Insanity Vol 7: Reasons Why I'm Glad I Live Close By - Complete

[Dis_Yoda]

Table of Contents

Introductions
Trip #1 Plans
Trip #2 Plans

Trip #1
February 14
Cheshire Cafe
Gaston's Tavern
Rose & Crown Pub
Tutto Italia
L'Artisan des Glaces
Splitsville

February 15
Popcorn Cart
ABC Commissary
Hess Gas Station

Trip #2
February 19
Crew's Cup
Everything Pop!

February 20
Everything Pop!
Wolfgang Puck Express
Ohana

February 21
Run Disney Snack Box
Starbucks
Pinocchio Village Haus
Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies
Trattoria al Forno

February 22
Everything Pop!

Closing Thoughts​

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Introductions

Dis_Yoda

I've lost count to this point on how many times I've gone to WDW. It's been a lot. A sampling of my trips from recent years are listed in my signature if we did a dining report or trip report for them.

Mr. Dis_Yoda

He will be joining me on Trip #1.

Bit Characters

For Trip #1, we are being joined by 5 other people we know from the Naples, FL area.

For Trip #2, I will be joined by my coworker as we will be running the Glass Slipper Challenge together
​

 

[accountingbabe08]

Looking forward to your reviews

 

[franandaj]

Looking forward to reading about your trips!

 

[vettegirl]

I am here! Can't wait to hear all about it

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Looking forward to your reviews

Thank you for joining in!

Looking forward to reading about your trips!

Welcome! Thanks for joining me here again Hope your middle of the week VGC was great!

I am here! Can't wait to hear all about it

I need to catch up on your reports! I've been neglecting the Review board the past few months.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Trip #1: Extremely Short Weekend Trip

This trip was decided on right before we left for our Disneyland trip. A couple of our friends from the Naples area were planning on going this weekend, some longer than others. As my vacation plans for the next few months are already decided, I was not able to take more time off of work and a couple others had that problem as well (where as my husband has like 72 hours of vacation he has to use or lose by the end of March so he’s going in the middle of a staycation)

When my husband decided he wanted to go with these friends to Disney, I had one stipulation. I would not drive one bit this weekend. I already had plans to go to WDW the Thursday after this weekend & I do not want to do the drive from Naples to Disney or back 4 times in 8 days. As we are going with 5 other people, 2 of which have never gone to WDW before, this weekend feels entirely too packed for me but at least I can catch up on sleep during the drives back and forth.

February 14
Breakfast: TBD @ Magic Kingdom
Lunch: Tutto Italia
Alcohol Around EPCOT
Dinner: Splitsville
Possible Kimonos Action

February 15
Breakfast @ Dolphin
Lunch: TBD @ Hollywood Studios
Dinner: TBD
​

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Trip #2: Running In Glass Slippers

This trip was decided on last August when two coworkers & I were discussing running at lunch one day & it turned into a discussion about running the Princess Half Marathon. I was fine to do that as then I would qualify for the Coast to Coast Medal. Somehow it turned into running the Glass Slipper Challenge & two of us booked with Get Travel as the official race registration was long sold out.

Plans:
February 19
Dinner: Pop Century Food Court or TBD based on drive up & last minute ADR availability

February 20
Breakfast: Pop Century Food Court
Lunch: Downtown Disney TBD
Dinner: Ohana

February 21
3AM Breakfast: Carbs
8AM Breakfast: runDisney Snackbox
Lunch: EPCOT Counter Service
Dinner: Trattoria al Forno

February 22
3AM Breakfast: Carbs
10AM Breakfast: runDisney Snackbox
Lunch: Pop Century Food Court


​

 

[franandaj]

I saw the posts on FB that you were there this weekend. I didn't realize it had come so quickly.

What qualifies you for a Coast to Coast medal? Two of my friends got theirs at the Star Wars. They did the WDW run in January and then cane back and did Star Wars.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

I saw the posts on FB that you were there this weekend. I didn't realize it had come so quickly.

What qualifies you for a Coast to Coast medal? Two of my friends got theirs at the Star Wars. They did the WDW run in January and then cane back and did Star Wars.

Yeah it was an extremely short trip! We left before 5AM yesterday & just got home in the last 30 minutes. Hopefully I'll get the report started this evening once I get laundry started & packed for Trip #2.

You can get a Coast to Coast medal by completing a half marathon or longer at both Disneyland & WDW within the same calendar year. You can get a special pink version of the medal if you complete both the Princess Half at WDW & the Tinkerbell Half at Disneyland.

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Cheshire Cafe

After an early wake up at 4AM, our friends and us drove up to Magic Kingdom to get there by opening at 8AM. Getting tickets activated for 2 of them took a bit at the Transportation & Ticket Center, so we made it a little later than 8AM but eventually we started getting some rides done. One of the people we were with really wanted to do the Mad Tea Cups so while half the group was going on that attraction, I went to get sugar from the Cheshire Cafe by having one of this Cheshire Cupcake Cups.

Cheshire Cupcake Cup

Less Fondant

This one was so much better than the one I had last year that was the white chocolate one. This one was vanilla cake with vanilla frosting and sprinkles (funfetti!) It was 100% a sugar rush but it tasted exactly as a vanilla cupcake with excessive vanilla frosting should taste like! I did share some with my husband once he got off of the Tea Cups but the group had other food on their mind for their breakfast.
​

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Gaston's Tavern

The group really wanted the fake beer as we couldn't quite start drinking yet as we were in Magic Kingdom. My husband was hungry so he decided to get more than just the fake drink for us to split.

LeFou's Brew - Frozen Apple Juice w/ Hint of Toasted Marshmallow Topped w/ Passion Fruit-Mango Foam

I seem to always like the LeFou's Brew when I initially drink it, then about a quarter of the way in, I don't anymore. My husband felt the same way and half of it went into the trash. I'm glad we split this and didn't each buy our own!

Warm Cinnamon Bun - Horrible Picture & All!

My husband was very happy with this selection. He ate the whole thing and didn't share more than one small bite with me (and I had to claim that one for myself)
​

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Rose & Crown Pub

After 11AM, we left Magic Kingdom & headed to the Dolphin to check in & then walk over to EPCOT to enjoy come adult beverages before our lunch at Tutto Italia.

Strongbow - Another Horrible Picture!

My husband & I each had one to enjoy while we walked clockwise from England towards Mexico for the boat ride. It was crisp, light and refreshing! We were glad we got into the Pub prior to two groups of Drink Around the World went inside as we were served quickly.​

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Tutta Italia

After our boat journey in Mexico, we attempted to get a margarita from the stand outside but we were denied. They said my friend's license wasn't valid because it didn't have a star by the name. We ended up googling this after that embarassing scene (as we waited in line for 20 minutes to get said margarita) and discovered Florida didn't start with the stars on the license until 2010 & her license was issued before that date. The stand ladies were really rude about it & probably should be trained better on how different Florida IDs look. We ended up looking at all our Florida IDs & half the group didn't have them anyway but that didn't stop the beer cart from selling one of the other ones without a star a drink.

~~~

Shortly before 1:30PM, we arrived for our lunch reservation at Tutta Italia. This place has become one of our recent favorites the last handful of trips! Our group of 7 was placed at the big booth right inside the restaurant and we were handed our menus. I did have to ask for the wine menu for my husband & I as it wasn't handed to us originally.

My husband & I ordered a bottle of prosecco to enjoy with our meal. It was light and refreshing!

Mmm Prosecco

I was the only one of the group to have an appetizer. I love Tutta's freshly made mozzarella with the flakey sea salt.

Fior de Latte Mozzarella - Roasted Sweet Peppers, Basil, Maldon Sea Salt, Extra Virgin Olive Oil

My husband and I both had the same entree which we had previously had last fall. It doesn't look like a lot of food but it is really filling!

Ravioli di Ricotta - Chicken, Pancetta, Parmesan Cream

I didn't take a picture of the other entrees our group had but those that didn't get the ravioli really enjoyed the Bistecca del Macellaio - Grilled Butcher's Steak w/ Rosemary Potatoes & Grilled Onions and Fettuccine Campagnole - Arugula and basil pesto, spinach and burrata cheese.

We all really enjoyed our meals here & we had no complaints. Even on the drive home on Sunday, one of the guys kept talking about how much he enjoyed that steak. Tutto Italia will continue to stay in our rotation of restaurants to enjoy!​

 

[Dis_Yoda]

L'Artisan des Glaces

After our lunch, I felt my body crashing. The long work hours from the week plus the early wake up call for this day were wearing on me & I knew there would be no way I would make it to our evening plans without having some type of nap. I left the group to head back to the Dolphin to check in and take at least a 90 minute nap.

That didn't stop me from getting a treat from our favorite ice cream place in all of Disney - L'Artisan des Glaces

I went with their new macaron option - Strawberry & Cream

Strawberry & Cream Macaron

What a disappointment!

As you can tell the cookie was broken badly. All of them seemed to look like that. The macaron was either over mixed or over cooked so it would have been a complete mess to try to eat the sandwich. By the time I realized there was no real way to enjoy this without making a mess, I was already at the bridge leaving France heading to International Gateway. I trashed at least 3/4ths of it. I mean the ice cream inside tasted as I expect L'Artisan des Glaces ice cream to be but the sandwich just didn't work this day. I think next time, I'll make sure I take a better look at what is in the serving station & pick something different if it is something similar.

My husband did get a single scoop of mint chocolate chip that he did really enjoy late in the afternoon while I was napping but he failed at taking a picture but I think I have at least 4 of him getting the exact same thing so here is a reused one:

​

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Splitsville

After I enjoyed my nap, my husband & friends returned to the room so they could all freshen up before we left for Downtown Disney for our 8:00PM Priority Bowling Reservation at Splitsville. As they ended up not getting ready to leave the room until a little after 7:00PM, we ended up grabbing a taxi to arrive on time.

Except we didn't.

Buena Vista Drive was a grid lock from Victory Way to Downtown Disney.

I called Splitsville when I realized we would be late & they stated there wouldn't be a problem, just let us know when we arrive.

We arrive at Disney's West Side at 8:15PM but two of the others in our group were still on their way thanks to traffic so we grapped a seat at the bar while we waited for them to get there (all parties must be present when checking in)

We got a seat at the bar while we waited for them to arrive.

My husband & I forgot our Splitsville Refillable Cup at home so we decided to buy another one (plus they come in more colors than they did originally) & started off with sharing a RumRunner.

After we enjoyed our drink, our other two friends in our group of 7 arrived and we told the check in desk & we were escorted to Lane 24 for our 1.75 hour party.

We got settled in and started bowling. It wasn't long until our server came to take our order (and refill our cocktails)

As we were bowling, we went for snack friendly foods for dinner. I had the buffalo parmesan chicken tenders which weren't very spicy for being a buffalo tender but at least they tasted alright!

Buffalo Parmesan Chicken Tenders

My husband went with normal chicken tenders. He had no complaints!

Parmesan Chicken Tenders

We split an order of the loaded fries that we've enjoyed previously here. They were just as good as we remembered them!

Loaded Fries

This was the only picture of the food from the group of others. They stated these were only alright & they wouldn't get them again.

Alley Nachos

My husband wanted dessert as the evening went on and decided on the brownie. He really liked this even though he could tell the brownie was microwaved warm.

Brownie A la Mode - Fuzzy Picture

While I didn't take pictures of our refillable cup again, we had been enjoying some more RumRunners & Pina Coladas & were feeling good. Eventually one of my friends was like, let's do a shot so three of us enjyoed the White Gummy Bear. This didn't taste very strong though.

White Gummy Bear Shot

After the shot, I stopped drinking as I knew if I had more, I would regret it later.

Our group was not the greatest bowlers but we had a lot of fun:

If going on a Saturday Night, I would totally do the priority bowling again, even though it costs extra than the normal bowling. When we arrived, the bowling lane wait list was about 20 parties deep. As we had a party, we were able to skip ahead of all of them. We find the food here to be better than any other bowling alley we've been to. The drinks are strong & it is a fun time with great service & with TiW, our price for our meal wasn't bad at all (Our check was $68 for our portion of the drinks & food)​

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Popcorn Cart

We got to Hollywood Studios right before opening and we got some rides done. By 10:00AM, I was really hungry. It had been a while since I had Disney Popcorn so that is what I wanted.

Popcorn & Coke Zero

The popcorn was hot & freshly popped! Perfect breakfast food for Disney ​

 

[Dis_Yoda]

ABC Commissary

After some more attractions and shopping (3D Metal R2D2!), our group was ready for lunch. We looked at the various menus for counter service & decided that the ABC Commissary worked for the greatest portion of the group to be happy. I was a little nervous as I know this place gets some of the worst reviews on the board.

My husband went with a cheeseburger. He thought it was better than what he's grown to expect from Disney Counter Service & was happy the bun didn't fall apart upon eating.

Cheeseburger with Fries

I went with the fried shrimp platter. I left most of my fries behind as I didn't think they were that good, plus I wanted to eat dessert instead.

Fried Shrimp with Fries

Speaking of dessert, I went with the special cupcake for the Valentine Season. The cake was moist & the frosting was just sweet enough & it had a picture of Lady & the Tramp! Way better than french fries any day!

Valentine's Day Cupcake - Red Velvet Cake w/ Chocolate Frosting

We overall were pleasantly surprised with how decent of a lunch this was for a counter service option at Hollywood Studios. I don't know if we would rush to return but when you need to go for counter service because of the group you are with, it was fine.​

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Hess Gas Station

When we were done with lunch, we realized that we should probably work on getting home to Naples as a few of us had work on Monday (Dis_Yoda included!) As we needed to refill the gas tank, we went to the gas station across the street from Hollywood Studios to get some snacks to have on the drive home.

For being such a quick trip (we were gone from our home for less than 36 hours) we had a great time! Most of the food was worth it & we packed a lot in covering 3 parks & Splitsville.

Luckily, Trip #2 is less than 24 hours away and should be a little less hectic.​

 

[auntfrannie]

Delicious reviews! I'm looking forward to reading Trip 2.