These are NOT the rooms that I paid for! 3 Resorts in 10 days - Trivia Answers 9/3

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Your pictures have me missing DCA so much! I love the shot of Mickey's Fun Wheel reflecting over Paradise Bay.

Sorry the cobbler wasn't great. It certainly doesn't look like much, especially in comparison to Artist Point's.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

California Adventure is looking so lovely now that it's complete.

I totally remember the Animation Academy where I think they have that amazing Toy Story thing. That one where it spins and the strobe lights up and everything comes to life. I watched that for a LONG time.

 

[MrsDrewsky]

I love all the pics of you, Em, and the Pixar Characters. I am so looking forward to finally have character pics of our own, not so excited to possibly wait in line with unruly kids.

So sweet of you to let Em have the good view. Wait, is that something you have to do as a parent?

Your DLR pics are just gorgeous. I love that the Grand Californian has an entrance directly to California Adventure. It's like you're staying right in the middle of the magic.

 

[tripplanner2]

I have to tell you, I am only on page 26 but I am so excited. Back in 1998, during a working trip, I also got the luxury of staying in room 4157. My company booked a large portion of rooms and a convention and we needed two suites. One for the VIP of the company to stay in with his family and the other was for private meetings. Well, Kelsey Grammer was staying in room 4157 and I was only able to gain access to the separate bedroom with the 2 beds for the first couple of nights. The VIP got moved to a smaller suite for his family and I got to stay in the same room you did. We used it for meetings but it was basically for staff meetings. Hotel staff at the time told me that Michael Jackson has also slept there. I was lucky enough to enjoy 2 full weeks in that suite. It was amazing and I was always so sad that I could not fully enjoy it because I was working. But I have to say that I feel a very special connection to that room. I was so busy working I never got to take pictures but I remember every aspect of the room perfectly. It is really exactly as I remember and I have to thank you for posting all the pictures because I can finally share them with my family. I think prior they could not even imagine how amazing of a room I was lucky enough to stay in.

 

[emmysmommy]

Your pictures have me missing DCA so much! I love the shot of Mickey's Fun Wheel reflecting over Paradise Bay.

Sorry the cobbler wasn't great. It certainly doesn't look like much, especially in comparison to Artist Point's.

I remember your amazing photos of your DCA/DL trip. Just wait for more updates and you will see how you influenced another first that I marked off my list...

That dessert should not have been called cobbler. It was canned peaches with a cake like topping with some gooey syrup. Certainly not what I was expecting but oh well. The fresh berry cobbler at AP is the poster child of what cobbler should be!

California Adventure is looking so lovely now that it's complete.

I totally remember the Animation Academy where I think they have that amazing Toy Story thing. That one where it spins and the strobe lights up and everything comes to life. I watched that for a LONG time.

Again, Disney did a great job!

I'm ashamed to admit that we mostly pop in to see the movie scenes on the screens. We do visit the Beasts library since I need to know what character I most resemble. (Ursula and Maleficent for the most part don't ya know.) But I know what you're talking about... the zoetrope. I can stare at that thing for 5 minutes and not get tired of watching the "animation" Sooo cool!

I love all the pics of you, Em, and the Pixar Characters. I am so looking forward to finally have character pics of our own, not so excited to possibly wait in line with unruly kids.

So sweet of you to let Em have the good view. Wait, is that something you have to do as a parent?

Your DLR pics are just gorgeous. I love that the Grand Californian has an entrance directly to California Adventure. It's like you're staying right in the middle of the magic.

Hi Ashley! I think Jonah with Buzz and Woody will be quite adorable one day.

I think there's been a time or two as a parent when I've had to give up the last cookie in the bag! So yeah... there just may be something about the parent thing and "sacrifice".

Awww thanks. We loved staying right there in the middle of everything.

I have to tell you, I am only on page 26 but I am so excited. Back in 1998, during a working trip, I also got the luxury of staying in room 4157. My company booked a large portion of rooms and a convention and we needed two suites. One for the VIP of the company to stay in with his family and the other was for private meetings. Well, Kelsey Grammer was staying in room 4157 and I was only able to gain access to the separate bedroom with the 2 beds for the first couple of nights. The VIP got moved to a smaller suite for his family and I got to stay in the same room you did. We used it for meetings but it was basically for staff meetings. Hotel staff at the time told me that Michael Jackson has also slept there. I was lucky enough to enjoy 2 full weeks in that suite. It was amazing and I was always so sad that I could not fully enjoy it because I was working. But I have to say that I feel a very special connection to that room. I was so busy working I never got to take pictures but I remember every aspect of the room perfectly. It is really exactly as I remember and I have to thank you for posting all the pictures because I can finally share them with my family. I think prior they could not even imagine how amazing of a room I was lucky enough to stay in.

Wow!! What an incredible experience to be there for TWO weeks! I know what you mean about recalling every detail and we were there only 3 nights. (It could have something to do with the 500+ photos I took!) I'm glad you could share the photos with your family. When we first texted my DH photos of the room he didn't think it was any big deal since they couldn't put it in context of all its gloriousness! Then I showed him video and he was impressed.

I don't think we'll ever see the turret of the YC again and not remember being in that room. Right?

Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I love to hear stories about others' who have stayed in that room and their stories.

 

[scottny]

Looked like a fun day in WS.
That one Beauty and the Beast ornament creeps me out. Belle is so strange looking.
I love watching Stacy. I recorded and watch it every so often when I need a Disney fix.
EEK! Those lines for the Epcot bus at TTC.
Nice they gave her birthday balloon.
ROTF with the opening of the door and it was a hotel employee.
I cannot wait to try BOG in December.
I would love them to tell me to stay. My camera would be non-stop. LOL Nice pics.
I ate at Blue Bayou in Paris Disney. It was very good. Ostrich steak. Yum.
That does not look like Belle at all.
MMM, Narcoosse’s.
Gorgeous pics of Disneyland at night.
All caught up again.

 

[emmysmommy]

Monday March 4, 2013: Day 10, Part 1 - Our Final Day​

Our final morning in WDW was the chilliest yet! Although my phone said the local temp was 35 degrees (that’s like negative 100 Celsius to you Canadian’s) according to weather.com the temp was 33 degrees. The headlines for the local news channel was the cold weather as well. They said Orlando had record setting lows at 30 degrees. It was colder in Orlando than Denver this day! All this to say that it was FREEZING!! Literally! I’m not exaggerating now.

To make the weather even more interesting, it was a bit foggy which was particularly pretty when seeing the view of the Grand Floridian across the way.

View from our room... Gotta squeeze in one last photo of that glorious castle!

We could have stayed and gazed at the view but we had that castle to dine in and princess to greet!

But first I had to call the airline check in and pay for our bags so that we could bring them down later. That is a fast and easy process. One other interesting thing from early this morning - we saw the monorails being brought out from the back monorail track or "waking up". I thought I had photos but apparently I took video and my narration is lame so I'll just keep that to myself!

Following our new tradition of ending our trips with breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table we took the walkway to MK. I have to say that I started booking breakfast at CRT several trips ago after reading a dining review of a couple of women who had written about their experience and had a great time. But the clincher was the fact that they left with wands and wishing stars. I wanted some of those!

We didn’t make it far before we were stopped by a lone young man who asked if I was Emmysmommy. Despite our best efforts to be incognito, we were recognized by another Diser! This fine young gentleman was Tom who had participated in the live dining thread as had Em. We posed for a quick photo together, wished him a Happy Birthday (the birthday button was a big give-away), and parted ways. (Hi Tom, sorry, I don’t remember your Dis name.)

Our reservation for CRT was at 8:30 which was before the 9am park open so we used the “event entrance” to the left. I’m always surprised that they don’t make you show a reservation or have your name on a list like Epcot. I assume they use the honor system and we must have looked most honorable because they let us in with nary a peep.

We enjoyed the stroll up Main Street pausing to pose for a few photos with the photopass folks who were bundled for the cold. They had a couple of the antique touring cars out at the end of Main Street where they had photopass photographers stationed. Of course we stopped for photos there as well! Looking back at my photos on Main Street I feel like we over-reacted to the cold just a little… there were families in shorts all around. It was sunny and it did warm up nicely.

Is it something we said? No one was around us!

Once we were checked in for our reservation we were invited inside rather quickly…. We were on the guest list! There was virtually no line to see Cinderella who apparently was a one pose gal that morning. Like I’ve said before, I think it is perfectly acceptable for Cinderella to appear in her tattered clothes and kerchief look somedays…. It makes those of us women who sit around our house in sweats and ponytails feel a little better to know we’re not alone. But heck, I shouldn’t shatter anyone’s illusions, she IS a Princess and well….. I’m definitely not. Unless you ask my husband who has jokingly asked for the last 20 years “what country is your dad king of?” Hmph!

Cute pose for Em but I look like I'm doing the reverse Frozone - no bueno!

We were invited up the red carpeted stairs that wound past the stained glass window of our hostess. The higher we climbed the warmer it got…. I had to shed a layer or two by the time we reached the top. We were greeted and seated in the upper section near the windows at a table for two. Kathy, our royal attendant, introduced herself and welcomed us. (In keeping with dining in the castle theme I suppose they can’t call them servers although that would be funny if they were dressed as servants like raggedy Cinderella!)

Continued Next Post​

 

[emmysmommy]

Monday March 4, 2013: Day 10, Part 2​

The table had our wishing stars with the menus and we were handed our magical wands shortly thereafter. Service here is very quick and orderly – everything follows on a schedule and very fast. I’m sure they have analyzed this down to the gap in seconds that are appropriate between the pouring of the OJ to the clearing of your plates. I’m never ready when they come around asking for your order since I need more than 2 minutes to look at the menu. I'm always busy squeezing off 20 photos of the restaurant before I even look at the menu.

To start, we were presented with the plate of danishes and fruit which are noted as “appetizers of the court” on the menu. Em and I both ordered the stuffed French toast and subbed breakfast meat for scrambled eggs. I was glad to see that the stuffed French toast underwent an update on the menu since I wasn’t a fan of the chocolate ganache version they had before. The current version was caramel apple which sounded really good.

Great way to start any dining experience

I love the raspberry filled pastries! In reality, that plate is a meal in itself. But dive in I did! Kathy also brought out a birthday cupcake early in the meal – that was very nice!

The food was delivered before the princesses were announced and circulated to our table. I loved the “French toast” which in reality is a muffin shaped bread pudding. It has a sweet cream cheese filling in the middle with apple pieces and drizzled with caramel sauce on top. Despite my best efforts I can never finish this.

All together now!

Snow White was the first princess to arrive at our table. She made for a lovely SW don’t you think? Oh, and Em had on her Snow White tee as well, so appropriate!

Next was Aurora and then Ariel with whom Em pulled out her dingle hopper once again. And finally, Jasmine. Yeah, I totally have abs like that I just choose not to show them here!!

More restaurant photos

The sad descent

knock knock... anyone in there??

Continued Next Post

​

 

[emmysmommy]

Looked like a fun day in WS.
That one Beauty and the Beast ornament creeps me out. Belle is so strange looking.
I love watching Stacy. I recorded and watch it every so often when I need a Disney fix.
You have a serious addiction my friend!!

EEK! Those lines for the Epcot bus at TTC.

Yeah, I think we broke it.

Nice they gave her birthday balloon.
And don't forget the red light treatment!

ROTF with the opening of the door and it was a hotel employee.
Hasn't everyone done that before??

I cannot wait to try BOG in December. I would love them to tell me to stay. My camera would be non-stop. LOL Nice pics.
I hope you like it!

I ate at Blue Bayou in Paris Disney. It was very good. Ostrich steak. Yum.
That does not look like Belle at all.

That is so cool! I didn't know they had one at DL Paris. Do they serve French fries??

MMM, Narcoosse’s.
You must have tried this place. No? Not so much for me but I'll try it again I'm sure. I skipped the best part - almond crusted cheesecake!

Gorgeous pics of Disneyland at night.
Thanks! I'm competing with you and your awesome night-time photos of Crescent Lake!

All caught up again.

Actually, you're not caught up!!

Seriously... thanks for getting caught up. I hope all is well and that you are enjoying your countdown!!!

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Haven't posted much but have been reading along and all caught up to departure day. Always so sad when that envelope shows up on the door. Love all the photos.

 

[KatMark]

Brenda, I know I've not posted in a few days, but we've had some family issue arise that has been taking a lot of my time. I caught up on your updates. Can I just say that some of those princesses are a little scary looking.

 

[natebenma]

Hi Dee! Heck, everything else about BoG was better than expected so what's a little mediocre food?

Oh the shock!! Not a cupcake lover?? Please tell me you at least like cookies or pie or something sweet. The two things that stick in my mind right now for what you like.... or what you've eaten at WDW is morning coffee (even if iced is not your preference) and sushi from the CS at the Japan pavilion Epcot. Not sure why but I recall those from your chaperone trip!

Still catching up!

Love cookies, pie, ice cream, crème brulee, chocolate, baklava- lots of sweet stuff- so no worries there!

That's funny about the foods you are associating with me. The coffee is right on! The lack of coffee is the sole reason I will never be a contestant on Survivor.

I had the sushi at Japan, which was good, but a mistake because 1) I had already had sushi earlier in the trip and 2) it wasn't included with the meal voucher I had but I didn't realize it until after I ordered.

I'm sure I have mentioned that I share your love for Kona's Pineapple Macadamia pancakes. Favorite thing in the World!

*********************************************

But enough about me.

I love the pictures of an empty EPCOT and the cute Monsters Inc. pictures.

It looks like they had the princess B-team in that morning. Snow and Ariel were ok, but not the best Cindy or Belle I have seen!

Nice Bruce photo! As long as you didn't push any kids out of the way to get the photo, you are perfectly entitled to get one.

Your comment about watching the track at Ellen's cracked me up.

Walking and Taking Photos- my kind of afternoon in the World Showcase!

Mark and I used to eat at the Marrakesh on our trips, BK (Before Kids) but we haven't taken them there yet. Love the Tangierine Café takeout place now.

Can you share the website address for the recipes???

Still need to catch up, but all off this talk about food... I'm off to lunch!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

negative 100 Celsius. Actually that's shorts weather in these parts.

Wow that's cold!. I remember being in Tampa on Christmas day when I was a kid and woke up to frost on the car. I assumed it was to make it feel more "Christmassy". I think your day was colder! Just... wow.

NOOOOO you need to share the Monorail wake up video!!!!!

Come to think of it you're right. When I did KTTK, they didn't ask for conformation or anything.

Haha, see... Shorts weather.

What lovely photos at your breakfast. You know something that always amazes me (although in no way surprises me) is the excitement that comes with getting little "Disney Things" like wishing stars and wands. In reality, these are things you could probably get at a dollar store, but when you get them for free at Disney, they're absolutely priceless.

 

[Linda67]

Fab updates Brenda

Firstly, wonderful photos from DL and DCA, I soooooo want to get back there!!

What a lovely way to kick off the last day of your vacation - French Toast and Cinderella

When are you heading back to WDW? Not long now right?

 

[annie170]

I can't get over how cold it was there! Good thing you came prepared. Do stores carry winter coats in Southern California or do you have to order online?

CRT sounds like a great way to end a trip! I thought the wands were just for kids. Good to know everyone gets one and the wishing stars.

 

[khaleesi]

Looking back at my photos on Main Street I feel like we over-reacted to the cold just a little… there were families in shorts all around. It was sunny and it did warm up nicely.

I live in Buffalo and I love the cold weather and I rarely get cold. But even I don't wear shorts when it's 33º outside!

 

[KristinAnne]

Finally all caught up! I think I am more impressed by the princesses at CRT. They look a bit better to me! I'm in love with that castle view. Must have been so nice to wake up to each morning. Makes leaving that much harder!

 

[natebenma]

Now I'm caught up! For now!

I like your character pictures with Pooh & Tigger, the Toy Story gang and the Incredible dudes. Too bad there was a lot of suffering involved in getting them.

We don't really meet characters on our trips- but the pictures I have seen from the Toy Story meet queue always look adorable. Glad you have set me straight on the "dark side" of character and public interaction.

However, your picture with Bo looks uncomplicated. BTW- I may have helped keep him company during my trip.

So sad about your last day and amazed about the cold!

But it looks like you are going out with a bang- empty pre-opening breakfast at MK- the meal and location just look wonderful!

 

[francis6306]

I'm behind… so I'm hoping to remember everything I want to say!!

BOG- SO sad that Emily's dish was fishy smelling… I LOVED that dish in November. I'm so confused. YAY for the Grey stuff and the private tour!!

Woohoo DL!! And Sweet Potato Rolls?? Um… YES PLEASE!!!

That Jas- I mean Belle does look a little different… I didn't know that Akershus served Mickey Waffles!!!! How did I miss that?

We loved Marrakesh and the Belly Dancer! You ordered the same thing I did… although EWWWWW to the olive salad! Yuck!

Sigh… I know kids will be kids, but PARENTS must be PARENTS!!!!

I would love to try a Signature meal at some point… but I won't be taking my kids and standing them up at the windows! Emily's steak looked really good though! Sorry about your meal.

Boo to bad peach cobbler… how is that even possible???

NO NO NO!!! I'm not ready for it to be over!!! How did that happen!?!?!

What a neat picture of the GF in the fog?

The CRT meal looks amazing… I think I need to add that to our list for March! They have changed the wands from when we went in 2010… So, you know, we need new ones!

Okay, how did I do??

 

[teekathepony]

Oh I would love to see the Disneyland fireworks! Hmm sorry your room service dessert was awful. An awful dessert is 10x worse than an awful meal, IMO!
Hahaha I looked up the actual Celsius conversion and anywhere from 30-35 would be cold enough to have me in my winter coat, hat, gloves, scarf, etc. at the beginning of the winter! (Although in February a 0 degree day would see me out in a light sweater! Rofl!)
Still, no ,after how you slice it, WAY TOO COLD for Walt Disney World!
Early MK entry is the most magical feeling, really like you somehow landed the park all to yourself! I love your CRT breakfast so much I just went to see if there were any to be had for my trip! That stuffed French toast looks really good. Love all the princess pics!

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