Grand Duo Birthday Trip: COMPLETE 2/5/09 - Page 12 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.
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So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!
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We had an early dinner ADR at Citricos so we headed over to the main building. We were there early and the restaurant didn’t officially open until 5:30 so we wasted some time taking pictures of the lobby and enjoying the band. Chuck found it disturbing that I knew all the words to the Muppet Show theme song as the band played.
Chuck noticed some other people checking in so we headed over and checked in ourselves. They told us to take a seat and they would come get us when our table was ready. While we were waiting we saw several couples and groups of four REALLY dressed up for their dinners at Victoria and Albert’s. Chuck asked why we didn’t plan that. Now he tells me. Oi vey! Anywho, the hostess came and led us to our table overlooking the quiet pool area. She handed us our menus which wished us a Happy Birthday across the top. We were seated next to a family of four that apparently our server knew and spent a lot of time conversing with them and not paying much attention to us.
Our server eventually came over and introduced herself and took our drink orders. We both went a coke and some water. She explained what we could get with the DxDP and off she went. While we were waiting, the chef came over to our table with a little pre-dinner surprise. I forgot what he called it but it had couscous and apples and oh my goodness, it was delicious!!!! (I looked on the receipt in hopes of seeing what it was called but we weren’t charged for it.)
Our server returned with our beverages and we placed our appetizer and entrée orders. Chuck and I just enjoyed the surroundings and chatted about our evening plans. The restaurant was beautiful and I loved the décor. After about 15 minutes or so, our appetizers were delivered and our rumbling tummies were appeased. Chuck went with the Gateau of Crab (Jumbo Lump Crab, Orange Fennel Cream, and Tomato Fennel Slaw) and I tested the waters again with the Sautéed Shrimp (Stracinati Pasta, Lemon, White Wine, Tomatoes, and Feta Cheese). My appetizer was absolutely divine. The feta cheese and white wine complimented the shrimp so well. I was able to eat my shrimp without choking this time although I did dribble a bit of the butter/wine sauce on my shirt. Chuck’s appetizer didn’t last long so it must have been good.
While we were enjoying our appetizers, our server brought us our entrees, like 5 minutes later. She apologized and left to get us refills on our drinks. While it wasn’t an issue for Chuck as he finished his appetizer pretty quickly, I had to discard my appetizer ¾ eaten to make sure I could enjoy my entrée. I went with the Chicken Breast (Tanglewood Farms Chicken with Creste di Gallo Pasta, Parmesan Cream, Prosciutto di Parma, and Asparagus Tips) while Chuck went with the Bone-In Ribeye (Wood-Roasted Spanish Onions, Fingerling Potatoes, Lemon Rosemary Butter, and Veal Glacé de Viande).
Now the food was great on both accounts so absolutely no complaints whatsoever. However, our server was more concerned with the family of four then us. We got our refills that she went to get after delivering our entrees when we got our desserts. Thank goodness we had the bottle of water to refill our water glasses. For dessert, Chuck went with Tiramisu while I went with the Lemon Cheesecake. Both were very yummy as we shared.
We settle the bill rather quickly as we wanted to head out to the bus stop to catch a bus to DHS in hopes of meeting up with Tiff and Eric for Fantasmic. I would definitely eat here again as the food was spectacular and I refuse to let a server that was not real attentive to sway my decision.
After leaving the restaurant, we ran the menus that we got with our meal up to the room and then headed over to the bus stops. Another family told us that we had just missed the bus to DHS. No biggie. It was 6:55pm so I figured one would come along within 20-25 minutes. We parked ourselves on a bench and watched Stacy’s Top Seven. While we were waiting, 3 buses for DTD came and went and one for Animal Kingdom (????). 7:20pm came along and no bus. Another person who was waiting for a DHS bus asked a DTD bus driver if one was coming and he said soon. At this point, I sent a text to Tiff to let her know that we were probably going to miss Fantasmic. She said they were having some transportation issues as well and we would meet up once we got there. By 7:45pm, no bus had arrived for DHS but 3 more for DTD came and went. Chuck and I agreed that we would just get a cab. This was the only transportation problem we had the whole trip so the $15 for the cab was well spent in my eyes.
While we were in the cab, I sent another text to Tiff and she said it was a madhouse because the closing concert for Super Soap Weekend was still going on. They were headed to TSMM so we made the plan to head to ToT and RnRC and meet up at some point. We arrived at DHS and made it through the turnstiles without issue. Tiff wasn’t lying when she said it was a madhouse. We immediately headed down sunset to see if the wait times were ridiculous. We were pleasantly surprised to see that ToT was a walk on, so we headed there first. We walked straight into a library and chose to go left when most were going right. We were immediately put into positions for the next elevator. I love this ride during the day but at night I LOVE it!!! The drop sequence was shorter than normal but there were long drops instead of mix between long and short. We headed over to RnRC and had maybe a 10 minute wait but we got the front seats, which just excited Chuck to no end. We bypassed our picture as it seemed to cut Chuck’s head off and made a pit stop.
We decided to head over to Pixar Place to see what our chances were to try out TSMM. As we were walking down Sunset back up to Hollywood Blvd, I see some familiar faces. Huge hugs ensued with Tiff and we stood there talking for about 10 minutes. They had just rode TSMM and warned me that my arm was going to be tired. We caught up on our adventures so far and I had to comment on her drinking display over at EPCOT earlier in the day. We departed company as they headed down to ToT and we maneuvered our way to Pixar Place.
We arrived and saw a 40 minute stand-by with no FP available since it was EMH. Even though we would be back here again, I really wanted to ride it because I held off on my solo trip. Chuck was up for the wait and I knew the queue would keep us entertained. As we were entering, I took a picture of the scrabble board that was over the meet and great area for Buzz and Woody. As I was turning to head into the building, a CM made a comment that I should get a picture of him. Not wanting to disappoint, I snapped it really quick and waved as I went through the doorway.
Like many other before me, the queue for this ride is absolutely amazing and so well done. I took close to 50 pictures of the all the different things. Don’t worry, I won’t bore you with them all, just a few of favorites.
Okay, so the wait was a little long but well worth it. I forgot to mention that Mr. Potato Head kept trying to get the attention of the boy in the green shirt that was right in front of him. Sadly, it was a little girl which had most of the people waiting laughing. We headed up the stairs and back down again and were in our ride vehicle getting ready to get some high scoring accomplished. Well, not really, but you know what I mean. I absolutely loved this ride even though it does give your arm quite the workout. Chuck took no prisoners and whooped my behind. I came away with the rabbit while he got the beaver prize. I had to send a “love” update off to Eileen with a snarky comment that she posted on my behalf earlier in the TR. again Eileen for doing that for me.
At this point, we headed out of the park as we had accomplished everything we wanted to do minus Fantasmic. Chuck’s arm was still flexed from our time on TSMM by the time we made it to the bus stop. We waited all of five minutes before a bus arrived. We were two of maybe twelve people that boarded the bus. This was a combined bus with another resort (I think it was the Contemporary.) They were the first stop and everyone but us got off there. We were dropped off at the GF bus stop and headed back to the room to get our mugs. Chuck had a sweet tooth and was craving something. We refilled our mugs and picked up a couple of sugar cookies with our snack credits.
We were in early enough for Chuck to catch the last half of Sunday Night Football and he logged onto the Internet to check his fantasy teams. Priorities, I tell ya. While he did that, I jumped in the shower and got all comfy in my PJs. I wrapped myself up in my robe and headed out to the balcony. I wanted some more time with my night light. I grabbed some pictures but it just doesn’t do it justice.
Unfortunately it was getting quite chilly and I couldn’t stay out for long. I headed in and got all warm and tucked in bed and watched the rest of the game with Chuck. We were both asleep by midnight. We didn’t set the alarm as we didn’t have a breakfast ADR the next day.
Coming Up: Morning at the AK, a Terrific Lunch, and We Call an Audible.
Glad you had a great dinner and didn't let the server get you down!! Sorry DHS was so crowded, but sounds like you made the best of it!! Great pictures!!
Yum....dinner sounded delish; I am sorry the server was subpar but glad to hear you would give Citricos another shot. The bus fairies must have not been on your side, glad you decided to hop in a cab and enjoy some of DHS.
danielle
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Great updates!! How cool that you were able to meet Scrooge McDuck! And, way too funny that Chuck was chosen to be 'that' guy! Your meal looked fabulous too! the photo! Looking forward to more
Sorry your server was less than attentive but sounds like you had a wonderful meal anyway...everything looked delicious. Sorry for the bus problems but glad you got to ride all your favorites and TSMM over at DHS before heading back...
Glad you both had a wonderful birthday celebration dinner...
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I'm sitting here reading your update eating a bagel, which pails in comparison to your yummy dinner! Sorry DHS was crowded but at least you got to do most of what you wanted to do. Great pictures! More please....
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I was able to eat my shrimp without choking this time although I did dribble a bit of the butter/wine sauce on my shirt. 
Chuck’s appetizer didn’t last long so it must have been good. 
We departed company as they headed down to ToT and we maneuvered our way to Pixar Place. 
again Eileen for doing that for me. 
Great pictures!!
Your meal looked fabulous too! 
the photo! Looking forward to more
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