Disney Vacation (8 Viewers)

[AAABatteries]

I’m shamelessly stealing the AAA Rating system for travel. 

Let me present to you……..drumroll…………….for the first time anywhere…………..

The New AAA Rating System for Food and Wine!

One Diamond 
These menu items are to be avoided at all costs – we didn’t like, we don’t recommend and we wouldn’t consume them again even if they were free

Two Diamond 
These menu items were wholly unsatisfactory and not something we would pay money for again.  Maybe if they were free we’d give them a 2nd chance

Three Diamond 
These menu items were just ok – nothing to write home about, not something to go out of your way to get.  You aren’t planning your F&W day for these items but you aren’t avoiding them either – especially if it’s something you typically like

Four Diamond 
These menu items are really good – definitely worth checking out and something we will get on repeat visits. 

Five Diamond 
These menus items are not to be missed – the best of the best and worth coming to F&W just to sample these

 

[AAABatteries]

While I'm trying to figure out the formatting - I forgot to meniont the concert series.  As with most Disney events, entertainment is a part of it. Visitors to Food and Wine can “Eat to the Beat!”

List of performers scheduled for the 2017 "Eat to the Beat" Concert Series:

• 08/31 - 09/01 - Delta Rae
  
• 09/02 - 09/03 - The Hooters
  
• 09/04 - 09/05 - Baha Men
  
• 09/06 - 09/07 - Fuel
  
• 09/08 - 09/10 - STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas
  
• 09/11 - 09/12 - Lauren Alaina
  
• 09/13 - 09/15 - Plain White T’s
  
• 09/16 - 09/17 - Sister Hazel
  
• 09/18 - 09/20 - Air Supply
  
• 09/21 - 09/22 - David Cook
  
• 09/23 - 09/24 - Everclear
  
• 09/25 - 09/27 - Sugar Ray
  
• 09/28 - 09/29 - 38 Special
  
• 09/30 - 10/01 - Mark Wills
  
• 10/02 - 10/03 - American Authors
  
• 10/04 - 10/05 - Christopher Cross
  
• 10/06 - 10/08 - Devon Allman
  
• 10/09 - 10/11 - Dennis DeYoung
  
• 10/12 - 10/13 - Taylor Dayne
  
• 10/14 - 10/15 - Jeffrey Osborne
  
• 10/16 - 10/17 - Postmodern Jukebox
  
• 10/18 - 10/20 - 10,000 Maniacs
  
• 10/21 - 10/22 - Toad The Wet Sprocket
  
• 10/23 - 10/24 - Kenny G
  
• 10/25 - 10/26 - Billy Ocean
  
• 10/27 - 10/29 - Tiffany
  
• 10/30 - 11/01 - Hanson
  
• 11/02 - 11/03 - Blue October
  
• 11/04 - 11/05 - Living Colour
  
• 11/06 - 11/08 - Boyz II Men
  
• 11/09 - 11/11 - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
  
• 11/12 - 11/13 - Squeeze
  

 

[glvsav37]

Lol - it's going to take me a while to finish the Marketplace write-ups - I spent about 1.5 hours during my daughters lacrosse practice doing the intro.  Hopefully folks get some value out of it.

oh.....I will

10/16 - 10/17 - Postmodern Jukebox

I'll be there for them...very much looking forward to seeing them...I wonder if Puddles the Clown Haley Reinhart will be there with them?

edit: post had me watching PMJB videos and holy hell, Haley has an amazing voice and is so damn hot!!!

 

[Capella]

5 stars AAA. 

 

[AAABatteries]

Beverage Only Marketplaces

I’ll be honest, I have an inherent bias against the marketplaces that don’t have food at them – it’s irrational but I’m not always a rational person. 

One other note – I plan to list the full menu, give my overall comments and then give my review of the items I sampled and only the items I sampled

Craft Beers

Spoiler

Overall - I’m going to lie, I’m not a craft beer guy.  IPAs give me horrible headaches and to most people I drink ####ty beer.  Oh well – sue me.  Anyway, I got the Eastern Flight as that had the most promise of me liking all 3.  I’m also not big on Stouts generally speaking.

Note – beer flights are a good way to try 3 and not pay as much.  You can always go back and get the regular version of any you really like

Location – Odyssey Center – it’s out in the middle of nowhere – best option is to head there after Test Track – if you are in to Craft Beer it’s worth the trip, otherwise if you are not a beer guy, I say skip it.  However, if you are going it does have one thing going for it that all but one other marketplace does not – A/C baby! – you can cool off with a cold beverage and A/C and check out some items for sale and some historical information – I think there was maybe a video screen running too but we were not there for long

Menu

• Bright Horizons: Sprite® with Multi-flavored Boba Pearls (non-alcoholic) $4.50
  
• M.I.A Beer Company 305 Golden Ale, Doral, FL $4.00
  
• Playalinda Brewing Company Blonde Ale, Titusville, FL $4.00
  
• Florida Beer Company Passport 35 Triple Chocolate Milk Stout, Cape Canaveral, FL $4.00
  
• JDub’s Passion Wheat, Sarasota, FL $4.00
  
• Central 28 Trekkerbier Farmhouse Ale, DeBary, FL $4.00
  
• Cigar City Guayabera Citra Pale Ale, Tampa, FL $4.00
  
• Eastern Florida Flight (M.I.A. Beer Company 305 Golden Ale, Playalinda Brewing Company Blonde Ale, Florida Beer Company Passport 35 Triple Chocolate Milk Stout) $9.00
  
• Western Florida Flight (JDub’s Passion Wheat, Central 28 Trekkerbier Farmhouse Ale, Cigar City Guayabera Citra Pale Ale) $9.00
  

Review

• M.I.A. Beer Company 305 Golden Ale
  
  Cold, crisp and it’s beer – I liked it
  
• AAA Rating – 

[*]Playalinda Brewing Company Blonde Ale

• 
  I liked the Golden Ale better but this wasn’t bad
  
• AAA Rating - 

[*]Florida Beer Company Passport 35 Triple Chocolate Milk Stout

• 
  Holy crap this was chocolatey – I’m not sure I’ve ever had a beer like this – normally this isn’t my cup of tea beer but I really liked this one a lot – I wanted to go back and get another one later but the stupid Odyssey building is out of the way so I never made it back over.  If you want to try a unique beer, definitely try this one
  
• AAA Rating - 

Joffrey's Coffee & Tea Company

Spoiler

Overall – this is just a gimmick IMO and I only got one of these to hit the 40 marketplaces.  But they are in the passport and had a sticker so I had to try something. 

Location - These Joffrey’s places are all over and they basically are Starbucks wannabes from what I can tell.  I avoid Starbucks like the plague so I’m biased and wish I didn’t even hit one up.  Note – they make it even worse by have a different specialty drink at different locations, which I didn’t pay attention to until I went to get a drink.  I can say that the one I got my drink at did have a nice concrete wall I could sit on while disgusted with myself for not paying attention.

Menu

• The American Adventure: Frozen Strawberry-Lemon Sunset – Layered frozen Strawberry and Lemon topped with Grey Goose Vodka — $9.49
  
• Canada: Kahlúa-tini Iced Coffee – Our famous roasted coffee, chilled then topped with Kahlúa, Grey Goose Vodka and rich, creamy Half & Half — $9.49
  
• Disney Traders: Passion-rita – Frozen Passion Fruit thrills with juicy sweet flavors, a hint of tartness, blended with 1800 Tequila — $9.49
  
• Future World East: Spiked Chai Latte – Iced, Frozen or Hot Chai Tea Latte with Chai Spices, creamy Vanilla and blended with Baileys Irish Cream — $9.49
  

Review

• Kahlúa-tini Iced Coffee
  
  I was at the Ireland marketplace at the time – having some dessert and thought – I’ll go get the Kahlua-tini to go with it, that actually sounds pretty good.  It wasn’t – I hated it.  Tried to give it to my buddy’s wife so took one drink and gave it back.  Damn.  I just paid almost $10 for this *******, I’m not pouring it out.  So I drink it as best I can for the next 30 minutes.  I couldn’t do it.  Finally tossed it while trying not to choke on a Cronut (not a euphemism)
  
• AAA Rating – 

In hindsight – I screwed up by not paying attention to the menu – The frozen Strawberry-Lemon Sunset or Passion-rita would both have probably been pretty good.

Brewer's Collection

Spoiler

Overall – again, I’m not a Craft beer guy – I drink crappy beer most of the time and I’m ok with that.  I’d rather have a bourbon than a Craft beer if given the choice. 

Location – over between Africa Outpost and Germany.  Grab a beer and get your picture with Snow White!  Depending on the direction you are heading may depend on how much you want to drink here – if you are heading towards Africa Outpost and away from Germany than you probably just went through murderer’s row of marketplaces and so full all you want is some shade and a nap.  If you are heading towards Germany then use this as an aperitif and get ready for the mouthgasm that is about to happen.  From what I recall not a ton of places to sit but the marketplace wasn’t too busy.

Menu

• Lebkuchenherz: Decorated Gingerbread Heart $7.00
  
• Radeberger Zwickel Pilsner (Unfiltered) $4.00
  
• Hacker-Pschorr Hefe Weisse Naturtrüb $4.00
  
• Schöfferhofer Hefeweizen Pomegranate Beer $4.00
  
• Beer flight $9.00
  

Review

• Radeberger Zwickel Pilsner (Unfiltered)
  
  I know I like Pilsner but the “Unfiltered” part threw me a little – I mean I get the concept but wasn’t sure how that would impact the taste or potency.  If tasted like many other Pilsner’s I’ve had before and I enjoyed it – especially because it was hot as balls at this point and it was crowded so not a lot of shade to be had
  
• AAA Rating – 

Block & Hans

Spoiler

Overall – Decent variety of drinks here but not many that jumped out at me

Location – This is right by the America Pavilion and the Hops & Barley marketplace.  If one of these selections intrigues you I suggest grabbing one, getting a table and then hitting up Hops & Barley as it is one of the best marketplaces in all of F&W

Menu

• Mmmhops Pale Ale, Tulsa, OK — $8.00
  
• Frozen Spiked Tea with Orlando Orange Vodka — $11.00
  
• McKenzie’s Seasonal Reserve Hard Cider, West Seneca, NY — $9.75
  
• Honor Warrior IPA, Chantilly, VA — $8.75
  
• JDub’s Bell Cow Porter, Sarasota, FL — $8.75
  
• Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, Lexington, KY — $8.75
  
• Victory Golden Monkey, Downingtown, PA — $8.75
  
• Killer Whale Cream Ale, Jacksonville, FL — $8.75
  

Review

• Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale
  
  As mentioned, I’m more of a bourbon guy so this was my selection and I really enjoyed it.  You get a decent pour for your $8.75 and I did exactly what I recommend above.  I grabbed a table in the shade, sat and did some people watching and sipped on my beer while waiting on what was about to happen at Hops & Barley (it was my 2nd visit so I knew what was what)
  
• AAA Rating – 

 

[AAABatteries]

Ok, I think I finally figured this out thanks to GregR - you guys let me know if you like the format.  Also, happy to take critique on anything or suggestions on additional details to include.

 

[glvsav37]

@AAABatteries

 if you are heading towards Africa Outpost and away from Germany than you probably just went through murderer’s row of marketplaces and so full all you want is some shade and a nap.  If you are heading towards Germany then use this as an aperitif and get ready for the mouthgasm that is about to happen.

This is some Hemmingway-esque writing here!!!

 

[glvsav37]

WTF?? A talking Mickey, Minnie and....Flippin Donald? at California Adventure. 

 

[Mr. Ected]

As I mentioned before, my family is heading down to WDW in Novemeber to see our oldest son and his HS march in a parade at Epcot. We are doing an extremely quick weekend (Leaving DC on Friday, returning Tuesday nite) traveling (900 miles) by bus (not school bus). We will have 3 days and 2 nites roughly. We have meals and tix included and are staying at All-Stars.

My initial questions are can I reuse a wristband? I have one from a previous trip, and can I tie that to my room and use it at least for any payments that I want pushed back to my room?

Do you think I can get Memory Maker? And is that something that I can give my son access too? He will likely not traveling with us 24/7, but I'd think it would be fun for him to get some of the pics from rides and such.

I know I will have more. Thanks!!

 

[AAABatteries]

My initial questions are can I reuse a wristband? I have one from a previous trip, and can I tie that to my room and use it at least for any payments that I want pushed back to my room?

Do you think I can get Memory Maker? And is that something that I can give my son access too? He will likely not traveling with us 24/7, but I'd think it would be fun for him to get some of the pics from rides and such.

I know I will have more. Thanks!!

I'm pretty sure the Magic Bands are basically free so unless you have customs bands there's no reason not to get new ones that ok aware of.

Memoey maker can be shared/linked and anyone can use it.  My kids used it during our trip we just completed.  In fact, I believe he could share it with his friends if they want to use it too.

 

[Mr. Ected]

I'm pretty sure the Magic Bands are basically free so unless you have customs bands there's no reason not to get new ones that ok aware of.

Memoey maker can be shared/linked and anyone can use it.  My kids used it during our trip we just completed.  In fact, I believe he could share it with his friends if they want to use it too.

Not sure I want to pay $169 for that many days. Maybe I can split it with a couple families.

 

[AAABatteries]

Not sure I want to pay $169 for that many days. Maybe I can split it with a couple families.

You definitely can do that - we've done it a couple of times and it works great.

 

[glvsav37]

@Mr. Ected

if you have a package, regardless of how short, you should be getting MB's. Check your My Disney Experience (MDE) App under "My Account" them "Magic Bands and Cards" and you'll be able to see if there are new MB's that need to be customized. Otherwise, you can also link your new tickets to any active MBs you have. You can find those in the same section of MDE. 

As for old bands, depending on how old, they will always work for 'tap' commands like FastPass entry and such. However they do lose their signal over time. So you may not get all of the long range RFID features like the new on ride experiences with your name or some of the on ride photos. 

If you don't see any MBs for your trip, I would call Disney. At the very least they should have grey ones available for you for when you check in.

As for MM, yes, you can split that cost over a few others. While I've never do it, from what I understand all your profiles need to be 'linked' on the app to ensure all the photos go into that one account. You can do some more research on it, but it can be done. 

enjoy...very cool experience...what kind of parade is it? I didn't know Epcot had special parades. 

 

[Mr. Ected]

@Mr. Ected

if you have a package, regardless of how short, you should be getting MB's. Check your My Disney Experience (MDE) App under "My Account" them "Magic Bands and Cards" and you'll be able to see if there are new MB's that need to be customized. Otherwise, you can also link your new tickets to any active MBs you have. You can find those in the same section of MDE. 

As for old bands, depending on how old, they will always work for 'tap' commands like FastPass entry and such. However they do lose their signal over time. So you may not get all of the long range RFID features like the new on ride experiences with your name or some of the on ride photos. 

If you don't see any MBs for your trip, I would call Disney. At the very least they should have grey ones available for you for when you check in.

As for MM, yes, you can split that cost over a few others. While I've never do it, from what I understand all your profiles need to be 'linked' on the app to ensure all the photos go into that one account. You can do some more research on it, but it can be done. 

enjoy...very cool experience...what kind of parade is it? I didn't know Epcot had special parades. 

Thanks, I will have to check about the MBs. This is organized by the bands boosters. I wonder if they will give us the MBs, aren't they also your keys for your rooms? I think they would make sense for dealing with teenagers, they'd be less likely to lose them!

Last year (of course our guy was in 8th grade! ), they went to Pearl Harbor for the 75th Anniversary, that was supposed to have been a great trip.

I'll find out the name of the parade. It should be fun, we are taking the whole crew (wife and 2 other kids) because they won't miss any school. And since we've been before, we don't need to see everything, and can just hit highlights.

Is the Avatar stuff worth spending time? I don't think it should be that crowded, but you never know! We've never seen the movies, so we're not huge fans.

 

[glvsav37]

Thanks, I will have to check about the MBs. This is organized by the bands boosters. I wonder if they will give us the MBs, aren't they also your keys for your rooms? I think they would make sense for dealing with teenagers, they'd be less likely to lose them!

Last year (of course our guy was in 8th grade! ), they went to Pearl Harbor for the 75th Anniversary, that was supposed to have been a great trip.

I'll find out the name of the parade. It should be fun, we are taking the whole crew (wife and 2 other kids) because they won't miss any school. And since we've been before, we don't need to see everything, and can just hit highlights.

Is the Avatar stuff worth spending time? I don't think it should be that crowded, but you never know! We've never seen the movies, so we're not huge fans.

yea, def check with the band group organizer. Yes, they use them for the rooms so I'm assuming they have them. But all the more reason to touch base with the organizer b/c if they have the bands, then that means they most likely made the reservations and you need to know how things get linked to your personal account for:

• making Fast passes, you are getting close to 60 days.
• memory maker.
• dining reservations, etc. 

the Avatar stuff is very cool from what I hear (have not experienced it yet myself). Many people claiming that the Flight of Passage ride is the best thing since sex. 

However, it is tough to get FPs for bc it is so new and don't assume the park will be slow. There are very few 'slow periods' there anymore. But its worth trying to get as your Plan A—assuming your other kids are old/tall enough to ride it. The other ride, the raft ride is a few notches below it. I hear its stunning to look at, but not much else. So its really up to you as to where you want to spend your days.  Do you have hopper tickets? Figure one of your days will be at Epcot for the parade. 

 

[rodg12]

Thanks, I will have to check about the MBs. This is organized by the bands boosters. I wonder if they will give us the MBs, aren't they also your keys for your rooms? I think they would make sense for dealing with teenagers, they'd be less likely to lose them!

Last year (of course our guy was in 8th grade! ), they went to Pearl Harbor for the 75th Anniversary, that was supposed to have been a great trip.

I'll find out the name of the parade. It should be fun, we are taking the whole crew (wife and 2 other kids) because they won't miss any school. And since we've been before, we don't need to see everything, and can just hit highlights.

Is the Avatar stuff worth spending time? I don't think it should be that crowded, but you never know! We've never seen the movies, so we're not huge fans.

Yes, absolutely.  Flight of Passage is the best ride at Disney World.  I would go at rope drop.  FPs can also be had during the day either as replacements or when others expire, but usually for only 2 and you have to be persistent checking A LOT.

As far as the Memory Maker, when I went in August we had a group of 8 and half of them had annual passes with free MM included.  Since we were all linked together in MDE and online, we could all take MM pictures throughout and they showed up.  However, only the 4 that had annual passes and the MM linked to their specific account could download them.  I'm guessing purchasing it works the same where only the purchaser can download them? 

 

[Mr. Ected]

Yes, absolutely.  Flight of Passage is the best ride at Disney World.  I would go at rope drop.  FPs can also be had during the day either as replacements or when others expire, but usually for only 2 and you have to be persistent checking A LOT.

As far as the Memory Maker, when I went in August we had a group of 8 and half of them had annual passes with free MM included.  Since we were all linked together in MDE and online, we could all take MM pictures throughout and they showed up.  However, only the 4 that had annual passes and the MM linked to their specific account could download them.  I'm guessing purchasing it works the same where only the purchaser can download them? 

My guess is one could d/l them and then put them somewhere else for people to d/l themselves.

 

[rodg12]

My guess is one could d/l them and then put them somewhere else for people to d/l themselves.

That's exactly what we did.

 

[glvsav37]

As far as the Memory Maker, when I went in August we had a group of 8 and half of them had annual passes with free MM included.  Since we were all linked together in MDE and online, we could all take MM pictures throughout and they showed up.  However, only the 4 that had annual passes and the MM linked to their specific account could download them.  I'm guessing purchasing it works the same where only the purchaser can download them? 

correct. if you have a good group, the one with access to MM can DL all the photos and share them with the rest of the group. 

that handcuffs a pro tip. If you have a family and looking at tickets, consider one person getting an AP. Because not only will they get the MM added in for free (saves $160 for each trip), but you also get discounts on food and merchandise. Depending on how long you are staying, the cost of the single AP, along with the MM and discount values may make buying one worth it. 

 

[rodg12]

correct. if you have a good group, the one with access to MM can DL all the photos and share them with the rest of the group. 

that handcuffs a pro tip. If you have a family and looking at tickets, consider one person gets an AP. Because not only will they get the MM added in fro free (saves $160 for each trip), but you also get discounts on food and merchandise. Depending on how long you are staying, the cost of the single AP, along with the MM and discount values may make buying oner worth it. 

Another advantage to note for people in this thread that might stay off property is that you get free parking at all the parks with an Annual Pass.  Which is a nice savings at $20 a pop.

 

[AAABatteries]

Another advantage to note for people in this thread that might stay off property is that you get free parking at all the parks with an Annual Pass.  Which is a nice savings at $20 a pop.

Also, Tables in Wonderland TIW has great discounts and can only be purchased by Florida residents, DVC members or AP holders.

 

[AAABatteries]

Flights of Passage is a DO NOT MISS.  If you are a big roller coaster person then this may not be up to that level of thrill but it's an incredible ride.  The queue immediately becomes #1 in the visualy stunning category - I mentioned a couple pages back but there's so many places for great photo ops - bring your camera while you are in line.  It's not interactive like SDMT, SM or others but it's incredible to view.  We waited I think 30 minutes and the time flew by.

NOTE: from what I was told (and then experienced) the rope drop for EMH is around 7:30 am instead of 8:00 am.  I know some people who were in the first few getting on the ride, immediately got back in line and Fastpassed it and got to ride 3 times in a day.  The wait time essentially jumped to 90-120 minutes immediately when the park opened and consistently stayed 120-180 during the day.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

AAA is crushing it this page. 

 

[glvsav37]

AAA is crushing it this page. 

He's desperately trying to burn calories any way he can right now. #40/40

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

DLR is NOT doing the "Jingle Cruise" Christmas overlay for Jungle Cruise this year.

Official word is the park is so busy they don't want to shut down another attraction to set up the overlay and change it back, which shuts down the ride for several days each way.

But the Jingle Cruise hasn't been well-reviewed, doesn't get the bump in traffic like the other overlays do.  

One rumor is the Imagineers have some new ideas for Jingle Cruise but didn't have them ready to deploy this year, so they are taking a year off before doing a revised overlay in 2018.  

I kinda dug Jingle Cruise.  Was fun having a different script for the ride.  But it was never a destination, more of a "we'll walk by Jingle Cruise, wanna hit that up on the way?" kinda thing.
 

 

[glvsav37]

I'd love to see them overly other rides, rotate them around each year. 

speaking of the JC though, there is a rumor out there that The Rock/Dwayne Johnson is helping in re-imagine the JC...that has me cautiously nervous. 

 

[AAABatteries]

He's desperately trying to burn calories any way he can right now. #40/40

Unfortunately, this is far too accurate- think I put on 8-10 pounds in one week.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

I'd love to see them overly other rides, rotate them around each year. 

speaking of the JC though, there is a rumor out there that The Rock/Dwayne Johnson is helping in re-imagine the JC...that has me cautiously nervous. 

A Jungle Cruise Movie is being made with Rock as the lead, right?

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

One of the road signs on WDW property near Coronado Springs marked an upcoming left turn to “Epoct”.  Lasted about two days.  Can still find photos of it on social media. 

 

[Osaurus]

One of the road signs on WDW property near Coronado Springs marked an upcoming left turn to “Epoct”.  Lasted about two days.  Can still find photos of it on social media. 

Maybe they meant Epoch 

 

[glvsav37]

In a minor win for the Studios, Grand Avenue opened today.

Grand Ave is a new area that brings back parts of the old Streets of America ands includes the Muppet Vision 3d courtyard, Pizza Rizzo, Mamma Melrose, etc. 

they also added a brew and wine pub called the BaseLine Tap House. 

Capturing the spirit of present-day Downtown Los Angeles, the new Grand Avenue showcases vintage office buildings and warehouses representing the different vibrant districts and cultures of the city. One prominent hot spot to spring up is the Baseline Tap House, a cheerful corner pub specializing in beer and wines from California.Like the old Streets of America, there are elaborate window displays and sound effects playing from the facades.

the BaseLine pub officially opens later today. 

Edit: photos from the Baseline Brew Pub

and as a professional designer and type geek, i'm crushing hard on the movable type styled sign.  

 

[glvsav37]

Ouch Disney Dream runs into dock

http://www.chipandco.com/?p=284047&preview=true

thats why you don't try a 3 point turn in a cruise ship.   NSFW as there is a little foul language. 

 

[RG623]

@glvsav37 Any thoughts on the Atrium club at the Contemporary? We (myself, wife and two daughters 4 & 8) have a week booked in March. Our travel agent called and said we could upgrade our current reservation for about $1k more to the Atrium club level. We already have our breakfast & dinner reservations (character dining mostly) so not sure how much we will use the club for food. Sounds like the biggest benefit is free reign to food and drinks (beer & wine included). 

 

[glvsav37]

@glvsav37 Any thoughts on the Atrium club at the Contemporary? We (myself, wife and two daughters 4 & 8) have a week booked in March. Our travel agent called and said we could upgrade our current reservation for about $1k more to the Atrium club level. We already have our breakfast & dinner reservations (character dining mostly) so not sure how much we will use the club for food. Sounds like the biggest benefit is free reign to food and drinks (beer & wine included). 

IDK, for me, a $1K is right on the cusp of yea-to-just little steep for my blood. figure that's over $150 per day just for the food. 

Now I have done the club level at the Boardwalk years ago and I'm not going to lie, it def adds a little swanky feel to the trip. Actually met Tim Allen in the main club room there that trip. So I can't completely poo-poo the idea. 

We did use it mostly for breakfast (pre-kids), it was great as a quick grab and eat before running out, but if you have a lot of breakfasts books, then that cuts into the prime times you would use it.  

here is a pretty solid write-up on the level as a whole:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/d...-and-questions.3414590/page-589#post-58158329

I love the CR, so you will never get a bad word out of me about it. Plus, I love being a Disney Baller when I'm there. So really it's up to you. If the additional cost won't put a dent in the overall budget, then go for it. At least try it and see if you think you got value for it....but be careful not to get spoiled. I don't think there is enough food there to really replace any full meals, except for breakfast where you can cobble together a few muffins, fruit and toast to make it a meal. 

If you can ensure a THeme Park view, then it bumps it up a few notches! There are few things better than watching the fireworks from your balcony. 

For me, one of the things I really enjoy are the different, park-specific perks like the Dessert Parties, special park hour events or tours. So IDK if I had that $1K to spend, I wonder if I would prefer to spend it on things like that?

either way, if the cost isn't a major hardship, I don't think you can go wrong..."Opulence, I has it" lol

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

Several MLS Orlando City players and their WAGs get red cards at Epcot

Apparently Orlando City and their +1s got a little too loud and belligerent after drinking around the world at Epcot World Showcase.  Police had to come and escort them out.  

Most famous person in the group is probably one of the WAGs, USA women's national team player Alex Morgan.  

 

[RG623]

IDK, for me, a $1K is right on the cusp of yea-to-just little steep for my blood. figure that's over $150 per day just for the food. 

Now I have done the club level at the Boardwalk years ago and I'm not going to lie, it def adds a little swanky feel to the trip. Actually met Tim Allen in the main club room there that trip. So I can't completely poo-poo the idea. 

We did use it mostly for breakfast (pre-kids), it was great as a quick grab and eat before running out, but if you have a lot of breakfasts books, then that cuts into the prime times you would use it.  

here is a pretty solid write-up on the level as a whole:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/d...-and-questions.3414590/page-589#post-58158329

I love the CR, so you will never get a bad word out of me about it. Plus, I love being a Disney Baller when I'm there. So really it's up to you. If the additional cost won't put a dent in the overall budget, then go for it. At least try it and see if you think you got value for it....but be careful not to get spoiled. I don't think there is enough food there to really replace any full meals, except for breakfast where you can cobble together a few muffins, fruit and toast to make it a meal. 

If you can ensure a THeme Park view, then it bumps it up a few notches! There are few things better than watching the fireworks from your balcony. 

For me, one of the things I really enjoy are the different, park-specific perks like the Dessert Parties, special park hour events or tours. So IDK if I had that $1K to spend, I wonder if I would prefer to spend it on things like that?

either way, if the cost isn't a major hardship, I don't think you can go wrong..."Opulence, I has it" lol

Appreciate all this info! It wouldn't be a budget killer, but don't think we would get our money's worth based on our dining plans. Currently have a theme park room booked, so it wouldn't be a room upgrade. We only have one special event planned (Tiana's dessert cruise), so maybe we can look into a few more of those.

 

[AAABatteries]

http://www.espnfc.com/orlando-city-sc/story/3220005/alex-morgan-and-orlando-city-players-removed-from-epcot-center-by-police

Freaking amateurs. 

ETA - oops, Honda

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

http://www.espnfc.com/orlando-city-sc/story/3220005/alex-morgan-and-orlando-city-players-removed-from-epcot-center-by-police

Freaking amateurs. 

ETA - oops, Honda

Not your fault.  I buried the lede by not mentioning Alex Morgan until the end.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

Email notifications for the next round of 2018 Disney Park Moms Panel went out yesterday.

I’ll just say I did not receive a rejection notice and not comment further.

 

[AAABatteries]

Not your fault.  I buried the lede by not mentioning Alex Morgan until the end.

No, completely my fault - didn't check the thread and cross-posted the link from the soccer thread.

But let me add - I wouldn't mind drinking around the world with Alex 

 

[glvsav37]

So got a taste of food and wine tonight after my conference session let out.  

From what I had so far, I'm in for a looong day tomorrow.  I may need to rent a scooter at the end of this one.  

Did some of the front of the park stations and floated toward Canada   

so far I think my 2 favorites leading into tomorrow are 

1) shrimp at Australia.  Holy mother Moses it was good.  Idk what they were cooked in bet there was some pinapple and green beans and a tangy sauce.  The only thing that would have made it perfect if if they de-tailed them.  Eating at F&W is hard enough, don't need to pick through shrimp tails. 

2) Lamb meatball at New Zealand. Wow.  What a perfectly seasoned hunk of meat all topped with just enough spiced tomato chutney to make it even better.  

The SPAm hash at Hawaii also. surprised me.  

Looking forward to tomorrow. 

 

[The Commish]

soooooo.....restaurants at Disney Springs?  We ate at Bongos last night.  Wasn't all that impressed.  We've been to that T-Rex place more than I want to admit....I find it quite terrible.  Are there any gems in there or is it all overpriced, average (at best) food?

 

[Yankee23Fan]

soooooo.....restaurants at Disney Springs?  We ate at Bongos last night.  Wasn't all that impressed.  We've been to that T-Rex place more than I want to admit....I find it quite terrible.  Are there any gems in there or is it all overpriced, average (at best) food?

Homecomings and the Boathouse.

 

[glvsav37]

Homecomings and the Boathouse.

@The Commish    seconded. 

the overpriced this just is. 

I have not eaten at a lot of them but I've been sampling. Morimoto Asia, and Paddlefish are also good options. 

T-Rex is just a headache with a hamburger. 

Are you here now? I'll be in Epcot all day and a beer is on me if you are around. 

 

[The Commish]

@The Commish    seconded. 

the overpriced this just is. 

I have not eaten at a lot of them but I've been sampling. Morimoto Asia, and Paddlefish are also good options. 

T-Rex is just a headache with a hamburger. 

Are you here now? I'll be in Epcot all day and a beer is on me if you are around. 

I live here now.  My SIL works at the Hilton on site and it was her birthday.  So we loaded up the kids and went down to take her out to dinner.  We'll have to check those out.  As I was walking around, now from the perspective of a resident not a tourist, it really had me asking if there was quality there, or did it rely solely on the novelty of vacation.  

 

[AAABatteries]

Homecoming was ridiculously good - immediately went in my top 3-5 restaurants on property.

Let me apologize to everyone - I've crapped the bed on the F&W write up but hoping to get to it this week.

 

[glvsav37]

Homecoming was ridiculously good - immediately went in my top 3-5 restaurants on property.

Let me apologize to everyone - I've crapped the bed on the F&W write up but hoping to get to it this week.

Yea yea well I'm here now and maybe I'll beat you to it.  Lol. 

 

[glvsav37]

So I just had my first Scooter incident.  

Came up to the DVC lounge in Epcot inside imagination. And there is a big circular desk when you come up the stairs.  

So so I put my bag on the counter to put my card and stuff back and I had my back to the elevator.  All of a sudden I feel my foot getting jammed into the desk from behind. Dude in a scooter backed out of the elevator and rear ended me.  Ok, #### happens but then the SOb give me a dirty look as I'm yelling "whoa whoa stop" and then just puts in in drive and pulls away. 

Even the Cast Member at the desk was like "well he was real apologetic". 

I get it scooters are thought to drive, but if you hit someone at least apologize.  And it's not like I even jumped in front of him, I was standing at a damn desk. 

 

[AcerFC]

So I just had my first Scooter incident.  

Came up to the DVC lounge in Epcot inside imagination. And there is a big circular desk when you come up the stairs.  

So so I put my bag on the counter to put my card and stuff back and I had my back to the elevator.  All of a sudden I feel my foot getting jammed into the desk from behind. Dude in a scooter backed out of the elevator and rear ended me.  Ok, #### happens but then the SOb give me a dirty look as I'm yelling "whoa whoa stop" and then just puts in in drive and pulls away. 

Even the Cast Member at the desk was like "well he was real apologetic". 

I get it scooters are thought to drive, but if you hit someone at least apologize.  And it's not like I even jumped in front of him, I was standing at a damn desk. 

I had a lady run me over by the castle and Bibbidi Bobbidi

Just kept going while her whole family is yelling at her to press the brake

 

[jb1020]

They're called Electric Convenience Vehicles in Cali.  Could be the case in FL too, but I just happened to notice that in Cali and though...thats soooo Cali. 

No current Disney plans kind of has me bummed.  Christmas 2018 is probably our next trip.