8 Days Without the Kiddos – June 2014 Trip Report COMPLETED - Page 5 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Fabulous room! we are also going to WDW in september sans children, and using an exchange through RCI, but are staying at the WLV in a one BR. The SSR 1 br looks amazing! Can't wait to read more
oh- and i just read about your AK day! How fun to catch up with an old friend, and you guys got some fab pics can't wait for my DH to do its tough to be a bug. he really hates bugs, and the wasp thing is too funny!
All caught up! Your room looks amazing and it sounds like it was a perfect location. We were pleasantly caught off guard on our 2012 trip with how much we loved the Animal Kingdom. We had skipped it in 2010 because of the intense heat the week we were there, and the fact that the boys were really little and wanted more time at MK. It's now a 1 1/2 day park on our next trip itinerary.
It was so great that you were able to meet up and spend time with Bailey! Can't wait to read more.
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Great start and beautiful resort! Some of the bathrooms where we stay are divided up like yours were. It always seems odd to me.
That's awesome that you got to see Bailey again on your visit.
Good luck with the computer issues!
The bathroom was kinda weird.
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Originally Posted by mcc0313
What a wonderful start to the trip (well except for the turbulence on the plane). What a wonderful room at SSR. Definitely a nice home for the next 7 days.
How fun that you were able to meet up with Bailey. What a great start to the trip with so much fun at AK.
The turbulance did catch us off guard and a little shaken.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2Cats2010
Good luck w/ your computer issues - I have really enjoyed your TR so far
Thanks, I hope they are fixed now so I can post the rest of day 1.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ariel&Alice
Fabulous room! we are also going to WDW in september sans children, and using an exchange through RCI, but are staying at the WLV in a one BR. The SSR 1 br looks amazing! Can't wait to read more
We did not know what to expect, but our RCI trade went well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ariel&Alice
oh- and i just read about your AK day! How fun to catch up with an old friend, and you guys got some fab pics can't wait for my DH to do its tough to be a bug. he really hates bugs, and the wasp thing is too funny!
I hate the bug part!
Quote:
Originally Posted by mfirst
All caught up! Your room looks amazing and it sounds like it was a perfect location. We were pleasantly caught off guard on our 2012 trip with how much we loved the Animal Kingdom. We had skipped it in 2010 because of the intense heat the week we were there, and the fact that the boys were really little and wanted more time at MK. It's now a 1 1/2 day park on our next trip itinerary.
It was so great that you were able to meet up and spend time with Bailey! Can't wait to read more.
We do love AK, noever a chance we will skip it.
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The bus ride seemed long, but it could have been because it was raining. Rain was a trend for the week. We brought ponchos from home, and put them to use almost every day we were at WDW. When we arrived back at SSR we knew to get off at the Grandstand Stop, but as we did not have a map it took a bit of wandering for us to find our room. Turned out to be close to the stop, but of course we headed in the opposite direction first.
As you already know, we loved our room, once we finally found it. Our ADR for California Grill was not until 9:10 pm, so we had a couple hours to rest up in the room. Candi even made use of the jacuzzi tub first the first of many times.
A little after 8:00 pm we headed to the bus top. Using only Disney transportation adds complexity to getting to another resort. We boarded a bus to Magic Kingdom, then caught the monorail to the Contemporary Resort. We were worried we would be late, but we found the check in desk right on time.
In just a minute we were whisked up the private elevator and shown into the lounge area. Lounges are always weird us out. We do not drink and planned to have an app with our dinner at the table, so what do you do in the lounge. We just found a seat on the couch, and in about five minutes our buzzer went off. I requested a window seat, and were were shown to one. However, it was on the wrong side of the dining room. The Magic Kingdom was behind us, but the view was still amazing.
Now let me warn you that my review may not be what you will expect. I guess we are just too simple people, with simple taste. We survive at home on spaghetti, tacos, and meatloaf. This way outside our comfort zone. Please note, this is just one opinion.
I am terrible with names, but our waitress almost meet us at our table as soon as the hostess seated us. We were surprised by the confetti they had put on the table for our Anniversary. It was noted in our ADRs all week, but this was one of the VERY few example of special pexie dust we received all week for our anniversary, and we wore those buttons everywhere. Our waitress was very good.
She handed us the menu and it took a few minutes to get past the “sticker shock.” Of course I knew it was expensive from my research, but there is just something about seeing it there in front of you and knowing the bill will have three numbers in front of the decimal. We just assured ourselves this was our “special” meal, just decided to enjoy it.
We started with a flatbread. I think it was the tomato basil flatbread, and it was incredible. Honestly, I should have ordered that as my meal. The crust was flaky, the tomato were so flavorful and the fresh mozzarella was oh my good. We also enjoyed the bread basket and butter as we waited for our entrees.
Candi ordered the Filet of Beef. I have to say, it was soooo good. She ordered it well done, and could still cut in with her fork. She raved about this all week, and still says it was the best steak she has ever eaten. I could agree, but again, it should have been. I ordered the Pork Two-Ways. I so wanted to love it, but just didn’t. That is not to say that I did not like it, I did. It was just so different that anything I have ever eaten. I am really not sure what “pork belly” is, so I just ate it and told myself it was just thick bacon.
By the time we were finishing dinner, the lights dimmed and we headed out on the balcony to watch the fireworks. It was a few minutes until the started, but we did get to see fireworks from HS and also saw the Electric Water Pageant. Then the music came up and Wishes started. It was neat to watch from for there, but just not what I expected. I guess I just had this perfect idyllic image in my mind of sitting at our table and watching the fireworks over dessert, and that did not happen. I was just not impressed with the fireworks view. Candi and I both looked at each other and said, “We will get the real experience in a couple days on Main Street USA.”
We headed back in. We had decided to forgo dessert and have something in the Magic Kingdom that night. It was open until 2 am, and that is where we were headed next. However, when we informed our waitress, she said she was going to bring us a complimentary Creme Brulee for our anniversary. Boy am I glad she did. It was our first time to have it. The glass like top coating of sugar and the rich cream underneath. Yummy!
I chose not to even look at the bill, told my wife to just take care of it. It was not until later that night in bed that she told me it was nearly $150 with the tip. Let me say again, we did enjoy it. I do not regret doing it, but it will likely be a bucket list type thing for us. The food was good, just a little too fancy for my “Arkansas Boy” tastebuds.
By this time we are fading fast. Remember our day started a little after 4:00 am. By this point it is 11:00 pm. We were tempted to skip the Magic Kingdom and head back to the resort, but went anyway. As we arrive the Main Street Electrical Parade was going on, so we kinda watched, but really tried to make our way down Main Street to New Fantasyland. It was not even in the works when we were there in 2010, so I wanted to see it. Really I hoped the line at the Mine Train would not be too long, but it was 120 minutes, so we passed it by.
We ended up at Philharmonic, then It’s A Small World, and finished with Haunted Mansion. My mind said keep going, but my body refused. As we headed out, we had to stop to buy a treat. We both got chocolate marshmallows. Mine was milk and white chocolate, Candi got one with Reese's Pieces on it. They were both really tasty, but I prefered mine. We rested only a moment to eat them in the room, then we were both out before our heads hit the pillow.
Luke and I have enjoyed our signature restaurant experiences, but they aren't must dos again for us. Even though I do like branching out and trying different foods, overall I think Luke and I have simpler tastes in food. You all did well making some time for MK after such an early start to the day.
Luke and I have enjoyed our signature restaurant experiences, but they aren't must dos again for us. Even though I do like branching out and trying different foods, overall I think Luke and I have simpler tastes in food. You all did well making some time for MK after such an early start to the day.
I am so happy we went, but I like you think the fancy food is a little much for us. Though I have to say, I worry what others may think when they read we my thoughts. And I have to say, you may be suprised at some of our other inpressions of some WDW favorites along the way.
Yes, Day 1 was a loooooooooooong day. As you will see when I put up Day 2, it had an impact on out plans and caused us to miss out on a must do ride. More to come soon.
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I am so happy we went, but I like you think the fancy food is a little much for us. Though I have to say, I worry what others may think when they read we my thoughts. And I have to say, you may be suprised at some of our other inpressions of some WDW favorites along the way.
Don't worry about what other people think. Disney is designed for all tastes and budgets. While close to $150 might be over the top for you, hubby and I dropped $250 at Le Cellier. If our meal wasn't so good we might have choked
However, I find the signature dining experiences are nice, but not something I find myself needing to do every time I go. We are reserving Victoria and Albert's for a big number anniversary. I agree that the signature meals appeal to a more gourmet palette where I am happy with middle of the road tastes. Hubby is more champagne and caviar
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You guys looked really nice for your anniversary dinner and pics
Thanks! I was worried wearing shorts to CG, but I did it anyway. I did not feel out of place at all.
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Originally Posted by TheMadonna3
Don't worry about what other people think. Disney is designed for all tastes and budgets. While close to $150 might be over the top for you, hubby and I dropped $250 at Le Cellier. If our meal wasn't so good we might have choked
However, I find the signature dining experiences are nice, but not something I find myself needing to do every time I go. We are reserving Victoria and Albert's for a big number anniversary. I agree that the signature meals appeal to a more gourmet palette where I am happy with middle of the road tastes. Hubby is more champagne and caviar
I love your selfie on IASW
I hope some day to do other signature. The Singature in France sounds fun, who knows what the furute holds. But we would only do it without the kids, and I doubt they will let us go back without them again. LOL!
Actually it was not a selie on SMall World. We turned around ad asked a lady behind us to take it. She actually took several for us. I am suprised we don't look sleepy, because we were by that point.
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I'm sorry you weren't "wowed" by Cali Grill and its views that's why it's so great Disney has something for everyone! That flatbread looks divine tho! way to stick it out and make it to magic kingdom after that meal!
That was a long day! I give you credit for making such a late ADR on a travel day! I have never tried Cali Grill, probably for the same reasons you weren't overly impressed. I figure if I don't know what many of the items are on a menu I'm better off elsewhere. My family likes homey food like LTT. Glad you can say you tried it anyway! Happy Anniversary.
I haven't been to Cali Grill (although I would like to try it), but I'm with you. I'm no "foodie" and I always travel to WDW with my son who thus far would not really appreciate the experience of Cali Grill -especially for the price. I would have been beyond disappointed if my meal wasn't fabulous (although it sounds like Candy really liked her entree so that's good). It sounds like you weren't that impressed with the view of Wishes either so if that was a main reason to go, I can see why you might have been doubly disappointed.
I'm sorry you weren't "wowed" by Cali Grill and its views that's why it's so great Disney has something for everyone! That flatbread looks divine tho! way to stick it out and make it to magic kingdom after that meal!
I am still happy we gave it a try, once in a lifetime for us probably.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Irenaroo
That was a long day! I give you credit for making such a late ADR on a travel day! I have never tried Cali Grill, probably for the same reasons you weren't overly impressed. I figure if I don't know what many of the items are on a menu I'm better off elsewhere. My family likes homey food like LTT. Glad you can say you tried it anyway! Happy Anniversary.
It was a long day, but we had a blast. I would never want to suggest someone not try CG. It just was not what I "dreamed." But give it a try sometime, it is a unique experience,
Quote:
Originally Posted by HollyH
Sounds like a great day!
I haven't been to Cali Grill (although I would like to try it), but I'm with you. I'm no "foodie" and I always travel to WDW with my son who thus far would not really appreciate the experience of Cali Grill -especially for the price. I would have been beyond disappointed if my meal wasn't fabulous (although it sounds like Candy really liked her entree so that's good). It sounds like you weren't that impressed with the view of Wishes either so if that was a main reason to go, I can see why you might have been doubly disappointed.
Yea, it was upscale for us. I am not sure we even have a resturant like that in our area. Olive Garden is "upscale" around here, LOL.
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can't wait for my DH to do its tough to be a bug. he really hates bugs, and the wasp thing is too funny!
You all did well making some time for MK after such an early start to the day. 
that's why it's so great Disney has something for everyone! That flatbread looks divine tho! 
way to stick it out and make it to magic kingdom after that meal!
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