The Widow & the Spinster Take a Bougie WBTA Cruise That Didn't Suck! - A Delightfully Delicious Dinner! 1/27

[jedijill]

At least we didn't have one in the Azores!

Well, it would have been one of us since we were the only ones on that tour!

We went on a laundry quest, Jill found an open washer on deck 8, and I found an open washer on deck 10. We sat on our Verandah while the laundry did it's thing.

Why isn't my view like this doing laundry today?

We were in Hong Kong when we sat down. Jill began to peruse the menu. Each city had three drinks tailored to the flavors of the region. Most seemed sweet to me and the bartender confirmed that most of them were. I told him my favorite drink and he made a suggestion. But then he had to run all over the ship to the other bars to get one of the ingredients.

The bartender told us they didn't buy anymore alcohol in Europe to restock after the season since it was so expensive...they were waiting to fully restock once we got to Florida so it made an interesting scavenger hut amongst all the bars for ingredients. The bartender also had a VERY heavy hand...I think he was trying to use up stock so he didn't have to do inventory later. LOL

Jill got the Martini Royale which was from Paris.

Very tasty

My drink was called a Vesper. It was half Belvedere, half Tanqueray, with an In and Out of Lillet on the glass. Boy was it strong!

James Bond would have approved

Then we made the bad decision to visit Pink, the Champagne Bar.

LOL I was fine.

Jill ordered an ElderBubble. Absolut Raspberri, St. Germain, and Moët Imperial.

Light and refreshing!

The rest of our Chenin Blanc was ready for us at the table. Again we both had already picked out what we wanted to eat. Both of us started with the Truffle Pursettes. These are always delicious!

One of the best dishes on DCL!

Jill got the Butternut Squash Bisque. She seemed to like it.

Nice flavor!

I just wanted the Baked Potato & Cheddar Cheese Soup. Of course our server knew better and she brought me two of them. I only ate one.

Our server was not endearing us to her!

Jill went with the Ginger dusted Angus Beef Tenderloin, but she subbed the Sour Cream mashed potatoes for the Wasabi mashed potatoes. We were able to finish off what was left of our bottle from the wine package.

This is always a solid choice too.

I didn't get any picture of Jill’s dessert, but luckily she did! It was a Lemon Icebox Pie served with Lemon Curd and Berry Cream.

Light and delicious!

Interesting substitution. Does Jill not care for sour cream? Or just the wasabi sounded better?
I note you did not include your main? Or did you just have appys?

I don't care for wasabi so I got the sour cream mash instead of the wasabi mash. Alison just had the appetizers.

Jill in CO

 

[pkondz]

I don't care for wasabi so I got the sour cream mash instead of the wasabi mash. Alison just had the appetizers.

Ohhh... I read that the other way around. That the sour cream was what was going to be on the plate but you substituted for wasabi.

 

[franandaj]

I've just noticed the typo here... I usually don't mention them if I notice, but... this one is pretty accurate!
And I don't nap either.

That's pretty funny. I must have been tired too!

Oh! I didn't think there'd be that many time zone changes there. Huh!

At least three, but then again there could be another one not really sure.

I couldn't comment on the sunrises as I don't remember if they saw any or not. Sun rises pretty early in summer (5:30ish.)

That's when I expect it, not close to 9AM!

 

[franandaj]

One of my hopes for our TA is to actually spend more time in the bars. I always want to and then we rarely go. I never made it to Pink on our one cruise on the Dream!

We tried to spend more time in the bars, but we never made it back to Pink after this time (well not when it was open).

Skyline is so fun! Love the screens. The NY Hotel at DLP has a Marcel overlay and their bar has views of NY, but a Marvel NY, so you see Ironman flying by and such stuff.

I'll have to put that on the list for whenever we are planning DLP, it might be a while though.

 

[pkondz]

At least three, but then again there could be another one not really sure.

I'll let you know if I ever do a Panama canal cruise. (Or you can let me know... whichever.) I'd ask my mom, but I'm positive she didn't even notice a time change.

 

[franandaj]

You gals know how to party!

youbetcha!

That's so cool! Roughly how big were they? I've only seen (in the wild) jelly fish about the size of a teacup.

They were pretty big, we were on Deck 9 and we could see them pretty well.

When I was a kid I remember being out on Cape Cod with my family and there were giant Man 'O War Jellyfish in the ocean and there was a warning not to swim. You could see them from the rocks and they were huge. Well to a 3 or 4 year old they were huge.

I don't know if I'll ever do a Disney cruise... but you never know.

Stranger things have happened.

I'm not familiar with it, as in having seen it personally, but I have heard of it. I think it's a really cool concept.

It's pretty neat. I hope I get to see it again!

Do you know what he had to run for?
Either way, that's awfully good of him to do that.

It was the Lillet.

What does that mean???

It means you pour some in the glass and then pour it out.

My choice as well...
Also my choice.

Good choices!

That's so weird. It even looks odd with two bowls.

I know. If I wanted two bowls I would have ordered them, like I did with the Souffles

Interesting substitution. Does Jill not care for sour cream? Or just the wasabi sounded better?
I note you did not include your main? Or did you just have appys?

And you got your answer.....

Rhino?

 

[pkondz]

They were pretty big, we were on Deck 9 and we could see them pretty well.

Wowza!

When I was a kid I remember being out on Cape Cod with my family and there were giant Man 'O War Jellyfish in the ocean and there was a warning not to swim. You could see them from the rocks and they were huge. Well to a 3 or 4 year old they were huge.

Don’t want to mess with those. Have no idea how big they get either.

It means you pour some in the glass and then pour it out.

Ohhhhh. Thanks!

If I wanted two bowls I would have ordered them, like I did with the Souffles

Then again, your server knew better than you do.

 

[DnA2010]

I was doing stuff on my phone when it read 7:58. Jill was still sleeping and I told her she better wake up, if we were going to get off the ship at 9AM. To which she informed me that it was only 7AM. Doh!

OOPS! Well you had good intentions

WOW so pretty and empty!

I like how they keep the venues all lit up!

Rumor has it that the guy who built this building was a wealthy diamond merchant and he placed a diamond inside each of the pointed pyramids for safe keeping. That's why now some of them are broken off. Truth or fiction? We'll never know!

that's pretty funny!

Nicely patterned sidewalk!

those look like pretty good sized sammies, even half portion!

But the beers were poured, that's them sitting behind the sandwiches.

Oops! glad you found someone, I'd have sorted them for you

That's a lot of colourful garland!

It is lined with photos of many of the elders in the village. A photo journalist spent time interviewing them and taking their pictures and telling their stories.

That's really nice, what a great way of honouring them

Sting Ray!

Well I am in the 1%. I did give it the old college try. In fact I took two bites, but that was all I could muster. Honestly it was just gross.

Dorian would love it, pretty sure I'd be a nope

These Croquette were called Portuguese "petiscos" and made with a special Alheira Sausage.

were these tasty with the special sausage?

Not sure what was going on with this upside down Tiana picture….

ummm yes, weird

What the?!!

She had the same thought in mind, pick up her allotment of wine to take back on the ship. We walked all over the place and finally found the grocery store. We got our allotment plus a bottle of Port for me. I figured if they called me on it I'd just surrender it until the end of the cruise.

Good idea and yay for no issues with them on the ship!

 

[DnA2010]

Jill found this handy sign and sent me a picture. You’re welcome future Dream Cruisers!

Well that's handy! I would think the same for the Fantasy!

We hadn't visited any of the bars in the District so far, so we decided to kick it off at Skyline. If you're not familiar with this lounge it features the Skylines of major cities. New York, Chicago, Hong Kong, Paris, and Tokyo.

We had a drink in there, can't remember what I had though, I know I asked for something not sweet as well

My drink was called a Vesper. It was half Belvedere, half Tanqueray, with an In and Out of Lillet on the glass. Boy was it strong!

Now this sounds gooood!

They served us a pair of macarons as we sat down.

Nice! we didn't try this bar

Both of us started with the Truffle Pursettes. These are always delicious!

I had these, yum!

I just wanted the Baked Potato & Cheddar Cheese Soup. Of course our server knew better and she brought me two of them. I only ate one.

I also had this, I remember it being decent

Jill went with the Ginger dusted Angus Beef Tenderloin, but she subbed the Sour Cream mashed potatoes for the Wasabi mashed potatoes. We were able to finish off what was left of our bottle from the wine package.

I think Makenna had this and ate it all

It was a Lemon Icebox Pie served with Lemon Curd and Berry Cream.

I know I had this and it was ok


Onwards!

 

[franandaj]

Well, it would have been one of us since we were the only ones on that tour!

So there isn't always one.

Why isn't my view like this doing laundry today?

And why didn't someone make up my bed at 2PM?

The bartender told us they didn't buy anymore alcohol in Europe to restock after the season since it was so expensive...they were waiting to fully restock once we got to Florida so it made an interesting scavenger hut amongst all the bars for ingredients. The bartender also had a VERY heavy hand...I think he was trying to use up stock so he didn't have to do inventory later. LOL

As good a reason as any!

James Bond would have approved

LOL I was fine.

I'm not sure if you were having wine in the room yet.

One of the best dishes on DCL!

for sure!

Our server was not endearing us to her!

Just wait until tomorrow's update!

This is always a solid choice too.

I've never ordered it!

 

[franandaj]

I'll let you know if I ever do a Panama canal cruise. (Or you can let me know... whichever.) I'd ask my mom, but I'm positive she didn't even notice a time change.

Well, it's on mine and Jill's radar. Just not sure when, and what cruise line.

Don’t want to mess with those. Have no idea how big they get either.

My family put the fear of god in me from them!

Then again, your server knew better than you do.

 

[pkondz]

Well, it's on mine and Jill's radar. Just not sure when, and what cruise line.

I remember my dad talking about how he got up early to watch the locks. It sounded pretty fascinating. Mom... slept through it.

My family put the fear of god in me from them!

So they should! You don't wanna mess with those.

 

[franandaj]

OOPS! Well you had good intentions

The dang phone kept changing times on me! It even affected my pictures at the next port stop!

WOW so pretty and empty!

I love the ship before everyone else gets up!

I like how they keep the venues all lit up!

I know they look so cool when they're all empty!

that's pretty funny!

She wanted to create an urban myth!

Nicely patterned sidewalk!

Yes, and you'll see a lot more of that in the Azores. Not nearly as traveled on.

those look like pretty good sized sammies, even half portion!

They were a substantial amount of food!

Oops! glad you found someone, I'd have sorted them for you

Just too bad it was EWG.

Dorian would love it, pretty sure I'd be a nope

I was being daring this trip. The trout sandwiches were OK at tea, so I figured I'd give it a try, but nope.

were these tasty with the special sausage?

They were pretty bland and dryer than I like my croquettes.

Good idea and yay for no issues with them on the ship!

And you got to drink the Port!

Well that's handy! I would think the same for the Fantasy!

Probably.....

We had a drink in there, can't remember what I had though, I know I asked for something not sweet as well

That's my favorite bar on the ship.

Now this sounds gooood!

Nice! we didn't try this bar

Pink is only on the Dream. I can't remember what that space is on the Fantasy.....

I had these, yum!

My favorite on this menu. Sometimes I get two orders. I may do that in May, if we eat here. I'm going to be skipping one of the MDRs for Palo Dinner on Saturday night.

I also had this, I remember it being decent

Yeah, it's serviceable, but not two bowls serviceable. If she wanted to bring me two of something it should have been the pursettes. That would have gotten her brownie points.

I think Makenna had this and ate it all

I've never had that. Maybe I should try it.

I know I had this and it was ok

Yeah, Mickey Bar is my go to for dessert on this menu.

 

[franandaj]

I remember my dad talking about how he got up early to watch the locks. It sounded pretty fascinating. Mom... slept through it.

That's kind of the point of a Panama Canal Cruise, otherwise you can just go anywhere and sleep. I can't wait to do it. Just going up the one lock in Egypt was pretty fascinating. I suppose after the first few locks it might get boring, but I'd still like to see it.

If nothing else I can sit on my verandah and watch while playing tablet games if I don't want to be up on deck.

 

[franandaj]

Day 9

We had planned to have breakfast this morning at 9AM, so when I woke up at 4AM, I knew it was too early to get up. I managed to sleep another 2 hours and at 6AM I gave up and started my daily routine. I was sitting on the couch, answering emails, and looking at social media when Jill told me she was awake and I could turn on a light if I wanted. Today was our second day at sea, and we had some big plans, but they weren't until a little later.

We managed to fart around for a bit. Trading off who got the internet until I got dressed and got my coffee. Eventually we headed down to the Royal Palace for breakfast.

I started with an apple pastry.

Jill got the fruit plate as a starter. It was mostly mango and papaya, the only melon on there looked unripe. I prefer my fruit from the buffet where I can pick which fruit and how much of it I want.

I ordered the Belgian waffles which were a disappointment. They were super crunchy and not even warm enough to melt the butter.

Jill got the French Toast and I suspect that was similar. I made us a much more superior version at our stay at Kidani.

We also split this side order of bacon.

We had some time to go back to the room before our next activity. But not a lot, soon we were on our way to the Spa for our Couples Choice treatment. Even though we are not a “couple” in the sense that Disney means it, we are again couple of Bougie chicks!

As we checked in they asked multiple times if we had our swim suits. So we changed into our suits, put on our robes and went to the relaxation room. They came and got us and brought us to the spa villa. It's a lovely room with two massage tables side by side, a shower, and a little room open to the air with a hot tub (just like the ones in the Rainforest Room). And a little lounger for after the treatment.

I left my camera in the room because there really wasn't any good place to keep it besides in the locker. So I left it on the charger. I found these pictures on the internet, so imagine this was the room we had. It looked very similar. Ignore that bum in the side of the picture. I didn't catch that when I found the pic!

They sat us down in some chairs on the Verandah and had us put our feet in tubs of warm water and gave our feet and calves a salt scrub. We each got to pick the flavor. Jill picked lime and ginger and I picked the other one.

Once we finished the foot scrub they let us get in the tub. They closed off the curtains and left the verandah, so they didn't really care whether we wore our suits or not. I'm not as modest as Jill and she doesn’t really care. It was pretty chilly out there, remember we’re still off the coast of Europe in the Fall. But the water was warm and toasty.

After about 20 minutes in the hot tub they called us back to the main room for our massages. We had 75 minute massages. I'm not sure if they would have been classified as Swedish, but they were fantastic. It was cute, at the end of the massage they put our hands together so that we were holding hands. I guess actual couples appreciate that sort of thing. I was kind of like, “Ooookay, what is this they are putting in my hand?”

Then they let us sit out on the deck in the lounger with some tea. It had warmed up a little bit since we were in the hot tub, and they brought us blankets to cover our legs and feet.

Eventually they called us back into the treatment room to settle up our bill. One of the ladies said, “It's time to go back to the real world.” But au contraire, the Dream is certainly not the real world. We went and had tacos made to order, and didn't shell out any money. Clearly not the real world.

So I’m not sure exactly when it happened, but this is as good a time as any to tell this story. Now the TV had been working, as you read, we watched several movies and consulted it every morning just to see where the ship was in comparison to the world. But the day before I think I did something to it that caused it not to work anymore.

Since we were in the room for a while, Jill called maintenance to come fix it. I wanted to have a shower before our Remy Desserts, so I got myself all cleaned off and just as I was finishing in the shower, the maintenance guy showed up. Jill asked if I wanted him to come back later, but I said, “No, just let me get settled on the bed, and then let him in.”

Evidently this wasn’t a really good choice. I didn’t notice it at all, but Jill said the guy was totally freaked out that I was just laying on the bed with only a towel covering me. She said that he was super uncomfortable. I just kept talking and telling him what was wrong, and Jill said that he couldn’t get out of there fast enough. It was an easy fix, and he was done quickly. I was oblivious to his discomfort. Jill said she felt sorry for the poor guy.

We had about an hour before our Dessert Experience at Remy. We just kind of hung out until it was time to head up to our reservation. After a short wait, we were seated at our table.

When we read the menu, we were very pleased to see Citron on the menu.

Of course we chose the wine pairing! We were served a Riesling From Alsace to accompany the first two desserts.

First was a Creme Brulee. Instead of serving it in a ceramic dish, this was served in a Tart Shell so that the entire thing was edible. This was such a welcome addition as the crispy tart balanced the creamy custard.

Next was a raspberry macaron, very similar to the Mickey Macaron they serve at the Jolly Holiday Bakery in Disneyland, but I'm sure this one is much better.

Just a quick look over the dining room.

The next two desserts were accompanied by a Sauternes.

Then we were served what was basically a creme puff with pistachio filling.It was made to look like a cabbage. It was very tasty and I cleaned my plate.

In the beginning of the experience the chef brought around this cake just to show us what the whole thing looked like before it was sliced and served to us.

And the slice.

Next we were served a Moët and Chandon Imperial Brut for the final two desserts.

This chocolate dish was very crispy and the chef encouraged us to smack it so that it cracks. Then we mashed it all together to eat it.

Our last dish was Citron. It looks like a lemon, but when you slice it in half it's a whole different deal. It's an amazing dish, with lemon mousse inside.

Because these desserts are not sweet like most American desserts, my blood sugar was not through the roof the next day.

Be Back with dinner a little later!

 

[pkondz]

when I woke up at 4AM, I knew it was too early to get up.

Ugh. Too early!

We managed to fart around for a bit.

Perhaps this is why the maintenance guy was so anxious to leave...

I started with an apple pastry.

That looks (and sounds) good.

I ordered the Belgian waffles which were a disappointment. They were super crunchy and not even warm enough to melt the butter.

Unfortunate. Sounds like maybe it sat for a while.

I made us a much more superior version at our stay at Kidani.

(I have no doubt, actually.)

Even though we are not a “couple” in the sense that Disney means it, we are again couple of Bougie chicks!

As we checked in they asked multiple times if we had our swim suits.

So... you're saying they really wanted you to wear your swimsuits.

It's a lovely room with two massage tables side by side, a shower, and a little room open to the air with a hot tub (just like the ones in the Rainforest Room). And a little lounger for after the treatment.

That sounds really nice.

Ignore that bum in the side of the picture. I didn't catch that when I found the pic!

They closed off the curtains and left the verandah, so they didn't really care whether we wore our suits or not.

Okay, then... just... odd.

We had 75 minute massages. I'm not sure if they would have been classified as Swedish, but they were fantastic.

Sounds wonderful.

It was cute, at the end of the massage they put our hands together so that we were holding hands. I guess actual couples appreciate that sort of thing. I was kind of like, “Ooookay, what is this they are putting in my hand?”

"What's that weird thing in my hand?"
"I don't know, but I got one too!"

One of the ladies said, “It's time to go back to the real world.” But au contraire, the Dream is certainly not the real world.

Ha! Good point.

We went and had tacos made to order, and didn't shell out any money. Clearly not the real world.

Clearly not. I like how they're soft shell too.

I didn’t notice it at all, but Jill said the guy was totally freaked out that I was just laying on the bed with only a towel covering me.

Jill said she felt sorry for the poor guy.

Awww... scared the poor kid, huh?

What a lovely picture of you two.

We were served a Riesling From Alsace to accompany the first two desserts.

I approve.

First was a Creme Brulee. Instead of serving it in a ceramic dish, this was served in a Tart Shell so that the entire thing was edible.

Really! Interesting. I've never seen one outside of a ramekin. Huh!

With actual raspberries! Wow!

The next two desserts were accompanied by a Sauternes.

So... I had to google. I've always thought a Sauterne was a simple cooking wine. I was so wrong!

Then we were served what was basically a creme puff with pistachio filling.It was made to look like a cabbage.

Looks interesting, but, while I do like pistachios, I'm not usually a fan of them in things.

In the beginning of the experience the chef brought around this cake just to show us what the whole thing looked like before it was sliced and served to us.

I can see why. Very pretty.

Next we were served a Moët and Chandon Imperial Brut for the final two desserts.

Okay... I almost never can do wine pairings... but I sure could have on this one.

This chocolate dish was very crispy and the chef encouraged us to smack it so that it cracks. Then we mashed it all together to eat it.

Neat!

Our last dish was Citron. It looks like a lemon, but when you slice it in half it's a whole different deal. It's an amazing dish, with lemon mousse inside.

I may have to book a Disney cruise just for this.

 

[Flossbolna]

The desserts look lovely! But I am not sure I would want to eat more than two at once. Even if they are only European sweet and not American sweet. The lemon thing is what makes me consider the whole experience…

The story about the TV guy made me laugh! That could have been totally me! I always figure these people see the strangest things, so me fully covered is not in anyway strange if others walk around in swim suits.

 

[jedijill]

Jill got the fruit plate as a starter. It was mostly mango and papaya, the only melon on there looked unripe. I prefer my fruit from the buffet where I can pick which fruit and how much of it I want.

Certainly not the best fruit plate ever (I'll make up for it in Hawaii!) but a light start to the day.

Jill got the French Toast and I suspect that was similar. I made us a much more superior version at our stay at Kidani.

I can attest that Alison's french toast is MUCH better!

I'm not sure if they would have been classified as Swedish, but they were fantastic. It was cute, at the end of the massage they put our hands together so that we were holding hands. I guess actual couples appreciate that sort of thing. I was kind of like, “Ooookay, what is this they are putting in my hand?”

The treatment was amazing and I love the whole spa suite experience. The holding of hands was weird but I didn't realize it was Alison's hand until we talked afterwards.

Evidently this wasn’t a really good choice. I didn’t notice it at all, but Jill said the guy was totally freaked out that I was just laying on the bed with only a towel covering me. She said that he was super uncomfortable. I just kept talking and telling him what was wrong, and Jill said that he couldn’t get out of there fast enough. It was an easy fix, and he was done quickly. I was oblivious to his discomfort. Jill said she felt sorry for the poor guy.

It was hysterical after the fact but I felt bad for the guy. He did get the TV fixed so we could know what time it was again!

Best Remy experience this trip (foreshadowing!)

First was a Creme Brulee. Instead of serving it in a ceramic dish, this was served in a Tart Shell so that the entire thing was edible. This was such a welcome addition as the crispy tart balanced the creamy custard.

This was delicious!

Next was a raspberry macaron, very similar to the Mickey Macaron they serve at the Jolly Holiday Bakery in Disneyland, but I'm sure this one is much better.

I enjoyed this as well.

Then we were served what was basically a creme puff with pistachio filling.It was made to look like a cabbage. It was very tasty and I cleaned my plate.

I forgot it was supposed to be a cabbage but it was delicious!

And the slice.

I didn't love this for some reason...maybe I was just trying to save room for.......

This chocolate dish was very crispy and the chef encouraged us to smack it so that it cracks. Then we mashed it all together to eat it.

Not this although it was yummy. The candied hazelnuts were so good!

Our last dish was Citron. It looks like a lemon, but when you slice it in half it's a whole different deal. It's an amazing dish, with lemon mousse inside.

.....this! The citron is a work of art and so delicious. I've seen how something like this is made and its so labor intensive! I believe the server said it took 2 days to make.

Jill in CO

 

[Dis_Yoda]

I'm laughing so hard right now at your maintenance story. Similar things have happened with me and the room checks at WDW resorts where I'm napping after a shower and they come in.

Those desserts look so nice! That was sold out on my recent cruise so I didn't get to do it - guess that's an issue for next time.

 

[DnA2010]

I'm not huge into either of these, although they are for sure different than the usual cantaloupe and honeydew

This does not loop appearing at all

Ignore that bum in the side of the picture. I didn't catch that when I found the pic!

Hehe I didn't notice it till your note

Jill picked lime and ginger and I picked the other one.

So what was yours then?

Swedish, but they were fantastic. It was cute, at the end of the massage they put our hands together so that we were holding hands. I guess actual couples appreciate that sort of thing. I was kind of like, “Ooookay, what is this they are putting in my hand?”

I was oblivious to his discomfort. Jill said she felt sorry for the poor guy.

Maybe he was new? I would have thought he'd be used to various scenarios

Of course we chose the wine pairing! We were served a Riesling From Alsace to accompany the first two desserts.

Reasonable cost for the wines!

This is so cute!

This looks a bit overdone to me, assuming it didn't taste overdone?

It looks like a lemon, but when you slice it in half it's a whole different deal. It's an amazing dish, with lemon mousse inside.

I've seen pics of this before, what a beauty! I'm glad it was as good as it looked!