Bob & Larry's Excellent WDW Adventure About This Page:

[TiggGrrrl]

Phew - you had me worried for a minute there! I'm so glad you made it to the World! What a great report so far - and I second the sentiment...you're making me hungry with your wonderful detailed meal reports.

Anxious to read more! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Peace, love & ºoº

[tigger536]

Great report! I love the details about what you ate! Eating is one of my favorite things to do at WDW, too! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] What was your favorite restaurant of the ones you went to?

We've never been to the flying fish, but after your mouth watering description it may make the list for our next trip.

PS: Your comment about the chicken fried steak was too funny! I'm from Georgia originally and have had chicken fried steak (and chicken fried chicken) many times. But if I'm eating with someone who isn't from the South they are confused by this menu item. Its always funny, because they usually ask "Is it steak or is it chicken?" LOL [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Anyway, great details, keep it coming! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Jacquelyn

[ 02-27-2002, 02:54 PM: Message edited by: tigger536 ]

[LLaffinPlace]

Jacquelyn, it's a hard question to answer, but here goes:

For location, I have to say Artist's Point.
For food this time, I'll say Flying Fish.

But I have to say that it may as well be a tie, because I had such great meals at both. [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img]
[See meal coming up!]

Thanks for the FEED-back! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

[LLaffinPlace]

Day 3, Part 2 - February 8, 2002: When Can We Eat Again?

Having been to only two parks so far today, we decided to move on to a third. Now, I have no doubt that there are folks out there who deplore this approach, mainly because of the travel time eating into the limited hours that the theme parks are open these days. But the attitude Bob and I have taken is that the travel between the parks can be an attraction in and of itself. To that end, we exited the International Gateway from Epcot and caught the Friendship V boat to Disney-MGM Studios. It's a surprisingly short ride--about 20-25 minutes--with stops at Disney's Boardwalk, The Yacht and Beach Club, and The Swan and Dolphin before proceeding to D/MGM. It's a nice sit-down with plenty of sights, and if you have never done it, it's a nice tour of what's in-between Epcot and D/MGM. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] On a previous trip we took the boat from (then) Dixie Landings to Downtown Disney, and had an opportunity to talk to the CM who was "driving". He had retired from the Bath Iron Works and spent his summers in Maine working for L. L. Bean and his winters in Florida working for Disney! [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img] Bob asked him what qualifications were needed to drive the boat and he pointed to the ignition switch and said, "Can you turn that key?"

But I digress. Once we docked, we cleared security, submitted our Annual Passes and biometric data for entrance, and then made our way down Sunset Blvd. to find that all FP's for RnRC and ToT had been dispersed. [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] But not to worry, the advertised wait for ToT was 13 minutes, so we decided to go for it! Then it was on to Star Tours, where we found the wait to also be reasonably short. After a "pause for the cause", we went to Muppetvision 3D, walking into the theater--what timing! (Of course, the preshow is so clever it was almost a shame.)

After dutifully dropping our 3-D glasses in the purple bin, we powerwalked back to, yes, ToT, and were on the next-to-last drop for the night. It was a particularly fun crowd, and there were 2 young girls behind us who said--in unison--right before the drop, " We are the weakest link! " I laughed very hard, and decided not to disabuse them of their opinion. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Enough parks for one day! The bus back to the WL was not full, and the ride was very efficient. There was a cute little girl with a multicolored lollypop who had smeared it all over her face. She was adorable, especially since I would not have to clean her up! Once back at the WL, Bob suggested we stroll the grounds a bit (Oh, sure, not enough walking for one day?), which we did, checking out the WLV pool and spa. Then back to the room to journalize and crash before our PS at Artist Point at 8:45 PM.

I haven't said much about our room, and should. The location was very good--on the top floor (#6) at the end of the wing closet to the Villas. We had a balcony that we did not have to share with another room, and it was also pretty quiet as it was not in the main traffic area and of course had no room above or on one side. It's Bob's opinion that this room may be a bit shorter than the ones on the lower floors (it's under the roof), but we failed to toss the tapemeasure in the car as we were bolting Alabama in the snowstorm, so we cannot prove it! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Next: A Magical Moment at Artist Point!

[LLaffinPlace]

Day 3, Part 3 - February 8, 2002: Artist Point Restaurant at the Wilderness Lodge (#2)

We arrived at APT at about 8:35 PM and requested Beth as our CM/server. She had a table free. We had checked on her work schedule night before last when we were here to make sure she would be working when we returned. Why? Well, we had had Beth as our server in 2000. When we visited APT in 2001, we had another server, but Beth recognized us and stopped by to say hello and ask us how we were enjoying our vacation. She even remembered that Bob's nephew had been in a band that performed here! So that's why we made a special effort to get her as our server--we were impressed!

1st Course
[Bob] Corn Chowder with Smoky Bacon and Tillamook Cheddar
[L] Savory Rabbit Sausage with Frisee', Roasted Red Pepper and Grain Mustard Vinaigrette (Kiona Merlot 1998, Washington State)

2nd Course
[Bob] Pan-Seared Veal Tenderloin Stuffed with Forest Mushrooms, Sage Polenta, and Porcini-Cognac Cream (Argyle Pinot Noir 1999, Oregon State)
[L] Grilled Filet of Beef with Roasted Garlic-Dungeness Crab Sauce, Broccolini and Crushed Fingerling Potatoes (Kiona Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 1998 Yakima, Washington State)

3rd Course
[Bob] Kiona Ice Wine 2000
[L] Simply Chocolate... Chocolate Cake Glazed with Ganache, Grand Marnier Sauce, and White Chocolate Covered Brandied Cherries
Graham's 30 Year Old Tawny Port
Decaf Coffee

It's hard to know where to start! The breads--molasses and potato--came with salmon pate' (marvelous! [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] ) and onion garlic butter. We ordered appetizers and main courses, and I asked for my wine to be brought with the appetizer; Bob wanted his with his main course. The rabbit sausage was wonderful, and the mustard and the merlot were perfect companions. And, no, I didn't think of Thumper once.... [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

After the veal and beef arrived, Beth brought a sample of the Kiona Cabbernet unsolicited, and once I tried it, I asked for a glass with which to finish the beef. Another superb food-wine pairing! The beef was done to perfection. And I was so pleased to have "discovered" the Kiona winery and their wonderful wines! With dessert, Beth brought me the port saying, "Nothing goes with chocolate like port." I'll say! Woohoo! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] The "Simply Chocolate" is indescribable, but hardly simple.

What a stupendous meal. And to top it all off, Beth brought me a "Magical Moments" Certificate inscribed, "Finding Kiona in the Pacific Northwest". When I turned it over, I found she had affixed the label from the Kiona Cabernet wine bottle! [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img] Big tip!

It goes without saying that I went to bed very, very happy that night. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Coming up: How Sturdy Are Your Branches?

[ 03-02-2002, 08:36 AM: Message edited by: LLaffinPlace ]

[Starshine]

More please Larry! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

So, I have to ask- did you gain any weight from all your food indulgences? (You don't have to answer if I'm too nosy! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] )

I'm wondering because my DH and I had both lost a combined total of 100 pounds before our wedding last year. We threw all caution to the wind at WDW, but didn't gain a thing!!! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] We figured it was all the walking but I was curious to see if anyone else had the same experience.

Congrats on your loss by the way (weight loss that is) [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

[LLaffinPlace]

Starshine, congrats back atcha on your weight losses. And very best wishes and a happy, long and healthy life together. [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img]

Yes, as best I can determine I gained around a pound or so. And I agree that the walking and standing makes a big difference--in not gaining more weight! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] This has been my experience as well.

There's more to come, but as you will see, Bob and I will cut back a bit on the fancy meals for a while.

[LLaffinPlace]

Day 4, Part 1 - February 9, 2002: Intrepid Traveller Down!

The day started early with Bob not feeling well. [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] I lollygagged for a while, then got up and showered and shaved. I went down to Roaring Fork (RF) to get some breakfast--Bob was definitely not interested. Breakfast was crowded (it was roaring!) and consisted of apple-cinnamon oatmeal, fruit with banana, OJ and much coffee as I was feeling some effect of the wine and port from the night before; nothing terrible, just sluggish. I had my book with me, so I got more coffee and took myself off to the 4th Floor fireplace nook for some quality reading time. Later, I walked outside and stopped at the waterfall overlook before going back upstairs to see how Bob was faring. It was pretty clear that he would not be doing much today. So, there was nothing for it but to do as I had planned to do at some point on this trip, and take myself off to Sturdy Branches (SB) Fitness Center in the adjoining Villas at the Wilderness Lodge. We are just able to see the windows of SB from our balcony and people riding stationary bikes.

I checked in at the desk at SB and, because I planned to go more than once, opted for the length-of-stay option ($25) vice the single visit option ($15), leaving my room key with Joey, the CM. I had called several weeks ago to get a general picture of their facility and had talked to a very nice CM named Rusty. I must admit to having been pretty disappointed in the amount of information to be had about SB in the guidebooks--it was often hard to find even a mention--nor had I found any reference to it in the Trip Reports I had read. [No doubt that's because people can think of something else to do besides work out during their WDW visit. Go figure!] So here we go--breaking new ground!

It is a very nice, if not overly large facility, bright and airy with new, well-maintained equipment, including Cybex weight machines, Lifecycle elliptical machines, stairclimbers, and treadmills, and the stationary bikes we had glimpsed from our room's balcony. There was a set of dumbbells and flat, 90 degree, and inclined weight benches. Pretty standard, but well laid out. There was a water fountain with cups pretty central to all this, and the front desk had a small assortment of bottled water and fitness drinks. You go past the massage rooms and sauna to get to the locker rooms. Locker keys are provided--get a card from the CM at the front desk when you check in--they'll typically ask if you need one. The locks are quite sophisticated. You open the locker and insert the card with a magnetic strip in the back of the lock which then allows you to shut the locker, turn the key and remove it. I tried to do this twice on two different lockers and could not get it to work. [img]images/icons/blush.gif[/img] Fortunately, another guy came in about that time and helped; I had the card in the wrong way--who knew? [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img] BTW, if you go to SB, don't take your dead cat into the locker room with you. There's no place to sling it. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] It was manageable with two of us in there (a bench in the shower room would be a tremendous boon), but with three men we'd've constantly been doin' the do-si-do or falling over top of each other.

I warmed up on the elliptical trainer which I favor over the treadmill because it is less impact on my knees. I moved on to the weight machines, the dumbbells, and back to the elliptical machine for 20 minutes (total of 35 minutes cardio if you're counting). I liked the ab crunch machine (well, as much as anyone can ) which was different from the abdominal machine at my home gym. Back to the locker room to shower and dress. While as I said it's not big, it was sparkly clean. There was liquid soap but no shampoo which seemed strange to me given the number of Mickey bottles that were no doubt within spitting distance in the WL and WLV. [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

I retrieved my room key and signed the bill, and hoofed it back to the WL--mere steps away. I went back up to the room to find Bob still resting, and washed out the exercise clothes and hung them to dry. I went down to RF with Bob's souvenir mug to get him some Lemonade; it tasted better than water, and we figured he needed to stay hydrated and it would be less acid than OJ. I also stopped in at the Mercantile and picked up a bottle of Pepto. Couldn't hurt. Depositing these with Bob, I returned to RF to grab some lunch: smoked turkey sandwich, more fruit, soda, and a cookie bar. Compared to breakfast, RF was a ghost town. I finished up with some coffee.

Bob and I left the room to let Housekeeping (Lodgekeeping? Mousekeeping?) do their thing and sat a while in one of the common areas. He was still looking pretty pale. Bob encouraged me to go have some fun and not feel like I had to hang around. I told him that I would, but assured him that I had been enjoying myself already--we had about walked my feet off yesterday and I was enjoying a somewhat calmer day. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] [Let me just add that I think I deserved a gold star or halo or "way to go" from Mickey for working out!] It was also clear that Bob needed to feel like he wasn't "spoiling my day" (even though he wasn't); he clearly felt bad enough without carrying that baggage too.

I left Bob to retrieve my hat and fanny pack (sunglasses and notebook and pen) from the room and headed down and out to the pier to catch the boat to the MK. We stopped at Ft. Wilderness Campground first. The boat person (no, Disney does not have boat people--stay with me here--I mean the CM on the boat. Honestly!) was really funny: "The Spectromagic Parade is at 7:00 PM, Fantasy in the Sky fireworks are at 8:00 PM, and the MK closes at 9:00. They let the dogs out at 9:30 ...<pregnant pause> ...101 of the little spotted things." [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Next: Larry (not Han) Solo at the MK

[ 03-03-2002, 12:40 PM: Message edited by: LLaffinPlace ]

[LLaffinPlace]

Day 4, Part 2 - February 9, 2002: One Intrepid Traveller Down, One to Go... to the MK!

The WL boat to the MK docked and I was through security and the entrance gate in minimum time. It felt very strange to be in a Disney park by myself. I arrived just as the parade reached City Hall. I watched for a bit and then ran up the stairs at the station and caught the WDW Railroad for Frontierland. Tip: Use the WDW RR to avoid major crowding on Main Street during the MK parade. And the RR station in Frontierland is right next to Splash Mountain (SM) and Big Thunder Mountain RR (BTMRR).

I found the standby wait time at SM to be 75 minutes and the FP time was 6:25 PM--later than I wanted to worry about. But Woohoo! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] I found out that an E-Ride Night has been added for 2/12; not great for Bob's sister Marti who won't join us until late on the 13th, but assuming Bob is feeling better, it should work out fine for us. I went to BTMRR and got a FP for 4:25, so I hustled over to Adventureland and rode Pirates of the Caribbean. I grabbed a citrus swirl at the Sunshine Tree Terrace (they now use fat-free vanilla yogurt which is great nutritionally, if not nostagically! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] ), which I ate while checking out the new Aladdin Magic Carpet ride.

I sauntered back to BTMRR (tricky when there are about 10,000 people between you and the attraction), flashed my pass, and got in line. I rode with a guy who had never been on it; he was still marvelling at Space Mountain ("It's dark and you can't see where you're going!" [img]graemlins/dizzy.gif[/img] ). I proceeded to tell him about Rock'N Roller Coaster at Disney-MGM while we were waiting to start the ride. He liked this one! From there I made my way to Liberty Square for a FP to Haunted Mansion (HM) and then on to Tomorrowland and a relaxing ride on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (TTA). I made a few notes and then walked back to Liberty Square and got in the FP line for HM with a cute kid (~2 years old?) who was just marvelling at everything. He did not seem frightened at all. I enjoyed HM as I always do, and I made a point to look for the Hidden Mickey in the Dining Room.

After HM I headed back to the WL boat dock, wondering how Bob was doing. There was a very large crowd at MK, and I dodged stollers everywhere I went. There were a few sprinkles of rain, but it was nothing major, just a passing cloud. Arriving back at the WL, I made my way upstairs to find Bob awake and dressed (good sign [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] ) though stretched out on his bed. We watched a bit of TV and then at 8:00 PM we went down to RF for some supper (another good sign). Bob settled on a couple of English muffins and some chocolate milk (first food today and not the time to be adventurous) while I had a salad, personal pepperoni pizza, and a brownie. We went back upstairs where I grabbed my receipt for the shirts I purchased at AK so I could pick them up at the Mercantile--they were to have been delivered today. That accompished, I went back to the room to journalize and settle in for the night. I might mention that when it became clear the Bob was not feeling well I had stopped in earlier in the day at Guest Services to cancel our PS at Boma [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] ; we'll try again another day!

Next: Will Bob Be Good to Go, Go, Go? [img]graemlins/puter.gif[/img]

[ 03-03-2002, 07:00 PM: Message edited by: LLaffinPlace ]

[BostonTeaParty]

Blood orange ice cream Larry? Wow! I'm going to have to try that next time. Your report is wonderful, I'm enjoying every minute of it. Looking forward to your next installment.

Nancy [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[tikibird]

Larry,

Great report so far - excellent food detail!

Kudos to you for actually working out in the World, too!

Looking forward to the rest of your installments!

[LLaffinPlace]

Thanks, tikibird! [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img] I just wanted to hear someone say it!

I hope you are planning a TR on your upcoming visit, but in any event I will be interested to hear what you think of Caribbean Beach compared to All Star Music. Bob has stayed at ASMU but I haven't yet. We'll be getting to CBR on this trip on Day 8 (2/13), BTW. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[LLaffinPlace]

Day 5, Part 1 - February 10, 2002: Our Intrepid Travellers Are Back to Full Strength!

We got up a bit later than we have been, around 7:25 AM or so, and decided because we have PS at Le Cellier in Canada at 1:30 PM we will eat a bite at Roaring Fork (RF) before heading to Epcot. I had oatmeal, OJ, fruit and coffee. I wanted a banana but they were a bit on the green side. [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] Bob opted for OJ and Frosted Flakes. He is much better today and says he is ready to hit the parks. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

We dropped my mug at our room and grabbed our caps and fanny packs and were off to catch the Crockett bus to the TTC and then the monorail to Epcot. We had some time to kill as Epcot (Futureworld) does not open until 10:00 o'clock. We arrived shortly before the rope drop, so we milled with the masses to the left of Spaceship Earth. When the rope dropped, we headed to Journey Into Imagination and Honey I Shrunk the Audience (HISTA). The preshow at HISTA has one of my favorite things in all of Epcot: "True Colors". The visuals and music and the message get me every time! [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img]

After HISTA, we moved over to The Land, where we went into the Circle of Life. It's amusing and I like the bits of song from "The Lion King." We got a FP for Living With the Land (LWTL) and headed into Food Rocks! Cute. It had been a few years since I had seen this one and, of course, nutrition has been something of a focus in the interim. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] The FP line for LWTL was very short and we landed the next boat (pardon the expression). There were very big pumpkins in the greenhouse today! We had taken the Behind the Seeds Tour last trip, and if you haven't done so and have the time, I recommend it. You get quite a bit more information than on LWTL and it only takes about an hour or so.

We moved on to the other side of FW to the Wonders of Life and Cranium Command (a perennial favorite), which is a real chuckle-fest and something of a hidden attraction, wouldn't you say? We stopped afterward to view a video on current neurological research (facinating) and then headed out for Canada and lunch (eating again! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] ). We noticed when we came out of Wonders of Life that there had been a shower.

We ate supper at Le Cellier last trip and thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the Cheddar Cheese Soup. We had deliberately planned lunch there this time because we are interested to see (and taste!) what it is like for this meal. Also, tonight we plan to see the Tapestry of Dreams parade and Illuminations, so we did not want to plan a big meal that we would have to plow through quickly and not give the respect and attention it deserved. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

Next: If This is Lunch, It Must Be Canada!

[LLaffinPlace]

Day 5, Part 2 - February 10, 2002: Le Cellier Restaurant in Canada, World Showcase, Epcot

We were a smidge early for our 1:30 PM PS at Le Cellier, but it was not a problem. We were seated promptly and greeted by Rochelle from Saskatoon, our CM/server. She was very easy to talk to; she had been at WDW for 7 months with 5 more to go.

1st Course

[B,L] Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup with Smoked Bacon and Moosehead Ale

2nd Course

[Bob] Le Cellier Grilled Steak Burger with Cheddar Cheese, French Fries (Diet Coke)
[L] Sirloin Steak Sandwich - Marinated Grilled Steak with Fried Onions, Cheddar and Taragon Aioli on a Grilled Onion Roll (Ravenswood Zinfandel 1999)

3rd Course

[L] Walt's 100 Years of Magic Chocolate Cake

Bob and I both ordered the Cheddar Cheese Soup because we had enjoyed it so much last trip. I can't speak for Bob, but one of the reasons I like it is the bacon, which I hardly ever allow myself to have anymore. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] The Zin complemented it greatly. Bob stuck with Diet Coke. My sandwich was simply delicious. Although I have grilled steak occasionally, it's still a treat and this one was cooked precisely as ordered and was nice and tender. I really was rather full before I ordered the chocolate cake, but couldn't resist. [img]graemlins/yuma.gif[/img] It was rich and everything that a chocolate lover could want.

[You know, since I reached the point where I don't allow myself to eat dessert all the time (please don't take this vacation as an indication of normal practice [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] ), when a dessert isn't fantastic I feel really cheated. I was only disappointed once this trip, but that's for later. And since we've taken a moment for side-comments, one of the things Bob and I noticed was that practically every restaurant at WDW had one of "Walt's favorite desserts". The man must have had a truckload that he really liked! [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] ]

Back to Le Cellier: There was a couple at the next table and the guy commented on my cake when it was brought. There ensued a number of comments back and forth, which was a lot of fun. After I finished it all (hey, we're talkin' chocolate here!) I told Rochelle that he had eaten half of it. For some reason she did not believe me....

When we left the restaurant, we found that there had been another substantial shower but, again, it happened while we were inside, so we were not inconvenienced at all. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Coming Up: The Rockets' Red, Green, Silver, and Gold Glare

[September]

Larry, you should be a food critic. Your trip report is good, but I'm finding myself skimming ahead to see where the next meal is coming from!

I can relate because a big part of vacations for us is picking the right restaurants.

I'm looking forward to the next installment...

September