A Honeymoon Dinner to Never Forget

                                   

Never before had Eric and I brought a suit along, but as you all know this was a special trip. This time around we would dine at Victoria and Albert's, located at Disney's Grand Floridian hotel. I will admit I felt business-like when we boarded the airplane with our garment bags. 

The day of our meal we decided to visit Animal Kingdom. The park was shutting down at 5 PM, so we knew we wouldn't be missing out on any park hours. 

                                  

We did have a good time at the park, as we always do, but getting ready for our posh dinner was also fun. A lot of people deny it, but I enjoy getting dressed up to go out for a nice dinner date. As we made our way through the lobby to catch a taxi, we noticed we were the only two in suits. Our hotel was nice, and not to mention a deluxe hotel, but it was a casual sight in the lobby. Where were all the other guests about to hit the town?

To our satisfaction, once we arrived at the Grand Floridian hotel, the tone was very different. We had been there before, but it was slightly more beautiful than we had remembered. As soon as we walked into the doors the scent of gingerbread and cinnamon took over our senses. 

                                  

We immediately began snapping photos of the hotel's enormous interior decor. Eric and I were so excited! If this had been a musical I am quite sure we would've broken out in song! Entering this hotel was like meeting all the Downton Abbey cast in the library, just before dinner. If you don't get that reference then you need to get on with watching Downton Abbey!

There were families and couples all over the lobby area. Everyone was dressed in great clothes and ready to enjoy his evening. Classy looking people sat in the upstairs bar, drinking up Gimlets and Martinis. The backdrop to all of this was elaborate Christmas decorations with two fantastic center pieces, the real gingerbread house and Christmas tree. The gingerbread house doubled as a dessert shop and had a smoking chimney.

                                

                                

After taking in the setting of the hotel, we found our stomachs to be very empty. It was near 9 PM. Our reservations were so late because the restaurant doesn't open until 7 PM and they only have approximately 14 tables. The intent is to have a very service focused and intimate experience. I don't think either Eric or myself really knew what to expect. I still hadn't seen any photos of the place. The nicest place we had recently eaten at was Napa Rose, located at Disney's Grand Californian. But, even that place didn't require the men to wear a jacket or blazer. 

                                

                                

As soon as we opened the door we were kindly greeted by the maître d. He looked us right in the eye, used our first names in his welcome, and congratulated us on our marriage. The reservation included our information and what were celebrating, but it was still nice that he knew exactly who we were. I am a little embarrassed to say that I don't recall his name. 

                                 

We were sat near the harpist. She was playing music of the Christmas season. Most of the music was so elegantly played, at not so usual tempos, that it would take a bit to figure out the tune. The style was very impressive. I'm going to blame the lighting for this one, I'm looking tired with the dark shadows under my eyes, but the harpist can be seen behind me. (I really wasn't tired)

    

Both our servers introduced themselves. There was a younger, quieter one named Aaron and the slightly older guy was Don. Both of them had a very calm demeanor about them. Neither of them were there to infiltrate our space with the "loud Disney pep" persona. Their personalities matched the ambience very well.

We were presented with our menus, that had been tailored to our tastes. A week earlier Eric received a call from Disney Dining. He along with the caller created our menu options. They asked questions about whether seafood was ok or if there was anything we absolutely didn't care to eat. My main concern was to have a vegetarian menu. There weren't a large amount of vegetarian selections, but I was willing to try what they had laid out. Being a meat eater, Eric had a lot more to choose from. The top of the menu was personalized for our occasion. 

                                    

As each dish was brought out to us, the servers explained what the ingredients were and its origins. In some cases we were told the location Eric's duck or beef was flown from. This was my first time dining at a place that went into detail like that. I felt like a nerd because I thought to myself "Hey! It's like the cooking competitions on TV where the chefs describe their dish to the judges!"

    

     

This was the first dish or appetizer that was brought out for me. I won't go into all the details of what each dish was, that would be too long. We had seven courses. But, I can say this was tofu with a small amount of veggies. The sauce also had great flavor. 

     

Eric even had some food items he had never eaten or usually avoids. He does not like apples at all. But, he did have a dish of pheasant that had a small portion of Apple slices. He ate them! I should mention that it was also at Disney World where Eric decided he would finally try a salad, in 2008. But, I digress. 

                                  

We had three bread courses. These various breads were so good. This one pictured above was bread that had truffles in it. It was my first experience with truffles and it was worth the wait. I can only say it was an explosion of flavor! The blue cheese spread is literally listed as the BEST of its kind, in the world. Don, the server, mentioned the exact award but I can't recall the title at the moment. 

                                    

We were there quite late. I think we were on our fifth course around 11:30 PM. We didn't feel rushed at all. They left approximately ten minutes between taking away your plate to bringing a new one. As I mentioned before, our server Don was very talkative. We learned a little about his time with the company and that he has been with his husband for around 20 years (I forget the exact amount of time). He was a very cool guy. 

                                    

When our main dishes arrived, both were covered in silver tops. The servers lifted the lids off the plates at the same time and it made that metal "ting" noise. (Love my use of words?) Above is my main dish, a spinach cannoli. The foam around it was made from a sort of squash. The foam had a nice, subtle flavor. All the dishes were small amounts of food, aside from this one, but we were getting so full. 

After all the food courses we were reaching the dessert platter. I had seen a table nearby receive this dish and I was looking forward to it. Eric and I both ordered the chocolate soufflé. Before they would bring this out, Don made us a pot of coffee at our table. The process, using the Cona Coffee Maker, was actually quite interesting. He said it was created for Queen Victoria. The water is heated below with the grounds in the upper chamber. The water steams, rises, and is brewed with the grounds above. But, as soon as the lower chamber is empty it becomes depleted of air and like a vacuum, sucks the coffee back down. I was amazed! 

                              

                              

Here we now see the used grains in the upper level and in the bottom pot is the coffee, ready for enjoyment. And voila! Dessert was then served. I can still recall what it tastes like, heavenly. I want to mention that after the brewing process, the coffee was also very nice.

     

As one can imagine, Eric and I were so stuffed by now. We felt we couldn't have another bite. Well, Aaron brought out some candies that he said were made by their unique, in-house candy designer. We both figured it would be a while before we returned so we accepted them and went at it. 

A few minutes later, Don returned with a special sized box for the candies. He said, "Well, most are too full to eat them by now, so I figured you'd want to take them home." For a moment we were slightly embarrassed. We kept the box anyway. 

                             

After taking care of the bill and gathering our things, Don showed us the restaurant's hidden Mickey. He said everyone misses it, unless it is pointed out to you in the carpet. Check it out, dead center. 

     

                                  

As I said, there were seven courses which included a lot of food. I'm not really a food blogger, but I hope you got a sense of what this is experience was like for us. The night was amazing and we lost track of time. Eric and I left the place at near 1 AM. As we headed out Don asked if we needed him to call a car for us. Where do they do that? I was impressed by that question. 

And, I hope you all are impressed enough to try this place out for a special occasion of your own.  Remember to call ahead and be prepared to have a relaxing and pleasant evening. 

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

                                 

Once Eric and I made it through Epcot, to catch the Monorail, we figured we'd reach Magic Kingdom by 4:15 PM. Our tickets, which we had to purchase, were valid from 4:00 PM through Midnight. Unfortunately our plan was thrown off completely. The Monorail from Epcot to Magic Kingdom had broken down, and had been for at least 10 minutes. After waiting a while we decided to take a resort bus to The Wilderness Lodge. Eric and I would then need to catch a different bus to finally arrive at the park for the party. It felt just as lengthy as it sounds. While waiting at The Wilderness Lodge, we sat there for what seemed an eternity, but was probably 20 minutes. The buses seemed very spaced out for our entire trip. 

Of course I knew we would arrive, but I figured since we had to pay for this ticketed event, we were losing money each minute we were late. We both were excited to arrive. I just had to get a photo with the event cast members. Their costumes are just so bizarre and "loud". The male version could be slightly toned down, but it is a party after all. These two cast members filter out guest not wearing party wristbands. When the cast was given the "go ahead", they would usher non-party guests to the main entry. Even the doors to the Main St. shops are shut to avoid receiving new shoppers. 

I took the reigns of the schedule and hoped it didn't annoy Eric. The attractions would be accessible throughout the trip, but the shows, parades, and fireworks were special to this event. One of my first goals was to avoid hunger during the party. I've never been a fan of the food offered at Magic Kingdom, but it's always fun to hear the silly jokes from Sonny Ecplise at the Starlight Lounge.

We had some good ole American burgers, veggie for me. After we ate, there was a little time during normal operating hours. We visited the new Storybook Circus area. This area hadn't been completed during our trip in 2012. The Disney characters had some nicely themed outfits for the circus. 

Goofy was taking a break from riding his motorbike in the Cage of Doom! We also rode the newly designed Dumbo the Flying Elephant.

As Eric and I moved through the park, toward the western end, we both noticed a crowd awaiting the parade. Although our tickets were good at 4 PM, the party officially started at 7 PM. It was only 6:30 PM and people already were grabbing spots! I think Eric would have rather waited to see what spot we could grab around 7:30, but he knew I didn't want to miss this. We took a spot on Main St. This area is that picturesque spot most people seek. It is also the section of the route most people incorrectly think is the one place to watch. Truthfully, I wanted to watch the parade with this image as the background (i.e. Garlands, wreaths, old looking buildings).

Once the party kicked off, it began to snow onto the parade route. Various versions of holiday favorites started to play and the street became filled with guests. It was a huge crowd! The mob was full of late arrivals and some guests being shown the door. I looked over at Eric. As it snowed on him I thought of a moment where we sat on a frozen street in Pasadena, awaiting the arrival of the Rose Parade. Here was his expression on this day. 

Disneyland is so much more strict about crowd control. The parade was getting close (we could hear the music) and the street was still full of people. It didn't help that a short street show, where guests joined in the dancing, had just finished. Where the park was strict was when cast members, clothed in those outfits mentioned earlier, were checking guests for wristbands. I didn't see it happen, but it must be quite a scene when someone is asked to leave from the viewing area.  

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime parade

Snow White and her prince. 

Duffy the bear couldn't care less that he was in a parade. I think my sofa's throw pillow at home was more animated. 

There is no debating that the parade was festive. Maybe I'm just too big a fan of Disneyland's Christmas parade because I felt this one wasn't as good. However; I did enjoy the different ways Winter, Candy, Santa's Workshop, and Christmas scenes were presented. They did have a great deal more of toy soldiers than Disneyland. The Magic Kingdom has a musical band of them plus marching soldiers. 

As Eric was guessing, I would need to watch the second parade showing. Side note: I have been watching the Disney Parks Christmas Day special since I was around 8 years old. It's primarily filmed at Disney World, so I wasn't going to pass up this chance to see their version twice. 

We moved our position to the park's central hub. We would be waiting for their castle "projection" show and stay at that spot for Holiday Wishes (fireworks). The projection show, Celebrate the Magic,  started around 9:15 PM and we were both impressed. It looked like the technology had improved from the first incarnation of this show, which we saw in 2011. The images seemed to have more depth. I think the best part was "Let it Go" from Frozen. You can see Elsa projected here. 

                     

Quickly after this show, the fireworks began. I could see the average, once a decade visitor loving this show. It is entertaining, but there was something dull about the music. Eric made a good point that projecting silhouettes of snowflakes onto the castle aren't as exciting as the grand, three dimensional projections from the previous show. But, as you can see from these few shots, fireworks themselves are enjoyable. Loud noises, explosions, and colors.....what's not to like about that?

The show ended and we shuffled over to a nearby spot on the curb. We would be front row for the second parade showing at 10:30. People were still milling about with that "What do we do next?" look on their faces. Not us. We were ready for the parade and resting our legs. 

Prince Eric & Ariel atop one of the oldest floats in Walt Disney World. (To be fair, Disneyland also has it's share of reused floats)

Although not pictured, there were a few court dancers that had a nice conversation about last night's house party. Eric and I looked at one another, and we giggled. Was there no supervisor watching these performers? I wouldn't say these little details completely ruined the parade, but a few performers didn't "have his head in the game". 

Let's take it to the positive. The music for the parade was very up beat. It wasn't full of grandiose moments but felt more like dance music. During the Candy Factory segment, the pop song "I Want Candy" was used. (Here I go again) That seemed out of place for a traditional parade. But, Santa Claus had a beautiful outfit with a lot of embroidery. (See there's positive there)

                                  

The clock was pushing toward the 11 PM hour. The majority of the park entertainment was now in the past. So it was time to grab our snicker doodle cookies and hot chocolate (all you want with party admission). The cookies were so good I made a mental promise we would grab more, but we didn't have a chance. 

                               

I look like a floating head here. Obviously the photo is too dark, but I thought the ornament was cute. 

The party's merchandise sold out quickly. From listening in on another guest's conversation (ask Eric, I do that like a professional), she was angry they were out of shirts. Well, I didn't want a party shirt, but I did want something to commemorate the occasion. As usual I do have many photos, so there's our souvenir for the party. 

                                  

To wrap the party up I want to be clear that we both did enjoy ourselves. We did see the specialty offerings, but missed out on a few holiday dance parties. I was okay missing those dance venues. I know Eric will dance anywhere so maybe he is disappointed about that. What I find hard to believe is the resorts say tickets sell out for the event. We have also been to the Halloween event and it was just as crowded. 

I can't imagine people attending the party as their only visit to Magic Kingdom. For Eric and I, we are accustom to crowds and can manage them just fine. If your reading this and hate crowds, still attend and try to return another day. If you followed the timeline I laid out during this post you'll see hours passed quickly. 

Luckily we still had more time to return this park and more adventures to see. And, let's face it, we had more food to eat. I always say healthy will be the route I'll take. Judging by my waist size now, I made a few turns from that "healthy road". Next time we'll visit Victoria & Albert's restaurant. That was a seven course meal and you'll hear all about our elegant meal. 

Honeymooning at Walt Disney World

For mine and Eric's honeymoon we were lucky enough to visit Disney World. Our generous family and friends sent us to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Our experience was more than amazing. Stepping into the hotel and standing in the lobby brought an overwhelming feeling of excitement. As we took all this in Eric said he was about to cry. I don't know if he actually cried, but for drama we will just say that he did.

I'm glad we have many photos because my words can't do the hotel justice. Besides this grand sight, there was an aroma of wood burning in an exotic stove mixed with earthy spices. We noticed this smell came from Boma, the restaurant very near the lobby. The music piped in was filled with African drums and chanting, perfection! I wish all of you now could hear the beautiful sounds that filled that lobby. 

This link might work..it's the soundtrack on YouTube. 

http://youtu.be/f3tKD0kELYA

Throughout the lobby are displays of various crafts and masks. The hallways and small alcoves leading to the rooms also show highlights of similar artwork. One might think they wouldn't

want to "stay in a museum", but great information was passed onto us via these displays. 

Some of you may know that most rooms or all were designed to face an animal habitat. Ours overlooked a savanna that was home to zebras, giraffes, water buffalo, and other various animals. Entering the room for the first time was full of excitement. We both knew what we were in for, and couldn't wait to see what stood outside our balcony. Here was our first glimpse. 

"WHOMP WAAAAAH!"

At that moment we didn't see any animals, but were confident that they would make themselves known.  

The rest of the room was a nice surprise as well. The entry was bigger than we had seen at other WDW hotels. That fact probably stems from usually staying at Value resorts. 

Finally a double vanity, a couple's dream!! The shower curtain was a fun, colorful touch. The coloring reminded me of the African art that is pictured above. 

Our cast discount only allowed us to book a room with a bunk bed in it, so here is Eric being silly. I think if that was not there, the space would've made a little sitting area. That is just a guess. 

We also had our own comfortable bed. To "toot our own horns", Eric and I must've had the easiest room to clean. We only had the essentials that we brought with us and I didn't want to leave a daily mess. The surrounding rooms had many people crammed into them with kids. Who knows what the housekeepers dealt with in those rooms?

Our first morning we ate breakfast at the restaurant Boma. It's an all you can eat buffet, with a heavy influence of African flavors. A nice surprise was a delivery of sparkling wine and flutes to our table. The front desk sent this over for our Honeymoon. So nice!

BOMA from above

As you see here, Eric and I had a few beverage choices. I think in the end, we were full of more liquids than food. The jungle juice, shady name, was a blend of orange and a mango.....delicious! Eric doesn't normally drink juice, but he was enjoying this. 

The food was also delicious, to say the least. For the first time I tried something called Chakalaka. The Chakalaka was a mashed/diced tomato mixed with a little spicy flavor. This side dish, along with a dish called Pap was my breakfast for a few mornings. It was an easy solution for a vegetarian breakfast. 

After breakfast we had a few visitors. And, we were able to take some great photos throughout the trip. 

The hotel grounds are so relaxing. The designers really created a place where we could unwind during the day or after visiting a busy theme park. And again, the sounds added so much to the atmosphere. 

Eric gets an award for his calves!

Outside the main lobby is a fire pit for talk and relaxation. At night there is a storyteller that shares folk stories from his native land. We didn't get a chance to see this because it usually took place while we were at a theme park. It was still nice to lounge there, when the chairs were free. In this photo, I think I'm in a child size chair. I felt massive in it!

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge also has the Vacation Villas called Kidani Village, which we didn't visit. They are Disney's version of a time share resort. They all have kitchenettes and sleep approximately 6 people per room. A drawback is that housekeeping visits less. You'd need to make up your own bed for a few days. 

Check out that wedding ring people! 

How can I describe this hotel without using the word "relaxing"? I don't think I can. It is gorgeous and needs to be experienced. The unknown of the jungle or savanna brings about a mysterious feeling. What's around the corner or asleep among the trees? The references of safaris from the past even suggest an old Hollywood genre of romance. Even after being back home for almost a month, it is this hotel that we day dream about. But, it was our reality for 9 days.