~We seldom report of having eaten too little~Sept 2010~COMPLETED 10/21~

[TinkerBelle_325]

First My apologies for thinking you had used the rating system before!!But someone did and I loved it and yours too !!!!!

Secondly awesome Ressie update !!! I am travelling as an Escort for 8 Dev. Disabled folks along with my Boss! We sorta have to keep it simple as most of them don't have EXOTIC tastes !! But we will find some Samples I am sure !!Are ALL samples a snack credit ?????

Oh! No apologies necessary!

Hmm...I believe that most are considered a snack credit (maybe not the lobster roll as it is usually $7-8).

There are lots of more "mainstream" samples to try! In my opinion none of the booths offers an item so exotic that it would be considered overly scary or intimidating.

 

[PrincessBetsy]

Your new itinerary looks awesome! I'm sure you are going to have some truly fabulous food!

 

[MickeyNicki]

Hello sweetie pie!

I think we are going have to meet this time...we will be at the CBR Oct 22-31, at least those are the plans for now..you know how Todd can be

So cocktails at Epcot babe...get ready!

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Hello sweetie pie!

I think we are going have to meet this time...we will be at the CBR Oct 22-31, at least those are the plans for now..you know how Todd can be

So cocktails at Epcot babe...get ready!

Hey hun!

That sounds like a plan

Mmm...grey goose or grand marnier slushies?

 

[MickeyNicki]

Hey hun!

That sounds like a plan

Mmm...grey goose or grand marnier slushies?

Why choose? Let have em both!!!!

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Why choose? Let have em both!!!!

LOL good point! We can throw in the Parisien Cosmo Slush from the F&W booth too

 

[franandaj]

I suppose we are being a bit ambitious! I have actually modified my ADRs since I first posted and I'll post an updated list momentarily.

The portions are actually fairly small. 3 bites each and you are done. Plus, the event runs for 2 1/2 hours so the sampling is pretty well spaced out.

As I mentioned to a PP, the portions weren't that big, about 3 bites. However, we have decided that in terms of value we won't be doing PFTS again until they provide seating for all (and not at a $$$ upgrade).

We feel we get much better value (and an amazing experience) at V&A! Which we will be doing on Oct 28th for DMom's bday.

Oh it was scary as it happened! Funny afterwards People were literally smacking their teeny side plates down on tables, I half expected people to start throwing them like frisbees to secure a spot

I was so upset that I missed the Fisherman's pie, I'm dying to try it!

I understand now being a veteran of WDW F&W, they don't change the menu that much. I went for my first time last year so I had a whole of ground to cover. Now that I know lots of things come back every year, I won't have to try everything unless it was to die for! I feel better that I won't be back until 2011 because some things come back every year and others are new, so I'll focus on the new and we won't have to spend our entire week attempting to try everything, unless I loved it that much I have to have it again.

Our CA PTFS (Taste) had 13 savories and a bunch of desserts, we were full splitting one of each, at least I was! We enjoyed tasting the DLR offerings, from what I see of the WDW version there are mostly WDW chefs, but also other chefs come into the play. Our event is much smaller only about 2-300 people instead of 900. I think I'm going to avoid PFTS, as it sounds like way too much for us. They will never have enough seating becuase these events are what they call "Grand Tasting" events.

We have been lucky enough to chat with the director of the DL F&W Festival on many occasions and he has explained to us about how they have tried to educate patrons of these events that the appeal is the "stroll and savor" aspect of these events. It is a European concept that they are really trying to take hold in the US with much resistance!

I much prefer V&A's rather than running of the bulls! You probably get the same amount of food, but it is all brought to you at the table in a civilised manner and served wonderfully! Are you doing the Queen Victoria Room or just the regular table? Not that it is at all bad...I'm just curious about the QVR and hope to try that next time I'm there!

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

I much prefer V&A's rather than running of the bulls! You probably get the same amount of food, but it is all brought to you at the table in a civilised manner and served wonderfully! Are you doing the Queen Victoria Room or just the regular table? Not that it is at all bad...I'm just curious about the QVR and hope to try that next time I'm there!

We prefer V&A as well

October will be out 3rd meal at V&A and we are still thrilled with the main dining room. We also love that Tables in Wonderland saves us a small fortune off the meal

I would love to try the QVR in the future though

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

More Previous Trip Pics!

Thank you so much to all the new readers (*waves* to the lurkers too )

Well, the trip is 64 days away, and can't come fast enough!!

To keep you all entertained, here are some previous pics

Ohana - May 2009

A beautiful view from Ohana

Sunken Treasure and Dreamtini

Pineapple Coconut Welcome Bread

Sweet & Sour, Spicy Mustard, and Peanut Sauces

Salad with Honey Lime Dressing (I love this dressing so much that I've managed to perfectly replicate it at home, and we have it about once a week!)

Potstickers with Sweet & Sour Sauce

Sticky Wings (I still like the Kona ones a bit better, the mustard drizzle makes them! Come to think of it though, next time I should try them with the Spicy Mustard sauce!!)

Broccoli, snow peas and carrots

LoMein Noodles (this coming from a Maui Scalloped Potato lover....these were great! I think more soy based than the first time I had them)

Turkey, Steak & Pork

And....the always wonderful Ohana bread pudding!!

Jiko - Oct 2008

One of the best cheese plates we've ever had!

Seared Ostrich with Creamed Sweet Potatoes and Pomegranate Reduction

Unbelievably delicious bread and Tandoori Butter

Barbecue Chicken Flatbread

Filet with Mac & Cheese

Lamb Tenderloin with Lentils

The Cooking Place

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

BIG NEWS​

So….I have been keeping a secret from you all….I know….I know…I’m sorry!

I’ve kept it for months and months, but I think it is finally time.

In exactly 9 days……………

This report………………….

Will be……………………...

LIVE FROM WDW!!​

That’s right!! It’s my Pre-Trip TRIP: Eating around the world to prepare for…..eating around the world!!

DDad came to me a few months ago and mentioned wanting to take DMom to WDW for their 30th wedding anniversary (Sept 5th). I thought it was very sweet, but at the time I wasn’t able to go due to work.

Well, fast-forward a few weeks, my work obligations got shifted around at BAM, I’m going to WDW in Sept….and Oct!!

I contemplated adding this trip to my review right away, but thought that it might be more fun to surprise everyone. So, now that I’m in the single digits….SURPRISE!!

When: Thursday, Sept 2nd (driving to glamourous Buffalo), Friday Sept 3rd – 10th at Disney’s Polynesian Resort in Lagoon View Club Level!

Who: Ddad, DMom and Myself

Why: To celebrate DDad and DMom’s 30th Wedding Anniversary!

PLANS

Friday Sept 3rd
Breakfast: Buffalo Airport
Lunch: Wolfgang Puck Express
Pre-Dinner: Club Level Lounge
Dinner: Kona Island Sushi Bar

Saturday, Sept 4th
Breakfast: Club Level Lounge
Lunch: Liberty Tree Tavern
Pre-Dinner: Club Level Lounge
Dinner: “Around the World” Night 1 (La Cava del Tequila, Via Napoli & Kringla Bakery)

Sunday, Sept 5th
Breakfast: Wolfgang Puck Express
Lunch: California Pizza Kitchen
Pre-Dinner: Club Level Lounge
Dinner: California Grill

Monday, Sept 6th
Breakfast: Club Level Lounge
Lunch: Five Guys Burgers and Fries
Pre-Dinner: Club Level Lounge
Dinner: “Around the World” Night 2 (Tangerine Café & Boulangerie Patisserie)

Tuesday, Sept 7th
Breakfast: Club Level Lounge
Lunch: Garden View Tea
Pre-Dinner: Club Level Lounge
Dinner: Grand Floridian Cafe

Wednesday, Sept 8th
Breakfast: Club Level Lounge
Lunch: Chefs de France
Pre-Dinner: Club Level Lounge
Dinner: Romano's Macaroni Grill

Thursday, Sept 9th
Breakfast: Club Level Lounge
Lunch: Rainforest Cafe
Pre-Dinner: Club Level Lounge
Dinner: Chefs de France

Friday, Sept 10th
Breakfast: Club Level Lounge/Kona Cafe
Lunch: Columbia Harbor House
Pre-Dinner: Club Level Lounge
Dinner: Orlando International Airport

 

[DLo]

Read your previous reviews and looking forward to the new ones!

 

[iloveeeyore]

Congratulations on the surprise news! Great for you and also good for us! Can't wait to read the live report.

I'm a little jealous. But still happy for you.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Read your previous reviews and looking forward to the new ones!

Thanks!!

Congratulations on the surprise news! Great for you and also good for us! Can't wait to read the live report.

I'm a little jealous. But still happy for you.

I'm looking forward to writing my new set of reviews

Thanks for reading!

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Dealing with an Indecisive DD (DDad and Disney Diner):
The Tale of the Last-Minute Dining Changes​

So, any of you that have followed my previous reviews know that my DDad likes to change things up at the last minute.

I have planned the trip months in advance, examined menus, park hours, EMH schedules etc. I have mapped out what I feel is the perfect itinerary. I offer to show him said itinerary numerous times in the months leading up to the trip and his response is always “I trust you” with a smile.

Suuure, he trusts me. Then why is it, without fail, one week before every trip I hear, “Hey Meg….can I see the itinerary?...”

Which causes the following thoughts to run through my head….

Oh god…I’m screwed….he is going to want to change something, or he will ask me to obtain the impossible reservation. I understand he wants some flexibility, but for heaven’s sake, he has been to WDW as often as me, he knows that dining reservation book out months in advance….doesn’t he?

Well last night, exactly one week before we leave, I heard that very phrase, “Hey Meg, can I see the itinerary?” I groan and hand it over, waiting to see what his changes are.

“Why aren’t we eating at Flame Tree BBQ when we go to the Animal Kingdom?”

“I told you Dad, Flame Tree BBQ is closed for refurbishment until Sept 20th.”

“But you also said it might open early!”

“Key word being MIGHT Dad, I said might! Right now it looks like it is behind schedule.”

“But I want to eat there!”

“So do I, but we'll do that in October.”

As an aside: We will do that in October has become a bit of a running joke in our family. We stayed at WDW during Tropical Storm Faye and it prevented us from doing several acitivites we had planned. As we were returning in late October for the F&W Festival we began saying "We'll do that in October" and as you can imagine the list of things we were doing in October got laughably big

“Ok…fine”

So DDad continues to look over the itinerary.

“You know, the Grand Floridian Cafe looks a bit…blah…why don’t we eat somewhere else that night?”

“Um…ok. Well The Wave should be pretty easy to get.”

“Ok, that sounds good, I liked The Wave.”

I got onto the WDW and easily find a reservation for The Wave, and just as I am finishing up and getting my confirmation number…

“What about the California Grill?”

“We are eating there on your anniversary.”

“I know, but what about California Grill instead of The Wave.”

“What?? Are you kidding? After Le Cellier, and outside of Cinderella’s Royal Table, California Grill is the holy grail of dining reservations. I barely got one for your anniversary and it was at a crappy time, but I got it. Besides, I've been looking for weeks and the California Grill is booked solid.”

“I’m sure you can get us in on the 7th as well.”

“No. I can’t.”

"We will just have to see when we get there. Maybe we can just walk up."

I was emphatic that there was no way on god’s green earth that I could get us a SECOND California Grill reservation, one week away! I just laughed at his suggestion to "walk-up" and said that MAYBE we could eat at the lounge but it would have to be right at the start of dinner service.

But, being the curious person I am, I checked out the WDW website this morning…I entered Sept 7th, dinner, 3 adults and smugly waited as the website processed. I was absolutely sure I was going to get “No dinner reservations are available 09/07/10.”

Then it happened….

No way….

That is not possible….

9:40pm available.

Crap. I’m never going to live this down. So I made the reservation and resigned myself to the fact that DDad would mock my lack of faith in spontaneity.

Then, I felt an Alice in Wonderland moment hit me….curiouser and curiouser…I entered Sept 5th….absolutely sure that there would be no availability and we would be stuck with out 5:40pm reservation.

Good lord…..would you look at that….

7:45pm available.

So I re-booked that dinner as well.

Sadly, now he is never going to believe that last minute dining reservation changes are as impossible as I make them out to be.

But such is life with an Indecisive DDad.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Good job getting CA Grill, but I guess that luck is kind of bittersweet.

 

[Tink325's_DD]

DDad here ...

It could be that my actions are attributable to:

A willingness to try for the best (especially if my DD does the work)

A sense of spontaneity (I have gotten into Chef De France more than once by walking up)

A spirit of adventure (the best thing about plans is changing them)

A love of Yoshi's sushi (ummmm {Homer Simpson moment})

A perverse pleasure in getting the Uber Planner to succeed in spite of herself (which she does remarkably well)

Ah heck, choose one yourself ... I can't decide

 

[DLo]

uh oh ddad's on the disboards now welcome dad!now we get to hear your side of the story. will you review too?

 

[englishrose47]

DDad here ...

It could be that my actions are attributable to:

A willingness to try for the best (especially if my DD does the work)

A sense of spontaneity (I have gotten into Chef De France more than once by walking up)

A spirit of adventure (the best thing about plans is changing them)

A love of Yoshi's sushi (ummmm {Homer Simpson moment})

A perverse pleasure in getting the Uber Planner to succeed in spite of herself (which she does remarkably well)


Ah heck, choose one yourself ... I can't decide

Welcome to the DIS Dear Dad !!Indecisive or not !!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Can't wait to hear about both of your upcoming trips. I'll be there a bit before you for F&W so if there is anything I can research for you let me know. Food and drink consumed for research purposes have no calories...

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Good job getting CA Grill, but I guess that luck is kind of bittersweet.

Thanks! No kidding lol, I was so sure there would be nothing available.

DDad here ...

It could be that my actions are attributable to:

A willingness to try for the best (especially if my DD does the work)

A sense of spontaneity (I have gotten into Chef De France more than once by walking up)

A spirit of adventure (the best thing about plans is changing them)

A love of Yoshi's sushi (ummmm {Homer Simpson moment})

A perverse pleasure in getting the Uber Planner to succeed in spite of herself (which she does remarkably well)

Ah heck, choose one yourself ... I can't decide

LOL Hi Dad!

Yes yes, I know you love to challenge me (and occasionally drive me within an inch of my sanity)

I must admit, your indecisiveness paid off this time - Cali Grill sushi twice in a week, YUM!

uh oh ddad's on the disboards now welcome dad!now we get to hear your side of the story. will you review too?

He said he would be happy to offer his opinions on our dining this trip

Welcome to the DIS Dear Dad !!Indecisive or not !!!

Dad has been lurking for quite some time lol

Can't wait to hear about both of your upcoming trips. I'll be there a bit before you for F&W so if there is anything I can research for you let me know. Food and drink consumed for research purposes have no calories...

Haven't you heard? There are no calories at Disney - it's part of the magic