Copyrighting Mangoes and Eating Off My Pork - A Halloween WDW Road Trip

[frzndaqiri]

Hello! Welcome to my 2014 TR. If you haven't met me before feel free to visit my 2011 TR (link in signature below).

Due to content length restrictions - you may also want to bookmark my website and follow along there. I take a LOT of photos, so the full and complete 3000+ photo fantastic will appear in its glory there. A curated selection will be repeated here.

Warning - I also swear. Keep little ones out of the room when playing my videos. Everything on screen is otherwise family friendly.

On with the show:

It seems like we're creating a habit of last minute trip plans to Disney World. While 2011 was booked about 6 months in advance this time it was just three. This year marked our 5th wedding anniversary, and 15 years being together. Such a milestone deserved an awesome celebration and so after some budget wrangling, deliberation, discussion, and angsty hand-wringing we got a hold of a TA and put down the deposit.

Our first option had been for Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort. Unfortunately we didn't manage to get it booked in time and the last room sold. Mind you - we were trying for a popular time (Halloween, October), and specific dates (free dining qualified), so there were very few rooms (within budget) that were available. After some frantic searching we decided on Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas Resort, Kidani Village. I made the deposit on the phone while standing in line for lunch at a food truck at work.

While I have passed the College of Disney Knowledge course (during a job in a past career choice) and am proud to have all the information needed to handle booking my own trip (and even prouder to have the graduation ears and pin), I'm much happier to hand all of that over to someone and let them earn a commission. In this case it was Leigh at Small World Vacations. She was excellent at taking care of anything I needed, or getting me information if it was something she couldn't do directly.

Once we'd actually paid our deposit those 3 months took almost no time at all. I tried not to overdo the crafts for this trip - some pennies and a penny tube. A new set of tie dye shirts (custom-ordered, not home-made). A food review book. I refused to stress over any plans I didn't get to. It was a short trip and all our hours were to be spent enjoying the parks, not stringing halloween lights in the room and painting intricate designs on our Magic Bands. (Next time...)

Once again - this page will be a table of contents if you want to bookmark it so you don't get something out of order. Each chapter will be linked as it's published, and there will be a post of random details at some point as well that doesn't fit in anywhere else, such as camera gear reviews and details of the few crafts I did get to.

Current Posts:

Link to the videos: http://vimeo.com/album/3131962 Since I can't embed them here and if you want to see them but for some reason don't want to check my blog.

Driving down-
*-* Road Trip to Orlando - Through Mountains and Mayhem
*-* Kobe Steakhouse and a Room for the Night

Monday-
*-* Kidani and Animal Kingdom Part 1
*-* Animal Kingdom Part 2
*-* Animal Kingdom Part 3
*-* Animal Kingdom Part 4
*-* Kidani Room - Sanaa Lunch
*-* Yachtsman Dinner with the best waiter in Disney

Tuesday-

*-* Morning in the Magic Kingdom
*-* Morning in the Magic Kingdom pt 2

Coming soon:
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Visting Friends: Saturday
Driving Home: Sunday - Monday

 

[Biggie Smalls]

Looking forward to following along. I appreciate someone who admits to having a refined taste for colorful language.

 

[frzndaqiri]

I had a last minute work item that kept me downtown late, and so we didn't get the early start we had wanted on our drive. In fact, it was nearly 2 in the afternoon when we finally got rolling. Most of the evening before and early morning spent doing this:

Finally though we had everything packed, in the car, all the cats were accounted for, the house/cat sitter had all they needed, and we were ready to get on our way. We decided to take I-77 south so we could get the pretty mountain view with the fall colors, and figured on stopping somewhere around Charlotte, NC for the night depending on how we felt by that hour of the road trip.

I snapped a quick shot of myself as I had promised my mom frequent updates from the road and during the fun in the parks. I'm normally not the "constantly post every second of my life to everyone" kind of person - so this was all for the love of my mom. Everyone say d'aww. However, I am a pro photographer so there will be copious amounts of pictures. I have a fancy camera, I know how to use it. You've been warned! :haha:

As I was saying - quick self portrait (woo PURPLE HAIR!) and then we were on the freeway. Oh, and for a bit of good luck (spoiler: it didn't work...) I was rockin' my Mickey tie dye from 2011 courtesy the amazing Pixiecrafts. This years' shirt will be showing up later in the report.

We had rented some extra photo gear for this trip, a Sony A7 so that Chris could get some video (yes, there will be video too) and the occasional still photo while I worked my trusty Canon. We started off mounting it to the headrest for a "backseat driver" view, but quickly found this wasn't as stable as we'd liked. Not to worry though, as we found a great spot to record from quickly enough.

A pic from the right (on the Sony):

Ohio has some bizarre toll systems:

I don't know what I'm paying for, it looks like the rest of the freeway... :shrug:

We stop for a snack (not pictured), and some last minute "forgottens" at Target.

It quickly gets dark (so much for seeing the mountains) but we amuse ourselves with photos anyway.

Crazy thin moon.

We stopped to switch off at a "scenic overlook". There wasn't much to overlook in the darkness but I got a quick shot of the stars.

More caffeine for Chris and water for me.

And a quick "update from the road" photo. It's one am but we're feeling pretty good.

Hours have passed and we've gotten so late as to decide to just find late night grub and push all the way to Charlotte and skip stopping for proper dinner. We get into the city at 3 am and soon the trouble starts. I didn't pre-book a hotel, because I wanted to be flexible with where we stopped. I'm also not picky on where to sleep for a few hours in this case.

However, we get told at the first hotel was a cranky "they are doing an audit and can't check anyone in and besides no one has any rooms in the city". Um, ok... First, why the heck would you take your system offline entirely at any point like that? What if someone had to check out?? Second, how do you know the whole city is booked?

My face - it does not believe you.

Google maps routes us to another hotel and has us turn on Sheets Creek. No lie.

Really, that should have been a tip off, but we carry on.

However - we try 3 more hotels. Everyone has nothing. We have tried everything from the DoubleTree to Motel6 to the Hyatt to tiny independent places an hour's drive away. NOTHING. I have gone from exasperated to outright EXHAUSTED.

It is 4:30 in the holy hell a.m.

We have given up on a bed. Chris is passed out in the passenger seat. I have decided to hit the all night food place that I'd picked out hours ago (remember how we skipped dinner figuring on grabbing a room first?) and head over to it, praying it is still there.

Not only is it there, and open, it was amazing.





Amelie's describes itself as a French cafe and bakery with a Parisian shabby-chic ambiance.

Everything in the case looked wonderful - and since it was nearly dawn, a lot was just coming out of the ovens, but I decided to start with just a sandwich.

Bacon, egg, spinach, and mozzarella on croissant.

It was so good.

My mom was up and saw my frustrated posts, and once realizing that I still had not gotten a room gave me a call. I was able to fill her in on the problem: the city was indeed booked full, and any conceivable distance around it, thanks to the Democratic Convention as Hilary Clinton had been in town giving a speech that afternoon. :/ Who the heck would have figured to plan for that?! Not to mention odds are I was screwed for a room unless I had reserved it when I booked my Disney trip, and I certainly would have never thought I needed to do that.

We were going to crash at a truck stop / rest stop for a small while and then head south more until we finally hit an area that had beds again, and then take a quick nap. I'd fill her in once that happened.

After finishing my sandwich, I ordered a few pastries to go. Some cinnamon sticks that had just finished cooking, (think croissant dough sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar and then cut into strips and twisted before baking - they were divine), and a raspberry danish. I headed to the car and started back to the freeway. Found a rest stop, handed Chris a cinnamon stick, and managed to sleep for 2 hours.

We rolled on into St. George, SC before figuring we were safe to find a hotel. Turned into the first place we saw (an EconoLodge) paid, and managed to answer the phone and tell my mom that no, I hadn't forgotten to update her, that I'd only just found a room, before passing out again.

It was clean enough, and cheap enough, but lord almighty - even I had to duck to wash my hair under the shower head and the furniture...

Well, I don't even know how that couch still exists. The beds were like cots from summer camp. But it was better than the car.

So let's recap our drive shall we? Feel free to watch full frame!

Video on my website - cannot embed it here.

The second song choice is appropriate as most of the drive was spent with our Spotify list streaming - we had 40 hours of music (and that's just what we're currently listening to that's available online!). We were indeed listening to the music.

Day 1.5 is over.

Up next: We make it to Florida!

 

[frzndaqiri]

Thanks Biggie! Amusingly I managed to hide my sailor's vocabulary from my mom until just a few years ago. She had no idea I was so gifted with words. hahaha

 

[frzndaqiri]

A new day has dawned (and then some) and we try to forget about Saturday's misfortunes and move on.

We start with break-lunch (it was 3pm) at Bojangles. A southern fast food chain that caught my attention because they have pork chop sandwiches!

It was actually quite tasty for fast food. The biscuit was fresh and the pork chop was juicy and seasoned nicely.

Not pictured is the awful drink mixup that was not helping my confidence in the day. I ordered a cherry soda of some sort, put in the straw, take a big swig and get SWEET TEA! Ugh, ptooie, ew ew. I get Chris to run in and trade my tea for something more palatable....

Back on the road!

Back home these are just called Shell gas stations... :lol:

Another driving recap for you:

VIDEO LINK (Again - must visit the blog to view, sorry)

No idea what this is, but the building was cool looking.

Look, Harry Potter billboard - oops there it goes... (cut off rudely by a freeway wall)

18 hours is a LONG time in a car, even with a stop for snacks and a quick nap. I start getting artsy with the photos out of boredom.

Lookit the pretty balls of light!

Finally though - we ARRIVE! Even better, we have just enough time to make it to dinner at our favorite non-Disney restaurant. My parents ate here years ago and went on and on about it, and amazingly (we don't always agree on cuisine tastes) when we went in 2011 we loved it as well.

Around 9:30pm we pull in to the parking lot at Kobe Japanese Steakhouse. At last, something goes as intended. :wahoo:

Fishy fishy.

Happy to officially start our vacation.

It was happy hour, and drinks were 1/2 off. So I treated myself to a Kobe Breeze. Bacardi Coco Rum, Strawberry, Cranberry, Pineapple.

We went for the $34 hibachi dinner for two - which gets you soup and salad to start, then chicken, shrimp and steak with vegetables, noodles and fried rice. It is an amazing amount of food for the price!

Oiling the grill.

Dicing up the veggies.

Handing out the crack sauce. They sell this by the bottle - it's a Kobe Steakhouse original.

Setting up the volcano.

Woo, fire!

I don't know what they do to this fettuccine, but this plus some of the signature white sauce (aka crack sauce) is amazing.

Sorry guys, I was starving. We didn't dare stop for any other food besides that pork chop biscuit in case it made us late for this meal. So this is the only shot you get of my plate. I swear I had an amazing pile of food here.

I barely managed to finish my plate. Then they found out it was our anniversary and we got a song, "Kobe Steakhouse" chef hats and these cupcakes. I couldn't even, but Chris found room. Because free . :haha:

We dragged ourselves back to the car, and headed to our short term hotel. One night before we started Disney!

Mickey snuck up on us - so this is the first "magical" shot you get.

We decided to stay at the Best Western Lake Buena Vista again. While I'm not fond of the beds (still) I can't argue it's a good price for the location and the view.

We got in too late to see any fireworks this time, but I got a case of the giggles walking out to the balcony and being able to see EPCOT and Downtown Disney.

It finally made it real. In just a few hours we were going to be heading to our resort, and to our first park.

We record a quick "vlog" on my cell phone and then crash into bed.

VIDEO LINK (you know the drill...)

Up next: Day one at Disney

 

[frzndaqiri]

To give you an idea of the amount of editing - this post can only contain 25 images. I originally had 216. That would be over 8 replies and this is half a day...

You can see why I'm giving a stripped down version here. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE the forum. Not everyone has the time, knowledge, or money to host a site like I do; nor can everyone have bookmarks to 3000 personal blogs for every TR.

Love you guys - but for my sanity visit my blog for the directors cut, and get the teaser trailer here.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

At 6am Monday morning the alarm goes off, and we head over to our home for the week. We have to stop in at the resort to get our magic bands activated before we can go to our breakfast ADR in the park.

(VIDEO LINK)

Still groggy, I take a few quick cell phone pictures as we walk up in the dark stillness. The sound of crickets and birds quietly drift across as you head to the doors.

There's a savannah out there, I'm told.

Very Lion King. Also the last time you will see a sunrise photo from me.

Check in was very smooth, but they had no anniversary buttons left. Every time we checked back, they still didn't have any and we never got any offer to have some dropped off. I was told to stop at Guest Services in the park, but whenever we thought to do so there was always a line and we just didn't want to wait. So we never did get any.

The room wasn't ready yet, but I certainly didn't expect one at that hour. Our bands got activated, and we headed on over to the first park for the trip.

(VIDEO LINK)

A few quick shots. (I was LOVING this <a href="http://disjointedimages.com/bits-bobs-rest/#selfie" target="_blank">selfie stick</a>. As much a fan as I am of photopass photographers, the ability to grab a shot together anywhere anytime was amazing.)

Some photos of the entrance - before getting nudged by Chris to get a move on for breakfast.

(VIDEO LINK)

Tusker House! Since we were staying at Kidani, we decided to go the full African food experience and start by grabbing breakfast here. I figured it was a good way to fill up before taking on the park as I'm not fond of most of the other food choices in Animal Kingdom.

We check in, and get our photopass picture taken. :camera:

I get a few shots of the waiting area before our name is called and we're seated.

Once we've got a table I take a quick run through the food stations and get photos, before grabbing a selection and letting Chris get his plate.

While he's gone, Donald comes around. I get my camera settings in place while he's at the next table and next thing I know I have a duck in my viewfinder.

Chris got back in time for the rest of the crew.

I commented to Goofy - "Oh my, you're tall. But I like tall guys *gesture at Chris*." Goofy makes a blushy motion and then gives me a big bear hug.

I can't tell if blondie there has never seen a big camera before or is in shock that two "adults" would be getting character photos without any kids around.

I texted my mom - "Tragedy averted! Almost left breakfast without Mickey waffles."

I thought I'd taken more food shots but I must have skipped it in favor of the general photos. I got up at 6am, I wasn't exactly running on all cylinders yet! So I'll just sum up what I had and what I thought. I tried just about everything other than the basic bagels/pastries and fruit. I just don't do bananas.

The bobotie was interesting - until I hit a raisin. Then it got weird. I warned Chris to stay away from the bobotie. He doesn't do fruit with his meat. (oh behave)

The <a href="http://wdwrecipes.com/animal-kingdom/tusker-house/mealie-pap/" target="_blank">mealie pap</a> was soo good. It had cheese and sautéed onions for sure, kind of a smoother porridge grits. The mealie cornbread was also very tasty, again a finer grain cornmeal gave it such a cool texture. Like the lightness of a flour muffin.

The potato and leek frittata wasn't bad. It needed something.

All the standards - biscuits and gravy, bacon, tater tots, were as you'd expect.

The ham was good but SALTY. There was a mustard sauce that was STRONG but good. Go lightly and you'll be happy.

I thought the Jungle Juice (Orange Juice, Guava Juice, Passion Fruit Juice) was pretty good. Chris took a sip and pushed the glass towards me. When I told him the fanatical following it has and the lengths some go to to get more he gave me a look. He was not feeling it. :haha:

I personally enjoyed the food better at Crystal Palace - Chris especially was missing the custom omelette station. The character interaction here was amazing however. So if you've got kids, give this place a go. They've got the standard "safe" foods for them. Otherwise, I'm glad I hit it once, and probably won't need to again.

(VIDEO LINK)

We headed out towards our first FP+ of the day. Stopping for the random photo or shop for pin trading along the way, Chris spotted this in one little store.

Ancient tape deck. Do you see the tape in it?

A little closer. Yes - they actually have a Lion King cassette in there. Details! Disney knows how to do them right.

Speaking of details - you know these wires don't go to anything live, but just look at this "authentic" mess of a box on the side of the shop hooking it up to the electrical pole.

Our first ride of the day was an easy pick - early morning, full belly - let's go sit quietly somewhere!

Sure the Kilimanjaro Safari trucks aren't the smoothest ride, but it's not Dinosaur! at least. I've heard that early morning is a good bet to see the most animals, so I knew this was the must-do right after breakfast.

 

[frzndaqiri]

As we hoped - we did indeed get a very good ride with a great variety of animals out and about. I'll just let the photos do the talking:

After the warthog our journey ended.

You can see it all live (albeit a bit shaky - go easy, the cameraman is an intern :haha: ) on the video:

(VIDEO)

 

[frzndaqiri]

Next up: Festival of the Lion King

It wasn't set up at all like I envisioned - but I wouldn't say I'm complaining. It's just interesting how what you picture in your head can sometimes be very different from what you experience. There are four grandstand style seating areas, and FP guests are led in first. The center is open, with each of the seating sections at compass points as it were.

Our hosts come out and introduce themselves, and are "assigned" to a particular section of seats.

Kiume says we are in the Elephant section. He asks someone to please give his best elephant impression.

The arm gesture is there - but the sound. Well, if it were me I would have told the guy he needs to go on the Safari next and find out what an elephant sounds like...

Plenty of song. The show doesn't follow the movie, but is its own entertainment setup. Lots of beautiful lights and color. A ton of pictures coming up and again, mostly I'll let them stand on their own.

One of my favorite shots. The monkeys were a riot - and obviously fun to watch. Great acrobatics. I'd love to have a job where I get to trampoline and stick my tongue out at people for pay.

 

[frzndaqiri]

The fire dancer is always cool to see.

"Grr."

Bye Pumbaa!

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Moment of truth. I was going to see if I could ride:

Expedition Everest.

In 2011 I tried the test seat and that bar just wasn't going anywhere past my knees. Like in a "start a giggle fit <em>hell to the no</em>" kind of way. So we went around to the single rider line, to test it out again. There's some dude just chillin' in it like it's a bench. :/

He finally decides to get up and Chris and I take a seat... and I can pull the bar up. It's not comfortable mind you - but I'm confident I can ride!! Aww yeah. :bubblegum:

I try a couple of shots in line to capture the excitement.

Good enough...

We have to wait for the last car in the train so we can get the door that swings out to make it easier for me to get in (since that's what's on the test seat and what I was familiar with). I am now muttering "what the hell am I doing here?!?" to Chris. He laughs. I don't. o.o

I sit down. The bar actually is a teensy bit more comfortable than the test seat!

I don't dare take pictures. Chris takes video.

I
spend
the
entire
ride
screaming.

Or so it feels. Especially when I see the ride photo:

The video isn't much better:

(VIDEO)

I lose my voice most of the rest of the day. I have a bruise on the outside of my thigh (and curse the Yeti whenever I see it) that lingers for the next few days. I declare it totally worth it.

I conquered Everest. :wahoo:

We have one more ride we have on the "must do" before leaving Animal Kingdom for lunch - Primeval Whirl

Primeval Whirl here we come - 5 minute wait!

Setting up the video...

A quick shot of the ascent

We both did video because I wanted to compare the two cameras - but I wasn't paying close attention to how much space I had left and mine cut out just before the end.

(VIDEO)

Ugh, I thought it would be best to sit in the middle, but I quickly was thrown around and had to scootch to the outside and throw a hand out to brace myself. After this and the Yeti I wanted a massage and/or a chiropractor. Those squeaks, yelps, and swears were not for comedic effect!

We gingerly make our way off the ride, and I get a few more shots as we walk under the track.

I never noticed the exit signs are painted on license plates before!

We were getting close to lunch time, and still had to officially get our room at Kidani, so we headed out of the park. It was a good thing anyway, as I was getting overheated. I was very happy to be able to hop the tram to our parking spot and crank the air conditioning.

Up Next: Lunch!

 

[frzndaqiri]

After catching a tram back to our section of the lot - cranking the A/C - we make our way back to the resort and hit the front desk to get assigned our room.

We're just a little ways off the main lobby in room 7225. We would learn the parking at Kidani is actually awesome. There is an underground garage, so we were right under our room and just took an elevator up.

You can see the HUGE swath of grey parking that is the AKL Jambo House parking. I can't imagine walking all of that at the end of the day.

The magic bands are very cool for accessing the room - get near the door switch and it activates. Great for when your hands are full - no fumbling with a card.

Mickey towel!

Again - I realize I missed a few photos such as the couch and the balcony but I'm sure you can get that on dozens of other sites and videos. I was trying to balance getting lots of good stuff with not letting the camera overtake my experience of the trip. Something that would be commented on by Chris later on. We had a beautiful view of the parking lot anyway. I didn't expect to spend much time in the room with only 5 days to juggle so I wasn't sad.

After making sure all was as it should be, and putting my legs up for a bit (I had already racked up 3 miles on my Fitbit), we headed downstairs for lunch at Sanaa.

On the way, there was a viewing walkout and I stopped at the door to grab a photo of this guy lunching.

I got the Odwalla® All-Natural Lemonade topped with a Wildberry Foam. The foam was more like yogurt - very thick! It was good though.

My appetizer was Curry Corn Chowder - the seasonal soup. It was freaking amazing.

Chris had the Lamb Kefta Sliders - which had just a bit of heat.

I also ordered the Indian-style Bread Service extra and went full-bore with every accompaniment. Red Chile Sambal, Cucumber Raita, Coriander Chutney, Mango Chutney, Coconut Chutney, Garlic Pickle, Spicy Jalapeño-Lime Pickle, Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus, and Tamarind Chutney. Some of them were good, some weird, and some HOT.

For bread we chose the traditional naan, garlic naan, and they were out of paneer paratha sadly, so we got those round chip looking things which later I found out were falafel chips. We know we like naan, and I was surprised that I liked the chips since I've never had a falafel I enjoyed.

For the main course I did the pick two - Beef Short Ribs and Butter Chicken with Basmati rice in the center.

Chris had the Butter Chicken and Chicken Vindaloo - both of which looked exactly the same so I didn't get a picture.

I thought it was pretty tasty - and even had leftovers I took back to the room (breakfast the next morning). It was definitely on the milder side of spice/flavor so I can see how some people would be disappointed. Chris agreed, his Vindaloo and Butter Chicken were nearly identical save for a bit of heat.

Update: adding that we would eat here again, and absolutely suggest it to anyone interested in the menu. The view is obviously a great bonus, and we could see animals easily from our seat.

Chris and I have eaten these dishes at traditional Indian restaurants locally and are used to the punchier spicier versions, which I know would result in a LOT of returned meals for the majority of visitors here. I don't blame Disney at all for taking the safer route.

The view is very cool:

My "why am I in front of the camera" face. :lol:

Chris switches to video for a quick interview:

(VIDEO)

But we are soon presented with the dreaded dessert menus.

I chose the Dessert Trio: Tanzanian Chocolate Mousse, Banana Cheesecake, and Seasonal Kulfi (this season is strawberry).

Chris got the Ginger Cake – with citrus curd and spiced pineapple sauce, with sugared pineapple. He got his dissected so he could pick and choose what to eat. He also corrected the chef's missed opportunity and rearranged it into the mickey head as shown.

The desserts weren't bad, but not amazing. We were pretty full. I loved the strawberry. I knew I'd hate the banana, and the chocolate had a coffee flavor. That's ok - plenty more to come...

They had a huge selection of tea, and I thought of my friend Chelsey who would be in love.

Some traditional statues were decorated throughout the hotel. I can only imagine the conversation some parents have...

This one is for our friend Cozy who has a deep affinity for puns.

We had briefly considered going back to the park for a bit - but now we were too full, so we went back to the room to finish unpacking and unload a few memory cards instead.

Next: Can we digest in time for Dinner?

 

[frzndaqiri]

First fancy dinner night!

After initial sticker shock over the prices (I did not yet know the beauty of a prime steak) in 2011, the Yachtsman Steakhouse fast became and stayed our favorite (and yes, most expensive) meal.

Since he was our waiter each time (and a few times on my parents' earlier visits) previously, we wanted to make sure we had the impeccable David guiding us through our meal again. I tried to call and get David's section, but sadly only got a voicemail.

Once we arrived and checked in, we had a little wait for our table, so of course that meant picture time!

Yup, we're goofs.

At first, we were seated at a booth which unfortunately doesn't do well with my knees and back. We politely asked for a standard table which was not a problem. On the way back to the podium/waiting area, unbeknownst to me, we pass by David and Chris catches his eye and they do the "I know you!" look.

Guess whose section we get seated in?

What happens next is nothing short of astounding. David greets us warmly - he asks about mom and dad, says how mom is such a sweetheart, and are they here? No, not this trip.

He goes over the menu - and says "It's been, what? Three years?" (Yep.) "I think you had the NY Strip last time?" (Yes again...) "Well, we've got a few new things, but the strip is still there...." :shocked: This man is a waiter-savant. Next he will say he knows what park I went to the days I came in to eat....

While we look over the menu, and consider his suggestions, out come my beloved roasted garlic bulb and onion rolls.

Heavenly. Also, I am never getting turned into a vampire. Or glitter.

When David returns to take our order - I comment "Do you know you're internet famous?"

He gets a crooked grin and a slightly confused face and says Noo. I turn my phone around and show him the photo of himself from 2011. His face is priceless! "I still had hair!" he proclaims. "Look at the old jacket! I can't wait to show my wife." I hand him a business card and tell him how to find the post.

After getting our order and walking away - Chris and I are giggly at his reaction. I loved that he was SO happy. It's awesome when I get to make a little magic for the CM's. Okay, back to the food!

For appetizer, I go with David's recommendation.

Chef's Garden Heirloom Tomatoes

Chris gets a classic Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail

For mine, I must say, I'm not normally a tomato person. Especially raw. David talked so excitedly about this dish though, that I thought it was worth a try. Let me tell you I am SO glad I listened to him. They were the sweetest, ripest, most delicious tomatoes I may ever have in my life.

Somewhere within the pile of select tomatoes was some fresh mozzarella, which had the teeniest bit of red pepper on it to give a little heat with the acid of the tomato and the cream of the cheese. Finally there was compressed watermelon underneath which was like eating summer. Picture the best juiciest most fantastic watermelon you ever had as a child on a hot July day and this was BETTER.

Chris's shrimp were a good classic cocktail. They did not cause me to write sonnets and weep like the tomatoes, but they were very good. :haha:

For the main course we decide to try a new item: the 32-oz Porterhouse for Two

We wanted so badly to love this. We cut in, drooling in antici - pation.

It may be hard to see here, but this steak died a horrible death. We like our steak on the red side. Medium rare to rare. So when we have trouble, honest trouble, cutting the meat with a steak knife... well. Something has gone wrong in the kitchen. There were char bits that went deeper than a little flare-up.

David - ever the professional - walked up and knew right away something was wrong. He was also having none of it. Immediately the offending steak was swept up and a new order was placed.

In the meantime, a lovely little palate cleanser is placed before us. A frozen pear sorbet - this literally tasted as though someone froze a pear and then smooshed it. It was yummy!

Ah - here we are. Back to our old friend: the 12-oz Prime New York Strip Steak

Mine swapped with a side of Au Gratin. Chris's with the standard White Cheddar twice baked potato. Both have the excellent Brandy Peppercorn sauce on the side (it's usually on top, can't remember why it's on the side here).

We were then presented with the dessert menu. At this point I deign to use the bathroom...

But not really. See, last time we were here there was a cake incident. (Which, incidentally, David-who-remembers-all also mentioned remembering!) Well, there were TWO cake incidents really. The first being that it never actually got properly ordered and the second... well, read for yourself.

So I decided to order a cake for Chris this time. I head to the podium to check on it. Are you getting ahead of me... yep. NO CAKE. Luckily I only wanted a standard 6" chocolate which is something they keep on hand. They're able (again) to make it right at the last minute with the chef. Note to self: call DAILY and make sure your cake order is in fact ordered in the future.

Back at the table - I order dessert.

I go the "out of the norm" route and pick the Chocolate-Peanut Cake - served with a Salted Caramel Gelato
It is very good, and very rich.

Chris goes the "typical" route and selects the Crème Brûlée
Always a good choice.

At this point the cake arrives. There is more giggling than I anticipated - and I am let in on the joke. When I got up to "use the ladies room" - Chris was making arrangements to ORDER A CAKE. He and David were coming up with a code word so as to remember the order, because he couldn't charge it to that nights dinner as I'd be possibly suspicious.

Then David leaves this clandestine cake conspiracy only to find that I have an order about to go out to the table. He says he was nearly crying with laughter in the back over it all. Chris says "I think we can nix our Friday cake." :haha:

David asks if we will be back before the end of our trip. Of course! On Friday. This is our first and last Disney dinner. He says that is great, as he will be working Friday. I tell him I will be getting an updated photo on Friday then. He laughs. Chris says "She's serious - Friday is picture day. Don't forget."

We leave with a carefully boxed cake, and extremely full bellies, back to our resort.

The next day we have a party to attend!

 

[frzndaqiri]

Tuesday morning arrives - and runs off while we're sleeping. Hey, I never pretended to be a morning person, and that 6am start wasn't going to be a trend.

Eventually we get going and head to the car. I snap a shot in the elevator. Let me take a quick moment to say THANK YOU to my ever patient husband for always toting the camera gear. It's hard to see the size here, roughly an average diaper bag, and at least as insanely packed. He knows how much my photography profession (and obsession) means to me.

The parking garage of course had Lion King theming - we were most often in Timon's section. He kind of looks like a sleezy car dealer here...

We parked (always photograph where you parked!):

Waited for the tram:

You just would not know that this hair is unchanged from last night. It gets so VIBRANT in the sun.

Someone with more colorful hair in front of us caught my eye.
Wild guess: I think she was at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

We choose the ferry for the ride over to the Magic Kingdom today.

Giving lovely waterside views of the Grand Floridian and Space Mountain.

Plus of course the Castle itself:

Wrong Castle...

Watch the ride in:
(VIDEO)

Finally - we're here!

A few quick photopass shots and we head in.

These are the new shirts I mentioned by the way. You tell her the colors and sizes and depending on her order backlog she can even do some rush orders. Pixiecrafts is always great to work with.

At last I was taking a picture of the decoration I've seen hundreds of photos of in the past, and it was awesome.

We were just in time for the Main Street Trolley Show

continued...

 

[frzndaqiri]

I can see her bloomers!

Watch the video of the show:
(VIDEO)

Then we get some photopass shots

Walked up main street:

Stopped to admire the castle:

Made our way through and on to Fantasyland:

I loved "Maurice's Amazing Popping Machine".

We have some time still before our lunch ADR, so we stop and have a snack in Gaston's.

The cinnamon roll is HUGE!

Seriously, it nearly dwarfs the cup...

Speaking of the cup, that would be a mug of LeFou’s Brew. I thought it was delicious and let me applaud whoever thought to put the clear solo cup inside the souvenir mug so I don't have to go find a place to wash the thing when I'm done!

More of those details - the throwing knife in the rafter.

Off to lunch!

 

[frzndaqiri]

First post now has a link to an album of all the currently posted videos. Go check out the ride vids!

Update coming tonight - I'll have a chance to convert and add the most recent posts from the blog here this evening so check back later!

 

[frzndaqiri]

I had heard many mixed reviews on Be Our Guest, and decided that if I got the mysterious invite email directly from Disney then I would reserve a lunch there. I did get the email, and so here we are.

After checking in and confirming we had reservations (the CM was visibly relieved, she said it was so hard to tell people trying to just walk up that it basically wasn't possible on most days to get in without an ADR) we walk along the bridge to the entrance.

Such a sad gargoyle.

Once inside - you walk down a hallway, and you can hear Lumiere and Cogsworth whispering.

Then you wait to get into a larger room.

Here you can place your meal order with a CM, or order on a large touch screen. If you're part of the "test" run you just confirm your pre-selected order on the touch screen. It's set up so the screen looks like a scroll of paper, and the printer for your order ticket is a stack of books.

<img src="http://disjointedimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kiosk-for-ordering-Be-Our-Guest.jpg" alt="kiosk-for-ordering-Be-Our-Guest" width="800" height="534" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14890" />

They are definitely still in the testing phase, as my carefully considered meal selection does not come up and I have to remember what I picked. Luckily the menu is minimal and it's not hard to re-select the items again.

We take our ticket and head into the main hall to find a table. Here is where you're reminded it's Quick Service. You're immediately overwhelmed trying to find a clean tabletop with empty seats, and it's not obvious there are other areas to sit in. (I completely forgot there's supposed to be a room with the rose in it.) You have to get your own drinks and plasticware from along one wall, and your food is delivered to you.

<img src="http://disjointedimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/be-our-guest-restaurant.jpg" alt="be-our-guest-restaurant" width="800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-14893" />Image ©Disney

Chris was creeped out by the cherubs on the ceiling. Some of them have kind of adult faces. A quick google search says generally accepted fact is they are all modeled after either the Imagineers who worked on the building or their kids. (I guess depending on whether they had any.)

After a few minutes a cart is wheeled around (more magic band RFID location triangulating) to us and our food is dropped off.

I picked the Braised Pork (Coq Au Vin Style). Described as Eight Hour Slow-cooked Pork with Mushrooms, Onions, Carrots and Bacon served with Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans Jardiniere.

It was - food. It was bland, and there wasn't a salt or pepper shaker to be had. I picked at it and ate what was edible, but I wasn't satisfied and can't imagine having waited an hour as some have reported for a walkup.

Chris' selection was Carved Prime Chuck Roast Beef Sandwich - Served warm on a Baguette with Horseradish Sour Cream and Pommes Frites.

This was much better. It had actual flavor (I tried a bite) and Chris said he'd have no problem coming back for it again.

For our dessert choices, I picked Lemon Meringue Cupcake. A no brainer if you know me.
This was Vanilla Sponge Cake, Lemon Custard Filling and Flamed Meringue Icing. I thought it was very good and if they want to offer this somewhere outside on a cart I will buy it all day long.

Chris went with The Master's Cupcake which had Chocolate Sponge Cake topped with Lumiere’s special “Grey Stuff”.
It was good for a cupcake but... is that really the Grey Stuff that everyone gets plates of at dinner? I explained it to Chris and he gave me the same look as when I described the following for the Jungle Juice. This time I was right there with him. It was colored whipped buttercream. I... don't get it.

Finally, if you've learned nothing else, you know I am here because I am a big kid (which is the best kind of person to be at Disney World!) and I HAD to get the goblet. The only annoyance was this was $2 cheaper in a random shop later in the day, and considering my drink is included... :/

A few final shots of the interior:

That was our lunch. I've heard the dinner menu (which is Table Service with actual silverware) is supposed to be a better selection. It's possible I'd come back (especially if the next trip is with someone who hadn't been to Be Our Guest before), but it's not high on the list.

Next we go on some RIDES!!

 

[frzndaqiri]

Now it's time to ride!

We have a Fastpass so make our way over to the other side of the park. On the way out of lunch, I spot this balloon, and boy was I tempted to get one of my own.

I managed to come around in time to catch the Liberty Belle and the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad lined up.

Speaking of BTMRR - that's our Fastpass destination!

I grab an awkward shot from the ride before we take off...

Now this is a ROUGH ride. I can't bring the camera all the way up to my face or else I'll end up with a black eye (I've learned that one on past trips). Because of that the focus isn't always where I expect it, but amusingly it ends up coming out looking like the most intentionally perfect Disney commercial photographs for whoever was seated in front of me. :haha: If only I knew who they were.

See what I mean?

Off the runaway train, I stop for some safe shots.

Video of our ride:
https://vimeo.com/112593073

From here we move on to my mom's favorite - as on the way over we saw it had a 5 minute wait. Splash Mountain! The sign says you may get wet.

It is then repeated. I'm suspicious of the may part.

No exiting for us!

Well... we almost exited. We thought we could sit ok side by side, but my knees just couldn't do it with the short leg room in the boats and the mighty 6 foot frame of Chris next to me too. So we had to extract ourselves, and started to exit. The CM Kristy however, was a superstar, and all but threw herself in my path to make me stay and gave us the very next boat to ourselves. I am very grateful to her as it made a so-so experience (it wouldn't have been the end of my day, but it would have been a bummer) a fantastic one instead.

Away we go!

About that "may get wet".... :lol:

This is what happens when you go to take a picture and the boat lurches forward. Trippy!

I may have squealed in delight when I saw our shirts glowed here - never realized there was blacklight in this section.

Mods - why is this censored?? It's not a swear word...

HERE WE GOOOOO!

We are definitely past the "may get wet" stage....

Cont. in next post

 

[frzndaqiri]

More boat lurching trippy-ness.

Wanna know what it looks like when two camera-philes get their photo taken and forget it's going to happen? The nerdiest and most boring ride photo in existence, that's what.

Ah, much nicer.

Speaking of trippy - a few times Chris turns the shutter speed a little too low... and things get funky in the video:

https://vimeo.com/112595652

Now there's one more part to this that makes it even more awesome. Just after we got off our successful boat ride, we stopped to make sure everything wasn't too soaked, and to give our legs a second to regain feeling. We hadn't yet walked down the ramp to the gift shop / photo area (we could still see the loading unloading area but were off to the side).

A mom and her little girl, maybe 8 or so, stopped in front of us and mom gives her the "go ahead" nudge. She asks if she can trade pins. Ohmigosh. I don't know if it's where we were standing, or the VIBRANT tie dye shirts, or all of the above but I think I just got mistaken for a CM. Or at the very least a safe Disney fan to ask.

Luckily I do wear all traders and was only too happy to accept. I've heard stories of some people being less than magical about random trade requests, so it was awesome that I was able to know that anything she picked from me wasn't an issue. She beamed when she saw a Duffy on my lanyard and said she'd like that one, as he's her favorite. She opened her little pink purse, and announced matter of factly "I keep the ones I don't like in here!". Tell it like it is, kiddo!

I was on cloud 9 for a while after that - pixie dust for a younger generation of Disney nuts.

Off to another favorite - the Haunted Mansion.

I was especially excited as I had another new camera to test out in one of the most difficult to capture rides in Disney. It performed exceptionally well, and I had quite a few more good photos this time.

Madame Leota and those candles look amazing. Especially compared to last year.

This is the first time I was able to get the ballroom at all.

While I'm happy to see how crisp and perfect I got the bride - I'll always have a fond memory for my poltergeist version of her. :haha:

As always, Chris shot video. Which is awesome because I could not get the camera to focus on my buggy ghost in time, and you can see him in the video.

https://vimeo.com/112595643

At this point we decide to head out of the Magic Kingdom and back to the resort to take a break and change for tonight's party.

Video of the ride back for the heck of it.

https://vimeo.com/112982704


Up next - Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party!!

 

[Cando86]

I love the report! Your pictures are great - looking forward to more!

 

[frzndaqiri]

Thanks Cando86!

Whew - it's been 3 months and I bet you guys thought I lost interest altogether. NO! Life interrupted for a while but I am back and going full steam ahead. The website has the latest post and I will be culling it down for the Boards later tonight. If you want the full thing go ahead and hit the link in my first post. LOTS of videos in this one. Otherwise check back later this evening for a proper update.

Thanks for hanging on!