bellebookworm9
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 25, 2009
"Daddy, I'm ANGRY!" - February 8th, Cruise Day 1, Part 2
Our first rotational restaurant was Animator's Palate; we had the early seating. I know for next time the late seating will be better for me, since my body was still on west coast time so it felt like I was eating at 2:45pm! Mom has agreed to this because there are so many options to snack on during the day.
We met our server, Juan; our assistant server, Orly; and our head waiter, who's name is currently escaping me but I think was something like Falas?
Our table number was 76, and I loved this table marker!
How cute is the butter knife?! You can purchase them in the gift shops for $9.95 each.
I was fascinated with the hologram on the menu:
This was the meal where C & B discovered that I'm dead serious about photographing my food on these trips. My mom is well trained now, she knows not to take a bite until verifying whether I need a photo and if it's turned out well! C & B got on board with it pretty quickly too!
C & B claimed they were still full from lunch, but C, at least, didn't realize the portions are pretty small at dinner, due to all the courses. C only ordered an appetizer salad, and I suspect it was not as filling as she had hoped!
Chicken and Walnut Salad
With Craisins, Red Onions, and a Cranberry Dressing
None of the appetizer course options looked appealing, so I started with the soup course. You can't really go wrong with Butternut Squash Soup!
Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
Garnished with Chives and drizzled with Sour Cream
The photographers come around and take your photos here and on pirate night. It's a little odd, but this is a great picture of us! We each ended up having this one framed for our houses.
Lemon-Thyme Marinated All Natural Chicken Breast
On top of Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Root Vegetables and Grain Mustard Jus
This one was my entree and it was very good. The mashed potatoes were especially delicious!
Jumbo Shrimp Salad
Poached Tiger Shrimp tossed in a Lemon Olive Oil, served on diced Cucumber, Egg, and Red Onion Garnished with Roquette Leaves
Mom ordered this as her entree (she didn't have an appetizer or soup) and had no complaints.
Ginger-Teriyaki dusted Angus Beef Tenderloin
Served with Wasabi Mashed Potatoes, Bok Choy and a Tamarin-Barbecue Reduction
This was B's and he ate every last bite.
Then it was time for dessert!
B and I each got the Lemon Icebox Pie
Served with Lemon Curd and Berry Creme
I loved it! It reminds me of the Key Lime Pie that Red Lobster serves, which is a thicker texture than other key lime pies I've had, and I prefer it that way.
Mom and C both ordered the Warm Sticky Date Pudding
With Butterscotch Sauce, Vanilla Ice Cream and Phyllo Crunch
They ordered this mostly out of curiosity, and Mom says it was "very good", according to the comment on my Facebook photo of it. She says that for nearly everything though!
B's birthday was the week before, so I marked it down that he was celebrating. When they were planning to bring their granddaughter's, one of them had a birthday to celebrate too, but then they were removed from the reservation. Apparently this confused the dining team, because they thought it was both B and C's birthday instead! They brought over a special birthday dessert, which we think was the Crunchy Walnut Cake from the menu.
Dark Chocolate Mousse and Raspberry Coulis
The table was very mixed on this one - we all took a bite. The top layer was pretty "eh", but the rest was okay if you scraped off the top!
Watching the drawings around the restaurant come to life was pretty funny with B & C, who aren't as familiar with their Disney characters as I am. The way the drawings get shaded in is pretty odd at times - I remember my mom and I were very confused why Dory's eyes were completely blue, and Aladdin had purple pants. They make it to the correct colors by the end though! And any finale that uses the music from Fantasmic! is okay in my book (yup, I was TOTALLY dancing along and I have no shame in admitting it).
Note to self: Get more photos of restaurant next time!
Since we'd gone light on courses that evening, we were able to make it to "70's Music Trivia" in the Crown & Fin Pub. We were pretty fascinated with the fiber optic lights leading the way through After Hours:
Trivia was A BLAST. We met Jo, from England, who is the Wonder's current Adult Activities Host and we LOVED HER. Literally want to take another cruise JUST to participate in the things she hosts. She's hysterical, and her laugh cracks me up! We didn't realize that we could be a team for trivia, so we each played our own list. While none of us won overall, Mom did the best, then me (because I was raised by her, after all, and grew up on 70s music!) then C with an assist from B. We definitely planned to return the following two nights for 80s and 90s Music Trivia.
Before heading up to Golden Mickeys, we made a pit stop, and I had to take a photo of the restroom because I was IMPRESSED with the construction! Yup, those doors and fronts of the stalls go floor to ceiling, ladies and gents. I *think* the divider between stalls is not quite all the way to the ceiling but definitely helps cut down on "potty shyness", if you will.
We grabbed our seats for Golden Mickeys early enough that we got good seats in the middle of the theater about halfway up. I don't recall a lot of specifics here (honestly, probably because I don't have pictures to help jog my memory, but I do appreciate the no photography rule, because in the words on Natalie, the cruise director: "It's awful trying to watch live theatre through the iPhone screen of the person in front of you". Fair point.) but I do remember wishing the initial opening number volume could have been turned down just a smidge so I could actually understand the lyrics they were singing! I liked that Mulan, Hunchback, Tarzan, and Cruella deVil were all included. C was super disappointed that Tarzan was not one of the characters who comes out into the audience during the finale...something about "yum, his abs are lickable" Thought the storyline was a little corny, the part with the video "interaction" from Bob Iger was A LOT corny, and that the entire cast was so very, very talented. Unofficial Guide had recommended to skip this show and I really considered it, but I'm so glad I didn't!
After the show, I couldn't tell you what the grownups went to do (look in the gift shops, maybe?) but I had some characters to meet!
First up was Pluto! I was hovering in the lobby and one family got there after me but started the line. We chatted and they were kind enough to let me go first because I "looked so excited"!
If you're like me, and finding the price of the photo package that includes all your photos hard to swallow (almost $200 for a 3 night cruise, more expensive for longer voyages), I was very wary that it was needed. But, as you can tell from the two following photos, one from my iPhone and one from their camera with the fancy lighting - they do know what they're doing!
Also took some pictures of the lobby atrium - this is the new chandelier that was installed after the dry dock in 2016.
And the elevator bank with all the hidden Mickeys!
I waited until they said they were going to start the line for Mickey, then hopped up to be early in that line. Here he comes!
Awww, Pluto just wants some love from his owner, Mickey!
Again, way better lighting and clarity from the DCL photographer's camera.
After that, it was time to call it a night. I met up with the grownups somehow, and Mom and I went back to our room, where we found this dude waiting for us! I can officially say, the DCL towel creations put WDW and DLR to shame!
Arriving back in the room, the sofa bed had not been set up - I didn't realize how easy it was to do, so we called. My guess is they thought we were a same-sex couple sharing the same bed (same last name and all) so didn't make up the sofa.
It wasn't a problem after that though. And friends, that sofa bed was COMFY. I slept like the dead. No lights on my side of the room, that heavy curtain pulled to separate my area from the bed kept most of the light out from over there, and I had GREAT earplugs so I wouldn't have to hear mom snore.
We ordered the All Hands on Deck cheese plate for a late night snack, to eat while we discussed next day plans. I had no intention of getting off the boat. No port excursions to do, and all of my fellow agents said they recommended staying on the boat instead. C wanted to go look around. I stressed the warnings from the Personal Navigator and the Unofficial Guide about the crime rates and then finally spelled it out: "YOU THREE LOOK LIKE EASY TARGETS. You're older, you don't walk well, you look like tourists, you'd be the first people I'd try to steal from if I was that kind of person." Nope, C was still bent on going but my mom seemed to come over to the safer side of things. We decided we would sleep in a little and have room service breakfast the next morning.
Here's the cheese platter - no indication was given about exactly what kinds of cheeses those were, and it wasn't the same each time (we ordered again later in the cruise) so YMMV on this one. It was good though!
Our first rotational restaurant was Animator's Palate; we had the early seating. I know for next time the late seating will be better for me, since my body was still on west coast time so it felt like I was eating at 2:45pm! Mom has agreed to this because there are so many options to snack on during the day.
We met our server, Juan; our assistant server, Orly; and our head waiter, who's name is currently escaping me but I think was something like Falas?
Our table number was 76, and I loved this table marker!
How cute is the butter knife?! You can purchase them in the gift shops for $9.95 each.
I was fascinated with the hologram on the menu:
This was the meal where C & B discovered that I'm dead serious about photographing my food on these trips. My mom is well trained now, she knows not to take a bite until verifying whether I need a photo and if it's turned out well! C & B got on board with it pretty quickly too!
C & B claimed they were still full from lunch, but C, at least, didn't realize the portions are pretty small at dinner, due to all the courses. C only ordered an appetizer salad, and I suspect it was not as filling as she had hoped!
Chicken and Walnut Salad
With Craisins, Red Onions, and a Cranberry Dressing
None of the appetizer course options looked appealing, so I started with the soup course. You can't really go wrong with Butternut Squash Soup!
Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
Garnished with Chives and drizzled with Sour Cream
The photographers come around and take your photos here and on pirate night. It's a little odd, but this is a great picture of us! We each ended up having this one framed for our houses.
Lemon-Thyme Marinated All Natural Chicken Breast
On top of Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Root Vegetables and Grain Mustard Jus
This one was my entree and it was very good. The mashed potatoes were especially delicious!
Jumbo Shrimp Salad
Poached Tiger Shrimp tossed in a Lemon Olive Oil, served on diced Cucumber, Egg, and Red Onion Garnished with Roquette Leaves
Mom ordered this as her entree (she didn't have an appetizer or soup) and had no complaints.
Ginger-Teriyaki dusted Angus Beef Tenderloin
Served with Wasabi Mashed Potatoes, Bok Choy and a Tamarin-Barbecue Reduction
This was B's and he ate every last bite.
Then it was time for dessert!
B and I each got the Lemon Icebox Pie
Served with Lemon Curd and Berry Creme
I loved it! It reminds me of the Key Lime Pie that Red Lobster serves, which is a thicker texture than other key lime pies I've had, and I prefer it that way.
Mom and C both ordered the Warm Sticky Date Pudding
With Butterscotch Sauce, Vanilla Ice Cream and Phyllo Crunch
They ordered this mostly out of curiosity, and Mom says it was "very good", according to the comment on my Facebook photo of it. She says that for nearly everything though!
B's birthday was the week before, so I marked it down that he was celebrating. When they were planning to bring their granddaughter's, one of them had a birthday to celebrate too, but then they were removed from the reservation. Apparently this confused the dining team, because they thought it was both B and C's birthday instead! They brought over a special birthday dessert, which we think was the Crunchy Walnut Cake from the menu.
Dark Chocolate Mousse and Raspberry Coulis
The table was very mixed on this one - we all took a bite. The top layer was pretty "eh", but the rest was okay if you scraped off the top!
Watching the drawings around the restaurant come to life was pretty funny with B & C, who aren't as familiar with their Disney characters as I am. The way the drawings get shaded in is pretty odd at times - I remember my mom and I were very confused why Dory's eyes were completely blue, and Aladdin had purple pants. They make it to the correct colors by the end though! And any finale that uses the music from Fantasmic! is okay in my book (yup, I was TOTALLY dancing along and I have no shame in admitting it).
Note to self: Get more photos of restaurant next time!
Since we'd gone light on courses that evening, we were able to make it to "70's Music Trivia" in the Crown & Fin Pub. We were pretty fascinated with the fiber optic lights leading the way through After Hours:
Trivia was A BLAST. We met Jo, from England, who is the Wonder's current Adult Activities Host and we LOVED HER. Literally want to take another cruise JUST to participate in the things she hosts. She's hysterical, and her laugh cracks me up! We didn't realize that we could be a team for trivia, so we each played our own list. While none of us won overall, Mom did the best, then me (because I was raised by her, after all, and grew up on 70s music!) then C with an assist from B. We definitely planned to return the following two nights for 80s and 90s Music Trivia.
Before heading up to Golden Mickeys, we made a pit stop, and I had to take a photo of the restroom because I was IMPRESSED with the construction! Yup, those doors and fronts of the stalls go floor to ceiling, ladies and gents. I *think* the divider between stalls is not quite all the way to the ceiling but definitely helps cut down on "potty shyness", if you will.
We grabbed our seats for Golden Mickeys early enough that we got good seats in the middle of the theater about halfway up. I don't recall a lot of specifics here (honestly, probably because I don't have pictures to help jog my memory, but I do appreciate the no photography rule, because in the words on Natalie, the cruise director: "It's awful trying to watch live theatre through the iPhone screen of the person in front of you". Fair point.) but I do remember wishing the initial opening number volume could have been turned down just a smidge so I could actually understand the lyrics they were singing! I liked that Mulan, Hunchback, Tarzan, and Cruella deVil were all included. C was super disappointed that Tarzan was not one of the characters who comes out into the audience during the finale...something about "yum, his abs are lickable" Thought the storyline was a little corny, the part with the video "interaction" from Bob Iger was A LOT corny, and that the entire cast was so very, very talented. Unofficial Guide had recommended to skip this show and I really considered it, but I'm so glad I didn't!
After the show, I couldn't tell you what the grownups went to do (look in the gift shops, maybe?) but I had some characters to meet!
First up was Pluto! I was hovering in the lobby and one family got there after me but started the line. We chatted and they were kind enough to let me go first because I "looked so excited"!
If you're like me, and finding the price of the photo package that includes all your photos hard to swallow (almost $200 for a 3 night cruise, more expensive for longer voyages), I was very wary that it was needed. But, as you can tell from the two following photos, one from my iPhone and one from their camera with the fancy lighting - they do know what they're doing!
Also took some pictures of the lobby atrium - this is the new chandelier that was installed after the dry dock in 2016.
And the elevator bank with all the hidden Mickeys!
I waited until they said they were going to start the line for Mickey, then hopped up to be early in that line. Here he comes!
Awww, Pluto just wants some love from his owner, Mickey!
Again, way better lighting and clarity from the DCL photographer's camera.
After that, it was time to call it a night. I met up with the grownups somehow, and Mom and I went back to our room, where we found this dude waiting for us! I can officially say, the DCL towel creations put WDW and DLR to shame!
Arriving back in the room, the sofa bed had not been set up - I didn't realize how easy it was to do, so we called. My guess is they thought we were a same-sex couple sharing the same bed (same last name and all) so didn't make up the sofa.
It wasn't a problem after that though. And friends, that sofa bed was COMFY. I slept like the dead. No lights on my side of the room, that heavy curtain pulled to separate my area from the bed kept most of the light out from over there, and I had GREAT earplugs so I wouldn't have to hear mom snore.
We ordered the All Hands on Deck cheese plate for a late night snack, to eat while we discussed next day plans. I had no intention of getting off the boat. No port excursions to do, and all of my fellow agents said they recommended staying on the boat instead. C wanted to go look around. I stressed the warnings from the Personal Navigator and the Unofficial Guide about the crime rates and then finally spelled it out: "YOU THREE LOOK LIKE EASY TARGETS. You're older, you don't walk well, you look like tourists, you'd be the first people I'd try to steal from if I was that kind of person." Nope, C was still bent on going but my mom seemed to come over to the safer side of things. We decided we would sleep in a little and have room service breakfast the next morning.
Here's the cheese platter - no indication was given about exactly what kinds of cheeses those were, and it wasn't the same each time (we ordered again later in the cruise) so YMMV on this one. It was good though!
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