How about a couple of EPIC quickies? DRs, that is! update 8/6 - Festival and Territory Lounge

[ThreeBoyMama]

Congratulations on your new house, it's adorable and looks like a great location! I painted our front door red at our old house, too. You have great taste

 

[nco91590]

OMG....it's ALL THE DIS PEOPLE IN ONE PLACE!! How fun!!!

Also...congrats on your new home! It's so adorable!!

 

[MeghanEmily]

I didn't know that tip about the pool patios—I'll tuck that away for another trip! Your pool server sounded really stellar!

You're totally wonderful to meet, but I can understand that occasional Dismeet anxiety cuz I'm a huge dork!

Congrats on your new house! How very exciting! I love your red door plan, and the proximity to what sounds like an adorable little lending library.

 

[kastoney]

We paid $74.55 for the full day, which fluctuates seasonally. For that price, you get a reserved shade structure and an abundance of towels someone else has fetched for you, plus a ceiling fan (that is really too far up to do anything) and a power outlet. That’s it. In my anecdotal experience, the poolside servers also seem to pay more attention to you. We had great service this day and our drinks kept coming. Come on, you can’t say you’re surprised.

Sounds like a great idea if you are just gonna chill pool side all day and not have to be at the other pool with a million children and a volcano and screaming and all of the things that come out of said children. Not that I'm bitter. Love my kiddo but Jason and I would totally be chillin' and drinkin' with you and R all day.

Hey, if you gotta work on vacation, this is the way to do it. After I concluded my projects we had some dranks.

Looks perfect to me!

I was so excited and overwhelmed to meet so many of my friends from the Boards in real life that I totally fell down on the job and didn’t take any food pictures at all. Fortunately for me others did and I also shamelessly swiped some food photos from a competitor site to the Dis review. (Editor’s note: I had put the site name but it’s not allowed so it looked like I was cursing! )

Looked like you were cursing Pretty sure there is no looks like when it comes to you and cursing

Oh my sweet, sweet sticky wings. I ended up asking for more potstickers and sticky wings and so did someone at the other end of the table - I think we managed to polish off all of them. The wings are crispy with a sweet honey glaze and a delicious “brown” umami flavor that usually only comes through in Asian dishes. They’re amazing! And I don’t know how to describe the potstickers. They are crispy, satisfying little flavor pockets. Delish. We were off to a great start!

YUM!!!! We've never done Ohana either (unless you count 20+ years ago and have no memory of it as going) but I know the wings and potstickers would totally be my happy place.

We were able to use TIW and we each had an adult beverage, so the total including our discount and gratuity was $130.82. I will probably not be returning to Ohana and wouldn’t recommend it at that price - I can order wings and bread pudding in the adjacent lounge at a fraction of the price and be just as happy. However, it was definitely a great meal for a group and we were not rushed at all.

That definitely sounds like the way to go Or even a signature for that price. For what they charge I'd rather have less food and higher quality any day of the week. Which is probably why 1996 was the one and only time I ate there.

s usual we enjoyed our drinks there and we had a wonderful time just chatting with our friends @Jenny Sanders and Joe, @ariane37 and Steve, and finally getting to meet @buzzrelly and @kastoney

Here's our house!

I couldn't be happier for you both. Love the lot across the street and all the land you have. A rarity around here!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

It was particularly worthwhile to me to have the power outlet this day as I had a couple of work projects I had to complete. Boo, right??

Hey, if you gotta work on vacation, this is the way to do it. After I concluded my projects we had some dranks.

I mean that is the way to work, for sure!

The Pago Pago pain killer is amazing but kinda sweet so we switched to Cuba libres (rum and - in our case - Coke Zero). Our server was a sweetheart as we found out he was actually getting the Coke Zero from the mug refill station. When my last drink was WAY strong I ended up finding out that station wasn’t actually RFID enabled...

That is a good "pro" tip. Although I hate that term.

Here's our house!

Congrats on the house. It is perfect! And a red door will look great!

 

[lauraleh]

Adorable house!

Your cruise pictures make me want to take one now. That Cuban place would be right up my alley.

Super fun group photo!

 

[paradesintherain]

Welcome to our tropical hideaway, you lucky people, you!

Ugh, now this is stuck in my head!

We paid $74.55 for the full day, which fluctuates seasonally. For that price, you get a reserved shade structure and an abundance of towels someone else has fetched for you, plus a ceiling fan (that is really too far up to do anything) and a power outlet. That’s it. In my anecdotal experience, the poolside servers also seem to pay more attention to you. We had great service this day and our drinks kept coming. Come on, you can’t say you’re surprised.

What a nice patio though! Seems like they could throw in a bit more for the price, but still nice!

This is perfection. I'd like to be there right now please.

OMGGGG, I love the DVC Poly rooms so much! That bed runner! The colors! Makes my heart so happy!

Ahhhh I didn't know the bathrooms looked like this. Why are they so perfect?

As further background, I was super nervous about this dinner. I get nervous with dismeets sometimes.

ME TOO. That's why I chugged a mojito from Tambu Lounge hehe.

Look at us basically interacting! Nailed it!

It's so cute! Love the brick. Great curb appeal! Can't wait for you to post inside pictures.

The first thing I will be doing is painting the front door red! One of our favorite things about the house is that there is a wildflower park and a free little lending library across the street

That'll look great, and sounds like a really nice neighborhood!

 

[ariane37]

Just seeing the picture of your house, looks perfect! You do have some busy months ahead getting settled and then of course Disney in a few with....... us
That patio looks cool too, didn't know about that! Couldn't wait for you to get off the boat after 'Ohana. We really got good use out of GP and Terry-tory lounge on that trip!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Your house is so cute!! I've always wanted a red front door. Between this and all of the food/drink choices we have in common, I'm starting to think we were separated at birth (except I'm waaaay older). Catching up on the rest, I've not spent more than a single day at Universal but as a big Harry Potter fan I'd like to. That resort looks beautiful! Totally agree that OKW is a great resort stay - coupled with the proximity/boat to Disney Springs it's on my list for a staycation. Love the patio at Poly! That looks great. To be honest, Poly has never really been on my radar for a stay but your room is gorgeous. I am in love with the tile work in the shower. Glad you overcame your anxiety to go to 'Ohana… it looked so fun!! I've not dined there but I am a big fan of the Tambu Lounge -- and the Lapu Lapu.

 

[buzzrelly]

Sorry, I didn't take pictures of the airport food but I did get a picture with Renee!

LOVE Renee's shirt!

I love her shirt too, and that's a great picture of you both!

Since our flight was so delayed, we missed the magical hours that DME will transport your luggage for you, so we all had to wait on our bags. As luck would have it, we ended up on the same Magical Express bus with Renee and Chad also!

I don't think I would ever fly if I lived that close. I remember hearing about your delay that evening and thinking you should just start driving! You would have made it so much quicker and you could have gotten food on the way

We were staying at Old Key West and while I would absolutely stay there again, it's not the best resort if you arrive late and you're hungry. The boat to DS was no longer running, the quick service had long since closed, and there wasn't even a vending machine with snacks anywhere near us. We had no choice but to order the dreaded... DUN DUN DUN... in-room pizza delivery.

I'm sure anything would have tasted good at that point!

While we were waiting for our pizza to arrive, I noticed this little note amongst the resort literature in our room. After scratching my head for a while I was able to figure out what it said....

"bra outside drying"

We packed up and sent our bags with bell services on to our next resort, the Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.

We have learned one should not go to Olivia's for breakfast/brunch without ordering this amazing delicacy:

Banana Bread French Toast ($16) Topped with Bahamian Banana-Rum Syrup, Coconut Whipped Cream, and served with your choice of Bacon, Sausage, or Ham

Wow! That looks amazing!

We had gotten spoiled on our pool day expectations after reserving an Oasis Pool Patio after our wedding last year, so when we got this trip on the books, one of my first calls was to WDW-PLAY to reserve a patio again. I know it’s not *exactly* dining, but here’s a brief review...

We paid $74.55 for the full day, which fluctuates seasonally. For that price, you get a reserved shade structure and an abundance of towels someone else has fetched for you, plus a ceiling fan (that is really too far up to do anything) and a power outlet.

I wondered how you actually rent those. From what I've seen, most of the time they sit empty. Not a bad price if you're spending the day there.

Hey, if you gotta work on vacation, this is the way to do it.

When my last drink was WAY strong I ended up finding out that station wasn’t actually RFID enabled...

We found that out last year too

One pool bar bill and giant tip later, we went to go check out our room. I’d requested Tokelau, but we got assigned a room in Moorea. I actually ended up liking our room location just fine as it was super convenient to the TTC, so we could easily walk there to catch the monorail to Epcot. I would highly recommend it during any Epcot festival!

We stayed in Moorea once in a Lake View Studio. It was really nice seeing the castle from our balcony, but we were so close to the Boat Launch that I found the horns annoying. The last two times we have stayed in Tokelau and love it there. Which side of Moorea were you on? I imagine it's a little quieter on the other side.

We were able to use TIW and we each had an adult beverage, so the total including our discount and gratuity was $130.82. I will probably not be returning to Ohana and wouldn’t recommend it at that price - I can order wings and bread pudding in the adjacent lounge at a fraction of the price and be just as happy. However, it was definitely a great meal for a group and we were not rushed at all. The servers were great with us and wonderful about handling 9 billion separate checks. Overall, one thumb up. And one hand doing that weird so-so motion.

That's why I didn't go…it's expensive and I barely eat any of that food. It looks like you all had so much fun though so part of me wishes I went anyway!

We had a couple of transportation setbacks but finally made it over to the Wilderness Lodge to meet up with the WL wild bunch, and I think we may have overwhelmed our poor server at Geyser Point! As usual we enjoyed our drinks there and we had a wonderful time just chatting with our friends @Jenny Sanders and Joe, @ariane37 and Steve, and finally getting to meet @buzzrelly and @kastoney

That was such a great night!

Real life update: we closed on our house on Friday! Yay! So we are packing and moving in the next couple of weeks, followed by a short trip to WDW over the Fourth. So please pardon any delays in my reporting (or replying, I know I owe a bunch of replies!)

Here's our house!

Congratulations! What an adorable house!

The first thing I will be doing is painting the front door red! One of our favorite things about the house is that there is a wildflower park and a free little lending library across the street

Lovely

 

[ArielSRL]

which was allegedly departing at 6:45.

Anyway, once we made it to our terminal I wasted no time grabbing some fast food chicken nuggets to snarf down and once I did that I morphed back into myself.

Love it!

LOVE Renee's shirt!

Hey, me too!

I clearly did not get the memo on funny faces.

We were all just off our rockers at this point!

"bra outside drying"

OMG, hilarious!

Renee is so much better than food!!!

Why, thank you kindly!

Cuties!

Thanks!

R looks overjoyed to be between you two!

When my last drink was WAY strong I ended up finding out that station wasn’t actually RFID enabled...

Good to know!

I will probably not be returning to Ohana and wouldn’t recommend it at that price

Agreed

Real life update: we closed on our house on Friday! Yay! So we are packing and moving in the next couple of weeks,

Yay!!!

followed by a short trip to WDW over the Fourth.

Double yay!!

Here's our house!

So cute!

 

[ArielSRL]

I love her shirt too, and that's a great picture of you both!

Thank you!

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Love the new avatar, Melinda!!!!

 

[kastoney]

Thought I'd just pop on by and see how my "buddy" was doing. If you have any leftover food I can eat be sure to let me know

 

[thumper*]

Loving your, Kari @kastoney and Ariane @ariane37 new avatars they are hilarious

Congratulations. Cute house. I love the red door idea. Our house is the same color of yellow, our front door is painted blue and looks great. 16yr's later still getting lots of compliments on it.

 

[pepperandchips]

My face when I realize how long it’s been since I’ve updated...

Just kidding, that little nugget is a star of the Atlanta zoo. They are golden lion tamarins and my favorite. That face though!

Y'all, we have gotten so much and so little done on the house all at once. I absolutely love it though and our new neighborhood is just wonderful. I appreciate you all checking in on me and not giving up on my report even though I ghosted you!!! Let's get back to it, shall we?

May 4, 2019
Let's listen to the land we all love, nature's plan will shine above - listen to the laaaaaand, listen to the land.

When I last left off, we’d ended the evening with drinks at Geyser Point. We ended up sleeping in a bit the following morning, but I was practically ravenous before we left the room so I sent R off to procure us a “snack” - my favorite QS item at the Polynesian.

These are the pork nachos from Captain Cook’s ($9.29) and they are amazing. The menu describes them as "Pulled Pork Nachos" - topped with Onions, Cheese, Spicy Mayo, Tomatoes and Pineapple Salsa. Of course they were once again delicious. The richness of the pork is well balanced with the little bit of zing from the pineapple salsa, which isn't actually too sweet. I am very anti-pineapple on pizza but the pineapple on these nachos is pretty good. Again, these were wonderful as usual and kept me from being too hangry as we set off to meet up with the gals at Epcot!

R and I had a fastpass we needed to knock out first:

Hey boo!

Afterward we headed to the Odyssey pavilion, as the sky grew ominously dark ahead of the group meetup time. Of course, by no “chance” we happened to find our comrades @ariane37 and Steve also at the Odyssey!

Ariane and I got some ciders and sent the men folk off ahead of the rain to obtain... what else... Steve’s shrimp!

Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with Steamed Rice and Coconut-Lime Sauce — $7.00

I mean look at this man. Is he not too adorable for words??? I've already reviewed the shrimp and the cider here once in this report, so suffice to say the food and drink were good and the company was excellent.

Meanwhile the skies opened up and the rest of our group came to meet us under the shelter of the Odyssey, despite our good intentions to all meet near the International Gateway. R and I opted to split one of the special desserts they were running as a "promotion within a promotion" as part of Minnie’s garden party - this specialty cake. It was $7 and was cheesecake and carrot cake decorated adorably to the theme of the garden party

We enjoyed it though I recall it was very sweet! But it was so cute. I also don't always go for white chocolate options at home but somehow love them at Walt Disney World and loved nibbling on the adorable little white chocolate topper. I loved the special little things they did for the garden party, though the line to meet Minnie was so long the whole time we were there I never felt like waiting to meet my idol. They also gave out special collectible buttons and had some cute merchandise and photo ops available.

We hung around in the Odyssey for a while and enjoyed a few tiny cups of cider while we waited on the rain to end. Once it did, we were off again to crawl around the Flower and Garden festival booths.

The next photo I have is apparently the cauliflower dish from the Honey Bee-Stro:

"Roasted Cauliflower with Buckwheat Honey Carrot Purée, Wild Rice Pilaf, Asparagus, Honey-blistered Grapes, Sunflower Brittle and Coriander Flowers – $4.50"

I think R must have wanted this, I don't remember anything about it! Plus it looks healthy! I decided to get my nutrients by helping out another member of our group by eating the celery out of a bloody mary - I'm sure you've seen that photo already in someone else's report so I'll spare posting my glamour shot.

Here are a few ladies from our group braving the rain! Jenny's husband Joe was kind enough to give me a poncho when the drizzle started again.

As we worked our way around WS, the weather began improving. By the time we reached the other side of the UK pavilion it was looking practically sunny! Of course we had to seize the opportunity for a few photos:

And I'm sure you could tell from the background how close we were to the France pavilion... no way we were getting that close without me stopping for my favorite festival item!

La vie en rose slush - Grey Goose Vodka Orange, St. Germain Liqueur, White and Red Cranberry Juice – $10.75

Doesn't she look lonely though?

That's better! As you can see, I wasn't alone in my admiration. I just love this drink. I am a huge fan of St. Germain in anything, but in the frozen slush it is so light and makes what could otherwise be too sweet a concoction a nice, light, floral refreshment.

Next, we worked our way around to Florida Fresh, which is always the home of some of my favorite festival items, including the shrimp & grits:

Which is always tasty, with several plump shrimp in a tasty gravy atop the grits. Way tooooo much corn for my taste on this one!

My photo leaves something to be desired here but this is possibly my favorite festival dish, it is the Carne Guisada with Black Bean Cake and Cilantro Lime Sour Cream – $6.50. The beef is always tender and flavorful and the dish has just the slightest hint of spice. I love the hearty and filling black bean cake as well. This one is a mini meal for me! Not for R, though, and we had big evening plans, so we kept moving on in search of more nibbles....

Okay, so from The Smokehouse booth in the American Pavilion, this is the "Shredded Beef Brisket with Smoked Potato, Chorizo Fondue and Green Tomato Relish — $6.50" but it was just... weird. It was like shredded beef on an undercooked, boiled potato? This would have been good if it had been on a nice roasty toasty potato skin but it was a fail as presented. And it doesn't look very appetizing either, does it?

More successfully, here we have the "Warm Chocolate Cake with Bourbon-Salted Caramel Sauce and Spiced Pecans — $4.25"

These can be hit or miss but it was a hit for us this day!

I'll be honest, the drizzly day and over-stimulation was getting to me by this point. Some of our group went into the American Gardens Theater to see Herman's Hermits while R and I and @Jenny Sanders and Joe went off to find shade and seats. We could still hear the music so that was a nice respite! After our rest I was feeling much better and was elated to find that after we moseyed a little further that I was finally going to get to hang out with the fabulous and friendly @fallonkendra and her wonderful husband Luke @HeiChewChewChewsYou. Luke and Fallon are about the same ages as R and I and we absolutely adored getting to spend time with them on this afternoon and then (spoiler alert!) later in the trip at MK. It's so funny - I felt like we were on a first date a bit. You feel like you know people after reading so many reports here on the Boards and I personally get super nervous hoping that we hit things off in real life. Luke and Fallon could not have been sweeter. I can't wait until we get to see them again!

How cute is Fallon's outfit? It was May the Fourth, after all...

DISBOARDS TAKES OVER GERMANY!!

We got a couple of beers in Epcot after our group photo and some of our group headed off to do other things. We had just a few hours before the event that I was sure would be the highlight of our weekend - the Illuminations cruise.

Ahead of that, and seeing how many beverages I'd enjoyed, I convinced Billie to get her face painted with me despite the late hour.

Did you know you can ask them to change the colors on any designs if you want something personalized? Billie told me!

I gotta say, this photo of me and the OG of facepainting @Elevationist is like a dismeet dream come true. Some people I was nervous around... Billie wasn't one of them. All the hearts.

As you can see, by this point we'd changed venues. One last group shot before I tell you about that...

Here we are on our way out, needing to head over to the Yacht Club marina for our cruise! Some of these people have some gorgeous face paint!

Unfortunately, when we got over to the Yacht and Beach area it started storming again. HARD this time. With thunder and lightning. We took cover under the umbrella tables at Hurricane Hannah's (apropos) and comforted ourselves with several rounds of beverages. The beverages may or may not have led to the furthering of some beautiful bromances...

R and Steve are so cute.

After much drinking and crossing our fingers and preparing to board the fireworks cruise, it was cancelled. I was SO SAD! We scratched our heads, wondered what to do, and ultimately all went in a few different directions. Our group considered a couple of options in Disney Springs before heading over to the Wilderness Lodge, the resort home of quite a few of our Dismeet members. Where else would we carry on our shenanigans better than at the Territory Lounge?!

After our libations, food was definitely in order. R and I shared a few things. Sorry about the photos - the lighting is very dim in there (it is a bar, after all)

Oh my heavenly nom, this is one of my favorite things in the whole world. If you haven't had it yet, it's the mushroom bisque, formerly of Artist Point fame. It has a wonderful herb and truffle flavor and it is soooo rich and delicious. We had no problem polishing it off!

We also had these nachos:

"Corn Chips, 'Burnt Ends', Queso, Pico de Gallo, Sour Cream" ($13) They hit the spot but I wouldn't go out of my way for them again.

And then, just as the evening was winding down and we were practically closing down the lounge, these, uhhhh... characters showed up in the bar and ended up photobombing our group shot.

Can you spot the creepers? One of them was the now-infamous Terry. Please look at Jenny's face to see how we all felt about Terry. Also please observe Steve just getting the heck out of there in the background...

With bellies full and lots of laughs behind us, we headed back to our beds for the night.

Next up: brunch (but not at California Grill)

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

So good!!! And now I am sad, that I won't get one of these when we are there again.

That's better! As you can see, I wasn't alone in my admiration.

That was my first one! Very tasty and I could of had like 3 more.

These can be hit or miss but it was a hit for us this day!

I love his shoes! I know that isn't want I should be focusing on in the pic.. but Andy would love them!

I gotta say, this photo of me and the OG of facepainting @Elevationist is like a dismeet dream come true. Some people I was nervous around... Billie wasn't one of them. All the hearts.

I love it!

Can you spot the creepers? One of them was the now-infamous Terry. Please look at Jenny's face to see how we all felt about Terry. Also please observe Steve just getting the heck out of there in the background...

I could have been Jenny or Steve in this picture but that would have been my reaction. Or maybe both at the same time! Ha.

 

[Jenny Sanders]

Please look at Jenny's face to see how we all felt about Terry. Also please observe Steve just getting the heck out of there in the background...

Yep, that about sums it up!!!!
Miss you!

 

[buzzrelly]

that little nugget is a star of the Atlanta zoo. They are golden lion tamarins and my favorite. That face though!

Awwwwww

Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with Steamed Rice and Coconut-Lime Sauce — $7.00

He looks so happy!

It was $7 and was cheesecake and carrot cake decorated adorably to the theme of the garden

I got that too…and didn't share it with anyone! It was so yummy!

I'm sure you've seen that photo already in someone else's report so I'll spare posting my glamour shot.

I love this, even though we look somewhat like drowned rats!

That's better! As you can see, I wasn't alone in my admiration. I just love this drink. I am a huge fan of St. Germain in anything, but in the frozen slush it is so light and makes what could otherwise be too sweet a concoction a nice, light, floral refreshment.

I got one of those too but I don't think it made it long enough to get in the pic!

I can't wait until we get to see them again!

How cute is Fallon's outfit? It was May the Fourth, after all...

Both of you girls are adorable

Did you know you can ask them to change the colors on any designs if you want something personalized? Billie told me!

I gotta say, this photo of me and the OG of facepainting @Elevationist is like a dismeet dream come true. Some people I was nervous around... Billie wasn't one of them. All the hearts.

You girls look amazing!

Can you spot the creepers? One of them was the now-infamous Terry. Please look at Jenny's face to see how we all felt about Terry. Also please observe Steve just getting the heck out of there in the background...

I'm sad I missed that but also glad I missed that!

 

[MeghanEmily]

I mean look at this man. Is he not too adorable for words???

This is my new favourite photo of Steve, 100%.

I love Steve's unbridled joy in the presence of these shrimp.

Here are a few ladies from our group braving the rain!

What a good-lookin' group! Jelly!

Okay, so from The Smokehouse booth in the American Pavilion, this is the "Shredded Beef Brisket with Smoked Potato, Chorizo Fondue and Green Tomato Relish — $6.50" but it was just... weird. It was like shredded beef on an undercooked, boiled potato?

Um...ew.

Luke and Fallon are about the same ages as R and I and we absolutely adored getting to spend time with them on this afternoon and then (spoiler alert!) later in the trip at MK. It's so funny - I felt like we were on a first date a bit. You feel like you know people after reading so many reports here on the Boards and I personally get super nervous hoping that we hit things off in real life. Luke and Fallon could not have been sweeter. I can't wait until we get to see them again!

Oh my gosh, Luke and Fallon are so great! Dismeets make me nervous and bad at socializing, but they're so easy to hang out with. You and Fallon both looked positively lovely!

Ahead of that, and seeing how many beverages I'd enjoyed, I convinced Billie to get her face painted with me despite the late hour.

Awesome!

Did you know you can ask them to change the colors on any designs if you want something personalized? Billie told me!

No way!

I gotta say, this photo of me and the OG of facepainting @Elevationist is like a dismeet dream come true. Some people I was nervous around... Billie wasn't one of them. All the hearts.

I love this!! That's exactly how I'd expect Billie to be in person. Hope I get the chance to meet her someday. You were both lucky to have the chance to spend time with each other!

After much drinking and crossing our fingers and preparing to board the fireworks cruise, it was cancelled. I was SO SAD!

How disappointing!!! ...though, I guess if this hadn't happened then you never would have...

Can you spot the creepers? One of them was the now-infamous Terry.

...met Terry!!

Oh my goodness. I can't only imagine how this went down. What an interesting experience...

Please look at Jenny's face to see how we all felt about Terry.