A Salute to AK but mostly Dinosaur! TR 9/5-9/14/24! Updated 11/7**

[disneyAndi14]

Deliziosa

It is time to eat again! Tonight, we will be trying IL Mulino at the Swan Resort.

I love the Epcot resort area! Within walking distance, there are so many restaurants and lounges! I really like The Riviera on the Skyliner loop also, but I think the Epcot resorts on Crescent Lake are the best!

Our reservation was at 7:30pm. It did look like it was going to rain again this evening, so we packed our ponchos just in case. We did make it over to the Swan without rain, yay! The Swan much like The Dolphin is a convention hotel. I have never stayed at either of these resorts, but have enjoyed the ambiance and restaurants here.

We found the restaurant and checked in.

IL Mulino was participating in the Orlando Magical Dining. A three course meal for $40.00. This is a great deal at this restaurant when you add up my meal it would have been $58.00. Our wait staff here were amazing! We had 2 men who tag teamed our table. It worked perfectly and we were very pleased.

We started with an amuse bouche, this is a small complimentary appetizer. This was a cold eggplant dish with bread. It tasted fine but not my favorite, maybe the texture? was off for me. The girls didn’t really care for it either.

We ordered a round of drinks. I had an extra dirty martini, Andi had a vodka/cranberry and Kait had this

Basilicato

Absolut Vodka, Italicus, Fresh Lemon, Basil, Simple Syrup

She really enjoyed this. It was a pretty drink!

Kait and I chose the 3 course magical dining option.

Andi ordered off the regular menu!

Kait and I both had the house made Cesar Salad. This was very good! A little secret My husband Joe makes the best Cesar salads from scratch, his dressing is amazing. He taught Andi how to make it and she makes it fairly regularly for Kait. We all agreed Dad and Andi’s is still the best! Andi like her dad makes her own croutons.

Andi tried the Cesar salad She liked it.

This was my pasta dish
Rigatoni con Funghi

Rigatoni with Wild Mushrooms, Spicy Cherry Peppers, Garlic, and Truffle Oil
I took the first bite and I was blown away how good this simple pasta dish was. Definitely a favorite of mine!

Kait had this pasta dish

Ravioli Al Formaggio

Ricotta Cheese Filled Ravioli with Tomato Basil Sauce, Parmesan Cheese, and Parsley

She loved her meal. The sauce was light and very flavorful.

Andi had Risotto con Funghi

Arborio Rice with Wild Mushrooms, and Truffle Oil

She loved this. I thought it was delicious and the Risotto was cooked perfectly!

Kait and I went with this classic Italian Dessert.

Tiramisu

Layered Espresso and Coffee Liqueur infused Lady Fingers coated with Marscapone Cream

The dessert was delicious

You guys, this place is amazing and the best meal I have had at Disney in some time! I highly recommend dining at IL Mulino.

The wait staff, ambience, drinks, and food all chef’s kiss

I know we will be back!

It was raining out when we left. It wasn’t a downpour just a nuisance.

We put on our ponchos and headed out. Our plan was to go to Abracadabar. This is close to our hotel on the boardwalk attached to the Italian restaurant Trattoria.

We lucked out and a high top table close to the entrance was available. We decided on some drinks.

I know Andi went with this one!

Pepper's Ghost
SKYY Pineapple Vodka, Habanero Lime

I can’t remember what Kait had for her drink. I didn’t write it down. I wanted this one, I had heard good things about it

Hoodunit's Punch

Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum, Orange Juice, Pineapple Juice, Coconut

This was really good. I know @pkondz would not like it because of the rum! I loved it

After our drinks, I decided to head back to the resort and the girls wanted to check out the nightclub across from Jelly rolls. It didn’t have a cover charge and Jelly rolls had a $20.00 cover, too much for the girls to pay! We departed on the boardwalk!

I went back to the room and got ready for bed.

The girls were back fairly quickly. They said the place was dead and not too much fun. They had one drink each and listened to the music for little while before heading back.

Another day in the books

Stay tuned for another Dinotastic Day!

 

[disneyAndi14]

I aspire to be more like you.
But that would take more visits... and that's not in the cards right now.

I hope you get a trip in soon

You're on probation until it's posted, lady.

Don’t you worry my next PM picture will be a foot picture!

Except it's almost always down first thing at RD.

True but hopefully in December that won’t happen

It's time for me to scope out the foods for Dec!

Same! I can’t wait for the Festival of the Holidays food booth menus to come out!
I have been looking at the MVMCP treats which are out now!

 

[pkondz]

Pretty fountain.

We did make it over to the Swan without rain, yay!

A three course meal for $40.00.

Not bad!

We had 2 men who tag teamed our table.

cold eggplant dish with bread. It tasted fine but not my favorite, maybe the texture? was off for me.

That doesn't sound particularly appetizing.

I had an extra dirty martini,

You don't even have to wash the glass!

Absolut Vodka, Italicus, Fresh Lemon, Basil, Simple Syrup

Yum.

Kait and I chose the 3 course magical dining option.

Andi ordered off the regular menu!

What's wrong with that girl??

A little secret My husband Joe makes the best Cesar salads from scratch, his dressing is amazing. He taught Andi how to make it and she makes it fairly regularly for Kait.

Hmmm... I've been told I make the best Caesar salads... We'll have to have a competition.

Andi like her dad makes her own croutons.

Okay... advantage to your side. I don't do that. Impressive!

Rigatoni with Wild Mushrooms, Spicy Cherry Peppers, Garlic, and Truffle Oil
I took the first bite and I was blown away how good this simple pasta dish was. Definitely a favorite of mine!

mmmm... sounds great.

Ricotta Cheese Filled Ravioli with Tomato Basil Sauce, Parmesan Cheese, and Parsley

She loved her meal. The sauce was light and very flavorful.

Looks good, too!

Andi had Risotto con Funghi

Ah! Maybe she saw this and it wasn't available otherwise? Love a good risotto.

Kait and I went with this classic Italian Dessert.

Tiramisu

Doesn't get much more classic than that.
Not a personal favourite of mine, but...

You guys, this place is amazing and the best meal I have had at Disney in some time!

High praise!

It was raining out when we left. It wasn’t a downpour just a nuisance.

And you were prepared.

Fun shot.

Pepper's Ghost
SKYY Pineapple Vodka, Habanero Lime

I think I'd like that. Depends on how the Habanero Lime tastes.

Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum, Orange Juice, Pineapple Juice, Coconut

This was really good. I know @pkondz would not like it because of the rum!

Took the words right out of my mouth.

The girls were back fairly quickly. They said the place was dead and not too much fun. They had one drink each and listened to the music for little while before heading back.

I guess that's what a $20 cover charge will getcha.

I hope you get a trip in soon

Not looking like it, but who knows.

Don’t you worry my next PM picture will be a foot picture!

 

[Wood Nymph]

I love the Epcot resort area! Within walking distance, there are so many restaurants and lounges! I really like The Riviera on the Skyliner loop also, but I think the Epcot resorts on Crescent Lake are the best!

We love the Epcot resort area and stay at the YC or BC often.

IL Mulino was participating in the Orlando Magical Dining. A three course meal for $40.00.

I've heard a lot of good things about Il Mulino and $40 for a three-course meal is a great price. You got lucky with the timing of the Orlando Magical dining promotion.

We started with an amuse bouche, this is a small complimentary appetizer.

My husband always does the crossword puzzle in the Chicago Tribune. He couldn't figure out the clue for an appetizer that starts with A. I mentioned amuse bouche and he said he had never heard of it. I said that I've learned that term from reading trip reports on the Dis forum.

 

[suse66]

You guys, this place is amazing and the best meal I have had at Disney in some time! I highly recommend dining at IL Mulino.

The wait staff, ambience, drinks, and food all chef’s kiss

I know we will be back!

Sounds like you had a fantastic experience!

I know Andi went with this one!

Pepper's Ghost
SKYY Pineapple Vodka, Habanero Lime

I can’t remember what Kait had for her drink. I didn’t write it down. I wanted this one, I had heard good things about it

I love the Pepper's Ghost!

After our drinks, I decided to head back to the resort and the girls wanted to check out the nightclub across from Jelly rolls. It didn’t have a cover charge and Jelly rolls had a $20.00 cover, too much for the girls to pay! We departed on the boardwalk!

I went back to the room and got ready for bed.

The girls were back fairly quickly. They said the place was dead and not too much fun. They had one drink each and listened to the music for little while before heading back.

Another day in the books

You were the smart one to go back to the room. I've never heard anything great about Atlantic Dance Hall.

 

[DL1WDW2]

It was pretty great last year for NYE Countdown Party !
The Hall has upper level balconies to stand outside to watch Epcot Countdown !

 

[vamassey1]

I'm sorry I was several updates behind. You're really moving fast.

So many great rides and food.

I love how happy the girls look in the pictures. They really enjoyed themselves.

I was surprised by how how much we all enjoyed the new Country Bears. I'm looking forward to doing it again.

Thanks for the review of Il Mulino, looks like another place I need to add to my someday list.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Isn't it amazing how simple pasta dishes are just the best? I was on a recruiting trip most of last week and there is a great little Italian place there. I had burro e parmigiana - just butter and parmesan with penne but it was out of this world!!!

And I want your rum drink. Yumm!!!! Pkondz - I thank you for not liking rum. It leaves more for the rest of us because...why is the rum always gone??

 

[pkondz]

Pkondz - I thank you for not liking rum. It leaves more for the rest of us because...why is the rum always gone??

You’re welcome. Always trying to make others’ inebriation possible.

And the rum being gone is not my fault!!

 

[disneyAndi14]

It’s another Dinotastic Day!

Monday 9/9/24. Today was an AK morning.

We had FP for Dinosaur, Safari, and NRJ.

Our plan was to arrive around 9am. We headed to the bus stop after a quick breakfast in the room. We didn’t wait long for a bus and I have a time stamp of 9:05 at my beloved Dinosaur.

We got the back row and I am not going to lie, it is rough back there. Thank goodness I know where every jerk, bump, and jolt is along the crazy Dino ride.

I look like the comet (just a little one) is coming right for my head in the picture. The girls are keeping with their theme of let’s show our rings. This ride was done in the SB line. Our FP for Dino was at 11:00.

Before our FP for NRJ, We decided to do a quick walk through at the Maharaja Trail, which opened at 9am. We saw the deadly ghoulish terrifying Komodo Dragon. Again, you guys, we haven’t started our horror portion of the trip. Yikes I’m sorry but this giant lizard scares the you know what out of me! I swear he was giving me the evil eye saying I’m watching you!

We didn’t spend much time on the trail because not much was out. The bats were all up high in the trees and hard to see. I think I saw one. The tiger was no where to be found boo . I heard a new baby tiger has recently been born. Cool I hope I get to see him in December.

We headed to Pandora to ride NRJ. We enjoyed our serene boat ride on a very bio luminescent planet. We did not get a fancy ride pass for FoP today. Since Kait can’t ride Andi and I were fine with skipping today.

It was time for our Safari FP. We had a very nice ride and saw several baby zebras. The Safari is such a wonderful experience and no matter how many times I have done this, I learn something new every time.

We decided to have an early lunch at Satuli Canteen. We mobile ordered our food and when Andi and I went to pick it up, we noticed the bowl for Andi and Kait is the combination bowl of beef and chicken, oh oh. Andi accidentally picked this in the mobile order. The CM was very nice and got us the chicken bowl instead. Unfortunately, it did cost $3.00 more for the beef and chicken bowl. Oh well, it was our mistake. I actually ordered a bowl this time instead of my go too hot dog meal. I did get the kids chicken bowl with the herb dressing, a cutie, and a drink. The bowls were delicious and it was still early enough to enjoy a nice quiet restaurant.

We took our time heading back to Dinosaur and we saw Kevin along the way.

Did I mention it was very hot and humid again today? Well guess what it sure was!

We made our way to Dinosaur and it was definitely more crowded and I was glad we had the FP.

See all the people waiting to ride the best ride ever!

Yay we got the front row!

We decided to walk through Asia checking out Everest. We encouraged Andi to ride but she said she didn’t need to ride this trip. We filled up the popcorn bucket and walked around the Tree of Life before heading out.
Pictures on our way out.




We had plans to spend the evening at Epcot and staying for the 2 extra magic hours for Deluxe resort guests. We wanted to go back to the resort and relax in the air conditioning for a while before walking over to Epcot.

Stay tuned for Rain Rain Go Away!

 

[pkondz]

We had FP for Dinosaur

Really? I'm shocked! Shocked!!

We got the back row and I am not going to lie, it is rough back there. Thank goodness I know where every jerk, bump, and jolt is along the crazy Dino ride.

I have no doubt that you do.

I look like the comet (just a little one) is coming right for my head in the picture.

Oh? I thought the photo had captured your use of your mental powers attempting to keep the ride open indefinitely.

We saw the deadly ghoulish terrifying Komodo Dragon.

Cool! I'd love to see one.

I’m sorry but this giant lizard scares the you know what out of me!

The stuffing? Scares the stuffing out of you?

I swear he was giving me the evil eye saying I’m watching you!

I heard a new baby tiger has recently been born. Cool

Really? Wow!

It was time for our Safari FP. We had a very nice ride and saw several baby zebras.

Awww.

we noticed the bowl for Andi and Kait is the combination bowl of beef and chicken, oh oh. Andi accidentally picked this in the mobile order.

Whoops!
But glad it got sorted.

I did get the kids chicken bowl with the herb dressing, a cutie, and a drink.

A cutie? What's that?

we saw Kevin along the way.

I'm so impressed with Kevin. No idea how she... works.

Awww... Caroline. Looking adorbs.

Like this shot.

 

[Stacybaeasm]

Yay Dinosaur!! I'm so looking forward to my last ride on it in just a few weeks. Don't get your hopes up about seeing the baby tiger in December. I read that they keep momma and baby away from people for several months. I'm guessing (and it's just a guess) it will be after the holidays and the crazy crowds before they put baby out on the trail.

Also - those photos of the 3 of you. You are a great mother-in-law. Kait is very lucky!!

 

[Wood Nymph]

The Safari is such a wonderful experience and no matter how many times I have done this, I learn something new every time.

The safari is our favorite thing at AK.

I did get the kids chicken bowl with the herb dressing, a cutie, and a drink.

The kids meals are a great value. I like that it comes with a drink. And it is enough food for me.

Pictures on our way out.

The pictures turned out great.

We wanted to go back to the resort and relax in the air conditioning for a while before walking over to Epcot.

We found that we needed air conditioning breaks when we went to WDW in August or September.

 

[vamassey1]

We got the back row and I am not going to lie, it is rough back there. Thank goodness I know where every jerk, bump, and jolt is along the crazy Dino ride.

It is way rougher in the back.

I swear he was giving me the evil eye saying I’m watching you!

Very good photo of the Evil Lizard.

We had a very nice ride and saw several baby zebras.

They are so cute, on of the babies had the zoomies when we went.

Yay we got the front row!

Great poising for this one.

I like this photo of you three.

 

[disneyAndi14]

That doesn't sound particularly appetizing.

It missed the mark for us. I do love eggplant dishes normally however cold no thanks!

What's wrong with that girl??

Haha nothing in the 3 course special menu was calling her.

Hmmm... I've been told I make the best Caesar salads... We'll have to have a competition.

Another champion Cesar salad maker, very nice! I just eat it, haha

Okay... advantage to your side. I don't do that. Impressive!

Andi makes homemade croutons all the time. Joe does once in awhile

Ah! Maybe she saw this and it wasn't available otherwise? Love a good risotto.

Right! She had her eyes on the Risotto and it was a good choice!

Doesn't get much more classic than that.
Not a personal favourite of mine, but...

I have sampled Tiramisu at so many places now and this one was very good

I think I'd like that. Depends on how the Habanero Lime tastes.

Andi really liked it and the Habanero was subtle per Andi!

Took the words right out of my mouth.

Haha, I can’t not think about you now when I order a rum drink! I do challenge you to try the rum bar Strong Water at Universal one time. I think you would have a new respect for the rum

I guess that's what a $20 cover charge will getcha.

Yes Jellyrolls was hopping but now I saw they might close??

Not looking like it, but who knows.

I hope you get a trip soon!

 

[disneyAndi14]

We love the Epcot resort area and stay at the YC or BC often.

Same! YC has always been my favorite! I really like BWI now with the way they did the refurbishment

I've heard a lot of good things about Il Mulino and $40 for a three-course meal is a great price. You got lucky with the timing of the Orlando Magical dining promotion.

It was an excellent dining experience and even better with a discount!

My husband always does the crossword puzzle in the Chicago Tribune. He couldn't figure out the clue for an appetizer that starts with A. I mentioned amuse bouche and he said he had never heard of it. I said that I've learned that term from reading trip reports on the Dis forum.

Haha, this reminds me of when Andi was in school, she was always able to answer trivia questions at the beginning of class because of her visits to Disney! Her teacher would say how did you know that? Her answer always was Epcot at Disney, haha

Sounds like you had a fantastic experience!

Excellent restaurant experience

I love the Pepper's Ghost!

It was a perfect choice for Andi!

You were the smart one to go back to the room. I've never heard anything great about Atlantic Dance Hall.

I just saw Jellyrolls might close now? Yes the Atlantic Dance Hall this night was pretty dead.

It was pretty great last year for NYE Countdown Party !
The Hall has upper level balconies to stand outside to watch Epcot Countdown !

Good to know! We are never there at NYE but maybe some day!

I'm sorry I was several updates behind. You're really moving fast.

I’m trying to get this done before my next trip which is coming up fast!

So many great rides and food.

These last few trips, food has really been a hit for us!

I love how happy the girls look in the pictures. They really enjoyed themselves.

They really do and they are a very cute couple, always looking out for each other!

I was surprised by how how much we all enjoyed the new Country Bears. I'm looking forward to doing it again.

Same! I was skeptical but I did enjoy it!

Thanks for the review of Il Mulino, looks like another place I need to add to my someday list.

I highly recommend it!

Isn't it amazing how simple pasta dishes are just the best? I was on a recruiting trip most of last week and there is a great little Italian place there. I had burro e parmigiana - just butter and parmesan with penne but it was out of this world!!!

This is very true! The more simple the better at times! I’m always happy to find a good Italian restaurant it is a favorite of mine.

And I want your rum drink. Yumm!!!! Pkondz - I thank you for not liking rum. It leaves more for the rest of us because...why is the rum always gone??

Haha! Even without @pkondz drinking it, it is still gone!

And the rum being gone is not my fault!!

I think you drink it and just pretend you don’t like it!

 

[CariadMartin]

I would never have guessed that would be the restaurant! I have watched so many Disney dining reviews and vlogs and I don't think I've seen anyone go in that one! Interesting.

Love seeing everyone do their probably final rides on Dinosaur, it's my favourite ever ride and I'm so sad to see it leaving. I recently did the Indiana Jones one in Disneyland and it was nowhere near as good in my opinion, I'm hoping whatever comes next after Dinosaur I'll love just as much!

 

[pkondz]

Haha nothing in the 3 course special menu was calling her.

Can see that

Another champion Cesar salad maker, very nice! I just eat it, haha

Andi makes homemade croutons all the time. Joe does once in awhile

I should do that. Never have.

Andi really liked it and the Habanero was subtle per Andi!

Subtle is good.

Haha, I can’t not think about you now when I order a rum drink!

I do challenge you to try the rum bar Strong Water at Universal one time. I think you would have a new respect for the rum

Dunno… it’d have to be pretty masked.

Yes Jellyrolls was hopping but now I saw they might close??

Oh no!

 

[disneyAndi14]

Rain Rain Go Away!

We took a little rest and got ready to head into Epcot. The weather was looking a bit ominous. We got to the boardwalk and the skies opened up. We found an overhang and put our ponchos on. I started having doubts about going with such heavy rain. I told the girls to go ahead and I would catch up to them when the rain slowed down. I went back into the resort and lounged around for some time before the rain started slowing down. It was a good hour or more. I worked on trip notes and people watched. I didn’t see any characters in the lobby which would have been great.

In the meantime the girls were sending me pictures of drinks and food.

They started at the Hawaii Booth with The Aulani Sunrise vodka, pineapple juice, and grenadine.

The Florida Groves Winery Sparkling Pineapple Wine.

Two thumbs from the girls.

They headed to China and sampled the Pan Fried Chicken Dumplings with house made sweet and spicy sauce and the Fiery Dream, Citrus Vodka, Triple Sec, Guava Nectar, and spicy hot honey syrup.


Again two thumbs

Look who was joining the girls, it wasn’t me, lol this cutie isn’t afraid of a little rain.

Their next stop was India for the Chicken Tikka Masala with fennel spiced yogurt and naan bread.

They loved this.

Next was The Refreshment Outpost for the Impossible spicy sausage with piri piri peppers, onions and aioli.

This was the only miss for them. It was cold for one thing and just didn’t taste good.

I finally ventured out and met the girls at The Brazil booth. I had to get the famous cheese bread. Pao de Queijo. You get two little cheese balls, I ate one before getting my picture. I love this. Simple cheesy bread!

I got the Beer-braised beef served with smoked Gouda mashed potatoes at the Belgium booth.

This was really good and filling. I also got the Belgium waffle with Berry Compote and whipped cream. The waffle was just okay, it was really cold and not very tasty, Kait had a bite and thought the same thing.

The girls shared the Grilled Charmoula Chicken Kebab with carrot-chickpea salad and garlic aioli. They did like this.

Our next stop was Germany I wanted to try the pretzel bread pudding found at Sommerfest. This was delicious and very filling. The girls didn’t want any so I had it all to myself. I highly recommend and a relative steal at $4.95 shh don’t tell Disney.

Follow me to the next post!

 

[disneyAndi14]

We headed toward Mexico and took a little boat ride with Senor Donald.

Andi wanted to try the Mango Sunrise Margarita this was mezcal, tequila, mango purée, black current liqueur with a chili-lime salt rim. Hard pass on this for me. I am not a mezcal fan. The girls liked it.

We stopped to do the Muppet lab magic shot. The CM here was really nice and I visited with her while the girls waited in line for the margarita. She didn’t have any one waiting so she had time to talk.





We had SE, FEA, and GotG on deck. I snagged an 8:30pm FEA, and yes Andi was going to ride it because Kait enjoyed it the last time we were here. I guess we know how I rate, the girl won’t ride with her mom saying she doesn’t want to get wet, but with Kait, no problem.

We headed to SE and really didn’t need our FP, oh well you never know. We stopped in this spot so I got a decent picture.

It was time for our GotG fancy ride. Kait skipped this one. We had a good ride and got I run for the song. we had never had this song yet. Now I have had 5 out of the 6 songs. I have never had September.

I put the emoji over my face because I look terrible. I think the picture is when you circle the moon and by this time I do start feeling a little queasiness. Just enough to make me look ridiculous in the picture.

Kait was waiting in the Connections eatery for us.

It was time for our Frozen FP. We didn’t get our picture. I think we all avoided getting wet this time around. The family in front of us did get wet, I heard them freak out a little bit when it happened. Better them than us!

It was just about fireworks time. We decided to get a frozen margarita at Choza Margarita. Andi and I got
Fiesta
a combination of strawberry, classic lime, and mango loco
$15.00
Kait got the frozen mango loco $14.00
We all three got killer brain freeze while we watched some of the fireworks We laughed after we thought we were going to die haha

Wow, now I know why I don’t usually get the frozen margaritas.

I didn’t totally hate Luminous this time around but still very meh for me. We did have a good spot to watch by Canada.

We headed to Remy and waited about 17 minutes. It was only open to the Deluxe resort guests. We had a fun ride. I am surprised Kait doesn’t get motion sickness on this ride because I do sometimes. We hadn’t quite finished our brain freeze margaritas and we were able to put the rest in Andi’s big water bottle and the girls finished it off back at the room. It worked perfectly and stayed pretty frozen in there. We were rule breakers taking alcohol out of Epcot, haha

Being so close to the IG after Remy, we decided to head out. We could have stayed longer but didn’t feel like heading back to the front of the park.

We had a short walk back to our resort.

It was a fun evening despite the rain. It did come back a little around fireworks time but just sprinkling.

Another day in the books Time for lights out!

Stay tuned for a MK morning and a favorite lounge for lunch!