MoonPet's WDW Trip Report August 11-20

[wewantsdaredhead]

A Dole Whip mention always gets my attention!
Looking forward to this trip's pictures.
"See you real soon!"

[MoonPet]

Here are some pictures to get you started.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2 ... 94fbe714d7

As soon as I get organized I'll put the trip report together.

**Edited on August 22 to correct link.

[Amy]

Here are some pictures to get you started.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3 ... 1351689867

As soon as I get organized I'll put the trip report together.

That looks like a nice little kitchen to get you going in the morning...I only am seeing one picture though

[boilerbabe]

Looks lovely, but I only see one picture too.

[MoonPet]

Oops. Let me fix that . . .

try this link. This should be the whole album instead of the OKW kitchen:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2 ... 94fbe714d7

sorry about that!

[Amy]

Oops. Let me fix that . . .
try this link. This should be the whole album instead of the OKW kitchen:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2 ... 94fbe714d7
sorry about that!

Yay! Lots of pictures this time I'll have to look at the rest of them later but those are great photos! I really liked seeing all the topiaries since I've never been during that time of year to see them on stage. Interesting how they have internal irrigation systems ~ did they say if it was a drip system?
The photo of the Hyacinth macaw (did I get that right?) is beautiful!!

[boilerbabe]

Nice pics!!! Thanks for sharing! I noticed the Dole Whip photo, now I'm drooling!

[MoonPet]

Oops. Let me fix that . . .
try this link. This should be the whole album instead of the OKW kitchen:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2 ... 94fbe714d7
sorry about that!

Yay! Lots of pictures this time I'll have to look at the rest of them later but those are great photos! I really liked seeing all the topiaries since I've never been during that time of year to see them on stage. Interesting how they have internal irrigation systems ~ did they say if it was a drip system?
The photo of the Hyacinth macaw (did I get that right?) is beautiful!!

Yes you are correct; the hyacinth macaw is my dream pet.
They didn't specify if the irrigation was drip or otherwise, but that would make sense. The idea is to keep the moss from drying out, but not to saturate it otherwise fungus would grow.

[NaCler]

Those are great pics MoonPet... I was saddened to learn that NOTHING was prepared in the Main Street bakery and that all scents are piped in! I feel so cheated!

[MoonPet]

Those are great pics MoonPet... I was saddened to learn that NOTHING was prepared in the Main Street bakery and that all scents are piped in! I feel so cheated!

Sorry . . . hope I didn't shatter the magic for you.
Main Street Bakery has no ovens.

[Amy]

Those are great pics MoonPet... I was saddened to learn that NOTHING was prepared in the Main Street bakery and that all scents are piped in! I feel so cheated!

Sorry . . . hope I didn't shatter the magic for you.
Main Street Bakery has no ovens.

They do actually make things in the bakery though right? Like candy and things that don't need to be baked?!?!

[MoonPet]

I know they prepare some items in view of guests -- chocolate dipped items and the like, but I think the majority of items are prepped offsite.

[MoonPet]

Trying to tackle this trip report:

Day 1: Arrival
Early morning AA flight to MCO from JFK took off without any delays or problems. Flight was quiet and comfortable and breakfast was only cornflakes but served with a good assortment of sliced fruit and yogurt. Although we were scheduled to land at 11:30 am, we actually landed at 11:00 am and were able to pull into the gate with after waiting only about 5 minutes for the aircraft in the gate to pull back.

After deplaning I was on my way to the Magical Express area after a quick Starbucks stop. After seeing what looked like miles of empty “ropes” I can only assume that the magical express area was empty and could potentially get very very crowded. As I have stated before this was my first time using the magical express service. I walked through the ropes to the podium where I was directed to another podium (B). I walked right up to that podium where my magical express ticket was scanned and I was sent to area 3. From there I walked all the way to end of area 3 where I was asked (again) which resort I was going to. That cast member signaled to another cast member, and I was set free from the ropes to follow that second cast member to the bus. As I approached the bus I was greeted by the driver (which resort are you staying at) who took my roll-aboard and directed me to yet another cast member who scanned my ticket again and then escorted me up the bus steps.

The entire procedure was very streamlined and very efficient. It was clear that Disney took into account that people can be very confused when they travel and have a natural tendency to cut in line. Their queue system was designed so that no one could possibly end up in the wrong lane, or on the wrong bus, or “accidentially” cut off anyone else. It’s probably really good for keeping parties together – you can’t wander off! But, as much as I admire the system, I couldn’t help feeling like a cow on the kill floor – only one way to go.

Old Key West shares the magical express bus with Saratoga Spring and (I think) Port Orleans. I never quite got used to the new names and still call them Port Orleans and Dixie Landings. Can’t help it. Old Key West was the first stop. At OKW there were only about 5 people who disembarked and judging from the cheers to the bus driver’s questions, most of the guests were headed to Port.

The check in area was empty and although it was only a little after noon, my studio was available. I was assigned 5020. Typically I would have refused this villa (as well as 49) because they are just too close to the main road (not sure if it is Bonnet Creek or Buena Vista) and traffic noise can be loud. However, as I was only going to be in the studio for a few nights, I let it be.

I had lunch in my room (I’d brought a salad in my roll-aboard) and shortly after my luggage was delivered. That left a few hours for a nap before heading over to Citrico’s for dinner.

More to follow soon . . .

[Amy]

I know they prepare some items in view of guests -- chocolate dipped items and the like, but I think the majority of items are prepped offsite.

Gosh, I could do that job. I would love to pretend cook!
Great start to the trip report moonpet! I would have been rolling my eyes at being asked the same questions so many times at the Magical Express though. I better let my Mom in front of me in line when we go this December ~ she has waaaaay more patience than me and probably won't even notice they keep asking.
Looking forward to hearing about Citrico's!

[MoonPet]

** Forgot to mention, after check in I picked up my “refillable mug” at Goods. I didn’t really make too much use of it during the trip because I wasn’t at Turtle Krawl all that often. I got a few mugs of iced tea when I was there, usually after going to Olivia’s or picking some things up at the Conch Flats General Store. I was so “mad” when I saw that some resorts have 4 different kinds of iced tea and OKW only had two. Oh well . . . I think I am using the mug more now that I am home. It helps with the PDD (Post Disney Depression).

Anyway, moving on . . .

I was just about to head out to Citrico’s when a Central Florida summer rainstorm decided to pass through. So the Clergeries went into the backpack and the flip flops and poncho went on and I stylishly flopped along in the downpour to the South Point Bus Stop. The bus came quickly and once on the bus the rain stopped and the sun came out. Of course.

I took the bus to MK and from there switched to the monorail to Grand Floridian. While on the monorail my poncho was dry enough to fold up and put away and I switched my shoes back on after drying my feet with paper towels that I had. I am sure that if the monorail was not empty I may have gotten a few strange looks . . . eh, whatever.

I haven’t been to Citricos in many many years. My last visit involved an unfriendly waiter, some service errors, and spoiled wine. Worst of all was that the waiter made ME feel bad when I expressed concern about the wine . . . but that was years ago. So, I thought, time to try it again. And I am so glad that I did.

One thing I noticed about Citricos is that they probably don’t get too many solo diners who are also guests. More than once I was asked if I was on a dinner break or if I had just finished work. I was flattered to be mistaken for a management CM . . . if only it were true.

I had an early reservation; 5:30 pm, so the restaurant had just opened when I was seated. I was seated at a table for two against the back railing nearest the wine cellar. I had a great view of the kitchen (and of the great antics of the chefs who clearly have been working together a very long time and love it). My server was Dave and I would highly recommend him. He was very knowledgeable and personable and his service was fantastic. I ended up tipping a few dollars over the added gratuity, he clearly deserved it. Throughout the meal he was always checking up on me, we chatted about the preparation of the food, and I guess because I was near the kitchen (or because they took pity on the solo diner) I got to chat with a few of the chefs and managers as well. I had a great time! So, the key question – what did I eat????

Amuse Bouche – “gigantic bean” prepared in a hummus style with fried sardines and paprika oil

Bread basket contained a wheat bread and a black olive bread served with butter that had sea salt sprinkled on it.

First Course - Florida Yellow Tomato Gazpacho – citrus infused lump blue crab, grape tomatoes, and chive oil.

Wine – Riesling QbA, Moenchhof Estate Robery Eymael, Mosel 2008 (Love my German Rieslings!)

Main Course – Berkshire Pork Two Ways. Pork tenderloin and roasted pork belly with a summer truffle potato gratin, swiss chard, poached duck egg, and mustard drizzle.

Dessert – Seasonal berry gratin with a champagne grand marnier sabayon. To drink I had T company’s Harmony Tea.

Everything was absolutely amazing and delicious and I left there quite the happy diner.

The wine was the only item not covered by the dining plan, so I applied my TIW card towards that item. I probably had about 5 different receipts when all was said and done. Towards the end of the meal I was chatting with Dave about my previous experience at Citricos and he knew exactly who the waiter I had last time was. I didn’t remember his name, but Dave described him perfectly. I guess I wasn’t the only one who had an off experience with that waiter.

After leaving GF I took the monorail back to MK. I stopped off at Guest Services (after the most intense bag check ever) to pick up my AP renewal. Once I had it in my hands it was like having money burning a hole in your pocket. I HAD to go into MK. People were starting to line up for the first MSEP even though it wasn’t for another hour and Main Street was nothing short of a zoo. So, I took a short stroll around Main Street, stopped in the bakery to pick up some snacks to bring back to OKW (I certainly wasn’t hungry, but I wanted to try using a snack credit) and then left the park.

I was waiting for the OKW bus during what must have been shift change time and all the new drivers were waiting for their buses to arrive. Once again I was asked if I was just finishing my day (not sure why I would be headed to OKW then, but ok). Ride back to OKW was quiet, I was the only one on the bus.

Once back at 5020 I hung my poncho and flip flops to dry completely, did some unpacking, and settled in for an early night. Aside from the nap I had taken, I was working off about one hour of sleep within the last 24 hours.

**Found this draft of an email I sent a friend along with my notes from dinner:
“I think the reason Magical Express works so well is because the folks at Disney designed it based on the mindset (rightfully so) that most people are morons, especially when they travel. And even more so is that most folks traveling to WDW are inexperienced leisure travelers. Think about it, from the moment you step into the magical express queue and your ticket is scanned, you are kept in ropes, much like cattle in the feedlot chute. When you get to end, there is a red rope blocking your way. No one can go too far, no one can get lost or wander away, and no one can cut the line.

There are big signs everywhere and once you pass the signs you are handed off from cast member to cast member until you are escorted on the bus. Not a bad system.”

More to come soon . . . I promise
(and of course, Subsonic members are excluded from the moron category)