Spooky Foodie Fun - TR from Adventurous Stranger!! About This Page:

[PrincessSharon]

Glad you didn't let the rain slow you down. Fred's care package cracked me up. Now I'm dying to know what a Gummi Bear shot tastes like!

[Coop]

Just reading about that care package makes my liver hurt! But gotta LOVE AK! Even in the rain.

[honeybee723]

All caught up! Sounds like the party's about to begin by the sounds of that care package. Never had a Gummi Bear shot, but I'm assuming it doesn't just taste like a Gummi Bear since you actually need the Bear's for the shot itself?

[jennie622]

Originally Posted by unewillow

See, you're the smart one and wore a graphic t=shirt so you can't see the rain on you...unlike Emily and me. Yay for care packages!

Smart? Nah, just worked out that way. I actually got more blisters on my feet on top of the ones I had due to the water shoes rubbing my feet. It was impossible to walk sometimes with the shoes so waterlogged!

Originally Posted by cubfancolleen

That's one awesome care package! Yeah for naps!

I think he went a wee bit overboard! We ended up taking quite a few naps this trip and it really made for an excellent vacation.

Originally Posted by ilovedisney247

Despite the rain it looks like you had a great time!

I mean it was RAINING!!! We quoted Forest Gump several times (big fat rain, and rain that went up!)

Originally Posted by davishomeschool

Sorry for all the rain. I'm glad you had a good day anyway.

I loved Milli Vanilli. Many many moons ago my room mate and I would get home around 2:30 a.m. after work and play "Girl You Know It's True" until the sun came up. Too bad they weren't for real.

Glad I could inspire a flashback!

Originally Posted by chezp

Sounds like you made the best of the rain!

I'll admit, AK is not too bad in the rain, we saw more animals than ever before, the crowds were low and it made that Yak Attack so much more enjoyable!!

Originally Posted by Luv2laff

Just found your report, and I must say, I wanna go to WDW with you! Sounds like a blast. I am always up for staying up late and partying, but with 2 kids it never happens, lol.
My DH and I were at AK once when it poured and took the safari. It was the best one we ever went on, the animals were super active.
Please keep writing, I am living vicariously through you!!

I do have a different view of Disney sometimes. I only visited twice as a kid and once with my sister's little ones so the majority of my memories are as an adult. We only went all out the first four days, as you'll see we wind down the last four.

Originally Posted by Colexis Mom

What a great day at AK! Love the pictures!

We definitely got a different take on the park with that crazy weather!

Originally Posted by MikeL

Nice Deriere shot with Rafiki Knew tou just had to find a way to currupt sweet innocent Emily

Hey, that pose was all Rafiki's idea - I had nothing to do with it!

Originally Posted by truenancy

Good idea! Hadn't thought of that!

Wow - you're having a great time! I can't wait to go without kids. Fantastic TR!

Thank you! It's a whole different ballgame when travelling without kids but don't worry, we never got out of hand, obnoxious or falling down drunk. We just like to have a rip roaring good time!

Originally Posted by KMB733

Glad you enjoyed yourself at AK, even with the crazy rain. I that picture of you guys with Rafiki!!

We had no idea what he was asking us to do at first, I felt like a fool until we caught on!

Originally Posted by Cam22

You did a fine job of enjoying yourselves in spite of the rain!

It was alot easier to deal with in October with the warmer weather, we encountered several days of cold rain back in February too but it wasn't the deluge that hit us this trip! Can't keep a rabid Disney fan down!

Originally Posted by WeRDisneyFanatics

OMG, the rain that day was nuts!!! We were supposed to be in AK - bummer, we could've met up - but we opted out of it. Missed our lunch at Y&Y too so I enjoyed hearing about yours!

I can't remember such horrible rain while in Disney. I really started to get mad as I got ready for the Party for the Senses and worried it would continue throughout the trip. Luckily, Mother Nature snapped out of her bad mood and smiled again!

Originally Posted by goofyboysmama

Ha! I love the 80's Milli Vanilli reference a la "Psych"... Girl you know how to party!

I usually pack a sign that reads, "here's to the life of the party" that we stick in the window but we were overloaded this trip. PS, putting something in the window when staying in a value or moderate makes it easy to find your room after a late nite stroll for ice, just sayin'

Originally Posted by PrincessSharon

Glad you didn't let the rain slow you down. Fred's care package cracked me up. Now I'm dying to know what a Gummi Bear shot tastes like!

To quote another song, "ain't nothin' gonna slow me down, oh no, I've got to keep on movin'" I have no idea who sings that one!!! You had to see my face when I met Fred in valet and he hands me a huge box and tells me not to drop it! The Gummi Bear shot is basic and we just popped a couple of gummi bears (Toy Story brand ala MNSSHP) and then did a shot of Gummi vodka. Truth be told, it was just ok. Pinnacle just came out with new flavored vodkas and Fred wanted to try it. After that nite, we didn't touch the bottle again.

Originally Posted by Coop

Just reading about that care package makes my liver hurt! But gotta LOVE AK! Even in the rain.

We did our best to finish most of the package but with help, stay tuned for Sunday Oct 9th update!!

Originally Posted by honeybee723

All caught up! Sounds like the party's about to begin by the sounds of that care package. Never had a Gummi Bear shot, but I'm assuming it doesn't just taste like a Gummi Bear since you actually need the Bear's for the shot itself?

As luck would have it, we got a few bags of Toy Story gummis from MNSSHP! What are the chances??? The party lasted for quite a few days. We adopted the phrase, "Tipsy by Two" daily!

[jennie622]

Day Three, Part two
WINE VIEW LOUNGE at PARTY FOR THE SENSES

First off, I got to say Two Weeks from Today, I'll be back in the World. Ok, on with the show....

I have been to many F&WFs. We think this was my 8th when we sat down and tried to count. Not to mention, back when I was a Floridian, I would visit several times each year so to say this is my favorite time of year is an understatement. I still recall my first back in 2001, we stayed at Yacht Club and just took a Friendship boat over. Boy do I miss the Tapestry of Dreams parade!!

So, starting last year I began spending some extra money to attend some seminars. I started out slow with just the 45 min ones in the Wonders of Life pavilion. I was not impressed, in fact the most anticipated Belvedere Vodka seminar left me saying, NEVER again!! BORING and I didn't hear anything I didn't already know. So, when this year's extras started appearing online, I got this itch again. No seminars though, I was going big time baby!! I was going all the way and doing a Party for the Senses - Wine View Lounge no less!

Thanks to AllEars and some other reviews I was getting worked up about spending $265 for a two and a half hour party. Yep, that price is right if you fork over the extra dough for WVL. I knew that my beloved Cirque was going to be providing entertainment (both musical and performance) and that a plethora of chefs from around the country (and world, both Earth and WDW) would be creating culinary delights and wineries, distilleries and Evian would be supplying liquid refreshments. Wine View Lounge gets you a private table in a VIP section (yes, there are doormen) complete with cloth napkins, WVL logoed wine glass, WVL booklet, WVL pin (this is your tix into the area), a server (shout out to Vicki), a cheese station, dessert station and premium open bar pouring full glasses of wine and champagne not just tastes.

Ok, back to my night where we left off getting ready for the party. I tried to make the best of my hair in the rain, donned a purdy dress and strappy sandals that would hold up in the floods. Grabbing my newly purchased umbrella and wristlet crammed with phone, camera, id and tix I headed for the boat dock with Em & Fred (who were going to explore the F&WF while I partied). This is where we found out you CAN take wine on the Friendship boats. hee hee. Once we reached IG and were thru the turnstiles we made our way past Canada and the continued on while I went thru the gates up to the WVL check in podium. WVL also allows you 15 minute early access to the event but as texts from Ann (feonag) advised me, they let them in much earlier!!

That brings me to my dining partner, Ann who I had met thru the boards. By chance not only were we in the World at the same time, but we also had WVL tix for the same P4TS!! About a week prior to arrival, I recieved a call from Patty at Epcot who asked if there was anyone attending the party that I would like to sit with since I was a solo traveller. Of course I would! After confirming with Ann, I called back Patty to say we would be glad to share a table. So as I checked in, I recieved my placecard with our names on it along with the magnetic "pin" that granted me access to WVL, the wine glass and booklet.







I was then escorted inside, past the velvet ropes and into the room to my table. I was on cloud nine!! I cannot even put down in words how giddy I was to be there. As I approached the table, Ann was there with a big hug and a hearty hello! She quickly informed me she had visited a few stations already and told me to take advantage of the emptiness before the rest of the crowd was allowed in.

A view of the cheese station (left), bar (center) & dessert station (um, right?)


Ann & I


This is where my serving skills came into play, by the time we made it back to the table, I had five plates up my left arm and one more in my right. Forgive me for not taking any food pics, I was too excited to try everything and take it all in rather than take pics of my plate. Sorry!

There were seven stations each with three food choices and three to four wineries/beverages serving around three choices each. Needless to say, we had to move fast if we were going to try everything in 2.5 hours!! What I liked about the booklet was each station had an icon and the booklet had a page for each icon which corresponded to food and bev locations in the room. This way when we got back to the table we didn't have to remember what was what, just refer to the booklet.

For instance, one station showcased:

Zazu restaurant in Sonoma, CA: Star Anise Pork Belly Bun & Pickled Shitake Mushrooms (whoa!)
Marrakesh in Epcot: Lamb braised w/ Peas & Artichokes (i'm not a lamb fan but I liked this)
Boma at AKL: Five Spice Duck Breast w/ Crispy Rind Crackling (HELLO?!?!?)
Nobel Vines: 337 Cab, 181 Merlot, 446 Chard (181 fave of the 3)
Kenwood Vineyards/Heck Estates: Kenwood Artist Series Cab, Valley of the Moon Cuvee (!), Lake Sonoma Chard
Valduero Winery; Valduero Riberno, Valduero Crianza, Valduero Reserva (no stand out)
Grgich Hills Estate; Cab, Chard & Fume Blanc (ok)


Another:

Akershus: Pan Seard Elk Loin w/ Roased Garlic Risotto, Wilted Chard Hen of the Wood Mushroom & Red Currants Port Reduction (too gamey)
Teppan Edo: Marinated Sliced Beef Tenderloin over sushi rice
Mama Melrose's: Pan Seared Halibut w/ Basil Gnocchi & Cioppino Broth (last two items I can't remember at all)
Kerrygold Cheese Station - better than the one in WVL!!
Jim Beam; Blood Orange Margarita and Cucumber Daiquiri (ick!)
Domaine Serene: Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir, Yamhill Cuvee Pinot Noir, SoNo Syrah (yum)
Silver Oak & Twomey Cellars; Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cab (WOW), Twomey Merlot & Sauvignon Blanc
Chateu Ste. Michelle: Cold Creek Cab, Canoe Ridge Estate Chard, Eroica Riesling (yep)

And Another:
Concha Y Toro Winery: Gorgonzola Cheesecake w/ Walnuts & Dried Cranberries on Pumpernickel Bread (woot), Casillero Del Diable Sauv Blanc & Camenere, Marques Carmenere (fave)
Emiliana Organic Winery: Wild Mushroom Galette w/ Brie & Truffle Oil (galette is good), Natura Unoaked Chard & Carmenere (nice), Emiliana Coyam Red Reserve
Boardwalk Inn: Octopus Salad (yuck)
Radeberger: Radeberger Pilsner (didn't try since its at F&WF)
Haiti Coffee & Tea Station: didn't even go near this

Cont'd...

[chezp]

Oh wow, so far it sounds AMAZING! I can't wait to read more!

[jennie622]

Back again,

While enjoying excellent food & bev, Vicki our server was super attentive refilling our water glasses, getting requests from the bar like a Grand Mariner martini and champagne in a glass for me to keep. The Cirque band was in full swing sending chills down my spine



Ann brought to my attention the rest of the crowd that was filling the room. The seriously were running! There were a few WVL attendees cheering them on as if they were horses in a race, I didn't find it funny at all.

After visiting lots of stations, Ann was having trouble finding a beverage she enjoyed. She is a fan of sweet wines and even after a few rieslings she was still not satisfied. Finally she tried the Neige beverage from Canada and Voila! She found something she really liked! Unfortunately, the gentleman at the table was pouring severely small amounts. When Ann asked for more in her glass, he informed her she could return for more. Silly really since it is an unlimited amount of food/bev that they would rather her walk back to the table and then back again when all they could have done was poured more in her glass. It was the only thing I saw her enjoy the whole evening. A quick talk with Patty (finally got a face to go along with the voice) and out to the table walks Mark, food & bev director for the event. What's in his hands???



A bottle of Neige all for Ann!!! Her very own bottle so she wouldn't have to go back and forth across the room for each sip. Thank you Mark!! Then, just when things couldn't get any better, there was an announcement made that the event would be extended by 30 minutes!!

There were three performances by Cirque and we had an excellent view from our table directly across from the stage. There was an announcement for those that would want to catch Illuminations but we still had a dessert station to visit! Well, two if you counted the one in WVL.

The larger stations had assorted Viktoria Richards Chocolates from New Port Richey, FL (my old hometown!!) and the students of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts were creating a huge sugar sculpture and carving melons while serving Pumpkin Pie Ravioli w/ Vanilla Bean White Truffle Ice Cream & Salted Caramel Sauce with amazing pumpkin brittle. Deran Lanpher from the Y&BC Bakery was handing out Peanut Butter & Pretzel Gianduja w/ a Valhrona Brownie & Caramel Milk Chocolate Mousse (it made me like pretzels). The Passion Fruit Cremeux w/ Bitter Chocolate Mousse from Jean-Pierre Wybauw didn't really float my boat. I fell in love with the Lemon Mascarpone Cheesecake from David Ramirez (should have taken a pic because it was a masterpiece. The dessert in WVL was whipping cream placed on a marble slab then they inserted a funky lollypop stick and dropped it in liquid nitrogen. Out came a funky, smoky crisp lollypop. So cool!

A few more locations:



August Moon Chinese Bistro, KY: Salad of Baby Arugula, Espresso infused Lamb Loin, Caramelized Pineapple Chutney & Truffled Pickled Ginger Vinaigrette (loved all but the lamb)
Yacht & Beach Club Catering: Braised Pork Belly served over Gorgonzola & Chive Yukon Gold & Parsnip Mash. (holy cow)
Tamarind by Dominique, NOLA: Alaskan King Crab w/ Hearts of Palm & Tamarind Remoulade (really looked forward to it, little bit of a letdown)
Kendall Jackson; Avant Chard, Summation White Blend & Red Blend
Trivento; Reserve Torrontes, Malbec & Golden Reserve Malbec ()
Sam Adams; Boston Lage, Octoberfest, Lattitude 48 IPA (i still don't like Sam or IPAs)

My FAVORITE STATION::::::
Grand Floridian: wait for it, wait for it TADA!! soy Sake Braised Australian style Kobe Beef Short Ribs, Wasabi Potato Puree, Shittakes, Sweet & Sour Onions (i died inside)
Cinderella's Royal Table: Kurobota Pork Sliders (amazing)
Turf Club: Lobster Florentine Crepe w/ White Bean Ragout & Peppadew Aioli
Montes; Montes Folly, Cherub Rose of Syrah, Alpha Pinot Noir
Kaiken Wines; Kaiken Mai, Ultra Malbec, Corte Malbec & Cab
Bodegas Norton; Norton Malbec Barrel Select, Sparkling Brut Rose & Cosecha Tardia

Another fave:
Pascal's on Ponce, FL: Virginia Wild Striped Bass w/ Condiment Riviera Zucchini Blossom Jus Corse
PBS's U Cook w/ Chef Bob (Waggoner): Pan Seared Venison over Caramelized Vidalia Onions w/ Fresh Figs in a Peppered Port & Blueberry Reduction
Elisir, DC: Salt Cured Duck Breast Spinach Polenta Flan, Mascarpone Corn Sauce & Merlot Caramel Gel
Charles De Fere; Cuvee Jean Louis Blancs d Blanc Brut (fave) & Rose
Pascual Toso; Toso Sparkling Wine Brut, Reserve Malbec, Torrentes
Tour de France; Sparr Crement Rose, Lurton Tour De Segut Bordeaux, Sauvion Vouvray, Hobnob Pinot Noir
Neige; Neige Premier, Snow White Martini & Royal Snow (too sweet)
Chateau Ste Michelle; Domaine Ste. Michelle
Stella Artois, Leffe, Hoegaarden (all available in F&WF)
Twinings Tea station
Joffrey's Coffee & Tea Co.

That's it, I hit all food and a fair amount of beverages. My stategy? Eat first while enjoying wine then work the room sampling wine and beverage. It worked, I made it out of there full but not stumbling. My absolute faves were the Kobe Beef Short Ribs and the Jean Louis Blancs de Blanc. There were a few selections I was crazy over but all in all I had a blast. It ranks up there with best experience at Disney along with the Wild Africa Trek. I will definitely be attending again next year and I highly recommend it!! If You are on the fence about WVL, here's a little nudge - SWAG. In addition to the WVL glass, pin, booklet, Radeberger Pilsner (which by the way they give you baggies to wrap glasses in) upon exiting, we were handed a lovely gift bag that contained:



The bag contained Werther's Caramel Corn (yowza!!), Guylian Chocolates, Merci Chocolates, French Pastries and a Twinings assortment of teas. Score!

Ann and I made it slowly out of the party (who would want to leave???) and out into the park to meet up with Emily & Fred. We tried to talk Ann into hanging out an visiting a booth or two but she had an early seminar and a bottle of Neige to nurse! We said our goodbyes and I visited my first festival booth of the trip, Craft Beers. I chose a Red Hook Pilsner (I would buy this if I ran across it) while Fred got an Abita Purple Haze (I'm all tapped out on this beer) and Em chose a Blue Moon.

We slowly walked back to the Dolphin since it had stopped raining. They filled me in on their evening which consisted of Test Track, Soarin' and a few booths. They said it was super crowded and there was a ton of intoxicated folks wandering around. Fred even got ran over by a woman who barely noticed he was there! Crazy amateurs!

At the room, we changed our clothes and walked over to Atlantic Dance Hall. Fred really wanted to go to Jellyrolls which is always a good time but it was past midnite and i told him it wasn't worth it. So we went to ADH and danced our rear ends off until closing. Nothing like being with a bunch of goofy balls, add music and we get silly. It wasn't as crowded as the night before but we still had fun. The night ended with us pouring our beers into plastic cups provided by a CM at the exit. There was a guy would was completely flabbergasted by the fact you could leave with your drink. He literally jumped up and down and yelled, "I love Disney". Sir, I exclaimed the same thing exactly 10 years earlier, welcome to my world!!!

Next up? Are you ready for some football?????

[KMB733]

Wow!!! That sounds like an AWESOME party!!!

[unewillow]

You have now totally made me want to go to the P4TS except for my limited capacity the price tag isn't worth it.

[WeRDisneyFanatics]

Wow, PFTS sounds ah-mazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cam22]

What an amazing experience! I can't imagine how you got to sample all those tempting samples! And Patty, Mark, and you for getting Ann a bottle of her favorite wine!

[ilovedisney247]

Wow--sounds like an absolutely amazing time--I never do a weekend stay during F&WF, but I'm going to have to get to a Party for the Senses eventually!

[chezp]

It sounds like an absolutely amazing night and I can see how it's worth the money you paid for it!

[Colexis Mom]

Wow, what a great party! You had some amazing eats/drinks there!

[honeybee723]

Sounds like such an amazing night!