June-11 Trip: Are you Eating, Flying and Sailing Nuts? FINAL UPDATE 9/14

WOW!!! What a perfect trip you had!! I have been parasailing before, in Cancun, and it was so peaceful and quiet up there. I just loved it! I'm glad you both had such a great time. So sad your wrapping it up though. How about another trip - STAT! ;)
 
Like many, I spent most of the day reflecting on the events of ten years ago. Less than a month before that tragic day, I took my daughter to the South Tower’s observatory. It was a perfect day, sunny, mild temps and vista that was almost endless. I pointed to my office and she said, “I feel like I can almost touch it.” She was seven.

She was in school that day they were showing the events as they unfolded on the classroom TVs. The concern on her face was so noticeable, that the teacher asked her what was wrong. “My daddy works near the Trade Center.” I was in Washington on 9/11 Co-ordinating the biggest donor event for the organization I worked for (a story in itself) and she was relieved when we were finally able to talk later that afternoon.

She morned the loss of the people who died but she also morned the loss of the Towers themselves. Her first question to me after finding out I was fine was, Will they rebuild them?” I told her confidently that yes they will. We vowed to go back to the top when it was finished. Unfortunately due to political squabbling, greed and incompetence; construction has yet to be finished.

Pleased to see that the new Tower has reached about 1,000 feet. One day soon, I will to complete my promise to her.

Some pictures from that summer trip.

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My old office is the second from the left
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When we got back to the apartment she couldn’t wait to draw this
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Sorry to go off track, but it is cathartic. Next installment will be up soon.
 
Had a crazy week last week so I got a little behind. Time to catch up!

I was getting hungry. Where to eat? How about ESPN? Works for me, not for DD. Her loss. Can you tell I love this place?
I love it too. I was in Orlando a few years ago for a non-Disney trip (I know, pure torture:scared1:) and we managed to head over the the Boardwalk to eat there twice in 5 days. I love the buffalo chicken sandwich there.:thumbsup2

Well, we were late. It was 11:10 and our appointment was for 11:30. They had that we were supposed to leave the dock at 11:15. HUH?
:confused::confused3
Seems to me if you leave the dock at 11:15, then that should be the reservation time...:rolleyes1


I've never parasailed before, but I'd love to sometime. I think Disney would be an excellent place to do it. It would be incredible to see the views from 600 feet!

As I said when you posted in the DDC yesterday, thanks for sharing your 9/11 story. It means a lot to everyone for different reasons. I appreciate you sharing what it means to you and your daughter.
 
Day 7 Saturday, June 18 Part 2 - California Grill AKA Winner, winner chicken dinner (well maybe)

After much primping we were ready. We were both looking forward to dinner tonight. Purposely saved this for the last night of the trip. Escorted to the express elevator to the CG and had a short wait until we were seated. In the meantime, we took our beeper and went outside.

What a view
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Over at the wedding pavilion someone was shooting off fireworks. Hate to imagine what that wedding cost. Told Princess not to get any ideas.
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Worth the price of admission
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This is a staple stop for us on most trips. Expensive but usually excellent. Notice I said usually.

It took a while until our server came by and took our drink orders. He was slow all night. Not let them enjoy their meal slow but why am I waiting 15 minutes to get the check slow.

At least we were able to take the time waiting to soak in the atmosphere.
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Mini rant here. This used to be a place were most people dressed a little nicer. Saw a few people wearing cutoffs and Tees. There was also a screaming toddler. Lucky they were about done with dinner and left after about 10 minutes. You could tell this was going on for a while. There were also a couple of kids running around the restaurant. I have no problems taking kids to nicer restaurants, (DD first ate here when she was about four) but. If I felt she would be unruly, either we would not go, or if she did act up, she would have been taken out of there. These “parents” obviously didn’t care about other patrons experiences. OK, rant mode off.

The open air kitchen. Someone told me once that the different hats the chefs signify their position on the cooking hierarchy. Tried to ask a couple of CM’s but they had no idea what I was talking about. And no, a bus driver didn’t tell me about it.
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The waiter was back and we were ready to order. First up was the cheese course. Princess was first introduced to fine cheeses at CG when we ate here a few years ago. I ordered it but she at most of it. Always a cheese eater she was in heaven when she tasted it. You get five cheeses for $20. The price has gotten a little out of hand but look at what you get... (My review in parenthesis).

Flagship Reserve Truchle - Is made only on days when the pasteurized cow’s milk composition is just right. The last curds on the table are used as it allows for slightly lower moisture, higher salt content, and thus a richer taste and texture while maintaining a clean, creamy finish. It is aged for a full two years, giving it a rich, nutty flavor and creamy mouth feel. Wrapped in cloth and aged in open air, it has a huge complex flavor that has earned it much praise and several awards. (What they said, plus it was good)

Mt. Tam - Is an elegant, handcrafted triple-cream cheese from California, named after the Mt. Tamalapais region just north of San Francisco Bay. This organic gourmet cheese is made with pasteurized cow’s milk and is firm, yet buttery with a mellow, earthy flavor reminiscent of white mushrooms. It is a smooth, creamy cheese with at thick, snow-white bloomy rind that you can eat. (What they said, plus it was good)

Drunken Goat Cheese - “Queso de Cabra al Vino” is a pasteurized goat’s milk cheese from the village of Jumilla, in Murcia, Spain. The cheese is soaked in red wine for two to three days, giving the outside a thin purple rind. The rind typically remains fairly soft and pliable and is edible. The paste is nearly pure white and has a sweet, smooth, and delicately grape like flavor with a gentile, pliable texture. (What they said, plus it was good)

Fromage d’Affinois de Brebis - Is a soft ripened pasteurized pure sheep’s milk cheese with a creamy texture and a sweet taste. It is a soft bloomy-rind cheese from the Rhone-Alps region in France. The paste is mild and rich while the rind provides a flavor and texture that is savory and builds complexity. (What they said, plus it was good. I did think this was a more bloomy rind flavor than the Mt. Tam.)

Roaring Forties Blue - King Island Dairy, Roaring Forties Blue, is a full flavored pasteurized blue with a sweet, slightly nutty character, a rich mouth feel and a good aftertaste. The rindless cheese is matured in its wax coating, which cuts off the oxygen supply, promoting its sweet and fruity flavor. The wax also assists in retaining the blue’s moisture, creating a smooth and creaming texture. (What they said, plus it was really good)

My fingers hurt from typing all of that. OK, I am not a fromagier. I don’t know what a blooming rind is more than I know how to do brain surgery. It took a great deal of willpower not to write humorous (at least to me) remarks in the descriptions. I do know this was good even though it is getting too pricy.

DD started eating almost before it landed on the table. In self defense, I had to also dig in before it was demolished. So the plate in the pic looks like it does.
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Normally she has a special vegetarian thing made up of different vegetarian dishes they are serving. They come out with four or five “side sized” portions. It isn’t on the menu so you have to ask for it. Not this time. She ordered the Artichoke and Pleasant Ridge - Reserve Cheese filled Raviolis with Spinach, Black Garlic, and Parmesan Foam ($28).
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I don’t get the foam thing. DD let me have a taste and we both agreed it was very good.

I ordered the Crispy Free-range Chicken with Zellwood Corn Pudding, Pole Beans, Applewood Bacon and Vidallia Jus ($33). I had this the last time we were here and it was amazing. The chicken was the best I ever tasted. Moist and well seasoned. Perfect. This time it was OK, not great. Little on the dry side and under seasoned. Edible but not memorable. The corn pudding was worse. I usually substitute this kind of dish but I wanted to compare it to the corn polenta at the Captain’s Grille. This was bad. Very dry and over cooked. Not even close to Captain’s Grille.
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For desert - Bananas and Caramel - Crispy baked phyllo squares layered w/banana, caramel, mascarpone mousse, and caramelized banana ($12). DD enjoyed it and I thought it was good.

Overall I have to say it was disappointing. My favorite restaurant on property (can’t count V&A). This was supposed to be the culminating meal experience of the trip. It was so not.

Would I go here again? Absolutely. However it is now on my watch list. California Grill is too expensive to have to deal with baby’s screaming and kids running around, slow service, and a mediocre entree. I’ve had too many great meals here and am sure I will again. I am chalking it up to them having a bad night and would not discourage any of you from going here.

Dinner was over and we were still about an hour away from Wishes. Neither of us wanted to wait so we watched the sunset before we headed back to the hotel.
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Ominous weather and what is with that weird circle in the clouds. A UFO perhaps? Actually it is a reflection from the circular lighting fixture in bar area (you can see it in an earlier pic).
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Was just here in March
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Castle all dressed up in lights
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Reminds me of the pepto castle for the 25th Anniversary
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So we drove to our home away from home for our last sleep on the trip. I sat out on the balcony for a while to soak in the sights and take a few final pictures.
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Finally giving up the ghost of our vacation, I went to bed. As soon my head hit the pillow, I was out.

Up Next: Day 8 Sunday, June 19 Leaving Day AKA M-I-C See you not real soon K-E-Y Why? Because I have no reservation, O-I-am-so-sad. (Man, that was terrible)
 


Funny that I don’t feel that way when it comes to Jasmine. Wonder why?

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Why? :lmao::rotfl2:;);)

Belle, the only one I can relate to, doesn't stand a chance. :sad2: Well maybe if she borrows Jazzy's outfit. :laughing:

Cindy also has a pretty good landscaper
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I wonder if Cindy lets them come inside?
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She DOES have an amazing landscaper. :thumbsup2 And some pretty amusing family members. How I love all these type of characters. Halloween - yep - ah huh - check mark - love, love and LOVE them all.
 
I just got back from a road trip to Savannah, up to Kentucky and back.


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SO jealous. :3dglasses I just adore the road. Just adore it.

Ooooh, Scary
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What's wrong with you? She IS scary. :laughing:;) Red red apples.....

Now she sees you
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Now she doesn’t
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Love the shots.

Thanks for the head's up on the last TR about the new effects. I might have missed it running to get on the ride. Made sure I made it. And it was at the end of an EMH when I saw it - so no one there at all and it made it - hmmm - well added to the fun.
 
Sorry, Sorry, Sorry.


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What? Isn't it sari, sari, sari for you guys? :lmao: ;) Excuse me while I entertain myself on your TR.

While we were eating I inquired from the hostess who passed us by where we could see Illuminations. She told me to tell our waitress and she would look for a table outside. If not, we could watch from their reserved viewing area. We asked and a table was available.

So we decided to opt for desert out on the veranda.

The Princess made a decree that instead of going back to the parks, we were going to just chill out at the resort tomorrow. Hang by the pool maybe watch a little TV and read. In other words vacation.

The princess is smart. Whoops. The Princess I mean.

As for Illuminations and the Rose and Crown. What a lovely catch. Those are the best memories at WDW for me. I don't know - those "yes" times that just flow. On any vacation.
 


The rest of the day was spent back at the pool. That and reading or watching TV in the room. Oh, and there was a nap involved I am sure. Yep, pretty much a wasted day at WDW. And you know what? IT WAS GREAT. Who would have thought it, a vacation during a Disney vacation. I am going to have to do this more often.

Also took a few pics of the resort. This brought back memories.
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Oh the double doors. As for the other paragraph - it made me laugh. That's my vacation in a nutshell. But I don't have annoying meds so I add drinks. :goodvibes


What fun! :rotfl2: And great shots.
 

Sighing. I read this installment this morning in a library and literally had to move off the computer because I was afraid I was going to start crying in public. Frankly, I don't why I cared.

I think I'll stop typing..... :hug:.

Anyway - sorry for the vent - thanks for sharing that post with us CJ.

I ADORE NYC. It took a long time to get there. But I kept dreaming and dreaming (just like DVC) and now I've been about four times in two years including this past NYE. Truly a spectacular city. For a girl who loves cities and stares at buildings like they're lunch - it's heaven to be fortunate enough to visit.

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Okay, I'm ALMOST caught up. I have to run upstairs. That will leave two posts for later. Nice.
 
:rotfl2::rotfl2: With your permission...may I borrow your MIC--see you not real soon....KEY....why because I don't have a ressie...although in my case it's probably because I'm out of points...MOUSE!
Loved your TR!! Great TR as always. Hope DD's senior year is starting off well. Can't wait for the PTR...DD's Graduation Trip and I'm sure some kind of what were you thinking!! Hope your doing well!
 
I never have eaten at the California Grill yet. The view from there looks amazing though. Great pictures.:thumbsup2
 
Have I said this before? YOU ARE THE COOLEST DAD!!!!

When they said Making Disney Memories...you got them!

Thanks and thanks. I love going to Disney and they offer multiple opportunities to do things other than “standing in lines.” She is spoiled at Disney. I can imagine later in life a friend or dare I say, significant other say, “OK, lets go to Disney. I can get a good rate at the Motel 5 3/4. We only have to spend a day at Disney (Meaning MK) right?” The look on her face will be priceless.

Wow, what a trip! And still more to come! You really know how to get the most out of your trips.

I've often seen the parasailers over the lake and it looks so amazing. Glad you both enjoyed your experience. Not sure I could do it but my DD would love it - she did her first real skydive (tandem) while we were in Florida in April and loved it

Lots of food for thought here too - your restaurant experiences are making me reconsider where to eat. Haven't ever had a good meal at R&C but the view and your good report make me think it might be worth another go. Captain's grill also looks good - might try it next time we stay at the BC.

And I love your photos of the BWV - one of these days my waitlist will come through:worship:

Come on, take the plunge. It is fun and pretty cool (and safe) to do. The food at R&C was better than OK but not amazing. I am sure you have much better dining typical of UK cuisine over there. The view was great though. Captain’s Grill is a new stand-by reliable for me.

Good luck on the BWV. It will happen.

WOW!!! What a perfect trip you had!! I have been parasailing before, in Cancun, and it was so peaceful and quiet up there. I just loved it! I'm glad you both had such a great time. So sad your wrapping it up though. How about another trip - STAT! ;)

Any trip to Disney is great but this one went real well. I agree with you, parasailing is very peaceful and quiet. We also loved it. That and skydiving were big hits with the Princess.

No trips planned except a short one in December to see Harry at the Dis event. Saving points and cash for a hopeful California/Hawaii trip next summer. Will know in November. I also plan on going to visit a friend in the UK afterward.

I will however write TRs for food. That and points for a room and a little spending cash in my pocket.

Had a crazy week last week so I got a little behind. Time to catch up!

Slacker.

I love it too. I was in Orlando a few years ago for a non-Disney trip (I know, pure torture:scared1:) and we managed to head over the the Boardwalk to eat there twice in 5 days. I love the buffalo chicken sandwich there.:thumbsup2

Good choice. As mentioned earlier, how can you beat a place with TVs showing sports in the bathrooms?

:confused::confused3
Seems to me if you leave the dock at 11:15, then that should be the reservation time...:rolleyes1

I've never parasailed before, but I'd love to sometime. I think Disney would be an excellent place to do it. It would be incredible to see the views from 600 feet!

When I got to the check in, they said the reservation pointed out that you need to be there 15 minutes before you leave the dock. Checked it when I got home and our reservation was for 11:30. It was OK, no harm, no foul.

You need to do it. No better place than at WDW either. Well, Castaway Cay was pretty cool.

As I said when you posted in the DDC yesterday, thanks for sharing your 9/11 story. It means a lot to everyone for different reasons. I appreciate you sharing what it means to you and your daughter.

Thanks Andy. Lots of bad memories associated with the Trade Center. And pics of the aftermath. I moved to NY in March 2001 and my office was a few blocks away. Used to go there all the time during lunch time and after work. Often derided by others, I thought the towers were awe inspiring. Glad I could share it with DD before 9/11. Never made it to the restaurant in the North tower though.
 
Mini rant here. This used to be a place were most people dressed a little nicer. Saw a few people wearing cutoffs and Tees. There was also a screaming toddler. Lucky they were about done with dinner and left after about 10 minutes. You could tell this was going on for a while. There were also a couple of kids running around the restaurant. I have no problems taking kids to nicer restaurants, (DD first ate here when she was about four) but. If I felt she would be unruly, either we would not go, or if she did act up, she would have been taken out of there. These “parents” obviously didn’t care about other patrons experiences. OK, rant mode off.

I totally agree with this this! After many many attempts at getting a reservation at CG, we finally did on our trip with my parents in January of 2010. I was appalled when a young couple was seated next to us in T-shirts and running shorts. They had one of those superwide strollers and everything was OK (other than their dress) until the kid woke up. I knew that they were totally out of their element when the server had to explain to them what almost every item on the menu was.

I'm so glad that there are people out there who think kids should behave at fancy restaurants, I just hope that the people who don't understand this stop going out! OK rant over!

I've enjoyed hearing all about your trip, your Princess is a beautiful young lady. Your thoughts on 9-11 were very poignant. I couldn't comment because it's just too difficult to come to terms with someting so far away, but yet so close, so I choose not to deal with it. I look forward to hearing the last of your trip, and I'm sorry you don't have another one on hte horizon. If you do come to CA and Aulani, I'd be happy to give you any help you needed, as I'm sure kikiq would as well! :thumbsup2 Be sure to consult us because I'm sure we can help to make your trip even more special!
 
CG has always been our favorite splurge restaurant at WDW - sad to hear you had a disappointing experience. I hope it was just an off night, and not a good representation of what CG is like these days!
Your twin towers tribute was beautiful - especially your daughter's drawing. Brought tears to my eyes. Sunday was a difficult and emotional day for me, as I am sure it was for many americans. Those feelings are still very raw.
Thanks again for your TR!
 
Why? :lmao::rotfl2:;);)

Belle, the only one I can relate to, doesn't stand a chance. :sad2: Well maybe if she borrows Jazzy's outfit. :laughing:

She DOES have an amazing landscaper. :thumbsup2 And some pretty amusing family members. How I love all these type of characters. Halloween - yep - ah huh - check mark - love, love and LOVE them all.

Why Jasmine? You have to ask? DD is a big Belle fan. Probably one of her favorites.

I imagine the character breakfast with the step sisters is a hoot. Talk about the anti-Cinderella.

SO jealous. :3dglasses I just adore the road. Just adore it.

What's wrong with you? She IS scary. :laughing:;) Red red apples.....

Planning on lots of trips next year after I drop the Princess at college. Both in the air and on the road. Love road trips.

Spoiler Alert: She is just a plywood cut out. Oops, maybe I shouldn’t have said that.

Love the shots.

Thanks for the head's up on the last TR about the new effects. I might have missed it running to get on the ride. Made sure I made it. And it was at the end of an EMH when I saw it - so no one there at all and it made it - hmmm - well added to the fun.

Some people don’t like them but I think they are a nice distraction. Glad I could help.

What? Isn't it sari, sari, sari for you guys? :lmao: ;) Excuse me while I entertain myself on your TR.

Whatever floats your boat. Glad I could provide a medium for entertaining yourself.

The princess is smart. Whoops. The Princess I mean.

As for Illuminations and the Rose and Crown. What a lovely catch. Those are the best memories at WDW for me. I don't know - those "yes" times that just flow. On any vacation.

We had a nice day just relaxing. Missed lunch at France but was not going to burn a ticket just so I could pay for an expensive meal. R&C was neat. Food was good, not great but dessert watching Illuminations was priceless.

Oh the double doors. As for the other paragraph - it made me laugh. That's my vacation in a nutshell. But I don't have annoying meds so I add drinks. :goodvibes

What fun! :rotfl2: And great shots.

Shed a tear taking the double doors picture. Great place. Too bad I had to share it with seven teenagers. Decreasing meds but still have to stay off the drinks.

Thanks and it was great fun.

Sighing. I read this installment this morning in a library and literally had to move off the computer because I was afraid I was going to start crying in public. Frankly, I don't why I cared.

I think I'll stop typing..... :hug:. I've written and backspaced over and over because I have so much rage over what I consider assinine decisions surrounding HEROS. Heros not treated as precious around looking after them instantly and completely- without needing proof of this or that study. It just falls under insanity to me.

Anyway - sorry for the vent - thanks for sharing that post with us CJ.

I ADORE NYC. It took a long time to get there. But I kept dreaming and dreaming (just like DVC) and now I've been about four times in two years including this past NYE. Truly a spectacular city. For a girl who loves cities and stares at buildings like they're lunch - it's heaven to be fortunate enough to visit.

Except for the first two anniversaries, passing 9-11s didn’t affect me much. This one did. Tough time to live in NY and work downtown. Love NY and have to get back there sometime soon. Agree with you on the treatment of first responders.

:rotfl2::rotfl2: With your permission...may I borrow your MIC--see you not real soon....KEY....why because I don't have a ressie...although in my case it's probably because I'm out of points...MOUSE!

Loved your TR!! Great TR as always. Hope DD's senior year is starting off well. Can't wait for the PTR...DD's Graduation Trip and I'm sure some kind of what were you thinking!! Hope your doing well!

Steal it if you must. Freely given. Stinks not having a trip to look forward to. I don’t count Hawaii until I have a ressie. I will be going to the Dis event at Harry Potter Land in December. That trip is so short I don’t really count it.

Had open house on Monday. Met all of her teachers and they were complimentary of the kid. She is already overwhelmed with things to do and that doesn’t even count applying for college. Things will be picking up on that front this weekend.

I never have eaten at the California Grill yet. The view from there looks amazing though. Great pictures.:thumbsup2

Well, what are you waiting for? Despite experience this time I had many great meals there. You are right, you can’t beat the view.

I totally agree with this this! After many many attempts at getting a reservation at CG, we finally did on our trip with my parents in January of 2010. I was appalled when a young couple was seated next to us in T-shirts and running shorts. They had one of those superwide strollers and everything was OK (other than their dress) until the kid woke up. I knew that they were totally out of their element when the server had to explain to them what almost every item on the menu was.

I'm so glad that there are people out there who think kids should behave at fancy restaurants, I just hope that the people who don't understand this stop going out! OK rant over!

I've enjoyed hearing all about your trip, your Princess is a beautiful young lady. Your thoughts on 9-11 were very poignant. I couldn't comment because it's just too difficult to come to terms with someting so far away, but yet so close, so I choose not to deal with it. I look forward to hearing the last of your trip, and I'm sorry you don't have another one on hte horizon. If you do come to CA and Aulani, I'd be happy to give you any help you needed, as I'm sure kikiq would as well! :thumbsup2 Be sure to consult us because I'm sure we can help to make your trip even more special!

Thank you. She is pretty cute. Also, thanks for the offer. Will only be there for a couple of days and plan on just hitting the parks. Would like to see the Disney museum but will not make it to San Fran. this trip. Any hints and suggestions would be most welcome. Maybe a lunch meet up if you are in the parks.

CG has always been our favorite splurge restaurant at WDW - sad to hear you had a disappointing experience. I hope it was just an off night, and not a good representation of what CG is like these days!
Your twin towers tribute was beautiful - especially your daughter's drawing. Brought tears to my eyes. Sunday was a difficult and emotional day for me, as I am sure it was for many americans. Those feelings are still very raw.
Thanks again for your TR!

Not scratching off CG just yet. I am betting it was an off night. Sunday was a tough day. Spent a lot of time in front of the TV with DD. Posting the pics was my way of dealing with it.

Side note: The countertops will be installed today. I will soon have a functioning kitchen. YES!
 
Well, what are you waiting for?
A few reasons... I love Disney World, but I really only get there once every few years. I really didn't even know about this place until I started hanging out around the DIS Boards. I've had my eyes opened to a lot of "new" things I want to experience. My list of things I want to try continues to grow much faster than I will be able to cross things off.

My other main reason... I don't want to be this parent...
There was also a screaming toddler.
DS will be 22 months when we go this fall. Sometimes he does well in restuarant situations, sometimes he doesn't. I don't want to risk ruining someone else's experience, and if he isn't in a mood to sit through dinner, then I'm not going to enjoy it anyway because I'll be dealing with him.:rotfl2:
 
I ran down here to edit out my emotional ramblings. Da#" you. :3dglasses

Why Jasmine? You have to ask? DD is a big Belle fan. Probably one of her favorites.

You know I was playing, right? RightÉ My head hurts. I believe I fully understand Jasmine's attributes. :rotfl2::goodvibes
Planning on lots of trips next year after I drop the Princess at college. Both in the air and on the road. Love road trips.

Nice.

Spoiler Alert: She is just a plywood cut out. Oops, maybe I shouldn’t have said that.

Gosh she's so incredibly life like. Smart a$$.

Shed a tear taking the double doors picture. Great place. I guess so. One day! Too bad I had to share it with seven teenagers. Decreasing meds That's great. but still have to stay off the drinks.

Except for the first two anniversaries, passing 9-11s didn’t affect me much. This one did. Tough time to live in NY and work downtown. Love NY and have to get back there sometime soon. Agree with you on the treatment of first responders.

I was going to ask you to edit out my highlighted words but maybe I could just be a big girl and deal with feeling vulnerable. Okay, done emotionally rambling. For now. :rotfl2::goodvibes
Side note: The countertops will be installed today. I will soon have a functioning kitchen. YES! Yeah pictures soon. :thumbsup2
 
I can imagine later in life a friend or dare I say, significant other say, “OK, lets go to Disney. I can get a good rate at the Motel 5 3/4. We only have to spend a day at Disney (Meaning MK) right?” The look on her face will be priceless.

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:rotfl2::lmao::rotfl: Priceless.
 
Over at the wedding pavilion someone was shooting off fireworks. Hate to imagine what that wedding cost. Told Princess not to get any ideas.
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:rotfl: Can you imagineÉ ----------------------- French keyboard!!!!!!!!!!! Insert swearing.

It took a while until our server came by and took our drink orders. He was slow all night. Not let them enjoy their meal slow but why am I waiting 15 minutes to get the check slow.

)

We had one of those experiences at my beloved Kona this trip. And the best was he didn`t care. At all. Which I found absolutely amusing. :goodvibes

Mini rant here. This used to be a place were most people dressed a little nicer. Saw a few people wearing cutoffs and Tees. )
Wow I`m shocked. I really thought their policy was not to let them in. :confused3

There was also a screaming toddler. Lucky they were about done with dinner and left after about 10 minutes. You could tell this was going on for a while. There were also a couple of kids running around the restaurant. I have no problems taking kids to nicer restaurants, (DD first ate here when she was about four) but. If I felt she would be unruly, either we would not go, or if she did act up, she would have been taken out of there. These “parents” obviously didn’t care about other patrons experiences. OK, rant mode off.

)

Totally annoying. I remember eating at Turf Club and suddenly there was a parade - scheduled parade by the Turf Club. I actually asked the higher ups why they would do that in a lovely restaurant.

ReadyÉ Kids love it. Yep, that`s it - kids must be *happy*;) at all times. Cause that`s good practice for adulthood. Laughing. It drives me insane.

Now `let`s see if I edit. :rotfl2:

The open air kitchen. Someone told me once that the different hats the chefs signify their position on the cooking hierarchy. Tried to ask a couple of CM’s but they had no idea what I was talking about. And no, a bus driver didn’t tell me about it.
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)

Are you sureÉ :rotfl2:

The waiter was back and we were ready to order. First up was the cheese course. Princess was first introduced to fine cheeses at CG when we ate here a few years ago. I ordered it but she at most of it. Always a cheese eater she was in heaven when she tasted it. You get five cheeses for $20. The price has gotten a little out of hand but look at what you get... (My review in parenthesis).

Flagship Reserve Truchle - Is made only on days when the pasteurized cow’s milk composition is just right. The last curds on the table are used as it allows for slightly lower moisture, higher salt content, and thus a richer taste and texture while maintaining a clean, creamy finish. It is aged for a full two years, giving it a rich, nutty flavor and creamy mouth feel. Wrapped in cloth and aged in open air, it has a huge complex flavor that has earned it much praise and several awards. (What they said, plus it was good)

Mt. Tam - Is an elegant, handcrafted triple-cream cheese from California, named after the Mt. Tamalapais region just north of San Francisco Bay. This organic gourmet cheese is made with pasteurized cow’s milk and is firm, yet buttery with a mellow, earthy flavor reminiscent of white mushrooms. It is a smooth, creamy cheese with at thick, snow-white bloomy rind that you can eat. (What they said, plus it was good)

Drunken Goat Cheese - “Queso de Cabra al Vino” is a pasteurized goat’s milk cheese from the village of Jumilla, in Murcia, Spain. The cheese is soaked in red wine for two to three days, giving the outside a thin purple rind. The rind typically remains fairly soft and pliable and is edible. The paste is nearly pure white and has a sweet, smooth, and delicately grape like flavor with a gentile, pliable texture. (What they said, plus it was good)

Fromage d’Affinois de Brebis - Is a soft ripened pasteurized pure sheep’s milk cheese with a creamy texture and a sweet taste. It is a soft bloomy-rind cheese from the Rhone-Alps region in France. The paste is mild and rich while the rind provides a flavor and texture that is savory and builds complexity. (What they said, plus it was good. I did think this was a more bloomy rind flavor than the Mt. Tam.)

Roaring Forties Blue - King Island Dairy, Roaring Forties Blue, is a full flavored pasteurized blue with a sweet, slightly nutty character, a rich mouth feel and a good aftertaste. The rindless cheese is matured in its wax coating, which cuts off the oxygen supply, promoting its sweet and fruity flavor. The wax also assists in retaining the blue’s moisture, creating a smooth and creaming texture. (What they said, plus it was really good)


)

Killing me. I lived in France`s CS this trip - mmmm. Heaven. I need to stop reading your TRs. I keep mumbling - in a grumpy utterly jealous manner :lmao: - one day - ONE DAY. :surfweb:

Yeah officially caught up!!!!
 
Bye Bye time.

Woke up fairly early today and spent some time on the balcony soaking in the last few hours before it was time to go. Started stirring the not so little one about 9:30. Gave her some space and time to wake up. No hurry, we were not going to be out of here until a little before 11:00.

Our room number. Nice location with the partial Boardwalk view.
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The room was really clean and ready to go when we first got there. Everything was in working order. The only “scar” in the room was the nightstand. A previous guest obviously left a very hot mug on the table and left these marks. Not good show but overall minor.
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While the Princess was getting ready, I headed down to the lobby for a few last pictures
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Some of the lucky that were just checking in
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Maybe Disney should duplicate this somewhere
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Love the theming of the BW lobby
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Got back to the room and DD was up and ready. Packed most of everything last night so it was just calling Bell Services to pick up our bags. They were quick and we were soon on the road home. The trip back was uneventful and relatively quick. The Princess even drove for about an hour and a half.

So, its over. Done. Hasta La Vista Baby. It was kind of depressing driving home. Usually there is another visit on the horizon but not this time. I’ll feel better when (notice I did not say if) we snag a ressie at Aluani. That will be a trip to remember.

Final thoughts:

This was an OK trip. Yea, you know I am lying. It was a fantastic trip! The surprises were pulled off without a hitch, and the Princess was really surprised each time. Expensive but what the heck. At least the room was paid for.

Highlights:

V&A has to be #1. Totally psyched her. We were talking about the trip last night and she told me I did good. Well yea. Dinner was fantastic, the service was impeccable and had enjoyable company.

Skydiving is 1A on the hit parade. The race to get there and making it. Her thinking that we were actually jumping out of a plane was priceless. Very proud of her ability (and mine) to free fly. Great fun.

Parasailing was a distant 3rd. Fun but if she had the choice of V&A or Skydiving a second time versus parasailing she would have chosen the first two. We both agree it was pretty cool though.

The parks. We did a lot for the two days we were in the parks. Not going for a 3rd day worked out well because...

We enjoyed the resorts. Staff was great, the rooms clean and everything worked. Enjoyed pool time, sleeping in and basically doing some R&R. DVC allows us to forget the parks at times because I know we will be back.

Other dining. Captains Grille wasn’t really a surprise because I have enjoyed a few good meals here. This time it was fantastic. I’m drooling just thinking about it. Prime Time. A good meal with an excellent “cousin” serving us. Tons of fun. ESPN. Good bar food with an enhanced sports atmosphere. Kona. Always good and “Disney reasonable.”

Just the two of us in it together. She will be soon off to college and starting her life. This was a good daddy/daughter time. I know we will vacationing together especially next summer but despite my protests she is becoming a young woman. Trips will be less frequent and different. I am OK with that because that is the circle of life. I am also looking forward to traveling on my own, visiting friends and having new experiences. A preview is a week long dive trip to Roatan with friends in February.

Not so Highlights:

Cindy’s. The breakfast was OK but I was disappointed the stuffed french toast was not included with the meal. The characters were great. Snow even got me to get up and take a picture. Probably won’t be back here for a while.

CG. The atmosphere was less than stellar and the meal was just OK.

Getting lost. It was funny afterward but I drained a half tank of gas driving around. Should have stopped at the amusement park thing we drove by.

Leaving the cash in the room. Man was that stupid. Luckily the CMs were outstanding in retrieving it and getting it back to me.

Leaving. The best day of a WDW vacation is arriving. The worst is checking out. Lots of memories though and writing the TR. Even though it was a chore to finish, I am glad I did it. Now have a permanent record of our little odyssey. A bit overwhelmed with the response you guys had to my ramblings and am very appreciative.

So that is it. Will post now and again to check in with all of you. And of course, I’ll let you know if we get Aluani and the Grand California. Hope everyone with upcoming trips has a great time. Those of you with trips in the future, happy planning.

All the best.

CJ
 

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