Now that you mention it......Ok, someone is auditioning to be a Jungle Cruise skipper
The pizza was good but hey, IMO, dessert should start the meal. Dessert at the end of the meal means you might already be full and unable to enjoy as much!I love you you spend a paragraph trying to explain just how big the pizza was ... and then you went right into what desserts you got
KatMark
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2007
Great updates, Bill. A Mickey D stop for breakfast...always a quick stop.
I'm glad you got to meet Teena. She sounds wonderful from all of Dee's TR's. I was not impressed with the Beach Club when we stayed there on one of our girls trips, but I was willing to give it another try since Mark had not yet stayed there. However, by the time I tried to switch from the BWV to the BCV, there was no availability. Perhaps another trip.
I'm glad you got a final ride on Maelstrom; we did it too and I'm glad we did.
This past September was our first encounter with Food & Wine and a big reason we are going back in October. We fell in love with it and wondered what took us so long to get there. I do need to pick up our passports though this time as I totally forgot about them the last time. Your sausage looks pretty good...I may have to try that.
We've still not done Via Napoli. Me and red sauces don't always get along, so I keep putting it off. I'd like to try it one day, but so far it's not on the list for any of my three visits this year.
I'm glad you got to meet Teena. She sounds wonderful from all of Dee's TR's. I was not impressed with the Beach Club when we stayed there on one of our girls trips, but I was willing to give it another try since Mark had not yet stayed there. However, by the time I tried to switch from the BWV to the BCV, there was no availability. Perhaps another trip.
I'm glad you got a final ride on Maelstrom; we did it too and I'm glad we did.
This past September was our first encounter with Food & Wine and a big reason we are going back in October. We fell in love with it and wondered what took us so long to get there. I do need to pick up our passports though this time as I totally forgot about them the last time. Your sausage looks pretty good...I may have to try that.
We've still not done Via Napoli. Me and red sauces don't always get along, so I keep putting it off. I'd like to try it one day, but so far it's not on the list for any of my three visits this year.
saintstickets
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2009
Teena was great...now if I can just find a way to meet a certain couple from Carol Stream, IL!!
We love the EPCOT resorts because of their proximity to EPCOT & DHS.
We're glad too.
Our first time for F&W was 2013 which caused us to return last year and we'll be back in 2016 too! This year would have been a good time to go from 11/01 to 11/08. During that week you could attend MNSSHP, F&W and MVMCP all in one week!
Just rub it in...three visits this year!!!
KatMark
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2007
Teena was great...now if I can just find a way to meet a certain couple from Carol Stream, IL!!
It's on my bucket list to meet you too, Bill. If nothing else, if we are moved down there next year before you go, we can come up for a weekend.
We love the EPCOT resorts because of their proximity to EPCOT & DHS.
That's what I love about the Boardwalk.
Our first time for F&W was 2013 which caused us to return last year and we'll be back in 2016 too! This year would have been a good time to go from 11/01 to 11/08. During that week you could attend MNSSHP, F&W and MVMCP all in one week!
Yes, I know. But Nicki and Todd can't go then, and Mark can't get off during November with the part-time job at Target...that's a very busy time of year for him.
Just rub it in...three visits this year!!!
Sorry. But aren't you going on a cruise...to me that's like two trips.
saintstickets
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2009
Now that you mention it.....
saintstickets
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2009
Monday – 10/06/14
It’s another beautiful day today.
Not a bad way to start the day is it?
After a quick breakfast at the Beach Club Marketplace, we catch the ferry to Hollywood Studios.
By the time you read this, this DHS icon will no longer be there
There are many mixed opinions about the removal of the sorcerer’s hat. I think they ought to move it to the Fantasmic amphitheater. With the hat gone, it will open up Hollywood Boulevard to the way it was when DHS was known as MGM Studios. This will allow for a grand Christmas tree in the area in front of The Great Movie Ride and also allow for a longer parade down the boulevard. Speaking of the The Great Movie Ride, we can all probably agree it is in need of an update. Last year Disney announced a partnership with Turner Classic Movies whereby TCM will sponsor the attraction and undergo a refurbishment in 2015. Part of the refurb will include a new pre-show and post-show hosted by the great film historian, Robert Osborne. I’m looking forward to the refurb but they better leave John Wayne in it!
Look at the map below. There are a lot of changes in the works for DHS. Included in these changes are The Backlot Tour is closed (Red elipse), American Idol Experience is closed (Blue circle) and the Legend of Capt Jack Sparrow is closed (Black rectangle).
There are many rumors about what will be added or what additional attractions will be closed. In keeping with Disney tradition, CEO Bob Iger really let the cat out of the bag in January, 2015 by announcing, "There will be a much larger Star Wars presence in our parks globally". WOW Bob…that really tells us a lot doesn’t it? With The Backlot Tour closed, this opens up a fairly large space whereby a great deal of construction can be done with minimal inconvenience to park visitors due to its location. Most rumors say that a Cars Land will be put there similar to the one at Disneyland. Others say this is where the Star Wars land will go. There is probably enough room there for both but another alternative is to close Indiana Jones (#7) due to its close proximity to the current Star Tours (#8). Some recent chatter has Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner (#12) closing as well as the area around Echo Lake. That speculation has that area being used for Star Wars but I can see that area for more seasonal parties and parade viewing like those last year for Feel the Force or Frozen Summer Fun. Wherever the “much larger Star Wars presence” will be, it will probably incorporate not only the old Star Wars films but the new ones that will be released in 2015 (Episode VII), 2017 (Episode VIII) & 2019 (Episode IX) so changes will not stop with the initial opening…unless it takes 4 years to complete!! Expect some kind of additional announcement during the annual Star Wars Celebration this year.
Another rumor is Disney adding on to Toy Story Mania (#30) which could be done by taking in the Legend of Capt Jack Sparrow site or just expanding behind TSM since The Backlot Tour is closed. That can’t come too soon! Another rumor is a change to the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. That rumor has ranged from stopping it all together to expanding it or moving it. Please don’t stop it! And the most recent rumor is to change the name of the park AGAIN (I still call it MGM!). Apparently at the Disney annual stockholders meeting this week, Iger let it slip that a name change was coming. I'm guessing this time to Disney’s Hollywood Adventure. Regardless of what happens, the end result will be more attractions and the transformation of DHS from a half-day park to a full-day park!
(Continued in next post)
It’s another beautiful day today.
Not a bad way to start the day is it?
After a quick breakfast at the Beach Club Marketplace, we catch the ferry to Hollywood Studios.
By the time you read this, this DHS icon will no longer be there
There are many mixed opinions about the removal of the sorcerer’s hat. I think they ought to move it to the Fantasmic amphitheater. With the hat gone, it will open up Hollywood Boulevard to the way it was when DHS was known as MGM Studios. This will allow for a grand Christmas tree in the area in front of The Great Movie Ride and also allow for a longer parade down the boulevard. Speaking of the The Great Movie Ride, we can all probably agree it is in need of an update. Last year Disney announced a partnership with Turner Classic Movies whereby TCM will sponsor the attraction and undergo a refurbishment in 2015. Part of the refurb will include a new pre-show and post-show hosted by the great film historian, Robert Osborne. I’m looking forward to the refurb but they better leave John Wayne in it!
Look at the map below. There are a lot of changes in the works for DHS. Included in these changes are The Backlot Tour is closed (Red elipse), American Idol Experience is closed (Blue circle) and the Legend of Capt Jack Sparrow is closed (Black rectangle).
There are many rumors about what will be added or what additional attractions will be closed. In keeping with Disney tradition, CEO Bob Iger really let the cat out of the bag in January, 2015 by announcing, "There will be a much larger Star Wars presence in our parks globally". WOW Bob…that really tells us a lot doesn’t it? With The Backlot Tour closed, this opens up a fairly large space whereby a great deal of construction can be done with minimal inconvenience to park visitors due to its location. Most rumors say that a Cars Land will be put there similar to the one at Disneyland. Others say this is where the Star Wars land will go. There is probably enough room there for both but another alternative is to close Indiana Jones (#7) due to its close proximity to the current Star Tours (#8). Some recent chatter has Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner (#12) closing as well as the area around Echo Lake. That speculation has that area being used for Star Wars but I can see that area for more seasonal parties and parade viewing like those last year for Feel the Force or Frozen Summer Fun. Wherever the “much larger Star Wars presence” will be, it will probably incorporate not only the old Star Wars films but the new ones that will be released in 2015 (Episode VII), 2017 (Episode VIII) & 2019 (Episode IX) so changes will not stop with the initial opening…unless it takes 4 years to complete!! Expect some kind of additional announcement during the annual Star Wars Celebration this year.
Another rumor is Disney adding on to Toy Story Mania (#30) which could be done by taking in the Legend of Capt Jack Sparrow site or just expanding behind TSM since The Backlot Tour is closed. That can’t come too soon! Another rumor is a change to the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. That rumor has ranged from stopping it all together to expanding it or moving it. Please don’t stop it! And the most recent rumor is to change the name of the park AGAIN (I still call it MGM!). Apparently at the Disney annual stockholders meeting this week, Iger let it slip that a name change was coming. I'm guessing this time to Disney’s Hollywood Adventure. Regardless of what happens, the end result will be more attractions and the transformation of DHS from a half-day park to a full-day park!
(Continued in next post)
saintstickets
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2009
(Continued from our previous post)
Now back to our regularly scheduled TR…
Our first FP+ is ToT
Again, for those with the light fixture fetish
And our ride pic
A nice addition to having the Memory Maker picture package is a short video of your ride
You Tube link -
This new feature is being expanded to include video at other popular rides including 7DMT at MK.
Next up was Rock n Roller coaster. I haven’t been on this ride in a while due to my back and neck problems so DW and DS1 went without me. Here is their ride pic from going on the single rider line
I'm kinda afraid to ask what DW was doing...and to WHOM!!!
(Continued in next post 2)
Now back to our regularly scheduled TR…
Our first FP+ is ToT
Again, for those with the light fixture fetish
And our ride pic
A nice addition to having the Memory Maker picture package is a short video of your ride
You Tube link -
This new feature is being expanded to include video at other popular rides including 7DMT at MK.
Next up was Rock n Roller coaster. I haven’t been on this ride in a while due to my back and neck problems so DW and DS1 went without me. Here is their ride pic from going on the single rider line
I'm kinda afraid to ask what DW was doing...and to WHOM!!!
(Continued in next post 2)
saintstickets
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2009
(Continued from previous post 2)
I walked over to The Great Movie Ride to try my hand at some dark ride pics but because DW and DS1 were in the single rider line, they were texting me to join them before I ever got a chance to board the ride.
Next up was a ride we haven’t done in years - Star Tours. Two pics from the pre-ride queue
I can see Disney changing this ride video as the new Star Wars movies are released to keep it fresh.
It was time to grab a bite to eat so we stopped at ABC Commissary for burgers, chicken sandwiches and fries. No pics here. These QS meals are all very similar. It’s a nice place to get out of the weather and take a midday breather.
And now on to one of the most popular rides
DW and DS1 rode together and I don’t know what their scores were but I KNOW they didn’t beat mine
As we were leaving, I noticed numerous CM’s outside TSM. Being me, I had to ask what was going on. The CM I spoke with said they were testing the ride to see how it would affect the rest of the park if TSM had no standby line and you could only access it by having FP+. Having FP+, for us it meant less than 10 minutes from the entrance until we were sitting in the ride. For those that showed up that day hoping to walk on, well, it sucked to be you. 
I would’ve been ticked off big time!
(Continued in next post 3)
I walked over to The Great Movie Ride to try my hand at some dark ride pics but because DW and DS1 were in the single rider line, they were texting me to join them before I ever got a chance to board the ride.
Next up was a ride we haven’t done in years - Star Tours. Two pics from the pre-ride queue
I can see Disney changing this ride video as the new Star Wars movies are released to keep it fresh.
It was time to grab a bite to eat so we stopped at ABC Commissary for burgers, chicken sandwiches and fries. No pics here. These QS meals are all very similar. It’s a nice place to get out of the weather and take a midday breather.
And now on to one of the most popular rides
DW and DS1 rode together and I don’t know what their scores were but I KNOW they didn’t beat mine
As we were leaving, I noticed numerous CM’s outside TSM. Being me, I had to ask what was going on. The CM I spoke with said they were testing the ride to see how it would affect the rest of the park if TSM had no standby line and you could only access it by having FP+. Having FP+, for us it meant less than 10 minutes from the entrance until we were sitting in the ride.
For those that showed up that day hoping to walk on, well, it sucked to be you. I would’ve been ticked off big time!(Continued in next post 3)
saintstickets
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2009
(Continued from previous post 3)
Back out on the Boulevard, we run into a few Hollywood Stars
I don’t think the driver or the producer liked me playing paparazzi.
On our way out of the park, we had to get our picture taken with the hat one last time
We head back to the BCVs and get ready for our ADR at the Contemporary’s California Grill.
(Continued in next post 4)
Back out on the Boulevard, we run into a few Hollywood Stars
I don’t think the driver or the producer liked me playing paparazzi.
On our way out of the park, we had to get our picture taken with the hat one last time
We head back to the BCVs and get ready for our ADR at the Contemporary’s California Grill.
(Continued in next post 4)
saintstickets
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2009
(Continued from previous post 4)
This is another first for us to dine here. Out front of the Contemporary
To get to the California Grill, you go to the 2nd floor of the Contemporary to check in. From there, you are escorted to a special elevator that takes you all the way to the top to the restaurant. Not a bad view from the restaurant either
Now for our meal. With a new restaurant, we must try a new beer – Corsendonk Abbey Ale from Belgium
DS1 had a Heineken and DW had a California pinot grigio but I don’t remember the name. All were just fine. For appetizers we had the California combination roll and the spicy Kazan sushi roll. For some reason, the only pics I have are of two empty plates. Sighhh
For our main course, DS1 had the pork (Grilled Tenderloin, Goat Cheese Polenta, Mushrooms, Lacquered Belly, Applesauce), DW had the oak-fired filet of beef (Heirloom Tomato Risotto, Marinated Baby Vine Tomatoes, Petite Basil, Tomato Butter) and I had the bison tenderloin (herbed semolina cake, sweet baby bell peppers, spring ramp pesto, ancho demi-glace).
And for dessert, we had vanilla crème brûlée all around. Again no pics. I apologize for the lack of pics here. You can’t have food porn pics without the pics but I sometimes do this when at a new restaurant because I’m too busy taking it all in. Nonetheless, the California Grill is a-ok! It is a bit more expensive than other Disney signature restaurants but to quote an olde English proverb, “You get what you pay for”. The appetizers were top notch and had grade A seafood. I was tempted to lick the plate that had the fireball sauce on the Kazan roll. My bison was very tender and not gamey at all. As we usually do, we share a bite or two with each other and I can say DW and DS1 selections were just as fantastic as mine. If I had to choose, I’m not sure which one I would prefer. The only drawback was the crème brûlée. It was good but not to the same level as the appetizer or entrée. They could add some amaretto and it would’ve been right up there with the rest of the meal. My rating for the California Grill…
A-
CM Saad was adequate and you’ve already read my opinion on the dessert. With just a little more effort, California Grill could be right up there with Jiko’s at AKL or the old Bistro de Paris in EPCOT-France. It has a great location but it was a bit noisy for a fine dining establishment.
And so endeth the day. Tomorrow we are at Magic Kingdom during the day followed by a F&W dining experience.
This is another first for us to dine here. Out front of the Contemporary
To get to the California Grill, you go to the 2nd floor of the Contemporary to check in. From there, you are escorted to a special elevator that takes you all the way to the top to the restaurant. Not a bad view from the restaurant either
Now for our meal. With a new restaurant, we must try a new beer – Corsendonk Abbey Ale from Belgium
DS1 had a Heineken and DW had a California pinot grigio but I don’t remember the name. All were just fine. For appetizers we had the California combination roll and the spicy Kazan sushi roll. For some reason, the only pics I have are of two empty plates. Sighhh
For our main course, DS1 had the pork (Grilled Tenderloin, Goat Cheese Polenta, Mushrooms, Lacquered Belly, Applesauce), DW had the oak-fired filet of beef (Heirloom Tomato Risotto, Marinated Baby Vine Tomatoes, Petite Basil, Tomato Butter) and I had the bison tenderloin (herbed semolina cake, sweet baby bell peppers, spring ramp pesto, ancho demi-glace).
And for dessert, we had vanilla crème brûlée all around. Again no pics. I apologize for the lack of pics here. You can’t have food porn pics without the pics but I sometimes do this when at a new restaurant because I’m too busy taking it all in. Nonetheless, the California Grill is a-ok! It is a bit more expensive than other Disney signature restaurants but to quote an olde English proverb, “You get what you pay for”. The appetizers were top notch and had grade A seafood. I was tempted to lick the plate that had the fireball sauce on the Kazan roll. My bison was very tender and not gamey at all. As we usually do, we share a bite or two with each other and I can say DW and DS1 selections were just as fantastic as mine. If I had to choose, I’m not sure which one I would prefer. The only drawback was the crème brûlée. It was good but not to the same level as the appetizer or entrée. They could add some amaretto and it would’ve been right up there with the rest of the meal. My rating for the California Grill…
A-
CM Saad was adequate and you’ve already read my opinion on the dessert. With just a little more effort, California Grill could be right up there with Jiko’s at AKL or the old Bistro de Paris in EPCOT-France. It has a great location but it was a bit noisy for a fine dining establishment.
And so endeth the day. Tomorrow we are at Magic Kingdom during the day followed by a F&W dining experience.
KatMark
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2007
It’s another beautiful day today.
Not a bad way to start the day is it?
Okay...I may screw this up...first time I am trying to quote only certain text and certain pictures. Although we had a disappointing stay at Beach Club (and I do want to try it again), these pictures are just stunning.
I had originally heard a rumor that they were closing Indiana Jones and Lights Motor Action. I'm not sure Disney knows what they are doing. I don't call it MGM anymore...finally stopped about a year ago and now they are going to screw me up all over again.
Our first FP+ is ToT
And our ride pic
A nice addition to having the Memory Maker picture package is a short video of your ride
You Tube link -
This new feature is being expanded to include video at other popular rides including 7DMT at MK.
My favorite ride in all of Disney.
I'm kinda afraid to ask what DW was doing...and to WHOM!!!
Smart man! Mark can do Rock & Roll after neck surgery, but not TOT. I think it's the "not knowing" when the drops are going to happen and being able to keep his head in a set position. We have the best of both worlds...he goes and does Rock and I go and do TOT.
And now on to one of the most popular rides
Best picture I've ever seen of Mr. Potato Head.
DW and DS1 rode together and I don’t know what their scores were but I KNOW they didn’t beat mine
I can tell you that you definitely beat all of my scores.
As we were leaving, I noticed numerous CM’s outside TSM. Being me, I had to ask what was going on. The CM I spoke with said they were testing the ride to see how it would affect the rest of the park if TSM had no standby line and you could only access it by having FP+. Having FP+, for us it meant less than 10 minutes from the entrance until we were sitting in the ride.
They did that one day when we were there too. I would have been po'd. At least now they are adding a third track.
Love these guys.
On our way out of the park, we had to get our picture taken with the hat one last time
I'm not going to miss it.
We head back to the BCVs and get ready for our ADR at the Contemporary’s California Grill.
Ooooh...a new restaurant.
(Continued from previous post 4)
This is another first for us to dine here. Out front of the Contemporary
I love that this is still there.
A-
CM Saad was adequate and you’ve already read my opinion on the dessert. With just a little more effort, California Grill could be right up there with Jiko’s at AKL or the old Bistro de Paris in EPCOT-France. It has a great location but it was a bit noisy for a fine dining establishment.
We really enjoyed Jiko when we went in December 2013, but I do want to try California Grill once. Maybe in October as I've not yet planned those ADR's out yet (especially with F&W going on).
And so endeth the day. Tomorrow we are at Magic Kingdom during the day followed by a F&W dining experience.
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