Escaping The Brutal Northeast For Sunny, Warm Florida and Fun! Completed 7/12 - Page 37 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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After exploring Riverside for a bit, I relaxed for a while and just watched some of the WDW programs on my TV as that’s always keeps me in a Disney mood.
I headed out of my room around 4:45 pm and walked over to the boat dock to take the boat launch to Downtown Disney. There was quite a long line and I didn’t get on the first boat. I was first in line for the next boat, which came in ten minutes time. This also gave me a good choice of seats as well! The boat was pretty full already and we had to make a stop at the French Quarter for more passengers. It was completely full after stopping here. This is certainly quite the popular time for taking a boat to DTD as many resort guests are going to dinner, entertainment and shopping here at this time of day.
The 16th hole at Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, where I had played a nice round of golf a few short hours ago!
The Treehouse Villas of Saratoga Springs Resort area
Lot of nice views along this nice and relaxing ride on such a beautiful late afternoon. I think the drop off at the dock was in a different location than I remember. I think it may have been near the Westside
Flights of Wonder. Have never taken this ride, but may some day. It’s a little expensive for such a short ride, but I’m sure the views are spectacular!
It was funny, that when I got off my boat at Downtown Disney, I ran into one of the golfers I played with earlier today! The man was with his wife and they were going to Fulton’s for dinner. I walked to the Westside and did some exploring and see the extensive changes that are being made to Downtown Disney. When all is done there will be over 150 shops and restaurants here. About double what it was prior to the start of the redevelopment.
Downtown Disney’s Westside
Splitsville bowling lanes and bar on Westside.
Guitarist in band playing on Westside
Lot of construction going on here. This is dockside in the old Pleasure Island area near Paradiso 37, where I would be having dinner later tonight.
Construction beginning on one of the two massive parking garages that are being built. Now complete a year later!
This is the bar over at Splitsville, where I stopped for a strawberry margarita. It was quite tasty! I spent about twenty minutes here and enjoyed the band, while just relaxing for a while.
After exploring Downtown Disney for a while, I like the changes that are being made, even if it’s a bit of a headache at times with all the detours and all the areas are boarded up. This was just beginning while I was there and is completely different now (over a year later), even though not complete yet. I can’t wait to visit here once it’s all done!
Band playing outside at Splitsville.
Not exactly sure where this is from, but I like the look of it!
I’m sure this is just a memory now! I will miss it and especially the Adventurers Club and Comedy Warehouse!
Across the water near Saratoga Springs.
It was getting quite hot out in the late afternoon and the sun was starting to bother my eyes quite a bit. Unfortunately, I left my sunglasses back at Riverside. I decided to walk over to Fulton’s and get out of the sun and heat and have a drink in their bar, while I waited for my ADR for Paradiso 37 to near. It was still about an hour away. I had a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, while I waited and watched some sports programming on one of the TVs there. I have been to Fulton’s a few times and is one of the better restaurants in WDW, if a bit expensive. I think they have the best crab cakes on property!
Behind the bar at Fulton’s
Ceiling decor at Fulton’s Crab House
So, after hanging out here for a while and enjoying the a/c, it was time to go to Paradiso 37 for dinner. It is quite close by and only about a two minute walk.
NEXT: That was way too fast!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Nice photos of DTD! They were interesting as I could see how much had changed from your visit to ours.
Just can't seem to get this TR done as difficult to find the time to do so! Amazing how much has changed in a year. In another year....I can only imagine in the completion and hope we love it! Just from what I've been reading on the DFB sounds quite promising!
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
It's fascinating to see your photos of Downtown Disney, especially in light of how much it's changed since then!
The transformation has been quite amazing so far and will be even more so over the next year...perhaps? $2,000,000,000 + into this project and the rewards will show! Just wanted to show all those "0" s and the extent of this project!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tara O'Hara
What a fun time in DTD for you!! As always, great photos as well!! I can't wait to hear about your dinner. That is one place I have not been to.
Tara
Will hear about it in the next update and hope I can get around to it this week!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Great time at DTD! Can't wait to hear about dinner!
Can't wait to share my experience with everyone here!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
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DTD is certainly an interesting place these days - especially for those of us who knew it as it was before. It will be really nice once all the construction walls come down.
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Lisa Co-Guide to Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports
Me too. The transformation has been amazing since I've been there with other TRs like Cheryl's and Cam's! Imagine, what it will look like next year, near completion! We will be over blown for sure! Can't wait to try some of the great eateries there, being a foodie. Will certainly spend a couple of nights there on my next visit!
Love your new photo! Where was that taken? Your three sons are getting so big and especially your oldest as he towers over all except for your husband!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lfredsbo
DTD is certainly an interesting place these days - especially for those of us who knew it as it was before. It will be really nice once all the construction walls come down.
Yes, for certain. I love all the changes as it will become a great place for dining with so many great choices! Since PI was basically closed down, I usually only make one visit here per trip as only go here for a dinner. No real reason to go here as my Adventurers Club is no more! Just makes me so sad about this!
The changes with the implantation of Disney Springs seems quite positive with a number of eateries I'm interested in visiting. Glad they are using the waterfront to their advantage as they should, which enhances me visiting there!
Just hope they can find a way to bring the Adventurers Club back as I miss it so much! If not here, perhaps on The Boardwalk as it would fit in perfectly there with its' late 1930's theme!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Last edited by SuperDave; 06-04-2015 at 10:06 PM..
Love your new photo! Where was that taken? Your three sons are getting so big and especially your oldest as he towers over all except for your husband!
Thanks! It was at my middle son Abniel's 6th grade graduation. These boys, they grow an inch by the minute. Looking at the photo, I'm in high heels and I'm still not that much taller than the 2 youngest. And it's only a matter of time for AJ to tower over his dad too.
So after leaving Fulton’s Crab House, I made the short walk over to Paradiso 37 after winding through the parking lot and up past Raglan Road. The restaurant was quite busy and people were being turned away as they said they were booked for the night. I’m glad I had an ADR!
The restaurant is quite nice and especially the outdoor area, which has a nice bar and plenty of outdoor seating overlooking Village Lake (I think that’s the name of it). The ongoing Disney Springs expansion will double the seating outside here as well as a band stage! I checked in for my ADR and had to wait about ten minutes or so. Considering, how busy they were, I was surprised it wasn’t longer. The name for Paradiso 37 comes from the 37 countries that make up North, Central and South America. So, gives you an idea that the cuisine is quite diverse here.
I was seated inside and had to wait a good five minutes before any member of the wait staff came to my table. Thought that was a bit long. After looking over the menu and my server going over the menu with me, I knew what I wanted. I ordered a half carafe of Cabernet Sauvignon to go with my meal. I was served some bread as well as water. A few minutes went by and was served my appetizer. Unfortunately, another five minutes went by before my server brought my wine and only by getting her attention. Seems like they might not have enough staff tonight.
My first course, Shrimp Ceviche. This was excellent and flavored with onions, lime juice, tomatoes, avocados and cilantro as well as a few other things! This was absolutely perfect and loaded with an abundance of various flavors! Too bad I had to wait for the wine, but this dish was so good!
Unfortunately, Paradiso 37's wait staff would have another brain lapse...as while I’m enjoying my ceviche, my entree is delivered to my table! That was way too fast and much more so than I wanted! Too bad, I wasn’t waited on in the beginning and my wine delivered that fast! They asked if it was too soon and I told them it was! Of course it was as I was still having my first course! Sometimes, people are clueless! Shortly after, one of the restaurants hosts stops by and apologizes for it and a new entree would be cooked for me and not just kept warm. Thought, that was good on their part!
Here’s what arrived for my main course! Argentina Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce, Caramelized Onions and Fries. This too was excellent, cooked perfectly and so much flavor! I ate every bit of it! I was quite full at this time and really didn’t have room for dessert as I usually do.
The meal was very enjoyable and I will definitely return! Just wish the service had been a bit more consistent. The total cost including tip was around $60-65, which is not bad especially for good cuisine in Disney. If I had dined at Fulton’s nearby, this would have been around $100!
I walked around the area a bit near Raglan Road as it was quite active.
Don’t remember these before as I guess they’re new. They were some where between Pleasure Island and the Marketplace. I liked the look of these as I always love water features!
Flights of Wonder at night. I would think the views would be better during the day.
It was around 9:15 pm or so and thought it was time to head back to Riverside as it was Wednesday night and Bob Jackson was playing at the River Roost Lounge and wanted to catch his show once again. It was a short walk to the Sassagoula dock and there was a boat there already loading resort guests, so I went on that one. Within five minutes we were on our way back to Riverside, with a stop at the French Quarter first. On the return, it’s amazing how dark it is and you can’t see a thing along the river until you see some of the lights from the Treehouse Villas! We were back to Riverside at about 9:45.
After disembarking the launch I headed for the River Roost Lounge, which was near by. Yeehaw Bob’s show was in full swing, so I took a seat at the bar and enjoyed the show, which is always entertaining.
Bob Jackson giving us his best as always!
Always love when Bob blows the horn and gets the crowd going! Always a full house, when he plays!
I stayed here for a couple of hours and enjoyed Bob’s show along with a delicious strawberry margarita. His show was as good as ever and always gets the audience very involved, which makes the show that much better! He finished the show at close to midnight and I was certainly getting tired! Decided to call it a night and make the five minute walk back to my room in Alligator Bayou!
Got back to my room at around midnight and put the TV on for a while and fell asleep after about ten minutes with the TV on. I actually got up during the night, to turn it off!
NEXT: A Great Last Full Day and a New Dining Experience!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Dinner sounded delicious at Paradiso 37, though the service needed some work. By the way, I ordered the same entree when we ate there, and totally agree that it was excellent. Bob's show looks like so much fun.
Sorry your service was a little lacking at Paradiso 37.. The food sounds delicious though!! That is one place I have not been to and would like to try. Great pics from Downtown Disney. . Yeehaw Bob's show looks fun! What a nice way to end your day!!
Dinner sounded delicious at Paradiso 37, though the service needed some work. By the way, I ordered the same entree when we ate there, and totally agree that it was excellent. Bob's show looks like so much fun.
The service was a bit missing at times but glad the great food made up for it! Did you eat there on your most current trip? You must make a visit to Riverside and see Bob Jackson's show as I know you'd enjoy it! He's there Wed-Sat. He'll also be performing shortly (if not now) at the Boathouse in DTD. Although, from what I've read on the DFB his show is a bit different there. Not sure which nights he is there, but off nights from Riverside, I guess!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tara O'Hara
Sorry your service was a little lacking at Paradiso 37.. The food sounds delicious though!! That is one place I have not been to and would like to try. Great pics from Downtown Disney. . Yeehaw Bob's show looks fun! What a nice way to end your day!!
The service was off, but the food certainly made up for it! You must try it as I'm sure you'd enjoy it and now that they're expanding it! Bob's show is a lot of fun and have been seeing him since my first stay at POR in 2007!
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Last edited by SuperDave; 06-07-2015 at 10:53 PM..
We ate at Paradiso 37 not long after it opened. The service wasn't great back then either and the food was Ok, but not spectacular, so we've never been back. It sounds like it was a lot of fun when you got back to the resort!
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I was first in line for the next boat, which came in ten minutes time. This also gave me a good choice of seats as well! 
The boat was pretty full already and we had to make a stop at the French Quarter for more passengers. It was completely full after stopping here. This is certainly quite the popular time for taking a boat to DTD as many resort guests are going to dinner, entertainment and shopping here at this time of day. 
The man was with his wife and they were going to Fulton’s for dinner. I walked to the Westside and did some exploring and see the extensive changes that are being made to Downtown Disney. When all is done there will be over 150 shops and restaurants here. About double what it was prior to the start of the redevelopment. 
I spent about twenty minutes here and enjoyed the band, while just relaxing for a while.
I decided to walk over to Fulton’s and get out of the sun and heat and have a drink in their bar, while I waited for my ADR for Paradiso 37 to near. It was still about an hour away. I had a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, while I waited and watched some sports programming on one of the TVs there.
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They were interesting as I could see how much had changed from your visit to ours. 
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Thought that was a bit long. After looking over the menu and my server going over the menu with me, I knew what I wanted. I ordered a half carafe of Cabernet Sauvignon to go with my meal. I was served some bread as well as water. A few minutes went by and was served my appetizer. Unfortunately, another five minutes went by before my server brought my wine and only by getting her attention. 
Seems like they might not have enough staff tonight. 
That was way too fast and much more so than I wanted! Too bad, I wasn’t waited on in the beginning and my wine delivered that fast! 
Sometimes, people are clueless! 
I actually got up during the night, to turn it off! 
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