A Flower and a Foodie TR updated 5/16 About This Page:

[emvenable77]

Loving this TR! How cool that you will be moving to Orlando. We are beyond ready to leave Louisiana!!

[ilovedisney247]

Good news -- I was talking about all the stuff I have at home to get rid of and someone else at work wants my frgidaire!! Yea! Perhaps this is going to be less work than I thought!

[lauriep]

Great news! When things fall into place like that it means you've made the right decision. Hope you hear soon about a great job in Florida!

[cubfancolleen]

Good news on selling the fridge!

[lexiemom]

Congrats on selling your appliances and good luck with the rest of your move! Sounds like the timing is all coming together for you.

Wow! That was a full first day! I am not sure why I haven't ever considered Tokyo Dining as I really do enjoy sushi. I am sorry you didn't enjoy your dinner. But it sounds like your evening ended on a great note with a PP meet and Illuminations!

[KMB733]

Congrats on taking the plunge to move!!! Sounds like you're having no problem getting things sold.

Sorry that your dinner at Bistro was disappointing. I can understand how frustrating it must have been in the lack of communication on what you could and couldn't eat.

[jlhill4444]

What an action packed day. It is really disappointing to eat somewhere so pricy and to leave missing your expectations.

Wow! What exciting news, moving to Orlando is a dream of mine, but retirement is many years away! Good luck on the job hunt, I am sure you will secure a great opportunity in what seems like the service industry capital of the US!

[Wendyismyname]

That's awesome!!

[Cam22]

Spent some time today catching up, Heather! Your food descriptions are always my favorite! Great pictures of the F&GF, too!

[cajunlace]

Great food descriptions! The goat cheese did look rather large though. I'm sure it was very rich tasting in the few bites you had.

[OhToodles!]

Bummer on Bistro. I may rethink our ADR for September now.

[Coop]

Sorry that Bistro didn't live up. We are doing Le Chefs in Sept. I'm really looking forward to that one. Woo Hoo on the fridgidaire! You make this look easy. (I keep telling DH that I need to find a nursing job down there so we can move)

[ilovedisney247]

Originally Posted by chezp

with the move and congrats on the buyer for the washer/dryer.

Sorry your meal at Bistro wasn't better - I'm still looking forward to trying it in December, although I'll probably have slightly more realistic expectations after reading your review, if that makes sense?

It does make sense, and I would stick to entreé and dessert!

Originally Posted by lauriep

Too bad your meal at Bistro was disappointing. I liked it many years ago, but now won't be hurrying back. I agree that with a restaurant of that calibre the servers should be really on top of things-- and the chef certainly should have come out to deal with the allergy! That goat cheese appetizer reminds me of a similar one at Raglan Road. A giant serving of goat cheese is NOT an appetizer for one person.

Congratulations on selling the washer-dryer! Your idea of a walk-through sale sounds good-- hope you get lots of shoppers!

I might try it again if I happen to notice that the menu has changed, but I will definitely be more specific about my needs when I make the reservation.

I'm hoping that a walk through sale will get rid of lots of the smaller things I have to get rid of.

Originally Posted by njlaura

Wow! That's a busy day on less than 2 hours sleep!

I was interested to hear about Tokyo Dining and Bistro de Paris since we've never been to either. It sounds like Bistro maybe isn't worth the money?

Good luck with the job hunt! You're very adventurous selling everything and moving like that. I hope you find the perfect job. Maybe you'll be a cast member!

Tokyo Dining was great and I definitely think Bistro is overpriced. I don't think I want to be a cast member, although I've definitely talked to some of the Disney bartenders about it over the years. Most of them only work 1 or 2 days it seems and then have another job.

Originally Posted by HollyH

Heather! Wow -a move to Orlando! How exciting! Glad you've already been able to sell your washer and dryer. I think that a walk-thru sale would be a great idea. that you can sell your fridge for a good price.

I know that you said you were disappointed with Bistro, but that souffle......YUM! The vanilla base vs. chocolate would have been a plus for me and the raspberry ice cream sounded delish.

It was great to meet and talk with you. What a great view of Illuminations we had! And it was nice to enjoy it without worrying about snapping pictures, however it did occur to me after the fact that we should have gotten a picture of us . Since you'll be moving to Orlando soon you'll be there for my next trip (end of August) maybe we can do another meet and I can buy you a drink this time.

I can't believe we didn't get a photo! I was feeling like an idiot when I went through the photos and didn't find one--It was so great to meet you!

Originally Posted by lfredsbo

Just caught up all in one sitting! WOW! A move to Orlando??? that is my dream!!! Counting down the time till DD graduates and DH retires! Best of luck for that!

And I was going to mention that we will be there the same time in October (I will be there 10/4-10/9) so maybe a spotting of Heather???

Sorry about your disappointment in Bistro - we had considered trying it (DD is taking French and is obsessed with everything France) but might stick with Chefs!

Love your pics of CSR!!! DH & I stayed there a few years back on trip sans DD and we LOVED it there! Can't wait to hear about Maya and Pepper Market - we never made it to Maya BUT we LOVED Pepper Market - great food for CS credits!

Well hopefully I'll be selling the DVC and so I won't have specific dates in October, but I'd love to try and meet you!
I only had breakfast at Pepper Market, but my review is coming right up!

Originally Posted by Colexis Mom

Sorry Bistro was a bit of a disappointment! Especially about the allergies. You'd think they'd take that a bit more seriously! Glad you had a great night with Holly!

I was pretty surprised at the way my allergy was dealt with.

Originally Posted by jandsdennis

greeat TR so far! Sending for the perfect job to come up for you. Can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip.

I have my fingers and toes crossed for the perfect job, but right now I'll take ANY job!

Originally Posted by DawnK

I got a tad behind....you look great!! The food you been eating looks soooo good. Sorry Bistro was disappointing.

Best wishes on your move to Orlando!! I am sure you will find a great job!!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by DyanKJ130

Just found your TR. Sounds like you are off to a great start (with the exception of Bistro). CSR is our favorite moderate resort. Really enjoying the food reviews. Looking forward to more.

I really liked staying at CSR!

Originally Posted by sc507

Sorry your meal wasn't what you expected - that's disappointing. How nice that you got to meet up with Holly though!

It's always disappointing when a Signature meal doesn't measure up, but it was the only "questionable" meal of the trip!

Originally Posted by buzzspal2

Good luck with the move. Sorry about your dinner. I'm looking forward to more.

Coming right up!

Originally Posted by emvenable77

Loving this TR! How cool that you will be moving to Orlando. We are beyond ready to leave Louisiana!!

I understand being ready to leave Louisiana--I just think it's my time!

Originally Posted by lauriep

Great news! When things fall into place like that it means you've made the right decision. Hope you hear soon about a great job in Florida!

It feels like things are falling exactly where they should, hopefully in the next week or so I'll start getting job phone calls--that would be amazing!

Originally Posted by cubfancolleen

Good news on selling the fridge!

Yes indeed--granted I don't have check in hand yet, but it sounds promising!

Originally Posted by lexiemom

Congrats on selling your appliances and good luck with the rest of your move! Sounds like the timing is all coming together for you.

Wow! That was a full first day! I am not sure why I haven't ever considered Tokyo Dining as I really do enjoy sushi. I am sorry you didn't enjoy your dinner. But it sounds like your evening ended on a great note with a PP meet and Illuminations!

You should give Tokyo Dining a try! The service was fantastic!

Originally Posted by KMB733

Congrats on taking the plunge to move!!! Sounds like you're having no problem getting things sold.

Sorry that your dinner at Bistro was disappointing. I can understand how frustrating it must have been in the lack of communication on what you could and couldn't eat.

I've only ever experienced that one time before at an on property restaurant, but it was a Landry's location and the kitchen manager was clearly brand new. It was right after Yak and Yeti opened.

Originally Posted by jlhill4444

What an action packed day. It is really disappointing to eat somewhere so pricy and to leave missing your expectations.

Wow! What exciting news, moving to Orlando is a dream of mine, but retirement is many years away! Good luck on the job hunt, I am sure you will secure a great opportunity in what seems like the service industry capital of the US!

Don't laugh, but I retired 6 years ago at the ripe old age of 25, when I left the teaching field!

Originally Posted by Wendyismyname

That's awesome!!

Yes--indeed--seems like things are going in the right direction!

Originally Posted by Cam22

Spent some time today catching up, Heather! Your food descriptions are always my favorite! Great pictures of the F&GF, too!

Thanks Cam!

Originally Posted by cajunlace

Great food descriptions! The goat cheese did look rather large though. I'm sure it was very rich tasting in the few bites you had.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by OhToodles!

Bummer on Bistro. I may rethink our ADR for September now.

I would . . . I hate to say it, but there are much better options--even for in park dining. I'd be happy to share my thoughts if you want them.

Originally Posted by Coop

Sorry that Bistro didn't live up. We are doing Le Chefs in Sept. I'm really looking forward to that one. Woo Hoo on the fridgidaire! You make this look easy. (I keep telling DH that I need to find a nursing job down there so we can move)

I'm glad it looks easy, because the reality is--it isn't. I'm completely overwhelmed and could really use a few days off to get it together, but I can't take time off because I need as much money in the savings account as possible. I'm picking up extra shifts wherever I can.

[chezp]

Great news about the fridge!

[ilovedisney247]

After a glorious full night's sleep, I think I might have actually gotten a full eight hours, I awoke to both my cricket alarm going off and the phone ringing at the same time. I was afraid I'd sleep through my alarm so I also scheduled a wake up call. I switched my cell phone alarm to a really low key noise after I realized that the "alarm" noise was contributing to my morning stress issues. Mickey and Stitch got me out of bed and into the shower.

I was starving, so I decided this would be a good morning to try out the buffet breakfast being offered at the Pepper Market. So after I got myself dressed and looking somewhat presentable I made my way to the restaurant. There was no line at 7:45ish, but I had noticed a long line at 10:30 or so when I had arrived the previous morning.

I ordered a Diet Coke rather than coffee or my usual tea, because it was already getting warm out.

I made my way to the buffet line and ordered a ham, tomato and cheese omelet from the omelet station. The made to order omelet and the included drink made the $14.99 buffet price worth it all by itself. I also grabbed some fruit, a biscuit and gravy, some corned beef hash, sausage and potatoes. I also grabbed some photos of the buffet.











There were lots of different offerings including Mickey Waffles, pancakes, scrambled eggs, western style scramble, a frittata, and a huge layout of danishes, rolls and other bread options.

I neglected to take any photos of my plate, but I think I grabbed some of my second visit.

I was really pleased with the value and quality of the food offerings. My hotel offers a buffet breakfast that costs about $20 and I think that Pepper Market's offerings are better! I wouldn't hesitate to have breakfast here again--and I did have breakfast again later in the trip!

I headed out to the bus stop after my extremely efficient server charged my meal to my room. I just want to note that I was in and out very quickly, I didn't make multiple trips to the buffet, I just piled up two plates on one trip and sat down to eat and left. I think breakfast lasted all of 15 or 20 minutes.

My Animal Kingdom bus was waiting for me as I walked up to the bus stop, so I might have been at AK oh, 45 minutes before actual opening time. At this point I did stop to get a cup of tea at the kiosk outside the gates. I was supremely disappointed that the only hot tea option was English Breakfast. The kiosks usually have 3 or 4 options, and I'm an Earl Grey drinker. I noticed that the Earl Grey loose tea canister was being used to hold paper clips, so I'm guessing this is going to be the norm from now on.

I got in a ticket line and we were let into the park almost 20 minutes early--being told to use the time to explore the Oasis area. Most people made their way quickly through the area to be at the front of the line for whatever ride they wanted to hit first. I took my time and discovered everyone else held at the entrance to Discovery Island by some ropes.

Instead of the old opening ceremony with Mickey and Minnie getting ready to go on Safari, we were just informed of the park hours, the time for the last safari, the parade time and that the Komodo Dragon would be having it's annual check up at 10:30 am. Awesome!