Fall, Firsts, Food And The Final Frontier TR - UPDATED 11/11 - COMPLETE!! - Page 6 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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I am so glad that you enjoyed La Nouba once again!! I agree, it's an amazing show!! Great shots of Disney Springs at night and your dinner looks wonderful, especially the Margarita!! We may have to stop for one of those!!. Glad you made it back safely after trying to find the bus stop. That can be very frustrating especially when you are tired! What a great first day!!
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What a wonderful evening getting to see the show and enjoy dinner from a chef you admire Sorry about the bus situation at the end of the night - that was my one gripe about those as well, very hard to figure out what's going on where/when they pick up!
We really enjoyed Frontera Cocina. We had the chicken tostadas and the chicken tacos. I had the tostadas and my husband had the tacos, he said his were great and my dish was excellent and I would order it again in a heartbeat. I also loved the Sangria!!
We were also surprised by how small Jock Lindsay's was - I was expecting it to be so much bigger.
Sounds like a good dinner. We're hoping to try a few more places at Disney Springs out on our next visit, as there are so many new restaurants there.
Glad you eventually found a bus back to your hotel!
I was very pleased with Frontera Cocina and it was pretty reasonable for Disney standards. Just so many new eateries to chose from now and I just have to return! I was glad the bus situation worked out.
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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!
I am so glad that you enjoyed La Nouba once again!! I agree, it's an amazing show!! Great shots of Disney Springs at night and your dinner looks wonderful, especially the Margarita!! We may have to stop for one of those!!. Glad you made it back safely after trying to find the bus stop. That can be very frustrating especially when you are tired! What a great first day!!
La Nouba is such a great show and glad I decided to see it again! Just so much to see in the Springs now as if you were here just a few years ago you would not recognize it in the old PI area! Dinner was great and loved the margarita and will definitely return to get another one of those as one of the best I've had! The bus was a bit of a pain but all worked out!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Great time at La Nouba and a great dinner! Love the pictures!
Photos came out well and had a great dinner and enjoyed La Nouba so much! I could go for one of those margaritas any time as they were that good and of course the shrimp cocktail!
Quote:
Originally Posted by KimmyAnn1147
My interest in the Hangar Bar is piqued. It's on my list for my next trip to WDW. (When? Maybe never, but good to have a plan!)
I hope you get to WDW soon and get to enjoy the Hangar Bar as I liked my time there and will return!
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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!
What a wonderful evening getting to see the show and enjoy dinner from a chef you admire Sorry about the bus situation at the end of the night - that was my one gripe about those as well, very hard to figure out what's going on where/when they pick up!
I'm a big fan of Rick Bayless and enjoy his culinary creations so much on TV being a big fan of Mexican cuisine! Loved La Nouba and I'm sure I'll see it again and hopefully less than 13 years! The bus situation is a bit ridiculous in the Springs as not well planned out as in the parks as I knew where to get the bus as I had info which numbered spot where to pick it up in each park back to the DS resorts loop!
Quote:
Originally Posted by jandsdennis
We really enjoyed Frontera Cocina. We had the chicken tostadas and the chicken tacos. I had the tostadas and my husband had the tacos, he said his were great and my dish was excellent and I would order it again in a heartbeat. I also loved the Sangria!!
When we met at the Festival Center you told me how much you enjoyed your meal there. Your Sangria looked so good as I'm a big fan of it. You need to try the tomatillo Shrimp/Scallop cocktail as so good. Not too spicy either, if I remember. I will certainly return to try some other choices and another margarita....or two!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
Glad you enjoyed La Nouba and had a good meal at Frontera Cocina!
I am so glad I finally returned to La Nouba as such a great show. Funny thing is back in 2004 I went on my arrival day (like this year) and my dinner was also Mexican food at San Angel Inn. Not crazy about San Angel as the entrees aren't great but appetizers are. Can't beat the ambience there as so cool! I had my first ever ceviche there and it was great but so spicy. (Mexican version tends to be). It was an early dinner, so I had time to get to the Westside!
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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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Sunday, October 16th (Part I) After a long and active day yesterday, I slept quite well and got up at 7:15 am as I had another well planned day ahead of me. I got ready for this and went downstairs to get some breakfast items at The Pickup. They have just your basic items. I got a coffee, piece of Pound cake and an Oikos Strawberry Greek yogurt. It came to $7.46, which isn’t too bad and certainly cheaper than at the Disney resorts! I brought them to my room and enjoyed them. Before, leaving for the day, I took a couple of photos.
View of highway from room
I have a room companion and he is for sale!
I took the elevator downstairs and waited outside for the Disney Springs bus, which would take me to the Ticket and Transportation Center. The bus was on time and I left at 8:35 am. After just one stop at the Doubletree Suites next door we then headed to the TTC. There were quite a few people on the bus as that isn’t always that way as coming from a non-Disney resort. We arrived at the TTC about 8:50 am or so. Before taking the monorail to the Contemporary Resort for brunch at the California Grill. I took a few photos at the TTC.
It was quite humid this morning and somewhat cloudy. It would wind up being quite hot and humid today and the most it would be during my stay. But, it wasn’t that bad like it can be in the summer months through September.
There was already a monorail waiting at the platform on the resort monorail line, so that was good. There were a few other people in my car and they were going to the Magic Kingdom.
I managed to get a few photos, being next to the window. I always enjoy seeing the Grand Floridian.
Where I would be getting off in a few minutes
View from approach to Magic Kingdom
Arrival at Contemporary Resort
I took the escalator downstairs to the second floor, where I had to check in for my California Grill brunch. It was only about 9:15 am or a bit more, so I had some time to explore the resort for a while. The check in counter was not open yet and my ADR is at 10 am.
I went down to the ground floor and outside to walk around and get some photos. Much more to see from the back of the hotel than the front.
Bay Lake Tower at CR
Contemporary Resort from rear
Like these at the resort bus depots and feel they were needed
Next, I went inside and explored the lobby of the resort. One of my favorite lobbies in the Disney Resorts as it’s quite spacious and has some quite comfy chairs!
I relaxed here for a few minutes before checking in for brunch
I took this escalator to the second floor and waited in the lounge area, until the California Grill’s check in desk opened, which was just before 10 am. After checking in a few of us waited over by the elevator were taken to the 15th floor. I’ve dined at the California Grill on each of my 11 previous Disney trips, but brunch would be a new experience as they just began offering a Sunday brunch. I was looking forward to this, even if pricey at $80.
When I got off the elevator, I received a text saying my table was ready. I gave my name to one of the hosts and she walked me to my table. Before this there were a few waiters offering mimosas, which I happily accepted as a great way to begin a brunch.
My Mimosa
I was seated in the back of the restaurant near the show kitchen, but unfortunately I didn’t get a window table, but there was still much to observe from my table. My server was Topher and he was exceptional throughout the entire meal. He went over the entire menu with me which was broken down into two parts. The buffet options and then the entrees. It all looked very intriguing and so much to indulge on. He gave me a few minutes to look over my entrée choice and returned with a pot of coffee. He also brought the below to begin my meal. I only had the biscuit on the left as I didn’t want to fill up too much on breads
I went up to the buffet near the kitchen and could not believe how much there was to choose! Where do I begin? I went down the line and took a little of this and that as so much of it looked good as it always does at the California Grill.
My first plate and doesn’t it look good? It certainly was! Here we have deviled eggs with bacon, kale and apple salad, fregola pasta salad with sautéed vegetables, hearts of palm in a lemon vinaigrette, smoked salmon with capers and red onions and sushi (salmon, yellow tail, spicy tuna and one other in the back left, which I forget what it is).
Before, refilling my plate with other choices, I went to the Bloody Mary station and had a personal one made. They do not come cheap at $16-$18 depending what you choose to have the bartender put in it for you. I went with Bloody Mary Vodka, Hot Sauce, Chorizo and a Strip of Bacon. It all seemed to flavor it quite well and I was happy with my choice. I didn’t find it overly spicy as I went with a mild hot sauce.
The finished product
I returned to the buffet to get some charcuterie as I missed that the first time around and didn’t want to overflow my plate.
Here are my choices. These are pork belly rillettes, bison and sweetbread terrine, chorizo, serrano ham, a dark ham of some kind and Manchego cheese. My selections were very good and I am enjoying this brunch quite so! It would be a few minutes until my entrée arrived and decided to go out on the observation deck and get some photos.
Bay Lake
Quite a busy kitchen!
View from my table
My entrée arrived!
My entrée of medium rare grilled hangar steak with chimichurri sauce, scrambled eggs, sautéed potatoes and charred red onion. This was a big portion for a brunch and I couldn’t finish it. Perhaps, I should have gone with my second choice which was the lobster eggs benedict. There’s always next time! But, it was still very good, even though filling.
I finished off with some dessert and this is what I chose. All was very good and probably enjoyed the macaron most of all.
I settled the bill with Topher, which came to $121. An expensive brunch, but a very good one, which I enjoyed so much. I will return for this exceptional brunch, and hope it’s a permanent offering at the California Grill. My streak is still alive with twelve meals at the Cali on each trip.
After taking the elevator down to the first floor, I decided I needed to walk off my meal and proceed to the walkway to the Magic Kingdom, which begins after the bus depot of the Contemporary. I should be there in about ten minutes.
NEXT: I Hope I Make My Fastpass+ Time!
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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; 12-04-2016 at 03:41 PM..
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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I your companion!!! I am so excited to hear about your brunch at the Cali Grill!! This may just be part of my change in plans!!
He was good addition to my resort and was always there! I loved the brunch and glad I did it as I wasn't able to get this ADR, until a few days before my trip! This would be a great change in plans and you'll certainly love it! The Bloody Mary was divine and a great addition to my meal!
__________________
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!
About This Page: 
. Glad you made it back safely after trying to find the bus stop. That can be very frustrating especially when you are tired! What a great first day!!
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Thank
Pixie Dust
Love the pictures!
Sorry about the bus situation at the end of the night - that was my one gripe about those as well, very hard to figure out what's going on where/when they pick up!
Dinner was great and loved the margarita and will definitely return to get another one of those as one of the best I've had! 
The bus situation is a bit ridiculous in the Springs as not well planned out as in the parks as I knew where to get the bus as I had info which numbered spot where to pick it up in each park back to the DS resorts loop! 
I had my first ever ceviche there and it was great but so spicy. (Mexican version tends to be). 
He gave me a few minutes to look over my entrée choice and returned with a pot of coffee. He also brought the below to begin my meal. 
I went down the line and took a little of this and that as so much of it looked good as it always does at the California Grill.
Perhaps, I should have gone with my second choice which was the lobster eggs benedict. There’s always next time! But, it was still very good, even though filling.
I will return for this exceptional brunch, and hope it’s a permanent offering at the California Grill. My streak is still alive with twelve meals at the Cali on each trip.
your companion!!! I am so excited to hear about your brunch at the Cali Grill!!
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