"When I went it was all lights, and music, and Mickey doin' his magic." — Aug. '18 Disneyversary TR — Completed (Finally!!) August 20, 2021

[MeghanEmily]

YAY!!!! It's done!!! So, so happy for you! Such a long haul and one that will be so totally worth it! Good job!

Thanks, Liesa! So glad to be done. Now I've got one more semester in the classroom, and one more internship placement, and then I'll be ready to hit the real world! (maybe!)

 

[MeghanEmily]

Yep, knew that. But wasn't sure how it worked.
You have a card or something?

They take your photo on a tablet all fancy-like for identification purposes (because nobody else is allowed to "borrow" your band/ticket to use it without you,) and then they link the DAS pass to your magicband or park ticket.

 

[pkondz]

They take your photo on a tablet all fancy-like for identification purposes (because nobody else is allowed to "borrow" your band/ticket to use it without you,) and then they link the DAS pass to your magicband or park ticket.

Okay. I thought it might be something like that, but wasn't sure.

 

[kastoney]

Today was the last day of my internship.

㊗㊗㊗ (I have no idea why this came up as the emoji when I typed in celebration but we'll just roll with it). Seriously though Congrats on finishing the internship. That is a HUGE accomplishment and hopefully will give you back some much needed time

 

[Tracy161]

Thanks, Tracy! As someone who's been there and made it out the other side, you give me hope!

Lots of hope to be had! I feel like especially the last year went by in a blink. Because school was so much a part of my life for 3.5 years, it's hard to believe that I don't have to think about what's happening next semester. How many classes/semesters are you down to?

You must be so pleased to finally be done and have the diploma in your hands!!

It's still surreal!

It really was a very challenging experience. I had two different supervisors because I was split between two different locations, a couple days at each place each week. They both had very different styles and expectations. Sometimes it was hard to keep up! So I think that processing time to consolidate is exactly what I need. But in the end I learned a lot, and I met some really cute kids, so I'm glad for the experience...and also glad to be done now!

It sounds like a very challenging experience, indeed. But I'm sure you learned a ton and will take this experience with you and be that much better for it. Too bad it was so trying to get there though.

 

[MeghanEmily]

㊗㊗㊗ (I have no idea why this came up as the emoji when I typed in celebration but we'll just roll with it).

Seriously though Congrats on finishing the internship. That is a HUGE accomplishment and hopefully will give you back some much needed time

Thank you!! Still feels strange to be done. Now just one more semester in the classroom, and one more out on a placement, and then I'm a fully-developed grown-up SLP! Heading out in to the world...maybe even feeling like I know what I'm doing!

Lots of hope to be had! I feel like especially the last year went by in a blink. Because school was so much a part of my life for 3.5 years, it's hard to believe that I don't have to think about what's happening next semester. How many classes/semesters are you down to?

Thanks, Tracy. It seems like every year goes faster. When I think back to high school, or my undergrad, it seems like this degree is flying by. (Except on the tough days! Though can feel slow as molasses!) I'm doing it full-time, so I've got a full course load, which is something like 5 classes, but one of those classes is actually a small group research project. I have one more semester in the classroom starting in September, and then one more semester on a different internship placement from January to April. Then I'm out in the world as a grown-up SLP!

 

[Steppesister]

Thanks, Liesa! So glad to be done. Now I've got one more semester in the classroom, and one more internship placement, and then I'll be ready to hit the real world! (maybe!)

You absolutely will be!! You are an amazing, caring person and will do a great job!! Almost there!!!

 

[MeghanEmily]

Hi friends! It's been a hot minute! It feels lovely to be back here with you writing another update! This past week, as I mentioned, I finished my first internship of my master's degree.

Some cool things I learned from working with preschoolers the last 3 months:​

1. Don't ever ask if a child wants to do something if you're not prepared for them to say no. Then you're screwed.​
2. Action figures can't fly unless they have imaginary invisible rocket jet packs on their feet. (Duh! How silly of me.)​
3. Don't ever pretend you understand something a preschooler says if you don't. They will know the difference, and they will call you on it, and you'll look dumb and/or lose their trust. ​
4. Anything can be fun if you turn it into a game. ​
5. Stickers are way more motivating than they should be. Total game changer.​
6. Nobody likes to feel like they're doing something wrong, whether you're 4 or 44. Find ways to reinforce the behaviours you want, not punish the behaviours you don't want. ​
7. Poop is hilarious. ​

It was quite the time! I had a very stressful internship, but the kids made it worth it, and I expect I will remember some of them for a very long time. Now I'm getting ready for a couple of trips with N, including our anniversary WDW trip in August! We're also moving out of our apartment. So there's lots to keep me busy since internship is over! But it also means more time for DISing...so on that note...

"I Shrunk You!"
Aug. 19—Part 1

Hey! I actually remember where this quote came from! Cool!

We took our time this morning because the first item on the agenda was brunch at the California Grill. #nom I'd been looking forward to this brunch for some time since I'd heard lots of excellent reviews. I'd also heard some less positive reviews, especially about some of the gluten free options (or the lack thereof,) so I was curious to see what our experience would be like.

We arrived and were seated promptly from what I remember. We were also offered drinks right away. I can't drink alcohol without getting sick, so I opted for the sparkling white cranberry juice "spritzer." I also ordered an orange juice when we got to the table. I told N, however, that he had to take advantage of the bottomless mimosas! He's usually happy with just one drink, and I don't think he ever ordered a second one, but he did enjoy the blueberry mimosa I forced him to accept. He also got a coffee, and I think he ended up ordering a diet coke before we left as well. When it's included, you order ALL the drinks!

Our server definitely had a name, but I don't remember it. I wish I did though, because she was excellent! She took our drink orders, gave us some time with the menu, and went to alert the chef about my allergies.

I talked with the allergy chef about my allergies, and he took me through the buffet. It almost seemed like it was a bother to him. Maybe he had a lot on the go that morning, I'm not sure. But he showed me what I could eat, and he offered to ask the sushi folks to make me a gluten free version of the shrimp roll so I would have a second sushi roll option (beyond the California roll.) Nathan and I grabbed some food from the buffet, and put in our orders for our entrees. I didn't have many options for entrees that could be done for all my dietary restrictions, so I went with the steak and eggs...I'm pretty sure that was actually my only option. I had told N that he could order two entrees though, and that he really should to get the full value of this expensive brunch. (If you haven't done this brunch before, this is a good tip! They don't always tell you this, but if you want two entrees, order two! They're included! You get to try two things, and you stretch the value for what you pay.) N ended up ordering the chicken and waffles (which I'd recommended based on reviews I read) and the lobster omelette.

I don't think I took pictures of everything we got from the buffet, but N started with some pastries, and then also got a plate with more savoury types of things, some charcuterie meats, sushi, devilled eggs, smoked salmon, etc.

I also tried some sushi and the devilled eggs, but I added a couple of the gluten free scones as well! They were a little dry and crumbly, but the flavour was good, and it made for a nice gluten free option. I wished later on that I'd sneakily tossed a couple in my purse for later!

As I was noshing, my gluten free shrimp roll arrived! I ended up eating a few pieces, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the California roll and found it a little bland without the sauce, so I kind of felt bad that they had to make me my own entire roll and that I wasted some. N tried a piece or two as well at my urging, but he had to save stomach space for his two entrees!

Shortly after we hit the buffet, our server came back to check on us. In a demonstration of how excellent a server she really was, she told me that she had listened in to what the allergy chef had told me about dietary restrictions and what I could eat on the buffet, and she remembered me having an intolerance to spinach, so she went back and double-checked with the cooks and found out that the allergy chef had given me misinformation, and that one of the salads he told me I could eat actually contained spinach. She said she was confident that everything else he told me was correct, but that if there was anything she wanted me to ask about further just to let me know. A-friggin-+! I hadn't eaten any of the salad anyway, but I was very impressed and felt good knowing that my server was looking out for me, and more so than the chef whose job was to cater to allergies.

Buffet highlights included sushi, charcuterie, devilled eggs, and some kind of bourbon cake topped with ice cream (I believe it's Bourbon Baba?) that N had the pleasure of eating.

Then our entrees came. Unfortunately, I missed getting a photo of N's chicken and waffles, but that was definitely the stand-out of the entrees we received. He loved it and said it was delicious. N also ordered the lobster omelette which he said was absolutely terrible. I was a bit surprised about this, because I remembered reading about it being good, and the people at the table next to us had also ordered it and seemed to be enjoying it. It's possible that it just wasn't to N's taste, but he loves omelettes and lobster, so he may have just gotten a not-so-great plate.

My steak and eggs were just okay. The eggs seemed a little rubbery and overcooked, and the steak wasn't very tender at all. The cook on it didn't look too bad, but when I went to take a bite, it was tough and not very flavourful.

The band in the lounge entertained guests with renditions of Disney tunes. We thought it was meant to be when they played "You'll Be In My Heart" from Tarzan, to which I walked down the aisle, and then "If I Didn't Have You" from Monster's Inc, which was our recessional song, one after the other. Someone must have told them that we were celebrating our anniversary.

For dessert, N received the standard dessert plate with some pretty little mini desserts. At this point we were getting quite full, and he had asked specifically for a "small" plate of desserts, but he sampled them and said they were good.

I obviously couldn't eat those desserts, so I was sent a plate with a little allergy-friendly chocolate cake, and some fresh berries. I'm sure there would have been something else they could have done to dress it up a little if they'd wanted to, but I still appreciated the option very much, and it was something a little more creative and different than your standard allergy sorbet.

One part of our meal that was a bit disappointing was that the observation decks were closed during our entire meal. I don't know if it was windy and that had something to do with it, or what, but I was looking forward to going out and enjoying the view. No matter, we would be able to return later that night for fireworks viewing, and I took a few quick photos inside from the windows.

All things considered, we enjoyed our brunch. My mediocre entree, coupled with a relatively short list of options for my dietary needs, left me feeling a bit "meh" about it for the price. N had a few more options, and one of his entrees was really stellar, so he came away with more decidedly positive feelings about it. We won't be going back immediately, due to the price and the number of other places we want to try, but we would consider going back again at some point for more of our favourite items, and to enjoy the amazing atmosphere and excellent service.

After our leisurely brunch, and leaving half our trip budget behind to pay for it (lol), we decided to take the monorail over to the Magic Kingdom. We were feeling cute, and I had quirky lipstick, and we also had our autograph book with us, so it seemed like a good day to wander around and take some pictures and meet some characters.

First, we hit up the purple wall. I love this silly wall, and I have no shame about it.

I was fine with the purple wall not having Photopass opportunities, but I guess it was a cute touch.

Then we decided to go meet some princesses and get some autographs in my book.

I have no idea what they were discussing here, but it made for a very interesting photo. Feel free to caption it as you please!

I also have a note that I bought a new Dooney, but for the life of me I can't figure out which Dooney I purchased on this trip at the Magic Kingdom...it's not ringing any bells.

Before leaving the Magic Kingdom, we dropped in on Tinker Bell for a quick visit. As we were entering Tink's meeting area, the CM who was controlling the line, an enthusiastic lady in her 60s, did a some kind of magical flourish. I think N made a remark shortly after, something about about how neat it was that the queue line made it look like you were fairy-sized, and the CM turned to us and exclaimed, "I shrunk you!!" As if to say, "DUH! Of course it looks big, 'cuz you're SMALL now, doofus!"

Tink was especially peppy this afternoon...I think she'd accidentally consumed a human-sized cup of coffee that day or something. She was friendly, by very brisk. Sometimes when this happens, I wonder if it's because we're childless adults, and the characters assume that we won't have anything interesting to talk about, so they just fill all the space and stay in character. I also have a note that this day Tink "sounded like Rosetta, but more nasal." And it was true! Her voice was coming straight out her nose, but with the most interesting and very strong southern twang! I think maybe she'd been hanging out with the garden fairies a little too much as of late! We took some cute pictures and, in true #loveandshove fashion, were on our way.

​

 

[Jenny Sanders]

I opted for the sparkling white cranberry juice "spritzer."

I actually tasted this (we got it for Gia) and it was very good!!!!

I also have a note that I bought a new Dooney, but for the life of me I can't figure out which Dooney I purchased on this trip at the Magic Kingdom...it's not ringing any bells.

This made me LOL!

Love the Tink selfie!

 

[pkondz]

Don't ever ask if a child wants to do something if you're not prepared for them to say no. Then you're screwed.

I can see that.

Action figures can't fly unless they have imaginary invisible rocket jet packs on their feet. (Duh! How silly of me.)

Well, of course. You didn't know this????

Don't ever pretend you understand something a preschooler says if you don't. They will know the difference, and they will call you on it, and you'll look dumb and/or lose their trust.

Very sage advice.

Stickers are way more motivating than they should be. Total game changer.

Poop is hilarious.

Look! You're right!

It was quite the time! I had a very stressful internship, but the kids made it worth it, and I expect I will remember some of them for a very long time.

We're also moving out of our apartment.

Oh! Where to?

Hey! I actually remember where this quote came from! Cool!

A first! Yay!

the first item on the agenda was brunch at the California Grill. #nom

Yum!!!!

I told N, however, that he had to take advantage of the bottomless mimosas!

But of course. It's what's done.

When it's included, you order ALL the drinks!

Yes, I should think so!

Our server definitely had a name, but I don't remember it.

Babs.

he took me through the buffet. It almost seemed like it was a bother to him.

Not cool, Mr. Chef.

he offered to ask the sushi folks to make me a gluten free version of the shrimp roll so I would have a second sushi roll option (beyond the California roll.)

Well, that's nice of him at least.

(If you haven't done this brunch before, this is a good tip! They don't always tell you this, but if you want two entrees, order two! They're included! You get to try two things, and you stretch the value for what you pay.)

Whoa! Good to know!

N ended up ordering the chicken and waffles (which I'd recommended based on reviews I read) and the lobster omelette.

Mmmm… those both sound really good.

I wished later on that I'd sneakily tossed a couple in my purse for later!

You should have! They probably would've encouraged it.

As I was noshing, my gluten free shrimp roll arrived! I ended up eating a few pieces, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the California roll and found it a little bland without the sauce, so I kind of felt bad that they had to make me my own entire roll and that I wasted some.

Oh well... guess it's the thought?

In a demonstration of how excellent a server she really was, she told me that she had listened in to what the allergy chef had told me about dietary restrictions and what I could eat on the buffet, and she remembered me having an intolerance to spinach, so she went back and double-checked with the cooks and found out that the allergy chef had given me misinformation, and that one of the salads he told me I could eat actually contained spinach.

Wow! Nice catch, server!

N also ordered the lobster omelette which he said was absolutely terrible.

Oh... Too bad. Sure sounded good.

The eggs seemed a little rubbery and overcooked,

They look it too.

and the steak wasn't very tender at all. The cook on it didn't look too bad, but when I went to take a bite, it was tough and not very flavourful.

Geez. You didn't have any luck at all, did you.

We thought it was meant to be when they played "You'll Be In My Heart" from Tarzan, to which I walked down the aisle, and then "If I Didn't Have You" from Monster's Inc, which was our recessional song, one after the other. Someone must have told them that we were celebrating our anniversary.

One part of our meal that was a bit disappointing was that the observation decks were closed during our entire meal. I don't know if it was windy and that had something to do with it, or what, but I was looking forward to going out and enjoying the view.

Too bad. I didn't even know they were open at that time.

Love that shot!

"You treat this girl, right, you hear me? Or you'll be seeing my frying pan up close and personal!"

I think N made a remark shortly after, something about about how neat it was that the queue line made it look like you were fairy-sized, and the CM turned to us and exclaimed, "I shrunk you!!" As if to say, "DUH! Of course it looks big, 'cuz you're SMALL now, doofus!"

Of course! How else!

Her voice was coming straight out her nose, but with the most interesting and very strong southern twang!

Leave it to you to notice this!

 

[docsoliday1]

Some cool things I learned from working with preschoolers the last 3 months:​

1. Don't ever ask if a child wants to do something if you're not prepared for them to say no. Then you're screwed.​
2. Action figures can't fly unless they have imaginary invisible rocket jet packs on their feet. (Duh! How silly of me.)​
3. Don't ever pretend you understand something a preschooler says if you don't. They will know the difference, and they will call you on it, and you'll look dumb and/or lose their trust. ​
4. Anything can be fun if you turn it into a game. ​
5. Stickers are way more motivating than they should be. Total game changer.​
6. Nobody likes to feel like they're doing something wrong, whether you're 4 or 44. Find ways to reinforce the behaviours you want, not punish the behaviours you don't want. ​
7. Poop is hilarious. ​

I have 7 kids, so I could have told you all of those and saved you several months.
Stickers lose their appeal once they hit 1st or 2nd grade.

It was quite the time! I had a very stressful internship, but the kids made it worth it, and I expect I will remember some of them for a very long time. Now I'm getting ready for a couple of trips with N, including our anniversary WDW trip in August! We're also moving out of our apartment. So there's lots to keep me busy since internship is over! But it also means more time for DISing...so on that note...

It's cool you had a good time and hopefully some good memories. More time for WDW planning and the DIS is good!

When it's included, you order ALL the drinks!

Our server definitely had a name, but I don't remember it. I wish I did though, because she was excellent! She took our drink orders, gave us some time with the menu, and went to alert the chef about my allergies.

Too bad you don't remember. When we were there, we had a guy and he was okay, but not great. Was wishing I had someone I could ask for next time.

It almost seemed like it was a bother to him.

Now that really sucks!

so I went with the steak and eggs

And the problem with that is?

I'm pretty sure that was actually my only option.

Oh

I had told N that he could order two entrees though, and that he really should to get the full value of this expensive brunch

Definitely. It's not cheap, so get your money's worth as much as possible.

I ended up eating a few pieces, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the California roll and found it a little bland without the sauce

Too bad. I don't remember the california roll, but shrimp and rice should be good. They didn't have any sauces you could have?

and found out that the allergy chef had given me misinformation

Coupled with his demeanor from earlier, that's really bad. What if someone gets really sick from his attitude or [lack of] attention to detail?

A-friggin-+!

I'm thinking A+++

My steak and eggs were just okay. The eggs seemed a little rubbery and overcooked, and the steak wasn't very tender at all. The cook on it didn't look too bad, but when I went to take a bite, it was tough and not very flavourful.

That's a shame. When I was there, the steak was amazing. It wasn't my only option, but it was the one that sounded the best so I had a second and it was as good as the first. Really sorry your experience was poor.

The band in the lounge entertained guests with renditions of Disney tunes. We thought it was meant to be when they played "You'll Be In My Heart" from Tarzan, to which I walked down the aisle, and then "If I Didn't Have You" from Monster's Inc, which was our recessional song, one after the other. Someone must have told them that we were celebrating our anniversary.

Now that's absolutely too cool!

I obviously couldn't eat those desserts, so I was sent a plate with a little allergy-friendly chocolate cake, and some fresh berries. I'm sure there would have been something else they could have done to dress it up a little if they'd wanted to, but I still appreciated the option very much, and it was something a little more creative and different than your standard allergy sorbet.

Again, they should have been able to put some sauce or garnish or something. Presentation there is thumbs down (not sure if there's an emoji for that)

We were feeling cute, and I had quirky lipstick, and we also had our autograph book with us, so it seemed like a good day to wander around and take some pictures and meet some characters.

Sounds fun.

I don't care how much you say you love her, you're NOT using my hair to swing into the bell.

I also have a note that I bought a new Dooney, but for the life of me I can't figure out which Dooney I purchased on this trip at the Magic Kingdom...it's not ringing any bells.

Because she wouldn't let N do it.

 

[MeghanEmily]

"Oh god no! That's a heart attack!"
Aug. 19—Part 2

I left off in the last update with a meeting with Tink. Afterwards, we headed back to the resort for a little rest, and to pack our things. The following day we'd be transferring to the second resort of our stay: the super swanky Grand Floridian.

Before leaving the resort again for the evening, I printed off a birthday coupon for the restaurant where we'd be eating that night, Shula's, at the Dolphin resort. We typically kept our Disney dining to the official Disney resort hotels, so I'd never eaten at the Dolphin before, but I'd heard such amazing things about Shula's, and we would have my birthday coupon to buy one entree and get one free, so it seemed like a must-do.

As we were driving to the restaurant, I was playing with the satellite radio channels on the rental car, a luxury for me. This was when I first discovered Pop2K, and took a blast into the past back into my childhood/teenage-hood.

We arrived at the Dolphin and, after asking a couple of people for directions, found the restaurant.

I'll start by saying that Shula's ended up being really incredible, and we would absolutely go back. We ended up having not one server, but two. Our main server was an interesting fellow, somehow enthusiastic about the food and service, while also very subdued and solemn in his personality. The way N described it was that he felt that if he had asked this server for a gun, that he would have brought it to the table with no questions asked. He felt like a character in a 007 movie or something. He also wheeled a cart over to our table, as I think is customary at Shula's, to show us what all the cuts of steak are like, and describe the different dishes. I think I ended up ordering the 10oz filet, and N ordered the Cowboy Ribeye. Our server also told us that they have a 48oz Porterhouse which, apparently, is excellent, but there was no way we'd be able to eat it, and I wanted to be able to use my BOGO coupon anyway. We also ordered a loaded baked potato as a side to share, because Shula's is one of those restaurants where the sides are purchased separately, and neither of us were feeling so hungry as to each want our own sides.

Our servers brought out bread and butter, and a gluten free hamburger bun or me! I laugh, but these buns are actually better than most gluten free bread/rolls, so it was a nice option.

While we were waiting for our food to arrive, we overheard our server at the table behind us as he showed them the cart with the steaks and offered them his recommendation of the 48oz Porterhouse. The lady at the table responded vehemently: "Oh GOD NO! That's a HEART ATTACK!" We chucked.

Our steaks arrived, and they were some of the best steaks we've ever ordered. The loaded baked potato was...well...a baked potato...with stuff to load it. Pretty standard. But it was cooked correctly and hit the spot.

At some point during the meal, N decided to take our server up on his offer for a drink. I don't remember what this was, but N liked it, and he got a kick out of swirling the little glass stick thing around in it.

N had never tried a soufflé before, and our server was doing a wonderful job of up-selling us on one, so I encouraged him to try it. There was a sauce, ice cream, and whipped cream, and I seem to remember that N thought it was pretty delightful.

Our server also had the kitchen prep some fresh berries for me, since I couldn't eat the dessert options. I was absolutely stuffed—to the point where N tried to tell me a joke as we were leaving and I said, "I can't laugh, I might vomit."—so I didn't touch much of this, but they packed it up for me to take on the road.

All in all, it was a wonderful meal, and I'm sure we'll be back someday. I found it a bit stressful because I tend to have a small appetite and don't eat much in one sitting, so making a good dent in a 10oz steak is a challenge for me, even when it's that delicious. But aside from that, I don't have any complaints! Our service was fantastic, and everything was prepared perfectly. An A+ dining day, overall, I think!

As we left the Dolphin, it was beginning to rain pretty hard, and there was some lightning in the air. N valiantly offered to go get the car, and I waited for him under cover. We had been hoping to go back to the Cali Grill observation deck for the fireworks, but now I wasn't so sure! We decided to drive over and chance it, and if we had to go home we would.

We went up to the CG lounge and sat at the bar. I got something like a club soda, and N got this cute little fruity drink to sip away on.

The bartender told us that the fireworks would likely happen at some point, but that they would be delayed. He told us that they pre-set the fireworks, so if there's bad weather then they still need to set them off at some point, so they really try to make it happen. Eventually, around 9:30, Happily Ever After began. I had recently upgraded my SLR camera, and I brought a tripod with me, so I decided to try my hand at photographing fireworks from the observation deck. I ended up taking better fireworks photos later in the trip, but I think these are still kind of neat.

N

With that, another night was in the books.​

 

[MeghanEmily]

I can see that.

This is closely related to: if you want a preschooler to keep doing an activity they seem to be tiring of, don't under any circumstances ask them whether they're "all done" or not. That one should have been pretty obvious to me...

Very sage advice.

This also works for adults. Especially adults who might have had a stroke or other condition that affects their speech or language. Don't pretend you understand if you don't. They don't believe you.

Oh! Where to?

My mom's basement. Our lease is up, but I only have another few months left to go in my coursework, and then I don't know where I'll have to go for my next internship, so we figured it didn't make sense to get a new apartment. We'd been hoping to just extend our lease, but we had been on a yearly lease, and our landlord ended up not being able to offer us that option.

Too bad. I didn't even know they were open at that time.

I'm not sure whether they always are, but I've definitely heard of folks going for brunch and heading out to check out the view afterwards.

"You treat this girl, right, you hear me? Or you'll be seeing my frying pan up close and personal!"

Leave it to you to notice this!

I have a very unique skill set.

I have 7 kids, so I could have told you all of those and saved you several months.
Stickers lose their appeal once they hit 1st or 2nd grade.

Good to know!! I should have picked your brain before I started my internship!

Too bad you don't remember. When we were there, we had a guy and he was okay, but not great. Was wishing I had someone I could ask for next time.

I wish I remembered her name. She really was excellent. Sorry you didn't have the same experience.

And the problem with that is?

Yep, you guessed it. It wasn't a bad option, it just would have been nice to have a choice. Sometimes I'm not in the mood for savoury for breakfast. And then it ended up not being all that great anyway.

Too bad. I don't remember the california roll, but shrimp and rice should be good. They didn't have any sauces you could have?

I believe I had gluten free soy sauce, or more likely technically tamari, so that helps. But there was a particular type of sauce on it that I think would have worked very well if I'd been able to eat it. Some kind of a mango sauce or something, I think.

Coupled with his demeanor from earlier, that's really bad. What if someone gets really sick from his attitude or [lack of] attention to detail?

I had the same thought. Fortunately, she caught it, and I was too cautious to even try the salad anyway because spinach sneaks into salads pretty easily. But if I'd eaten it, it's not like it's just a preference. I would have been out of commission for hours that day. And imagine someone who had a more serious allergy...oh dear. Everyone makes mistakes, but allergies are tricky business, not to be messed around with...

That's a shame. When I was there, the steak was amazing. It wasn't my only option, but it was the one that sounded the best so I had a second and it was as good as the first. Really sorry your experience was poor.

I'm glad to know, at least, that it was just my experience, and that it's not always like that! Gives me hope for if we ever go back.

I don't care how much you say you love her, you're NOT using my hair to swing into the bell.

 

[kastoney]

Some cool things I learned from working with preschoolers the last 3 months:​

1. Don't ever ask if a child wants to do something if you're not prepared for them to say no. Then you're screwed.​
2. Action figures can't fly unless they have imaginary invisible rocket jet packs on their feet. (Duh! How silly of me.)​
3. Don't ever pretend you understand something a preschooler says if you don't. They will know the difference, and they will call you on it, and you'll look dumb and/or lose their trust. ​
4. Anything can be fun if you turn it into a game. ​
5. Stickers are way more motivating than they should be. Total game changer.​
6. Nobody likes to feel like they're doing something wrong, whether you're 4 or 44. Find ways to reinforce the behaviours you want, not punish the behaviours you don't want. ​
7. Poop is hilarious. ​

As the mother of an 8 year old I am thrilled to tell you these are not just preschool rules but children rules at large. Especially poop whenever it can be turned into a game in which a ticker is won and you use it to fuel your action figure to the moon

When it's included, you order ALL the drinks!

Amen sista!!!! Next time you go just let me hang out under the table and I can drink your drinks while you eat all the goodness.

I talked with the allergy chef about my allergies, and he took me through the buffet. It almost seemed like it was a bother to him. Maybe he had a lot on the go that morning, I'm not sure.

That is a bummer! I would have thought you would have gotten great service from a CG chef~

I wished later on that I'd sneakily tossed a couple in my purse for later!

Allergy free or not, i could totally devour everything on that plate.

In a demonstration of how excellent a server she really was, she told me that she had listened in to what the allergy chef had told me about dietary restrictions and what I could eat on the buffet, and she remembered me having an intolerance to spinach, so she went back and double-checked with the cooks and found out that the allergy chef had given me misinformation, and that one of the salads he told me I could eat actually contained spinach.

Wow!!!! Impressive. That is certainly going above and beyond

N also ordered the lobster omelette which he said was absolutely terrible. I was a bit surprised about this, because I remembered reading about it being good, and the people at the table next to us had also ordered it and seemed to be enjoying it.

I had the lobster benedict and while it wasn't bad, I just felt like it was over the top for ostentatiousness sake and not actually all that good compared to the other items. So maybe N had a similar experience

I'm sure there would have been something else they could have done to dress it up a little if they'd wanted to, but I still appreciated the option very much, and it was something a little more creative and different than your standard allergy sorbet.

Definitely not creative, but certainly points for something slightly different

One part of our meal that was a bit disappointing was that the observation decks were closed during our entire meal. I don't know if it was windy and that had something to do with it, or what, but I was looking forward to going out and enjoying the view.

They have never been open when we've done bunch either. Maybe they are only open at dinner

Great photo. Your hair, ears, and lip stick are totally on point

This may be my favourite picture of you ever. Though I hate to break it to you. Pretzels. Have. GLUTTEN. A good chef would have told you that '

I have no idea what they were discussing here, but it made for a very interesting photo. Feel free to caption it as you please!

What gives Meghan??/ Heard you went all all allergy free at CG and then ate an entire pretzel at the purple wall

I printed off a birthday coupon for the restaurant where we'd be eating that night, Shula's, at the Dolphin resort. We typically kept our Disney dining to the official Disney resort hotels, so I'd never eaten at the Dolphin before, but I'd heard such amazing things about Shula's, and we would have my birthday coupon to buy one entree and get one free, so it seemed like a must-do.

We had this same coupon last year, but Shula's was closed for 2 weeks when we were there. Hoping I can get another one this year so we can finally try it

The lady at the table responded vehemently: "Oh GOD NO! That's a HEART ATTACK!" We chucked.

48 ouches of meat a heart attack? I don't think so. Maybe just a slight gall bladder issue

All in all, it was a wonderful meal, and I'm sure we'll be back someday.

Glad it was good. Hopefully we can try next month

Great pictures. I can't wait to see the "better" ones

 

[vamassey1]

Poop is hilarious.

ALWAYS!

but he did enjoy the blueberry mimosa I forced him to accept.

This sounds really good.

I talked with the allergy chef about my allergies, and he took me through the buffet. It almost seemed like it was a bother to him. Maybe he had a lot on the go that morning, I'm not sure.

Your experience with the Chefs @ Disney seems to be real hit or miss.

As I was noshing, my gluten free shrimp roll arrived! I ended up eating a few pieces, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the California roll and found it a little bland without the sauce

This does look really plain and I don't even eat sushi.

His omelet looks pretty good, sorry it wasn't.

My steak and eggs were just okay. The eggs seemed a little rubbery and overcooked, and the steak wasn't very tender at all. The cook on it didn't look too bad, but when I went to take a bite, it was tough and not very flavourful.

This does look kind of plain too.

The band in the lounge entertained guests with renditions of Disney tunes. We thought it was meant to be when they played "You'll Be In My Heart" from Tarzan, to which I walked down the aisle, and then "If I Didn't Have You" from Monster's Inc, which was our recessional song, one after the other. Someone must have told them that we were celebrating our anniversary.

Perfect!

YUM!

Very colorful! I thinks it needs some whipped topping, but I guess not something you can have?

First, we hit up the purple wall. I love this silly wall, and I have no shame about it.

Excellent Purple Wall pictures.

As we were entering Tink's meeting area, the CM who was controlling the line, an enthusiastic lady in her 60s, did a some kind of magical flourish. I think N made a remark shortly after, something about about how neat it was that the queue line made it look like you were fairy-sized, and the CM turned to us and exclaimed, "I shrunk you!!" As if to say, "DUH! Of course it looks big, 'cuz you're SMALL now, doofus!"

I remember when they first put the Tink meet & greet in the old Toontown. The premise was that by Pixie Magic you were shrunk down to Tink's size so you could meet her.

 

[vamassey1]

Before leaving the resort again for the evening, I printed off a birthday coupon for the restaurant where we'd be eating that night, Shula's, at the Dolphin resort.

I'm a sucker for coupons!

I'll start by saying that Shula's ended up being really incredible, and we would absolutely go back.

This is great to hear. I'll keep this in mind for the future. Sounds like it will be great for an adult only trip.

Our steaks arrived, and they were some of the best steaks we've ever ordered.

I love a good steak.

N had never tried a soufflé before, and our server was doing a wonderful job of up-selling us on one, so I encouraged him to try it. There was a sauce, ice cream, and whipped cream, and I seem to remember that N thought it was pretty delightful.

This looks really good.

So pretty! I love berries.

I ended up taking better fireworks photos later in the trip, but I think these are still kind of neat.

I think you got some really good shots.

 

[Steppesister]

brunch at the California Grill. #nom

Nom nom!!

but that if there was anything she wanted me to ask about further just to let me know. A-friggin-+

WHOA!! That's some service!

e cook on it didn't look too bad, but when I went to take a bite, it was tough and not very flavourful.

OH too bad. Sorry that the one option you had wasn't so good.

The band in the lounge entertained guests with renditions of Disney tunes.

I love those guys!!

So adorable!

I think N made a remark shortly after, something about about how neat it was that the queue line made it look like you were fairy-sized, and the CM turned to us and exclaimed, "I shrunk you!!" As if to say, "DUH! Of course it looks big, 'cuz you're SMALL now, doofus!"

The following day we'd be transferring to the second resort of our stay: the super swanky Grand Floridian.

Nice!! Finally got a taste of that myself.

Holy decadent Batman!

But aside from that, I don't have any complaints! Our service was fantastic, and everything was prepared perfectly. An A+ dining day, overall, I think!

Just fantastic service throughout the whole day!

My fave of the bunch.

 

[docsoliday1]

The following day we'd be transferring to the second resort of our stay: the super swanky Grand Floridian.

Ooh la la.

Before leaving the resort again for the evening, I printed off a birthday coupon for the restaurant where we'd be eating that night, Shula's, at the Dolphin resort.

Double ooh la la. I've heard a lot of good comments about it too. My birthday is the end of this month...might have to look into this.

Our main server was an interesting fellow, somehow enthusiastic about the food and service, while also very subdued and solemn in his personality.

Interesting? Sounds kinda strange to me, but you can call it interesting if you'd like.

The way N described it was that he felt that if he had asked this server for a gun, that he would have brought it to the table with no questions asked.

But that's not food...would he be solemn or would he be enthusiastic since it would be service?

Our servers brought out bread and butter, and a gluten free hamburger bun or me! I laugh, but these buns are actually better than most gluten free bread/rolls, so it was a nice option.

Hey, hamburger bun is better than no bread. Glad they at least had something for you. You forgot to smuggle to your purse again, didn't you?

I don't remember what this was, but N liked it, and he got a kick out of swirling the little glass stick thing around in it.

Well of course!!! That's the only good thing about the stick!

N had never tried a soufflé before, and our server was doing a wonderful job of up-selling us on one, so I encouraged him to try it. There was a sauce, ice cream, and whipped cream, and I seem to remember that N thought it was pretty delightful.

I'm not a souffle person myself, but that doesn't look too bad.

Our server also had the kitchen prep some fresh berries for me, since I couldn't eat the dessert options. I was absolutely stuffed—to the point where N tried to tell me a joke as we were leaving and I said, "I can't laugh, I might vomit."—so I didn't touch much of this, but they packed it up for me to take on the road.

That's great and love the writing/message for you.

I had recently upgraded my SLR camera, and I brought a tripod with me, so I decided to try my hand at photographing fireworks from the observation deck. I ended up taking better fireworks photos later in the trip, but I think these are still kind of neat.

Just curious...what was the upgrade from/to?
Good pictures. I haven't quite figured out my camera completely. I haven't tried with a tripod either. I usually try to take a video and then do some captures from that, but they're not as high res as the pictures.

 

[missangelalexis]

Ah it sounds like the food was a little bit of a miss at CG! But otherwise glad you enjoyed yourselves and that your server was so great!

oOoO I love your lipstick! And those ears are so cute!

Cute princess & Tink pics!

What a great dinner at Shulas! And awesome pics of HEA from the observation deck!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

1. Don't ever ask if a child wants to do something if you're not prepared for them to say no. Then you're screwed.​
2. Action figures can't fly unless they have imaginary invisible rocket jet packs on their feet. (Duh! How silly of me.)​
3. Don't ever pretend you understand something a preschooler says if you don't. They will know the difference, and they will call you on it, and you'll look dumb and/or lose their trust. ​
4. Anything can be fun if you turn it into a game. ​
5. Stickers are way more motivating than they should be. Total game changer.​
6. Nobody likes to feel like they're doing something wrong, whether you're 4 or 44. Find ways to reinforce the behaviours you want, not punish the behaviours you don't want. ​
7. Poop is hilarious. ​

Sounds like you learned alot! Of course, pretty much any parent could have told you those... Especially #7! I don't understand why but it is...

She said she was confident that everything else he told me was correct, but that if there was anything she wanted me to ask about further just to let me know. A-friggin-+!

Awsome!

I also have a note that I bought a new Dooney, but for the life of me I can't figure out which Dooney I purchased on this trip at the Magic Kingdom...it's not ringing any bells.

Hmmm seems like you would remember buying a Dooney?!?

It is funny, but I guess if it's good why now, Right?