Food and Wine? Sounds Divine! An October TR - 12/2 A PTR Link!

[MEK]

First - I am sorry to hear about Calvin's dental mishap. I am glad he is OK. Wow - those are some teeth marks.

Second - I am sad to see this TR come to an end, but I look forward to your picture review and your Jan trip!

So sorry you were feeling so sick on your last long day home. Yikes. Glad Calvin was able to sleep so you could too. Boo!

Love the pictures on your last day. I know what mean about the absolutely best weather. That's how our last two days in Florida were this past week and it was so hard to leave. Just amazing.

And I know that pool at the Contemporary isn't the most interesting, but I still think the way it abuts the lake is so lovely. Can you believe I have never pool hopped there. Yup - still have that on the bucket list.

Oy to the Vey on the car keys. I would have been flipping out. And then the parking. I bet you were glad to get home that day!

 

[tdashgirl]

Caught up! Great news about Calvin's teeth. Yay MadBum!

awww so sad , last day and you were getting sick, and having a car key mishap! Yuck. Looking forward to the recap

 

[TheMaxRebo]

First off, very glad Calvin is ok. Seems like anything involving teeth is just extra scary for some reason

Well, of course you had to start off the last update post with a Simpsons reference after having finished watching all the episode ... though was hoping it was "Beer: The cause of, and solution to, all of lifes problems" rather than "worst day ever"

Traveling (especially air travel) is just no fun when one is sick and sounds like you got it hard! Hope it was a short term thing and cleared up shortly after.

I would have so been freaking out if I thought my keys were in the lost luggage! Smart idea to bring two sets just to be safe from now on.

Looking forward to hearing about the January trip!

And congrats on the Giants win! I mean, you are probably getting used to it by now, but still exciting and Baumgarner really was tremendous

 

[Dugette]

So glad that Calvin's teeth are okay! The whole thing sounded so scary, but thank goodness it wasn't any worse.

Speaking of things getting worse, the last-day-of-Disney-blues was like the highlight of your day! Being sick on an airplane sounds awful! At least Calvin was good and napped, I guess. But how terrible to be cooped up and feel like that! I got sick right after getting home from our August trip, but I am now so very thankful that it didn't kick in until I was home.

And the car key thing! That seems like something I would do - throwing the keys in a bag like that. I will have to keep that in mind on the off chance something happens to that bag. Yikes. So glad they found it while you were still there, though.

What a crummy day. I bet you were so happy to get home that night!

Looking forward to the highlight reel!

Oh, also, a side note on In-N-Out: I know that it is good and remember having had it before (years ago - they don't have them here), so when I saw one on my recent work trip to AZ, I was super excited! Unfortunately, I could not convince my non-fast-food-loving co-workers to have a dinner there. I guess it will be on our to-do list for whenever we get to DL. We do have Five Guys here, though, and they are good, but different. Worth a try, though!

 

[Leshaface]

Well, they say a cookie a day gets you in to see the doctor that much sooner.

Boy is this true.

I know how he feels. I can never surprise my wife with anything!

DH is always super excited for Christmas, but hates that he can never surprise me. Uh, i'm sorry i'm just that smart that I can guess what you're getting me!

I'm from the East Coast, and I agree: In 'n Out >> Five Guys.

Yeah, I can't imagine a burger (or animal style fries! ) better than In n Out. Will be fun to try it though once it gets built.

Yuck! Sorry you had to endure that. Being sick and having to travel is the WORST. Comic Book Guy would agree.


NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooo...

Definitely worst day ever. Really a nightmare.

Don't feel too bad. I have a similar story coming up later...

Oh no!!! It can't be worse than mine. ....can it?!

Oh my goodness your travel day sounds awful
It's horrible feeling sick when you are on a flight
I bet you were so relieved when the missing bag showed up
Looking forward to the picture wrap up of your amazing trip

I seriously could have cried seeing that bag! I'm never doing that again!

Glad the dentist trip was successful

We got home from our trip trip yesterday, glad you liked the photos, more to come when I get round to downloading the Memory Maker pics.

Not long till your January trip now!

Looking forward to seeing your Memory Maker pics too!

Wow, what an ending to your vacation!

I've really enjoyed reading about your trip, thank you for sharing.

Definitely a crazy way to end a trip!

Thanks for reading along, even though it took a year to complete!

That's wonderful news about Calvin's teeth!!!

Thanks Pam!

I'm so glad to hear that Calvin's mouth is okay! How scary...

Thank you! It was really scary at the time.

Last days are SO sad. It's hard to enjoy the time that's left knowing that you will be out of Disney in a few hours. It did look like a beautiful day and when you posted the picture of the castle, Space Mountain, and the monorail and said that you wished you had gotten one more park day ticket I felt so sad for you. But at least now you only have 2 months to go until your next trip! Yay! On a selfish note, I'm a little sad that this TR is over and now I have to wait months for the next one to start!

Don't worry, my next TR will take a year too so you'll always have something to read

What a nightmare getting home was! How awful that you felt so so sick. At least it didn't start until you were leaving but traveling and feeling like that has got to be rough. Especially when you have DS with you. And the car keys...OMG. How absolutely terrifying. I would be having an all out panic attack. Thank goodness they found it. I can't believe they did. When I've had luggage missing I haven't been lucky enough for them to find it right away. The two times it happened to me I got it back the next day or never.

I really thought I was going to have a nervous breakdown or an anxiety attack once I realized the keys were in the missing bag. From being sick to that moment was awful! We've never had missing luggage before, at least none that I can remember, but i've always heard terrible stories so that's what was also running through my head too.

I'm glad you're going to do another post highlighting all the best parts of the trip. Yay!

Coming right up!

Glad Calvin is okay.

Thanks PIO!

First - I am sorry to hear about Calvin's dental mishap. I am glad he is OK. Wow - those are some teeth marks.

Don't those marks just look painful?! Poor kid.

Second - I am sad to see this TR come to an end, but I look forward to your picture review and your Jan trip!

Thanks! I need to get started on that PTR ASAP!

So sorry you were feeling so sick on your last long day home. Yikes. Glad Calvin was able to sleep so you could too. Boo!

It was terrible! I think God played a hand in getting DS to sleep so that I could sleep too

Love the pictures on your last day. I know what mean about the absolutely best weather. That's how our last two days in Florida were this past week and it was so hard to leave. Just amazing.

I mean, I guess it's better leaving WDW with sun than rain right?

And I know that pool at the Contemporary isn't the most interesting, but I still think the way it abuts the lake is so lovely. Can you believe I have never pool hopped there. Yup - still have that on the bucket list.

....i've only been in one pool at WDW and that was at Pop Sad right? I've stayed at BLT, BWV, AKV, SSR and CSR and haven't done any pools. I just feel like i'd rather go to the parks or 'do' something than be by the pool. One day i'll have a relaxing trip. I feel that that kind of trip will have to be done solo...

Oy to the Vey on the car keys. I would have been flipping out. And then the parking. I bet you were glad to get home that day!

Ugh, you don't even know.

Caught up! Great news about Calvin's teeth. Yay MadBum!

Wasn't the WS awesome!?

awww so sad , last day and you were getting sick, and having a car key mishap! Yuck. Looking forward to the recap

A good recap will leave this TR on a good note.

 

[Leshaface]

First off, very glad Calvin is ok. Seems like anything involving teeth is just extra scary for some reason

Yes definitely! DH has always had a thing about DS's teeth as soon as he started getting his teeth. So when this happened, I knew DH was going to be very worried. For now, we have nothing to worry about though, thank goodness!

Well, of course you had to start off the last update post with a Simpsons reference after having finished watching all the episode ... though was hoping it was "Beer: The cause of, and solution to, all of lifes problems" rather than "worst day ever"

I WISH! Maybe had I started the day off with a beer, the day would have been easier.

Traveling (especially air travel) is just no fun when one is sick and sounds like you got it hard! Hope it was a short term thing and cleared up shortly after.

I would have so been freaking out if I thought my keys were in the lost luggage! Smart idea to bring two sets just to be safe from now on.

It was the craziest sickness i've ever encountered. It was the worst, but I got 'over' it fast. I'm not sure what happened.

Yep, any time we fly now, i'll always bring two sets!

Looking forward to hearing about the January trip!

And congrats on the Giants win! I mean, you are probably getting used to it by now, but still exciting and Baumgarner really was tremendous

Thanks, I should be starting that PTR soon!

It was definitely an exciting WS. Bum is seriously the Man!

So glad that Calvin's teeth are okay! The whole thing sounded so scary, but thank goodness it wasn't any worse.

I was worried that we'd need to get surgery or something but thankfully it wasn't as bad as it appeared.

Speaking of things getting worse, the last-day-of-Disney-blues was like the highlight of your day! Being sick on an airplane sounds awful! At least Calvin was good and napped, I guess. But how terrible to be cooped up and feel like that! I got sick right after getting home from our August trip, but I am now so very thankful that it didn't kick in until I was home.

I'm always cold on airplanes anyway, so add that to my chills, having no blanket around (except for airplane blankets ) and I was just done.

And the car key thing! That seems like something I would do - throwing the keys in a bag like that. I will have to keep that in mind on the off chance something happens to that bag. Yikes. So glad they found it while you were still there, though.

What a crummy day. I bet you were so happy to get home that night!

I've never lost a bag during travel (knocks on wood) so never thought about it even being a possibility. I'll never do that again!

Oh, also, a side note on In-N-Out: I know that it is good and remember having had it before (years ago - they don't have them here), so when I saw one on my recent work trip to AZ, I was super excited! Unfortunately, I could not convince my non-fast-food-loving co-workers to have a dinner there. I guess it will be on our to-do list for whenever we get to DL. We do have Five Guys here, though, and they are good, but different. Worth a try, though!

Oh no! That really stinks. Hmm, wonder if Dug could bring you back a burger on his flight back to Hawaii from San Diego!

 

[Leshaface]

Hope everyone had a nice Halloween! Will post an update this afternoon, but wanted to share a few photos from our Halloween.

The night before Halloween, we took DS to a local pumpkin patch. We thought it would be super packed but it was perfect!



DS wasn't having this photo-op



They have the most beautiful Sunflowers ever





Following the boss







This places offers a hay ride and corn maze, but didn't do either











Halloween - This year was pretty hectic. I'm not even sure why it should have been, but it was. DH wants to go and visit pretty much every single person in our family, before taking DS. Okay, not every family member, but we had 5 houses to visit, 2 which are on the opposite side of town, 2 in the middle of town and the other on our side. And 2 of these houses consisted of our Grandparents, which means, more talking/listening than the other houses We left our house at 4:30 and by the time we hit our 4th house, it was 6:15 Haven't even had dinner, taken DS trick or treating OR passed out our candy. We ended up not visiting my DB's, picking up a you-bake pizza and going home. I had to stay home to bake the pizza so DH took DS out with a big group of neighbors for about an hour and a half. I was disappointed that I couldn't go to his first ToT. But he couldn't even say, "Trick or Treat" yet, so i'll say next year will be his first DH said he had fun and that's all that matters in the end


Hi-Ho, Kermit the Frog here!




Not sure if you can tell, but I took a pumpkin basket and made it in to a Kermit head/face













It ended up being a nice night for everyone. I got to relax, have some pizza, a few beers and hand out candy occasionally.


ETA: sorry the photos are so small. I added them to a new Photo album and I changed the settings of the upload size.

 

[Leshaface]

One of our missions for this trip, was to get all 30 stamps in our Food and Wine Passport. Did we do it?




continued in next post

 

[Leshaface]

28!!! We almost made it! Here are the ones we missed:




So this booth just did not sound appetizing to us at all. Has anyone ever had any of the items from here? So we passed on it right away...like in our planning at home we passed on it

And the second one we missed




I don't understand how this is considered a booth. And how is it worthy of a stamp? Had they had a food item, we probably would have checked it out.


Overall, I think we did really good! Lots of Food, lots of alcohol.

My next post i'll post our favorites and not so favorites

 

[IheartDDuck]

Sugar is definitely the number one medicine for sickness. It's a proven fact.

I love finding CM's that are from the same area as I am! I think it just emphasizes the whole small world thing.

Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry that you were so sick! I had something like that happen when I flew back from Disneyland one time many years ago. Worst head cold ever and the pain was excruciating. I feel you girl.

Oof, what an ending to the trip!

We definitely need to discuss plans for January, because I am so excited to meet you guys!

I'm glad everything is okay with Calvin's teeth for the moment! Man, I couldn't imagine the stress.

He looks SOOOO CUTE as Kermit!

You're right. How is that last one even a booth?

 

[PrincessInOz]

Calvin looks like a little boy in the Kermit outfit. He's growing up so fast.

Great job on your food stamps. 28 is a GREAT number to get.

 

[franandaj]

Calvin looks so cute in his Halloween costume! He sure is getting big!

I read PIO'S comment before I read the update and I thought "food stamps"? They both have jobs. Why would they be on food stamps?

Nice job on the passport stamps!

 

[eandesmom]

Only 3 weeks behind, YIKES!

What a fun fun day once the car was safely stowed away. and amazing how much you've gotten done. I loved French Market it was definitely a counter service meal highlight for me. Disgusted with the "show" you saw though. EEEW!

One of these days I will make it to Cove Bar, we tried in April but there was a crazy line and we all were hungry for more than the very nice bar menu. LOVE 1901, easy to just hang out and chill and chat, especially with Alison!

GREAT villa location, that is a score.

I've not eaten at HOB at DL but we really liked it in Florida, the food was quite good. That is some seriously good karma on the pool, it is nuts in the spring! We had an impossible time finding chairs.

Yay for Trader Sam's! I've only been inside once and as much as I like the "show", I really love their deck too.

Napa Rose just looks fabulous, some day I will make it there! How perfect to end the night with a meet with Brenda and Emmy, they are fabulous (but ugh on the bug for poor Brenda!).

I agree, waking up to the sounds of (roller coaster) screaming is actually really fun and you know, nothing is better than coffee on the balcony!

Awww...a Sully pillow pal, how cute is that!

I want Calvin's birthday party! How adorable was that??????? Love the cake and decorations.

That is wonderful you can help out with your nephew, doesn't leave much free time for you but it will get easier.

I am super impressed with how much you guys checked off in your passports and totally at the Italian CM's!

YUCK that is the worst travel day over. I am glad you got home, found those keys, got your car without paying another $100

I will say Terra is actually really really good! I went there a few times in 2013 but could not convince Jeff to go this time.

Calvin/Kermit was adorable!

And..................

I AM CAUGHT UP!

yay me.

 

[afwdwfan]

Ok. Pizza, beer and candy. You win Halloween. Just sayin'

I love Calvin's costume. I'm sure he did just fine getting candy even if he couldn't say trick or treat!

Congratulations on getting so many booths. I agree with you 100%. You got the important ones. No need to get Jamaican coffee from the American pavilion (really???? ) just to get your passport marked.

And there's nothing from the vegan booth that I'm even remotely interested in. I think you go the good stuff covered. Well done!

 

[Leshaface]

Sugar is definitely the number one medicine for sickness. It's a proven fact.

I love finding CM's that are from the same area as I am! I think it just emphasizes the whole small world thing.

Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry that you were so sick! I had something like that happen when I flew back from Disneyland one time many years ago. Worst head cold ever and the pain was excruciating. I feel you girl.

Oof, what an ending to the trip!

We definitely need to discuss plans for January, because I am so excited to meet you guys!

I'm glad everything is okay with Calvin's teeth for the moment! Man, I couldn't imagine the stress.

He looks SOOOO CUTE as Kermit!

You're right. How is that last one even a booth?

Ugh, I hope you never go through that again too! It is truly one of the worst feelings and the worst way to end such a great trip.

Yes! January plans i'm gonna put up here this week!

Calvin looks like a little boy in the Kermit outfit. He's growing up so fast.

Great job on your food stamps. 28 is a GREAT number to get.

Thanks I loved his costume. Dh wasn't so sure of it, but when DS was in it, he loved it!

Thanks was hoping to get all 30 but one day we will!

Calvin looks so cute in his Halloween costume! He sure is getting big!

I read PIO'S comment before I read the update and I thought "food stamps"? They both have jobs. Why would they be on food stamps?

Nice job on the passport stamps!

I started giggling when she posted food stamps too! And thanks!

Only 3 weeks behind, YIKES!

What a fun fun day once the car was safely stowed away. and amazing how much you've gotten done. I loved French Market it was definitely a counter service meal highlight for me. Disgusted with the "show" you saw though. EEEW!

One of these days I will make it to Cove Bar, we tried in April but there was a crazy line and we all were hungry for more than the very nice bar menu. LOVE 1901, easy to just hang out and chill and chat, especially with Alison!

GREAT villa location, that is a score.

I've not eaten at HOB at DL but we really liked it in Florida, the food was quite good. That is some seriously good karma on the pool, it is nuts in the spring! We had an impossible time finding chairs.

Yay for Trader Sam's! I've only been inside once and as much as I like the "show", I really love their deck too.

Napa Rose just looks fabulous, some day I will make it there! How perfect to end the night with a meet with Brenda and Emmy, they are fabulous (but ugh on the bug for poor Brenda!).

I agree, waking up to the sounds of (roller coaster) screaming is actually really fun and you know, nothing is better than coffee on the balcony!

Awww...a Sully pillow pal, how cute is that!

I want Calvin's birthday party! How adorable was that??????? Love the cake and decorations.

That is wonderful you can help out with your nephew, doesn't leave much free time for you but it will get easier.

I am super impressed with how much you guys checked off in your passports and totally at the Italian CM's!

YUCK that is the worst travel day over. I am glad you got home, found those keys, got your car without paying another $100

I will say Terra is actually really really good! I went there a few times in 2013 but could not convince Jeff to go this time.

Calvin/Kermit was adorable!

And..................

I AM CAUGHT UP!

yay me.

WOAH! You totally caught up, you're amazing

We've been lucky to never have to stand in the Cove Bar line before. It does get pretty long!

I agree! 1901 is amazing, even better with fun company.

Brenda and Emmy are pretty fantastic people! Would love to meet up with them again in the future.

You're right, i'm finding the days I watch both kids, i'm done by the time bed time comes around. But it's fun to have another baby around!

You're the only person so far to try Terra! I'll give it a go if there's ever a next time.

Ok. Pizza, beer and candy. You win Halloween. Just sayin'

I love Calvin's costume. I'm sure he did just fine getting candy even if he couldn't say trick or treat!

He did do pretty well, unfortunately we had to throw it all away. My cousin had posted on FB that his daughters candy had been tampered with (small needle holes in a few pieces), called the police to come check it out and had traces of heroin. Didn't want to take any chances.

Congratulations on getting so many booths. I agree with you 100%. You got the important ones. No need to get Jamaican coffee from the American pavilion (really???? ) just to get your passport marked.

And there's nothing from the vegan booth that I'm even remotely interested in. I think you go the good stuff covered. Well done!

Thanks! Yeah the Jamaican Coffee from the American booth just sounds wrong. No stamp for me!

 

[Leshaface]

Thought I would have a post of my favorite food, drinks and sweets of F&W. And include the Not Top 5. I got to try a bunch of food but it was pretty easy to narrow it down to 5.


Best Dishes

Black Pepper Shrimp with Sichuan Noodles (China)


So yummy! Guess it wasn't a terrible thing that DH snuck the first plate. Meant I got to have my own plate all to myself.

Berbere Style Beef with Onions, Jalapenos, Tomatoes and Okra (Africa)


This one was definitely a surprise. I wasn't so sure about it, it looked like mush and I was worried about the okra being slimy, but it was wonderful! Would definitely get this again.

Spicy Handroll (Japan)


Very fresh and tasty.

Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce


How can something so basic, be so fantastic? This was actually DH's favorite item, he had 3 the entire trip.

Tuna Poke (Hawai'i)


I remember it was hot this day and this was so refreshing. I really wanted to get another one, but know we needed to hit other booths first. Regret not going back.

Best Drinks

Kung Fu Punch with Vodka (China)


Perfection. Was a little sweet, but could taste the Vodka.

Mango Habanero Margarita (Mexico)


What's not to love about a Margarita?

Warsteiner Premium Dunkel (Brewer’s Collection)


I've only ever tried the Verum so was excited to see this dark beer and it was great!

Singapore Sling (Singapore)


I feel obligated to say this was good or at least good for your money. It was strong, strong, strong. If you want to get a nice buzz, this is what you're looking for. We felt ourselves pretty much forcing this down to not waste this precious liquid. With that said, i'm sure we'd get this again

Best Desserts

Warm Chocolate Pudding with Bailey’s Custard (Ireland)


So amazing!

Scottish Banoffee Tart with Bananas, Scotch Whisky Toffee, Walkers Shortbread crumbles & Sweet Cream (Scotland)


Ridiculous. That's all.

Apple Strudel with Werther’s Original Karamel & Vanilla Sauce (Germany)


Loved the sauce. Hehe...that Bratwurst gets me everytime

Items Worth Skipping Next Time

Now there was nothing terrible that we tried at F&W, which is a good thing. But there are some dishes that I'd look look over if we can ever visit during F&W again.


Zapiekanki (Poland)


This was okay. Not the most exciting thing and would rather try the other offerings at Poland.

Lobster Roll (Hops & Barley)


Definitely not getting next time. Too dry and rubbery.

Beef Empanada (Argentina)


Just fine. Pretty plain.

Seared Rainbow Trout (Canada)


None of us (aside from DS) was feeling this dish. Maybe we weren't really wanting fish at that moment, but we felt it wasn't as good as the other offerings at the Canada booth.


Next up! My favorite moments and photos of our trip

 

[disneybarbie]

mmm great food pictures! Last time we went to F&W we missed the Terra booth too (we did queue up for it but the DH realised it was all vegan )

Calvin's Halloween costume is so cute!


Emma x

 

[Leshaface]

mmm great food pictures! Last time we went to F&W we missed the Terra booth too (we did queue up for it but the DH realised it was all vegan )

Calvin's Halloween costume is so cute!


Emma x

Hi Emma! Fun pics at N.O.

Too funny! DH knew what it was and had no interest either.

 

[Pinkocto]

I swore I commented yesterday about Halloween. I'm losing it...


Calvin is sooooo cute as Kermit! Awesome costume. Bummer you didn't get to go out trick or treating. Next year is a must.

How scary about the drugs in the candy! What kind of horrible person would do that?




I tried Terra, the watermelon juice was horrific. I drink it down because it was liquid and I was hot but I'll NEVER get it again. I wanted to try one of the vegan chicken dishes but wasn't hungry at the time.

So many delicious things you guys tried! Congrats on the 28, that's really close!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

I think you guys did great getting 28 stamps! The only thing I heard about the terra stand was that "if you want something that tastes like chicken, why not eat chicken"

You are spot on that the bonafy tart was yummy and that the sling was strong!