Mickey Waffles Zero; Cucumbers are my Heroes! A September AND December 2020 Dining Report *Festival of the Holidays 1/31*

[Stacybaeasm]

OMG! I am there for Thanksgiving as well - Sunday, Nov. 22-Saturday, Nov. 28. Maybe I'll finally see you there!

 

[Jenny Sanders]

spiced jumbo apple cupcake with pecan crunch and buttercream

This is my favorite Halloween dessert. It's so good!

It was such a great experience made better by our good friends being there ❤ Sadly they were leaving the next day so we had to say good-bye; until February when we'll see them in Disney again for MY birthday! Can't wait, it's been too long already!

It has been waaaaay too long already. February seems sooooo far away!

Stupid COVID and early closing times!

STUPID STUPID COVID!!!!

Not the best late night selfie:

You 2 look beautiful!

 

[Wood Nymph]

He always gets such beautiful sunrise shots when we stay here!

That was a nice sunrise. The Wilderness Lodge is a great place for sunrise photos. The last couple of times we stayed there we had rooms at the end of the wing and overlooking the boat dock. I loved sitting on the balcony in the morning and watching the sunrise, boats and people.

It also came with biscuits and gravy which I did not try because I don't like biscuits and gravy! Question: is that worse than not like Star Wars?

I hate biscuits and gravy, too. Star Wars is different.

The sad part is that these waffles were just as bad as the ones at Roaring Fork a few days earlier and on our July trip at Beach Club.

We had breakfast at the Beach Club Marketplace when we were there a couple of weeks ago and thought the Mickey waffles were okay.

at another new to us place - The Wave.

We've had dinner at the Wave a few times and the meal has always been good. We had a wonderful waitress the last time we ate who made the meal fun with her great personality. I don't like the décor and the feeling that I'm in a basement.

 

[vamassey1]

It also came with biscuits and gravy which I did not try because I don't like biscuits and gravy! Question: is that worse than not like Star Wars?

I was born and raised in the South and I don't like biscuits and gravy, I do like Star Wars.

They were really not bad. But they WERE spicy, a bit too much so for me and I like spicy.

I really wanted to try this last month. I love spicy.

Lump Crab Cakes
Old Bay Rémoulade, Corn Slaw

Crab Cakes are my favorite!

This looks really good too.

I was pleasantly surprised at how good this was! I'd heard good things; but breakfast our last time didn't wow me so I was feeling a little nervous about dinner. It was such a great experience made better by our good friends being there ❤

Sounds like another fabulous night. I've never eaten at the Wave but now I really want to try it.

Not the best late night selfie:

You both look so happy!

 

[CruellaNY]

lso loved that drink so much myself that I got two of them...and then Frank had to drive back to our resort!

LOL! Great minds think alike!

I'm so excited for your Thanksgiving trip and a bit jealous. I really think at this point, with no APs, we have to wait until March of 2022 to return as planned for my 50th. So I shall live vicariously through you until that time!

I'm excited too! It does stink not having an AP for sure; mine expired and I want to get one again so bad. I wish they'd start selling them again! My "work" tickets help in the meantime lol

Don’t know what’s up with the Mickey waffles...we had them from Roaring Fork and from Capt Cooks in Sept. and they all tasted the same (Horrible) and went the same place (Trash)!

Ugh seriously! I hope whatever it is, new mix because the regular one isn't available, it goes back to the ones we love soon.

Wow! That sounds like a pretty darned good Thanksgiving to me!

Looking forward to it!

So... are those automatically given when you order? Or do you ask for certain fixin's? Or?

Yes they are, they're given to you with your food since the fixin's bar isn't open right now; usually all these goodies are out there for you to pick and choose.
Truth be told I prefer they continue doing it this way regardless because the fixin's bar kinda skeeved me out!

Really! I just read (here on the DIS: <snippet All Disney cupcakes are disappointing) an article about the cupcakes so was both a bit surprised and pleased to see that you liked it.

Interesting! I actually don't usually think highly of Disney cupcakes so this is a change for me. Usually they're pretty with little taste. It's always nice to be surprised!

You guys look super happy and that's about the best selfie you can take.

so true.

OMG! I am there for Thanksgiving as well - Sunday, Nov. 22-Saturday, Nov. 28. Maybe I'll finally see you there!

Awesome! We're only there the 25-29th working around the kids school/college schedules; where are you staying?

 

[CruellaNY]

t has been waaaaay too long already. February seems sooooo far away!

It feels like forever! I wish Illinois was where Jersey is

You 2 look beautiful!

Just missing you

I loved sitting on the balcony in the morning and watching the sunrise, boats and people.

Sounds so peaceful! Cannot wait to be back there again, our next 2 trips aren't there. I do hope the Lodge part opens sooner rather than later.

We had breakfast at the Beach Club Marketplace when we were there a couple of weeks ago and thought the Mickey waffles were okay.

Well that's good to hear since most reports are that they're bad! Who knows maybe they're slowly going back to the old recipe

I don't like the décor and the feeling that I'm in a basement.

I agree there; while the food was great there's nothing really to look at lol.

was born and raised in the South and I don't like biscuits and gravy, I do like Star Wars.

OK well we agree on half of that! My mom was NOT raised in the south but moved there for a good # of years when I was in college and loves not only biscuits and gravy but grits too - not a fan of grits!

Sounds like another fabulous night. I've never eaten at the Wave but now I really want to try it.

You should, I know it's not the most exciting place but it's good, especially now with a number of places closed.

You both look so happy!

We are always happy when we're together!! Thank you!

 

[pkondz]

Yes they are, they're given to you with your food since the fixin's bar isn't open right now; usually all these goodies are out there for you to pick and choose.
Truth be told I prefer they continue doing it this way regardless because the fixin's bar kinda skeeved me out!

I did know (and have used) the fixin's bar. I can see how it might "skeeve you out". Glad it worked out, either way!

Interesting! I actually don't usually think highly of Disney cupcakes so this is a change for me. Usually they're pretty with little taste. It's always nice to be surprised!

I find most cupcakes are just... meh. Pretty, but... meh.

 

[Jenny Sanders]

It feels like forever! I wish Illinois was where Jersey is

Then I could be aJersey Shore girl, lol!!!

Just missing you

Missing you too. Thank God we talk and text.

 

[pkondz]

Then I could be aJersey Shore girl, lol!!!

 

[CruellaNY]

I did know (and have used) the fixin's bar. I can see how it might "skeeve you out". Glad it worked out, either way!

I've used it as well and I've just found that it's usually a bit of a mess. And there's usually TONS of people around it. But yup I've used it and if at some point it does return I'll probably use it again!

hen I could be aJersey Shore girl, lol!!!

You (and I ) would DEFINITELY get kicked out of Cali Grill in that case!

Missing you too. Thank God we talk and text.

 

[pkondz]

Then I could be aJersey Shore girl, lol!!!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

I am staying at AOA. Can't wait!!!

 

[Jenny Sanders]

OMG!!!! I am LOVING this!!!!!!!

 

[pkondz]

OMG!!!! I am LOVING this!!!!!!!

 

[suse66]

I know I shared that in my TR but I love that shot This was our first day in MK and we got to see lots of Halloween cavalcades and characters! We ran into high posted wait times with low actual waits and eventually needed some lunch. We had a TS for dinner and had good luck with mobile order at Pecos Bill in July so tried it again.

I love pulling into the MK by boat, such a perfect way to start the day!

Southwest Salad with Chicken
Mixed Greens topped with Seasoned Chicken, Roasted Corn and Bean Salsa, Tomatoes and Tortilla Crisps

I love that salad! It's always my go to at Pecos.

Bacardi Raspberry Rum, Mount Gay Eclipse Rum, Lime Juice, Mint, and Raspberry Purée topped with Soda Water

Mmmmmmmm! I made quite a few raspberry mojitos at home this summer and it is a great drink!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Sounds so peaceful! Cannot wait to be back there again, our next 2 trips aren't there. I do hope the Lodge part opens sooner rather than later.

We usually stay at the WL during the winter months but until the Covid restrictions go away and the lodge is back to normal, we have been sticking with the Yacht Club. We got spoiled by the Old Faithful Lounge and that needs to be back, too.

 

[vamassey1]

not a fan of grits!

Me either! My girls like them.

 

[CruellaNY]

I am staying at AOA. Can't wait!!!

Great! We stayed in a LM room a few years back they're so cute! I've toured the refurbished Nemo suites and they're adorable. We were supposed to stay in a Lion King suite but then BLT came up with my discount and

I love pulling into the MK by boat, such a perfect way to start the day!

Never a bad feeling that's for sure

I made quite a few raspberry mojitos at home this summer and it is a great drink!

Ha! This past weekend we made the Cucumber Lime Vojito I had at Geyser Point. It came out really good and I decided next I'm trying Raspberry Mojitos!

We usually stay at the WL during the winter months but until the Covid restrictions go away and the lodge is back to normal, we have been sticking with the Yacht Club. We got spoiled by the Old Faithful Lounge and that needs to be back, too.

I understand, we enjoy Old Faithful Lounge as well. We were also looking forward to trying Club at BW this past July before that all went downhill I kind of go by what I can get with my discount plus what we're going for and length which is why it varies so much but I always need a stay at WL (or as close to it as I can get) every few trips.

 

[kittylady1972]

Ha! This past weekend we made the Cucumber Lime Vojito I had at Geyser Point. It came out really good and I decided next I'm trying Raspberry Mojitos!

And if your recipe for the Raspberry Mojito turns out well I will expect you to share it with me.

 

[CruellaNY]

6 days to go and we're back!
Yes, next Wednesday we leave bright and early for our Disney Thanksgiving Started packing a bit tonight but probably won't do much more until Monday! I know I wrote about what we're eating on Thanksgiving day but thought I'd do a quick rundown of what we plan to eat for the whole trip.

Of course there is about a 95% chance a good part of this will change as per what we do!
​

Wednesday: some type of Epcot QS; probably in Mexico, possibly France. We're always starving when we arrive regardless of time, our flight lands around 10 so I figure we'll hopefully get to the park by noon. We'll be taking a Lyft from MCO as usual.
Dinner is at Tutto Italia. We haven't eaten there since 2012! I didn't want to leave the park since it's our only day there and of the restaurants that are open there aren't a lot we like. Kind of looking forward to this? We liked it 8 years ago!
Thursday: lunch at Yak & Yeti with our Landry's card and then a 7:45 Boathouse reservation. It's the only time we plan on doing DS, I want to see the trees so hopefully it's not too crowded where we get uncomfortable and arrive-eat-go.
Friday: lunch was originally at Skippers; then during that glitch I changed it to Tony's because I've been wanting to try it again and see if it's still bad lol. That disappeared and as of yet we haven't gotten a replacement so we'll either do Pecos Bill or, and this is my hope, go to the Poly so I can get these!



Mmmmm! Pulled Pork Nachos from Capt. Cooke's! Then dinner is at the Wave at 6 so if we want to return to the park afterwards it's easy.
Saturday: This will be fun! Right now I have a 7:20-that's 7:20am- Ale % Compass reservation. I made this before they changed the ROTR thing so we don't really need it now and will probably cancel so I don't have to fight to get two teenagers up.
We'll still get to HS early hopefully and then we have lunch at HBD so the 3rd time for Steve and I in 3 trips! Dinner right now is at Il Mulino. This is fine but it's replacing the ONE restaurant the kids requested and that's Narcoossees. I had it and then adjusted the time during that GLITCH so lost it SO annoying! Hoping to get it back. I originally replaced it with Shula's and that would be new to us but Ricky didn't like the menu.
Sunday: we leave, but not before a few MK hours and a lunch at the Plaza. I'll deal with the removal of my fried green tomato sandwich to make Ricky happy with his bottomless shake.

Breakfasts will mostly be something quick from Contempo Cafe or something quick in the park since I really, really want to get to the parks early every day. I'm the only one that's big on breakfast anyway but I'm sure a couple times while we're getting ready Steve will go over and grab food for us. I'm sure there will be a few holiday treats along the way too! One I definitely want to try is at HS and it's this:

Holiday Whoopie Pie – Red velvet whoopie pie filled with a classic cream cheese filling



Thanks Disney Food Blog! That sounds delicious and kind of reminds me of the Carrot Cake Cookie - but red velvet which to me is even better!

I don't think I'll do a dining report for that trip, but since the boys are on this one I'll probably do another TR. And while I think I'll finish my current TR before we leave I don't have those high hopes for this!

Meanwhile back in September we were starting our last full park day. But before we hit the park we were starting with a hearty breakfast! If you read my July TR this will be the 3rd time you're seeing these pictures because it was the 3rd time in 2 trips we ate the same things, they're just THAT good! We returned to Trattoria Al Forno for a not too early breakfast before going to AK. Steve got what he got on our first July visit there and what I got on our second:

Open-faced Italian Omelet
Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato-Basil Omelet, Sunday Gravy, Breakfast Potatoes, with Bacon or Sausage



As good as always and minus the Sunday Gravy as always. When I posted this in my TR the first time there was a little confusion about the gravy so let me clear it up: Sunday Gravy is technically marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce, called Sunday because Italians traditionally got together with family on Sundays and had lots of pasta. Gravy because while many call it "sauce", lots of Italians call it gravy.

I got what I got the first visit and Steve got our second:

Buttermilk Pancakes
Seasonal Compote with Bacon or Sausage



These are as fluffy and puffy and soft and delicious as they look and the fruit compote is never too sweet! it was strawberry in July and raspberry this time. This was another wonderful breakfast with another wonderful server, we've found they are super friendly. I can't remember our servers name but she pointed out a "runner" there who is normally a hostess at Flying Fish It's great she was brought back and she's probably happy to be working? But I think going from hostess to runner would stink kinda.

We caught a bus from BW to AK arriving about a half our or so after opening. We went straight to the safari where I realized another thing that was closed in July had opened, Dawa Bar



Since the safari line was backed up to the bar I attempted to get a drink right then, but the safari line began moving right away so we returned here later.
After the safari we went out to Rafiki's to do some drawing. They really have it set up well with chairs grouped together but physically distanced and it really was just as fun as always:



After a bit we returned for this naked baby:



Ah the Dawa Mary without the pretty candied bacon as they informed me before making it that they were out of garnish. No worries the taste was still great! We'll see if they have garnish next week.

While the drink is a bit filling we still needed more food by this time. Previously our only visit to Satuli Canteen was in 2017 during the Pandora AP previews, other than a stop I made during a work trip last year. At that time I was in a hurry so I got this off the kids menu:

"Teylu" All-Beef Hot Dog Wrapped in Dough
All-Beef Hot Dog wrapped in a Parker House Dough served with Vegetable Chips



Ok Ok it definitely looks.............."off"? "Interesting"? But it's so good! The roll is buttery and smooth and those veggie chips are also good. I swear last year they had a little kick to them but this time they didn't. I was surprised Steve didn't get a bowl but we had a TS dinner at night and he didn't want to fill up so this hit the spot for both of us.

The inside of the restaurant fits in with the outside land:



Afterwards we rode EE. Every time I walk through the queue for this I see something I never noticed before and this time it was this big ol' computer:



Which looks exactly like the one I had at my first job out of college! Earlier we'd caught some really awesome cavalcades on the water so now we'd done just about everything we wanted. It was 5:00 and the park was closing at 6 so we left to hang in the pool with our buds the @pepperandchips -es before we all went to our last supper at yet another new to Steve and I restaurant! Between our July and September trips we knocked 6 restaurants off the list of places we hadn't been yet.

If I don't get back to this before we leave, I hope you all enjoy the holiday! I know for some of you it may be different than other years, so whether you're with 2 family members OR 20, be safe and be happy you're able to spend the time with those you love!