Gastronomical Adventures at the Grand (Feb 8-12, 2015) - Page 2 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.
So it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our long-running forums. They came online in 2000 and brought together so many wonderful Disney fans. We had friendships form, careers launch, couples marry, children born ... all because of this amazing community.
Thank you to each of you who were a part of this community. You made it possible.
And a very special thank you to our Guides (moderators), past and present, who kept our forums a happy place to be. You are the glue that held everything together, and we are forever grateful to you. Thank you aliceinwdw, Caldercup, MrsM, WillCAD, Fortissimo, GingerJ, HiddenMickey, CRCrazy, Eeyoresmom, disneyknut, disneydani, Cam22, chezp, WDWfan, Luvsun, KMB733, rescuesk, OhToodles!, Colexis Mom, lfredsbo, HiddenMickey, DrDolphin, DopeyGirl, duck addict, Disneybine, PixieMichele, Sandra Bostwick, Eeyore Tattoo, DyanKJ130, Suzy Q'Disney, LilMarcieMouse, AllisonG, Belle*, Chrissi, Brant, DawnDenise, Crystalloubear, Disneymom9092, FanOfMickey, Goofy4Goofy, GoofyMom, Home4us123, iamgrumpy, ilovedisney247, Jennifer2003, Jenny Pooh, KrisLuvsDisney, Ladyt, Laughaholic88, LauraBelle Hime, Lilianna, LizardCop, Loobyoxlip, lukeandbrooksmom, marisag, michnash, MickeyMAC, OffKilter_Lynn, PamelaK, Poor_Eeyore, ripkensnana, RobDVC, SHEANA1226, Shell of the South, snoozin, Statelady01, Tara O'Hara, tigger22, Tink and Co., Tinkerbelz, WDWJAMBA, wdwlovers, Wendyismyname, whoSEZ, WildforWD, and WvuGrrrl. You made the magic.
We want to personally thank Sara Varney, who coordinated our community for many years (among so many other things she did for us), and Cheryl Pendry, our Message Board Manager who helped train our Guides, and Ginger Jabour, who helped us with the PassPorter-specific forums and Live! Guides. Thank you for your time, energy, and enthusiasm. You made it all happen.
There are other changes as well.
Why? Well, the world has changed. And change with it, we must. The lyrics to "We Go On" for IllumiNations say it best:
We go on to the joy and through the tears
We go on to discover new frontiers
Moving on with the current of the years.
We go on
Moving forward now as one
Moving on with a spirit born to run
Ever on with each rising sun.
To a new day, we go on.
It's time to move on and move forward.
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.
But eventually, we must move on and move forward. It is the right thing to do.
So we are retiring this newsletter, as we simply cannot keep up with it. Many thanks to Mouse Fan Travel who supported it all these years, to All Ears and MousePlanet who helped us with news, to our many article contributors, and -- most importantly -- to Sara Varney who edited our newsletter so wonderfully for years and years.
And we are no longer charging for the Live Guides. If you have a subscription, it's yours to keep for the lifetime of the Live Guides at no additional cost. The Live Guides will stay online, barring server issues and technical problems, for all of 2019.
That said, PassPorter is not going away. Most of the resources will remain online for as long as we can support them, and after that we will find ways to make whatever we can available. PassPorter means a great deal to us, and to many of you, and we will do our best to keep it alive in whatever way we can. Our server costs are high, and they'll need to come out of our pockets, so in the future you can expect some changes so we can bring those costs down.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your amazing support over the years. Without you, there's no way us little guys could have made something like this happen and given the "big guys" a run for their money. PassPorter was consistently the #3 guidebook after the Unofficial and Official guides, which was really unheard of for such a small company to do. We ROCKED it thanks to you and your support and love!
If you miss us, you can still find some of us online. Sara started a new blog at DisneyParkPrincess.com -- I strongly urge you to visit and get on her mailing list. She IS the Disney park princess and knows Disney backward and forward. And I am blogging as well at JenniferMaker.com, which is a little craft blog I started a couple of years ago to make ends meet. You can see and hear me in my craft show at https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifermaker . Many PassPorter readers and fans are on Facebook, in groups they formed like the PassPorter Trip Reports and PassPorter Crafting Challenge (if you join, just let them know you read about it in the newsletter). And some of our most devoted community members started a forum of their own at Pixie Dust Lane and all are invited over.
So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!
Welcome! We're happy you've found the PassPorter Community -- the friendliest place to plan your vacation to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, and the world in general! You are now viewing the PassPorter Message Board Community as a guest, which gives you limited access. As our guest, feel free to browse our messages by selecting the forum you want to visit from the list below.
To post messages and ask questions, join our FREE community today and you'll get access to tools and resources not available to guests, such as our vacation countown timers, "living" avatars, private messaging system, database searches, downloads, and a special PassPorter discount code. Registration is fast, simple, and completely free. Just click the Join Our Community link.
If you think you've already joined, log in below now. If you don't remember your member name or password, please visit our Member Name and Password Recovery page. You are also welcome to contact us.
As for V&As, I think I would be too overwhelmed by all the food choices and foods that are "out there." No doubt a bunch of stuff I'd stay away from typically, but would have to try if we ever at at V&As.
As for V&As, I think I would be too overwhelmed by all the food choices and foods that are "out there." No doubt a bunch of stuff I'd stay away from typically, but would have to try if we ever at at V&As.
Actually, there isn't really as much choosing at V&A's as at other restaurants, I don't think.
It's a chef's choice menu with some extra cost items you can add if you want. Modifications are made for special food needs as at all TS with some as well for foods you dislike.
If not typically adventurous, willingness to eat outside your comfort zone is somewhat essential for good value and the best experience, IMO. The place almost entices you to do so, though.
__________________
“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” —Winnie-the-Pooh
Registered Message Board Members save 30% off PassPorter guidebooks! When you register you'll have access to a discount coupon good for 30% off the list price of PassPorter books in our online store.
Love your pictures of VGF late in the day, especially the one with the monorail. I also wish my food photos would turn out as well as yours. Very delicious looking dishes at V&A's and I did recognize some of those from Dot's TR.
Thank you, Cam. I only used my good camera - the DSLR - for food shots and fireworks later in the week.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Her Dotness
How very kind of you to mention my review so favorably. I'm honored by your praise.
I very much agree that two desserts were rather much. I'd have done nicely with just the chocolate timbale and white chocolate gelato which was more visually appealing to me.
Glad to learn you thought your meal enjoyable. Dining there really is an experience on more levels than just the fabulous food, isn't it?
I enjoyed your reviews. Yes, the V&A experience is about more than the food. I booked this to thank Lou for his support and patience this past year.
Wonderful photos! So glad you enjoyed your experience. Can't wait to hear about the villas.
More coming in the next few days.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcneal
Sound like a wonderful evening - love the fireworks! I am afraid I will never dine at V&A - I do not care for any kind of meat or seafood so it would be a waste for me. I would love to watch my DH enjoy it though.
I think Dot gave a good response. I hope you get a chance to try it some day.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lauriep
What a sumptuous start, Sharon! Looks like a fabulous experience.
Thanks, Laurie - it was a great start, and was so convenient just to walk to and from the restaurant.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Thank goodness I've just eaten breakfast, otherwise I know I'd have been salivating over all those wonderful food photos!
I know what you mean - always good to eat before reading Trip Reports!
I love your TRs so I am glad to be reading another one! That meal looks amazing!
Thanks! It was a really nice meal and experience.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pamcarey
What an amazing looking meal! A few things would be out of my comfort zone, but maybe I would try them in a tasting meal like that.
That's what I thought too, since it's just a small bite or two, I can try just about anything
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcneal
I may just try it. It does look like such a wonderful experience.
Sounds good! They go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable with the experience.
Quote:
Originally Posted by OhToodles!
What an amazing way to start start trip. Gorgeous photos as usual.
Thank you for the kind words.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JKnott17
That was an amazing start to your trip! Everything looked delicious, though I think I would have been overwhelmed with all of those courses too. Someday I will eat there!
It was a great start. It was more courses than I wanted, but Lou really appreciates good food and wine. It was nice he didn't have to cook, for once!
Registered Message Board Members save 30% off PassPorter guidebooks! When you register you'll have access to a discount coupon good for 30% off the list price of PassPorter books in our online store.
I should have the next update up today or tomorrow.
Quote:
Originally Posted by princetoaprincess
Jumping in for the rest of the report.
As for V&As, I think I would be too overwhelmed by all the food choices and foods that are "out there." No doubt a bunch of stuff I'd stay away from typically, but would have to try if we ever at at V&As.
As Dot says, they will make the choices for you, although you can tell them ahead of time if there is something you really don't like to eat. For example, I never eat lamb, but decided to try it this time even though I could have substituted something else. It turned out to be delicious.
_____________________________
If you've followed my previous reports, you may be surprised I haven't already finished this one as I like to breeze through them. Unfortunately, spent the past 3 days laid out with the flu bug - possibly the result of visiting a crowded theme park, or most likely just that time of year. All is well now, and I will get back to editing photos and working on the report.
I love your review! It's not something we would try at all because I'm not adventurous by any means but I would also feel completely out of place dining there. I love TR's (I never write my own) because I'm able to experience other people's dining adventures through their eyes!
As Dot says, they will make the choices for you, although you can tell them ahead of time if there is something you really don't like to eat. For example, I never eat lamb, but decided to try it this time even though I could have substituted something else. It turned out to be delicious.
I still have difficulty believing that Drew ate salmon and raved about how delicious it was.
The V&A's chefs do extraordinary things with top quality ingredients, that's for sure.
__________________
“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” —Winnie-the-Pooh
I love your review! It's not something we would try at all because I'm not adventurous by any means but I would also feel completely out of place dining there. I love TR's (I never write my own) because I'm able to experience other people's dining adventures through their eyes!
Thank you. The folks at V&A's go out of their way to make everyone feel comfortable.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Her Dotness
I still have difficulty believing that Drew ate salmon and raved about how delicious it was.
The V&A's chefs do extraordinary things with top quality ingredients, that's for sure.
I figured I could try new things, especially since there are so many courses. Glad Drew liked the salmon.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Great start to your trip at V&As!
Thanks, Marnie.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lfredsbo
So happy to catch another of your TR's - with all your AMAZING photography!!!
Lou and I slept in until after 8am, and went to breakfast in the hotel at 9am. One of the things he didn't like about our last trip was "not enough breakfasts," so I made sure he had breakfast every day
As we walked over to the main hotel, it was still clear, but rain was in the forecast for today:
We enjoyed a simple breakfast and some coffee. Kathy & Steve were set to arrive at lunch time, so we didn't have anything on our agenda except reading the paper and maybe a nap. There was nothing special about our breakfast, but we had a nice seat by a window, and an excellent server, so it was pleasant.
Our friends arrived as planned, and we walked over to Gasparilla's to get a sandwich for them - Lou and I were still full from breakfast. We decided to head on over to the Magic Kindgom to pick up their park tickets, and stroll around inside the park.
I think the boat to the Magic Kingdom was our favorite mode of transportation.
I didn't even realize their was a bridal couple at the Wedding Pavilion until editing this photo:
A view of the stand alone DVC building - our balcony is the one with the red line through it. We looked out onto the lake at the Poly and Contemporary - photos of the new Poly Villas later.
Once at the Magic Kingdom, we headed for the Train to make a loop around the park. It was just starting to rain:
Lou decided to go back to the Villa, but first he was kind enough to buy us all a poncho, since we'd left our umbrellas in the car and I never even thought to bring my Frogg Togg poncho.
A word about Fast Passes - since we didn't get S & K's tickets until we arrived, I never bothered with Fast Passes. While we were on the train ride, I was able to make good FP+ choices for Pirates, Haunted Mansion, and Splash Mountain. Only the hot ticket items were gone - Anna & Elsa, the Parade, and Fireworks. There were even some late night time slots for the 7D Mine Train Ride.
Our first stop was Pirates - it was down; so we were able to use that Fast Pass on the Jungle Cruise. This was a good choice, and we all enjoyed it. But first, a photo showing the rain as we headed into Adventureland:
I hate snakes:
It really started to come down as we were cruising through the jungle:
The rain didn't bother this guy. I think the elephants on the jungle cruise are real, don't you (I mean, it's all real, but ...)?
Pirates was still down, so I was determined we would go on my favorite adventure - The Country Bear Jamboree! No one in my family will go see this with me, but Steve & Kathy were up for anything, and they hadn't been to the Magic Kingdom in 20 years or so, so I had captive participants:
I wanted to go on Splash Mountain, or Thunder Mountain. Both were running, even with the rain. But, I could tell my friends were not keen on a churning thrill ride through the mountains, so we just people watched, and sat out of the rain for awhile. There is always tomorrow.
Our FP+ came up for The Haunted Mansion, and we walked right on the ride. The stand by line was fairly long, given people were trying to do inside rides to get out of the rain. It was fun to go on this ride with folks who had never been (or couldn't remember) the ghostly haunts of the mansion.
By this time, we decided we would head back to the Villa to rest up and then head back out for dinner. Even though it rained, we enjoyed the leisurely afternoon in the park.
Dinner with THE BEAST
Since we were staying at a monorail resort, I scheduled our dining with that in mind. Tonight, we were going to Be Our Guest. I noted in my last trip report, lunch at BoG was a major disappointment, so it was with some trepidation that I kept this ADR. It was still raining as we left the Villa for our 7pm dinner reservation. No problem - we'll just hop the monorail to the Magic Kingdom.
Problem: After hiking through the GF Lobby and walking up two flights of stairs, we were stopped going onto the monorail - "Oops, we are down, you will have to go back down two flights of stairs, trek through the lobby, and take a bus. Or, you can walk across the resort in the rain to take a boat, which may or may not be running in the rain ..."
We all know the monorail is not reliable. And this week, of all weeks, they had construction going which messed up the schedule between 11am - 7pm, BUT trains were supposed to run from the GF to the Magic Kindgom. We went with the flow, joined the hoards, fought our way onto a crowded bus, and finally arrived at the Magic Kingdom.
This is not a big deal, except for the way they handled everything. Don't let people walk all the way up to the monorail station - put a CM down on the ground floor. Make sure you have extra busses - don't make people wait 30 minutes when they are paying a premium to stay at your fancy monorail resort
Rant over. Oops, Rant NOT over. We approached the turnstiles and guess who's Magic Band does not work? Grumpy Bear's Magic Band will not turn the circles green. It takes a while to get an iPad-holding Fixer CM over to check it out. This CM was just plain rude: "You must have used a different finger when you set it up." "Try the finger on your other hand (the one with the Magic Band !!!???!!!)" And, so on. Finally, the CM verifies Grumpy Bear does in fact have an annual pass and should be allowed in.
We walk through the rain and get to The Beast's Castle. It's chaos, as everyone is waiting inside, but fortunately, we were called within 5 minutes of arrival. So, a poor start to the evening, but the meal was Very Good. Kathy & Steve really enjoyed it, and I'm glad we did it. I will skip it on future trips unless we have guests, since it is so noisy and not particularly relaxing. We skipped our photo op with The Beast, since the line was crowded.
As I said, dinner was very good. We had the Steak & Fries, The Braised Pork, The Scallop & Shrip in pastry, and the Lamb Chops. All received thumbs up.
The original plan was to watch Wishes after dinner. Given the weather, I'm surprised they even had the fireworks. We hightailed it through the crowds and out of the park, stopping to catch a glimpse of the fireworks as we walked. It was a miserable show - the fog was thick and even the CMs were saying how you couldn't see anything. It was kind of fun - I wished I'd had my tripod to try to capture some photos. Here's one taken on the run:
We were happy to see the monorail was running, and we had a good ride back to the resort. Other than the earlier snafu with the monorail and the Magic Band problem, we had a great day and evening.
Up Next: Breakfast with a Pig, a Donkey, and Tigger too. Not to mention Pooh ...
The day started so beautiful as you two headed to breakfast, but the rain seemed to set in quickly and stick around. I love your pictures of GF. We're still hoping to stay here some day, but couldn't get days together for it in May. I totally agree with you on how the monorail situation was handled. Poorly! So glad that BOG was better for dinner for you all.
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
About This Page: 
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
as I like to breeze through them. Unfortunately, spent the past 3 days laid out with the flu bug - possibly the result of visiting a crowded theme park, or most likely just that time of year. All is well now, and I will get back to editing photos and working on the report.
to catch another of your TR's - with all your AMAZING photography!!! 
Linear Mode
