Value Resorts and Inside Staterooms? Bah Humbug! 30 days of Disney fun! 02/10 Day 30
- Thread starter dizneeat
- Start date
Minnie&Nana
Dreams do come true!
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2004
What a fun afternoon - meeting up with old friends and spending time together is the best!!
Love the birthday ears!!!
Love the birthday ears!!!
dizneeat
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2006
Tom has made another advent's calendar for you all to enjoy!
Now, since we had a few misunderstandings last year, here is a little instruction.
There are 25 "doors" which represent the 25 days in December. Every day you may open the door with the number that corresponds with the day given.
All doors before that ...... you are very welcome to open again and again. Doors for days still in the future - no, no, you do not open them!
Now enjoy the calendar!
Click here for the Foodie ADVENT'S CALENDAR!
Now, since we had a few misunderstandings last year, here is a little instruction.
There are 25 "doors" which represent the 25 days in December. Every day you may open the door with the number that corresponds with the day given.
All doors before that ...... you are very welcome to open again and again. Doors for days still in the future - no, no, you do not open them!
Now enjoy the calendar!
Click here for the Foodie ADVENT'S CALENDAR!
Minnie&Nana
Dreams do come true!
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2004
YIPPEE!! Thank you, Tom!!!!
dizneeat
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2006
It's such a wonderful place! We need to get there at least once a trip.
Just found your trip report a few days ago and finally got caught up! I'm hooked, am subscribing and looking forward to the rest of your 30 *gasp* days!! I'm so jealous I'm green
Glad you found my report and like it. Just for your information ...... there is an even more recent one out there as well. The link is in my signature.
Karin, you do more DISmeets than anyone I know. You have a lot of friends from the boards. It's so nice that always have people to meet with on your trips.
Well, Mary Ellen and Joe are not "quite" a DISmeet.
We have been friends for a few years now and have spent some time together at WDW. I met them on the allears board and we have become really good friends.
But you are right, it is wonderful to meet so many people on our Disney trips!
Great end to your Epcot day
Looks like you had a fun meet the next day. That Fondue dessert is just the best right
It was a fun evening at Epcot.
We just enjoy the time with Mary Ellen and Joe so much. They are very nice people and LOTS of fun!
dizneeat
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2006
What a fun afternoon - meeting up with old friends and spending time together is the best!!
Love the birthday ears!!!
For the last few years we always spent part of our vacation with them. It's a lot of fun and Joe is game for everything, even for Mickey Bar ears!
You are very welcome, Christine! Just don't forget to open the calendar every day!
dizneeat
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2006
Day 22, September 4
A happy reunion! - Part 3
Time just flew by and we had to leave again to drive to the Animal Kingdom Lodge for dinner at Jiko.
Once we had arrived we walked through the lobby, took in all the decorations and finally headed downstairs. We signed in and were handed a buzzer.
They told us, it would be a few minutes, but we had barely sat down when our buzzer went off and we were led to our table at the back of the restaurant.
Our server was quick at hand to introduce herself, give a few recommendations and take our drinks orders. She quickly returned with our drinks and in the meantime we had decided that since Tom and I were on the Deluxe Dining Plan we were entitled to a starter and we were all going to share those. So we ordered two flatbreads. One of them was the
Grilled Flank Steak - with Manchego cheese, caramelized onions, arugula and berbere sour cream, which was very tasty. The other one we ordered was
the Barbecue Chicken Flatbread - with Apple-Jicama slaw, African barbecue sauce, and four cheeses. We all enjoyed them very much and once we were done our server brought us
a basket full of African Style Bread and
some Spiced Butter. All of us kept on nibbling until our main courses arrived. I had ordered
the Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon - with mac and cheese and red wine sauce, which was very different from what we are used to, but very good. Tom had decided on ordering
the Seared Barbarie Duck Breast, with Polenta and red wine and plum sauce. I didn't even notice it, but lateron Tom told me that the server had come to him and told him that they were out of duck and would he mind pork loin. No, he didnt mind and it was really wonderful.
Once we had finished our main course, our server was at hand to recommend desserts and drinks. Tom wanted some coffee and the server brought him
a press pot of coffee, because we would have been entitled to some bottled water and since we had not ordered it, she gave him the coffee as a DDP item. My tea was included as well! I love a good cup
of Earl Grey after dinner and this flowery Earl Grey with corn flowers was really really good. For dessert I decided on Chocolate overload!
Tarzanian Chocolate, Cherry and chocolate - Chocolate cremeux with chocolate crunch, chocolate-cherry mascarpone and cocoa nibs. Mary Ellen ordered
the Cheesecake and Blueberries - creamy cheesecake with lemon curd, blueberry coulis, blueberry compote and sesame "bee sting", which she enjoyed very much. And Tom had the
South African Spice Cake, layered Spice Cake with Pistachio Frangipan, Amarule White Chocolate-Mousse and Caramel. Joe traded his dessert for a cup of coffee.
Once we had settled the bill we all rolled back to our car, squeezed in and then we dropped Mary Ellen and Joe off at the Wilderness Lodge before we headed back to our Old Key West retreat. We sat down and watched TV for a while, discussing the days events and sipping an adult beverage before it was time for us to go to bed.
DON'T FORGET TO OPEN YOUR ADVENT'S CALENDAR
A happy reunion! - Part 3
Time just flew by and we had to leave again to drive to the Animal Kingdom Lodge for dinner at Jiko.
Once we had arrived we walked through the lobby, took in all the decorations and finally headed downstairs. We signed in and were handed a buzzer.
They told us, it would be a few minutes, but we had barely sat down when our buzzer went off and we were led to our table at the back of the restaurant.
Our server was quick at hand to introduce herself, give a few recommendations and take our drinks orders. She quickly returned with our drinks and in the meantime we had decided that since Tom and I were on the Deluxe Dining Plan we were entitled to a starter and we were all going to share those. So we ordered two flatbreads. One of them was the
Grilled Flank Steak - with Manchego cheese, caramelized onions, arugula and berbere sour cream, which was very tasty. The other one we ordered was
the Barbecue Chicken Flatbread - with Apple-Jicama slaw, African barbecue sauce, and four cheeses. We all enjoyed them very much and once we were done our server brought us
a basket full of African Style Bread and
some Spiced Butter. All of us kept on nibbling until our main courses arrived. I had ordered
the Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon - with mac and cheese and red wine sauce, which was very different from what we are used to, but very good. Tom had decided on ordering
the Seared Barbarie Duck Breast, with Polenta and red wine and plum sauce. I didn't even notice it, but lateron Tom told me that the server had come to him and told him that they were out of duck and would he mind pork loin. No, he didnt mind and it was really wonderful.
Once we had finished our main course, our server was at hand to recommend desserts and drinks. Tom wanted some coffee and the server brought him
a press pot of coffee, because we would have been entitled to some bottled water and since we had not ordered it, she gave him the coffee as a DDP item. My tea was included as well! I love a good cup
of Earl Grey after dinner and this flowery Earl Grey with corn flowers was really really good. For dessert I decided on Chocolate overload!
Tarzanian Chocolate, Cherry and chocolate - Chocolate cremeux with chocolate crunch, chocolate-cherry mascarpone and cocoa nibs. Mary Ellen ordered
the Cheesecake and Blueberries - creamy cheesecake with lemon curd, blueberry coulis, blueberry compote and sesame "bee sting", which she enjoyed very much. And Tom had the
South African Spice Cake, layered Spice Cake with Pistachio Frangipan, Amarule White Chocolate-Mousse and Caramel. Joe traded his dessert for a cup of coffee.
Once we had settled the bill we all rolled back to our car, squeezed in and then we dropped Mary Ellen and Joe off at the Wilderness Lodge before we headed back to our Old Key West retreat. We sat down and watched TV for a while, discussing the days events and sipping an adult beverage before it was time for us to go to bed.
DON'T FORGET TO OPEN YOUR ADVENT'S CALENDAR You will love your 4wks of Bliss in Disney, we are just back from 5 weeks Sept/Oct this year and last year we did a one of 8 weeks inOrlando travelling up and down the coasts etc, and were on the wonder last year, this year on the Dream, next year 5 wks and the Fantasy.
So I know how great it is too totally relax knowing you have extra time to enjoy all Disney has too offer.
I'm looking forward too reading all your exploits it will make me feel less sad about not being there now..
So I know how great it is too totally relax knowing you have extra time to enjoy all Disney has too offer.
I'm looking forward too reading all your exploits it will make me feel less sad about not being there now..
dizneeat
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2006
How nice to find another family who loves to spend a lot of time at Disney. We usually have four weeks in the summer and another week in February, but a few years ago I spent 6 weeks all on my own in California, driving around.
This summer we went for 4 weeks again (and yes, there is another trip report for it - link is in my signature), stayed at Disney for 9 days, then did 3 Dream cruises back to back and back to Disney again.
As for next summer we have another 4 weeks with visits to Key West, Disney, 2 Dream cruises again and back to Disney.
We are already planning a 5 week trip for 2013 too - now this one is going to be a coast to coast one.
So I guess there will be lots to write and read about all over the year!
It is so great. Isn't it, the slow pace that you can enjoy things at are great, if you are going to the West coast next year try St Augustine it is a lovely old style place with all the old wooden buildings at plenty of History there. We loved Clearwater also the Beach is so soft, we did the Key West last year and also Key Largo, the Road Trip is the Best and the Drive to the Keys is really Special. Have a Fantastic Time.
englishrose47
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2007
I am all caught up Karin !! Loved all the food porn and meeting with your friends . At Beaches and cream I got the Mickey mini sundae and it was delish !! Am up to date on Tom's Foood Porn calendar too!!!
dizneeat
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2006
Thanks for all the hints. We have been to St. Augustine before and really liked it, but this time we are just doing the Florida Keys. We have been there before too and I just love the drive. We always stay at the Southernmost on the Beach and get an oceanfront room -
so wonderful! By West Coast next year I meant the West Coast of the USA, California. We have not been there in a few years and it's time we return to that beautiful state again.
Also Las Vegas is on my list too. All these places we have visited before and cannot wait to go back to.
You know, I had to laugh when you mentioned Key Largo, as it is a place where we always stop!
for being caught up, Rosie! I love that Mickey Mouse sundae, perfect size for me!
And I am so happy that you enjoy the calendar, Rosie. I hope it puts a smile on your face. You had so many sad things happening lately.
dizneeat
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2006
Day 23, September 5
Shopping, reservation changes and Extra Magic Hours - Part 1
We slept in a little as we had no definite plans for the day, so around 8 we got up, took showers and then headed out to have breakfast at Wolfgang Pucks Express.
We found a parking spot really close to the restaurant and there were not too many people in there, so it was very easy to find a table.
Tom had ordered
some coffee and I had some
Earl Grey Tea, which is quite good quality for a Counter Service Restaurant. We had picked up
two bottles of water as well, as a second beverage was included in our Dining Plan Credit.
It did not take long for our breakfast to arrive. Tom had ordered
Wolfgang's Breakfast Pocket - Scrambled eggs, peppers, Niman Ranch Bacon, onions, mushrooms, mozzarella and cheddar cheese baked into Wolfgang's pizza dough. My choice for today was the same as I always have, the
Smoked Bacon Pizza - scrambled eggs, tomatoes, mozzarella and cheddar cheese and Ranch Dressing. There is no better way to start the day than with those tasty treats.
Once we had finished we walked back to the car and went on our merry ways to spend some money around Orlando. We headed towards the Florida Mall, but were sidetracked by a Mall on the way there.
There was a Petsmart and a huge Walmart and we stopped and shopped at both. Some time later we arrived at the Florida Mall, strolled around, stopped at the Disney Store, where else and picked up a few more items. There were lots of interesting stores there and we did a lot of window shopping. When we left we took the wrong exit and ended up going further away from Walt Disney World. But after a very short drive, what should we find than Aldi!
Aldi is the international brand of a shop that originated in Austria, called Hofer. Needless to say we had to stop and have a look around.
It was the first time we found a shopping cart where we had to use a token to free it and the store was exactly as they are in Austria.
Even some of the items they sold where the same as what we can get here. We picked up a few items, that they not usually sell in Austria and even bought one of their huge reusable shopping bags, which I very often use for shopping now.
With all the shopping time had flown by and it was already afternoon when we arrived back at Old Key West.
DON'T FORGET TO OPEN YOUR ADVENT'S CALENDAR
Shopping, reservation changes and Extra Magic Hours - Part 1
We slept in a little as we had no definite plans for the day, so around 8 we got up, took showers and then headed out to have breakfast at Wolfgang Pucks Express.
We found a parking spot really close to the restaurant and there were not too many people in there, so it was very easy to find a table.
Tom had ordered
some coffee and I had some
Earl Grey Tea, which is quite good quality for a Counter Service Restaurant. We had picked up
two bottles of water as well, as a second beverage was included in our Dining Plan Credit.
It did not take long for our breakfast to arrive. Tom had ordered
Wolfgang's Breakfast Pocket - Scrambled eggs, peppers, Niman Ranch Bacon, onions, mushrooms, mozzarella and cheddar cheese baked into Wolfgang's pizza dough. My choice for today was the same as I always have, the
Smoked Bacon Pizza - scrambled eggs, tomatoes, mozzarella and cheddar cheese and Ranch Dressing. There is no better way to start the day than with those tasty treats.
Once we had finished we walked back to the car and went on our merry ways to spend some money around Orlando. We headed towards the Florida Mall, but were sidetracked by a Mall on the way there.
There was a Petsmart and a huge Walmart and we stopped and shopped at both. Some time later we arrived at the Florida Mall, strolled around, stopped at the Disney Store, where else and picked up a few more items. There were lots of interesting stores there and we did a lot of window shopping. When we left we took the wrong exit and ended up going further away from Walt Disney World. But after a very short drive, what should we find than Aldi!
Aldi is the international brand of a shop that originated in Austria, called Hofer. Needless to say we had to stop and have a look around.
It was the first time we found a shopping cart where we had to use a token to free it and the store was exactly as they are in Austria.
Even some of the items they sold where the same as what we can get here. We picked up a few items, that they not usually sell in Austria and even bought one of their huge reusable shopping bags, which I very often use for shopping now.
With all the shopping time had flown by and it was already afternoon when we arrived back at Old Key West.
DON'T FORGET TO OPEN YOUR ADVENT'S CALENDAR 
englishrose47
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2007
I am loving the advent calender!! All the pictures make my mouth water
Reminds me I gotta go and check !!Tom I love your annual calendar !!
dizneeat
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2006
Me too! You know, this is a store that originates here in Austria!
It's called Hofer here and was bought by a German company who renamed it Aldi, but the guy who sold it made it a point it keeps it's original name here in Austria. They sell some quite nice products!
Yummy looking dinner at Jiko
Score on finding an Aldi
This was our first time at Jiko and we really enjoyed it!
I could not believe it, when Tom pointed out the Aldi sign in the distance - I had to pay a visit.
I am loving the advent calender!! All the pictures make my mouth water
I am glad you like the calendar!
You really should try WPE, we love it and won't miss it. It is the first and last meal we eat when visiting WDW!
Reminds me I gotta go and check !!Tom I love your annual calendar !!
I am glad you like it so much, Rosie!
dizneeat
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2006
Day 23, September 5
Shopping, reservation changes and Extra Magic Hours - Part 2
With all the shopping time had flown by and it was already afternoon when we arrived back at Old Key West.
We hauled all our new goodies up into our villa and headed right back to the car to drive over to Downtown Disney to pick up a few Make your own goodies.
We got some
Marshmallows dipped into dark chocolate and Reece's Pieces, drizzled with white chocolate and
some pretzel rods, all dipped into dark chocolate and one dipped into Reece's Pieces, one dipped into shredded coconut, and one dipped into crushed butterfinger and all of them drizzled with white chocolate!
They are as fun to watch being prepared as they later being nibbled. Once we had our goodies we hurried back to our villa as the heaven had become grey and we needed to get back before the rainstorm started. We made it just in time.
So, back at the villa we unpacked everything and packed the things we would not need right into the suitcase. Then we prepared a little lunch and sat down in front of the TV to enjoy it. Now, what was on TV when we turned it on?
We could not believe it, but they were showing the Sound of Music which made us laugh out loud.
Sitting here in Walt Disney World and being reminded of Austria. We sat out the rainstorm, Tom used the Jacuzzi, while I did some laundry and relaxed with my computer.
Around 6pm we got ready to go out for dinner at Artists Point. We drove over to the Magic Kingdom and parked the car in the parking lot. Then we used the Monorail to go to the Magic Kingdom and used the ferry boat from there to go to the Wilderness Lodge.
Since we didnt know if Mary Ellen and Joe would be at the lodge we stopped at the front desk to ask if they could find out if they were in. They were not and since we had brought a few presents for them we asked if we could leave them at the front desk and they were very helpful.
We then wandered over to the restaurant to sign in. Like at every other restaurant we were offered the usual buzzer and told we could go into the lobby while waiting. We explored the shop, enjoyed the lobby and after about 10 minutes we were called back to the restaurant.
DON'T FORGET TO OPEN YOUR ADVENT'S CALENDAR
Shopping, reservation changes and Extra Magic Hours - Part 2
With all the shopping time had flown by and it was already afternoon when we arrived back at Old Key West.
We hauled all our new goodies up into our villa and headed right back to the car to drive over to Downtown Disney to pick up a few Make your own goodies.
We got some
Marshmallows dipped into dark chocolate and Reece's Pieces, drizzled with white chocolate and
some pretzel rods, all dipped into dark chocolate and one dipped into Reece's Pieces, one dipped into shredded coconut, and one dipped into crushed butterfinger and all of them drizzled with white chocolate!
They are as fun to watch being prepared as they later being nibbled. Once we had our goodies we hurried back to our villa as the heaven had become grey and we needed to get back before the rainstorm started. We made it just in time.
So, back at the villa we unpacked everything and packed the things we would not need right into the suitcase. Then we prepared a little lunch and sat down in front of the TV to enjoy it. Now, what was on TV when we turned it on?
We could not believe it, but they were showing the Sound of Music which made us laugh out loud.
Sitting here in Walt Disney World and being reminded of Austria. We sat out the rainstorm, Tom used the Jacuzzi, while I did some laundry and relaxed with my computer.
Around 6pm we got ready to go out for dinner at Artists Point. We drove over to the Magic Kingdom and parked the car in the parking lot. Then we used the Monorail to go to the Magic Kingdom and used the ferry boat from there to go to the Wilderness Lodge.
Since we didnt know if Mary Ellen and Joe would be at the lodge we stopped at the front desk to ask if they could find out if they were in. They were not and since we had brought a few presents for them we asked if we could leave them at the front desk and they were very helpful.
We then wandered over to the restaurant to sign in. Like at every other restaurant we were offered the usual buzzer and told we could go into the lobby while waiting. We explored the shop, enjoyed the lobby and after about 10 minutes we were called back to the restaurant.
DON'T FORGET TO OPEN YOUR ADVENT'S CALENDAR Share this page
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