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[Two4Disney]

Thanks all for the birthday wishes!!

Friday, July 13, Wilderness Lodge “Welcome Home”

So how did Rich work a half day without taking vacation? Well, under the circumstances, Rich’s boss was generous in allowing him to wrap up things early. At about 2 p.m., we were packed and the car loaded, so off we drove to Wilderness Lodge via the back way. Before we knew it, we were pulling up to the guard gate and given the big “Welcome Home.” Actually, I think he said, “Well, you finally got here.” We always have such fun with the resort guards.

We valet parked the car and a CM welcomed us practically before we got out of the car. We really don’t enjoy this more aggressive approach these days. Let people get out of the car, have some time to be in awe of the resort before you pounce on them. I think this welcome is to make up for the lack of welcome at the front desk.

They asked if we’d checked in online and we didn’t this time. We had a rookie check us in so it was a bit bumpy and not quite as fun as we'd remembered. WL has always been known for spectacular service and we will say that the Wilderness Lodge service isn’t what it used to be - not from what we've seen. In fact, you may notice more of these comments throughout the report. It’s wonderful – don’t get me wrong – but not nearly as wonderful as it once was. (I also see the influence of the cruise ship industry in their hotel management now.)

Rich told them it was my birthday and they gave me the usual birthday pin and another CM sang “Happy Birthday” to me, a bit awkwardly. They were trying! I guess I’ve celebrated so many birthdays at Disney, some of the novelty has worn off. I started thinking back through my years at Disney and I realized I’ve been going to Disney since I was an itty bitty girl!

Anyway, this is the exciting part – we usually book a water view room and I just didn’t think it was necessary for this trip. I really don’t think you can have a bad view at Wilderness Lodge so a standard view room would be just fine. Not only was it fine, but our standard view room was one of the rooms off the Lobby – I was thrilled - I've always wanted to stay in a room in the Lobby area. I wondered why we never got one before and I realized we were booking water view rooms.


View of the WL Lobby from the 6th Floor

We loved the 6th floor balcony being tucked under the top floor's balcony - it offered more shade and privacy. We also loved the refurbished rooms. For those who’ve been reading our Two4Disney blog, you know how disappointed I’ve been in our rental house – especially the carpet. Well, I was thrilled with the WL carpet – running around barefoot was one of the highlights of the stay. I also loved the wood entry and bathroom area - even that felt good under my feet.


We even got a towel animal

The whole West Coast Lodge feel was just the touch of home I needed. This was the first time we’d stayed at WL since we started staying at the Grand Californian and a lot of it felt so similar – as if we were staying at the GC again – another touch of home!

Rich made a quick trip to the gift shop and grabbed some snacks and I had to take this pic of the flip flop Rice Krispie treat – some of you know that one of my blogs is called “Flip Flops & Fabs” - how perfect was this?


Flip Flop Rice Krispie Treat

We soaked up the atmosphere of the room, took time out for a little rest, enjoyed the balcony and the view, and then got ready for the birthday dinner at Artist Point.

[hleland]

I love the Flip Flop Krispie Treat, that's cool!!!

[lauriep]

Glad you were happy with your refurbed room and location, but sorry the service isn't up to the level it used to be. Love that flip-flop krispie!

[disneydreamer33]

Happy that you got a lobby view room.

[Libby X 3]

Happy Birthday! And what a cool flip flop rice krispie treat! Love that view too!

[LLaffinPlace]

I'm so glad you got to spend this time at WDW! Happy Birthday! And at one of my favorite resorts.

I'm sorry your experience with the staff was less than stellar. My visits have been quite good, though I will say that mine are colored by my wonderful experiences at Artist Point.

[Cam22]

You've made it to the WL! your room and the refurbishments sounds terrific! WL is one of my faves, so I had to hear service might be waning.

[Two4Disney]

Originally Posted by Cam22

You've made it to the WL! your room and the refurbishments sounds terrific! WL is one of my faves, so I had to hear service might be waning.

It was still wonderful - just not over-the-top!

Originally Posted by LLaffinPlace

I'm so glad you got to spend this time at WDW! Happy Birthday! And at one of my favorite resorts.

I'm sorry your experience with the staff was less than stellar. My visits have been quite good, though I will say that mine are colored by my wonderful experiences at Artist Point.

Thanks, Larry! Well, some of that usual excitement was missing at the front desk - we always thought WL had the best front desk CMs. But the resort more than made up for any lack there. It was such a huge thrill for me to finally get to stay in a room off the Lobby - reminded me of a similar room we had at the GC - really loved the location!

[valegirl5292]

Great start, sorry the service isn't up to par but glad you enjoyed your room and view. The Flip Flop Krispie Treat is so cool, they probably won't have them when we go in November.

[Two4Disney]

Originally Posted by hleland

I love the Flip Flop Krispie Treat, that's cool!!!

Originally Posted by lauriep

Glad you were happy with your refurbed room and location, but sorry the service isn't up to the level it used to be. Love that flip-flop krispie!

Originally Posted by disneydreamer33

Happy that you got a lobby view room.

Originally Posted by Libby X 3

Happy Birthday! And what a cool flip flop rice krispie treat! Love that view too!

Thank you!

Rich did a great job scoring that flip flop treat - it was such a fun surprise when he brought it back to the room. And I can't say enough about the location of the room - noisy, but fun! More on that later...

[chezp]

What a great start to your birthday trip!

[Two4Disney]

Friday, July 13, Birthday Dinner at Artist Point

We’ve dined at Artist Point several times and it’s our favorite WDW restaurant. In fact, we went there in March after reading an intriguing review on the Disney Food Blog where they'd featured a few new Asian menu items (our report is here). We thoroughly enjoyed it - so much so, it was my choice for my birthday celebration.

Our first experience at Artist Point was on our first trip to WDW together in 1999. The service was amazing, over-the-top, setting the bar so high, so to speak, that only Bob & Larry’s dining reports could surpass it. We still remember how it all culminated with the waiter inviting us to finish the meal with cigars (for Rich) and after dinner drinks out on the balcony. We’d never experienced anything like it at a theme park.

And while the service has never reached that level again, we still love Artist Point. The food is always delicious and the setting superb. However, the first slight letdown was when we were being seated, I didn’t hear the usual Northwest sounds in the background. And that’s what always transports me back to the Pacific Northwest – a place I’ve lived a few times and where much of my family lives – it’s a call to home.

But I was excited to see our table for two by the window with gorgeous views of the lake. Rich protested a bit and then I saw why – his seat wasn’t facing the water and so he had to turn to see it. But he relented saying, “You’re the birthday girl.” Maybe we should have changed tables then.

The waiter brusquely muttered something about water and I thought, “Oh, no, it’s not going to be a good night.” That’s disappointing. The waiters can really make a Signature Dining meal. The time before last, our service wasn’t that good and we almost stayed away from Artist Point. But last time, the service was so good, I was willing to chance it, figuring that one time was just a one-off.

But after reading some online reviews, I see we’re not alone is never really knowing what the service might be like. But I would say only 2 times was the service slightly less – both on my birthday. How ironic is that?

The waiter never introduced himself or the menu or anything. He was so matter-of-fact. So, Rich decided he was going to try to loosen up this stiff waiter with his sense of humor. And I don’t know what instigated it, but the waiter did start to loosen up. Maybe when he saw we were ordering wine with dinner instead of the usual “dining plan” patrons who don’t go out of their way to do anything out of the ordinary.

Anyway, we ordered and when our courses were served, we concentrated on enjoying the fabulous food – the food is always delish – and the waiter would say, “Haven’t heard a peep out of you” and so Rich would pipe up with, “Peep” and this went on a few times. Not exactly what I had in mind for my birthday meal – lol – but at least the waiter loosened up – just not the way I was hoping.

Rich suggested he tell him it was my birthday but I nixed that. The last time we did that we ended up with some birthday dessert we didn’t want and we really wanted to have the Cobbler again. We’d tried a new dessert the last time and we wanted to get back to our Northwest roots. (And at this point, I wasn't exactly looking forward to any more interactions with the waiter ).

One thing I want to mention is how empty the restaurant was. In fact, on our way out the maitre d’ was all over us, thanking us profusely, inviting us back, and giving us a number to call for any other reservations. In fact, Disney World was pretty quiet all weekend, which seemed strange. It was always so packed during the summer when we lived here before. Maybe the economy is still keeping people away. Certainly the higher-end restaurants were quiet – we noticed how empty Jiko was the next night when we were at Boma.

Rich grabbed a menu on the way out but we forgot it in our room so I’ll wing it in the next installment when I write about the food. But, at least, I remembered to snap a few pics.

After the wonderful meal, we walked down to the boat dock, attempting to walk off a few calories or at least digest the food. It was a magical evening and we thoroughly soaked up the atmosphere – so beautiful and serene – until we surrendered to the call of our bed.

[LLaffinPlace]

The last time we visited Artist Point with the CLQ we were somewhat unfortunate in our server, but Bob and I always do well with Sandrine, so we tend to ask for her. Unfortunately for that trip, she was serving at an event and not at the restaurant, having overlooked the note she made when we told her we would be back.

Anyway, Artist Point remains one of my favorite restaurants anywhere, and certainly one of the highlights of a very special resort hotel. It was also the first place I ever paired a Pinot Noir with salmon!

I'm glad the night was salvaged and that you had time for a stroll. The WL and it's environs are magic after dark.

[Two4Disney]

Originally Posted by LLaffinPlace

The last time we visited Artist Point with the CLQ we were somewhat unfortunate in our server, but Bob and I always do well with Sandrine, so we tend to ask for her. Unfortunately for that trip, she was serving at an event and not at the restaurant, having overlooked the note she made when we told her we would be back.

Anyway, Artist Point remains one of my favorite restaurants anywhere, and certainly one of the highlights of a very special resort hotel. It was also the first place I ever paired a Pinot Noir with salmon!

I'm glad the night was salvaged and that you had time for a stroll. The WL and it's environs are magic after dark.

Rich thinks part of the problem was the table - behind a pole and the waiter couldn't really maneuver well - and that was the case with the other time we had less than stellar service, too. The table for 4 away from the window seems to work better for us, server-wise.

Rich really won me over the first time I saw him pair salmon with Pinot Noir when we were working together in San Jose. "Now that man knows how to order," I thought. lol!

But the food was awesome and I'll write about that next - without your or Rich's flair, of course.

[Two4Disney]

Friday, July 13, Artist Point Meal

We’d had such a spectacular meal at Artist Point in March that we were torn between ordering the same menu items, something new (to us) or other favorites. This was all beforehand so we thought once we were seated and staring at the menu for real, the answer would come to us.

Well, they didn’t have the oyster appetizer I had before so that settled that. I found a new appetizer to try, though, and was quite pleased with it.

Appetizer

Rich: Kettle-steamed Penn Cove Mussels - with Sourdough Panzanella


Mussels

Kathy: Alaskan King Crab & Zellwood Corn Fritter - Yellow Watermelon Salsa, Avocado, and Fresno Chili Aioli


Lobster Fritters

Entrée

Rich: Seared Pacific Swordfish - with Black Trumpet Mushroom Hash, Salsify, and Meyer Lemon Emulsion


Swordfish

Kathy: Cedar Plank Roasted Wild King Salmon - (type of salmon changes seasonally) with confit artichokes, petit zucchini, baby carrots, and bacon-egg vinaigrette


Artist Point Salmon

Wine

Rich: Foris Cabernet Franc, Rogue Valley

Kathy: Solena Grande Cuvée Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley

Dessert

Artist Point Cobbler - Seasonal berries and housemade ice cream


Artist Point Cobbler

Wine: Kiona Chenin Blanc Ice Wine

Description

Rich almost always orders the Portobello Soup but he wanted to have the Mussels this time. The first time I had those Mussels, I was hooked on Mussels cooked in white wine with sourdough toast. But these Mussels were soaked in beer and instead of the crunchy toast, it was a big blob of soft dough – it looked horrible and Rich set it aside. I asked him to hide it because it made my stomach turn – lol! But he loved the Mussels.

My Lobster Fritters were delicious and filling. I could have shared this with Rich if he wasn’t allergic to lobster. But it was a good thing they were filling because the salmon really wasn’t that filling.

We exchanged bites of entrees and oh my goodness – I was perfectly satisfied with my Salmon until I tasted Rich’s Swordfish - no wonder he ordered it a second time. The Maitre d’ stopped by and Rich told him this was the second time he’d had it and could eat it again. The Maitre d’ said, “Well, come back this week because next week it’s being replaced with Halibut.”

As for dessert, well, we’d came back to Artist Point especially to have that wonderful Artist Point Cobbler. The presentation was different from the last time, which was years ago, but it was the perfect way to plate it.

Kudos to Artist Point – they really capture the flavors of the Northwest well. The berries were so fresh, I was transported back to my raspberry field days in Oregon when I picked (and ate) far too many raspberries as a teenager. It was years before I could eat another raspberry.

The only way it could have been better for me is if I'd had vanilla ice cream instead of the raspberry ice cream. I'm probably in the minority here because I'm a vanilla ice cream girl, which I especially love on cobbler.

We’d considered sharing a dessert beforehand, but thought, “Naw, it’s a birthday” so we each had our own. And we paired it with Kiona Ice Wine, one of our favorite pairings, thanks to Bob & Larry!

And were we full afterwards! Yikes! So, we strolled the grounds, took a few pics and then headed back to our cabin, uh, er, room, loving every minute of it!


Strolling down to the dock


Looking back at the Lodge